April14 Neapolitan Family Magazine

April 2014 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Welcome Spring!

Easter Traditions Explained Seasonal Allergies?

We have expert help!

Our One-Day Guide to Spring Cleaning

Going Green plus Local Earth Day Celebrations

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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WIN a Week of Camp!

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Win a Week of Summer Camp from Neapolitan Family!

You can win a one-week gift certificate to one of the following camps: ATA Black Belt Academy Cedar Montessori Center for the Arts Bonita Springs Florida Karate Just 4 Dolls Impact Martial Arts Kids Tek Montessori Academy Naples Botanical Gardens Ocean Kids South Breeze Day Camp Sports Club Temple Shalom Preschool Summer Camp

To enter: go to neafamily.com and click on “contests” link.

You may enter once per day, per contest. Random drawing will be held on June 1. One winner per household, over 18 only. Restrictions apply.

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APRIL 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS 10

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A Guide to Easter Traditions by Belinda Mooney

Learn more about some of our most fascinating Easter traditions.

Oh Yes, You Can! A One-Day Spring Cleaning Plan From Start to Finish by Christina Katz

17 tips that will help you create a sparkling clean home for Spring.

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Departments

7 Tips to help you green up your home and life.

05 FROM THE PUBLISHER

15

06 ON THE COVER

16

07 ONLINE this month

AT NEAFAMILY.COM

08 REEL LIFE WITH JANE

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20 CITY CONNECTION City of Naples Parks Department News and Events

If It’s April, I Must Be Sneezing by Andrea Breznay

Everything you need to know to diagnose and treat seasonal allergies.

Five Ways Funny Poems Can Inspire Kids to Read poetry will help your children become better readers.

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Summer Camp Directory

Get your kids excited about the summer by checking out our awesome options for summer camp fun.

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Kid to Kid: Advice From Seasoned Campers

22 COMMUNITY EVENTS 26 ADVERTISER NEWS

Local Earth Day Celebrations

by Cindy Hudson In honor of National Poetry Month we have 5 ways

Family Movie Reviews

6 Tips for Going Green: One Baby Step at a Time by Alexa Bigwarfe

28 CENTERFOLD CALENDAR 22 APRIL EVENTS

by Kimberly Carlson Is your child new to camp this year? Seasoned campers give advice on helping kids cope.

CEDR 1003 Community events family. 1 2/18/13 9:45 AM Page 1 NeaFamily 1-4for pg your Horiz.4_Layout

I love my

Empowering and inspiring children to reach their potential with: - Programs for 6 months to 6 years of age with full or parttime days - Florida VPK programs & Private chef’s delicious full meal program - Residential campus setting with 2-large play yards and much more

Call today for a campus tour: 239-597-7190 www.cedarmontessori.org e-mail: office@cedarmontessori.org

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the things he sees are not just remembered, they form a part of his soul.

Maria Montessori

inspiring the love of learning since 1984 NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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from the publisher…

the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

This Month: Spring AND Summer

P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 (239) 514-0338 Phone (239) 514-0339 Fax info@neafamily.com Publisher Andrea Breznay andrea@neafamily.com Assistant Publisher Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com Copy Editor Leigh Ann Newmann

April is all about spring–Easter, Earth Day, and maybe, if you’re energetic, a top to bottom cleaning of your house! April is also all about summer, summer camps, that is. Even though the kids have two months of school left, it’s time to start making plans for summer. To help you, we have an extensive summer camps directory. You’ll find everything you need to know about local camps– art, dance, sports, and more–it’s all available in Naples for your child. Plus,

Cover Photographer Peggy Farren

we’re giving away 13 weeks of camp (over $3,000 worth of camp weeks!).

Contributing Graphic Designer Janine Vitanza Editorial Submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials.

directions. We’ll have a random drawing on June 1 for all the camp weeks.

Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors.

Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

thorough spring cleaning, check out our plan on pages 12-13. Christina Katz

Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at over 275 distribution points throughout Collier County as well as digitally at www. neafamily.com.

To enter, go to our website at neafamily.com, click on contests and follow the Good luck!

Back to the spring part of April–we’re helping you celebrate Easter with a fun article about the origins of popular Easter traditions on page 10. The Easter Bunny a symbol of fertility? Who knew? If you do have the energy for that makes it seem doable in one day with her awesome tips. We also have some tips on going green plus a list of local Earth Day celebrations (pages 14-15).

And, finally, if spring means allergies at your house, check out my article on page 16. I talked to local allergy expert Dr. Ron Purcell to find out how to deal with seasonal allergy symptoms.

It’s going to be a busy month and we’re here to help. Be sure to check us out on neafamily.com for updated calendar events plus lots of great information on summer vacation planning, spring crafts and much more.

Happy Spring AND Summer!

Neapolitan Family is ©2014 by Neapolitan Publishing Co., LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Andrea Breznay/Publisher

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“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for people to dwell together in unity.” Psalm 133

on the cover…

O F F

SEVENTH ANNUAL

Interfaith Convocation Sunday, May 4, 2014 • 3:00 PM Unity of Naples Church • 2000 Unity Way, Naples PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) invites people of all faiths to worship together. Sharing religious traditions and rituals unites us in promoting acceptance and belonging for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender persons and their families in our community.

Welcoming Houses of Worship Beth Tikvah • Celebration Metropolitan Community Church • Cornerstone United Methodist • Emmanuel Lutheran Church • First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) • Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ • Jewish Congregation of Marco Island • Lighthouse Congregational UCC • Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ • Naples Jewish Congregation • Naples United Church of Christ • Samudrabadra Buddhist Center • St. John the Apostle MCC • St. Monica’s Episcopal Church • Temple Shalom • The Baha’I Faith • Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples • Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers • Unity of Naples Church • Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW SERVICE / FOR MORE INFO:

www.pflaginterfaith.com 239-206-3267 www.PFLAGnaples.org

Giada Disarro is 4 years old. Her parents are Adam and Christina Disarro. Adam is a firefighter and Christina is a yoga instructor and cosmotoligist.

Cover photo by Peggy Farren of Avant Garde Photography (239) 263-7001

Nature Connects,

Art with LEGO® Bricks Enjoy 27 enchanting nature-inspired LEGO® brick sculptures creating 14 displays exhibited throughout the Garden. Crafted

by LEGO brick sculpture artist Sean Kenney, these one-of-a-kind pieces are built with nearly 500,000 LEGO bricks.

February 14 - May 11, 2014 with regular garden admission. Please check the garden website for additional LEGO programs.

Nature Connects, Art with LEGO® Bricks is presented by

Media Sponsors PUTTINGYOUR WORLD IN YOUR HANDS.

4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112 / 877.433.1874

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online APRIL

at

NEAFAMILY.COM

Browse Our E-Magazine

Web Only Contests

Read complete issues of Neapolitan Family on your desktop computer or mobile device. To access: Neafamily.com → Digital → Click on issue you’d like to read.

We offer great contests for our web readers.

To find out about our current contest: Neafamily.com → Contests.

Take Us Wherever You Go

We update our web site daily with new articles, news and local information. You’ll also find an archive of print articles as well as web-only articles with everything from travel information to crafts projects.

Neapolitan Family now features responsive web design, so our web pages adjust to whatever portable device you use. Access our resources, directories, publications, calendar and news updates 24/7.

E-Newsletter Neapolitan Family sends out an enewsletter every Thursday filled with fun events for the upcoming week. To sign up: Neafamily.com → click on the newsletter graphic box at the top of each page.

This month’s web-only articles: • Earth Day Events Find an updated list of local events for Earth Day plus a variety of articles on conservation and going green.

Web Only Content

• Easter Fun and Events You’ll find events for Easter plus crafts, food and decorating ideas.

Updated Calendar We update the calendar frequently adding new events that come in after the print publication deadlines. Check often to see what is going on in Naples and surrounding areas. There is NOT a better calendar of events available locally.

• Summer Camp Directory Our summer camp listings will be available beginning April 1 and will remain online throughout the summer.

KIDS TOUR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BONITA SPRINGS WWW.FBCBONITA.COM (239) 992-2952

Grab your shades! Set your watches! Practice your stealth moves!

Agency D3 Vacation Bible School is coming to First Baptist Church of Bonita Springs June 9 through June 13, 2014 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for all kids 4 years of age through 5th grade. Agency D3 extended care is available with non-stop games, sports, crafts and more. Extended care is available from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.FBCBONITA.COM OR CONTACT KERRI HALL, KERRI.LYNN.HALL@GMAIL.COM, FOR MORE INFORMATION

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A 1-hour walk on 5th Avenue South filled with fun, food and demonstrations! families - groups - birthday parties

$25 per child Info & reservations by phone: (239) 653-7933 neafamily.com

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REEL LIFE WITH JANE By Jane Louise Boursaw

Family Movie & DVD Reviews A

pril brings Chris Evans as Captain America, Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg as colorful parrots, and a family of brown bears in Alaska. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new in theaters and on DVD and blu-ray this month.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER Not yet rated; likely PG-13.

In theaters 4/04. Ok for kids 12+.

Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels.

Chris Evans returns as Steve Rogers in this sequel to 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger.” He continues his journey as the super-powered American soldier who’s grasping to find his place in a modern world after being frozen in ice since WWII. Cobie Smulders, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson, Emily VanCamp and Robert Redford also star, with “Community” director/producers Joe and Anthony Russo helming.

Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels.

Based on the book by Todd Burpo, this movie tells the true story of a Nebraska pastor’s four-year old son Colton (Connor Corum) who claims to have experienced heaven during emergency surgery. He talks of looking down to see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room, and meeting his miscarried sister (whom he never knew about) and his great-grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born. Directed by Randall Wallace, this movie also stars Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Margo Martindale and Thomas Haden Church.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL Rated PG for thematic material, including some medical situations, and for brief language. In theaters 4/16.

Ok for kids 11+.

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Rated G. On DVD/Blu-ray 4/01.

Ok for kids 4+.

Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels.

From the world of Peter Pan comes “The Pirate Fairy,” a swashbuckling new adventure about Zarina (voiced by Christina Hendricks), a smart and ambitious dust-keeper fairy who’s captivated by Blue Pixie Dust and its endless possibilities. When Zarina’s wild ideas get her into trouble, she flees Pixie Hollow and joins forces with the scheming pirates of Skull Rock, who make her captain of their ship. Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman) and her friends must embark on an epic adventure to find Zarina, and together they go sword-tosword with the band of pirates led by a cabin boy named James (Tom Hiddleston), who’ll soon be known as Captain Hook!

FRANKLIN & FRIENDS: FRANKLIN’S EARTH DAY

RIO 2 Not yet rated; likely PG. In theaters 4/11. Ok for kids 5+.

Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels.

It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in this sequel to 2011’s “Rio.” After they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon, Blu tries to fit in and goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel. But the most fearsome adversary of all? His father-in-law! Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Leslie Mann, Jamie Foxx, Jake T. Austin, Andy Garcia, John Leguizamo and Kristin Chenoweth lend their voices to this cute and colorful film directed by Carlos Saldanha.

NEW ON DVD | BLU-RAY: THE PIRATE FAIRY

BEARS Not yet rated; likely PG. In theaters 4/18.

Ok for kids 7+.

Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels.

The latest installment in the DisneyNature series chronicles a year in the lives of two mother bears and their cubs in the Alaskan wilderness. Filmmakers Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey helm the story, which begins as the brown bears emerge from hibernation at the end of winter. As time passes, the two bear families must work together to find food and stay safe from other predators, especially wolves.

Not rated. On DVD 4/01.

Ok for kids 3+.

Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels.

Franklin is overly excited to lead the Nature Nuts in an Earth Day clean up. As his team dwindles to one–himself–he realizes that his overzealousness is not accomplishing anything. He soon learns it’s better to work as a team.

THE DOG WHO SAVED EASTER Rated PG for some rude humor.

On DVD 4/08. Ok for kids 5+.

Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels.

It’s Easter and everyone’s favorite K-9 is back! The Bannisters are heading out on a family cruise and sending Zeus to doggie day care. Everything goes according to plan until the daycare’s crosstown rival hires a trio of crooks to sabotage the fledgling business.

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Zeus will make some new friends and new enemies as he uses all his tricks to save the daycare and Easter! Dean Cain, Elisa Donovan, Beverley Mitchell, Patrick Muldoon and Mario Lopez star in this cute film directed by Sean Robert Olson.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS: AMAZING ANIMALS Not rated. On DVD 4/08.

Ok for kids 3+.

Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels.

Featuring a mix of live action and animation, this DVD showcases more than two hours of award-winning programming that combines quality and fun for preschoolers. Kids will follow siblings on exciting adventures around the world in “Are We There Yet?,” while “Mama Mirabelle s Home Movies” introduces them to a unique world filled with lovable characters and stunning wildlife movies from National Geographic.

In “Toot & Puddle,” two lovable pigs share their

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endless curiosity and wild adventures both in the backyard and across the globe.

BETWEEN THE LIONS: VOWEL POWER Not rated. On DVD 4/15.

Ok for kids 3+.

Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels.

Lion cubs Lionel and Leona and their parents Cleo and Theo welcome you to a library like no other! In “Between the Lions,” the doors swing open to reveal a magical place where characters pop off the pages of books, vowels sing, and words take on a life of their own. Episodes include: The Chap with Caps; Pecos Bill Cleans Up the West; Little Big Mouse; The Lost Rock; and Fuzzy Wuzzy, Wuzzy.

THOMAS & FRIENDS: RAILWAY MISCHIEF Not rated. On DVD 4/15.

Ok for kids 3+.

Reel Review: 5 of 5 Reels.

There’s trouble on the tracks for Thomas and his friends in this set featuring all new episodes never before seen on TV. Gordon and Cranky don’t want to listen to Really Useful advice from Paxton and Kevin; Scruff, Winston and Stafford lose track of themselves, causing confusion and delay; and sometimes engines need a little help from their friends to chuff and puff full steam ahead! Bonus features include Sodor Hide & Seek Game; “All You Need Are Friends JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Coulda been a contender Three Reels – Something to talk about.

Four Reels – You want the truth?

Great flick!

Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

Jane Boursaw is founder and editor-inchief of Reel Life With Jane, a family entertainment site specializing in movies, TV and celebrities. Visit her at http://www.reellifewithjane. com or email jboursaw@charter.net.

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HOLIDAYS

By Belinda Mooney

A Guide to Easter Traditions Learn more about some of our fascinating Easter traditions.

E

aster is a time of celebration for many families. With it comes the thought of spring, rebirth, Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets. It is a celebration of family and friends and spending time together. But why do we have Easter egg hunts and why does a bunny bring Easter eggs? What do Easter eggs have to do with the resurrection of Christ?

A CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY Easter as we know it in the United States has its roots as a Christian holiday. Catholics and Protestants alike celebrate Easter as a time of great rejoicing. They believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on Easter morning. It is a fundamental part of their faith. Jesus was crucified on a cross, spent three days in the grave and then resurrected to new life. Many fundamental Christians use the term “Resurrection Sunday” because of the pagan connotations that come with the term Easter.

Good Friday and Lent are part of the Christians celebrations leading up to Easter. Catholics and some protestant religions celebrate Lent as a time of denying the flesh in preparation for Easter. Good Friday is supposed to be the day that Christ was crucified. Easter is always on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox.

SPRING EQUINOX AND PAGAN CELEBRATIONS As with many of Christian holidays Easter traditions of a JudeoChristian nature have merged with pagan holidays and practices. The celebration of the Spring Equinox was important to cultures and belief systems all over the world for thousands of years before Christ. Many of these traditions have found their way in to our Easter celebrations but often without the same spiritual meaning they once held.

SPRING GODDESSES Easter is said to have come from the name for Eostre, Osatara or Ishtar, a pagan goddess of spring. The spring equinox was a time of worshipping and celebrating the goddess who ruled spring. She was often looked upon as a goddess of fertility and plenty. The people of the area wanted to please her so that their crops would be blessed and they would bear children. Along with this symbol of fertility comes another symbol – the egg.

THE EASTER EGG Easter eggs are a fundamental part of any Easter tradition. Children everywhere have fun dyeing brightly colored eggs every year. Colorful plastic eggs are placed into Easter baskets and filled with goodies of all kinds. In many countries that art of decorating Easter eggs is a highly skilled, decorative art. But why eggs? Why not an Easter onion?

Eggs have stood for new life and fertility throughout the ages.

Christians see it as a symbol of the new life brought to them with the resurrection of Christ. During the Middle Ages decorated eggs were said to have been given as gifts. The ancient Persians decorated eggs to

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celebrate their New Year which occurred during the Spring Equinox.

For Jews, Easter coincides with the Passover and eggs dipped in salt water represent new life.

THE EASTER BUNNY & EGG HUNTS It is said that the hare was a symbol of the goddess Eostre. Rabbits and hares, like the eggs, represent fertility. Rabbits often make their nests in fields and this gave rise to the belief, by children, that the rabbits laid eggs in the fields as well. Thus the Easter egg hunt was born.

In today’s culture the Easter bunny is a fuzzy lovable character that brings Easter chocolates and Easter baskets to kids on Sunday morning.

He is no longer a symbol of fertility as in days of old. Easter baskets are supposed to resemble “nests” for the eggs the Easter bunny will bring.

HOT CROSS BUNS Hot cross buns may taste delicious on Easter morning but, they too, are rich in traditions. In pagan ceremonies that cross on the buns was said to represent the quarters of the moon, or in some cultures the crossed horns of a bull. To Christians the cross icing represents the cross that Jesus was crucified on.

THE EASTER PARADE Legend tells us this may have started by the Emperor Constantine.

Supposedly he told his servants, court attendees and subjects to dress in their finest and parade up and down the city in celebration of the resurrection of Christ. This might also indicate where dressing in new clothes on Easter began.

EASTER DINNER Most families have big Easter dinners, often serving a ham as the centerpiece. It is a time of fun, food and fellowship, which has always been a part of any celebration – pagan or Christian. It is a time we set aside to rejoice in what we have and the newness of spring and the gift of life.

NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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This is my hospital.

Named One of the Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals in the Nation for 2014.

www.NCHmd.org

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YOUR HOME By Christina Katz

Oh Yes, You Can!

A One-day Spring Cleaning Plan From Start To Finish

B

usy parents don’t relish the idea of Spring cleaning-and who can blame them? But if you could deep clean your entire home in one day, I bet you would.

Right?

Well, now you can, if you follow this simple plan.

• Be sure to stock up on cleaning supplies ahead of time. Deep cleaning burns through what you have on hand more quickly than routine cleaning. So make your cleaning materials list and check it twice.

• This is a good time to replace rags, sponges, and worn-out cleaning tools as well. Also be sure to invest in a Swiffer or dustmop with an extension arm for those hard-to-reach places.

• Give cleaning appliances a once-a-year review before the big cleaning day arrives, replacing worn parts, and conducting necessary maintenance. The last thing you want to have to do is stop mid-clean and drive around town looking for something you don’t have.

• While you are shopping, go ahead and buy yourself a can of delicious-smelling room freshening spray. But don’t let yourself use it until the big clean is done.

Ready? Here’s how to break a task most people dread down into something the whole family can tackle in a day one step at a time: 1. Purge everything you no longer need.

Starting in the bedrooms, remove all clothes, toys, and décor items that you no longer need nor want. If you are unsure about some items, put them in a box in the garage and store them for a couple of weeks. You will be more willing to let them go once you can prove no one misses them.

Move through the house, one room at a

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time, until you have skimmed all the extraneous stuff from each family member’s space, as well as all shared spaces. Load giveaways straight into the car and plan to deliver them to charity organizations on your next trip out. Swing by St. Matthew’s House (2001 Airport Pulling Road South, Naples, 239774-0500) with food and toiletries you don’t intend to use.

2. Open up to possibilities. In the process of reviewing your possessions, you may notice some items in your home need replacing.

Are carpets worn? Has furniture become rickety? Is anything damaged beyond repair?

Sometimes it helps to go ahead and get rid of the things you no longer want even before you purchase something to replace them. By getting rid of the old, and making room for the new, and may notice fresh ways to make use of your space. Go ahead and rearrange furniture before you start to clean.

3. Gather up all linens. If it’s not nailed down, gather it up to be shaken outside, washed, or sent to the cleaners. Be sure not to overlook throw rugs, pet bed covers, tablecloths, bath and kitchen towels, bed linens, pillow cases, and wash cloths. Put items for the cleaners in the car. Move laundry along in stages all day as you clean.

4. Vacuum and roll up carpets. If you have any loose, heavy carpets, give these a deeperthan-usual vacuum, then roll them up, and get them out of the way for the day.

5. Let there be light. Take down all of your light fixtures at once and clean them in the kitchen sink, with soap and water. Leave them to dry on towels on the counter as you go around a replace bulbs and dust around fixtures. Once fixtures are dry, ask the tallest family member to replace them all, making sure that each is safely and securely reattached.

6. Take down all curtains. Curtains get dirtier than you may think, especially when you have pets. So down they must come each year, either to be shaken out and rehung, or to be sent to the cleaners or laundered at NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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home. Make a note if you need to replace any window hardware that isn’t holding up next time you go out.

with a germ-neutralizing cleanser. When you are done, spray down and wipe the mirrors and cabinetry.

7. Dust your way down. We clean what we look at more often. Therefore the space above the top of our heads is often neglected. So start your cleaning process above your head and then work your way down. Spray your long-arm duster with a light coating of dusting spray and beginning in the highest room in the house. Dust all of the areas where the walls meet the ceiling. Pay special attention to molding, trim, and hard-to-reach spots.

Don’t forget the ceiling fans and chandeliers.

Work the duster all the way down each corner from ceiling to floor. Dust every nook and cranny in the house in one fell swoop.

11. Dust everything in the entire house. Arm your team with dust rags and Swiffers lightly sprayed with dusting spray. Use a stepladder to reach high surfaces and dust everything from top to bottom, wall by wall, from walls to center of the room. Anything that does not move gets dusted.

8. Let the sunshine in. While your curtains are down, dust around and inside each window. Open windows and reach between panes with your duster. Then get a bucket of warm, soapy water and wipe down pane dividers and window ledges. Spray the entire glass on one side with cleaner; then wipe it down. Proceed through the entire house including sliding doors and doors with any glass at all.

9. Once more from the top. Take your longarm duster and start back in the highest room. This time dust all the baseboard and chair rails. Your long-arm duster can reach behind heavy furniture to remove any dust or cobwebs.

10. Deep clean the bathrooms. Dirty grout, stubborn stains and the grimiest corners of your bathroom don’t stand a chance once you don your rubber globes and gather up all of your scrub brushes, old toothbrushes, and stain removers. Dust the room first, then move through each bathroom wall-by-wall from top to bottom. Wipe down everything

12. Vacuum the upholstery. Take cushions outside and beat them with a tennis or badminton racquet. The amount of dust they emit may encourage you to do this more often. With the cushions off, visit the loose change jar first, then get into upholstered furniture with the vacuum hose.

13. Sweep, dustmop, and vacuum. Get under all movable furniture. This makes sweeping a team sport. So divide your family into teams and let one team take the upstairs and the other take the downstairs. Leave no corner unswept, including under the beds.

14. Go on a smudge hunt. Room by room, armed with a damp cloth and cleaner, check around doorknobs and light switches to wipe away fingerprints and smudges. Spray and clean any mirrors that may have been overlooked.

15. A thorough mopping. Kick everyone out of the house or into a room with carpeting for the next half hour or so. Fill a mop bucket with hot water and cleaner and refresh your bucket frequently. After mopping each room, wipe edges of the floor with clean, wet rags, and toss used rags in the washer. Expect to sweat.

16. Clean all the doors to the house on both

sides. Use a strong cleanser. Include storm or screen doors.

17. Room spray reward. After the floors dry, go back into each room, unroll the carpets, and spray a generous amount of room freshener.

Ah! Doesn’t the whole house feel good?

Tackle Big Projects Separately When it’s time to Spring clean your home, forget the garage, the attic, the shed, and any porches or decks. Forget cleaning the refrigerator or organizing the kitchen cabinets.

You can tackle those jobs later, when the timing is right.

In fact, keep a list of intensive projects for down the road. For really big jobs like cleaning out a garage, schedule another half day or day when the weather will be best for the whole family to pitch in. Or commit a regular amount of time weekly, when the whole family can contribute, like two hours on Saturday mornings until the jobs are done.

Safety & Maintenance Awareness Spring-cleaning time is the perfect opportunity to check your smoke detectors. It’s is also a good time to make sure any tall and heavy furniture is secured to the wall. Do you need to baby-proof? Do it now. Did you notice any water damage, peeling paint, or rodent issues? Go ahead and add estimates on repairs or hiring services to your to-do list. You’ll be happier next year, if you jump on any problems at the first indicators of trouble.

Christina Katz was once employed as a mother’s helper for a single working mom and her four sons. It was during those summers she learned what a good housecleaner she actually was. Her latest book is Permission Granted, 45 Reasons To Micro-publish.

www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com

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CELEBRATING EARTH DAY By Alexa Bigwarfe

6 Tips for Going Green One Baby Step at a Time Earthday is upon us again.

Are you looking for ways to “green up” your life? Perhaps you want to save money? Maybe you have read about chemicals in processed food and want to do better for your children?

Green living can enhance the quality of life for your entire family. And it’s not difficult to do.

the product, many times companies will offer an incentive to go paperless.

G

4.

oing “green” not only makes a positive impact on the environment, but can also have a positive impact on your wallet, and your health. Amy Landisman, former editor of the e-magazine Peachy Green says even a small change such as washing your clothes in cold water rather than hot can save you $60 a year. Landisman further notes: “Of chemicals commonly found in homes, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects and cancer...

For example, Tide contains formaldehyde; bleach is a migraine trigger and has been linked to other neurological problems.” Excellent reasons to consider making the home “greener.”

Here are some simple ways to implement a “greener” lifestyle with very little effort.

1.

Recycle. Recycling is the easiest place to get started if you are looking for ways to reduce your footprint on the planet. Most cities and counties provide recycle bins making it as easy to recycle as it is to throw out trash. Recycling is also an easy habit to teach our children.

2.

Go Paperless. Choosing to receive magazines, bills, statements, and other notifications electronically saves an incredible amount of paper. Since communicating electronically cuts costs on the person sending

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3.

Use cloth napkins. They are fairly inexpensive and very easy to keep up with. I place a stack of them in a basket on our table and we use them each night. If they do not get dirty, re-use the same one several times and toss them in the wash each week. As an added bonus, cloth napkins look fancier than paper when you have guests.

Start a compost pile. Especially if you plant a garden, this is a great way to replenish your soil. You don’t have to spend any money on a fancy bin, just find a corner in your backyard, dig a hole, dump your compost, and shovel dirt over it. The food biodegrades quickly, leaving rich soil for your garden.

5.

Change out your light bulbs. Get rid of traditional light bulbs and use eco-friendly bulbs. Some of the benefits to eco-friendly light bulbs are that they last longer than traditional bulbs, they use 75% less energy, and they produce less heat than traditional bulbs.

by the city or county recycling trucks. However, these items can be recycled and stores such as Best Buy usually have receptacles right at the inside of their stores. Collect up all of these types of items over time and quickly drop them off when you are out running errands.

6.

As “green living” becomes a more popular concept, it is becoming easier to make lifestyle changes and to teach your children how to live in a more eco-friendly fashion. My children take the recyclables out to the bin each evening, and at 5 and 3 they already know how to do it and it will forever be a part of their life.

Use RecycleBank.com or TerraCycle.

RecycleBank/TerraCycle provide incentives and usually free postage to mail in hard to recycle items, like the plastic from diaper packages, Capri Sun wrappers, and other items. Recyclebank.com recently even started accepting toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes for recycling.

7.

Recycle non-ordinary items such as batteries, light bulbs, printer cartridges, etc. Batteries and light bulbs contain very dangerous elements that leak into the soil and the water supply when they are thrown in the regular garbage, but are not usually accepted

Once you go Green, you’ll become a recycling machine!

Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother to three small children. She enjoys finding creative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, while teaching her children to do the same.

NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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Earth Day

CELEBRATIONS

WHERE SOMETHING IS ALWAYS HAPPENING

Glow Bowling Family Special Group Functions

Birthday Parties Great Menu So Much More!

April 5: Party for the Planet The Party for the Planet is hosted by the nation’s Association of Zoo and Aquarium’s accredited institutions. The Naples Zoo joins the party by hosting a variety of conservation partners with special activities for children and adults.

Located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Call (239) 262-5409 for additional information.

April 12: Earth Day Festival at Riverside Park Formerly held at Koreshan State Historic Site, this 13th annual event begins with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. and winds down with a drum circle from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Throughout the day, kids can join in on an interactive recycled material sculpture, dig for dinosaur bones, take a dinosaur ride, see live animals, and more. Local artists, live music, organic and other food, and kayaking make it a fun day for all ages. Contact bleegruninger@comcast.net for info. Riverside Park is located at 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs.

Sundays 5-9PM

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Nemo’s awesome menu!

Located inside all Bowland Centers.

*Reservations Accepted Woodside Lanes 8525 Radio Ln. Naples, 455-3755

Beacon Bowl N. Tamiami Tr. Naples 597-3452

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Erin M. Taylor, DMD Miguel A. Argumosa, DMD

April 19: Earth Day Festival At Conservancy Of SS Florida The public is invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida during an Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nature Center located at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples. The festivities include activities for all ages, including: Electric boat tours; Fish fry; Educational programs; Expert lectures; Arts and crafts, face painting, hands-on habitat experiences; Live music, crafts, food and fun. Conservancy members are admitted for free to the festival. Special admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12.

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April 19: Earth Day At The Refuge, Sanibel J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Tarpon Bay Explorers co-host a free day of family environmental activities including giveaways, earth crafts, guided tours, family story-times, free bicycle use, plein-air artists and other environmental activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wildlife Drive is open free to bikers and hikers from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 239-292-0566 for information.

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April 26: Golisano Children’s Museum Earth Day Celebration EcoBaby & Home along with the Children’s Museum of Naples will be the local host for the international cloth diaper changing event at 11:00 a.m..

Other activities include a Diaper Dash and Toddler Trot. Other activities scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. include paper making, “green” mini golf, alternative energy experiments, Florida water system experiments and information. Located at 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples, (239) 514-0084.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH By Andrea Breznay What are allergies?

“An allergy is an inappropriate immune response to an ordinarily harmless substance,” explains Dr. Ron Purcell, a board certified physician specializing in allergic disease.

Some allergic reactions to foods, medicines, or insect stings, can be life-threatening.

In the case of seasonal allergies, the body thinks that pollens that are released into the air are dangerous invaders. The body’s immune system fights off these “invaders” by releasing histamine where the exposure occurs. Histamine is the chemical responsible for the majority of allergy symptoms including itching of the nose or eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and runny nose. It is also responsible for causing increased symptoms for those who have allergic asthma.

Your overall health is a definite factor impacting the severity of your allergy symptoms. When your immune system is fatigued due to a virus or chronic disease you will most likely experience a worsening of allergy symptoms. Although seasonal allergies are often viewed as a nuisance rather than a major problem, for some they can cause significant impairment in overall quality of life. Even mild to moderate allergies can adversely affect school or work performance directly from the symptoms themselves or indirectly because of disrupted sleep or use of sedating medication.

Airborne pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergies. Also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, the most active allergens in Naples during the spring are cypress, oak and bayberry trees. The major grass pollens include Bahia, Johnson, and Timothy grass. These begin to appear in early spring and extend through the summer. Weed pollen appears in the summer and continues through the fall or early winter. Some major weed pollens are ragweed, pigweed, and mugwort. Airborne molds are present at some level throughout the year but can exist in very high levels during the rainy season here in Naples.

“If It’s April, I Must Be Sneezing.”

Just as Naples is getting a little less congested and we have the perfect weather for outdoor activities, your nose is stuffy and running, your eyes itch, and you’re tired and out of energy. Beware sufferers, it’s allergy season!

Helpful tips on limiting your exposure to allergens and treating your symptoms!

Allergies and Children While a specific allergy is not inherited, the tendency towards having allergies is. Children with one allergic parent have a 33% chance of developing one or more allergies, while a child with two allergic parents has a 70% chance of developing allergies. Some

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NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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allergy sufferers can outgrow their seasonal allergies and adults can develop allergies that they did not have as children.

“Younger children may not know how to communicate their discomfort to parents,” says Dr. Purcell. “In addition to the ‘classic’ allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and itching, signs of allergy in children include dark circles under the eyes and/or constant nose rubbing (the “allergic salute”). Daytime sleepiness, irritability, or a decrease in school performance may be due to allergies interfering with sleep. These patients often snore or mouth- breathe at night during allergy season.”

Allergy Treatment While there is no cure for allergies, they can be managed with proper prevention and treatment. The two treatment options are to limit exposure and treat the symptoms.

Limiting Exposure Avoiding allergens can be difficult but you can limit your exposure on high pollen count days by staying indoors and keeping doors and windows tightly closed. You can check local pollen levels at www.pollen.com or www.aaaai.org. Pollen counts tend to be highest in the morning between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. so plan your outdoor activities for later in the afternoon or evening.

Other tips for avoiding exposure include: • Use anti-allergen protectors for pillows, mattresses, and box springs to help keep the dust mites away.

• Keep pets out of bedrooms and bathe all pets weekly to reduce pet dander.

• Wash your hair every night if you have been outside.

• Don’t hang freshly washed clothes outdoors to dry.

• Don’t ride in the car with the windows

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•

or top down.

Don’t smoke or allow smoking in or near your home. Even second hand smoke on clothing can be an irritant.

Treating the Symptoms The next line of defense for most allergy sufferers will be at-home remedies that may lessen the severity of symptoms.

These include: 1. Flushing it out. Keep the nasal passages irrigated through use of saline sprays, netti pot, or steam inhaler. Keeping the nasal passages as clean and moist as possible will facilitate the movement of allergens and lessen congestion.

2. Diet. There is some evidence that dietary changes can have an impact. The addition of probiotic yogurt to your diet may help balance your digestive system and may prevent the immune system from overreacting to allergens.

3. Exercise. Exercise naturally soothes some allergy symptoms by diverting blood away from the parts of your body not being taxed to body parts in use. This means that blood vessels in your nose will constrict, lessening the congestion. The impact may be felt for several hours after. Be sure to avoid exercise during peak pollen hours.

4. Over-the-counter medications. According to Dr. Purcell, over-the-counter medications are often effective for mild seasonal allergy symptoms. His recommendations include: “Non-sedating antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, or loratadine to control itching, sneezing, and runny nose associated with seasonal allergies. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine can be helpful for nasal congestion, but should

be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure, heart problems, or prostate issues.” He recommends checking with your primary care physician before using pseudoephedrine.

Dr. Purcell adds that triamcinolone nasal spray has become available over-thecounter and is a very effective treatment for nasal allergies. He cautions that it must be used regularly for at least one to two weeks for its effect to become evident.

Medical Intervention If you or your child is suffering from allergies and at-home treatments aren’t providing enough relief or if your allergies are associated with more serious problems such as asthma or recurrent infections, it’s time for specialized medical help. An allergy specialist can tailor treatment to minimize or eliminate allergy symptoms, and help prevent more serious problems associated with allergies. For those patients with more severe allergies, an allergy specialist may recommend a series of shots, called immunotherapy, that is very effective for treating allergies and can often eliminate allergies.

Seasonal allergies don’t have to derail your enjoyment of spring! With the right combination of at-home strategies and medical interventions you can be breathing easier this year.

For more information To find local pollen levels: www.pollen.com or www.aaaai.org Dr. Ronald Purcell 1000 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102 (239) 434-6200 www.naplesallergy.com

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NATIONAL POETRY MONTH By Cindy Hudson

Five Ways Funny Poems Can Inspire Kids to Read M other Goose rhymes and Dr. Seuss books have introduced many a toddler and preschooler to the world of poetry. Poems have a lot to offer beginning readers as well, particularly when they are funny, and they are written about things kids find interesting.

Just ask Kenn Nesbitt, who for the last 19 years has written poetry for kids and often gives talks to students at elementary schools.

While it may be easy to think of funny poems for kids as being too light and fluffy to make an impact, Nesbitt knows they deliver “real reading with real vocabulary” to young minds eager to learn.

Because poems are fast to read and easy to share with friends, it’s easy to bring out poetry books for your kids at any time of year, but especially during April, which is National Poetry Month. Consider these five reasons you may want to introduce your child to funny poems:

1.

They keep turning pages. Nesbitt says when kids read funny poetry books “every single page can bring at least a smile if not a laugh,” something he believes works particularly well for reluctant readers. “It’s almost like reading a joke book,” he says. And if kids are laughing, they are more likely to turn the page to read the next poem, and then the next.

2.

They learn new vocabulary. When kids are learning to read, they may get frustrated and give up if they run into too many words they don’t know. But with funny poems, the meaning is usually easy to get, and context can help kids learn new words.

Take, for instance, these lines from Ogden Nash’s poem, “Adventures of Isabel.”

“Isabel met an enormous bear, Isabel, Isabel, didn’t care; The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous, The bear’s big mouth was cruel and cavernous.”

Kids may be introduced to words like “ravenous” and “cavernous.” An equal number of syllables in the rhyming couplets may even help them sound out new words on their own.

3.

They develop memorization skills.

When kids love something, they usually want to share it. Short kids’ poems are easy to memorize and repeat back to friends on the playground, to parents at home, and to teachers in the classroom.

4.

They connect emotionally with what they read. Even though kids’ poems are usually short, they often pack an emotional punch that kids can understand. In Nesbitt’s piece, “I Wrote an Awful Poem,” he draws on the desire siblings may have to irritate each other to deliver a twist at the end: “I wrote an awful poem; it was bad in the extreme.

I showed it to my sister and it made my sister scream.

I never knew a poem could be such amazing fun.

But that was just a blast, I think I’ll write another one.”

Nesbitt believes poems such as this one can create a con-

nection for kids, and then parents can help them find other types of children’s poetry that evoke contemplative emotions. He says “funny poetry is where you start. That’s a hook you can use to get kids to enjoy poetry then branch out to classics,” such as poems

by Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Shel Silverstein and Robert Louis Stevenson.

5.

They may be inspired to write poetry.

After reading poems that make them laugh many kids may want to write some of their own, which also helps their overall literacy skills. While Nesbitt considers most poetic forms too advanced for kids to write, he’s a big fan of clerihew, which he even recommends for older kids. Instructions for how to write clerihew, as well as other types of poetry, can be found on his website (see resources).

Cindy Hudson writes about reading, family literacy and books for kids and their parents at Mother Daughter Book Club.com.

Want to help your kids find funny poems to read and have fun writing their own poetry? Check out these resources for both parents and kids.

Poetry4Kids.com • www.poetry4kids.com In addition to poems, you’ll find a rhyming dictionary that gives a list of rhyming words, lessons on writing poetry, and activities tied to holidays, class parties, crafts, and more.

GigglePoetry.com • gigglepoetry.com Created by poet, author, and performer Bruce Lansky, GigglePoetry also features fill-in-the-blank poetry forms, riddles, tongue twisters, and even a bit of “poetry theater.”

PoetryFoundation.org Features a children’s section that is geared toward parents with articles and videos of children’s poets; it also showcases a children’s poem of the day.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

3/24/14 9:02 AM

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3/22/14 2:04 PM

CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT. By Laura Tichy-Smith

April is a great time to enjoy our city parks at these programs and events offered by the City of Naples Community Services Department.

Free Concert featuring Mamajowali Bring a blanket and enjoy this group that mixes West African music, old time American tunes and originals. Held on Sunday, April 13 at 7 p.m. For information, call 213-3058.

(755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples) Free Outdoor Family Movie Night Curl up with your kids on a blanket as you watch a family-oriented movie on a two-story inflatable screen at the Cambier Park Bandshell. Held on Saturday, April 19 at sunset.

Call 213-3058 for the title of the surprise movie. (755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples) Free Concerts at the Bandshell Concert season continues with these events your whole family will enjoy. Bring a blanket and enjoy concerts in Cambier Park. Sched-

ule: Music Makers, Friday, April 4 (7 — 9 p.m.); Gulf Coast Big Band, Sunday, April 6 (2 – 4 p.m.); Naples Jazz Orchestra, Monday, April 7 (7 pm – 9 pm); Naples Concert Band, Friday, April 11, (7 — 9 p.m.); Naples Dixie Land Jazz Band, Sunday, April 13 (2 – 4 p.m.); Naples Jazz Orchestra, Monday, April 14 (7 pm – 9 pm); Southwest Big Band, Sunday, April 27 (2 – 4 p.m.). For information, call 213-3058. (755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples)

vember. Your kids can become a chip off the old putt when they learn the basics of golf at Fleischmann Park. Instructor Mike Smuniewski is a Class “A” PGA Professional and head instructor at Lely Resort. Held Thursday 4:15–5:15 p.m. from April 3 to April 24, $75.

Register by emailing mikeski65@yahoo.com.

(1600 Fleischmann Ave., Naples)

School’s Out Fun Day for Elementary School Kids

Open to ages 4-6 at Arthur Allen Tennis Center, this tennis class will help your child develop a good attitude while learning the stroke mechanics, hand-eye coordination, footwork and ball trajectory of tennis. Held on Monday – Thursday from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Call 213-3060 for price and registration. (730 8th Street South, Naples)

Need childcare when school is closed but you have to work? Fleischmann Park has you covered. They have planned fun activities for your child’s day off from school, including crafts, games and sports. Fun Day runs 7:30 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m. You must register no later than no later than two weeks prior to the event – space is limited. Held on Friday, April 18 – send lunch and snacks with your child. $25 per child. To register, call Fleischmann Park 213-3020.

Lil’ Putters Golf Camp (Age 5-9) The next round of golf lessons starts in No-

Tennis Class: Quick Start Kids

Tennis Class: Junior Development Open to ages 7-15 at Arthur Allen Tennis Center. Help your kid take their game to the next level in this class that emphasizes advanced skills, strategies and competitive play. Monday – Thursday 4 – 5:30 p.m. Call 213-3060 for price and registration. (730 8th Street South, Naples)

An Active April in Naples!

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NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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Arts Worldwide & Empty Bowls Free Afternoon of Art & Culture for the Whole Family

Saturday • April 12 • Noon-4pm FREE Admission • Music, Theater & Dance Performances • Refreshments Available • Create Your Own Art

Arts Worldwide features “Empty Bowls”

Purchase a handmade pottery bowl and sample varieties of delectible soups. Enjoy musical and cultural entertainment, delicious soups created by local restaurants and chefs and, best of all, help those in need. Empty Bowls Benefits Meals on Wheels Bonita Springs. $10 adults/$5 youth.

Sponsored by: The Sansom Foundation Centers for Visual Arts Bonita Springs • 26100 Old 41 Road Bonita Springs

239-495-8989 • www.artcenterbonita.org

Age s4 -18

Summer Camp Art•Dance•Theater•Music

Summer Camps are at our New Center for Performing Arts

10150 Bonita Beach Road SE Bonita Springs • FL 34135 www.artcenterbonita.org 239 • 495 • 8989 Sponsored by:

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3/22/14 2:05 PM

YOUR COMMUNITY COMMUNITY NEWS

Walking For Cystic Fibrosis Research and Education

D

id you know that two people with cystic fibrosis should not even be in the same room as each other? Medical evidence shows that certain bacteria can be passed between individuals who have cystic fibrosis (CF) and can lead to worse symptoms and speed decline in lung function. To limit the serious risk of cross-infection between people with CF, at any outdoor event, people with CF should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from each other, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“It is a club where the members can never meet,” says Suzanne Gopman, local volunteer coordinator and mom of a child with CF. That is why she is hoping the community will support the Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk to be held at 9:00 am on April 5th at North Collier Regional Park. This fundraiser, which raises awareness and money for the

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) will be a family-friendly event with a healthy 2K walk, children’s activities, food and festivities.

Cff.org defines cystic fibrosis as an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that: • clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and • obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school.

Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into middle age.

Last year over 125,000 people participated in the Great Strides Walk nationwide.

The money raised supports the research and development of new drugs and therapies, and helps provide support and education to families living with this disease. The CFF also provides schools and coaches with education materials to help them understand the unique

challenges of living with CF. Families often must travel great distances with their child to see specialists who treat CF, which can be a financial burden. Because stress weakens their immune system, the older child often needs support to deal with the anxiety they experience from the many missed days of school due to appointments and related illnesses.

By age 15, they are expected to begin to independently manage their disease by being responsible for therapies, meds, and speaking with doctors about their condition.

“The CF Foundation has raised and invested hundreds of millions of dollars to support the development of new CF drugs and therapies,” the CFF website states. “But the lives of people with this disease are still cut far too short. We need the public’s continued support to fulfill our mission of finding a cure and improving the quality of life of those with the disease.”

Same day registration for the Great Strides Walk begin at 8:00 am at North Collier Regional Park on April 5. For more information, or to register online go to: www. cff.org/chapters/tampa, call local volunteer coordinator Suzanne Gopman 239-2722098 or the Florida CFF Chapter at (813) 374-9041.

For more information, or to register online go to: www.cff.org/chapters/tampa, call local volunteer coordinator Suzanne Gopman 239-272-2098 or the Florida CFF Chapter at (813) 374-9041.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

3/24/14 9:03 AM

JJ Dance

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Creative Arts We offer a variety of arts & crafts classes for children from age 3 through adults.

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1826 Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 • (239) 431-7946

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YOUR COMMUNITY COMMUNITY NEWS

April Picks

Balloons Over Paradise Festival

  

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Stars On Ice

Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero Friday, April 4 • 7:30 p.m. www.ticketmaster.com

Miracle Opening Night & Fireworks

Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Rd., Fort Myers Saturday, April 5 • 6:05pm Celebrate the beginning of the 2014 Miracle season with Southwest Florida's most spectacular fireworks show! Fireworks begin after the game.

Miracle vs Jupiter Hammerheads. 239-768-4210

Earth Day Festival

Riverside Park, Old 41 Rd. & Childers St., Bonita Springs Saturday, April 12 • 9 a.m.

Throughout the day, kids can join in on an interactive recycled material sculpture, dig for dinosaur bones, take a dinosaur ride, see live animals, local artists, live music, kayaking and more! 239-777-0186

Repticon Fort Myers

Araba Shrine, 2010 Hanson St., Fort Myers April 12 & 13 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Two days of reptile fun, many tables of top-quality reptiles, amphibians, exotic pets and pet products, hourly presentations and door prizes. www.repticon.com

Earth Day at The Refuge

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island Saturday, April 19 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The first 200 visitors to the refuge that day will receive a FREE up-cycled T-shirt Earth bag! Biking the refuge tour, crafts in the Education Center, guided hike along the Indigo Trail, family storytime, and more! 239-472-1100

Lee County’s Original Family Publication

FOR 23 YEARS!!

www.leefamilynews.net 24

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eminole Casino Immokalee will bring its third annual Balloons Over Paradise Festival to the Seminole Tribe Youth Ranch, April 26-27, starting at 6 a.m. daily. The two-day event will feature 60 hot air balloons and performances by Sister Hazel, Rachel/Hughes Band and JJ McCoy. Additionally, there will be delicious food, arts & crafts, tethered balloon rides, classic car show, dog agility performances, a polo exhibition and an equestrian drill team performance. Admission is free to the all-ages festival.

Festival-goers will be able to walk among the balloons as they inflate for a mass ascension into the sky. Specialty balloons include Flying Pig, Sugar Bear, Elvis, Purple People Eater and much more.

Headlining this year’s festival on Saturday, April 26, is Gainesville rock band Sister Hazel, known for such hits as “All For You,” “Change Your Mind,” “Happy” and “Life Got In The Way.” The band’s style has blended elements of folk rock, pop, classic rock ‘n’ roll and southern rock to create highly melodic tunes and prominent harmonies since its inception in 1993.

For the first time, Polo will be brought to Southwest Florida, with more than 30 top Polo ponies. Six international players will be featured in an exhibition match and will be available to meet and sign autographs for festival-goers after the game.

For those unfamiliar with the game, professional Polo player Kris Kampsen will showcase the basics of Polo to the crowd before the match.

Parking for the event is free at Seminole Casino Immokalee. Pets and coolers are not permitted.

For more information about the 3nd Annual Balloons Over Paradise Festival, visit www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com.

Naples Philharmonic Performs Free Chamber Concerts

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s part of Artis—Naples’ commitment to ensuring access to the arts for all, the Naples Philharmonic will perform free chamber concerts from April 1 through 5. Concerts will be hosted in various locations around the area, including Frances Georgeson Hospice House, Golden Gate High School, Marco Island Library and Immokalee Middle School, among others. Ensembles include string, brass and woodwind quartets and quintets from the orchestra and feature works by Prokofiev, Mozart and more.

Most of the concerts are on school campuses or designed for sitespecific audiences and are not open to the general public.

For more information, contact 239-597-1900 or visit artisnaples. org for specific program details.

NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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S ts!

T R I es H u S g T-st 50 E FRtEhe fir

for

COME CELEBRATE CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

50TH ANNIVERSARY Family Fun

EARTH DAY FESTIVAL Guest SpeakerS, Live Music, Fish Fry, Festival Food, Exhibitors, Crafts, Interactive Programs, Boat Rides, and More Free off-site parking will be available check out our schedule of events at www.conservancy.org/50thfestival Or call 239.430.2466 facebook.com/ConservancySWF

1495 SMITH PRESERVE WAY, SOUTH OF NAPLES ZOO OFF GOODLETTE-FRANK RD. Supporting Sponsors

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YOUR COMMUNITY ADVERTISER NEWS

Great Cloth Diaper Change 2014

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coBaby & Home, www.ecobabyandhome.com along with the Children’s Museum of Naples will be the local host for the international cloth diaper changing event taking place on Saturday, April 26, 2014, the same week as Earth Day. In its fourth year with over 135 registered hosts, hailing from 11 different countries, The Great Cloth Diaper Change event will attempt to break last year’s Guinness World Record™ of 8,301 babies changed at one time.

Each year billions of disposable diapers enter landfills where it takes hundreds of years for them to decompose, if ever,” says Heather McNamara, Executive Director of the Real Diaper Association. “Building off the success of last year’s event with qualifying locations in 15 countries, spread across 5 continents, we hope to show the entire world that cloth diapers are a real option for today’s modern families, particularly catching the eye of expecting and new parents who may be seeking more planet-friendly and affordable alternatives to disposable diapers The event will be held outside of the Children’s Museum of Naples with the Change happening exactly at 11:00 a.m.

Other activities include a Diaper Dash and Toddler Trot.

The Diaper Change will be part of the C’MON Earth Day activities scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Activities include paper making, “green” mini golf, alternative energy experiments, Florida water system experiments and information.

For more information or to participate in The Great Cloth Diaper Change in Naples, contact www.ecobabyandhome.com. You can follow The Great Cloth Diaper Change on Facebook at www.Facebook. com/GreatClothDiaperChange, and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ ClothRecord.

Contact Kim Meador at EcoBaby & Home via email at Kim@ ecobabyandhome.com or by phone at 239-269-5651.

Kids Free Bowling Registration Open

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www.goodcheck.com 4529 Executive Drive, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34119

239.592.0800 26

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oodside and Beacon Lanes in Naples are once again participating in the summer’s Kids Free Bowling program.

Children are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of Woodside and Beacon Bowl along with the schools and organizations.

The registration website also offers a Family Pass option that allows for up to 4 adults to bowl 2 free games every day all summer too. It’s only $24.95 at your center and it allows parents, older children, adult babysitters and grandparents to join in the bowling fun too.

Visit www.KidsBowlFree.com to register and sign up for alerts.

Woodside Lanes is located at 8525 Radio Lane, Naples, 239-4553755. Beacon Bowl is at 5400 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, 239- 5973452. Check www.bowlandcenters.com for additional information.

NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

3/23/14 7:33 PM

After witnessing the unthinkable at 12 years old – her mother shot at the hands of her stepfather – Velma quit school and started picking in the fields of Immokalee to support her brothers and sisters.

Velma remained upbeat and had a family of her own, but then experienced multiple, devastating losses and trauma and was diagnosed with a debilitating health issue. She felt suicide was the only way to escape her sadness, fear and pain. For her children’s sake, she finally asked for help from the David Lawrence Center.

Here she found hope, healing and tools to cope with her mental and physical health problems by working with a case manager, therapist, and utilizing the Center’s new, innovative telemedicine technology to meet routinely with her psychiatrist in Naples remotely from the Immokalee f o r M e noffice. t a l We l l n e s s

Her Mind is Our Concern.

Mental health is a community issue.

Fortunately, there’s a community solution.

Velma is among one in four in Collier County who suffer from a mental illness. One in nine of us will experience some form of substance abuse. When a family member, friend or coworker battles a mental health or substance abuse problem, we suffer with them.

Thankfully, David Lawrence Center is here for our community.

f o r m e n t a l We l l n e s s

A not-for-profit organization founded and still governed by community leaders, the David Lawrence Center is the behavioral health component of our community’s healthcare network.

A true local resource, it relies on donations, fees and grants to invest in the health, safety and wellbeing of our community.

When you or someone you love needs help, call on the highly compassionate, committed and competent professionals of the David Lawrence Center to inspire you to move beyond the crisis towards life-changing wellness.

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F o R m e N Ta l W e l l N e s s

DavidLawrenceCenter.org Naples

239-455-8500

immokalee

239-657-4434

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YOUR COMMUNITY APRIL EVENTS Calendar Submissions: To submit your event for both our online and print calendars go to www.neafamily. com and follow the simple instructions for setting up a calendar account and inputting event information.

The deadline for print calendar events is the 12th of the month preceding publication. You can submit events anytime for the online calendar.

1 Tuesday 10:00 AM. Moms and Tots Storytime with Miss Jessica and Miss Felicia. A toddler favorite, the girls read, sing, dance and color, creating a fun atmosphere of learning and lots of laughter. Come and ask about the little green frog song. All ages are welcome.

5377 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. (239) 597-2040. bn.com. Held weekly on Tuesdays.

12:30 PM. The Ghost Army Exhibit. Little was known about this unit until the end of the 20th century. Exhibit runs through April.

Members free; $5-$10. 4760 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. (239) 263-9200. www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org.

1:15 PM. Little Learners. A 15-minute program designed with your little one in mind including interactive activities, music, movement and storytime. Open to ages 2-4. 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. (239) 514-0084. www.cmon.org. Held weekly on Tuesdays.

5:00 PM. KIDding Around at Bell Tower Shops. A fun-filled evening of kid-friendly activites full of exploration, discovery, creativity and fun with local organizations and

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groups. Free. Daniels Pkwy and US 41, Fort Myers. (239) 489-1221. www.thebelltowershops.com. Held weekly on Tuesdays.

6:30 PM. Laugh it Up. It’s Improv. At Bonita Springs Library. It’s a night to laugh it up. Spontaneity is the name of the game at this night of Improv. Join members of the FGCU Improv Club as they share laughs and encourage your “funny bone” to grow.

26876 Pine Avenue, Bonita Springs. (239) 992-0101. library.lee-county.com/services/ locations/BN/pages/default.aspx.

2 Wednesday 9:00 AM. Exploring Coastal Habitats.

Enjoy a guided walk to the estuary and along a sandy trail to the beach. Explore one of the most productive ecosystems in nature and the unique coastal habitats at the Preserve. 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. (239) 252-4000. www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org.

Held weekly on Wednesdays.

10:00 AM. Free Kids Crafts at Miromar Outlets. Kids from toddlers to twelve are invited to participate in free fun activities.

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Many Collier County Library programs require preegistration, please call ahead for any program you are interested in attending to check requirements.

10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. (239) 9483766. www.miromaroutlets.com. Held weekly on Wednesdays.

10:30 AM. Family Story Time at Bonita Springs Library. This program is for the whole family and lasts about 30 minutes.

26876 Pine Avenue, Bonita Springs. Call (239) 992-0101 for more information. Held weekly on Wednesdays.

11:00 AM. Nature Talk at Naples Preserve. Guest Naturalists and Partners of the Naples Preserve will speak on select topics related to the unique SW Florida environment. Stay for a light lunch following the talk and enjoy a walk on the boardwalk. 1690 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. (239) 2614290. Held weekly on Wednesday.

1:15 PM. Little Learners. A 15-minute program designed with your little one in mind including interactive activities, music, movement and storytime. Open to ages 2-4. 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. (239) 514-0084. www.cmon.org. Held weekly on Wednesday.

2:00 PM. Make and Take Workshop.

These family workshops present opportunities for kids and adults alike to learn about a

featured museum exhibition, and then create their own artwork inspired by the exhibition.

Free with museum admission. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. (239) 5971900. www.thephil.org.

fields, alongside hot from the oven breads, local seafood, gluten free cookies & treats and prepared meals ready to take home.

2777 Tamiami Trail, Naples. Held weekly on Thursday.

4:00 PM. Sip and Putt Golf Event for Angels Undercover of Collier County. Fun putting event with prizes, wine and food to raise money for Angels UnderCover of Collier County. Dr. Kamela Patton will be honorary chairperson. $75. For more information contact info@angels-undercover.org. Held at 2400 Grey Oaks Drive North, Naples.

1:15 PM. Little Learners. A 15-minute program designed with your little one in mind including interactive activities, music, movement and storytime. Open to ages 2-4. 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. (239) 514-0084. www.cmon.org. Held weekly on Thursday.

6:00 PM. Dancing under the Stars. Join the Arthur Murray Dance Center on the first Wednesday evening in December-May from 6pm-9pm to experience a wide variety of dance and musical styles. Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. (239) 594-9400. www. mercatoshops.com.

3 Thursday Call for time. Naples Green Market.

Customers will find an abundant selection of local & organic produce that just left local

6:00 PM. Mercato Nights Music Series.

Gator Nate & The Gladezmen is a combination of a swampy, funky rock-blues type of band. Held at the Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. (239) 594-9400. www.mercatoshops.com.

4 Friday 10:00 AM. Beachcombing and Shelling.

What do wrack lines, jellies, blue buttons, beachhoppers, ghosts, sea pork, and beans have in common? Come find out at this lecture on Beachcombing & Shelling. Meet at the Learning Center at Barefoot Beach

Building Skills That Last A Lifetime.

Success is often the result of experiences and skills that are built as an individual moves towards adulthood. At Tiger-Rock Martial Arts, our programs are structured to help participants build the physical, social and cognitive abilities that lead to success. A goal orientated curriculum creates a platform for achievement that builds confidence, focus and discipline. High-energy classes and an age-specific training curriculum teaches our martial arts students how to use leadership and team work, both inside and outside the academy. Start today to get the advantage that comes with being a part of Tiger-Rock Martial Arts.

JOIN NOW to start building a path to success.

Join Tiger-Rock Martial Arts.

NING

Every Revolution Starts With Evolution.

THREE SESSIONS FOR

20

$

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.00

BASIC MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING Find the beginning of your fitness revolution with Tiger-Rock’s Basic Training. 3 Training Sessions for only $20.00. This includes a Tiger-Rock training gear t-shirt with your choice of group or one-on-one sessions.

Visit www.trma157.tigerrockmartialarts.com and start your revolution today.

www.tigerrockmartialarts.com

Follow us

1575 Pine Ridge Rd. #12 Naples, FL. 34109

(239)596-2501 neafamily.com

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For Infants from 6 weeks old through Pre-K

• Christian Environment • Certified Teachers • Infant - Pre K Programs • Low Student to Teacher Ratio • Brand New Facility • Creative Curriculum • VPK Provider • Music lessons • Security System • Certified Teachers

Limited Space Available– Register Your Child Today

(239) 354-9140 Guided Tours Daily Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm 9850 Immokalee Road Naples, FL 34120 www.peacekidsnaples.org

Preserve. 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. (239) 252-4000. www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org. Held weekly on Friday.

10:00 AM. English Cafe. Practice your English with English Cafe, a free, conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. 26820 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Held weekly on Friday.

1:15 PM. Little Learners. A 15-minute program designed with your little one in mind including interactive activities, music, movement and storytime. Open to ages 2-4. 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. (239) 514-0084. www.cmon.org. Held weekly on Friday.

3:00 PM. Farmers Market. Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and more. 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. (239) 252-4180. colliergov. net. Held weekly on Friday.

6:00 PM. 3rd Annual Evening of Excellence: Growing Together.

Dinner & Desserts, Music, Inspiration. Tickets $25 per person. Presented by Naples Christian Academy. Call (239) 455-1080 to purchase or e-mail garcia-barbon@ncanaples.com Held at 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. (239) 643-7275.

Our Educated and Dedicated Staff Encourages Creative, Expressive, Hands on Learning Your child will receive quality interaction with our low student-teacher ratios and will enjoy our spacious, shaded, fun-filled play area.

Call for time. Geocaching at Crew. Fun for the whole family. All ages are welcome. Bring your own GPS unit and cables or your smartphone with the geocaching app loaded and be ready for some fun. Call for times and to preregister (239) 657-2253 23998. www.crewtrust.org.

VPK Certified

Full-day, Half-day and partial week schedules available Where your child’s needs are our only priority.

727 108th Ave., Naples • 597-5748 License #C20C07416 smallworldelc@embarqmail.com • www.smallworldnaples.com

Twinkle Twinkle Little Store Baby Gear Rentals & Resale We buy & sell your gently used kids stuff

We pay CA$H

 Clothing (newborn to kid 16 & maternity)  Toys, Books, Dvds, Accessories  Baby Gear & Furniture  Cloth diapering, new products

We Moved To Bigger Store!

4172 Tamiami Trl N, Naples

239-262-5904

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7:30 PM. Stars on Ice. Featuring Olympic Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White. 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. (239) 3350457. www.germainarena.com.

5 Saturday

Serving children Infant - age 5

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7:00 PM. Fall Concert Series. Fall Concerts will be held on the stage in Market Plaza. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers. www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com/shop/gulf. nsf/salesevents. Held weekly on Friday.

7:30 AM. Third Street South Farmer’s Market. Parking lot behind Tommy Bahama’s, downtown Naples. (239) 434-6533. info@napleschamber.org. Held weekly on Saturday.

7:30 AM. 10K Run for Music. Join musicians from the Naples Philharmonic for the annual running of the 10K Run for Music race.

5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. (239) 597-1900. www.thephil.org.

8:00 AM. Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk. Enjoy food, games and a 5K walk to raise awareness and funds for CF. Register at 8 am; walk begins at 9 am. To start or join a team go to fightcf.cff.org. For more information call (239) 272-2098. Held at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Rd, Bonita Springs. (239) 252-4060. colliergov.net.

8:00 AM. Community Yard Sale. This program is designed to let the general population buy or sell yard sale items. You are responsible for supplying your own table(s). Come to sell or come to shop and don’t forget to tell your friends. $10. 321 North 1st Street, Immokalee.

(239) 657-4449.

8:30 AM. NAMI Walk. National Alliance on Mental Illness is having a 2.5 mile walk with fun, food and entertainment planned.

Grand Marshall will be WINK News anchor Stacey Adams. For more information or to join a team go to www.namicollier.org or call (239) 260-7300. 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. (239) 213-3058. www.naplesgov. com/index.aspx?NID=576.

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9:00 AM. Free Zoo Admission for Collier County residents. On the first Saturday of every month, 12 times a year, Collier County residents receive free zoo admission all day long. Enter any time, all day long up until 4 p.m. with no coupon required-just proof of residency for all adults. 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. (239) 262-5409. www.caribbeangardens.com.

9:00 AM. Indoor Farmer’s Market. North Naples only indoor Farmer’s Market & Emporium bringing together 40 plus local vendors of fruits, veggies, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, jewelry & so much more. 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. (239) 2732350. www.facebook.com/pages/Shoppes-at-Vanderbilt-FarmersMarket/130258607139935. Held weekly on Saturday.

9:00 AM. Free Kids Workshop at Home Depot. On the first Saturday of each month, Home Depot’s free Kids Workshops offer fun and useful projects like building toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers.

In addition to the project, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron.

2251 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. (239) 597-1515. www.homedepot.com.

9:00 AM. The Bradley Method® birth classes. Are you pregnant and want a natural birth? You can learn how to give birth The Bradley® way. To sign up or ask questions, call or email Monica Dix, (239) 699-6817, monicamdix@yahoo.com.

CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NATURE CENTER Join us for our next

CELEBRATE

CINEMA SUNDAY April 6, 2014

NATURE

Monday - Sunday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bring this ad in to receive:

FREE KIDS ADMISSION (with each paying adult)

Good for one free child’s admission with paying adult. Limit one coupon per group. Offer expires December 31, 2014. Not valid with any other offer or Earth Day Festival admission.

9:00 AM. Guided Nature Walk. Enjoy a guided walk along the boardwalk through a maritime forest and coastal strand. More than a nature walk, it’s an educational experience. 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. (239) 252-4000. www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org.

Held weekly on Saturday.

10:00 AM. Art in the Park. Nestled on Park Street just to the west of The von Liebig Art Center, this juried art fair is held the first Saturday of the month November through April. 585 Park Street, Naples. (239) 262-6517. naplesart.org.

10:00 AM. Lecture Series. Meet at the Learning Center at Barefoot Beach Preserve. Call for topics and speakers. 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. (239) 252-4000. www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org.

Held weekly on Saturday.

10:30 AM. Rackets Up. Tennis Fundraiser. Tennis players are invited to register now for the 10th Annual “Rackets Up.” Tennis Tournament. The cost is $35 and includes a catered lunch, T-shirt, prizes and a Silent Auction. Proceeds benefit Salvation Army. 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. (239) 213-3058. www.naplesgov.com/index.aspx?NID=576.

10:30 AM. W.O.N.D.E.R. Kids. Every month’s programming begins with a story related to the monthly theme and is followed by family activities related to that theme. 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. (239) 643-7275. www.naplesgarden.org. Held weekly on Saturday.

11:00 AM. The Pigeon Needs a Bath Storytime. It’s bath time and Pigeon won’t go willingly. Join us April 5 at 11:00 am for a reading of The Pigeon Needs a Bath, followed by more stories and pigeon activities. Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. (239) 597-2040. bn.com.

Bring the Family!

• Meet our mascot “Gordon B. Eagle” • Electric boat tours • New daily programs:

3:00 PM. Farmers Market. Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and more. Every Friday and Saturday through May. 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. (239) 252-4180. colliergov.net. Held weekly on Saturday.

4:00 PM. 10th Annual Celebrate Estero Festival. Join Miromar Outlets and the Estero Chamber of Commerce for games, activities, demonstrations, displays and raffle drawings for the entire family.

10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. (239) 948-3766. www.miromaroutlets. com.

10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM Visit us at www.conservancy.org or

facebook.com/ConservancySWF

1495 Smith Preserve Way • Naples, FL 34102 Just South of Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Rd.

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“Reptile Reverie” Trail Walk & Talk “Wild about Wildlife” Turtle Talk “Wild about Wildlife”

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6:05 PM. Miracle Opening Night and Fireworks. Celebrate the beginning of the 2014 Miracle season with SW Florida’s most spectacular fireworks show. Fireworks begin after the game. Call (239) 768-4210 for ticket information.

6:00 PM. Rio Carnival. The festive, colorful, South American FUNraiser will feature live dance performances, a silent auction, plated dinner, music and dancing to benefit the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Tickets: $500 per person. (239) 432-8325.

7:00 PM. Fall Concert Series. Fall Concerts will be held on the stage in Market Plaza.

9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers. www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com/shop/gulf. nsf/salesevents. Held weekly on Saturday.

8:00 PM. Village People. It’s fun to stay at the YMCA–and even more fun to dance to it. The Village People bring their greatest hits from the Golden Age of Disco to Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee. (239) 658-1313. www. seminolecasinoevents.com.

6 Sunday

ing the best in local BBQ, great live music and fun for the entire family. Presented by Builders Care. 10091 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. (239) 939-2787. www.artinlee.org.

2:00 PM. Jazz Concert at Naples Botanical Garden. Visitors to the Garden can enjoy the Jazz in the Garden concerts for the price of general admission. Bring your own seating for all concerts. No outside food or beverage permitted at special events. 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. (239) 643-7275. www.naplesgarden.org.

2:00 PM. Free Concerts at the Bandshell.

Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park. 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. (239) 213-3058. www. naplesgov.com/index.aspx?NID=576.

7 Monday 9:30 AM. Baby-Parent Rhyme Time at South Country Regional Library. Be prepared to tickle, jump and fly with your baby.

These rhymes and songs are for infants, up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult. This 20-minute program is filled with songs designed to introduce rhyming and movement to infants. Registration req. 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Naples. (239) 479-INFO (4636).

10:30 AM. W.O.N.D.E.R. Kids. Every month’s programming begins with a story related to the monthly theme and is followed by family activities related to that theme.

4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. (239) 6437275. www.naplesgarden.org. Held weekly on Sunday.

10:00 AM. Storytime and Crafts. Join us for Storytime and crafts for the little ones. Just drop in and enjoy a few stories and crafts and meet up with other moms too. Eco Baby & Home, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 150, Naples. (239) 596-2661. ecobabyandhome.com. Held weekly on Monday.

11:00 AM. Motorcycles at Mercato. The largest gathering of motorcycles Naples has ever seen. Contest, live music, vendors and raffles. Preregister your bike for a free gift.

9128 Strada Place, Naples. (239) 594-9400. www.mercatoshops.com.

10:00 AM. Find The Money at East Naples Branch Library. Money related activities for all ages Monday through Thursday this week. Registration is not required. 8787 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. (239) 775-5592. public.collier-lib.org.

11:00 AM. BBQ, Bands and Brew. Featur• Weekly Maintenance • Equipment Repairs • Pool & Deck Restoration • Aqualink® Systems & Heat Pumps • Gas Hearters– Install & Repair FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1987 State Licensed & Insured CPC057357

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New Customers: Mention ad for One Mon FREE Servicth e Call

10:00 AM. Money Smart Week at Marco Island Branch Library. Money related activities for kids of all ages Monday through Thursday this week. Registration not required. 210 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. (239) 394-3272. public.collier-lib.org.

4:00 PM. Celebrate Smart Money Week at Naples Regional Library. MondayDollar Bill Origami; Tuesday-Perfect Pennies; Wednesday and Thursday-2 Day Monopoly Tournament; Friday-Money Smart Multiple Choice Quiz. Registration is not Required.

650 Central Avenue, Naples. (239) 2626853. public.collier-lib.org.

5:30 PM. The Magic of Manilow. The music of one of the biggest selling artists of our time, Barry Manilow, hits the stage. 1380 Colonial Blvd,Fort Myers. (239) 278-4422. www.BroadwayPalm.com.

6:00 PM. Design Your Own Piggy Bank at Naples Branch Library. Come decorate your own piggy bank. Open to children in grades K through 5. Registration required.

650 Central Avenue, Naples. (239) 2626853. public.collier-lib.org.

8 Tuesday 6:00 PM. Sport Fishing at Estates Branch Library. Trisha from 4-H will be here with games and activities that will teach you how to cast a line and identify fish. Open to ages 5-18. 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples.

(239) 455-8088. public.collier-lib.org.

9 Wednesday 4:00 PM. LEGO Club at Estates Branch Library. Share ideas, be creative, make new friends and have fun. LEGO bricks will be provided or donate LEGO bricks your child no longer uses. Your LEGO creation will be put on display at the library. Open to ages

Shop Southwest Florida’s earth friendly, eco-boutique where you will find natural living products for your home, body and baby.

We carry: Reusable cloth diapers, Reusable Swim Diapers, Baby Wraps and Carriers as well as the largest selection of healing Baltic Amber in the area!

Located in The Mommy Shop

(239) 596-2661

at The Shoppes at Vanderbilt 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., www.ecobabyandhome.com Suite 150, Naples

Classes and events promoting natural parenting in Lee & Collier counties.

NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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PLUNGE IN THE

FUN!

Open Weekends Sun-N-Fun Lagoon’s turtle Sunny invites you to enjoy his lazy river and 5 water slides!

Hours of Operation 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Winter / Spring

Open President’s Day Weekend - May Saturday & Sunday Open for Collier County School’s Spring Break Sun-N-Fun Lagoon • 15000 Livingston Rd. • Naples, FL • 34109 239-252-4021 • www.napleswaterpark.com

Public Services Division Parks & Recreation

ENROLL YOUR INFANT, TODDLER, OR PRESCHOOLER NOW! Precious Cargo embraces early education as a joyous and creative journey where each child is valued and respected in a secure and nurturing environment.

Come take a tour, meet our exceptional staff, and review our creative curriculum.

5200 Crayton Road; Naples, Florida 34103 Next to Seagate Elementary Email: office@preciouscargoacademy.org A MISSION OF THE NAPLES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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WE OFFER VPK!

(239) 261-7442

www.PreciousCargoAcademy.org neafamily.com

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5-11 years. Registration is not Required. 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. (239) 455-8088. public.collier-lib.org.

5:30 PM. Read to Rabbits at Naples Regional Library. Learn about these animals as pets, then read one a story. Open to ages 4-8 years.

Registration required. 650 Central Avenue, Naples. (239) 262-6853. public.collier-lib.org.

10 Thursday 4:00 PM. Decorate a Piggy Bank at Marco Island Branch Library.

Come make your own piggy bank out of recycled materials and play some funny money games. 210 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island.

(239) 394-3272. public.collier-lib.org.

5:30 PM. Money Smarts at Immokalee Branch Library. Join representatives from Sun Trust Bank in learning the importance of budgeting, debt management, and bank accounts. They will even explain the steps to successful electronic banking. Then, take home a bank of your own to start your savings. 417 North First Street, Immokalee.

(239) 657-2882. public.collier-lib.org.

11 Friday Call for time. Auditions for Gypsy. Audition for adult and children’s roles and a large singing and dancing ensemble of all ages for Gypsy.

701 5th Ave S Naples, FL, Naples. The Naples Players’ auditions are open to all interested persons, regardless of age, race or experience. All that is required is the desire to be involved in a production and the willingness to commit time and effort to the project. For an appointment or additional information, call (239) 434-7340, ext. 10 10:00 AM. La Leche League of Naples. Mother-to-mother breastfeeding support group. Held at Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. Call (239) 404-4933 or email LaurieLLL@aol.com for additional information.

12 Saturday 8:00 AM. Glitter 5K. Girls on the Run of Collier County and The Glitter Foundation are inviting the community to join us in a 3 mile run or 1 mile, Shimmer Shuffle. For more information call (239) 293-2932. 6231 Arbor Rd, Naples. (239) 363-9669. colliergov.net.

8:30 AM. Circles of Care Early Childhood Education Conference.

Child Care of Southwest Florida invites early childhood educators and caregivers to Circles of Care, a daylong conference designed to

ABC Swim School Survival Swimming for Babies & Toddlers

6 months old to 6 years old • One-on-one instruction

239-272-0529

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inform and inspire those who work with children from infancy through elementary school. 7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples. (239) 7323701. www.edison.edu/collier.

9:00 AM. National Conference on Autism at FGCU. A conference for families, educators and health care professionals addressing autism spectrum disorders. 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Estero. www.fgcu.edu.

9:00 AM. Earth Day Festival. Throughout the day, children can join in on interactive recycled material sculpture, dig for dinosaur bones, take a dinosaur ride, see live animals. Local crafts artists, live music kayaking and more. Held at Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Call (239) 777-0186 for information.

10:00 AM. Lecture Series. Meet at the Learning Center at Barefoot Beach Preserve. Call for topics and speakers. 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. (239) 252-4000. www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org.

12:00 PM. Easter Egg Hunt with GiGi’s. Reserve one of 25 spots for $25. Includes Easter egg hunt, treats and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. (239) 594-9400. www. mercatoshops.com.

3:00 PM. Bunny Workshop. Join us for a variety of Spring time activities. Make chocolate bird’s nests, egg decorating & bunny hunt.

Must Pre-register by April 10th. Ages 5- 12 years. 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples. (239) 566-2367. colliergov.net.

5:00 PM. Sounds from the Park Concert. Tribute bands for the Eagles, Four Tops, Temptations, Elton John, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett and Journey. 4284 Avalon Dr, Naples. (239) 793-4414. colliergov.net.

13 Sunday 11:00 AM. Easter Cookies. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of baking, laughing and sugar. Call to register. Held at Sur La Table, Mercato, 9105 Strada Place, Naples. (239) 598-1463. www.surlatable.com.

2:00 PM. Bluegrass in the Theater at the Alliance. Tickets are $7.

Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Doors open at 1:30PM. 10091 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. (239) 939-2787. www.artinlee.org.

2:00 PM. Free Concerts at the Bandshell. Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park. 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. (239) 213-3058. www.naplesgov.com/index. aspx?NID=576.

14 Monday 6:00 PM. Pet a Bunny at East Naples Branch Library. Do you know what bunnies eat and how they like to play? A staff member will bring her lovely bunnies for an up close interaction. Make bunny crafts and color some pictures too. 8787 Tamiami Trail East, Naples.

(239) 775-5592. public.collier-lib.org.

6:30 PM. Learn about Calusa Indians at Headquarters Library.

Explore the lost world of the Calusa Indians with an Everglades National Park ranger. Handle authentic replicas of weapons and tools and create a Calusa craft. Grades 1 - 5. 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples. (239) 593-0870. public.collier-lib.org.

15 Tuesday 3:30 PM. Out of My Hands Juggling at Golden Gate Branch NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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My American Girl & Me

Summer Fun

Just 4 Dolls is offering a variety of American Girl Doll Summer Camps ✾ Frozen Fun Week June 2

6:30 PM. Recycle Repurpose and Re-Use. At South County Regional Library. Celebrate Earth Day by decorating and repurposing white tiles that were slated for the dumpster. Use color, toothpicks and designs to create a miniature art piece. All materials supplied. Open your mind to seeing “dumpster finds” in a new way. 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. (239) 479-INFO (4636).

A Doll Store & More!

We have new and used American Girl Dolls

✾ American Girl Adventure Week June 9

Middleton Adoption Nursery

✾ Fantasy Fun Week June 16

Disney Frozen Dolls

✾ Dolly & Me Spa Week June 23

239-431-7477

1485 Pine Ridge Road, #5, Naples

Family Friendly Theatre!

Presented by KidzAct

Love’s Labour’s Lost

April 26th • 11:00 a.m.

Tickets $10 for adults and children

Set in modern times, this Shakespearean comedy presents 4 young men who renounce love and girlfriends while they pursue their studies. The promise is soon broken when 4 young ladies come visiting. Using familiar music, our KidzAct tweens and teens tell a witty tale of love, learning and false expectations.

On the Patty & Jay Baker Outdoor Stage at Sugden Community Theatre

Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical May 23 & 24 • 7:30 pm, May 25 • 2:00pm

Tickets $20 for adults and $10 for children • Blackburn Hall

A classic story of rivalry and power, Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical opens with Mitchie and her friends arriving at Camp Rock, ready to spend another summer jamming out and having the time of their lives. But the new, flashy Camp Star across the lake now threatens Camp Rock’s very existence. To keep the doors open, Mitchie steps up, rallies her fellow Camp Rockers, and gets them into top shape for the ultimate showdown!

All tickets can be purchased at The Naples Players box office, 701 5th Avenue South 239-263-7990

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Library. Gerard Tricarico will combine music with his expertise as a juggler. Open to ages 3 years and older. 2432 Lucerne Road, Naples.

(239) 252-4542. public.collier-lib.org.

8:00 PM. Movies on the Lawn. Join us on the lawn across from Naples Flatbread & The Wine Loft - Mercato at 8:00pm for HOP featuring voices of James Marsdenand, Russell Brand and Kaley Cuoco. Lawn chairs and well-behaved pets are welcome. Tonight’s movie is “Hop.” 9128 Strada Place, Naples. (239) 594-9400. www.mercatoshops.com.

16 Wednesday 9:00 AM. Upcycle Art Fest. Activities will include artist exhibits of recycled material, an art sale, a silent auction for an exclusive piece fashioned by Andrew Corke specially for the event, make-and-take crafts for kids and adults, and environmental slide presentations. 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel Island. (239) 292-0566. dingdarlingsociety.org.

10:00 AM. Mom’s Appreciation Day. Moms, enjoy a coupon for a free drink and treat from Le Macaron while your kids enjoy a free craft in MundoFox Playland. 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. (239) 948-3766. www.miromaroutlets.com.

17 Thursday 4:00 PM. Easter Bunny Creations at Naples Regional Library. Join in and create towers and buildings using marshmallows and other Easter candy. Take home your creation to enjoy. No registration required.

650 Central Avenue, Naples. (239) 262-6853. public.collier-lib.org.

5:30 PM. Eggstravaganza at Immokalee Branch Library. Spring has sprung. Join us as we create a variety of Easter and spring crafts for you to take home. Then we will have our very own Easter egg hunt. 417 North First Street, Immokalee. (239) 657-2882. public.collier-lib.org.

7:00 PM. PFLAG Naples Support Meeting. PFLAG (Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is a parent and family based support group for families with gay or transgender members. Please call (239) 513-4568 for location and program.

7:00 PM. Newsboys. Live concert featuring Newsboys, 7th Time Down and Rapture Ruckus. 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. (239) 335-0457. www.germainarena.com.

8:00 PM. The Music Man. March on over to Broadway Palm for The Music Man playing April 17 through May 24, 2014. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees.

The theatre features an upscale dinner theatre experience on Saturday nights. 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft. Myers. (239) 278-4422. www.

BroadwayPalm.com.

18 Friday Naples Players Youth Theatre

10:00 AM. Easter Scavenger Hunt. Families can enjoy searching out the wild answers to an Easter Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a Family or Grandparent Zoo Membership. Naples Zoo, 1590 NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. (239) 2625409. www.caribbeangardens.com.

1:00 PM. Paracord Bracelets and Snacks at Bonita Springs Library. Join the group at the Bonita Springs Library to learn how to create a paracord bracelet. All supplies and food are provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Bonita Springs Public Library.

26876 Pine Avenue, Bonita Springs. (239) 992-0101. library.lee-county.com/services/ locations/BN/pages/default.aspx.

Parks, including Everglades National Park.

40001 State Road 9336. 305-242-7700. www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/directions. htm.

9:00 AM. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.

Kids are invited to come have breakfast and meet the Easter Bunny. Fun, games and photo opportunities abound for families at the Restaurant Piazza. 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. (239) 948-3766. www.miromaroutlets.com.

6:00 PM. Beer Tasting and Live Music at Whole Foods. Drop by Whole Foods for beer tastings in the Café and Lifestyle Center the 3rd Fri. of every month. This month sample tons of different beers, including select seasonal beers. Vendors will be on-site to answer questions and offer recommendations.

9101 Strada Place, Naples. (239) 552-5100. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/naples.

9:00 AM. Easter Eggstravaganza at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Chuch. Activities include a family breakfast, age-appropriate crafts and pictures with the Easter Bunny followed by the Easter story and of course an egg hunt. Located at 1255 Piper Blvd. , Naples. Check www.vpcnaples.org for additional information. No reservations required, but make sure to bring your Easter basket!

19 Saturday Call for time. Kids Archery. Kids Archery with all equipment provided. Held at Bass pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers. (239) 461-7800.

9:30 AM. Peter Cottontail’s Garden Party.

Spring has sprung. Let’s get together. We’ll play and we’ll run, come to the park and we’ll have a lot of fun. We’re having a garden party. Join us for some fun games, treats, and a Spring craft. 6231 Arbor Rd, Naples. (239) 363-9669. colliergov.net.

Call for time. National Parks Free Admission. Free admission April 19-20 to National

10:00 AM. Earth Day Festival. You’re invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of

Conservancy of Southwest Florida during an Earth Day festival. 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.

10:00 AM. Eggs-stravaganza. Prizes and other activities such as face painting and create an Easter craft to take home. Bring your own basket for each child. Egg hunt begins at 11:30am. 321 North 1st Street, Immokalee.

(239) 657-4449.

10:00 AM. Easter Eggstravaganza. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance and be available for photos while kids have their faces painted and create an Easter craft to take home. Bring your own camera to take a picture with the Easter Bunny. 3390 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. (239) 348-7500. colliergov.net.

10:00 AM. Children’s Spring Festival.

Free Easter Egg Hunt. Activity armband $10 for bounce house, giant slide, pony rides, live music, games, arts and crafts. Photos with Easter Bunny $5. 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island. (239) 472-2155. www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net.

10:00 AM. Earth Day at the Refuge. Free day of family environmental activities including giveaways, earth crafts, guided tours, family story-times, free bicycle use, plein-air artists and other environmental activities. 1

Fun – Safe - Educational

Teen SCUBA Camp The Scuba Outfitters Teen SCUBA Camp is the best way for teens ages 10 to 17 to earn their PADI Jr. Open Water SCUBA certification. They will enjoy learning to Breathe and Maneuver underwater in our onsite indoor heated pool. Finally, they finish off their new adventure by diving on the Amazing Coral Reefs in Beautiful Key Largo, FL. June 10 – 15, 2014 June 24 – 29, 2014 July 8 – 13, 2014 July 22 – 27, 2014 August 5 – 10, 2014

1949 Davis Blvd.

Naples, FL. 34104

(239) 280-5500 Info@ScubaOut.com

June 16 – 20, 2014 July 14 – 18, 2014 August 11 – 15, 2014

www.ScubaOutfittersNaples.com/product/kids/

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Seal Team SCUBA Camp The Scuba Outfitters Seal Team SCUBA Camp is designed for future divers ages 8 to 11. Our PADI Seal Team SCUBA Camp provides a structured program that lets kids develop SCUBA skills, learn about the aquatic environment, and have a lot of fun. This is also an excellent way to introduce kids to Scuba Diving prior to their full PADI Open Water Diver certification.

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Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. (239) 292-0566. dingdarlingsociety.org.

11:00 AM. Royal Scoop 20th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Games. A mad dash for over 30,000 candy filled eggs. Traditional relay race games, no-hands ice cream eating contest and more. Free for kids up to age 10. 15 8th Street, Bonita Springs. (239) 992-2000.

1:00 PM. Easter Jamboree. Hop on by The Village to take complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny, enjoy arts and crafts and bring baskets to collect eggs from merchants.

4200 Gulf Shore Blvd North, Naples. (239) 261-6100. www.venetianvillage.com.

1:00 PM. Easter Cookie Decorating. Decorate fun shaped cookies for Easter in MundoFox Playland. 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero.

(239) 948-3766. www.miromaroutlets.com.

1:00 PM. Art Projects at the Bonita Springs Library. Come out to the Bonita Springs Library for hours of fun. Everyone will have a blast making art projects to take home with paint, material, glitter and anything creative.

26876 Pine Avenue, Bonita Springs. (239) 992-0101. library.lee-county.com/services/ locations/BN/pages/default.aspx.

1:30 PM. Pups ‘N’ Books at Headquarters Library. Stop by to read to a dog or just to pet one. Dogs provided by PAWS Assistance and

Therapy Dogs. All ages. Registration is not required. 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples.

(239) 593-0870. public.collier-lib.org.

6:30 PM. Easter Egg Hunt & Movie Night.

It’s time for a new twist to a beloved holiday tradition. Hunting Easter Eggs in the dark.

POpen to children ages 4-9 yrs. Bring a flashlight and Easter basket. Children are divided into age groups with the youngest starting their hunt first. 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. (239) 252-4180. colliergov.net.

21 Monday 9:30 AM. Baby-Parent Rhyme Time at South Country Regional Library. Be prepared to tickle, jump and fly with your baby.

These rhymes and songs are for infants, up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult.

Registration req. 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. (239) 479-INFO (4636).

23 Wednesday Call for time. Fort Myers Beach Film Festival. Abundant and entertaining reasons

for families and friends to visit Fort Myers Beach in late Spring for some of the best films and weather anywhere in the country.

April 23-27. www.visitfortmyersbeach.com.

24 Thursday 11:30 AM. It’s an Orange Aardvark.

Book reading and activity at Barnes & Noble.

5377 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. (239) 597-2040. bn.com.

6:00 PM. 2014 Chefs Cooking For Kids.

A benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. Held at The Club at Grandezza.

Tickets to the event are $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. The “Top Chef” culinary extravaganza will feature top local chefs who will showcase their culinary specialties as well as cocktails, music, silent and live auctions and camaraderie benefiting a great cause. Call 855-501-BIGS for information. www.bbbssun.org

25 Friday 4:00 PM. Easter Egg Hunt at Naples Regional Library. If you find an egg on our west side patio or lawn, you get to keep the treats inside. Open to all ages. 650 Central Avenue, Naples. (239) 262-6853. public. collier-lib.org.

• Highly Educated Instructors • Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Modern • Competition & Performance Opportunities Available • Ages 2-18 • Enroll early to reserve your spot • See our website or call the studio for more information

SUMMER CAMPS NOW AVAILABLE

5610 Yahl Street, #10 Naples

(239) 513-6999

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DISCOVER SUMMER GREATER NAPLES YMCA SUMMER CAMP 2014 SUMMER CAMP BEGINS JUNE 9 Fun Themes Each Week Tennis Canoeing Low Ropes Course Arts & Crafts

Outdoor Recreation Youth Sports/Karate Swimming New Friendships Sibling Discounts & Scholarships Available

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Early Bird Discount Ends May 9, 2014!

Register Today at greaternaplesymca.org or call 239-597-3148 GREATER NAPLES YMCA 5450 YMCA Rd, Naples, FL 34109 P 239 597 3148 W greaternaplesymca.org NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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For Boys and Girls ages 5-12 neafamily.com

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26 Saturday Call for time. Tamiami Trail Celebration.

Celebrate the 85th anniversary of the completion of Florida’s Appian Way with a motorcade of antique autos, and a day of educational programs and activities in Everglades City.

105 Broadway West, Everglades City. (239) 695-0008. evergladesmuseum.org.

6:00 AM. Balloons Over Paradise Festival.

Two-day festival features 60 hot air balloons that will ascend daily at 7 am. Food, arts & crafts, tethered balloon rides, classic car show, dog agility performances, a polo exhibition and an equestrian drill team performance.

Free admission. 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee. (239) 658-1313. www.seminolecasinoevents.com. Also held Sunday, April 27.

10:00 AM. Kids Day. Kids from toddlers to twelve are invited to participate in fun activities near MundoFox Playland. Kids’ crafts, a face painter, a free slice of pizza and a coupon for a free FroYo. 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. (239) 948-3766. www.miromaroutlets.com.

10:00 AM. 1000 Books Before Kindergar-

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ten Event with Pete the Cat at South County Regional Library. This event celebrates reading with stories, songs and activities featuring Pete the Cat, who will make a guest appearance during the program. Registration is required. 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero.

(239) 479-INFO (4636).

27 Sunday 10:00 AM. Taste of Collier. Taste Of Collier, a long-standing Naples tradition, is an afternoon of family fun featuring live performances by area musicians, the crowd-pleasing ice-carving contest, chef’s competition and of course, savory samples. Corner of GoodletteFrank Rd and 5th Ave South, Naples. (239) 272-1907. info@napleschamber.org.

2:00 PM. Free Concerts at the Bandshell.

Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park. 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. (239) 213-3058. www. naplesgov.com/index.aspx?NID=576.

4:00 PM. FGCU Chamber Choir Free Concert. The ensemble will present pieces

by Byrd, Brahms, and Bruckner, as well as

contemporary American composers such as Morten Lauridsen, Daniel Pinkham, and Blake Henson. Admission is free but there will be a freewill offering. 6000 Goodlette Road North, Naples.

28 Monday 10:00 AM. Music Together at South County Regional Library. A relaxed, playful environment where parents and kids can share songs, play instruments and learn rhythm patterns. Sponsored by the Friends of South County Regional Library. Registration is required. Please be on time. 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. 239- 479-INFO (4636).

29 Tuesday 3:30 PM. Candy Sushi at Golden Gate Branch Library. Spring has sprung! Join us as we create a variety of Easter and spring crafts for you to take home. Then we will have our very own Easter egg hunt. 2432 Lucerne Road, Naples. 239-252-4542. public. collier-lib.org.

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Summer 2014-Harnessing Our World-A Child's How-to Guide to Life Camps running in June and July

Infant • Toddler Infant •Toddler Children’s House Children’sHouse Elementary Elementary

Call 239-597-2255 or visit our website at www.naplesmontessori.org

Now Enrolling

License #C20CO0026

2659 Professional Circle, Suite 1118 Naples, Florida 34119

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2400 Immokalee Road, Naples, Fl. 34110

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Active Learning Video Game Creation and USA Chess Camp 888-65-CHESS

Summer Camp 2014

Directory

USA Chess camps are a great way for kids to learn the game in a fun and exciting environment.

The USA Chess staff is comprised of the finest children’s chess instructors in North America. Camp is co-ed for ages 5-16 yrs. Morning, afternoon and all day sessions are available. Visit www. activelearningcamps.com for further information and to register online. At the Video Game Creation Camps, children 8-16 create their very own video games. Camps are held at The Community School of Naples, June 23-27, 2014.

ATA Black Belt Academy (239) 593-5456 ATA Black Belt Academy’s summer camps are a great way for your child to learn how to demonstrate courtesy, discipline, integrity, focus, self-control, self-defense training, board breaking, fitness training, all while have a fun experience in a safe environment. Camp students must pre-register and place a deposit to reserve your spot. Each day will focus on a specific life skill and theme. ATA Black Belt is located at 2400 Immokalee Road, Naples. Check www. blackbelt4u.com for information.

Backstage Dance Academy (239) 566-3535 Weekly thematic five-day dance camps are designed for children ages 3-10 to explore dance in an environment that will nurture each child in a safe and progressive way. The structured, fun-filled and high energy camps will include multiple styles of dance, creative movement, arts & crafts, and other fun activities that will keep your dancer engaged and looking forward to the next day. Campers will be divided into 2 age groups; 3-5 years old and 6-10 years old.

Dancers will also develop their performance experience by presenting a short routine for their families on the last day of camp. Crafts, snacks and a camp t-shirt are included. Registration will begin mid-April. Stop by and visit the staff at 5400 Jaeger Road, Unit 1, Naples or visit www.naplessummercamp.com for information.

Camp Shalom & Camp Einstein (239) 455-3227

Get your kids excited about summer by checking out these awesome options for summer camp fun!

You’ll find the perfect camp for a week or the entire summer.

Plus, don’t forget to check out the details on our “Summer Camp Giveaway” on page 3.

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Camp Shalom is a fun-filled 7 week summer camp program for children ages two through five. Camp Einstein is an academic camp for children five through eight years old. Campers participate in water play, dancing, arts and crafts, performing arts, foreign language, and music. Each camp offers a seven week program with a new theme each week. Camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with flexible early pick up times and daily drop off programs. Email scohen@naplestemple.org for information.

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Cedar Montessori School (239) 597-7190

Children’s Montessori School (239) 593-6668

Cedar Montessori School offers two week summer sessions with options for either full or half day fun from June 3rd, 2014 through August 6th.

Each session will be themed based enriched with outdoor activities, water play, cooking, nature exploration, science projects and a continuation of focus on developing the child’s natural love of music and art. All day students will be provided an afternoon work session to facilitate and continue with their academic progress and development.

Summer session enrollment is open to all students’ ages 3 months – 3rd grade. Cedar Montessori School is located at 10904 Winterview Drive, Naples. To request an application, informational packet or tour of our campus, call 239-597-7190 or email office@cedarmontessori.org

Camps geared for science activities are available for both the primary ages 3-5 and elementary ages 6-9. Toddler programs ages 24 months-36 months are also offered during the summer months. Extended hours are available to campers from 8:30–4:30. Located at 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, www.childmont.com.

Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs (239) 495-8989 The Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs offers camps with a variety of themes, each designed to inspire creativity and encourage artistic exploration. Students enjoy painting, dance, theater, photography, digital animation, pottery and many other forms of art. Camps are divided by age and run weekly through August. Great scholarships ensure that every child can enjoy an artistic adventure this summer. Held at the new 30,000 Square Foot Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. www.artcenterbonita.org

City of Naples (239) 213-3020 The specialty camps will be held at many locations within the City of Naples and include camps at Lowdermilk Park, The Naples Preserve, Fleischmann Park, River and Anthony Park, The Norris Center and the Arthur L. Allan Tennis Center in Cambier Park and a variety of other locations.

Call Fleischmann Park at (239) 213-3020; River Park at (239) 213-3037; Norris Center at (239) 213-3058.

Collier County Parks & Rec (239) 252-4000 Collier County Parks & Recreation has been in the summer camp business longer than any other organization. Children have the opportunity to attend weekly or enjoy the entire summer. Campers will take nature walks, play games, make arts and crafts, participate in different sports, host guests from the community, as well as take weekly swim and field trips. www.collierparks.com.

Conservancy of SW Florida (239) 262-0304 x266 Award-winning Conservancy camps have been

expanded. Camp days are filled with fun nature exploration, crafts and games. For all summer camp information and registration visit www. conservancy.org/summercamp.

Dance Arts by Maria (239) 513-6999 Dance Arts by Maria, Inc. offers several summer programs tailored for all ages and levels of dance. Summer dance camps are for ages 3-12 and incorporate dance, arts and crafts, and activities, summer intensive programs are for the serious dancer and involve several styles of dance in an intensive atmosphere, and summer classes are offered for all ages and levels in all styles. Located at 5610 Yahl Street #10. Naples. www.naplesdancearts.com.

First Baptist Church of Bonita Springs (239) 992-2952 Agency D3 Vacation Bible School/Summer Camp is coming to Bonita Springs in June for all kids 4 years of age through 5th grade. The fun begins as early as 7:30 am and continues through 5:30 pm. Not only can your child experience Agency D3 VBS, but when registered for Agency D3 extended care, he/she will enjoy non-stop games, sports, crafts and more. Register today at www.fbcbonita.com or contact Kerri Hall, kerri.lynn.hall@gmail.com, for information.

Florida Karate Center (239) 254-0060 The Florida Karate Center will be offering full day summer camp to children ages 5-12. This camp is designed with the active child in mind or the child who needs to add more activity into

Florida Karate Center Presents

Naples #1 MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM & SUMMER CAMP Offering: • Full Day Summer Camp with Field Trips • Naples First and Best After School Martial Arts Program with Free pick up from local schools • Total sports development and fitness training • Safe, professional & productive environment • Adult Karate & Jui-Jitsu • Awesome Birthday Parties Naples Senior Wado Karate Instructor • Family & Corporate Discounts NEW OFFERING! aples Inferno Mixed ars in N e y 0 3 ting Martial Arts with Celebra Crafton “Blaze” Wallace

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Florida Karate Center

Naples Most Trusted Martial Arts Center

6634 Willow Park Dr #200, Naples, FL 34109 • www.floridakaratecenter.com

Teaching the Naples Community with Integrity Since 1983

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2014 Summer Camps Come aboard, discover science, take a journey, uncover treasures, or become an inventor!

KinderCamp 9am-1pm June 23-27 Pack Your Passport July 7-11 Happy Camper July 21-25 Imagine That Grades 1 & 2 9am-5pm July 14-18 Earth’s Hidden Treasures July 28-Aug.1 Best of C’mon Grades 2 & 3 9am-5pm July 7-11 Cool Chemistry July 21-25 Movie Masters Grades 3 & 4 9am-5pm June 23-27 The Final Frontier July 14-18 Maker Lab July 28-Aug.1 Best of C’mon

Registration required: (239) 260-1600 education@cmon.org www.cmon.org

15080 Livingston Rd. Naples 34109 (located in the North Collier Regional Park - 1.5 miles from I75)

NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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SUMMERDANCE 2014 This summer we’ll offer weekly thematic five day

dance camps for children Ages 3-10. Our structured, fun-filled camps will include multiple styles of dance, arts & crafts and other fun dance activities that will keep your dancer focused and leave them with happy memories and a wonderful summer experience. Crafts, snacks and a camp T-shirt are included. Each week will conclude with an In-Studio demonstration, so plan to bring your cameras!

3 hour

Camp 5 Day w as lo as

$99

Summer Ballet La Fille Mal Gardee (ages 10-12), August 4-8 Students will learn basics of La Fille Mal Gardee and its storyline, history, and other elements of this comical and sweet classical ballet.

Nutrition, anatomy and music theory concepts for young ages are incorporated through crafts and fun activities.

This is truly a ballet experience not to be missed!

Summer Dance Classes (ages 3-18) A four week summer session of our regular classes will be offered during the month of July.

Visit us online for a list of summer classes.

Start the Fun at www.naplessummercamp.com NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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5400 Jaeger Rd Naples, FL 34109

239.566.3535 neafamily.com

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their lives. Naples best instruction in martial arts, fitness kickboxing, wrestling & jiu-jitsu and fitness training. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Located at 6634 Willow Park Dr. www. floridakaratecenter.com Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (239) 514-0084 The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples offers a full week of non-stop play and learning. Campers from kindergarten to 4th grade can choose from 10 fun filled thematic camps throughout the summer. Activities keep kids moving, thinking and creating in ways that exercise not only their body, but also their brains. Summer camp takes your child’s Museum visit to the next level.

Sign up now–space is limited and camps fill up fast. Located at 15080 Livingston Road, Naples.

Gulfshore Playhouse (239) 213-3049 Young performers ages 7-13 will learn the creative and technical side of theatre while rehearsing and performing. Session held June 9-27 from 8:30 a.m to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday. Teens ages 13-18 will be introduced into the creative and business side of theatre in an acting intensive held June 9-20. Scholarships are available. Gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

Impact Martial Arts Naples (239) 596-1633 Impact Martial Arts will keep your kids active and engaged in tons of games, activities, and all-day fun. Children ages 5 and older (younger by permission) enjoy the huge indoor training area, and instructors lead them through obstacle

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course challenges, martial arts lessons, fun fitness exercises, dodgeball championships, arts and crafts, and so much more–all while constantly reinforcing the values of self control, respect, integrity, and friendship. Reasonable rates and family discounts available. Get more information online at www.ImpactNaples. Located at 5926 Premier Way, #128, Naples.

It’s Just 4 Dolls 239-431-7477 It’s Just 4 Dolls is offering a five different weeks of American Girl Doll Summer Camps, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. open to girls entering first grade and above. The cost is $125.00 per week. Camp includes activities and snacks, and space is limited to 12 girls, so sign up early. To register, call 239-431-7477. Located at 1485 Pine Ridge #5, Naples.

KidzAct Youth Theatre of The Naples Players (239) 434-7340 Four sessions of Summer Theatre Camps for students aged 4 through 18 are offered by KidzAct Youth Theatre of The Naples Players with a different curriculum for each session. Professional instructors hold morning classes in all aspects of theatre: acting, singing, dance and creative dramatics. Additionally, several fully-mounted productions are presented by the talented students during the summer. Scholarships available for all KidzAct offerings. www.naplesplayers.org.

KidsTek (239) 961-0935

year new and exciting themes have been added.

Students can now build robots, Star Wars spaceships, architectural wonders and an amusement park that will give their mini-figures the ride of their lives. Located at 10904 Winterview Drive, Naples. www.KidsTeklearning.com Montessori Academy of Naples (239) 597-2255 Children will have a summer of mystery solving, skill building, and fun at Montessori Academy of Naples. The program will be an eclectic mix of activities that ask and answer everyday questions like “how do you make paper or grow a plant,” or “how do you fly a kite or wash a car.” Areas of emphasis will be on fostering social grace and courtesy; developing practical and personal skills for both work and play; and encouraging scientific inquiry and experimentation. Each program will enjoy age-appropriate activities that reinforce the idea of building specific skills and knowledge. All programs are set in a prepared Montessori environment and incorporate an outside time each day, weather permitting.

Conveniently located just off Immokalee Road at interstate 75, next to Hodges University.

Naples Art Association (239) 262-6517x100 The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center invites children ages 5 to 14 to learn the “art” of enjoying summer break during its 16th annual ARTScool program, which runs from June through August at the center, 585 Park Street.

ARTScool offers more than 40 classes in painting, drawing, sculpture, clay modeling, photography

KidsTek LEGOs summer camp is back again. This

NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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d e r e f o Of

Als Specialty Camps Education • Art • Robotics Computer Design • Sports • Water Sports

$66

per week for full 9 weeks of Summer fun at Camp Collier!

www.collierparks.com • 252-4000 NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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Got Camp You Tube

Public Services Division Parks & Recreation

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and much more. www.naplesart.org.

Naples Botanical Gardens (239) 325-1356 Camp is open to ages 5 to 12 and runs from 8am to 3pm every day. All five-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten. There are seven weeks of themed camps available. Kids will have the opportunity to connect with the natural world through art, science, exploration and play. It is the perfect camp for budding scientists, explorers, horticulturists, and chefs. Located at 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Check www.naplesgarden. org for information.

Ocean Kids (239) 250-6508 Ocean Kids introduces skills such as CPR, first aid, and lifesaving necessary to help others in emergency situations. The program goal is to provide participants with a fun and educational introduction to surfing, snorkeling, skimming, stand-up paddle boarding, beach and marine-life knowledge, water and boat safety. Camp is held weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lowdermilk Beach, Naples.

Scuba Outfitters (239) 280-5500 Kids can learn to scuba dive this summer with Scuba Outfitters of Naples. Offering PADI Open Water Teen Camp for ages 10 -17 and PADI Seal Team Camp for ages 8-11. Classes and indoor heated pool sessions are held at Scuba Outfitters of Naples. Scuba Outfitters is located on Davis Blvd in Brookside Marina.

South Breeze Day Camp (239) 530-2999 Get ready for a summer full of fun, friendship, new skills, and memories to last a lifetime. At South Breeze Day Camp, each camp day is packed with an exciting array of activities.

Sports, creative and performing arts, nature and outdoor adventures, and spirited special event days…all provided in a fun filled supportive environment. Check www.southbreezedaycamp. com for information.

Sports CLUB (Sports Camp, Inc.) (239) 566-2582 Sports CLUB is offered at 5 convenient summer camp locations with a pay-by-day/week format.

The experienced Sports CLUB staff maintains an inventory of top quality equipment, supplies and games at all sites to go along with the wide variety of activities and field trips. At the Sports CLUB Center (3275 Pine Ridge Road) you’ll find a full gymnasium, gymnastics and the game zone room. Call or visit www.sportsCLUBnaples.org to learn more and register.

Summer of the Arts 239-263-2620 Summer of the Arts is a dynamic six-week summer program for The Minors (ages 18 months to four years) and The Majors (children ages five to nine). Your child will be a part of a warm and nurturing environment under the professional care of experienced, well-trained and qualified teachers. The goal of Summer of the Arts is to expose the children to the world around them through a fun-filled program where they get to experience the arts, music, culture, food, games,

LET’S GO CAMPING

bout Ask a chool es our Pr e Arts of t h a m . p ro g r

Summer

crafts and activities. While The Minors will stay on campus throughout the program, The Majors will also get to participate in exciting field trips.

The summer program runs from June 9 through July 18. Located at 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples.

Therapeutic Summer Day Camp (239) 963-7274 Open to ages 8-18, camp sessions are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. There will be 2-week intervals of social skills training, anger management and self-esteem skills, occupational therapy, speech therapy and more. Experienced, licensed clinicians will supervise the program.

WinShape Camps at North Naples Church www.winshapecamps.org Whether you like soccer, science, or anything in between, there is something for everyone at WinShape Camps for Communities. Your children can be a part of an adventure that combines sports, recreation, arts, Bible study and worship into one week. Open to children who have completed grades 1-6. Register at www.winshapecamps. org. Contact Marlene Foord at marlenef@nnumc. org or Cindy Bledsoe at cindyb@nnumc.org for information.

YMCA of the Palms (239) 597-3148 The Y is offering a limited number of specialty camps for kids ages 5-12. Must have completed Kindergarten. www.Greaternaplesymca.org.

2014

June 9 – July 18 Monday– Friday

9:00am– 3:00pm Extended care available

• Dynamic six-week summer program.

• Warm and nurturing environment.

• Experienced, well-trained and qualified teachers.

• Fun-filled exposure to the world outside home and school.

• Arts, music, culture, cooking, games, crafts and activities.

• Outdoor sports and water play.

• Friday challah-baking workshop and Shabbat celebration.

INOgResS THEchM ildren a rs For 4 yea ths to 18 mon

S AJOsR 5-11* e THEildM g a n re

For ch

* Exciting field trips for ages 5 to 11

To register for our incredible Summer of the Arts program, please call 239-263-2620 or visit License #C20CO0076

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voted #1 childcare two years in a row!!

www.naplespreschoolofthearts.com NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

3/24/14 6:55 PM

THEATRE TH HEATTRE E EDUCATION PRO PROJECT

ST R

student theatre artists in residence

Ages 7-12

SELF DEFENSE & FITNESS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

KIDS AGES 5&UP

CLASSES NOW ENROLLING!

Young performers will learn the creative and technical sides of theatre while rehearsing and performing their own production!

MON-FRI, JUNE 9-27 • 8:30AM-12PM • $350

• Healthy Snacks • Fun & Fitness • Dodgeball Championship • Bully Prevention

Child Safety & Martial Arts Classes

(239) 596-1633

5926 Premier Way #128 | Naples, FL 34109

www.impactmartialartsnaples.com

Ages 13-18

JUNE 9-20 • 2-5PM • $250

FOR MORE INFORMATION,

VISIT GULFSHOREPLAYHOUSE.ORG OR CONTACT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE @ 239.261.PLAY (7529)

TO REGISTER, CALL THE NORRIS CENTER AT 239.213.3049

Announcing Our 2014 Therapeutic

Summer Day Camp Open to ages 6-18 9:00 am to 1:00 pm 2 week intervals of: • Social Skills Training • Anger Managament/Self Esteen • Occupational Therapy (Brain Gym) • Interactive Metronome • Speech Language Therapy • Cogmed-working Memory Program • Fast Forward: Language and Phonological Development Program Exprienced, licensed clinicians including Audra Boxma, LMHC from the Center for ADHD, Behavior Change and Social Success, Lori Tinney, CCC-SLP of North Naples Speech and Language Services, and Julie McKenzie, OTR/L Occupational Therapist of Gulf Coast Pediatric Therapy

Call now to make reservations!

239-963-7274 NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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Children Learning Ultimate Balance Between Athletics, Academics and the Arts.

Open at 5 Convenient Locations!

Experienced Staff!

Field Trips!

Fun Themes!

ter B Cn eagnes 5-13 U L C s dre Spor t mp for chil er Ca

Summ

T learn m To more ore about registration, please visit:

www.sportsCLUBnaples.org

3275 Pine Ridge Road ~ Naples, FL 34109 ~ 239. 566. 2582 neafamily.com

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SUMMER CAMP

By Kimberly Carlson

KID TO KID

Advice from Seasoned Campers

W

hen we were kids, summer camp probably

meant something different to us than it does to our children.

For us (and by us, I mean those who lived up north!), camp meant camp: cabins or tents, canoeing, hiking, singing songs around a campfire, and general camaraderie.

Children today are much more active, much more schedule-oriented, and generally just busier. Consequently, the very dynamics of summer camp have changed.

Camps offered now are much more focused and detail oriented. There’s soccer camp, art camp, violin camp, space camp, leadership camp, paleontology camp, etc.

Plus, most kids don’t do sleep away camps. In the Naples-area, day camps are the norm both for children whose parents work and for those who have a parent at home.

But there are some things about camp that truly haven’t changed, like the general apprehension your son or daughter might feel the first time they attend camp. Here’s what seasoned camp veterans had to say to children that are going off to camp for the first time. The tips are every bit as valuable

for day camp attendees as for those who will be heading off to a sleep away camp for the first time.

Everyone Gets Homesick Some kids handle being away from home better than others. In a dorm room with 9 other campers, fourth grader Dakota Lopez recalls 2-3 kids that got homesick. “We felt bad for them, but we all tried to make them feel better. We brought them junk food and soda.” It’s a great opportunity for the kids that don’t get homesick to step up and show their sympathy, and their new friendship skills. And the ones that do get homesick learn just how much they can rely on their peers to get them through difficulties. It’s a great learning experience for all campers. “I didn’t like missing my mom,” said 10 year old Michael. “But when the

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Completed 1st-6th graders can enjoy the BEST WEEK EVER for only $196!

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Register at winshapecamps.org Contact Cindy Bledsoe cindyb@nnumc.org

USAChess Summer Chess Camps

Experienced instructors • Beginners thru Advanced Coed 5-16

Gamebuilder Video Game Creation Camps

Design and create a one-of-a-kind video game Coed 8-16 Intro to Video Game Creation • Kodu Video Game Creation

June 23th-27th The Community School of Naples Naples, FL

Chess • Intro • Kodu

888-652-4377 • www.activelearningcamps.com

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NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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kids cheered me up instead of teasing me, I felt better.”

Learn Something New As a sixth-grader, Elise Finlinson is a seasoned camper. She’s been attending summer camps since she was in first grade. “Camp is great because you get to explore things you wouldn’t get to do in school or learn about,” she says with a smile. Elise has found a new love of art that wasn’t cultivated during the school year, but has stuck with her since last summer’s camp. She has since expanded her knowledge and delved into different artistic mediums with the help of an art teacher she sees outside of school.

Dakota reminisced about the sketches she and her roommates were tasked with writing and performing at Soccer Camp last summer. “It was SO COOL!” she said. “We got to perform it in front of all the other campers and the coaches. That was the best part of camp.” It was also unexpected. She was expecting all things soccer.

But her favorite memory from Soccer camp had nothing to do with soccer.

Have Fun This sounds like a pretty straightforward bit of advice, but sometimes children need to be reminded to have a little fun, lest they get caught up in the stress of the “new.” A new environment, new rules, new daily activities and routines. “I love camp!” says five year old Anna Finlinson. “I don’t ever miss my mom because I’m too busy having fun.” Anna attended Princess Dance camp last summer, and is looking forward to “more and more and more camp” this summer. “I didn’t think I would like the hiking, but it ended up being pretty cool” said Michael.

Don’t Be Shy One of the best parts about summer camp is the ability to “make new friends,” says Dakota Lopez, a fourth grader. “Some of them I’m still friends with from last summer’s soccer camp.” Every child I asked had the same bit of advice right from the start: don’t be shy.

“Camp only lasts a week, and if you wait until the last few days of camp to make friends, you’ve missed out on half the fun” says Elise.

Regardless of the type of camp you and your children have chosen, make sure they make the most of it. It will go by faster than either one of you expect. If your child can embrace the opportunities presented before him, he will have a much more enriched experience. Elise says that “summer camp is much cooler than regular school because although we’re still learning stuff, we’re not stuck behind a desk all day.”

Even Michael, who was the most apprehensive about attending summer camp, says he would “do it again” this summer. He found confidence and security in knowing he can rely upon himself, and trust in his peers to help him if he feels homesick. “Riding horses was pretty cool too,” he proffered.

While summer camp may only last a week or so, the memories really do last a lifetime. See for yourself: ask any child you know about their summer camp experiences and you’ll see their faces light up with the memories. Have your first time camper talk to other children that have already attended. They are more than willing to share their experiences and their energy and excitement about it can be quite contagious!

Kimberly Carlson is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting topics for a variety of local and national publications.

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4630 Pine Ridge Rd 239.455.3227

Camps begin June 9th Early pick-up available Flexible camp hours neafamily.com

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LITTLE PEOPLE’S SCHOOL • For 2-5 year olds

is happy to introduce a complete

Children’s Birthday

Package!!!

Top Rated VPK • Preschool Classes Summer Camp www.LittlePeoplesSchool.info 868 94th Ave. N, Naples (239) 597-5064

CHILD CARE SERVICES We will furnish:

Play and Education

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

Masters Degree CPR, First Aid Certified

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

Thank you!

(239) 793-4999 www.coralcaygolf.com

The Picture Perfect Party Place for All Ages Birthdays, showers, special events, or nights out shared with friends. For 14 years Earth & Fire has been the place to have fun, enjoy great company, and create memories. Now, it’s better than ever! Call us for details or reservations today.

239-261-6658

earthandfire-naples.com Ceramics, painting, glazes, gifts & more 794 Broad Ave S in Naples

German School Ft. Lauderdale

Saturday School Branch for Naples / Ft. Myers German classes for native speakers and foreign (954) language 288- classes for 7599 all ages www.germanschoolfl.com

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Hour/Day/Overnight

Ms. Lorel 514-5099

2205 E. Tamiami Trail Naples, FL 34112

of

Clean driving and FBI record

SWIM LESSONS Group/Private/ Your Home or Mine

Red Cross Instructor Lifeguard/CPR/1st Aid Infant to Adult Specializing in frightened swimmers

—25 years experience— Collier County References Available

239-465-8602

Windmill Creek A c a d e my Voted “Best Child Care” FIVE Years in a Row! Music Time Computers Playground Open 7 - 6 1000’s of Books VPK Certified

(239) 434-5439

www.windmillcreekacademy.com

ABC Swim School Survival Swimming for Babies & Toddlers

6 months old to 6 years old • One-on-one instruction

239-272-0529

www.abcswimschool.com PediaSwim & WSI/CPR certified

Kristi-Leigh Lyon

Speech-Language Pathologist

Music Together of Naples

Pediatric Communication Intervention and Support Diagnostic Evaluations Therapeutic Intervention Family Training Home/Community-Based (239)

253-1290

Early childhood music & movement classes for children and the grown-ups that love them.

239-597-7778 musictogetherofnaples.com

NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

3/24/14 10:34 AM

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NEAPOLITANfamily • April 2014

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the best of

BEACH, GOLF AND TENNIS

New Listing Old Naples New Construction

$2,890,000

This 4 BR + Study + Bonus Room/4.5 BA pool home is offered for under $800/sq. ft.

Classic Old Florida style custom residence with anticipated completion date at month’s end.

Enviable location with easy access to the beach, restaurants, shops, plus golf views with golf & tennis nearby! Call, email or text for features list, detail of finishes, floor plan, or to view in person!

Exclusively offered by Karen Coney Coplin, Realtor, 239.777.4093

Common Wisdom

Be kind to people and animals too. Laugh a lot. Just tell the truth.

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon. Clean up your own mess. Wish upon a star. Please your dentist and floss your teeth. Read a good book – or two (and read to a child!). Good health is priority #1. Lend a hand. Give blood. Call your mom and dad, or kids. Take the dog for long walks and smile at who you meet. Be a friend. Don’t drink and drive. Let art color your life. Be gentle with the earth. Cut the drama and don’t go to extremes.

Never look back unless you are planning to go there. Be thankful.

“Spring cleaning a house is easy.

Spring cleaning your life is hard.”

-Author unattributed

And...when selling or buying real estate in Naples and surrounds, call upon KAREN CONEY COPLIN for WELL-INFORMED, RESPONSIVE & ENTHUSIASTIC service.

Karen Coney Coplin, Realtor Direct: 239.777.4093 Email: NaplesKCC@gmail.com

Happily celebrating my 20th year as a Naples real estate professional!

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Award-winning Realtor. Award-winningNEAPOLITANfamily service. • April 2014

3/22/14 2:09 PM