Neapolitan Family 2019 August Digital Issue

August 2019 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Surviving the Rainy Season in SWFL Get Ready for Back to School Picture Your Kid on Our Cover!

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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Neapolitan Family Magazine Presents the 2019-20

Cover Kids Contest We are excited to announce this year’s Cover Kids Contest will be held at the studio of Avant Garde Photography on Saturday, September 14 .

We will choose the finalists, who will appear on a cover between November 2019 and October 2020.

Our cover photographer, Peggy Farren, will capture an image of each entrant.

Your entry fee entitles you to one free download of your child’s photo, as well as the chance for your child to be one of our cover models.

To guarantee your reservation, preregister at www.neafamily.com until August 31. Walk-ups will be accepted based on availability.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

Gold Sponsor

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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August 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . .

07

FROM THE PUBLISHER

08

FAMILY MOVIE PREVIEWS

12

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE

13

COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

15

CITY CONNECTION

19

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH

on the cover…

14 Back to School. Tips on how to help your kids succeed at school, and life.

by Angela Fisher 16 Hybrid Education. Some local private schools are combining the classroom with homeschooling.

by Anna Snyder 20 MOMentum Moms. Read how MOMentum Mom Torrie Heathcoat entertains SWFL on the stage and stilts as Way Too Tall Torrie.

22 Let Your Kids Run Wild. Free Forest School gets you and your kids outdoors for some wild fun, all for free.

by Anna Snyder 36 It’s Raining, It’s Pouring. What to do on rain-soaked afternoons.

by Sarah Lyons

Palesa Rose Stoneson, 7, is the daughter of Richard and Carol Stoneson of Naples, and is in third grade at Royal Palm Academy. She loves shopping with her mommy, traveling, and cooking. She plays violin and takes dance lessons.

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

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38 The Positive Side of Middle School. The awkwardness and mishaps of grades 6-8 will teach your kids valuable lessons.

by Christina Katz 40 Don’t Coach the Coach. Learn to control your emotions at your kids’ sporting events.

by Cheryl Maguire 42 Destination: The Swag. A rustic retreat in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina that features daily surprises for your family and your own personalized walking stick.

by Karen T. Bartlett

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

FRIENDS TODAY. CHANGEMAKERS TOMORROW. MAKE NEW FRIENDS? DISCOVER NEW PASSIONS? She’ll do all that and more at Girl Scouts!

Whether she’s exploring nature and the outdoors, expressing herself through art or music, designing robots or board games, or helping her community through service projects, she’ll have a blast as she earns badges in just about anything that piques her interest. Get ready, because she’s going to make the world a better place— today and for the next generation!

Join or volunteer today at www.gsgcf.org Registration events and other recruitment activities are designed to inform families about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts as well as explore ways for adults to volunteer. Find a registration event convenient for you to find out more!

Neapolitan Family Back to School Expo ‘19 Saturday, August 10, 2019 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Greater Naples YMCA (Gym) 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples, FL 34109

Back-to-School Troop Building Nights (Look for Girl Scouts in the cafeteria)

Corkscrew Elementary Tuesday, August 20 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Elementary Wednesday, August 21 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Tommie Barfield Elementary Calusa Park Elementary Thursday, September 12 Thursday, August 22 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.–7:45 p.m.

Osceola Elementary Tuesday, August 27 6:45 p.m.–7:45 p.m.

Vineyards Elementary Tuesday, September 17 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Collier Charter Academy Wednesday, August 28 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Sea Gate Elementary Wednesday, September 18 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Lely Elementary Thursday, August 29 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Big Cypress Elementary Thursday, September 19 6:45 p.m.–7:45 p.m.

Lake Park Elementary Wednesday, September 4 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Laurel Oak Elementary Tuesday, September 24 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Pelican Marsh Elementary Thursday, September 5 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Peace Lutheran Church (Fellowship Hall)

Thursday, October 3 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida • 800-232-4475 • customercare@gsgcf.org • www.gsgcf.org The hosting organization is neither endorsing nor sponsoring this event, product, or service; nor does it endorse the views of the sponsoring organization.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

BECOME A VOLUNTEER Five Easy Steps to Leadership Register as a member

Complete a Level 2 background check

Attend an orientation

Complete a Troop Pathway Training Course

Connect with all of the support and resources available to you

Congratulations! You’re now ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of leadership! neafamily.com

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

APPLE Accredited

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Gold Seal Recognized by the Department of

Children and Families 

Family Friendly Business Award Recipient

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Nationally Recognized Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Center & Gold Level Employer

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Two Year FACCM Center of the Year Winner

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

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Parent workshops and trainings

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

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

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

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

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

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

EMAIL: Leanne.badham@outlook.com

A Mission of Naples United Church of Christ 6

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

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

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

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

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

THIS MONTH: Back to School

The dog days of a Southwest Florida summer usually are soaked daily with rain.

The days are hot, and the afternoon showers are spectacular. Summer camps and vacations are sadly ending, so there are a few precious days left to simultaneously prepare for the upcoming school year and enjoy the last days of summer break.

The BEST way to get excited for the school days ahead is to attend our annual Back to School Expo on Saturday, August 10 at the YMCA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about and sign up for fall activities, after-school care, area preschools and private schools, homeschool educational programs, tutoring options, and community resources. The kids will be entertained by our August MOMentum MOM Way Too Tall Torrie (page 20). They also will be able to get their faces painted, ham it up at the photo booth, meet Anna from Frozen, and enjoy all of the activities that each booth will offer.

Are you curious about homeschooling? Learn about several local homeschool hybrid programs on page 16, and then meet with different program representatives at the Expo.

If your entertainment budget for the summer is spent, why not try a Free Forest Hike with the family? We sent Anna Snyder and her daughter on this amazing adventure (page 22), and the feedback from her daughter was two thumbs up. Also, check our calendar for several free family movie events, and of course the free movies at Paragon, sponsored by Neapolitan Family. Then, head home and hunker down for our daily downpour, and enjoy some of the fun activities on Sarah Lyons’ rainy day list (page 36).

Welcome back!

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FAMILY MOVIES

Family Movie Previews for August team up with pigs Leonard (Bill Hader), his assistant, Courtney (Awkwafina), and techpig Garry (Sterling K. Brown) to forge an unsteady truce and form an unlikely super team to save their homes.

Other voice talents include: Leslie Jones, Pete Davidson, Dove Cameron, and Nicki Minaj.

PLAYMOBIL THE MOVIE Not yet rated In theaters 8/30 • For kids 6+

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 Rated PG for rude humor and action In theaters 8/14 • For kids 6+ The flightless angry birds and the scheming green piggies take their beef to the next level in the second installment of the Angry Birds franchise. When a new threat emerges that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger, Red (Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride), and Mighty Eagle (Peter Dinklage) recruit Chuck’s sister, Silver (Rachel Bloom), and

When her younger brother Charlie suddenly disappears into the magical, animated universe of Playmobil, Marla embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to bring him home. Setting off on an incredible journey through new and exciting themed worlds, Marla teams up with various strange and heroic companions, including: Del, a crazed food truck driver; Rex Dasher, a suave and fearless secret agent; a loyal and endearing robot; a hilarious fairygodmother; and more.

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN Rated PG for thematic material In theaters 8/9 • For kids ages 6+ Based on Garth Stein’s novel, which spent three-and-a-half years on the bestseller list, the film stars Milo Ventimiglia,

Amanda Seyfried, and the voice of Kevin Costner as Enzo, the philosophical dog who narrates the tale. Through his bond with his owner, aspiring Formula One race car driver Denny Swift, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition and understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack also can be used to successfully navigate the journey of life. The film follows Denny and the loves of his life: his wife, Eve, their young daughter Zoë, and ultimately, his true best friend, Enzo.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

prepare Dora (Isabela Moner) for her most dangerous adventure ever – high school.

Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots (her best friend, a monkey), Diego (Jeff Wahlberg), a mysterious jungle inhabitant (Eugenio Derbez), and a ragtag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents (Eva Longoria, Michael PeĂąa) and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost city of gold.

FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action and violence, suggestive material, and some strong language In theaters 8/2 • For kids 12+

DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD Rated PG for action and some impolite humor In theaters 8/9 • For kids 6+ Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could

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As the first expansion of The Fast and Furious franchise, the movie takes fans down a new road as Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) forge an unlikely partnership that provides fresh insight into their backstories. When cybergenetically enhanced anarchist Brixton Lorr (Idris Elba) gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever – and bests Hattie (Vanessa Kirby), a brilliant and fearless rogue MI6 agent who

just happens to be Shaw’s sister – these two sworn enemies will have to partner up to bring down the only guy who might be badder than themselves. The film also stars Cliff Curtis as Jonah Hobbs and Helen Mirren as Deckard and Hattie’s mother, Queenie Shaw.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

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NTRC Launches Operation Stride Program For Military Families

N

aples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) is working to reach 50 veterans and their families through Operation Stride, a tailored equine-facilitated program.

The program will launch with a veteran-only session on Thursday, Aug. 8 and a family session on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Both sessions will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center at 206 Ridge Drive and conclude with time for refreshments and camaraderie among the veterans and their families.

“We are excited to expand our proven equine groups to support the unique needs of the local veteran population,” said David McKenzie, NTRC program director and a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army. “Our goal with Operation Stride is to destigmatize veterans participating in therapeutic services and encourage more veterans to connect to an array of needed mental health options in an environment that is welcoming, social, and therapeutic.”

Operation Stride promotes reintegration and skills development. The horsemanship workshops encourage veterans to use the talents developed during their service as they transition back to civilian life and the workforce. During the sessions, veterans work directly with horses while engaging in a group process to overcome obstacles.

NTRC provides therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-facilitated group services to children and adults with special needs.

For additional information, email program@ntrc.org or call 239-596-2988.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

Meals of Hope Adds Two Weekly Mobile Food Pantries

N

ew locations have been added for mobile food pantries offered by Meals of Hope. The two new spots bring Meals of Hope weekly mobile pantry sites to six.

One of the new mobile pantry sites is at East Naples Community Park at 3500 Thomasson Drive in Naples will operate on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. The other mobile pantry will be located at Max A. Hasse Community Park at 3390 Golden Gate Boulevard West in Naples on Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m.

Other mobile pantry locations include the Greater Naples YMCA, Lely Presbyterian Church, River Park Recreation Center, and Golden Gate Senior Center.

Anyone who needs assistance is welcome to choose from a varying selection of food offered, including frozen meat, fresh produce, and canned goods. Attendees are reminded to bring identification and bags to carry food.

Meals of Hope provides a total of 13 food pantries throughout Collier and Lee Counties to distribute food to approximately 1,000 families, seniors, and veterans each week. Additional services and summer meal programs serve more than 10,000 Southwest Florida residents each month.

To donate food, sponsor a meal packing event, or volunteer, email info@mealsofhope.org. For more information, visit www.mealsofhope.org or call 239-537-7775.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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

Accepting applications for enrollment now!

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

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COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Jennifer Kupiec

Get a Head Start on Back-to-School Paperwork

S

ummer break is coming to an end here in Collier County.

It’s time to pack up the sunglasses and beach towels and trade them in for school supplies. For parents who may not have gone shopping just yet, school supply lists may be found on your child’s school website, along with dress code information.

Aug. 13 is the first day of school for Collier County Public Schools (CCPS). To ease some of those first-day jitters, we have plenty of Meet the Teacher events, Open Houses, and Curriculum Nights ahead. To view the schedule broken out by school, visit www.collierschools.com and take a look under the District Announcements area. Also helpful on our website, parents are able to export the Academic Calendar directly to their phones. From the home page, click on the Calendar icon located in the green navigation bar. (Tip: It has the number “31.”) On the following page, click the Export icon, located near the top right. You can then select the date range you wish to export. Voila!

For those who are familiar with the first day of school, you know we’ll be sending home plenty of paperwork to be reviewed and completed. Why not get some extra credit and start early?

CCPS will be sending an email two weeks before school urging you to visit the CCPS Portal (www.collierschools.com/portal) to update your contact information (phone and email), opt in to text messaging (should you wish to do so), and acknowledge some important paperwork. If you complete the information online, you won’t need to worry later when everyone is busy adjusting to the new school schedule.

There is one very important piece of paper that is not online and will be coming home the first day of school – the Annual Student Emergency Information Form. You’ll want to complete this form and return it to the school as soon as possible, preferably the next day. It ensures that we are able to reach you in the event

of an emergency and have the most current medical information for your child.

Some other things you’ll see: the 2019-20 Academic Calendar/ Family Organization Station and the Social Emotional Learning Guide. These two resources are sure to be valuable in planning your schedule and supporting your child’s social and emotional needs.

If you haven’t already, now would be a good time to start instilling a proper bedtime routine in preparation for school. Getting to bed early and having enough rest will ensure your child is bright-eyed and ready to learn upon arriving at school.

Enjoy the remaining days of summer, and know that we are looking forward to welcoming you, our #CCPSFamily, back on Aug. 13!

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

By Kristine Gill

Hands Off Your Phone in School and Work Zones B y now we’re all familiar with the new texting and driving law that recently went into effect in Florida.

Back in July, texting while driving became a primary offense, meaning deputies can now pull you over for this behavior and issue a $113 ticket. In the past, deputies could not stop you simply for texting. Motorists had to be stopped in conjunction with another infraction, such as running a stop sign or failing to maintain a lane.

The new law is cracking down on a behavior that we all know is dangerous, and following this law ensures that we keep our students and families safe here in Collier County.

But beginning in October, the state will go one step further. That’s when a second law goes into effect throughout Florida, designating school and work zones as hands-free zones.

As it stands now, you are allowed to handle your phone while driving to make calls, access pertinent weather information, and use navigation apps. But beginning in October, even those permitted uses will be banned in school and work zones.

That’s because these zones are already riddled with potential hazards, and the use

of your phone in these places is an added distraction.

By following the new law, and preparing for its enforcement later this year, we’ll make Collier County an even safer place for our students to attend school.

And you can start now by following the new rule before it goes into effect. Tell your friends and family members, too.

In addition to patrolling for this infraction, our deputies will continue to

conduct school bus safety details. These details involve citing drivers for passing a stopped school bus while children are getting on and off. Remember, if you see a bus with its stop sign extended and its lights flashing, you need to stop your car.

It’s easy to forget about school zones and bus safety after a long summer, but by reminding ourselves now we’ll ensure a great start to another school year.

tvsnaples.org tvsnaples.org

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL

W

By Angela Fisher, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida

5 Tips for Success in School and Life

hile preparing students for back-to-school success, parents also can help children of any age build skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom. Our educational system is programmed to teach hard skills like reading, writing, and math, but not always the “soft skills” such as common sense, punctuality, reliability, timely task completion, getting along with others, time-management, and more that are necessary to succeed in life. And, developing social-emotional skills is becoming more difficult as screen time is taking precedence over face time.

The family is the primary force in preparing children for school and life. Children whose parents are engaged with their schooling have better academic outcomes, and positive parental attitudes toward school improve children’s performance.

Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida provides educational opportunities for K-12 students in Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties, with a focus on the areas of financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Helping kids build a solid foundation in these areas at a young age is helpful not only for school success, but also lays the groundwork for success in future careers and provides the tools needed to thrive in a global economy.

As we plan for the first day of school, consider these five tips to help prepare children for success in school and in life: 1. Teach them about money. No matter what the age or income level, helping our youth develop strong money management skills is a critical step to enabling their financial independence and a more secure future. Before heading to the store for school supplies, talk about your shopping budget and help your children understand why we must plan for these expenditures.

School lunch is another great opportunity for parents to discuss finances – talk about the costs of buying lunch compared with bringing a homemade lunch.

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2. Set an example. The best way for children to learn good traits is to observe them. Children who see punctuality, reliability, and time management in adults they trust will model those behaviors.

Commit to leading by example, and whenever possible, give your children access to mentors beyond the family. Programs like Junior Achievement introduce children to successful business leaders who share real work experiences.

3. Help them focus. Children thrive on schedules, habits, and routines that offer security, and these also help them learn self-control and focus. Talk with your child about what to expect each day and help them organize their school and homework schedules. Make school-morning routines a breeze by establishing a regular place to keep all school necessities, and encourage after-school quiet activities like reading a book or completing a puzzle together so your child can slow down and focus.

4. Talk to them. Children need personal interactions every day to build healthy social and emotional skills. Talk with your children about their day and listen to them without distractions. Encourage them to

talk about their feelings and make observations about how others are feeling to build the ability to consider another’s point of view.

5. Allow them to make mistakes.

One of the most important traits we can develop is resilience – the ability to bounce back from failure and keep trying. Encourage your child to try new things and allow reasonable risk for failure. Focus on effort and perseverance rather than achievement.

When your child struggles with a project or activity, consider stepping back and letting her work through it herself. And, even though our schedules may be busy, don’t forget to set aside time for recreation.

Play is also how children formulate ideas, take risks, try out their ideas, and make mistakes.

Helping your children get ready for school is more than shopping for clothes and school supplies. It’s an opportunity to set the right tone for a successful future.

Use this time to help children understand that the education they are getting today will lead to a bright future tomorrow. It’s up to them (and us) to make the school year count.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT.

By Laura Tichy-Smith

Final Summer Flings

Enjoy summer with your family at these programs and events offered by the City of Naples Community Services Department and local organizations City Parks Summer Camps Continue Last-minute registration is still available for some city summer camps. Themes include nature, art, science, computers, athletics, sports, and performing arts.

With an astonishing variety of themes offered at nine park locations, you’re sure to find a camp to please every child in your household. While the camps are educational, your kids will be having so much hands-on fun they won’t even realize they are really learning. Camps run until school starts. For prices and more information, call 239-213-3020.

Outdoor Movie Night Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy a free movie on a two-story inflatable screen in Cambier Park. Captain Marvel will be shown on Aug. 9 at sunset. Call 239-213-3058. (755 8th Ave. S., Naples) Free Summer Jazz Concert Join the tradition of the once-a-month summer lawn parties the whole city loves as the Naples Beach Club Hotel hosts its Summer Jazz Series from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Aug. 17. You can bring folding chairs,

but you likely won’t be sitting much as you boogie to the dynamic sounds of Pocket Change. Food and beverages are available for purchase from the hotel.

Overflow parking at Lowdermilk Park.

Call 239-261-2222. (851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples).

Free Weekly Jazz Concerts The Naples Jazz Masters Band formed a few years ago as a year-round offshoot of the Naples Dixieland Jazz Band. It offers Dixieland jazz concerts at the Norris Center at 1 p.m. every Saturday in August.

Freewill donation requested. Call 239213-3049. (755 8th Ave. S., Naples) Back to School Bash Come to one last summer celebration before your kids’ school year starts. Shoot some hoops and do other fun things at the annual Back to School Bash held at Anthony Park from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 3. Call 239-213-3037. (1500 5th Ave. N., Naples).

Come On In, the Water’s Free!

The River Park Aquatic Center is open.

Featuring fun for everyone from tiny tot to

serious swimmer, pool admission is free for residents of Collier County. The kids will love the beach-like shallow end with play fountains, dump buckets, and water slide, while the grownups will enjoy the lap swimming exercise lanes and sunbathing deck.

Parents will rest assured their children are in good hands with the Red Cross certified lifeguards on watchful duty. Current hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday-Sunday 12-5 p.m. Call 239-2133040. (451 11th St. N., Naples).

Helping parents protect the ones they love the most 4500 Executive Dr. Suite 110-4 Naples, FL 34119 (239) 314-2353 NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

Estate Planning v Wills v Trusts v Families

www.albanislaw.com

Norell Albanis, Esq. neafamily.com

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EDUCATION

By Anna Snyder

Hybrid Education: Combining Homeschool and the Classroom

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or families interested in homeschool education but intimidated by all that is involved in the process, hybrid education may be the answer. Many families in Collier County and surrounding areas choose some form of homeschool education for a variety of reasons: athletic or performing arts schedule demands, religious or political convictions, or the desire to provide educational options tailor-made for their children’s interests, passions, and abilities. For those parents looking for some guidance and structure, there are several hybrid programs available locally.

What is hybrid education?

Hybrid education exists in a variety of forms. From formal, traditional classroom time to homeschool learning, hybrid education provides parents with a greater level of structure to guide their homeschooling. Typically, students spend a portion of the week

in a classroom setting, which often provides content and activities to direct the homeschool portion of learning. Each program available in Collier County offers a different ratio of classroom to homeschool time, which provides parents the opportunity to find a program that works best for their family.

Why hybrid?

“Hybrid education benefits students whose talents and passions hold equal weight to an education,” said Pamalea Baker, director of Progressive Pathways Academy in Naples. “It works well for competitive athletes as well as those students pursuing artistic talents. Students can travel down a parallel journey with a flexible schedule and flexible workload.”

Increased parental involvement also draws families to hybrid education, according to Darlene Thiele, director of SPARK Hybrid

Progressive Pathways Academy

Now Enrolling Middle and High School

2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples • 239-410-9999 www.ProgressivePathways.net

Providing Rich, Engaging, Rigorous Curriculum Focused on Academic and Personal Growth

Students Designing Their Path and Purpose in Education 16

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2 2 2 2 2 2

Personalized Education Path Integrated Curriculum Leadership Development Critical Thinking Confident Communication Skills Flexible Schedule to Accommodate Extracurricular Activities and Sports

3 Oaks Academy, dba Progressive Pathways Academy, admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

Education Center in Naples. “Students are surrounded by other motivated students, which inspires them to put more effort into their work. And parents feel more connected to their child because of the closeness of a smaller educational environment where they can get to know the teacher, other students, and families.”

At SPARK, students do not have phones or iPads in the classroom, and they have breaks outside every hour for physical exercise.

“Parents feel their children are in a safe, positive, and engaging environment, and kids get to be kids. When you reduce the fear of bullying, violence, drugs, negative social media, and peer pressure, students’ minds are freed up to learn,” Thiele explained.

Danielle Black’s daughter, Lyla, currently attends SPARK Hybrid Education Center in Naples. Lyla drove the decision, in spite of her mother’s apprehensions. “She began her campaign for home education in the fall of 2017,” Black said. “I thought, ‘No way. Not me. I cannot teach – especially my own child.’ To say she was relentless would be an understatement. Her reasons were valid enough. If she was finished with an assignment, she asked me, why couldn’t she simply move on? If she wasn’t finished, why did she have to put it away for later?”

During the holiday break in 2018, Danielle decided to pull Lyla from school and begin their home education journey. “The good news is, if someone is looking to embark on a home education program, there are a ton of options,” Black said. “I wanted Lyla to go to a classroom for her core subjects and then be able to fill in the blanks at home, complete homework, and participate in extracurriculars. I wanted material based on her abilities, not necessarily her grade level.” Ultimately, the Black family decided to partner with the SPARK Hybrid Education center. “The material is interesting, the kids brainstorm together, and they are free to express themselves through presentation, poetry, art, and writing, all while in a safe, respectful, and encouraging environment,” Black noted.

Local resources Many options exist for families in Southwest Florida searching for hybrid educational programs, which vary in terms of classroomto-homeschool time ratio, along with age and grade levels.

The Village School The Village School of Naples is an independent school for

prekindergarten through grade 12, and offers a homeschool extension program for middle and high school students in grades 6-12. Students may take core or elective classes, participate in The Village School’s athletics and performing arts programs, and engage in student life opportunities. Interested families may contact Cameron Steese, director of enrollment management. Visit www. villageschoolnaples.org.

SPARK Hybrid Education Center At SPARK (Students Pursuing Advanced Reasoning and Knowledge), students attend classes three days a week. The school was launched in 2015 in Naples when Darlene Thiele was approached by a group of homeschooling parents to provided classes for children she had tutored individually. “They found as their children got closer to middle school grades, subjects were getting harder to teach, and their children needed more group discussion,” she explained.

SPARK offers the core subjects of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and welcomes all students. “There were several homeschool groups providing Christian education, but these parent were not looking for religion to be incorporated into the classes,” Thiele said. “Therefore, SPARK is open to all families, whether they practice a particular faith or not, because it is not a requirement for registration or part of our curriculum.” Visit www. sparkofswfl.com.

Progressive Pathways Academy Progressive Pathways Academy in Naples provides an environment where the students help shape their educational journey. “Students choose their path in education; they have a choice in what topics they study, how they want to study the information, and how they want to present what they learned,” explained Pamalea Baker, Progressive Pathways’ director. “Our students take learning seriously, and they are responsible for their path and progress. Because of this, they become intrinsic learners: students who love learning and want to know more because they have a choice. Learning outcomes are assessed by both student and teacher.”

The responsibility is on the student. “Teachers are the ‘guide on the side,’ facilitating the learning process when needed,” Baker said. “Teachers work closely with the students to make sure Continued on page 18

Students Pursuing Advanced Reasoning & Knowledge Are you looking for an alternative to your child’s education?

Are you tired of bullying, state testing, and hours of homework?

Do you feel your child is not being challenged to his or her ability?

SPARK offers a 3-day-a-week program in the core classes using ability grouping and hands-on projects for active learning in a small, caring environment.

www.sparkofswfl.com • 239-989-4155 NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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Continued from page 17

students are transferring skills and strategies across subject areas. We practice goal setting, progress monitoring, and self-reflection.” Visit www.progressivepathways.net.

Be The Change Hybrid Academy Emily Johnson runs Be The Change Hybrid Academy (BTC), which opened in Bonita Springs in January and provides both classroom and online courses. “BTC Academy was founded to create a place for families to supplement their homeschool curriculum. We connect our brick and mortar programs to online programs. This allows children to physically be present in the academy, or they can be at home using our online platform to supplement their homeschool curriculum.”

BTC focuses on connecting local students with students from all over the United States. Students connect with their peers and find support for subject areas that may be challenging for parents to teach at home, Johnson noted. Visit www.thebtcacademy.com.

First Baptist Academy Home School Extension First Baptist Academy’s (FBA) Home School Extension program in Naples is designed for homeschool families seeking support in a Christ-centered environment. “Partnering with families, we offer a Home School Extension program (HSE) to help meet the spiritual, social, and educational needs of families who are dedicated to the full-time and rewarding task of educating their children primarily at home,” said Lindsey Touchette, First Baptist’s director of admission and development.

Founded in 2008, the HSE offers classes for students in grades K-12. FBA also allows students participating in the HSE the opportunity to participate in athletics. Visit fbalions.org.

Grace Classical Academy Grace Classical Academy is a full-time private school in Bonita Springs that offers a hybrid option. “GCA is a classical Christian school educating students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade,” said Emily Loveall, director of admission. “Our classical method of teaching provides an age appropriate education while exposing students to history, science, and classic literature.”

Students in the hybrid program attend school three days a week and complete the same lessons as the students who are in the classroom full time.

“Hybrid parents get to be hands on with their child’s education,” Loveall explained. “Our hybrid program is perfect for families interested in homeschooling but who don’t want the extra workload of lesson planning and grading papers.” Visit wearegca.com.

Classical Conversations Jami Coakley oversees the local chapter of Classical Conversations, a national homeschool curriculum. “Our families and students meet one day a week for instruction, and the other four days, our families complete work at home,” Coakley said.

She explained that parents often find Classical Conversations while exploring classical educational options, and “many fall in love with our program because of the community of support and encouragement available to homeschool families.” Visit www. classicalconversations.com.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH

By Dr. Angelique Meléndez-Blanch, Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida

How to Recognize and Deal With Bullying

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illions of children are victims of bullying each year. Parents often feel uncertain about what to do when their children are being bullied or when they are bullying others.

Bullying is aggressive behavior that occurs among children. For a behavior to be considered bullying, it needs to be aggressive, have an imbalance of power, and happen more than once or at least have the potential to reoccur.

Examples of bullying could be: attacking physically and/or verbally, threats or intimidation, spreading rumors, preventing or blocking access, or purposely excluding someone from a group.

People often think of bullying too broadly and may confuse teasing or other situations with bullying. What appears to be bullying may just be other ways in which children communicate and socialize with each other.

Signs your child is being bullied • Unexplained injuries; • Frequently feeling or faking feeling sick; • Refusing to go to school or to be in social situations; • Changes in eating habits; • Changes in sleep patterns or frequent nightmares; • Loss of interest in school or decline in grades; • Sudden loss of friendships; • Changes in self-esteem or moods, self-harm or self-destructive behaviors, talk of suicide; and • Belongings are often lost or damaged.

What to do • Let your child know that he is not alone and that you will be there for support. Help your child maintain or restore his confidence by participating in enjoyable activities, spending time with good friends and family, and reminding him of his great qualities.

• Encourage your child to stand up for herself by looking at the eyes of the bully and asking the bully to stop.

• Discourage aggressive behavior. We do not want to teach

children that problems are resolved with aggression.

• Teach your child to tell an adult about the situation, and make sure that your child understands that looking out for her safety is not tattling.

• Address the situation with a teacher, principal, or counselor.

Talk with them about a plan to monitor and resolve the situation.

Signs your child is a bully • Exhibits aggressive behavior, physical or verbal fights; • Demonstrates lack of empathy for others; • Blames others for problems or behaviors, lack of responsibility for own behavior; • Is overly concerned about reputation or popularity; • Has friends who bully others; • Is frequently sent to school office for discipline matters; • Brings home money or objects that are not his/hers; and • Is highly competitive.

What to do • Take action right away. Start by making sure your child is not being bullied as well, or is struggling with mood swings or low self-esteem. Always try to get to the root of the situation before reprimanding your child.

• Help your child take responsibility for his behavior and provide consequences that are related to the situation (e.g. suspend participation in sports if bullying is happening during these events).

• Help your child put herself in the shoes of the child that is being bullied, and to see the value in others. Also, discuss how bullying can affect others short- and long-term.

• If the bullying happens in school, discuss and support a plan to manage the behavior occurring with school personnel.

Children who are bullied, as well as those who are bullying others, may have lasting serious physical and emotional consequences.

Therefore, it is very important to take action as soon as possible to help our children thrive and prevent future major problems.

St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Make a Difference in Your Child’s Life…Join the Seton Family!

Excellence in Catholic Education in the Heart of Naples Since 1981

Academic, social and spiritual formation for PreK-3 to Grade 8 2730 53rd Terrace SW • 239-455-2262 • SaintElizabethSeton.com • facebook.com/SESCatholicSchool

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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MOMentum Moms

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Above and facing page left: MOMentum Mom Torrie Heathcoat. Facing page right: Torrie with husband Andy, daughter Rowan and son Ashton.

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any of you have met Way Too Tall Torrie at community events and birthday parties. When Torrie Heathcoat is not 8-feet-2-inches high on her stilts, the Southwest Florida mom of two enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy, a retired research analyst with the federal court, and their two children, Rowan and Ashton. Rowan attends FSW Collegiate High School, and Ashton appears to be following in his mom’s way-tootall footsteps by attending Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School in Fort Myers.

How did you become Way Too Tall Torrie? I graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and lived in the city for quite a few years. I have always loved performing and knew that was the path I wanted to be on. I auditioned for a company in Orlando: the Sports Magic Team. They were the entertainment for sporting events all over the country as well as Jimmy Buffet concerts. I thought it would be a fun way to see the country. I was hired (17 years ago), and they trained me to walk on stilts. Never in a million years was stilt walking on my radar and never did I think I would be owning my own stilt walking business.

What is something that would surprise us about you? I’m only 5-feet-2-inches tall – I’m really petite off my stilts. And I’ve only ever fallen twice in 17 years!

How did you spend the summer with your family? This entire summer my son is playing Chip in Beauty and the Beast at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre so we are exploring all sorts of fun activities in Southwest Florida. We paddleboarded with SeaLyon Paddle, loved the Nature Park at Shell factory, and our family favorite, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon.

Were you surprised that your children would follow you into musical theater? I wasn’t surprised at all that my son would love performing. He’s been exposed to the arts since he was little.

I always laugh that he knew who Stephen Sondheim was by age 3.

He shares the role (of Chip) with two other boys and that’s great! With 68 shows over the summer it’s been a nice balance. He loves being part of a great show with crazy talent but still gets to enjoy summer with friends.

Ashton also had a regular role as Beto on season 2 of Nickelodeon’s I Am Frankie this past year.

From first through sixth grade, my daughter performed in musicals all over Southwest Florida and absolutely loved it. But, she started finding new interests in seventh grade and now has her mind set on being an engineer.

It’s so much fun as a parent watching your child performing.

What is your favorite musical role? My favorite role has to be my first professional show. I played Martha in The Secret Garden on tour.

What is your favorite musical to watch? I do love Miss NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

Saigon, but my list of favorites is really long!

Have you performed in musicals in Southwest Florida?

Only one: Peter Pan at Cultural Park Theater with my daughter years ago. My business is so busy that I don’t have the time to commit to a show. Once I retire from stilt walking I’ll get back to the stage. I’ll be playing the crazy grandma.

What is your best parenting advice? My one thing I find myself saying a lot: it takes a village to raise kids. Parenting is hard, let’s face it! Ask for help, and be willing to help other parents out.

Even just an encouraging word. Over the years I’ll see a parent with a little one having a massive meltdown and just saying to them “We have all been there!” seems to make a huge impact.

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

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

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

little hands...BIG achievements

Toddlers 12 - 36 mos Primary 3 yrs to Kinder VPK 4/5 yrs NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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

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FAMILY FUN

By Anna Snyder

Let Your Kids Run Wild with Free Forest School

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o you have a burning desire (or overwhelming guilt) to get your little ones outdoors? Want to experience various natural Florida ecosystems in an unstructured environment (i.e., exchange the manicured median vistas for something a bit wilder)?

Are you searching for a free activity for the last bits of summertime that doesn’t involve yet another trip to the beach with the drama of its lingering, permeating, crevice-filling sand? Well, look no further than the Free Forest School of Southwest Florida!

Every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, groups of caregivers and children (ages 0-8; older siblings welcome) gather at various public lands to explore nature, take child-led hikes, and experience the outdoors. Led by volunteers, Free Forest School is a global organization designed to get children outside in an unstructured free-play environment. During the school sessions, the adults take a light approach, and children are given the reins to lead playtime and make decisions about the direction and speed that the group hikes on the trail.

My 4-year-old daughter, Windley, and I recently attended a Free Forest School session at Cullum’s Trail in Bonita Springs, which is held on Mondays at approximately 9:30 a.m., even in the 22

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hottest and most mosquito-filled months. The group’s Facebook page instructed caregivers to bring a shared snack, along with a packed lunch to eat at base camp after the hike at around 11:30 a.m.

As an only child with what some may call overprotective/ helicopter/controlling parents, Windley is persnickety about almost everything, including, but not limited to: relative comfort and appearance of her clothing, certain sensory experiences like walking barefoot, and sweating. You may (correctly) conclude that hiking on a hot summer’s morning proved challenging for my little one.

She was overly concerned by the poison ivy warning (given in a call and response-type rhyme prior to the hike). And, despite the attractive promise of child control over directional decisions, she stuck close to me, holding my hand and asking to be carried intermittently.

However, by the end of the morning, she was looking at centipedes through a magnifying glass, running around with the other young children under the heavy shade of an oak tree grove, and asking me for instructions on how to climb trees. After a 30-minute hike that took us along the Imperial River on Cullum’s Trail, NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

the group sat in the shade and listened to a read-aloud story, then searched for all manner of bugs, butterflies, and burrowing tortoises. The volunteer directors provided some structure (one brought homemade Play-Doh she dubbed “forest putty” for children to shape into various bugs and creatures), but mostly the children ran around exploring. By the end, we were sweaty, worn out, and – most importantly – excited about Florida wildlife.

Our local Free Forest School Southwest Florida chapter hosts events in Collier and Lee counties and has been operating for almost a year. It is managed completely by volunteers who advocate on the program’s behalf, manage emails and social media, educate any new interested adults who wish to lead their own sessions at a new location and time, facilitate weekly sessions, and lead a small activity during each session.

Parents should know that first and foremost, the Free Forest School is always free. Adults attending the sessions are required to sign a waiver, which can be done online and is also accessible from the chapter’s Facebook page. The Facebook page contains detailed information about each weekly session at the three locations. The volunteer directors currently are training and scouting trails for new facilitators willing to start leading sessions of their own at alternative days and times each week. One of the four volunteer directors in Southwest Florida, Brianna Marian, shared with me, “More available sessions means more children getting outdoors. More children outdoors means a healthier generation of children blessed with the opportunity to play freely in nature – where wellness, creativity, and imagination are nurtured. Our desire is to shape the future environmental stewards in our local community.”

Will this Florida-loving dirty-ish hippy go back for more?

Is the pope Catholic? (Of course!) And, in spite of her inevitable protests, I know my daughter will grow to love and appreciate our future attendance at the Free Forest School of Southwest Florida.

For more information and to sign up to attend a session, visit www.facebook.com/groups/FreeForestSchoolSouthwestFL or www.freeforestschool.org/free-forest-school-southwest-florida.

ANNA SNYDER lives in Naples with her husband and daughter.

They love to travel around Florida and are attempting to visit all 160 state parks. Anna loves to write, read, crochet, and run. Her goal each year is to read 100 books and run 1,000 miles. Anna writes about her family’s adventures on her blog: marriedtoafisherman.com.

www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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12:00 p.m. Sunday Programs. Come play with us on Sundays. Join us for a day of themed activities.

Included with price of admission. C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples.

Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org.

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8:00 a.m. STEAM Summer Camp. Join us for our full-day Science camp, or half-day Ukulele or Let’s Go Fishing: DIY Lures camps. Full STEAM Ahead, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Call 239-4513142 or check fullsteamaheadfl.com.

sunday

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tuesday

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10:00 a.m. Safari Squad: Things With Wings. Also Aug. 14 & 17. Birds, bats, and bugs, oh my! Discover many different types of animals that have wings, and how they use them.

Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples.

Call 239-262-5409 or visit napleszoo.org.

10:00 a.m. Way Down Deep. Also Aug. 8. Ages 18 months to 5 years.

Dive deep into our story and learn about the many sea creatures that roam the ocean. Then meet some of our sea creatures up close.

Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or visit www.conservancy.org. 6

August

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

Beauty and the Beast.

Select dates through Aug. 10. The classic tale is brought to life on stage.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check broadwaypalm.com.

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10:00 a.m. Preschool Program: Invasive Species of the Everglades (Part I).

This free program is for children ages 2-5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. Museum of the Everglades, 105 Broadway Ave. W., Everglades City. Check colliermuseums.com.

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8:30 a.m. Castles for Kids 2019. Enjoy fun under the sun, food, festivities, chance drawings, pirates, a visit by Moana, and more. Benefits C’mon.

La Playa Beach & Golf Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Dr., Naples. Call 239-5140084 or check cmon.org.

wednesday

7:00 p.m. Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo. Centers for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239495-8989 or check www. artcenterbonita.org.

4:00 p.m. End of Summer Celebration. Welcome back to the library. Shake off the school day with a fun treat. Ages 11-17 years. Registration is not required. Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check collierlibrary.org.

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6:30 p.m. Once On This Island Jr. Adapted from the Broadway musical, this Calypso-flavored tale follows one small girl who finds love in a world of prejudice. The Naples Players, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples.

Call 239-263-7990 or check naplesplayers.org.

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8:30 a.m. Pony Pals Club.

Riding instruction and curriculum, horse care, crafts, and games. Ages 5-17.

Providence Equestrian Center, 13731 E. Terry St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-948-7669 or check providenceequestriancenter. com.

10:00 a.m. Neapolitan Family Back to School Expo 2019. Free admission. More than 70 vendors with all of the information parents need to start the school year off on the right foot. Face painter, Way Too Tall Torrie, and more.

Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples.

Check neafamily.com.

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1 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Movies. Sponsored by Neapolitan Family. First come, first seated. Aug. 6-8, Captain Underpants. Paragon Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Check paragontheaters.com or call 239-596-0008.

9:00 a.m. Backpack Giveaway. Lipman Family Farms is giving away 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to elementary and middle school students. Free admission.

Immokalee High School, 701 Immokalee Dr., Immokalee. Check www. lipmanfamilyfarms.com or call 239-657-4421.

7:30 p.m. Mamma Mia! Teen. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship. The Naples Players, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples.

Call 239-263-7990 or check naplesplayers.org.

7:00 p.m. Les Misérables.

Local talented teens take to the stage at Gulfshore Playhouse during the Teen Conservatory production of “Les Misérables.” The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239261-7529 or check www. gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

3

saturday

friday

thursday

Best Bets

7:00 p.m. Homeschool Extracurricular Expo.

Learn about fine arts classes, martial arts, co-ops, clubs, private tutoring, community service, sports, and more.

Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Check www.homeschool-life.com.

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

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6:00 p.m. Girl Scouts Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and ways for adults to volunteer. Collier Charter Academy, 12101 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 800-232-4475 or check www.gsgcf.org.

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3:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. New location! Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Max A. Hasse Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Blvd.

W., Naples. Call 239537-7775 or check www. mealsofhope.org.

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11:15 a.m. Be a Biologist. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a biologist? Step into the shoes of our science and research team members as you learn about their current projects. Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org

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1:15 p.m. Ocean Discoveries. Step inside the cool and take a seat in front of the 5,000-gallon patch reef aquarium. Features the area’s only loggerhead sea turtle, a moray eel, and dozens of fish. Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy. org.

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1:00 p.m. Movie Matinee.

Dumbo (2019). Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

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11:00 a.m. Family Field Day. Get your family team together to play old-fashioned games like waterballoon toss, sack races, three-legged races, and more. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-8476 or check colliermuseums. com.

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5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’mon. For children on the autism spectrum and other sensory integration disorders. Lighting and sound muted. Cool down spaces provided. Registration is required. C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org.

6:00 p.m. Girl Scouts Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and ways for adults to volunteer. Corkscrew Elementary, 1065 County Rd. 858, Naples. Call 800-2324475 or check www.gsgcf. org for additional dates and locations.

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239.592.0800

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

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9:30 a.m. Alateen Meetings. Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. 24 Hour Club, 1509 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239263-5907 or visit naplesAlAnon.org for other meeting times and locations.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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YOUR COMMUNITY AUGUST EVENTS CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS:

1 THURSDAY

To submit your event for both our online and print calendars, go to the Calendar at neafamily.com and follow the instructions for inputting event information.

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

Library Hours. Scratch and Win. Aug. 1-9. Check out library books, audio books, and e-books. Get your scratchies from a library staff member. Scratch and find your surprise for every book you check out.

Win big or win small. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

8:00 a.m. STEAM Summer Camp. Join us for coding, Minecraft, ukulele, architecture, robotics, 3D printing, and drone camps, as well as our “best of” STEAM camp. Located at Full STEAM Ahead, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Call 239-451-3142 or check fullsteamaheadfl.com.

9:00 a.m. Emergency Workers Free. During August, first responders receive free admission with proper identification. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check www.napleszoo. org for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Fundamentals of Sports Summer Clinics - New Mystery Sport. Open to all Collier County boys and girls in grades 1-8. Free for Boys & Girls Club members, $50 per clinic for non-members. Located at Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, 7500 Davis Blvd., Naples. Call 239-325-1773.

9:00 a.m. Pre-K Summer Camp. Children ages 3-4 who aren’t eligible for VPK can enjoy a safe and

Note: Please check dates and times before attending events. As we do not enter all calendar data, we cannot guarantee its accuracy.

fun camp experience. Located at Eagle Lakes Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-3527.

9:00 a.m. Seacrest Student Art Exhibit. Student art featuring the theme “Water” will be on display in the Environmental Learning Center Gallery. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-5305940 or check www.rookerybay.org.

9:00 a.m. Upcycled Art Summer Camp (Ages 8-15). Turn your trash into treasure. Recycle everyday items to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Located at Fleischmann Park Community Center, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Call 239-2133020 or check naplesgov.com.

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School. Roar VBS is open to grades K-5. Located at Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Rd., Naples. Call 239-2615469 or check www.naplesucc.org for additional information.

9:30 a.m. PADI Seal Team Camp. Learn basic scuba skills. For students too young for PADI Junior Open Water certification. Located at Scuba Outfitters Naples, 950 3rd Ave. N., Naples. Call 239-2805500 or check www.scubaoutfittersnaples.com.

10:00 a.m. Free Kids Movies. First come, first seated. Sponsored by Neapolitan Family. Penguins of Madagascar. Located at Paragon Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check www.paragontheaters.com.

10:00 a.m. PADI Junior Adventure & Rescue Scuba Camp. For those who already have their Ju-

SM

Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Music. Enrichment

After School Programs

NEW LOCATION

NEW PROGRAMS

SAME AMAZING EXPERIENCE

STEM Clubs

STEAM Teams

Home School

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Robotics

3D Printing

Coding

Space Physics

Drones

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Art

Piano

Ukulele

...and more!

WE’VE MOVED!

FIND US ONLINE

(239) 451 - 3142 Info@Fullsteamaheadfl.com www.Fullsteamaheadfl.com

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Montessori Naples @ Hodges University 2655 Northbrooke Dr, Naples FL

NEW ASP Transportation from:

Laurel Oak Elementary* Vineyards Elementary*

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

nior Open Water or Open Water certification. Located at Scuba Outfitters Naples, 950 3rd Ave. N., Naples. Call 239-280-5500 or check scubaoutfittersnaples.com.

10:00 a.m. Roving Robots Summer Camp. Explore the wild world of robotics, mastering mechanics, computer science, electronics, and more. $440 for members, $495 for non-members. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Check www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.

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

10:30 a.m. W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden. Every day in August, except Mondays, when the garden is closed. Imagine, create, and explore with lessons and activities about a monthly theme. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Visit www.naplesgarden.org.

11:15 a.m. Be a Biologist. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a biologist? Step into the shoes of our science and research team members as you learn about their current projects. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

11:30 a.m. Beauty and the Beast. Select dates and times through Aug. 10. The classic tale is brought to life on stage. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check broadwaypalm.com.

12:15 p.m. Scales and Tails. Alligators, snakes, sea turtles, and more wonderful reptiles make their home in Southwest Florida, as well as invasive species like the Burmese python. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or visit conservancy.org.

1:00 p.m. Roblox Studio 2. Script and code advanced video games using Roblox Studios software. Located at Full STEAM Ahead, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples.

Check fullsteamaheadfl.com for additional information.

1:15 p.m. Ocean Discoveries. Step inside the air-conditioned Dalton Discovery Center and take a seat in front of the 5,000-gallon patch reef aquarium. There is a lot to see during this program, which features the area’s only loggerhead sea turtle, a moray eel, and dozens of fish. You’ll even see a fishy feeding. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org.

2:00 p.m. Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body. At any age, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain or even potentially improve our health.

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

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

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

7:00 p.m. Free Fort Myers Miracle Tickets for Veterans. Free admission for veterans to all Fort Myers Miracle home games. Located at Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy., Fort Myers. Call 239-533-7695 or check www. milb.com.

7:00 p.m. Les Misérables. Local talented teens take to the stage during the Teen Conservatory production of “Les Misérables.” Located at The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-261-7529 or check www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org for additional information.

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

2 FRIDAY Library Hours. Outer Space Scavenger Hunt. Find all the space pictures scattered all over the library. Show your paper to one of the librarians and get a cool prize. All ages. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

Library Hours. Teen Activity Corner. Relieve some stress by working on a puzzle, suggesting a good read, or writing some thoughts in the teen journals. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-5978444 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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

office@bethtikvah.us

A lifelong joy of learning, An education for life.

INFANT * TODDLER CHILDREN’S HOUSE * VPK ELEMENTARY

Come see us in our new home at

2655 Northbrooke Drive Saturday, August 10, 2019 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

or

Call to schedule a private tour

239-597-2255

More information can be found on our website

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

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

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

9:00 a.m. Kids Free Fridays: Wading Birds. Hands-on activities, crafts, and games. A different theme each week. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check www.rookerybay.org.

10:00 a.m. Guided Tours of the Historic Koreshan Settlement. Join our guided walking tours and learn about the idealistic Koreshan pioneers and their utopian community. Located at Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check friendsofkoreshan.org for additional information.

11:30 a.m. Dig Deeper. Fridays-Sundays. A fun, fast, and interactive learning opportunity. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples.

Visit naplesgarden.org.

1:00 p.m. Close Encounter with Wolves: Shy Wolf Sanctuary. Learn how wolves are an important part of our natural world and how we can live alongside them in peace. Registration required. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check www.collierlibrary. org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Summer Movie Friday. The PageMaster. Spend the afternoon at the library with a movie and popcorn. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

3:30 p.m. Tour Generations of Music. Charlie Pace covers a variety of music from Etta James to Linda Ronstadt to Shawn Mendez. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary. org for additional information.

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

4:30 p.m. Hula Dance Class (Ages 3-16). Basic instruction in the style of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori, and Samoan including mastering performance dances and songs. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Check artinlee.org for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Family Open Gym. Ages 6 and younger. Parents must stay. $9. Located at Gymnastic World, 2187 Trade Center Way, Naples. Check gwnaples.com or call 239-592-0608 for additional information.

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

7:30 p.m. Mamma Mia! Teen. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship. Located at The Naples Players, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-7990 or check naplesplayers.org for additional information.

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

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

9:00 a.m. Backpack Giveaway. Lipman Family Farms is giving away 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to elementary and middle school students. Free admission. Located at Immokalee High School, 701 Immokalee Dr., Immokalee.

Call 239-657-4421 or check lipmanfamilyfarms.com for additional information.

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

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

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

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

• Summer Camp LittlePeoplesSchool.info 10:00 a.m. Back-to-School Block Party. The School District of Lee County is kicking off the school year with this family friendly event. The event is free and open to the public, offering fun for all ages. Located at Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Check www.leeschools.net.

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

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

10:30 a.m. Back to School Bash. Come to one last summer celebration before your kids’ school year starts. Shoot some hoops and enjoy other fun activities until 1:30 p.m. Located at Anthony Park, 1500 5th Ave. N., Naples. Call 239-2133037 or visit naplesgov.com.

10:30 a.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Stop by to read to a dog or just to pet one. Dogs are provided by PAWS Assistance and Therapy Dogs. All ages. Registration not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org.

11:00 a.m. Trip to the Planets. The Nutty Scientists presents a journey through Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Uncover some cool scientific facts about each.

Experiments include helium, dry ice bubbles, and tornadoes. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Autism Spectrum Playgroup. Saturdays. Open to ages 5-16. $10 per child. Located at Christ Community Church, 4050 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Call 239-910-0712 or visit www.fi-florida.org.

1:00 p.m. Learn & Play Backgammon or Cribbage. This class is intended for beginners or those who desire a refresher. Playing boards will be provided. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Family Movie Day. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Layered Imagery with Marjorie Pesek. Participants will be supplied with a sketch and will use magazine clippings to create their own masterpiece.

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

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

6:00 p.m. Roller Derby. The Fort Myers Misdemeanors will be taking on the Revolution. Expect to see hard hits, fancy footwork, and fast paced jams. Located at Fort Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers. Check www.brownpapertickets.com.

Do

• Certified Reading Specialist • 25 Years Experience • Methods: Orton-Gillingham & Reading Recovery • Children with Dyslexia, ADD and other challenges Miguel Argumosa, DMD., • Approved service Erin provider M. Taylor, DMD, Nicole Eastham, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists for the Gardiner Scholarship • Downtown Naples Location Three• Locations All Ages to Serve You.

4 SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. Sensory Sensitive Sundays. Less crowding and a quieter environment, dimmed lighting, shows and music turned down or off, limited character appearances, full menu, and access to all games and rides. Located at Chuck E. Cheese’s, 5020 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-334-0563 or check www. chuckecheese.com.

9:00 a.m. Toddler Time. A great shared experience for child and parent. Located at Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 14181 S. Tamiami Tr., Fort Myers. Check fortmyersstore.skyzone.com for additional information.

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

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

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION FOR STRUGGLING READERS

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1508 S.E. 12th Terrace

239.322.5222 941.391.8090 SAT and ACT Preparation Tutorial for Reading, Writing and Essay Sections

info@ReadingRescueCenters.com • ReadingRescueCenters.com

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5 MONDAY 9:00 a.m. Recycled Cities Summer Camp (Ages 6-12). Build miniature cities with cars, people, and rocket ships. Bring your recyclables and create a new world.

Located at The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-434-0781 or check naplesgov.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

Most Insurances Accepted neafamily.com

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TOBYE STUDIO THEATRE

PRESENTS

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9:30 a.m. Aerobics With Soul. Discover the joy and benefits of working out to music and movements that add the heat and beat, the heart and soul of Africa to aerobics. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples.

Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Camp Creativity. A different craft each week. $3 per class. Supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Located at Michaels Store, 2255 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-593-5640 or check classes.michaels.com.

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

5:30 p.m. Diabetes Prevention Program. A free program designed to help you make modest lifestyle changes and cut your risk of Type 2 diabetes by more than half. Registration is required. Call 239-424-3127 for more information. Located at Lee Health, 12550 New Brittany Blvd., Suite 100, Fort Myers. Call 239-4243127 or visit leehealth.org.

6 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Back to School Craft Make and Take. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Crafter’s Choice. Drop by and make the crafts of your choice. Ages 2-6 years. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Free Kids Movies. Last week! Aug. 6-8. First come, first seated. Sponsored by Neapolitan Family. This week’s movie is Captain Underpants. Located at Paragon Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check www.paragontheaters.com.

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

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

10:00 a.m. Way Down Deep. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Get ready to dive deep into our story and meet the many sea creatures that roam the ocean. Then meet some of our sea creatures up close. Located at Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or visit conservancy.org.

11:00 a.m. Technology Assistance. Join us for one-on-one assistance with the use of technologies, and/or online resources. Make sure to bring your device. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

11:30 a.m. Library Orientation. Learn how to use your library. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

12:00 p.m. Preschool Open Gym. Also Wednesdays. For children ages 6 and younger. This is not a drop-off open gym. $9. Located at Gymnastic World Naples, 2187 Trade Center Way, Naples. Call 239-592-0608 or check gwnaples.com for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Teen Movie Matinee: Apollo 13. Let’s say good-bye to our spacethemed summer by watching this classic movie. The 1970 lunar mission team suffered an explosion that disabled their spacecraft. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary. org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Movie Matinee. Green Book. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

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

3:00 p.m. Space Makerspace. Enjoy some hands-on STEAM activities including LEGOs, Keva planks, puzzles, crafts, and more. Ages 3-11 years. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

3:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Check mealsofhope.org or call 239-537-7775 for additional information.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

7 WEDNESDAY 8:30 a.m. Castles for Kids 2019. Enjoy fun under the sun, food, festivities, chance drawings, pirates, a visit by Moana, and more. Benefits C’mon. Located at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Dr., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Pee Wee Play Dates. Wednesdays. Ages 9 months to pre-K. Have fun with toys and games and listen to music. Drop-in program, no registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples.

Call 239-593-0334 or visit collierlibrary.org.

10:00 a.m. Free Kids Crafts. Kids from toddlers to 12 are invited to participate in fun activities in WINK Playland. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check www.miromaroutlets.com.

11:00 a.m. YMCA Pizza Nights at Marco’s Pizza. Every first Wednesday of the month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check greaternaplesymca.org.

3:00 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Stop by to read to a pup or just pet one. Zoey can’t wait to wag her tail at you. All ages. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

8 THURSDAY

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9:30 a.m. Escape from Space. Enter our escape room if you dare. Can you solve the clues left behind to help you fix your space pod? Can you escape before your oxygen runs out? This event is limited to eight members per team. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check www. collierlibrary.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Way Down Deep. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Get ready to dive deep into our story and meet the many sea creatures that roam the ocean. Then meet some of our sea creatures up close. Located at Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or visit conservancy.org.

2:00 p.m. Family Movie Day. Mary Poppins Returns. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www. collierlibrary.org for additional information.

3:30 p.m. Lego Fun. Bricks will be provided and your creation will be put on display. Ages 5-11. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

9 FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. Summer Reading Touchdown. Mission: success. The summer reading program may be ending, but the fun continues. Log your final books and get a special treat as we close out the summer reading project. All ages. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check www. collierlibrary.org for additional information.

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

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

3:30 p.m. End of Summer Reading Program Celebration. Pick up your final prizes, participate in fun activities, and get ready to go back to school. All ages.

Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

6:00 p.m. Parent’s Night Out at Logiscool. An evening of fun for children from kindergarten through 14 years old. Led by our school instructors, kids will enjoy a special agenda planned just for them with awesome activities, coding, and more.

Pizza included. Located at Logiscool, 1715 Heritage Tr., Naples. Call 239-7768475 or visit www.logiscool.com.

6:30 p.m. Once On This Island Jr. Adapted from the celebrated Broadway musical, this rousing Calypso-flavored tale follows one small girl who finds love in a world of prejudice. Located at The Naples Players, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-7990 or check naplesplayers.org.

8:00 p.m. Family Movie Night. Captain Marvel. Bring a blanket for the whole

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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family and enjoy a free movie on a two-story inflatable screen. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Check naplesgov.com for additional information.

10 SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. Yoga Cruises. Students practice physical postures and breath control to improve core strength, flexibility, and balance along the Gulf and soft white sand beach of Keewaydin Island. Located at Pure Florida at Tin City, 1200 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-4949 or check www.purefl.com.

10:00 a.m. Montessori Open House. Learn about school year and summer programs that serve students from two months through 9 years old. Or call 239-5972255 to schedule a private tour. Located at Montessori Academy of Naples, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Check naplesmontessori.org.

10:00 a.m. Neapolitan Family Back to School Expo 2019. Free admission.

More than 70 vendors with all of the information parents need to start the school year off on the right foot. Face painter, Way Too Tall Torrie, and more. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Check neafamily.com for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Teen Movie. Thor: Ragnarok. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Pints for Parrots. Join us for a fun-filled evening to support the future of the beautiful Hyacinth macaw. Located at The Parrot Bar and Grill, 1100 6th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-435-7900 or check www.napleszoo.org.

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

13 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Safari Squad: Things With Wings. Birds, bats, and bugs, oh my!

Discover many different types of animals that have wings, and how they use them.

Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or visit napleszoo.org.

2:00 p.m. Hurricane Preparedness Seminar. A 90-minute educational seminar on emergency and hurricane preparedness provided by Collier County Emergency Management. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Movie Matinee. A Star is Born (2018). Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www. collierlibrary.org for additional information.

14 WEDNESDAY

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10:00 a.m. Preschool Program: Invasive Species of the Everglades (Part I).

This free program is for children ages 2-5 who have not yet entered kindergarten.

Each one-hour session will focus on learning and play. Located at Museum of the Everglades, 105 Broadway Ave. W., Everglades City. Check colliermuseums.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Safari Squad: Things With Wings. Birds, bats, and bugs, oh my!

Discover many different types of animals that have wings, and how they use them.

Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or visit napleszoo.org.

10:00 a.m. Volunteer Tutors Needed: Orientation for English as a Second Language. Tutors needed to help adults and children learn to speak, read, and write English. No prior teaching experience required. No language other than English is needed. Located at Literacy Volunteers of Collier County, 8833 Tamiami Tr. E,, Naples. Call 239-262-4448 or check www.collierliteracyvolunteers.org.

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

4:00 p.m. Lego Fun. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Test out your LEGO wheeled creation on our super-fast test track. Bricks will be provided and your

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

creation will be put on display at the library. Ages 4-11. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

1005 Fifth Avenue North, Naples, FL 34102

15 THURSDAY 2:00 p.m. Pirates in Florida. August is International Pirate Month. Learn how Florida has had to deal with pirates for much of its history. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check www. collierlibrary.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Third Thursday Lecture Series: Edison and Ford in the Everglades.

Join us at the Museum of the Everglades every month for our Third Thursday lecture series. Located at Museum of the Everglades, 105 Broadway Ave. W., Everglades City. Check colliermuseums.com for additional information.

3:00 p.m. The Writer’s Block Workshop. Everyone has a story inside of them.

Come join us to practice writing with prompts and then critique the results, workshop-style. Writers of all levels are welcome. Registration Required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. End of Summer Celebration. Welcome back to the library. Shake off the school day with a fun treat. Ages 11-17 years. Registration is not required.

Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

7:00 p.m. PFLAG Support Group Meeting. The Naples chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets on the third Thursday of each month. Visit pflagnaples.org or call 239-963-4670 for location.

16 FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. National Honey Bee Day - BOGO. Celebrate National Honey Bee Day with buy-one-get-one-free admission. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check www. rookerybay.org.

2:00 p.m. Amber Crowley Music. Three simple ingredients make up the music of Amber Crowley: acoustic guitar, voice, and spirit. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www. collierlibrary.org for additional information.

7:00 p.m. Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in this musical adventure. Located at Centers for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check www.artcenterbonita.org.

(239) 732-1000 naplesballet.org

• • • •

Professional ballet instruction State-of-the-art facility and dance floors Classes offered for ages 4 through adult Three performances yearly with The Naples Philharmonic at Artis—Naples • Tickets for our Nutcracker performance are now on sale at artisnaples.org

17 SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. Family Yoga. A free 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring your own mat. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Safari Squad: Things With Wings. Birds, bats, and bugs, oh my!

Discover many different types of animals that have wings, and how they use them.

Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or visit napleszoo.org.

1:00 p.m. Movie Matinee. Captain Marvel. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Back to School Bash. Summer is over, and it’s back to school, but we can still have fun at the library. Join us as we create some useful items for school or home. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

6:30 p.m. SummerJazz on the Gulf. Free concert by Pocket Change. Located at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. Call 239-261-2222 or check www.naplesbeachhotel.com for additional information.

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

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

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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19 MONDAY 3:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at River Park Recreation Center, 301 11th St. N., Naples. Visit mealsofhope.org.

7:00 p.m. Homeschool Extracurricular Expo. Learn more from area representatives about fine arts classes, martial arts, co-ops, clubs, private tutoring, community service, sports, and more. Located at Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Check www.homeschool-life.com.

20 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Oozey Octopus. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Hear the story of an octopus named Oozey and learn just how clever and smart these amazing creatures can be. Then stick around for a fun octopus song and make an octopus of your very own. Located at Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239262-0304 or visit www.conservancy.org.

10:00 a.m. Tech Tuesdays: Streaming Movies and Music. Learn how to stream television, movies, music, audiobooks, and more from your library with Hoopla.

Enjoy a wide variety of streaming media on the device of your choice. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org.

6:00 p.m. Girl Scouts Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and ways for adults to volunteer.

This is the best place to learn about local troops with openings and/or possible new troops being formed. Located at Corkscrew Elementary, 1065 County Rd. 858, Naples. Call 800-232-4475 or check www.gsgcf.org.

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

6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and ways for adults to volunteer.

This is the best place to learn about local troops with openings and/or possible new troops being formed. Located at Veterans Memorial Elementary, 15960 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Naples. Call 800-232-4475 or check www.gsgcf.org.

22 THURSDAY

Keeping kids healthy!

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10:00 a.m. Oozey Octopus. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Hear the story of an octopus named Oozey and learn just how clever and smart these amazing creatures can be. Then stick around for a fun octopus song and make an octopus of your very own. Located at Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239262-0304 or visit www.conservancy.org.

11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Once. Select dates and times through Sep. 28. From the very first note, Once pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check broadwaypalm.com.

2:00 p.m. Movie Matinee. Crazy, Rich Asians. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Out of My Hands. Blending choreographed juggling with illusions, Gerard Tricarico, a professional juggler, delivers a high-energy show that is innovative and interactive. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee.

Call 239-657-2882 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

6:45 p.m. Girl Scouts Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and ways for adults to volunteer.

This is the best place to learn about local troops with openings and/or possible new troops being formed. Located at Tommie Barfield Elementary, 101 Kirkwood St., Marco Island. Call 800-232-4475 or check www.gsgcf.org.

23 FRIDAY 2:00 p.m. Historically Speaking: History of Florida Hurricanes. An overview of tropical storms that have impacted the Sunshine State: how they shaped

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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our history and changed our culture. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

24 SATURDAY 11:00 a.m. Family Field Day. Get your family team together to play old-fashioned games like water-balloon toss, sack races, three-legged races, and more. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239252-8476 or check colliermuseums.com for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Movie Matinee. Shazam. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Crafternoon. Come and learn how to make an environmentally-friendly craft for all ages. No registration required, but arrive early because supplies are limited. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Check www. collierlibrary.org for additional information.

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26 MONDAY 1:00 p.m. Movie Matinee. Green Book. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary.org for additional information.

27 TUESDAY 5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’mon. For children on the autism spectrum and/or with other sensory integration disorders. Lighting and sound muted. Cool down spaces provided. Limited participation. Registration is required. Located at C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org for additional information.

6:45 p.m. Girl Scouts Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and ways for adults to volunteer.

This is the best place to learn about local troops with openings and/or possible new troops being formed. Located at Osceola Elementary, 5770 Osceola Tr., Naples.

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

28 WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. Homeschool Program: Invasive Species of the Everglades. Learners will create a diagram demonstrating the ecological cycle of the Everglades. Located at Museum of the Everglades, 105 Broadway Ave. W., Everglades City. Check colliermuseums.com for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Girl Scouts Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and ways for adults to volunteer.

This is the best place to learn about local troops with openings and/or possible new troops being formed. Located at Collier Charter Academy, 12101 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 800-232-4475 or check www.gsgcf.org.

29 THURSDAY 6:00 p.m. Girl Scouts Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about all the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and ways for adults to volunteer.

This is the best place to learn about local troops with openings and/or possible new troops being formed. Located at Lely Elementary, 8125 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 800-232-4475 or check www.gsgcf.org.

31 SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. Kids’ Day. Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive free pizza, ice cream sandwich, and other goodies. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Movie Matinee. Dumbo (2019). Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www.collierlibrary. org for additional information.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

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FAMILY FUN

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring: 7 Things to Do on a Rainy Day

By Sarah Lyons

N

othing is more boring than a dreary, rainy day. Lounging in bed or curling up with a good book may sound ideal to parents, but most kids are unwilling to spend their day this way. The next time it won’t stop raining and pouring, try these boredom busters.

1. Host a movie marathon Pop some corn and put on some of your favorite movies to enjoy with the kids to pass the time. Consider choosing a theme for your movie marathon such as Disney princess movies, a movie with several sequels, or old school movies from your childhood.

A rainy day is also a great time to head to the movie theater for the afternoon.

2. Craft Paint, sculpt Play-doh, or make bead bracelets. Allow the kids to get creative by making their own scrapbook or finding items in your recycle bin they can make into sculptures. Hit up craft store sales prior so you have a stockpile of art supplies available without having to go out in the rain. Often you can find seasonal themed kits to complete with your children. Now you will have fun decorations for the house as well entertainment for your children.

3. Take a field trip You don’t have to stay cooped up in your house just because it’s raining. Stopping by the library passes the time and lets you stock up on things to do when you return home. Check our calendars (starting on page 24) for open gyms, indoor playgrounds, or other fun indoor activities where the kids can run and play while burning off some energy.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

4. Puddle jump If no lightning accompanies the rain, change into play clothes and then head outside with your rain boots and umbrella and allow the kids to jump in the rain puddles. Afterward, draw a bubble bath to clean up and wind down.

5. Experiment Since you are stuck inside, amuse yourself and your children with a science experiment. Not only will time slip away, but you also will be providing a science lesson. Some options could be creating a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, combining water dyed with food coloring, or mixing salt with ice to see what happens. Your local library will have several books with age appropriate experiments, and websites like Pinterest also can provide a lot of great ideas.

6. Mix it up in the kitchen Bake some cookies or other homemade treats with your kids.

Pull out some old family recipes and teach your kids how to make them. In addition to learning about their family’s culture and traditions, they are sure to be proud of being able to serve their creation for dinner that night.

7. Be active Have a dance party in your living room, play a game of keep away, or create an obstacle course to get the kids active and help burn off some of the restless energy that can build up when they

are stuck inside all day. Check gonoodle.com for free kids’ workout videos.

It’s raining, it’s pouring, but that doesn’t mean your day has to be boring. Parents can get creative and involve the kids in their plan to fill the rainy day. Besides all the ideas listed above you can build a fort, make cards for soldiers, clean up the toy room, or make homemade ice cream. The possibilities are endless with a little imagination.

SARAH LYONS is a midwest wife and mother of six children, including 2-year-old triplets.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

By Katy M. Clark

Middle School Teaches Valuable Life Lessons

S

he’s nervous,” I told my coworker about my daughter, 11, as we sat outside on a warm day eating lunch. “Who can blame her? She’s going to middle school.”

“Middle school was awesome,” my coworker said, her voice laden with sarcasm. “I had braces and wore glasses and a back brace.”

“I wore braces, too,” I commented.

“And I was the tallest kid in seventh grade.

Boys called me the Jolly Green Giant.”

She nodded, chewing thoughtfully on her sandwich. I think I saw her shudder.

But that’s when it hit me. I looked at the two of us, all these years later, both successful at work and fulfilled with families and activities that we loved.

What if middle school didn’t crush us after all? What if the physical awkwardness and social mishaps of middle school taught us invaluable life lessons that prepared us for our lives today?

I think the answer is that it did. And I can’t wait to tell my daughter why.

Middle school teaches resilience.

You will fail in middle school. Maybe it’s

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a bad grade in algebra or being cut from the volleyball team. But you go back to middle school every day. You study harder and get help. You shake off the tryout and try something else. You fall down and get back up. You become resilient.

Middle school helps you embrace change. Middle school is all about change. You will not be the same height or weight from one year to the next. You may or may not have the same friends. You will change classes like you change the toilet paper roll – constantly. Middle school is daily affirmation that change is part of life, that it can be good or bad, but that you will survive it.

Middle school teaches conflict resolution. Conflicts, like someone using your pen without permission or cutting in front of you in the cafeteria line, happen daily in middle school. Do you avoid or accommodate the situation? Mediate or challenge it? Each day provides an opportunity to work on communicating your side of the story and empathizing with the other side. The conflict may not resolve itself every time, but the chances to learn

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and grow are there.

Note: Bullying is a form of conflict that is never okay. You should always talk to a teacher or trusted adult about bullying and be involved with your school to

Middle school friendships can be sources of comfort and support, but they also can be sources of pain and confusion. create and promote a safe environment for everyone.

Middle school teaches self-acceptance.

I still remember when a boy made of fun of my butt in eighth grade, taunting me that it was flat compared to the other girls.

Theatre

But the truth? My less-than-curvaceous derriere didn’t bother me. It still doesn’t, even in a Kim Kardashian world. Middle school is when you get to decide what you like or accept about yourself, regardless of what others think.

Middle school shows you what a true friend looks like. Middle school friendships can be sources of comfort and support, but they also can be sources of pain and confusion. Did your supposed best friend reject you this week? Learn from it, and choose someone kinder to be in your life. Middle school teaches you that you deserve friends who treat you well, friends who encourage you rather than tear you down.

So as my daughter heads toward a new adventure in middle school, I will be there to remind her that the lessons and experiences of these years – although they may be hard or uncomfortable – will mold her, not crush her. Middle school will teach her to become resilient, embrace change, deal with conflict, accept herself, and learn what makes a true friend.

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39

PARENTING

By Cheryl Maguire

Parents, Don’t Coach the Coach

I

officially became a “soccer mom” last year when my 8-year-old daughter joined the town soccer team. She loves playing the sport and interacting with the other girls on her team. Being part of the team has entailed traveling to other towns. Sometimes we have witnessed other games in progress while waiting for her game to begin. I’ve been shocked to see parents yelling in an aggressive manner at kids or the coach.

In Braintree, Massachusetts, a girls’ high school basketball coach quit due to parent complaints. The coach helped bring the team two back-to-back Division 1 state championships and had a 63 game winning streak, yet the parents still were dissatisfied.

Research at the University of Maryland found 53% of parents reported feeling angry during their child’s soccer game. This is an issue in many towns across America caused by various factors.

Social media: In Braintree, the parents created an email exchange complaining about their children’s playing time. The coach became tired of dealing with the parent complaints and resigned. Studies found people tend to bully online because they are not held accountable. Social media and email messages lack a person’s tone or body language, causing miscommunication. Also if a person sends an angry message, the person receiving the mes40

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sage can read it over and over, resulting in hurt feelings.

High college costs: According to College Data, public college tuition can cost an average of $24,610 per year and a private college averaged $49,320. With the high cost of tuition, parents want or need their child to receive scholarships. The pressure of winning a scholarship from playing a sport has created parents who either have unrealistic expectations or become angry when their child isn’t participating.

High cost of sports: Participation in sports can be expensive.

Players are required to purchase sports gear and usually pay a fee for being on a team, even in public schools. According to research at University of Michigan Health System, on average, a player had to pay a $125 participation fee and $275 for sports equipment and travel. Travel team participation can run thousands of dollars every season.

Thirty years ago when a child played baseball often the team shared a helmet and bat. Now most players have two bats, their own helmet, batting gloves, and a baseball bag. When parents pay these high costs, they feel they should be getting their money’s worth, and when their child doesn’t play, they become angry at the coach.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

Parent personality: Research by Goldstein found controloriented parents are more angry and aggressive during their child’s sporting events than autonomy-oriented parents. A controloriented parent is a person who is concerned about other people’s opinions and motivated by external forces, whereas autonomyoriented parents are driven by their own goals. During games the control-oriented parent tends to take things personally. For example, if a coach pulls a child from the game, this type of parent may feel it is a personal attack against the child rather than an impartial decision by the coach.

Parents vicariously living through their child: Often parents relive their childhood experiences through their children.

If parents were unsuccessful at a sport and their child excels in this sport they might experience the feeling of success they never could as a child. Research by Brummelman found parents who see themselves in their child want their child to fulfill their unfulfilled ambitions. This may cause parents to pressure their child to succeed, and parents to become angry when their child makes mistakes during the game. If the parent feels the child isn’t getting enough playing time, the parent may become angry at the coach, as was the case with the Braintree coach.

Unrealistic parent expectations: Parents can hold unrealistic expectations about their child’s abilities while playing sports. A parent may consider the child to be the best on the team or think the child will be a professional athlete one day. This viewpoint can cause conflicts between the parent and the coach.

Parent reminders • Most coaches volunteer or are paid a small stipend. The coach is usually interested in helping your child and the team have a positive experience.

• When you are on the sidelines refrain from criticizing the coach or players. Your role should be to support the team.

• If you have an issue with another parent or coach speak to the person directly about it and refrain from using social media to air your grievances.

• Before speaking to the coach allow yourself time to calm down by waiting 24 hours after the incident. Also, schedule a time to meet with the coach instead of trying to speak with the coach after the game.

• Playing on a team should be a fun experience for your child

When you get angry at the coach, you ultimately are hurting your child.

Studies show kids prefer supportive parents at sporting events. and the coach.

• Try to put things in perspective and remind yourself this game is for your child, not you.

• When you become angry at the coach you ultimately are hurting your child by causing embarrassment and resentment. Research by Omli & Wiese-Bjornstal found kids prefer supportive – rather than angry – parents at sporting events.

• There is no “I” in team. A coach tries to make decisions based on what is best for the team, not only for your child.

•When you tell your child what to do from the sideline, you are implying the child doesn’t know how to play the game.

• If you tend to anger easily, practice anger management techniques such as deep breathing, or counting to 10.

How to prevent your coach from quitting • If a parent complains to you about the coach encourage the parent to discuss it directly with the coach.

• Be respectful of the coach.

• Offer to assist with practices or communication with parents.

• Praise the coach for doing a good job.

• Show gratitude for the coach. A simple thank you can mean a lot.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of three children. You can find her on Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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41

TRAVEL

By Karen T. Bartlett

Destination: The Swag

S

o here’s a rhetorical question: if you decided to take a sabbatical from your very excellent job – or what the heck, quit your very excellent job – to buy a big comfy RV, take the teen and preteen out of school to homeschool them for a whole year as you traverse the United States from sea to shining sea, where would you start? I happen to know one answer, because I was at The Swag last month when the adorable Muir family of Charlotte, North Carolina, made this remote mountaintop inn the first official dinner stop on their 48-state, 50-national park journey. We were holed up there for three days of hiking, eating, and season-recovery sleeping.

Named for a dip in the landscape between mountains, this luxurious inn perched at a 5,000-foot elevation above Waynesville, North Carolina, successfully blends authentic rustic cabins repurposed from old barn wood with the kind of Southern hospitality, fine food, and tasteful amenities that consistently land it on “bestof” lists. Besides hiking trails within the 250-acre property, openings in The Swag’s meandering split rail fence get you right onto trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There’s a tiny spa (massage by reservation), a racquetball court, lawn games, and secret hideaways with hammocks and chaises tucked deep into the woods.

Carolyn and Dan Muir had discovered the inn as a romantic retreat but knew that their girls, Ava and Hazel, also would be charmed. So they reserved a table for a celebratory dinner to launch 42

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their Great American Road Trip. Ava, age 13, blogged that it was one of the best dinners of her life.

Here’s the thing about The Swag: If you discover it as a romantic retreat, you’ll start thinking about a special family gathering or a girlfriends’ getaway. If you first visit with a group, you’ll surely want to slip back later with your sweetheart, just the two of you. We were there as a couple on the last leg of our mini-summer road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We hiked, played croquet on the lawn (what a step back in time!), and took indoor steam showers and outdoor private deck showers as we watched the misty “smoke” between the mountains. We could have chosen a private dinner table as the Muirs did, but we opted to join random other guests at the long communal table. Before dinner, we gathered on the porch for live music, or in the great room for a hearthside chat with that week’s resident speaker, author, and storyteller Joe Kelley, who regaled us with funny, often-harrowing tales of his 30 years as a ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Here are 16 more reasons why I love The Swag, and why it’s a great place for families to unplug and reconnect.

1. Forest trails with swinging bridges, waterfalls, and picnic rocks.

2. Your own personal one-of-a-kind hiking stick, with your name on it – for keeps!

3. Free ice cream from the old-fashioned ice box anytime you want.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

4. Homemade chocolate chip/peanut butter Swag Bars.

5. Humongous buffet breakfasts.

6. Picnic lunches made to order in handy Swag backpacks.

7. Sleeping lofts and real fireplaces.

8. Towel warmers that work great for PJs on chilly nights.

9. Rocky, the cuddly stuffed bear who lives in your room (permanent adoption available). He shows up in a different spot each night, maybe wearing your hiking hat or holding a box of candy.

10. Two cheeky gray cats (outside only) who like to show you around. I’m not making this up.

11. The bathtub rubber ducky.

12. The cornhole game, treehouse, and cool tree swing.

13. The big family room with puzzles and books, and a cozy loft with a TV (if you must).

14. Barbecue night.

15. Sunrise over the mountain (sunsets too, but we Neapolitans rarely see sunrises).

16. Wild bears all over the place. Just kidding. But it’s fun to know you might spot one, maybe even robbing apples off The Swag’s own tree.

If you go The Swag is 45 miles west of Asheville. All-inclusive AugustSeptember nightly rates range from $520 to $1275.

Great budget tip If you’re watching your budget, camping, or on a road trip as the Muirs are, you might want to hike or drive up to The Swag just for the day. Reserve ahead for lunch or dinner and you can enjoy the resort’s trails and amenities at no extra charge. theswag.com; (828) 926-0430 Follow the Muirs According to their route map at thegreatamericanroad.blog, Naples and the Everglades appear to be somewhere around Stop #93 in 2020.

KAREN T. BARTLETT travels the world seeking unique and fascinating destinations. She’s the author of several destination coffee table books, and the award-winning Mostly Kids’ Guides family guidebook series covering Southwest Florida.

Photos by Karen T. Bartlett Facing page: The Swag House.

Above: A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from one of The Swag’s split-rail fences. Right: The Muir Family.

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Keeping track of which restaurants offer free (or discounted) kid’s meals is an impossible task for parents, so we’ve done the legwork for you. Check the details below for each restaurant, as days and purchase requirements vary, even among different locations of some of the chains. We’d love to hear about other restaurants in Naples where kids can eat for free, so please share with us at info@neafamily.com.

AGAVE FAMILY FIESTA NIGHT

HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS

PERKIN’S RESTAURANT & BAKERY

2380 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples 34109 239-598-3473 Kids receive a free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Monday nights during the summer. Special toddler menu.

6345 Naples Blvd. #7, Naples 34109 239-513-9900 One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Saturdays.

APPLEBEE’S

28051 S. Tamiami Tr. Bonita Springs 34134 239-949-1999 ½ priced kids’ meals all day on Sundays with each adult entrée purchase.

4335 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples 34112 3585 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples 34109 27941 Crown Lake Blvd., Bonita Springs 34135 239-498-0300 One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal every Tuesday from 4-10 p.m.

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

IHOP

BOB EVANS

LOZANO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

2570 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. Naples 34119 239-598-5255 One free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase every Tuesday.

405 New Market Rd. E. Immokalee 34145 239-658-9255 Purchase an adult entrée, get one kid’s (12 and under) meal free, Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to close.

BURNTWOOD TAVERN

6631 Dudley Dr., Naples 34105 239-643-7500 Purchase one adult entrée and get one kid’s meal free every night from 4-10 p.m.

9110 Strada Pl. Naples 34108 239-631-8964 One free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase every Monday.

MILLER’S ALE HOUSE

CICIS PIZZA

MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL

2650 Immokalee Rd., Naples 34110 239-597-0306 Kids 0-3 eat free every day.

6434 Naples Blvd., Naples 34109 239-594-0065 7335 Radio Rd., Naples 34104 239-352-1212 1016 Immokalee Rd., Naples 34110 239-593-4993 One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult combo meal on Tuesdays, from 3 p.m. to closing.

D’AMICO & SONS 4691 9th St. N., Naples 34103 239-430-0955 One free kid’s meal with each adult meal purchase 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays.

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6320 Hollywood Dr., Naples 34109 239-591-0125 Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

PINCHERS CRAB SHACK 1200 5th Ave. S. Naples 34102 239-434-6616 28580 Bonita Crossings Blvd., Bonita Springs 34135 239-948-1313 One free kid’s meal every day with the purchase of adult entrée $15.99 or more.

RIB CITY 9191 Tamiami Tr. N. Naples 34108 239-591-3500 3871 Tamiami Tr. E. Naples 34112 239-417-9090 Kids under 4 years old receive a free meal with the purchase of each adult meal every day. Dine-in only.

STEAK ‘N’ SHAKE 2620 Pine Ridge Rd. Naples 34109 239-262-1039 Kids eat free Saturdays and Sundays. Dinein only with the purchase of an adult entrée over $8.

STEVIE TOMATO’S SPORTS PAGE 15215 Collier Blvd.

Naples 34119 239-352-4266 One free kid’s meal with the purchase of a full-priced adult meal every Monday.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2019

$

5082 Airport Pulling Rd., Naples 34105 239-434-7744 Kids’ meals are $1.99 every Sunday.

IGUANA MIA

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Lengthy Lair Eastern indigo snakes live in upland and scrub habitats, and can often be found taking refuge in gopher tortoise burrows which can reach 40 feet in length!

Come cool off with Bindi, our Eastern indigo snake, in the air-conditioned Dalton Discovery Center.

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1495 Smith Preserve Way I Naples, FL 34102 I Next to Naples Zoo