January 2021 neafamily.com
COMPLIMENTARY
COVID Conceptions
Pregnancy & birth in a pandemic
Catholic School 5 reasons why parents choose a Catholic education
Protect Teen Drivers
Tips to keep your kids safe in the car
Be a Fitness Role Model
Help shape your kid’s attitude toward fitness NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
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Our Big Promise to Our Little Patients NCH Healthcare System has been providing comprehensive, quality pediatric services close to home to the children in our community for years. Located primarily on the NCH North Naples Hospital campus, NCH Pediatrics provides: • The only Pediatric Emergency Department in Collier County • 24-hour Board Certified Pediatric Intensivist • The Robert & Mariann MacDonald SeaCAREium inpatient pediatric unit - Pediatric subspecialists in surgery, critical care, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, infectious disease, neurology, oncology/hematology, orthopedics, pulmonary and urology • Pediatric outpatient unit with sedation for MRI, CT, etc. • RN staff with specialized education and experience in pediatrics & NICU • Pediatric Rehabilitation • NCH Physician Group Pediatricians For more information, call 239-624-5322
NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
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January 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS 16 Family Fun in SWFL. Our pullout center calendar is back and full of fun, safe events for your family to enjoy in January.
in every issue . . . 7
FROM THE PUBLISHER
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YOUR COMMUNITY
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18 Choosing a Catholic Education. Here are 5 reasons parents are sending their children to Catholic schools.
COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE
on the cover…
20 COVID Conceptions. Learn how local families dealt with pregnancy and childbirth during a pandemic. 25 Devising a Good Parenting Plan. How to navigate unforeseen situations with your co-parent. by Reuben Doupé 26 Protecting Teen Drivers. Tips on keeping kids safe once they are behind the wheel by themselves. by Christa Melnyk Hines Ezra Feldman is the son of Alicia and Michael Feldman of Naples. He is the youngest of six children in a blended family, and at the tender age of 2 is already an uncle. Ezra loves balls (especially basketballs), all things related to space, garbage trucks, cement mixers, the beach, the rain, and frolicking in fountains.
28 How To Be a Fitness Role Model for Your Kids. Help shape your children’s attitude toward exercise. by Sandi Schwartz
Cover photo by Hana Snajdrova of New Frame Photography 239-200-9099 www.newframephotography.com
The Moorings Presbyterian Preschool A vibrant learning community with a highly qualified staff
Now accepting applications for enrollment, ages 2-5!
Come Grow With Us!
VPK Provider No Wrap-Around Fees Creative Arts Letter People Handwriting without Tears
791 Harbour Drive, Naples, FL 34103 4
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Hands-On Learning Small Class Size Chapel Discovery & Exploration S.T.E.A.M.
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(239) 649-1811
NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
Providing Care for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, VPK, Kindergarten, & After School Programs K-5th GRADE
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Weekly Yoga, Music, Piano, Sports, Dance, Zumba, Mindfulness, Library, and Foreign Language & Sign Language Classes Monthly field trips to destinations such as the Conservancy, Children’s Museum, Artis Naples, Barnes & Noble, Botanical Gardens, Naples Zoo and Call today to schedule a tour! 239-261-7442 PHONE
Precious Cargo Academy 5200 Crayton Road Naples, FL 34103 WEBSITE: PreciousCargoAcademy.org
EMAIL: Leanne.badham@outlook.com
A Mission of Naples United Church of Christ NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
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NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county
P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com 2020
2020
2020
THIS MONTH A New Year
2020
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 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 distribution points throughout Collier County as well as digitally at neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2021 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
What’s your superpower? If 2020 taught us anything, we learned, as Naples author Glennon Doyle says, “we can do hard things.” We all found our inner superpowers as pandemic parents. And while you may not want to utter the numbers 2020 ever again, here some the superpowers we will all take into 2021: Pandemic parenting: We learned how to make plans and change them, reinvent celebrations, assist our children’s education, and how to bake bread. Maybe your superpower is a pandemic pregnancy. In COVID Conceptions on page 20, Anna Snyder talks with local families about the frustrations and unexpected benefits of having a baby during the pandemic, and, in one case, while having COVID-19. Another superpower is being a great role model. Whether you are an educator or a parent, the children are always watching how we live our lives as adults. For many parents, a religious education is one way to make sure that their role models at school are closely aligned with the family’s religious beliefs. In honor of National Catholic School Week, we feature five reasons on page 18 that some parents choose a parochial school and the local choices they can choose from. It’s also important to be a good role model behind the wheel, as we teach our emerging adults how to drive. With three teenage drivers in my own family (one teen driving back and forth to Tallahassee, one who just experienced his first fender bender, and a third who has just begun her year-long journey with a learner’s permit), I struggle with this superpower a lot. Protecting Teen Drivers on page 26 gives us tips on how to raise responsible and safe drivers through role modeling and a few great apps. We can’t have superpowers if we are not healthy. Being a fitness role model for our children is the best way to ensure that our children will learn healthy habits (page 28). One great way to is to take our littlest superheroes like our cover model Ezra Feldman to the playground and chase them until everyone breaks a sweat! Happy New Year!
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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Buddy Break Is Back at Grow Church in Naples
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fter an absence of a year, Buddy Break is coming back and has found a new home: Grow Church at 15300 Tamiami Trail North in Naples. There will be a “soft launch” on Friday, Feb. 5, with a limited number of participants. The full program will have its first session on March 5.
Buddy Break is a free respite program that provides a break for parents and caregivers of children with special needs (VIPs) ages 2-16, as well as their siblings ages 2 years and older (accommodations can be made for individuals outside the age ranges). VIPs and siblings spend three hours doing art projects, crafts, large group activities, sports, and more. Preregistration is required for both families and volunteers, and volunteers must attend an orientation. Volunteers (otherwise known as buddies) of high school age and older are welcome. Volunteers ages 18 years and old must complete a background check provided by Grow Church. Buddies are paired with a VIP or a group of siblings. Buddy Break will be held on the first Friday of every month from 6-9 p.m. For more information, contact Ted Staub at 240-893-7072 or buddybreaknaples@gmail.com.
Covenant Church of Naples Mom’s Morning Out Providing a loving environment for children while offering parents and caregivers a needed break
Currently Enrolling – Register Today!! One-, Two-, and Three-Day Options Available Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ages 2-4 years by Aug. 1
6926 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL
239.597.3464
C H U R C H o f N A P L E S | P CA
For more information, email momsmorningout@covenantnaples.com. 8
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NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
A lifelong joy of learning, An education for life. INFANT TODDLER CHILDREN’S HOUSE VPK ELEMENTARY
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.
Enhanced Giraffe Experience Reopens at Naples Zoo
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he Naples Zoo at Caribbean Garden’s giraffe exhibit has reopened following renovations to improve the experience for visitors. The exhibit is proudly sponsored by Neapolitan Family magazine. The new design features an elevated viewing and feeding platform to allow more interaction between guests and the giraffes. The renovated space also includes a new restroom and a small cafe with seating overlooking Lake Victoria and the Primate Expedition islands. The giraffe feeding station will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and face masks for ages 2 and older are required to feed the giraffes. Collier County residents can explore the new exhibit for free on two days this month. Starting Monday, Jan. 18, Collier residents can reserve free timed tickets for admission on Sunday, Jan. 24, or Monday, Jan. 25. There is a limited number of tickets available. The zoo’s traditional free admission on the first Saturday of the month for county residents currently is on hold due to social distancing restrictions. Masks are required for ages 2 and older inside the following locations: gift shop/restrooms, Safari Canyon, Black Bear Hammock bathroom, and Primate Expedition Cruise and queing area. For additional information, visit www.napleszoo.org or call 239-315-7626. NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
Miguel Argumosa, DMD., Erin M. Taylor, DMD, Nicole Eastham, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists
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239.333.2990
CAPE CORAL
1508 S.E. 12th Terrace
239.322.5222
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3872 Tamiami Trail, Unit D&E
941.391.8090
Most Insurances Accepted neafamily.com
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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
New Miniature Horse Program Program at at Minature Horse Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
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$100,000 grant from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation is funding a new miniature horse therapy program at Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC), a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-facilitated services to children and adults with physical, social, and mental health needs. Two miniature horses, Toulmin and Itty Bitty, were donated to NTRC. Miniature horses, known as “minis,” “minis”, are similar to their full-sized equine partners in terms of personality, intelligence, and disposition. The grant was used to improve the facilities to ensure the safety of the minis as well as fund the new position of equine resource manager to implement and facilitate the program. In addition to having the minis on site at the riding center, NTRC’s new mini traveling program will bring the therapeutic benefits of horses to worksites and organizations through Southwest Florida, including hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Visit www.naplestherapeuticridingcenter.org. Left: Camryn Ramsey with miniature horse Toulmin.
Happy kids. Sparkly smiles.
Dr. Sandor. Naples’ Favorite Pediatric Dentist
Naples Pediatric Dentistry
239.592.0800
Specialty care for infants drmarilynsandor.com Naples Pediatric Dentistry Care for toSpecialty adolescents 239.592.0800 Infants to Adolescents Sedation IVIVNitrous sedation www.drmarilynsandor.com Oxide Nitrous Oxide
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NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
www.LittlePeoplesSchool.info
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Top Rated VPK
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Twos & Threes Camp l Owned/operated by certified elementary teacher with over 22 years experience l DCF licensed, #C20CO7400 l Summer
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Photo by Matthew Starr
Rosemary Pace (left) with grandson Henry Berkowitz on his bar mitzvah day with a donation check for NAMI Collier County.
Grandmother Inspires Fundraising; NAMI Collier Walk on Jan. 30
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eading by example, Rosemary Pace’s nearly 20 years of support for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Collier County has inspired her grandson. Pace is passionate about promoting NAMI’s mission to improve the quality of life for Collier County families affected by serious mental illness through education, support and advocacy. Pace’s team has raised $250,000 over 15 years for the annual NAMI Hope Shines Walk, which will be held Jan. 30 at Baker Park. Every year Pace’s daughter, Alexis Berkowitz, brought Pace’s grandchildren, Henry and Chloe, to participate with the team. Now 12, Henry, who lives in Syosset, New York, chose NAMI Collier County for his mitzvah project, which is designed to engage children in important values of Judaism, including repairing the world and compassion for others. Henry has raised more than $3,000 for the walk by selling tie-dye bandanas. “I can’t even tell you how much that means to me,” Pace said. “This is a lesson that we do impact children at the earliest of ages, and I’m probably most proud of that.” When Pace was encouraged to form a team for the walk, she did what she does best: She made it fun. She invited five women to have dinner at her house every Monday leading up to the event. In return, they were each asked to donate $100 and to recruit others. That first walk, they raised $6,000. The NAMI Hope Shines Walk is on Jan. 30 from 8:30-11 a.m. at Baker Park in Naples. Call 239-260-7300 or check www.namicollier.org. NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Husband and wife team Lawrence J. Egger and Geneve Mongene-Egger opened PANIRA Healthcare Clinic in 2015 to provide affordable and free medical care in Naples.
PANIRA Clinic Offers Affordable Health Care, COVID-19 Tests
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ealth care expenses can be stressful for many of us and can be overwhelming for families that are unemployed or struggling with life’s unforeseen circumstances. Recognizing that need for affordable and free healthcare in Collier County several years ago, husband and wife team Lawrence J. Egger, PA-C, and Geneve Mongene-Egger, RN/BSN, made it their goal to do something about it. As a result of their hard work and perseverance, they founded PANIRA Healthcare Clinic in 2015 as a nonprofit, walk-in/primary care clinic in East Naples. With a combined 39 years of health care experience, the couple is actively providing charitable medical care to the community five days a week. The community clinic serves low-income, uninsured, insured, and Medicaid and Medicare participants with a dedicated team of practitioners, volunteers, and donors. The clinic’s mission is to reach those who normally would not receive treatment due to financial burdens, and to keep medical services affordable and convenient for the uninsured, and low-income and no-income individuals and families. Currently, PANIRA Healthcare is working to help get the pandemic under control. With the assistance of a Collier Cares grant, the clinic is offering affordable PCR and antibody rapid COVID-19 testing daily with results in 15 to 30 minutes. The testing fee is well below the average cost of other health facilities in the area. The walk-in/primary care clinic is located at 4975 Tamiami Trail East in Naples. Appointments for daily COVID-19 testing can be made by calling 239-529-5580. Walk-ins are welcome. Visit www.panirahealthcareclinic.org. 12
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NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
DANCE changes everything lifelong lessons and friendships healthy minds and bodies self-confidence and happiness
Classes resume January 4th! 13020 Livingston Rd #8 Naples, FL 34105 bdaNaples.com
239.566.3535
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 • January 2021
(239) 593-6668 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. www.childmont.com Naples, FL 34119 License # C20CO0018 License # C20CO0018 neafamily.com
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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
24 CCPS Students Named to Florida All-State Ensembles
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Academy. Senior High SSAA Chorus: Caroline Figueroa, Naples High School, and Soraya Gloria, Golden Gate High School. 7th & 8th Grade Honor Band: Alexander Russano, Pine Ridge Middle School, and Jaik Wolfe, Gulfview Middle School. 7th & 8th Grade Honors Orchestra: Katie Huynh, Gulfview Middle School, and Katie Ruci, Pine Ridge Middle School.
ollier County School District (CCPS) is sending 24 middle and high school musicians to the 2021 Florida Music Education Association virtual conference this month. CCPS students competed via recorded auditions against thousands of musicians from across the state. The following students were named to one of nine 2021 Florida All-State ensembles: Symphonic (11-12) Band: Lucas Bradshaw, Barron Collier High School. Symphonic (11-12) Orchestra: Sophie Leah, Gulf Coast High School. Concert (9-10) Band: Connor ocal teens are invited to audition for Gulfshore Playhouse Casey, Amanda Jackson, and Alexander Smuda, Gulf Coast Education’s STAR (Student Theatre Artists in Residence) High School; Shelby Kahn, Daoyi Liu, and Rachel Newman, Academy spring production of “Little Shops of Horrors” on Jan. 19. Barron Collier High School; and Dawson Huynh, Naples Auditions are open to students ages 13 to 18 and will take High School. Concert (9-10) Orchestra: Rachel Torres, Gulf place from 5-8 p.m. at the Norris Center in Naples. Masks must Coast High School. Middle School Band: Tricia Jackson and be worn at all times while inside the building, except during the Connor Matuszak, Oakridge Middle School. Middle School audition. Callbacks are scheduled for Jan. 20, and rehearsals will Orchestra: Reagan Kelly, Oakridge Middle School. Middle be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. from Feb. 8 School Mixed Chorus: Riley Brannan, Gulfview Middle to May 12. Tuition is $500. Need-based scholarships are available. Andrew Podos, M.D., believes a sick child will run May 15-22. To sign up for an audition, Podos, M.D., believes child School. HighAndrew School Honor Band: Austin Sweigart, Palmet-a sick Performances should never Grade haveHonors to wait wait to be be seen. seen. to Ridge High School. 9th-12th Orchestra: visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org/education/star-academy/springshould never have to to Ryan Robinson, Oliva Rogers, and Natalia Rosen, Palmet2021-theatre-class. That’s why why he’s he’s available available both both in in the the office For more information, contact Steven Calakos That’s office to Ridge High School; and Celine Schauer, Marco Island at scalakos@gulfshoreplayhouse.org.
STAR Academy Auditions Jan. 19 for Teen ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
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and and online online through through Millennium’s Millennium’s telehealth telehealth service MPG Connect. service MPG Connect.
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NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
By Jennifer Kupiec
Poinciana Elementary Student Creates COVID-19 Fashion and Business Plan
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ntrepreneurship begins by identifying a problem, then creating a product or concept to solve that problem, and pitching the idea to investors to get funding. That’s exactly what takes place in middle school and high school entrepreneurship classrooms throughout Collier County Public Schools (CCPS), along with a lot of life skills and financial literacy. “At our middle schools alone, we have over 300 teams participating in entrepreneurship,” said Carlos Artime, director of career and technical education for CCPS. “At the high school level, we have more than 100 teams.” The idea of entrepreneurship has grown exponentially within CCPS, so it’s no surprise we came across an elementary student who recently started a business by identifying and solving a problem. At the start of the school year, Poinciana Elementary School (PES) fifth grader Berkley Clarke was given a lanyard to help keep her face mask within reach and off of surfaces to limit germs. While a great idea, Berkley noticed that the longer lanyard got in the way during recess and sometimes would tangle. So Berkley came up with a mask band that was shorter, easier to take on and off, in a multitude of designs, according PES Principal Jessica Davis. “I made [a mask band] for my mom
and myself, as well as some of my mom’s students, and one of my mom’s friends actually said I should start selling them,” Berkley said. “She has always been creative,” said Jamie Clarke, Berkley’s mom and exceptional student education assistant at PES. “Both of my children are very artistic and constantly building stuff or designing stuff.” Berkley’s mask bands have become extremely popular, and the business is now a family effort. Berkley’s mom helps with the financial aspect of the business while her brother helps cut the ribbons. “They have gone like hotcakes, and as we go through this pandemic, they add a little sunshine in our day,” said Davis. Berkley has made more than $500 from the sale of her mask bands. After covering the cost of supplies and materials, Berkley plans to donate her profits to a local animal shelter. “Part of our role as educators is to ensure that all of our students have great opportunities to express themselves,” said Davis. “I hope that we have more students come forward and say, ‘Hey Miss Davis, I’ve got an idea I’d like to try,’ because it can be so incredibly contagious. And then to see what great things can come out of that spirit of learning and growing and entrepreneurship, that in itself would be a tremendous success.” Find Berkley’s mask bands on Facebook by searching Mask Bands by Berkley.
Why Girl Scouts? You want a brighter, happier tomorrow for your girl—and that’s exactly what we want, too. Girl Scouts is a way of life that brings out the best in your girl, and helps her bring out the best in everyone around her. While she’s learning about S.T.E.A.M., the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and important life skills, she’s also discovering new ways to make your family and community stronger, kinder, and better for everyone. Become a Girl Scout at www.gsgcf.org. NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
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10:00 a.m. New Year Art Show. Jan. 2 & 3. This juried fine art show features professional artists from around the country. Free admission, and donations are welcome. Located on Fifth Avenue South, Naples. Check https://naplesart.org.
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8:00 a.m. Holiday Break Camps. Kids ages 4-18 take part in cool projects and festive activities this holiday break. Full or half days. Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., SE, Bonita Springs. Call 239495-8989 or check www. artcenterbonita.org.
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4:30 p.m. Golf Lessons for Ages 3+. Jump Start Kids Golf is designed to give kids ages 3-6 a fun way to learn golf. Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Call 239946-4776 or check www. jumpstartkidsgolf.com.
10:15 a.m. Mini Wonders. A great introduction to the formal school classroom with a casual and playful twist that’s just right for children 2-5 years old. Every Thursday and Friday. C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check https://cmon.org or call 239-514-0084.
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5:30 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. For ages 2.5-11 years. An evening full of laughter, surprises, activity, and more. My Gym, 13020 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-431-6499 or check www.mygym.com.
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wednesday
5:30 p.m. Holiday Nights at Edison Ford. Stroll the estate and enjoy the holiday lights and historic decorations. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239334-7419 or check www. edisonfordwinterestates. org.
tuesday
6:00 p.m. Night Lights in the Garden. Live music, beautiful holiday lights, and more. Food and drinks available for purchase. Naples Botanical Gardens, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Check www. naplesgarden.org or call 239-643-7275.
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monday
11:00 a.m. Gumbo Fest. Live entertainment, food vendors, and much more. Shell Factory, 16554 North Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. Call 239-995-2141 or check www.shellfactory.com.
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Family Fun In SWFL
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8:00 p.m. Ghostbusters Drive-in Movie Night. Rated PG. Hosted by The Naples Players. Fun for the whole family. Concessions available. Located at 300 Eighth St. S., Naples. Call 239-263-7990 or check https://my.naplesplayers. org.
11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Happy Days. Happy days are here again as all your favorite characters are back. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or visit https://broadwaypalm. com.
4:00 p.m. Self-Care Strategies. A virtual educational and reflective group that will focus on a new example of self-care each week and how to apply it to your daily life. Hosted by Avow Hospice. RSVP to bereavement@ avowcares.org. Call 239261-4404.
3:30 p.m. Space Science Sundays. Hands-on fun for kids and their adults. New theme every Sunday. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-275-3435 or check www.calusanature.org.
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8:00 a.m. Bonita Springs Lions Club Wednesday Market. Fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, coffee, honey, and more. Located at 10441 Childers St., Bonita Springs. Call 239992-4011 or check www. bonitalions.org.
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10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. Open Play. Every Tuesday & Thursday. Open to the public. No membership required. Must be pre-registered. InPlay Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-963-9716 or check https://www.inplayfamilyfun.com. 5:00 p.m. Teen Little Shop of Horrors Auditions. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to audition for this spring production. Callbacks are Jan. 20. Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Check www.gulfshoreplayhouse. org.
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3:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile 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 https://mealsofhope. org.
9:00 a.m. South Collier Farmers Market. Fresh produce, arts, crafts, and delicious food. Naples Outlet Collection, 6060 Collier Blvd., Naples. Check www. southcollierfarmersmarket. com.
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10:00 a.m. Fort Myers Veg Fest 2021. Free admission. Fun outdoor festival with plant-based food for purchase, presentations, and more. Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Check www.FortMyersVegFest. org.
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5:00 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. A night of fun games, delicious food, and open play, arts & crafts, and more. We Rock theSpectrum Kid’s Gym, 17640 Tamiami Tr. S., Suite 309, Fort Myers. Call 239-362-3378 or check www.werockthespectrumfortmyers.com.
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8:30 a.m. NAMI Hope Shines Walk 2021. A scenic walk to help raise awareness and hope. Free food and entertainment. Baker Park, 50 Riverside Circle, Naples. Visit www.namicollier.org, call 239-260-7300, or email kristin@namicollier.org.
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5:30 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. Ages 2.5-11 years. Join us for an evening full of laughter, surprises, activity, and more. Reserve your spot today. My Gym, 13020 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239431-6499 or check www. mygym.com. 10:00 a.m. Naples Boat Show. Displays by marinas, boat dealers, and more. Kids 12 and younger are free with a paying adult ($12). Free parking. Two locations: Naples Airport and Naples City Dock. Check www.miacc. org or call 239-682-0900.
4:00 p.m. Wild Culture. The Naples Players and Naples Zoo present an afternoon of cultural encounters. A safe and fun opportunity to expose children to the wild world of culture. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Check https:// my.naplesplayers.org.
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8:00 a.m. Farmer’s Market. Join us for good food and fun, while enjoying social distancing outside. Local vendors and fresh produce. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd., Naples. Call 239-643-0197 or check https://saintpaulsnaples. org.
4:45 p.m. Sunset Painting. Paint the beautiful Naples sunset with stepby-step instructions from a professional artist. $45. Edgewater Beach Hotel, 1901 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples. Check www.edgewaternaples.com.
EDUCATION
Five Reasons Parents Choose a Catholic School Education
C
atholic School Week is an annual celebration in late January of Catholic education in the United States. Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association, schools observe the week with Masses, open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and community members. In honor of Catholic School Week, here are five common reasons parents choose a Catholic school education for their children. 1. Parents believe that their child’s teachers should serve as moral role models. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate Institute at Georgetown University confirmed that “strong moral values” is the top reason parents choose to send their child to a Catholic school. Many of the parents who select a Catholic school want their child’s education at school to be an extension of what they are being taught at home. They are
looking for influences on their child that mirror their religious beliefs and moral choices. Parent Angela Savage chose a Catholic school education for her young daughter for several reasons including safety concerns and a desire to have a school that focuses on the entire child. Happy with her decision, Angela stated that “the consistent religious instruction and activities helped my daughter’s faith develop even in demanding situations.” 2. Daily exposure to the Catholic faith is important to developing a strong religious foundation. Daily lessons in the Catholic faith create a strong foundation for children. Graduates of Catholic high schools statistically are more likely to continue church involvement as an adult. According to Our Greatest and Best Inheritance: Catholic Schools and Parental Choice (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops), “Catholic school students are more
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NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
likely to pray daily, attend church more often, retain a Catholic identify as an adult, and donate more to the Church.” 3. A church parish and school create a community for the family. Families who have children in a parish school have an easier time developing a sense of community with their fellow parishioners. Opportunities for fellowship, friendship, and service are available for families and create a warm and welcoming community. For those who don’t have other family in the area, this can be especially important, and their church and school become an important hub. 4. Catholic schools offer a relatively affordable private education. Private school tuition can be expensive, but many Catholic schools and dioceses offer generous tuition-assistance programs for parish families who need help. 5. Catholic schools offer high-quality education. According to the National Catholic Educational Association, 99 percent of Catholic secondary school students graduate and 88 percent go on to college. In general, on national and standardized tests Catholic schools consistently outperform public and other private schools by as much as 20 percentage points. Naples’s Catholic schools are communities – small families in their own right, but also linked to the traditions and goals of Naples. Residents from Marco Island to Estero attend three prekindergarten through eighth grade schools: Saint Ann School, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, and Royal Palm Academy. St. John Neumann Catholic High School (grades 9-12) serve the entire Naples area, while residents to the east can access the Donahue Academy (prekindergarten-12) in Ave Maria.
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LIFE IN A PANDEMIC
By Anna Snyder
Mackenzie and Jaeden Hamernik with 2-year-old Mya and newborn Roman.
COVID Conceptions
Local families welcome new additions in an unusual time “Life finds a way.” Yes, this may be a quote from the very first Jurassic Park movie, but it takes on a deeper level of meaning during a pandemic. While life may have changed drastically for us all over the past several months, some things never change. Even 2020 couldn’t stop the miracle of childbirth, and we wanted to share the stories of several local families who experienced the challenges and joys of pregnancy and birth during a pandemic. 20
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NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
The Hamernik Family Mackenzie and Jaeden Hamernik (and 2-year-old Mya) welcomed Roman to their family on Aug. 21. “Pregnancy during a pandemic had its ups and downs,” Mackenzie said. “I was able to feel relaxed and connected to this pregnancy because our lives were at a forced standstill. I usually live my life in a frenzy, running from place to place. God gave me that gift. Oftentimes I don’t make the choice to do that for myself. I also had a sweet time of bonding with my daughter before baby Roman arrived.” The negative side of pregnancy during a pandemic was just as significant. “My husband wasn’t able to come to any of my doctors appointments,” Mackenzie said. “For men, the ultrasounds are the only way they can connect with the baby before birth. I also was really looking forward to my daughter coming with me to see the baby.” To make things even more interesting, Mackenzie and her husband contracted COVID-19 during the pregnancy. “Fortunately, we had mild cases. However, Jaeden continued to test positive three months after he got better from the virus because he wasn’t shedding the virus cells in his nose. I was
NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
anxious that I would have to give birth alone,” she said. “The doctors originally told me I needed to choose another support person, and I was hysterical. After a lot of back and forth, Jaeden was allowed to come, but we were in an isolated part of the labor and delivery area. The doctors and nurses suited up in full PPE every time they entered the room.” Life since baby Roman arrived has been filled with baby snuggles and dealing with the pandemic’s affect on the family’s finances. “The biggest and worst impact on us was financial,” she noted. “My husband’s business – Elite Events – is a running event company, and we host running races all over south Florida. Since large gatherings were prohibited, we went from a full-time income to nothing in an instant. But we are thrilled to say that Elite Events is back up and running. Our events are a little smaller, but we are sure blessed to be working again. My side business for calligraphy (Letter Together) and cookies (Cookie Momster Naples) also took a huge dip, but is back up now. It is nice to be working again.” The Sperry Family Baby Vera was born to Zac and Rachel
I didn’t have to worry about random people awkwardly touching my belly. Rachel Sperry, on the positives of pregnancy during a pandemic Sperry on Nov. 4. The couple discovered Rachel was pregnant just as the pandemic took hold. “When I called to schedule an appointment to confirm my pregnancy, I was disappointed to find out I had to go alone,” Rachel said. “I wanted to be able to share every moment of this pregnancy with my husband. I showed up to every appointment alone, with a mask, had my temperature taken, and answered a series of questions regarding COVID exposure. Though it wasn’t ideal, it quickly became normal.” Social distancing, however, did have a positive side. “I didn’t have to worry about random people awkwardly touching my continued on page 22
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continued from page 21 belly. And, it was really nice not having an abundance of visitors in the hospital during and after her birth. Zac and I enjoyed the bonding time we had with our daughter without the interruption of visitors,” she explained. To stay safe during her pregnancy, Rachel relied on her faith, and stayed home as much as possible. “There are still so many unknowns about the virus. I wanted to be wise, but not fearful, so I took necessary precautions. My faith has played the biggest role in keeping me from worrying – I know the Lord is in control.” Now that the baby has arrived, life is all about her. “Vera is about a month old now, and it’s amazing how quickly she has changed,” Rachel said. “I’m trying to take in every moment and enjoy all aspects of motherhood, even the dark bags under my eyes. I feel blessed God gave me the beautiful gift of this child.” The O’Malley Family Mike and Hannah O’Malley (cousin of the author’s husband) welcomed baby Gráinne on July 5. Their planned home birth with midwives did not proceed as anticipated. “During labor, I transferred to the hospital and had a C-section after a long labor,” Hannah said. “The hospital experience was the opposite of the home birth I was looking forward to. My husband was the only person allowed to be with me in the hospital, and I was also stuck in triage for six hours before being taken into labor and delivery because I was required to get a COVID test and wait for the result to come back negative.” For Hannah, welcoming a new baby during a pandemic did have a silver lining. “My husband’s job required him to work from home, so we’ve been able to bond as a new family of three. He’s been able to help out and see our daughter grow without missing any milestones.” Another benefit of the pandemic for this new mom is not having to take a newborn into stores. “I love curbside shopping and having items delivered to our trunk. It’s so nice to be able to drive up to a store and not have to take the baby out of the car,” she added. “Since the virus is fairly new, there still is no way of knowing the effect it can have on infants, so our family is being very cautious. Yet, I love seeing my daughter grow and change and already become her own little unique person in just a few short months. I didn’t think I would like being a mom, but I enjoy it – I love that I now have a new hiking buddy and adventure partner. And I love that my daughter loves to be outside; that’s where we’re both happiest.” The Mize Family Laura and Patrick Mize and 4-year-old Cora will add a baby to their family in June. Although her pregnancy coincides with the pandemic, Laura is more focused on her family than the coronavirus. “I am not finding many challenges in this pregnancy. I feel confident in my ability to stay healthy and, if I do contract the virus, to recover within a few weeks’ time,” she said. “COVID-19 is not really a concern for me in relation to childbirth. I anticipate the experience will be similar to what it would be otherwise. I have some concern Photos, above left: Rachel Sperry with baby Vera. Photo by Willow Tree Photography. Left (L-R): Jim,Winnie, and writer Anna Snyder; Hannah O’Malley holding Gráinne, and Mike O’Malley. Facing page: Sean and Melissa Stevenson. 22
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about protecting our baby from the virus, but I am hopeful that by June, COVID will mostly be on its way out.” Laura added, “We were surprised by this pregnancy, so I don’t think coronavirus had much to do with the timing. Our baby is a wonderful surprise in what has been a crazy, challenging year!” The Stevenson Family Melissa and Sean Stevenson will welcome their first child – a boy – in late May. When asked about the challenges of pregnancy in the time of the coronavirus, Melissa echoed the others: “The hardest part is not being able to have my husband at my doctor appointments. He waits in the parking lot, and I record the ultrasounds on my phone for him. He has been so supportive, and I so wish he could be included.” The couple is looking forward to introducing their baby boy to family and friends in the spring, but anticipate that it will look a little different than it would have in life before coronavirus. “We have a very close-knit family and group of friends who are all very cautious, safe, and sensitive to everything going on. Though we may not have visitors in the same way we would have pre-pandemic, we know we will be able to communicate with the people we love through FaceTime, drive-by visitors, or other safe options.” The pandemic encouraged the Stevensons to re-evaluate their timeline in terms of starting a family. “It forced us to slow down and think about what is really important to us. Owning our own business – Kaleidoscope Floral – consumes a lot of our time. We experienced many cancellations during quarantine. All events and weddings were canceled, so we had all of our weddings postponed until next year.
We also operate Kaleidoscope Home, a floral and home décor shop, which had to close for a couple of months as well. The closures helped speed up the process of starting our family.” Fortunately, business is starting to turn around. “We are seeing a huge pickup with seasonal visitors to our retail location, as well as people out of state deciding to relocate their weddings to Naples, where we have much fewer restrictions. It’s been such a roller coaster, but we certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Devising a Good Parenting Plan and Dealing with the Unforeseen
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very co-parent knows these words: parenting plan. A parenting plan is the terms and provisions that ultimately outline and define the division of parental responsibilities between the parties. Every custody determination of a child is required to include a parenting plan. In a perfect world, the parenting plan would clearly set out exactly how each and every situation will be handled by the parents, to eliminate any future conflict. However, as we all know, that aspiration is simply impossible. The legal requirements for a parenting plan are actually quite basic. A parenting plan approved by the court must, at a minimum: 1) Describe in adequate detail how the parents will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child; 2) Include the time-sharing schedule arrangements that specify the time that the minor child will spend with each parent; 3) Designate who will be responsible for: a. Any and all forms of health care. If the court orders shared parental responsibility over health care decisions, the parenting plan must provide that either parent may consent to mental health
treatment for the child. b. School-related matters, including the address to be used for school-boundary determination and registration. c. Other activities; and 4) Describe in adequate detail the methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the child. That is all the law requires. Keep in mind, however, the plan is only the base line or starting point. It is not meant to be the everyday playbook that addresses every possible scenario. For every foreseeable event, there are two more that cannot possibly be anticipated. Because of this, the goal of a plan is to set out the minimum rights and obligations so that parents can keep a “child-first” focus in implementing the plan and can be flexible enough to address unforeseen events as they occur.
For example, Floridians know all too well about dealing with hurricanes. Choices have to be made regarding whether children will evacuate and with whom, and then parenting when schools are closed for a number of weeks due to lack of power. It is very unlikely that parenting plans included this scenario before Hurricane Irma struck Southwest Florida, yet families had to adapt. Then, of course, the school closures last spring and dealing with the virtual vs. brick-and-mortar decision this fall. Parenting plans certainly did not tell anyone what they should do for these oncein-a-lifetime events. Rather, co-parents had to work together to make these decisions for their kids. While a detailed plan may resolve issues during these types of events, a better approach is to have cooperative co-parents who can remove their self-interests when making important decisions for their children. If you don’t fall into that scenario, however, contact an attorney for assistance in addressing the needs of you and your family. REUBEN DOUPÉ is a family law and divorce attorney at Coleman, Hazzard, Taylor, Klaus, Doupé & Diaz, PA in Naples.
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YOUR FAMILY
By Christa Melnyk Hines
Protecting Teen Drivers
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rom the time they are infants we take the necessary precautions to protect our kids, but how can we keep them safe once they start driving? Role model. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traffic accidents remain the leading cause of injury and death among teens. Setting a positive example can help nurture an aware, focused driver. “We as parents have a great deal of influence in how our children are going to drive by how they see us driving,” said pediatric safety specialist Brad Winfrey, BSN, RN, CPEN, CPST. “That’s why it’s so important that parents role model driving at safe speeds, wearing seat belts, and not driving distracted.” Teach the MVPs of driving. After working “in the emergency department (at a children’s hospital) for 30 years, I certainly saw the impact of what teen driving, lack of experience, and distraction can do to the driver and the passengers,” Winfrey said. Winfrey teaches young drivers the acronym “MVP”: Mind – Keep your mind on driving and stay aware of what is happening
around you. Pay attention to road signs, traffic lights, and construction zones. Vision – Your eyes should be on the road ahead of you and not elsewhere in the vehicle, like on the phone or radio. Practice – Practice in a variety of weather conditions, roadways, construction areas, and especially at night, when visibility is limited and oncoming headlights can be blinding. With evening school activities and part-time jobs, teens frequently drive at night. Limit passengers. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that a 16- or 17-year-old’s risk of death per mile rises 44 percent when carrying one passenger younger than 21 and quadruples when transporting three or more passengers under the age of 21. The potential for risk-taking behavior also increases, including not wearing seat belts, speeding, and drinking alcohol. Many graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) programs, which have been enacted to some degree in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, restrict the number of passengers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the GDL program has reduced teen crashes by 20 to 40 percent. Download Life 360. John Lacy, a police officer, recommends the Life 360 app to help you keep track of your teen’s whereabouts. The app also provides crash detection and emergency response, as well as weekly driver reports that highlight phone usage, acceleration, braking, and top speeds. “Don’t tell your children that they’re being added to Life 360. Just do it,” Lacy said. “Kids are very crafty. If they know that something like that is on their phone, they’ll disable it. Remember, it’s your phone, not your kid’s cell phone.” If you prefer to be open with your teen about the app, tell them that as a minor on the road, it provides a non-negotiable, additional layer of safety and security. Educate them about the vehicle. Acquaint your teen with the car’s features like how to turn on the headlights, where the defrost is located, how to turn on windshield wipers, and how to open and fill the gas tank. Also, teach them how to change a tire. (Check the spare tire every three months to ensure it is fully inflated.) Under the hood, point out the battery and how to check the oil. Store a roadside emergency kit in the trunk with plastic flare reflectors. Know the do’s and don’ts of roadside assistance. Your teen should contact you and/or the police if they are in a car accident, become stranded, or get lost. If they get lost, which isn’t uncommon
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NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
for new drivers, tell them to call you first. “It’s okay to call the police if they’re lost, too,” Lacy said. If your teen gets a flat tire, instruct them to call the police first and then you. “The reason I like an officer there is because the lights provide protection, especially at night, and reminds people to slow down,” Lacy explained. Unfortunately, we don’t always know if a stranger offering help is acting as a good samaritan or has more nefarious intentions. If your teen is stranded, they should wave on those offering help and tell them that the police will arrive shortly. Manage a traffic stop. Explain to your teen that if they get stopped by the police, they should pull over to the right-hand side of the road, into a well-lit parking lot, or onto private property to keep themselves and the officer safe from oncoming traffic. Traffic stops can be stressful even for adults. Encourage your teen to calmly follow the officer’s instructions. Remind them to keep their hands in plain sight on the steering wheel. Your teen should know where their driver’s license, registration, and current insurance card are located inside the vehicle. But they shouldn’t reach for anything in the car until instructed by the officer. “The officer will tell you the reason why he stopped you, what he’s looking for, and what he wants,” Lacy said. After that, the officer will return to his vehicle. “Don’t get out of your vehicle,” he warned. “That is the last thing we want you to do. Stay inside the vehicle the entire time and let the officer contact you.” If your teen suspects that the person pulling them over isn’t a real police officer, they can call 911 with their location and confirm the traffic stop. Many police departments record traffic stops. “Kids have a right to record the conversation too,” Lacy said. If an officer is rude or unprofessional, parents can file a complaint with the department. Remain patient. Your involvement and patient guidance will help your teen become a safe driver. “A lot of people immediately want to jump on the bandwagon and say that teens are bad drivers. It’s not necessarily true,” Winfrey said. “They just don’t have experience. With experience comes better driving skills and better driving habits.”
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HEALTHY, HAPPY FAMILY
By Sandi Schwartz
How To Be a Fitness Role Model for Your Kids
A
s we all know, being a parent is the most important job in the world. Our children look up to us for guidance on everything in life, even if we don’t realize it. One way that you can be a positive role model to your kids is in the area of fitness. Staying fit is critical to our health and well-being – including our mental health and happiness. We can help shape our children’s views on exercise by modeling healthy behavior and making fitness a fun part of our family’s daily routine. Why exercise is important for managing stress and anxiety Experts have found a clear link between exercise and stress reduction. Harvard scientists concluded that, “Regular aerobic exercise has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax, to provide stimulation and calm, to counter depression and dissipate stress.” According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, some studies show that consistent exercise can be just as effective as medication for some people to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Other research shows that physically active people have lower rates of anxiety than those who do not exercise. In one study, researchers found that those who got regular vigorous exercise were
25 percent less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over the next five years. Here are several ways in which exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety: Produces endorphins. When we exercise, our body releases feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins. These chemicals in our brain act as natural painkillers, making us feel better and less stressed. Endorphins are responsible for the natural high we get from a hard workout. Reduces stress hormones. Exercise reduces the level of stress hormones in our body like adrenaline and cortisol, helping us feel calmer. Minimizes fatigue. Exercise improves blood flow and our body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently. These changes in our brain then reduce fatigue and improve alertness, concentration, and cognitive function. This helps us when we are stressed because we are depleted and need to return to a more balanced level of energy. When we are stressed, many nerves in our brain and throughout out body are impacted. Scientists conclude, therefore, that if our body feels better, then our mind will also feel better. Improves self-esteem. Behavioral factors also contribute to
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the emotional benefits of exercise. When we gain strength and begin to see a difference in our body, we feel better about ourselves and become happier and more confident. Feeling better about ourselves shifts our focus to positive thoughts and away from fear and anxiety. Provides a fun distraction. One of the best parts about exercise is that it gives us a time to take a fun break from the stresses in our daily lives. Whether you are jogging to your favorite upbeat music or socializing with friends on the tennis court, your mind is distracted and you can just have a good time. Makes sleeping easier. According to Mayo Clinic, exercise can also improve how we sleep. This is great news for those suffering from insomnia due to stress and anxiety. Encourages mindfulness. A great bonus of exercise is that it provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mindful moment. While we work out, we can fully engage in the present moment instead of letting our mind run wild with worries. To get the best result, experts suggest doing rhythmic activities that engage the whole body like running, walking, swimming, dancing, rowing, or climbing. Helpguide.org suggests that “as you move, instead of continuing to focus on your thoughts, focus on the sensations in your limbs and how your breathing complements your movement. If your mind wanders to other thoughts, gently return to focusing on your breathing and movement. If walking or running, for example, focus on each step – the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the rhythm of your breath while moving, and the feeling of the wind against your face.”
NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021
Exercising together It’s so important that we play actively with our kids from a young age and that we consistently exercise in front of them (and sometimes with them) to show them how importance physical fitness is. From going on family bike rides to coaching one of their sports teams, there are many helpful ways for you to be a fitness role model to your children throughout their lives. Here are some more ideas to get you moving: Go for a hike. Not only are walks and hikes wonderful, safe exercise that the entire family can enjoy, they also are an opportunity to connect to the beauty of nature to bring you a sense of calm. Try adding some fun to your family hikes by turning them into a race or scavenger hunt, and by venturing to new parks and trails in your area and while on vacation. Take a Mommy and Me yoga class together. Yoga offers many incredible benefits to both you and our children including balance, strength training, time for inner focus, and an opportunity to connect with our bodies in ways we aren’t used to. Sign up for a yoga class that you can take together or pop in a video or load an app so you can do some yoga together in your living room or, better yet, in your backyard. Give sports-related gifts. Another way to make fitness a priority in your home is to choose gifts such as workout clothes, sports equipment, and how-to books about sports during birthday and holiday time. You also can choose some tickets for a sporting event and make it a fun family outing to cheer on your team together.
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“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” –Aristotle
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TUITION-FREE K-12 School Top 2% of All Florida Public Schools A-Rating Every Year Since Inception Focus on Virtue and Knowledge Rich, Challenging Curriculum Proven Track Record “Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.” 32
– George Washington
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Website: MasonAcademy.com Address: 3073 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples Email: Info@Masonacademy.com NEAPOLITANfamily • January 2021 Phone Number: (239) 227-2838
