March 2017 digital issue by Neapolitan Family

March 2017 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

It’s Time For the Fair!

Contain Your Clutter Camping in FL State Parks With Your Kids Coping with Concussions

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah or Naples NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

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Come Out to the Collier County Fair! Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, March 26! Featuring Rides, Games, Demolition Derby, Family Living / Livestock Competitions, Live Music, Food, & So Much More! Our event will also feature a STEAM Initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math).

Tickets on Sale NOW Megapasses - $25 Child Fair Admission - $5 Adult Fair Admission - $10 *Service charge added to online orders

For more information, go to CollierCountyFair.com.

Did You Know? The Collier County Fairgrounds is not a part of Collier County or State of Florida government and thus receives no tax dollars or other subsidies. We are a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching our community by promoting education and South West Florida agriculture while showcasing and rewarding youth achievement. We accomplish this by producing a first-class eleven day Fair each Spring with quality family entertainment and providing facilities and resources for year-round events. Over the years we have given back to a long list of other not-for profits and charities throughout our community. Your money stays here, and we thank you all for supporting us.

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www.CollierCountyfair.com

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MARCH 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . . 07

FROM THE PUBLISHER

REEL LIFE WITH JANE Movie reviews for the entire family

CITY CONNECTION City of Naples Parks News and Events

COLLIER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE

COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

THE OUTNUMBERED MOTHER Advice from Amy Hunter

FAMILY LAW Guidance from legal experts

on the cover…

16 The Cambridge Program. What kids and parents have to say about this new addition to CCPS middle schools. by Anna Snyder 18 Collier County Fair. Learn more about the event and the organization that throws an 11-day party every year. by Leigh Tahirovic 22 Destination: Savannah. Green fountains, goats, and horses are just the beginning of St. Patrick’s Day in this charming city. by Karen T. Bartlett 36 Concussions and Your Child. Two articles provide valuable information on how to recognize and deal with this serious injury. by Lara Krupicka 38 Family Camping. Camping in Florida State Parks with your toddlers and/or teens can be rewarding and fun. Really! by Anna Snyder 40 Murder & Mayhem. Venture to Marco Island for a fun night out visiting ghosts and spirits. by Stacy Nicolau 42 Spring Cleaning. Calm the clutter and chaos in your home by involving the kids and finally getting organized. by Leigh Tahirovic

Andrea is the 4-year-old daughter of Gilberto Luciano and Violeta Félix. She is a fun loving girl who is a whiz at puzzles, and loves dolls, school, dancing, playing soccer and basketball, and her dogs, Kimbo and Cookie, who are very protective of her.

Cover photo by Peggy Farren of CEDR 1003 NeaFamily 1-4 pg Horiz.4_Layout 1 Avant Garde Photography • 239-263-7001

44 St. Patrick’s Day Events. A guide to the best local events this March celebrating the patron saint of Ireland. 2/18/13 9:45 AM Page 1

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

Maria Montessori

inspiring the love of learning since 1984 NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

IT SHOULDN’T HURT TO BE A CHILD At age 10, Caleb wanted to die. As a teen, diagnosed with many mental illnesses, he felt like a “loser.” Suicide beckoned. Only self-harm eased the pain.

Caleb’s life changed when he came to David Lawrence Center, a leader in advanced mental health treatment for children. He worked with our specialized pediatric psychiatrists, clinicians, case managers and therapists. Today, 16-year-old Caleb plays lacrosse and drums his heart out in the high school band. He wants to be a mechanical engineer, and we believe he will be. Recovery from mental illness happens every day at David Lawrence Center, providing world-class comprehensive children’s mental health care. If a child you know needs help, call our pediatric mental health specialists today. Your call is the start of life-changing wellness.

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Greater Naples YMCA

SUMMER CAMP WYHOWAY Starts June 2nd!

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NEAPOLITANfamily â&#x20AC;¢ March 2017

from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman graphic design, accounting, editorial lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529 Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau advertising, marketing, social media, editorial snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature Writers Anna Snyder Leigh Tahirovic Cover Photographer Peggy Farren 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 which 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 ©2017 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

THIS MONTH: St. Patrick’s Day and Spring Break March has special significance in my house. My daughter was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on March 1. Just two weeks later, she experienced her first St. Patrick’s Day parade in nearby Downpatrick, where St. Patrick is buried. Parades celebrating March 17 are a recent development in Ireland, unlike the U.S. In fact, the world’s third largest St. Patrick’s Day parade is held within driving distance of Naples. Travel editor Karen T. Bartlett takes us to Savannah, Ga., on page 22 to show us the shenanigans that go on in that beautiful city in the middle of March. If you plan to stay in SWFL, turn to page 44 to check out our listing of local St. Paddy’s Day events to celebrate your own, or anyone else’s, Irish heritage. With spring break looming, we offer other fun adventures for your family. On page 38, Anna Snyder explains why you can (and should) take your family camping. When you get back, head out to the Collier County Fair, which starts on March 16. Leigh Tahirovic tells us more about this iconic event on page 18. You also can fit in a few movies with your kids: Neapolitan Family is a sponsor of Paragon Pavilion’s Free Spring Break Kid’s Movies. Look on page 9 for more information. Finally, Tahirovic provides a less fun, but ultimately satisfying, way to spend break: tackling the clutter in your house, armed with advice from a professional organizer on page 42. Concussions are a serious concern for all parents, and much of what we thought we knew about this brain injury is incorrect. Educate yourself with two articles on pages 36 and 37, written by Lara Krupicka, a writer and mother of three girls, all of whom have suffered concussions. March also means applications are due for the Cambridge Secondary program, which was introduced to Collier middle schools last year. Anna Snyder’s article on page 16 can help you decide if it is right for your child. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Happy Spring Break, Happy Spring, and Happy 12th Birthday, Rachel!

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REEL LIFE WITH JANE

By Jane Louise Boursaw

Family Movie & DVD Reviews Here’s a sneak peek at all the new movies for kids and teens in March, which include a new version of “Beauty and the Beast,” a big screen adaptation of the YA novel “Before I Fall,” and a reboot of “Power Rangers.” Note that release dates are subject to change. BEFORE I FALL Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content involving drinking, sexuality, bullying, some violent images, and language, all involving teens In Theaters 3/3 • Ok for kids 13+ Open Road Films Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels What if you had only one day to change absolutely everything? Samantha Kingston has everything: the perfect friends, the perfect guy, and a seemingly perfect future. But after one fateful night, Sam wakes up with no future at all. Trapped reliving the same day over and over, she begins to question just how perfect her life really is. As she begins to untangle the mystery of a life suddenly derailed, she must also unwind the secrets of the people closest to her, and discover the power of a single day to make a difference, not just in her own life, but in the lives of those around her. Directed by Ry Russo-Young and based on the YA novel by Lauren Oliver, this movie stars Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Logan Miller, and Jennifer Beals. THE BOSS BABY Rated PG-13 for some mild rude humor In Theaters 3/31 • Ok for kids 6+ DreamWorks Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Rated PG for action violence, peril, and frightening images In Theaters 3/17 • Ok for kids 8+ Disney • Reel Preview: 5 of 5 Reels The beloved Disney tale gets a reboot on the big screen with a blend of live-action and CG magic. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens star as Belle and the Beast, with Luke Evans playing the role of Gaston, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, and Kevin Kline as Belle’s father, Maurice. Eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards for the 1991 animated classic, scores the film, which includes new recordings of original songs, as well as several new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. Directed by Bill Condon, the film also stars Ian McKellen, Josh Gad, Gugu MbathaRaw, Audra McDonald, Stanley Tucci, and Ewan McGregor. 8

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DreamWorks Animation and the director of “Madagascar” invite you to meet a most unusual baby. He wears a suit, speaks with the voice and wit of Alec Baldwin, and stars in the animated comedy “The Boss Baby.” It’s the hilariously universal story about how a new baby’s arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative 7-yearold named Tim. With a heartfelt message about the importance of family, this cute family film is fun for both kids and grownups. Directed by Tom McGrath, the voice cast also includes Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, and Miles Bakshi. NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

POWER RANGERS Not yet rated • In Theaters 3/17 Ok for kids 8+ • Lionsgate Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels Saban’s “Power Rangers” follows five ordinary high school kids who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world – is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But they’ll have to overcome their real-life issues and band together as the Power Rangers before it’s too late. Directed by Dean Israelite, this movie stars Bryan Cranston, Bill Hader, Elizabeth Banks, and Dacre Montgomery. KONG: SKULL ISLAND Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief strong language In Theaters 3/10 • Ok for Kids 13+ Warner Bros. • Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels The producers of “Godzilla” re-imagine one of the most powerful monster myths of all time. This compelling, original adventure tells the story of a diverse team of scientists, soldiers, and adventurers uniting to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific, as dangerous as it is beautiful. Cut off from everything they know, the team ventures into the domain of the mighty Kong, igniting the ultimate battle between man and nature. As their mission of discovery becomes one of survival, they must fight to escape a primal Eden in which humanity does not belong. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, this movie stars Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, and Brie Larson. JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM One Reel–Even the Force can’t save it. Two Reels–Coulda been a contender. Three Reels–Something to talk about. Four Reels–You want the truth? Great flick. Five Reels–Wow. The stuff dreams are made of. JANE BOURSAW is the film critic and editor-in-chief of Reel Life With Jane. Images used with permission of the studios and distributors.

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CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT. By Laura Tichy-Smith

Forecast for Fun: Spring Break

Entertainment, classes, and sports await you at these programs and events offered by the City of Naples Community Services Department. Improv Comedy Classes/ Mini Workshops: Ages 16+ Come have fun, laugh, and learn the basic rules of improvisational comedy with improv professional Margot Escott. Try a two-hour Mini Improv workshop or join ongoing weekly classes to learn new games and practice skills you can apply to everyday life. Escott has been teaching and performing improv professionally in Southwest Florida for the past five years. For more than 25 years, she has presented workshops and seminars on “Therapeutic Value of Humor and Play” on a national level. Class is 10 a.m. to noon from Mar. 4-25. The mini workshop is on Mar. 28, 4-6 p.m. $25 per session. Call 239-213-3037. (301 11th Street N., Naples)

Free Tuesday Morning Nature Talks Bring your children and learn together how nature can flourish in urban and suburban areas, with the proper care. The Naples Preserve continues its tradition of a free nature talk series featuring guest speakers from natural areas around Southwest Florida. All talks start at 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Mar. 7, “Estuaries”; Mar. 14, “Florida Panthers: Coexistence and the Road to Recovery”; Mar. 21, “Walk Into My Parlor, Said the Spider to the Fly”; Mar. 28, “Rules of the Forest: Eastern Indigo Snakes in Southwest Florida”. Call 239-261-4290. (1690 Tamiami Trail N., corner of US 41 & Fleischmann Blvd.) School’s Out Fun Day for Elementary School Kids Need childcare when school is closed but you have to work? Fleischmann Park has you covered. They have planned fun activities for your child’s day off from school on Mar. 20, including crafts, games, and sports, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Send lunch and snacks with your child. You must register no later than two weeks prior to the event. Space is limited. $30 per child. To register, call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples) Spring Break Camps for Grades K-6

Come On In, The Water’s Free The River Park Aquatic Center is open and features fun for everyone. Admission is free for Collier County residents. The kids will love the beach-like shallow end with play fountains, dump buckets, and water slide, while the grownups will enjoy the lap lanes and sunbathing deck. Red Cross certified lifeguards are on watchful duty. Current hours are Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Call 239213-3040. (451 11th St. N., Naples) 10

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Fleischmann Park has a variety of fun activities planned for your child’s week off from school, Mar. 13-17, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. These Fun Days including crafts, games, field trips, and sports. You must register no later than one week prior. Space is limited. $30 per child per day. Also offered are multiple speciality camps, which run from 9 a.m. to noon each day. The cost is $105 per week or $25 per day. Skate/BMX Camp! (Ages 7-12). Join Ben and the Ramp Doctors Crew for this exciting camp. Must have own equipment. High and Beyond Climbing Camp! (Ages

5 and up). The camp teaches different strategies to different levels of climbers, but helps all with self-confidence. Jr. Fitness Spring Break Camp (ages 10 & up). This fast paced, high energy camp is for all athletes of all sports and will specifically target speed, agility, and strength. Tie Dye Camp (Ages 6–13). Join Ms. Kim in this fun and creative camp where campers will create wearable art! We will be tie dyeing everyday as well as creating some fun accessories to go with our new fabulous tie dyed clothes. Some materials available for purchase from the instructor. Creative Art Camp (Ages 6–13). Enjoy creative ways to be artistic while having fun. In this camp, led by Ms. Kim, campers will be creating collages, paper mache, colorful drawings and paintings, and other master pieces. To register for any camp, call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Ave., Naples) Free Concerts at the Bandshell Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park. All concerts at 2 p.m. Naples Concert Band on Mar. 5; Naples Dixieland Jazz Band on Mar. 12; Gulfcoast Big Band on Mar. 19; and Naples Big Band on Mar. 26. Call 239213-3058. (755 Eighth Avenue S., Naples) Free Concert at River Park Community Center The Jazz Masters will present a free concert of Dixieland jazz at the community center on Mar. 18 at 2 p.m. Call 239-213-3037. (301 11th Street N., Naples) Parents’ Night Out Hosted by Miss Cricket Miss Cricket, the gymnastics and afterschool instructor at Fleischmann Park hosts dinner, games, and a big screen movie. Mar. 17, 6-9:30 p.m.; $20. Registration required. Call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples) NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Amanda Jackson, Communications & Community Engagement

A Chain Reaction of Kindness at PCR

few months ago, one of Dylan Opper’s students approached him with a teddy bear. She gave it to him as a gift and said, “I don’t need it anymore. I’ve got a new one to sleep on.” Opper, a science coach at Pinecrest Elementary School (PCR), asked her what she meant by sleeping on a teddy bear. She told him she didn’t have a pillow at home so instead used stuffed animals and sweatshirts. It’s something second grade teacher Erica Rimbert saw in her classroom as well. She recalls giving her students a multiplechoice question where she showed them a picture of a mat. While the correct answer was “mat,” the majority of her students picked “bed” because, as she found out, many times that is where they sleep. When the teachers started discussing their observations they realized this was a school-wide problem. PCR is one of the poorest schools in Florida, where 100% of students are classified as economically needy and are on free and reduced lunch.

Opper, Rimbert, and other teachers put their heads together to figure out a way to help. That’s how the PCR Pillow Project began. It started with a Facebook post. Rimbert requested donations of pillows, pillowcases, blankets, and sleeping bags for 750-plus students. It quickly grew from there. “It was a chain reaction of kindness,” Rimbert said. “Once one person found out our students needed these basic things, they told their friends, who told more friends. They attached to this project and our students.” In six weeks, donations exceeded all original expectations. They ended up with over 1,000 pillows and blankets and over 800 pillowcases and sleeping bags. On Valentine’s Day, donations filled PCR’s cafeteria, and students sat in front of the stage for a presentation, unaware of the surprise that awaited them. Principal Susan Jordan explained how the community wanted to come together to make sure these young Eagles had everything they needed for

a good night of sleep. Students cheered as they watched a video of staff preparing for the big day. Before long, they were led into the cafeteria for the big reveal. “Seeing the students’ reaction to getting to pick out something of their own, to the video of teachers getting the event ready for them, and to know how much we truly love them is indescribable,” Rimbert said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the face of my student who gave me that teddy bear,” Opper said. “That will be a full-circle moment.” “We had to keep this a secret for far too long,” Jordan said. “We were bursting because that last piece was seeing the looks on these kids’ faces. Every night we’ve been sneaking around after dark, trying to keep everything under wraps. Getting to see the looks on their faces when they realize this is all for them and they get to take it home is the best gift of all.” The extras will be given to students with siblings.

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COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE By Kristine Gill

New Campaign Warns Teen Drivers of Dangers of Distracted Driving

he day your teen starts driving can be a scary one. The roads can be dangerous and distracted driving is a common behavior. That’s why it’s important to talk to your kids about focusing on the task at hand while behind the wheel – and setting a good example by avoiding the same distractions yourself. To combat the problem, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) launched a new campaign last month reminding motorists of the dangers of distracted driving. Our efforts on this campaign will last through the end of March, but we hope the message persists long after. Our message to motorists is “Just drive. That’s it.” We hear that advice all the time but the truth is you can become distracted by something as simple as adjusting the radio or glancing at a map, not to mention texting while driving, taking a bite of your lunch, or fixing your hair in the mirror. And teens are more likely than any other driver to be involved in a crash. They’re also more likely to be distracted at the wheel. A 2016 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 60 percent of teen crashes are caused by distracted driving. Surprisingly, it’s not cell phones that are the biggest culprits. Teens are most likely to be distracted by their passengers. The CCSO offers the Teen Driver Challenge program to students with their permits and licenses. Sgt. Thad Rhodes said the two-day class focuses on driving laws and the dangers of distracted driving. And teens aren’t the only ones engaging in

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distracted driving. Sgt. Rhodes points out that adults are also known for texting while driving. The reason the Teen Driver Challenge targets young adults is to break bad habits early. The CCSO launched the “Just Drive” campaign during season to reach the highest number of people. Throughout the end of the month, you’ll notice ads and statistics on our social media accounts, and even on electronic signs throughout the county. Our deputies focusing on traffic enforcement will be handing out window clings with our message on it. You might also receive an informational brochure about the dangers of distracted driving. Last year, 10 percent of all crashes throughout Collier County were caused by some kind of distracted driving and more than 100 people were injured in one of those crashes when the driver used a cell phone or other electronic communication device. In 2015, eight people died in distracted driving crashes throughout our county. For more information about our Teen Driver Challenge program, visit www.colliersheriff.org/we-can-help/traffic-safety/ teen-driver-challenge. Classes are full through May, but you can call to be added to a waiting list. June classes are scheduled for June 28 at Osceola Elementary and June 29 at Barron Collier High School. In July, classes will be held on July 12 at Barron Collier and July 26 at Osceola. “Help keep our roads safe,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “When you’re behind the wheel, just drive. That’s it.”

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Enroll your child in Child’s Path… The top three reasons why: #1. The Reggio Emilia philosophy of education is followed, which promotes child-centered learning in an arts-based environment and inspires a desire for life-long learning. In an atmosphere of fun, affection, attention and support, we will prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond. #2. Enrollments being accepted now for children ages 2-5; offers a highly qualified teaching staff; accepts VPK and SCHOOL READINESS vouchers; partial scholarships are available for income-eligible families. #3. Read #1 and #2 again.

Free VPK! Now enrolling for the 2017-18 school year! Call: 239-353-4144 Your child deserves a high-quality early childhood education. Let us help give your child a brighter future! Visit www.collierchildcare.org to find out more. 3144 Santa Barbara Blvd. Naples, FL 34116 Child’s Path A CCCR Early Childhood Development Center

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Children for the Arts Collects PB&J and More for Meals of Hope

hildren For the Arts (CFTA) recently held a Peanut Butter & Jelly Food Drive to benefit Meals of Hope, a local nonprofit that provides food for children and their families in Collier County. Tish Poorman, program director of CFTA, was inspired by an article in Neapolitan Family to aid Meals of Hope in its mission to provide backpacks full of food for students to take home from school on Friday afternoons. Children for the Arts provides an after-school theatre program for children ages 6-15 at Pine Ridge Middle School. The cast of the group’s current production, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, collected peanut butter and jelly along with other canned goods and food items, and are planning another food drive in May. “It helps our friends in our community and it’s very important to me to help others,” said cast member Ashley Rochin, 11. Parent volunteer for CFTA and local pediatrician, Patricia Contreras, M.D., added, “There are so many children who do not get regular meals and the only meals that they do get are either subsidized at schools or through programs like this. It’s important to create the awareness of local hunger. There’s a lot of needy people right here in Collier County and this food drive has been a very good project for our children. I hope it continues.” “Hunger is a year round problem and we are appreciative of Children For The Arts’ contribution to our program,” said Katie Schweikhart Jepson, director of Meals of Hope. For more information, contact Jepson at mealsofhope.org or Poorman at 239-571-3305.

JFCC Hosts Annual CommunityWide Celebration of Israel

he Israel Advocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County is sponsoring its 2nd annual free Celebration of Israel at Fleischmann Park on April 2. The event is open to the public, and will be held from noon to 3:00 p.m. Enjoy music, singers, and speakers. Children’s activities include face painting, a bounce house, and a kid’s playground. Food options include NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

Sizzle Truck, Jewbans Deli Dali, and Kana Ice. Enter a free drawing to win a round trip airline ticket to Israel (must be present to win). The Jewish Federation of Collier County is a not-for-profit corporation that strives to enhance and enrich the quality of Jewish life and promote understanding and cooperation in Collier County through community-building endeavors. For more information, visit www.jewishnaples.org or call 239-263-4205.

Former NEC Rider Raises $2,000 From Birthday Party Donations

former rider in the Naples Equestrian Challenge (NEC) donated $1,958 to the program recently – money she raised by asking for donations to NEC in lieu of gifts at her 25th birthday party. The funds will be used to support the equine-assisted therapy programs at NEC. “I thought it would be nice to give back to NEC because I have learned so much from the program,” said Hannah. “I want to help others achieve their goals, too.” Hannah, who has autism, started equine-assisted therapy at NEC when she was three and was a rider on and off until 2013. “Naples Equestrian Challenge was one of the very first organizations in Naples that was working with children with special needs when Hannah began riding in 1995,” said her mother, Merrylee Kandel. “She was unable to even communicate at the time, but over the years she has gained such confidence in herself and trust in other people through her riding.” Guests who attended Hannah’s 25th birthday celebration were asked to donate to her favorite charity instead of bringing gifts, and were able to learn more about NEC through brochures provided at the party. More than 20 families chose to make a donation. Hannah currently is a student at Florida Southwestern State College and has worked at Food & Thought/Thoughtful Threads for four years. She hopes to one day be a children’s book writer and illustrator. When asked what the biggest thing NEC has taught her over the years, she immediately responded “to be more compassionate.” “We just adore Hannah and are truly grateful for her donation,” said Missy Saracino, NEC’s program director. “Her story of living a fuller life in part because of our programs is one we hope for all of our riders “ “The staff and volunteers at NEC are just incredible and so caring and supportive,” said Kandel. “And the difference they’ve made in my daughter’s life is priceless. To watch her want to genuinely support such a wonderful organization is very gratifying.”

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

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EDUCATION By Anna Snyder

Is the Cambridge Program Right for Your Middle Schooler? C ollier County Public Schools (CCPS) introduced the Cambridge Secondary Program – an advanced studies program for middle school students – this school year. Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade across Collier currently are enrolled in Cambridge, and rising 5th graders will be applying this month. As the program was brand-new to middle school parents, teachers, and administrators, there was a steep learning curve, but now mid-way through the second half of the school year, most everyone appears to have settled into Cambridge.

Cambridge Secondary Cambridge Secondary essentially is designed for higher level students. It “builds skills, knowledge, and understanding in the content area courses of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies,” said Gregory Turchetta, executive director of Communications and Community Engagement for CCPS. “The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the most advanced learner with an emphasis on creativity, innovation, and scholarly discourse. Throughout the Cambridge Secondary experience, students develop the skills and content knowledge necessary to meet the demands of advanced course work and ultimately transition successfully to the high school setting.” Students who are identified as gifted or who have high standardized test scores and grade point averages are invited to apply for the program. The application process has several components. “Partici-

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pation is not automatic or guaranteed,” said Turchetta. “Students choose to complete an application which includes a student–parent agreement detailing commitment to participation in Cambridge Secondary, a student self-assessment, and two short response questions. The applications are reviewed at each school site, and applicants are considered based on academic excellence, commitment to the program, involvement in outside activities, attendance, and behavior.” Cambridge Secondary is a significant commitment for families considering entering the program at the middle school level. Students who begin in the year in Cambridge may not switch out to other classes during the course of the year. However, students may choose not to continue with the program the following school year. And students may apply in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade (if they qualify). The program involves high expectations of behavior and achievement, along with a hefty workload. Turchetta pointed out, though, that students are encouraged to utilize their strengths when approaching the content. “As with any course, homework and assessment expectations vary according to the student’s individual strengths. Therefore, what some students may find challenging, others will find easy. The goal of Cambridge Secondary is to provide not more homework or assessments, but rather homework or assessments which meet the cognitive abilities of the students.” CCPS plans to continue Cambridge at the middle school level and expand it to elementary schools as well. “The district’s high schools have offered Cambridge courses, known as Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) courses, alongside Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses as part of the high school’s advance studies options,” Turchetta explained. “This is the inaugural year for Cambridge Secondary in the middle schools, and the goal is to expand exposure into the elementary schools next year through Cambridge Primary.” Both secondary and primary programs are designed “to meet the needs of students identified as gifted or high achieving,” he added. What the students have to say Rachel Newman, contributor to Neapolitan Family and sixth grade student at Pine Ridge Middle School (PRMS), shared about the performance task requirements, “I enjoy some of the performance tasks – recent performance tasks in Language Arts have involved creating slideshows to present for the class about animals. I created a NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

presentation about the Langur monkey, and now we have to complete a performance task slideshow on a natural disaster.” When asked about the challenges she has experienced, Rachel candidly explained, “There is a lot of homework involved. Cambridge is a lot of burning the candle at both ends. There is also a summer assignment over break – it takes a lot of work and time.” Rachel has some sound advice for parents and their students considering Cambridge Secondary for the coming school year. “I’d advise those considering the program to look at their child’s progress in math and language arts. Those are the two main subjects that Cambridge seems to incorporate. Those considering entering Cambridge should be devoted students; if kids are not entirely ready for hard work, Cambridge may not be a good choice.” Mary, mom of a sixth grade student in Cambridge Secondary at Oakridge Middle School, shares her daughter’s passion for the program. “She is self-motivated and begins assignments right away, so completing the class work and homework has not been an issue for her. She has really benefitted from this challenging academic program, and she loves it!” Though her daughter enjoys Cambridge Secondary, the first quarter brought some challenges in terms of the work load. “During the first marking period, we felt our daughter was assigned way too much homework. I’m not sure how other parents and students felt about the work load, but fortunately, assignments have lessened as the year has gone on. We are thankful!” Mary’s sixth grader appreciates the company of other students in her class. “Discipline does not seem to be an issue in any of her Cambridge classes. Her classmates know how they are expected to behave, and they follow the rules. She likes how strict her teachers are, and how they expect the best from their students.”

Another parent of a Cambridge Secondary student (and copublisher of Neapolitan Family), Stacy Nicolau, has a son in eighth grade at PRMS. “Alex was invited to apply for Cambridge Secondary because of his grades and standardized test scores.” Both Stacy and her son had positive things to say about the program. “I like that the program positions him with the most motivated students and teachers. There is a lot of group work and discussion in the classes. Alex likes it because many of his friends are in the program. He feels his teachers are engaged with the students. One thing I noticed during curriculum night was that each teacher stated how much they enjoyed having the Cambridge students because they felt they were ambitious and thus rewarding to teach.” The workload has not been any more stressful for Alex than when he was in regular advanced classes at PRMS. For those considering Cambridge, Stacy recommends attending info sessions and reading online, along with asking about others’ experiences with the program. Her experience has been very positive. “We have had no negative experiences with the program in middle school. My daughter has taken several AICE classes in high school, and it makes scheduling a lot more complicated, particularly because she likes to take Advanced Placement classes also.” Josh Costain, eighth grade student at North Naples Middle School, welcomes the challenges of Cambridge Secondary because of the variety of learning activities and opportunities available to students. “There are a lot of student-led activities. We write short responses and answer text-evidential questions – we have to think outside the box.” His favorite component of the program? “There are a lot of involved projects, which I love! The different style of learning is still new for me. But I would absolutely recommend this program to students and their parents.”

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YOUR COMMUNITY By Leigh Tahirovic

Fun for All at the Fair!

Collier County Fairgrounds Hosts 41st Annual Event

ome for a ride on the Stinger and a heaping plate of fair fare, but don’t skip milking a cow at this year’s Collier County Fair and Exposition, March 16-26. Plus, it’s a chance to learn a thing or two about STEAM. Part of the Collier County Public Schools’ (CCPS) curriculum, STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. But at the fair, the “A” also stands for agriculture, and inside the Family Living building, there will be an augmented reality sandbox. It’s a large 3D topographical map that can simulate water (or lava) and how its flow alters the landscape. “You can make it rain and watch how rivers fill and how the oceans work,” explained Rhonda Ward, fair manager. “It mesmerizes you.” The interactive system reinforces how farmers can be affected by the environment and the value of agriculture on society. “We want kids to realize that it’s more than just planting a tomato and a farmer seeing it grow,” added Ward. “They learn how fog can take out a whole tomato crop.” The fair added the STEAM exhibit as a way to tie agriculture to a student’s classroom curriculum. “We want to keep agriculture alive – keep it going in the future,” said Ward, who has seen the decline in agriculture interest first-hand. Additionally, there will be a 3D printer on view and new items will be created, whether functional or artistic, by the printer throughout the fair. These items

will be combined into a display during the fair’s final week. Other STEAM offerings include a LEGO Team Build Off, where groups of five will create and construct with Legos based on a theme for a prize. Younger children can take part in a STEAM activity too, and sign up for Funny Gears, where various contraptions will be built. Each fair day, the gears will be different. “We hope [the fair] can be an experience and educational at the same time,” said Ward. “We really care about education.” The Demolition Derby, a fair favorite, will take place Sunday, March 19. Gates open at 1:00 p.m. with the first race at 5:00 p.m. “It’s the same wreckage we’ve come to love,” said TJ Snopkowski, Collier County Fairgrounds marketing and sponsorship director. He also mentioned CCPS Proud Day, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on March 20, when a CCPS badge – staff, student, or volunteer – will get you free admission. See www.colliercountyfair.com for a schedule and other discount days. Shows Here is a sampling of fair shows: Wall of Death Motorcycle Show, Team Rock The Ninja Experience, Circus Incredible, Nerger’s Tigers, pottery and blacksmith demonstrations, as well as live entertainment on select nights. There also will be arts and crafts on display, livestock, and bee exhibits. “Come enjoy the food and sample an Elephant Ear,” Ward said of fair

When: March 16-26, times vary. Where: Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. NE, Naples. How much: Admission is $10 for adults, 12 years and older; $5 for kids 6-11; free for children 5 and younger. Ride tickets: Armband prices vary each day, with specials on select days. The MegaPass includes one day/night admission and unlimited use of all ticket rides, and is $22.50 (available online only through March 15). Parking is free. For more information, visit www.colliercountyfair.com 18

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

must-dos. “Go to the petting zoo and see an exotic animal. There are also new kiddie rides this year.” She suggests families see the livestock shows and come during the week when ride lines are shorter. “It’s like Disney World, you can see and do more on weekdays.” But be prepared for the elements by bringing a hat and wearing sunscreen. The fair is a non-for-profit organization that receives no funding from Collier County or the state. The organization supports local 4-H clubs and hosts a garden planting session every September where children and adolescents can come to the fairgrounds to plant a specimen they can

enter in a fair competition. Those potted plants will be set up in the Family Living building for viewing. In addition to fair competitions in livestock, there are also arts and crafts competitions, and every entry will take home a fair participation ribbon. “It’s free to enter,” said Ward. “All of us have kids that make things you can enter.” The “educational programs are a core part of the fair,” said Snopkowski, “There is so much going on. Come ride the rides, eat the food, see the performers, and enjoy the live entertainment on certain days. And since the kids are off of school, it’s an opportune time to visit the fair.”

It’s not just a fair... The fairgrounds host several annual events like Country Jam Florida, Haunted “Gross” House and the Big Swamp Smoke Off. Plus, the organization raises money for its charitable foundation, Making Life Fair, which supports many endeavors in the community. It gave one Collier family presents this past Christmas and has donated money for funeral and medical expenses. “It all goes back into the community,” explained Rhonda Ward, fairgrounds manager. “We’ve even given more than $50,000 in scholarships.” At the IAFE (International Association of Fairs & Expositions), the fair was honored with two awards in January. They were: “Innovate Way(s) Technology is Used To Benefit Agriculture Program(s) at Your Fair” and “Technique / Procedure / Policy Developed by Fair Management To Correct an Issue or Challenge Related to an Agricultural Program”.

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ASK THE OUTNUMBERED MOTHER

By Amy Hunter

Advice on having another baby and potty training reluctant toddlers

Amy Hunter grew up in the suburbs of Long Island singing Barbara Streisand hits into her hairbrush. When she’s not writing her hilarity-fueled parenting memoir as The Outnumbered Mother, she’s a Naples-living, butt-wiping, soccer-team carting, gourmet-chef attempting, tennis-skirt wearing, non-tennis playing, self-proclaimed bad mamma jamma to three sons and a very understanding husband. You can find Amy online at the Theoutnumberedmother.com.

child will do nothing for you if your life partner is adamantly against it.

Q: I’m happily married with two kids but I’m dying to have a third baby, and my husband won’t even consider it. Should I take matters into my own hands?

Amy: Here is my wonderful empirical advice, are you ready? Stop attempting to potty train a child who isn’t interested. You are wasting your time and frustrating the both of you. When she’s ready to potty train, she will tell you. Personally, potty training didn’t work at all for any of my kids until they were almost three. I know this probably isn’t what you wanted to hear, but it’s the truth from my experience. Every kid is different, some use the toilet earlier than their peers, and some don’t. That’s just the way life is. I can promise you one thing, though, she eventually will be potty trained, and you won’t be walking her down the aisle in a diaper when she gets married.

Amy: Whoa. I’m just gonna assume that you are asking if it is morally corrupt to sabotage your current birth control method to have another child against your husband’s wishes, and the answer to that is a resounding yes. Look, while there is a percentage of birth control failure, I think it is beyond reprehensible to put your husband, your other children, and a new baby in a place where you deliberately caused a situation like this. Going from two kids to three is no joke, and I would hate to have the situation forced upon me if I was in your husband’s shoes. Maybe you need to explore the reason your husband doesn’t want to have more children. Is it finances? Or fears he’ll have to share you for longer? And what is your reason you feel your family is incomplete at its current size? As a mother of three, I can empathize with the idea of a “magic” family number, but I think being on the same page with you spouse is key to that magic. That being said, if you’re really at an impasse on this situation, it might be time to take a long hard look at your “happy” marriage if neither one of you are willing to compromise on the choice to bring another life (and another mouth) into your family. If your union really is an equal partnership you need to treat it as such. Having another

Q: I’m trying to potty train my 20-month-old daughter, and she won’t have anything to do with it. Her older sister was potty trained at 19 months, and I can’t understand why it isn’t working this time around. Any suggestions?

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By Karen T. Bartlett

Destination: St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah

here’s a bazillion family-friendly things to do and see in the charming old seaport city of Savannah, Georgia. Make that two-and-a-half bazillion. But there’s only one reason to go there around the third week of March: St. Patrick’s Day! On that day, the world stops. Schools, museums, and many attractions are closed, and 400,000 or so spectators line the streets for the third largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. Every Irish person in town – which means the entire population of Savannah over the age of one week, including pets – flaunts the “wearin’ o’ the green,” including plenty of emerald green hair. Every fountain in the old city sparkles with flumes and sprays of emerald green water. With the campus of the prestigious Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) spread all over the Historic District, impromptu pre-parade performances and shenanigans pop up in the squares and on the sidewalks. If you forgot to pack your emerald green feathered tiara or plastic derby, no worries; washable shamrock tattoos, shamrock buttons, and everything else Irish (and kitschy) is for sale from vendors lining the route. It takes almost five hours for the Confederate soldiers, cavalry on horseback, endless super-energy marching bands, jugglers, dancers, and clowns to parade past the

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official viewing stand at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. There are creatures of all kinds, like my favorites, the green goats and green horses. Don’t worry; it’s just harmless tempera paint. And oh, those elaborate floats! Even “UGA”, the live mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, has had his very own float. Restaurants serve green grits and eggs, green candy apples, green ice cream, and other emerald green treats, and green beverages of the adult and kid kind. Ahhh-zaleas! If Mother Nature’s Irish eyes are smiling on Savannah, a showy display of white dogwoods and massive hedges of azaleas (some taller than the bands marching by) will be in full bloom as the parade winds around the historic squares. With its backdrop of historic mansions and churches, the parade route is a breathtaking Southern movie set. By the 10 a.m. parade start time, family picnics and garden breakfasts have been going on in the lush green squares for hours. If you haven’t already booked a downtown hotel, you’ll want to headquarter in a motel outside of town and grab early transportation into the city. Psst! Inside tip The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the main event, of course. It’s truly a bucket list event,

Photographs by Karen T. Bartlett

TRAVEL

but here’s an inside tip: Family-friendly festivities start as much as a week before parade day, including the Greening of the Fountains kickoff ceremony at the spectacular Parisianstyle fountain in Forsyth Park. Tara Feis is a free outdoor festival of Irish food, arts and crafts, games, music, and dance in a downtown square near the Riverfront. At the Civic Center, there’s a huge weekend-long indoor celebration with performances on four stages. And all month long, the shops down on River Street are replete with Irish gifts, souvenirs, and clothing. If you can’t make it for St. Patrick’s Day this year, book right now for next March! Meanwhile, in late March or April you can go to ooh and aah over the world famous spring blooms. Spring is a great time to visit the cool family museums and attractions. You can take a trolley tour or horse and carriage ride, bicycle or kayak through the salt marshes, visit old pirate hangouts, go for a musket firing ceremony at one of the old forts, and definitely take a spooky ghost tour. Visit savannahsaintpatricksday.com or visitsavannah.com, and watch this space for lots more later! KAREN T. BARTLETT, travel editor of Neapolitan Family and publisher of the popular guidebooks, Mostly Kids’ Guides, is a native of Savannah. NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

FAMILY LAW

By Dale Klaus and Reuben Doupé

Alimony Reform in Florida

early every year over the past five years, the Florida Legislature has considered, deliberated, and pondered significant alimony reform. Seemingly, every year the legislature gets closer and closer to passing alimony reform. Three years ago, a bill passed both the State Senate and State House, which contained sweeping changes to future alimony, permitted all existing alimony obligations to be modified consistent with the new law, and added a provision with sweeping changes to the state’s laws regarding parenting plans. Gov. Rick Scott vetoed this bill, citing concern over its retroactive application. After a year off, another bill was presented to the governor last year. This time, while the retroactive application piece was removed, the legislature kept the provision with drastic changes to the laws regarding parenting plans. Once again, after deliberation and hearing from Florida’s families, the governor vetoed that bill. This year, the alimony provisions of last year’s bill are back before the Florida Legislature (House Bill 283 and Senate Bill 412). The current bill proposes to completely change the way that alimony is determined in Florida. For example, under the laws as they currently exist, the length of time that a payor would be obligated to pay alimony is tied closest to the length of the marriage. Once a marriage is 17 years in length, there is a presumption that permanent alimony would be appropriate, if necessary at all. Permanent alimony means

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

until the death of either party, or the remarriage of the recipient (or the recipient’s cohabitation in some circumstances). Of course, determining the amount of alimony is another issue altogether, and the amount is always subject to potential modification. But use of the term “permanent alimony” is alive and well in the existing law. The proposed bill, however, eliminates the term “permanent” or any other label for alimony, and simply calls all of it, “alimony.” In that sense, if the proposed bill becomes law, permanent alimony will no longer exist. Instead of having different forms of alimony, the bill provides for a single type of alimony that has a presumptive range for the duration (25 percent to 75 percent of the length of the marriage), and a presumptive range for the amount, which consists of a formula focused primarily on the difference of the incomes of the parties. The bill also provides a comprehensive list of potential factors for the court to consider, which would permit the court to deviate outside of the presumptive ranges if it feels such a deviation is necessary. Finally, the bill also provides an extensive definition of income, which seems intent on capturing all possible forms of income available to either party. Since the presumptive alimony amount is now tied directly to the incomes of the parties, as opposed to any analysis of the historical spending of the parties, defining income seems wise and necessary.

The likelihood of this year’s alimony bill becoming law may be higher than ever. It seems our state legislators may have processed the messages from the past, as this bill does not involve retroactive application (existing alimony obligations will not be impacted by the bill), nor does it suggest that 50/50 time-sharing for parents is automatically in the best interest of the child in all cases (which has absolutely nothing to do with alimony). If it passes, this bill will make drastic changes to way alimony is determined and awarded, even if the ultimate results remain consistent with alimony awards of the past. The stated goal of the bill is to provide some consistency to alimony awards, but the bill continues to provide some room for the court to exercise its discretion when it deems appropriate.

DALE KLAUS and REUBEN DOUPÉ are partners at Klaus Doupé, a leading law firm in Naples focusing solely on marital and family law. Visit www.Marital-FamilyLaw. com or call 239-403-9800.

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monday

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

6:30 p.m. Spring Planting. Learn the proper way to plant seeds and take care of them. We’ll furnish pots, seeds, and plantings to begin your own spring garden. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit public.collier-lib. org. 13

9:00 a.m. Sunday Birding. Join a Conservancy volunteer naturalist on the beach to view birds through a scope and ask questions. Located at Clam Pass Beach Park, 410 Seagate Dr., Naples. Visit conservancy.org or call 239-262-0304.

5:30 p.m. Art Classes for Kids. Kids will explore and work with different techniques and media. Acrylics on canvases, watercolor, collages, mixed media, etc. Lots of fun and creativity for kids ages 4 to 12. Located at Etudes de Ballet, 3285 Pine Ridge Road, Naples.

sunday

3:00 p.m. Juggling Workshop for Tweens. Learn basic techniques to get you started. Ages 9-12 years. Registration required. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or visit public.collier-lib.org.

3:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Located in the parking at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org.

tuesday

March

9:00 a.m. Naples Bike Brunch & Family Festival. Kids’ events include bike rodeo, bike decorating contest, bounce house, and a kidsonly parade. Free bike helmet and fitting to first 100 registrants. Visit www. naplespathways.org or call 239-777-7718.

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Call for times. Collier County Fair. Through Mar. 26. Carnival rides, food, entertaining shows, livestock exhibits, and more. Located at Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. N.E., Naples. Call 239-455-1444 or check www.colliercountyfair.com.

6:30 p.m. Buddy Break for Kids With Special Needs. Threehour monthly session of free respite care for children with special needs and siblings. Naples Seventh-day Adventist Church, 5050 Davis Blvd., Naples. Call 239-213-3351 or check www.naplessdachurch.org.

6:00 p.m. Parents Night Out. Kids will enjoy a variety of games and activities in a safe environment. Dinner provided. Located at Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Rd., Naples. Call 239-3639669 or visit colliergov.net.

10:00 a.m. Reading Festival. Author presentations, Q&As, and book signings. Also programs occurring on nine stages, teen and children’s crafts, and free books. Located at Centennial Park, 2000 West 1st St., Fort Myers. Check www.readfest.org.

9:00 a.m. Kids Fishing Clinic. Free. For kids ages 5-15. Once they go through five skill stations, they receive a free rod and reel while supplies last. Located at Naples Pier, 25 12th Ave., Naples.

3:00 p.m. Lego Engineering: Star Wars. Space aboard the starship is limited, so sign up today. May the force be with you. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org.

10:00 a.m. Little Explorers. “Daylight, Starlight, Wildlife”. Explore nature and discover amazing animals through activities, stories, and crafts. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Located at Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org/ summercamp. 9

4:00 p.m. Teen Tech Week. Hang out, make a tech-related craft, build, design stuff, create art, be inspired. Ages 11-15 years. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit public.collier-lib.org.

12:00 p.m. Cape Coral Irish Festival. Live music, Irish dance performances by local performers, games, raffle, art & crafts, vendors, food, Irish beer. Located at Sun Splash Water Park, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. Visit capecoralirishfest.com. Call 239-5740558. Call for times. Cornerstone Carnival & Strawberry Festival. Carnival rides, food, craft vendors, music, and of course, strawberries. Located at Cornerstone UMC, 8200 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 239354-9160 or check www. cornerstonenaples.org.

5:30 p.m. Happy Birthday Dr Suess. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s 113th birthday with games, crafts, and a treat. Ages 5+. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib. org.

7:30 p.m. My Fair Lady. Through April 2. This classical musical is the Cinderella story of Eliza Doolittle. Located at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-7990 or visit www.naplesplayers.org.

saturday

friday

thursday

wednesday

Best Bets

8:00 a.m. Farmers Market. Local produce, fresh seafood, local honey, handcrafted goods, pickles and olives, and fresh mozzarella cheese. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www.floridastateparks.org.

5:00 p.m. Crash and Bash Demolition Derby. Watch cars battle it out to be the last one running. Located at Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. N.E., Naples. Call 239455-1444 or check www. colliercountyfair.com/ fairgrounds-info.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

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4:00 p.m. Drum Beat Program. Feel the beat and have fun with this “hands and drums on” experience. Ages 5-11 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239593-0870 or check public. collier-lib.org.

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

9:00 a.m. World Water Day. Buy one admission, get one free. Higher price prevails. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5977 or visit rookerybay.org.

4:00 p.m. Book Buddies. Older kids (big reading buddies) are paired with younger kids (little reading buddies). Ages 7-10 years. Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239252-4542 or check public. collier-lib.org.

6:00 p.m. Pajama Story Time. Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite teddy bear. Songs, stories, crafts. All ages. Registration required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 North First St., Immokalee. Call 239657-2882 or check public. collier-lib.org.

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5:00 p.m. Sensory Night. For children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory integration disorders. Limited participation, and registration is required. Located at C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239514-0084 or check www. cmon.org.

Dusk. Movies on the Lawn: School of Rock. Food and beverages available for purchase. No coolers, please. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Pl., Naples. Call 239-594-9400 or check www.mercatoshops.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Drop In Baby Fitness Mommy & Me. Instill healthy habits for life in your toddler. $5 per child. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Dr., Naples. Call 239-213-3020.

11:00 a.m. Marco Island Seafood & Music Festival. Food, live music, bounce houses, slide, rock climbing wall, trampoline. Located at Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples. Call 239-566-2367 or check marcoislandseafoodandmusicfestival. com.net. 24

7:30 a.m. 10K Run for Music. Join musicians from the Naples Phil Youth Orchestra to raise money for youth education programs. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1111 or check artisnaples.org.

YOUR COMMUNITY March EVENTS CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS: 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. Note: Please check dates and times before attending events. As Neapolitan Family staff does not enter all calendar data, we cannot guarantee its accuracy.

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1 WEDNESDAY 7:30 a.m. Marco Island Farmers Market. Every Wednesday. Located at Veteran’s Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Call 239-566-2367 or check www. colliergov.net. 9:00 a.m. Baby Boot Camp. Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, post-natal, and ultra-fit moms. Classes are every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at MundoMax Playland. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check www.miromaroutlets.com. 9:00 a.m. Library Book Sale. Through Mar. 4. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-262-6853 or check public. collier-lib.org. 9:30 a.m. Historical Walking Tours. Admission is $10, members or $16, non-members. A 30-minute tour of Historic Palm Cottage and a 90-minute walking tour around the Naples Historic District. Reservations required. Located at Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-261-8164 for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Crafts. Kids from toddlers to 12 are invited to participate in fun activities. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check www.miromaroutlets. com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Exploring Coastal Estuaries. Explore the coastal estuaries with a naturalist-guided walk to

the estuary and along a sandy trail to the beach. Explore one of the most productive ecosystems in nature and the unique coastal habitats at the preserve. Located at Barefoot Beach Preserve, 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-252-4000 or check www. friendsofbarefootbeach.org for more information. 10:00 a.m. Preschool Story Time. Parents and caregivers encourage independence by waiting nearby in the library for this program. The stories and activities may be longer but just as fun. You must register for each week of the six-week session. Please be on time. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information. 10:30 a.m. Family Story Time. This program is for the whole family and lasts about 30 minutes. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-0101 or check library. Lee-county.com/services. 5:30 p.m. Sewing Classes for Kids. Every Wednesday. Sew by hand and machine. Please bring your own machine, but if you don’t have one, we will provide one. Ages 5-13. Located at Etudes de Ballet, 3285 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. 6:00 p.m. Origami After Dark in the Garden. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a sunset from the newly opened Karen and Robert Scott Florida Garden and view the Origami in the Garden exhibition in a whole new light. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-6437275 or check www.naplesgarden.org for additional information.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

6:00 p.m. Rhythm of the Dance: The National Dance Company of Ireland. The show is an inspiring epic, reliving the journey of the Irish Celts throughout history. Located at Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs Call 239-263-7990 or check www.naplesplayers.org. 7:30 p.m. My Fair Lady. Through April 2. This classical musical is the Cinderella story of Eliza Doolittle. Located at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-7990 or check www.naplesplayers.org.

2 THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. FBA Open House. Open House. Come any time from 9 a.m. to noon to tour our campus. Located at First Baptist Academy, 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. 10:00 a.m. Toddler Tales at South County Regional Library. This interactive time for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers will include storytelling, wordplay, fingerplays, and music-making designed to advance pre-reading skills. Registration is required. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Tai Chi in the Garden. Instructor Karen McNeil hosts this energyflow exercise in the South Grove of the Garden. Every Thursday. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check www. naplesgarden.org for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Free Ave Maria Trolley Tours. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Tours depart every 45 minutes and reservations are encouraged, but not required. Located at Ave Maria Town Center, 5076 Annunciation Cr., Ave Maria. Call 239-352-3903 for additional information. 1:00 p.m. Goddess Yoga in the Park. This form of yoga incorporates goddess mythology into the physical practice of yoga. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www.floridastateparks.org. 4:00 p.m. Book Buddies. What, exactly, is the Reading Book Buddy program? Older kids (“Big Reading Buddies”) are paired with younger kids (“Little Reading Buddies”), who will do the reading, during some one-on-one reading time. Ages 7-10 years. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239252-4542 or check public.collier-lib.org. 5:30 p.m. Happy Birthday Dr Suess! Come celebrate Dr. Seuss’s 113th birthday with games, crafts, and a treat. Ages 5 years and up. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Mercato Nights Music Series. Live music for the entire family. Food, adult beverages, and soft drinks are available on the lawn. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Pl., Naples. Call 239-594-9400 or check www.mercatoshops.com.

3 FRIDAY Call for times. Cornerstone Carnival and Strawberry Festival. Through Sunday. Carnival rides, food, craft vendors, various types of music, and of course, strawberries. Located at Cornerstone UMC, 8200 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 239-354-9160 or check www.cornerstonenaples.org for additional information. 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 check www.evergladeswondergardens.com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Beachcombing and Shelling Talk. Every Monday and Friday, find out what wrack lines, jellies, blue buttons, beachhoppers, ghosts, sea pork, and beans have in common. Located at Barefoot Beach Preserve, 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-252-4000 or check www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org. 10:00 a.m. Drop-In Baby Fitness Mommy and Me. Instill healthy habits for life in your toddler. $5 per child. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Dr., Naples. Call 239-213-3020 for additional information. 5:00 p.m. First Friday’s Art for Art Lovers. Gourmet food, fine wine, and art demonstrations. Located at Shoppes of Old Marco, 258 Royal Palm Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-2787 for additional information.

4 SATURDAY 6:30 a.m. Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. A 5K with a one-mile option, and participants can choose to be timed as well. Located at Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Dr., Estero. Call 239-992-9966 for details.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

Accepting New Patients • • • • •

Specializing in Infants, Children and Teens. Over 15 years experience. After-school and Saturday appointments available. Most insurance accepted. In-network provider for Cigna, MetLife, Principal and more.

Located near Veterans Park Dr. Jennifer B. Hughes, DMD Pediatric Dentist 1879 Veterans Park Dr. Suite 1203 Naples, FL 34109

Phone: 239-260-7672

info@pediatricdentistryofnaples.com

PediatricDentistryofNaples.com

GUIDING HEARTS x INSPIRING MINDS x SHAPING LIVES

Over the last 43 years, it has been our mission to partner with Christian families in the education and discipleship of their children. We fulfill our mission through biblical integration in all aspects of our programs to teach children to love God, think biblically, and serve others. The PreK - eighth grade program holds dual accreditation from Advanced Ed/SACS and ACSI. Students at NCA are afforded an unparalleled experience through: • Invested, compassionate faculty • Integrated curriculum • Interactive classrooms • Remarkable fine arts and athletic programs Call us today for your personal tour of our campus to watch our students in action and see for yourself why we say at NCA:

“We are more than a school; we’re family!” For more information, please contact Kayla Walling at 239-455-1080 or walling@ncanaples.com.

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7:30 a.m. Third Street South Farmer’s Market. Parking lot behind Tommy Bahama’s. Located at Third St. S., Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check www. napleschamber.org for additional information. 8:00 a.m. Community Yard Sale. Buy or sell craft items, yard sale items, or produce. Located at Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples. Call 239-566-2367 or check colliergov.net. 8:00 a.m. Farmer’s Market. Open every Saturday. Located at Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-273-2350 for additional information. 9:00 a.m. Chess Club for K-12. For all playing levels, beginner to advanced. Registration is recommended. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org. 9:00 a.m. Greenmarket. Join us on our 10-acre campus every Saturday to find an exclusive selection of locally grown, caught, and cultivated foods and other products. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check www.artinlee.org. 9:00 a.m. Fort Myers Gator Fest. Along with alligators, there will also be miscellaneous other critters, food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, and the original farm animals. Free admission and parking. Located at Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers. Check www.southernfresh.farm for additional information. 9:30 a.m. Fakahatchee Swamp Walks. Swamp walks are $80 for adults and $60 for teens. For specific dates and reservations, check www.orchidswamp.org. Located at Fakahatchee Strand, Copeland. 9:30 a.m. WONDER Kids. Drop in anytime between 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to the Smith Children’s Garden for fun activities. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check www.naplesgarden.org for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Art in the Park. Showcases paintings in oil and acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass art, jewelry, and wood working. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-213-3058 or check www.naplesgov.com. 10:00 a.m. Dr Seuss on the Loose. Come celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with games, contests, stories, and a craft. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required.

June 12th - July 21st 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Artists@Work at GreenMarket. Free, family friendly demo day during our weekly GreenMarket. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check www.artinlee.org. 11:00 a.m. Barnes and Noble Storytime. Storytime every Saturday. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or visit bn.com. 11:00 a.m. Children’s Business Fair. A one-day marketplace for young entrepreneurs 6-17 years old to sell their products or services. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Pl., Naples. Call 239-594-9400 or check www.mercatoshops.com for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Fun with Zoe the Zebra. A special appearance by local guest author, Roxy Morgan for an entertaining family program. She’ll read one of her books, Zoe the Zebra, sing some songs and we’ll make a zebra craft. Ages 3-7 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 12:00 p.m. Cape Coral Irish Festival. Enjoy two days of continuous Irish entertainment. There will be games, art and crafts, vendors, food, refreshments, and of course, Irish beer. Don’t forget to get yourself a “Pot of Gold” Irish raffle ticket. Located at Sun Splash Water Park, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. Visit capecoralirishfest.com or call 239-574-0558 for additional information. 1:00 p.m. Koreshan Music Series. Enjoy live music in the Historic Art Hall, taking full advantage of the excellent acoustics and the 1885 Steinway piano. Concerts are free with park admission. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www.floridastateparks.org. 2:00 p.m. Alligator Fishing. For $5 plus admission, get a cane pool with a hot dog to feed our 37 gators. Located at Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-2591 or check www.evergladeswondergardens. com for additional information. 4:00 p.m. Improv Cafe. Bring your family out to “Little Shop of Improv” on the first Saturday of every month. Located at Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org. 8:00 p.m. Improv Tonight at the Center for The Arts Bonita Springs. Be as involved in the show as you’d like. Beer and wine available. Located at Center for

Early Drop off and Late Pick up Available

Ages3to13 5:1 CAMPER TO STAFF RATIO Baseball...Theater...Ceramics...Basketball ... Science...Cooking...Tennis...Nature.. Karaoke...Sports Leagues...Photography... Swimming...Woodwork...Archery...Flag Football...Music...Sculpture ...Soccer... Waterslides ...Super Sports ... Bungee Trampoline... Lego.. Dance...Rocketry... Arts & Crafts ...Rock Climbing Wall...Magic... Fashion Design...lnternational Sports ...Gaga...and more!

For more information or to enroll, call (239) 213-8001 or visit us online at

www.southbreezedaycamp.com 28

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

Performing Arts-Moe Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd. SE, Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check www.artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

5 SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Farmers Market. Local produce, fresh seafood, local honey, handcrafted goods, pickles and olives, and fresh mozzarella cheese. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www. floridastateparks.org for additional information. 9:00 a.m. Sunday Birding at the Conservancy. Join a Conservancy volunteer Naturalist on the beach near the pass to view birds through a scope and ask questions. Look for your guide in the orange vest near the pass on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Located at Clam Pass Beach Park, 410 Seagate Dr., Naples. For more information, visit www.conservancy.org. 9:00 a.m. Traditional Yoga in the Park. The class focuses on breathing, stretching, and postures. Modifiable for all ages and levels of participants. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www. floridastateparks.org for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Historical Tours. Walk the grounds of the utopian community that helped establish Estero. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www.floridastateparks.org. 10:00 a.m. Marco Island St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. Organized by the Sons and Daughters of Erin, the parade ends at Veterans’ Community Park with fun, games and food. Festival runs until 5 p.m. Located at 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-566-2367 or check colliergov.net for additional information. 11:15 a.m. Spanish Church Service. St. Monica’s church, in support of the Latino community, will hold a Spanish speaking service every Sunday. Located at St. Monica’s Church, 7070 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 239-591-4550 or check www.stmonicasnaples.org for additional information. 12:00 p.m. SWFL Brewery Tour. Spend about hour at each local brewery on the itinerary, for a tour and tasting, and exploring the taproom. Visit swflbrewerytours. com or call 239-682-9140 for more information. 2:00 p.m. Free Concerts at the Bandshell. Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-213-3058 or check www.naplesgov.com.

6 MONDAY 5:30 p.m. Art Classes for Kids. Kids will explore and work with different techniques and media. Acrylics on canvases, watercolor, collages, mixed media, etc. Lots of fun and creativity for kids ages 4 to 12. Located at Etudes de Ballet, 3285 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples.

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

Serving children Infant - age 5 VPK Certified

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

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

Dance Arts by Maria

7 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Free Tuesday Morning Nature Talk. Bring your children and learn together how nature can flourish in urban and suburban areas, with the proper care. Located at Naples Preserve, 1690 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-261-4290 for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Moms and Tots Storytime with Miss Jessica and Miss Mary Ellen. A toddler favorite, the girls read, sing, dance, and color, creating a fun atmosphere of learning and lots of laughter. All ages welcome. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Family Story Time. An enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and stories. Registration required. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Free Ave Maria Trolley Tours. Tours depart every 45 minutes and reservations are encouraged. Located at Ave Maria Town Center, 5076 Annunciation Cr., Ave Maria. Call 239-867-4322 for additional information. 3:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will all be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. In the parking at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Chess Club for K-12. Join Antonio as he shares his skills at chess with students entering K-12. For all playing levels,beginner to advanced. Registration is

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

Teaching love and appreciation for the art of dance. Offering classes for ages 2-18 in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Pointe, Technique and Improv

NaplesDanceArts.com

239-513-6999

naplesdancearts@hotmail.com Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @naplesdancearts

SWFL READERS CHOICE “BEST DANCE STUDIO” 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014

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not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 7:30 p.m. Youth of the Year Celebration. The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of 21 local Boys and Girls Club members at the 5th Annual Youth of the Year Celebration. Located at ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1111 or check artisnaples. org for additional information.

8 WEDNESDAY 4:00 p.m. Lego Club. Share ideas, be creative, make new friends and have fun. Bricks will be provided. Your creation will be put on display at the library. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 4:00 p.m. Teen Tech Week. Also March 9. Hang out, make a tech-related craft, build, design stuff, create art, be inspired. Ages 11-15 years. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 7:00 p.m. Epilepsy Support Group. Join us for our monthly support group. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information.

9 THURSDAY 9:30 a.m. Baby Yoga. Baby trees, giggle and cuddle bends, flying baby, and rock the babies are all some of the things you and your baby will enjoy during this special yoga experience with YoPlay Yoga. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Little Explorers. “Daylight, Starlight, Wildlife”. Also March 11. Explore nature and discover amazing animals through multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and animal-themed crafts. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Located at Conservancy of SW Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org/summercamp for additional information. 3:30 p.m. Lego Club. Join the club and share ideas, be creative, make new friends and have fun. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 4:00 p.m. Makerspace. A Makerspace is a place where kids of all ages can have fun while they create, construct, code, learn and share. Experience robots, electricity, Lego® and more. Ages 4-14 years. Registration required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collierlib.org for additional information. 6:30 p.m. Evening on Fifth. This free street party happens every second Thursday through April featuring live music,dining, dancing, shopping, and fun. Located at 649 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-692-8436 or check www.fifthavenuesouth.com for additional information.

10 FRIDAY 10:00 a.m. Heartsaver CPR/AED and First Aid. You will learn basic Heartsaver skills for infants, children, and adults. Located at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-4180 or check colliergov.net. 6:00 p.m. VYCP Parents Night Out. Kids will enjoy a variety of games and activities in a safe environment. Dinner will be provided. Located at Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Rd., Naples. Call 239-363-9669 or check colliergov. net for additional information. 6:30 p.m. Outdoor Family Movie Night: How to Train Your Dragon. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, coolers, and blankets. Admission is free, but a suggested $10 family donation helps the Alliance continue offering affordable family programming. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check www.artinlee.org for additional information. 8:30 p.m. Moonlight Guided Canoe Trips. Experience an easy, enjoyable, and educational adventure on the Blackwater River. Space is limited. Located at Collier-Seminole State Park, 20200 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-394-3397 for additional information.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

11 SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. Birding Basics. A fun and informative class designed to help you identify birds around you. Oriented toward the beginning birder. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5977 or check rookerybay.org. 9:00 a.m. Kids Fishing Clinic. For kids ages 5-15. Once they go through five skill stations, they receive a free rod and reel while supplies last. Located at Naples Pier, 25 12th Ave., Naples. 10:00 a.m. Dr Seuss on the Loose. Come celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with games, contests, stories and a craft. Ages 5-11 years. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Naples St Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade staging area and beginning of the parade will be at Saint Ann’s Church in Old Naples. Located at 649 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-692-8436 or check www.fifthavenuesouth.com for additional information. 2:00 p.m. The Lego Batman Movie Event. At the finale for our three-month celebration of The Lego Batman Movie, kids will be able to help Batman protect Gotham from the Joker by making their very own Lego Batman Speedwagon. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information. 3:00 p.m. Green Science. An hour of hands-on science fun. Green food, green slime, and green art. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-262-6853 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION FOR STRUGGLING READERS • Certified Reading Specialist • 25 Years Experience • Methods: Orton-Gillingham & Reading Recovery • Children with Dyslexia, ADD and other challenges • Approved service provider for the Gardiner Scholarship • Downtown Naples Location • All Ages

239-233-9400

Additional Services for Homeschool Families: Annual Certification of Progress and Curriculum& Instruction Guidance info@ReadingRescueCenters.com • ReadingRescueCenters.com

FREE registration when you bring in this ad!

13 MONDAY Call for times. Free Movies for Spring Break Week. A different children’s movie every day. Popcorn will be served. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 North First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 6:30 p.m. Spring Planting. You’ll find out the proper way to plant seeds and take care of them including some unique growing techniques. Then we’ll furnish pots, seeds and plantings to begin your own spring garden. Ages 6-11 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 6:30 p.m. St Paddy’s Day Fun. Wear green and express your inner Irish by celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with crafty creations. Ages 5-11 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

14 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. National Learn About Butterflies Day. Learning activities and butterfly crafts for all ages. Regular admission applies. Located at Whiz Kids Play Zone and Tutoring Center, 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. For additional information, visit whizkidsnaples.com or call 239-263-7017. 3:00 p.m. Juggling Workshop for Tweens. Learn basic techniques to get you started. Ages 9-12 years. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information. 5:30 p.m. Out of my Hands Juggling and Illusion Show. Be amazed and astounded with juggling and magical illusions by Gerard Tricarico. All ages are welcome. Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

15 WEDNESDAY 3:00 p.m. Lego Engineering: Star Wars. Calling all Jedi Masters. Snapology needs your help in engineering strong and powerful lightsabers to be used in a top-secret mission. Space aboard the starship is limited so sign up today, and may the force be with you. Ages 7-12 years. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

• Serving ages 1-5 • Licensed quality early care & education • Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy with a daily focus on the arts & music • Safe learning environment with credentialed teachers • High-quality, experiential, child-centered curriculum • Scholarships available • School Readiness & VPK vouchers accepted • Open Monday-Friday, 7 am–5:30 pm

Now Enrolling! Call 239.980.9021

Located in Emmanuel Lutheran 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples, FL Visit www.collierchildcare.org

ABC Swim School

Survival swimming lessons for babies & toddlers up to 4 years old in your pool in Naples. Lessons are held Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 239-272-0529

abcswimschoolnaples.com neafamily.com

16 THURSDAY from Lee County

Call for times. Collier County Fair. The 41st annual Collier County Fair will bring 11 days of carnival rides, food, entertaining shows, and livestock exhibits to the Collier County Fairgrounds. Runs through March 26. Located at Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. N.E., Naples. Call 239-455-1444 or check www.colliercountyfair.com to purchase tickets and for additional information. 3:00 p.m. Lego Engineers: Star Wars. Calling all Jedi Masters. Snapology needs your help in engineering strong and powerful lightsabers to be used in a top-secret mission. Space aboard the starship is limited so sign up today, and may the force be with you. Ages 7-12 years. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S.  Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 4:00 p.m. Animals Alive: Up Close with Animals. Come enjoy live animals and learn how the Kowiachobee Preserve takes care of exotic, endangered, and domestic animals. All ages. Registration required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 North First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 5:30 p.m. Minute to Win it. Complete different kinds of challenges. Each will take you only one minute. Will you be able to win it in a minute? Ages 10-14 years. Registration is required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 6:00 p.m. St Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run. Participants are encouraged to dress in green and/or costumes. The celebration will feature live music, a food truck (free fries with every sandwich), raffle giveaways, costume contest, inside and outdoor games, and a huge beer garden. Located at Riptide Brewing Company, 987 3rd Ave. N., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Third Thursday on Third Street South. Live music in the Fleischmann Courtyard. Located at Third St. S., Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check www. napleschamber.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. Call 239-513-4568 for location.

March Picks

Lehigh Acres Spring Festival

Veterans Park, Lehigh Acres, 5 Homestead Rd S, Lehigh Acres March 10-18 Nick Kids Shows, Midway carnival rides and games, pageants, cook-off, idol contest, live music, craft show and more. www.LehighSpringFestival.com

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival & Parade Fort Myers Beach March 11-12 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Shrimp Festival parade on March 11, 10 a.m. www.fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers March 14-19 239-481-4849

Southwest Florida Reading Fest

Harborside Event Center & Centennial Park, Fort Myers River District Saturday, March 18 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-533-4826

Color Vibe 5K 2017

Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers Saturday, March 25 at 9 a.m. www.thecolorvibe.com

Lee County’s Original Family Publication

FOR 26 YEARS!!

www.leefamilynews.net 32

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17 FRIDAY 2:00 p.m. Make-and-Take Art. Make-and-Take workshops present opportunities for kids and adults to learn about a featured museum exhibition and then create artwork inspired by the exhibition. Free with museum admission. Located at ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1111 or check artisnaples. org for additional information. 6:30 p.m. Buddy Break Respite Program for Kids With Special Needs. Threehour monthly session of free respite care for children with special needs and their siblings. Every third Friday at Naples Seventh Day Adventist Church. Advanced registration is required. Located at Naples Seventh-day Adventist Church, 5050 Davis Blvd., Naples. Call 239-213-3351 or check www.naplessdachurch.org for additional information, to register, or to volunteer.

18 SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. Mini Moo Petting Zoo. Join us on the North Lawn to interact with animals from our locally owned petting zoo. Goats, chickens, rabbits, and more. All ages are welcome. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Calusa Days Festival. Learn how to make fire from scratch, weave mats from palm fronds, and even how to throw a spear like a Calusa hunter. Mask decorating, pottery making, and a mock archeological dig. Located at Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Ln., Everglades City. Visit www.nps.gov/ever/ planyourvisit/gcdirections.htm. 10:00 a.m. Gaelic and Garlic Festival. Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and Saint Joseph’s Feast on the same weekend during this two-day event. Irish and Italian food, drinks, music, dancing, and meatball eating contest. Located at St. John the Evangelist Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. 10:00 a.m. Family Fun Day. World Wetlands Day. We will be exploring our Filter Marsh, so be prepared to get wet. Themed crafts and activities throughout the day.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org. 10:00 a.m. Free Family Yoga. A 45-minute beginners’ yoga class, for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring your own mat. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check www.miromaroutlets.com. 10:00 a.m. Downtown Festival of the Arts. Admission is free but donations are always greatly appreciated and benefit The Naples Art Association art education programs. Located at 649 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-692-8436 or check www. fifthavenuesouth.com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Fort Myers Reading Festival. The largest one-day reading festival in Florida. The authors give presentations, take questions from the audience, and sign books for fans. Simultaneous programs on nine stages, teen and children’s crafts, and free books. Located at Centennial Park, 2000 West First St., Fort Myers. Check www.readfest.org for additional information. 1:30 p.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. Due to the popularity of the program, please sign in at the children’s desk when you arrive to reserve a 10 minutes space. All ages. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 4:00 p.m. St Patrick’s Day Block Party. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in downtown Fort Myers. Music, food, drink, and vendors. This year’s bands include Tommy Bar, Hypnoticals, Electric Mudd, and Marty Stokes. Located at Centennial Park, 2000 West First St., Fort Myers. Check www.riverdistrictevents.com or call 855-732-3836 for additional information. 5:00 p.m. St Patrick’s Day Celebration. Join The Village Shops on Venetian for a Friday night of Irish dance performances and watch the Community School of Naples Band perform traditional Irish favorites. Located at Venetian Village, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples. Check venetianvillage.com for additional information. 6:00 p.m. A Little Bit of Blarney. Entertainment, dancing, raffle, heavy appetizers, and a cash bar. Benefits Collier Child Care Resources (CCCR). Located at Clive Daniel Home, 2777 Tamiami Tr., Naples. For more information, visit www.collierchildcare.org or call CCCR at 239-643-3908. 6:00 p.m. Batfish Bash for the Bay. The signature annual fundraiser for the Friends of Rookery Bay. Proceeds from the live and silent auctions directly support the research, stewardship, and education efforts. Located at Rookery Bay Envi-

ronmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5977 or check rookerybay.org for more information . 7:00 p.m. 29th Annual Auction: Havana Nights. Feature fantastic food, music and dancing, a live auction, silent auction, and wine raffle. Benefits Seacrest Country Day School. Located at The Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Dr., Naples. Visit www.seacrest.org/giving or call 239-793-1986 for additional information. 8:30 p.m. Star Gazing Party. Bring your chairs and enjoy a relaxing night under the stars. Located at Collier-Seminole State Park, 20200 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Call 239-394-3397 for additional information.

19 SUNDAY 5:00 p.m. Crash and Bash Demolition Derby. Enjoy the Collier County Fair and watch cars battle it out to be the last one running. Located at Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. N.E., Naples. Call 239-455-1444 or check www.colliercountyfair.com/fairgrounds-info for additional information.

20 MONDAY 10:00 a.m. Needle Arts Makers Space. Also at 2 p.m. Explore the new Maker Space in the Children’s Library. Learn to crochet or knit plus make a friendship bracelet from embroidery floss. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org. 4:00 p.m. Drum Beat Program. Feel the beat and have fun with this “hands and drums on” experience. Ages 5-11 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

21 TUESDAY 5:30 p.m. A Parrot’s Life. See a parrot up close, find out what they eat, how long they live, and how we can help them live better lives. K-5. Registration required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org.

NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER VPK 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. Naples, FL 34119 (Across from Super Target)

(239) 593-6668 www.childmont.com License # C20CO0018

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

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6:00 p.m. Movies on the Lawn. School of Rock. Starts at dusk. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Pl., Naples. Call 239-594-9400 or check www.mercatoshops.com for additional information.

22 WEDNESDAY 9:00 a.m. World Water Day. Buy one, get one free admission. Higher price prevails. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5977 or check rookerybay.org. 3:30 p.m. Lego Club. Join the club and share ideas, be creative, make new friends and have fun. Bricks will be provided. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 5:00 p.m. Teen Book Crew. What is a “fauxmance”? A fake romance between celebrities, arranged for publicity. Join us for a fun look at some literary offerings with this theme. Snacks provided. Ages 12-16 years. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

23 THURSDAY 10:00 a.m. Little Explorers. “I Don’t Want to Be a Frog”. Also March 25. Explore nature and discover amazing animals through multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and animal-themed crafts. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Located at Conservancy of SW Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www. conservancy.org/summercamp for additional information. 4:00 p.m. Domestic Animal Services Visit. Meet a D.A.S. of Collier County Animal Control Officer and some shelter animals for a fun, informative, look at pet ownership. All ages. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org. 5:30 p.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 is not required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239775-5592 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

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6:00 p.m. Pajama Story Time. Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite teddy bear. We’ll sing songs and tell stories, then finish with a craft. All ages welcome. Registration required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 North First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

24 FRIDAY 11:00 a.m. Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival. Through Sunday. A kid’s zone with bounce houses, slide, rock climbing wall, and trampoline. Located at Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-5662367 or check marcoislandseafoodandmusicfestival.com. 6:00 p.m. IMCP Indoor Movie Night. Come and enjoy a family oriented movie. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. $5. Located at Immokalee Community Park, 321 North 1st St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-4449 for additional information. 7:00 p.m. NCRP Movie at the Park. North Collier Regional Park will host a movie night. Print out your receipt as it will be your ticket. Located at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4060 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

25 SATURDAY 7:30 a.m. 10K Run for Music. Join musicians from the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for the annual running of the 10K Run for Music race to raise money for youth education programs. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1111 or check artisnaples.org for additional information. 8:00 a.m. MHCP Community Yard Sale. Find yard sale bargains with the convenience of having all the sales in one location. If you are interested in reserving a spot to sell used items please call to reserve a spot. Located at Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-348-7500 or check colliergov.net for additional information. 8:00 a.m. Fort Myers Color Vibe. Get your friends and family stretched out for this amazing color blast event where you’ll get blasted with color while you run the Color Vibe 5K. Located at Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd., Fort

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

Myers. Call 239-543-8368 or check www.thecolorvibe.com/fortmyers for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Local Author Meet and Greet. Southwest Florida is full of literary talent and we are happy to host many of those authors in our store today. Also at 2 p.m. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. Call 239597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information. 12:00 p.m. Ave Maria Tropical Luau. A free tropical-themed outdoor concert by Landsharks Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band. There will also be a car show and lots of outdoor fun in the sun. Bring your lawn chair and blankets. No coolers, please. Located at Ave Maria Town Center, 5076 Annunciation Cr., Ave Maria. Call 239867-4322 for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Boots and Boogie Bash. Reservations are being taken for the Friends of Foster Children Forever 10th Anniversary Boots and Boogie Bash. Cocktail reception followed by dinner, silent and live auctions, live music, and dancing. Located at Grey Oaks Country Club, 2400 Grey Oaks Dr. N., Naples. For additional information, visit friendsoffosterchildren.net or call 239-262-1808. 8:00 p.m. I Love the 90’s Tour. Features Vanilla Ice, Naughty By Nature, Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath, Rob Base, All-4-One, and Young MC. Located at Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-335-0457 or check www.germainarena.com for additional information.

28 TUESDAY

A New Montessori Preschool Opening Fall 2017 in East Naples.

The

G a rd e n School of Napl e s

M o nte sso r i E a r ly E d u c a ti o n

3:30 p.m. Where do Florida Panthers Live?. Come to the library to learn all about panthers from a Panther Outreach Specialist. She will tell us how to avoid contact with these wild animals and what to do if we happen to encounter one. Ages 5-11 years. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 4:00 p.m. Fish Biology 101. Tish from 4-H will be here with some marine creatures that you can help dissect. You’ll learn the differences in the aquatic structure of fish compared to humans. Lots of hands-on activities. Ages 6-11 years. Registration required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 5:00 p.m. Sensory Night. For children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory integration disorders. Participation is limited in order to minimize crowds, and registration is required. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org for additional information. 6:15 p.m. No Sew Fleece Pillow. Enjoy making a soft, colorful fleece pillow for yourself or a favorite person; no sewing skills required. All materials will be supplied and registration is required. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

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

Accepting applications for enrollment now!

www.gardenschoolnaples.com

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

29 WEDNESDAY 8:00 a.m. Free Breakfast Seminar: Divorce Planning for the New Beginning. Sponsored by Klaus Doupé Marital Law and Family Law Attorneys and Morgan Stanley. At Shula’s Steakhouse. To RSVP call 239-449-7828. Located at Hilton Naples Hotel, 5111 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. 6:00 p.m. Art After Hours. Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum the last Wednesday of each month, 6-9 p.m. A local band offers musical entertainment and audiences of all ages are welcome to view the galleries and learn from our docents. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1111 or check artisnaples.org for additional information.

30 THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. FBA Open House. Open House. Come any time from 9 a.m. to noon to tour our campus. Located at First Baptist Academy, 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples.

31 FRIDAY 6:00 p.m. Basketball Music Night. Groove to upbeat Music while playing basketball. Located at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-4180 or check colliergov.net.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

We buy & sell gently used kids stuff • Clothing (newborn to size 16), toys, baby furniture, equipment and more. • We pay cash on the spot. • No appointment necessary, clothes must be freshly laundered and brought in a plastic container.

13560 Tamiami Trail N #4, Naples,

239-596-6096

Also in: Fort Myers at 239-274-0039 Port Charlotte at 941-764-8121

onceuponachildnaples.com

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What All Parents Need to Writer Lara Krupicka provides valuable information about concussions: how

Preventing Confusion About Concussion: 6 Myths Unmasked

hen my teenaged daughter came off the soccer field at the end of a game complaining of a headache, I brushed it off. Even when she mentioned another player had hit her in the head during a scuffle for the ball. The blow had been mild enough not to disrupt play, so I gave her ibuprofen and encouraged her to rest. When the headache persisted, I chalked it up to migraine tendencies. Imagine my grief and guilt when four days later the school athletic trainer diagnosed her with a concussion. I couldn’t understand how I missed the signs. I’m not the first mom to be blindsided by a child’s concussion. Due to myriad myths surrounding this condition, it often takes parents by surprise. In fact, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) states that concussion remains the most under-reported, under-diagnosed head injury. To help you avoid mistaking or mistreating your child’s condition, should he suffer a bump to the head, I’ve unmasked six common concussion myths. Myth: You can tell right away when someone has a concussion. She’ll vomit and have a bad headache. Fact: Symptoms can take hours or even days to appear. And because each brain is different, reactions to the injury vary from child to child (see sidebar below for common symptoms). Symptoms also differ between boys and girls. A 2011 study in the Journal of Athletic Training found that both boys and girls report headaches after a concussion. But boys more often experience amnesia and confusion or disorientation, while girls may describe themselves as being drowsy or sensitive to noise. Myth: You have to be knocked unconscious for it to be a concussion. Fact: According to the CNS, only about 10% of concussioninducing blows cause the person to black out. And a concussion can occur even without a direct blow to the head. An impact to

Symptoms of Concussion 9 Dazed look 9 Disorientation or confusion 9 Decreased balance, coordination. or reaction time 9 Memory loss 9 Nausea and or/vomiting 9 Slurred speech 9 Dizziness 9 Blurry or double vision 9 Headache 9 Sleep problems (too much or too little) 9 Sensitivity to light or sound This list is not exhaustive. Visit the CDC’s Heads Up to Parents site at www.headsupparents.org. 36

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another part of the body, such as a hard fall, can sometimes jar the head enough to cause the brain to come in contact with the skull’s interior. It is this internal collision that causes the injury. Myth: Don’t let a concussed person fall asleep. Fact: After suffering a concussion your child can (and should) be allowed to sleep. His brain requires rest to begin healing. However, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your child for the first day or two to watch for the appearance of new behaviors and symptoms, or a decrease in functioning that could require an emergency room visit. Myth: A concussion is “no big deal.” Kids should just shake it off. Fact: A concussion is also known as a mild traumatic brain injury. Not only is it unwise for your child to continue in sportsrelated activities while recovering from a concussion, she may also need to cut back on mental stimulation. Among the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations for concussion patients are that they get plenty of sleep at night, and rest during the day; and avoid physically demanding activities (e.g., sports or working out) or those requiring much concentration (e.g., sustained computer use, reading). The CDC suggests kids not return to activities until they can engage in them without symptoms returning and to slowly increase the level of activity. For some kids it may mean a reduction in school hours, homework amounts, or both. The American Association of Pediatrics offers a helpful form your pediatrician can complete to direct the school on accommodations to be made should your child have a concussion. You can find it online at www.aap.org. Myth: Only football and hockey players sustain concussions. Fact: According to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), football and rugby top the list of sports where boys are most susceptible to concussion, followed by hockey and soccer. Girls face the greatest risk of concussion while playing soccer and basketball. For younger children (birth to 9 years), bicycling and playground activities account for the greatest number of head injuries, including concussions. Myth: As long as my child wears a helmet, he won’t get a concussion. Fact: Helmets prevent skull fractures, not concussions. While a padded helmet or other protective device may lessen the impact to your child’s cranium, none of them can stop the forces of motion that cause internal brain impact. The AAN encourages parents to make sure their child’s helmet fits well and is kept in good condition to reduce the risk of concussion. With a better understanding of concussions, you can be more aware of what you’re seeing (and what to do) if one happens to your child or another child in your care. Because concussion is more than just a headache – for you and your child. Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mom to three girls, all of whom have suffered concussions. NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

Know About Concussions to recognize and prevent them, and how best to aid your child’s recovery.

Concussion Recovery and Teens

ary Holmgren unexpectedly learned how tough it is for a teen to recover from a concussion. After a head butt during a wrestling match injured her son Kyle, the high schooler suffered headaches and forgetfulness for weeks. It took a bit of pressure for him to cooperate in his healing. Like Kyle, every teen likes to believe they are tough, resilient, and incapable of being sidelined. But when it comes to concussions, unfortunately, the opposite is true. Researchers at the University of Montreal found teens suffered longer and more substantially from the effects of a concussion than either adults or children. Combine typical teenaged irrepressibility and demanding schedules with an injured brain and parents can find themselves fighting an uphill battle toward their child’s recovery. Especially since teens can take two to three times as long to recover from a concussion as adults. Here are some tips for paving a smoother road – for you and your teen: Create a healing environment Studies show that cognitive rest (limiting mental stimulation through ceasing activities such as use of media, reading, socializing, loud noise, and bright lights) helps speed concussion recovery. However, unlike other injuries such as broken bones or sprained joints where casts and braces can aid immobilization, keeping the brain inactive presents a unique challenge – particularly for teens. Cognitive rest happens to be the antithesis of normal teen life. Which is why providing a distraction-free space for your teen to heal is crucial. A bedroom conducive to rest, with darkening blinds, low to no music, and no computer, television, or other screened devices is ideal. Teens can forget they are not supposed to be read-

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

ing, or using devices that normally serve an integral part of their everyday life. Holmgren, found the best way to help her son rest was to remove temptation, such as his cell phone and other electronics. “It was hard,” she said. “I had to take stuff off of him. His friends were calling and messaging.” “If we listened to him, it would have been a much longer process,” said Holmgren of her son’s attitude toward the restrictions placed on him for recovery. “I kept saying, ‘It’s for your own good.’” At the same time, Dr. Brian Babka, sports medicine specialist with Cadence Health, noted it is up to the teen to decide to cooperate in his own healing. “We talk to the kid, not the parent. She has to take accountability for it,” Babka said. He urges parents to get their kids’ buy-in and understanding of what recovery requires. He also noted a desire to see their teen recover can lead parents to sometimes lean too hard on their child to follow doctor’s orders, with the risk of causing anxiety and panic in teens. “Offer gentle reminders,” he suggested. “But don’t hover. It’s a fine line.” Seek support Being left alone in a dark, quiet room with nothing to do for long is not only boring, it can also heighten the risk of depression – a potential side-effect in any concussion. Add an active teen to the mix and you have a recipe for melancholy. Which makes it important to balance physical and emotional needs in your recovery plans for your teen. Babka encourages parents to include their teen’s friends in the recovery process. “Kids need to feel social,” he said. Holmgren’s son’s network of friends impressed her with how they supported him during his concussion. “They would check in to see how he was doing,” she said. “They’re a tight group.” Follow the doctor’s instructions for cognitive rest. But ask if it is okay for a friend to stop in for a short visit on occasion. See if your teen can emerge from recovery for a subdued dinner. Offer to read aloud to your teen for brief periods of time. Support is also important as your teen returns to school. He will likely be glad for the return to ‘normalcy,’ but should ease back into his coursework. Ask your doctor for a return-to-school plan to be given to teachers and administrators. Given the internal nature of the injury, your teen will look healthy, even though he is not. This makes it essential to communicate with your teen’s school, coaches, and other extracurricular leaders. As Babka said, “There are no visual cues that they are still hurt. It gets old quickly when people keep asking you if you are okay yet.” Now that he understands what it takes to get over a concussion, Kyle approaches his sport with a bit more caution, while still working hard. His mom is grateful. If you face the challenge of helping a teen recover from a concussion, take comfort in knowing symptoms won’t last forever, that often your teen’s resistance is due to the injury itself, and that others have been in your shoes. Follow the tips above. And while you’re at it, do as you’re encouraging your teen: rest. neafamily.com

TRAVEL By Anna Snyder

The Adventurous Spring Break: Camping with Your Kids in Florida’s State Parks

he month of March promises Southwest Florida residents lots of traffic, hordes of spring breakers, and crowded shopping areas. Does your family need a spring break getaway? For those who have not yet planned a spring break trip of any kind, have you considered the prospect of taking a mid-week camping trip? Camping can be a great way to visit another area of Florida on the cheap. Campsites at various parks in Florida run anywhere from $15 to $50 a night and up. Pricing – similar to hotels and resorts – depends upon the amenities and attractions of the park or campground. And even though many campgrounds in Florida are crowded this time of year (similarly to our town itself) they often have space open mid-week. This makes a two- or three-night spring break trip feasible. Luckily, the options for camping in Florida are almost endless. Our state has an array of ecosystems and climates to enjoy, and if you’ve been reading my articles for any length of time, you know that I favor the Florida State Park system. It’s easy to figure out, research amenities, and book trips through their website itself and reservation system through the Reserve America website. There are many other options for camping around our state, though, and if there’s a place you’d like to visit (for example, the Space Coast), nice, clean campgrounds with pools and hot showers are usually easy to find through a simple Google search.

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For those who have never camped before, or are intimidated by the thought of camping with young children (or teenagers) don’t worry. You’ve got this. Plan ahead, choose your campground wisely, get organized, make a commitment, and lower your own expectations of the experience. Camping with a family *can* be tricky, but it can also be a worthwhile and memorable experience. Here are a few good options to help you get started. Fort DeSoto Park Located in the Tampa/St. Pete area, Fort DeSoto Park is the largest park in Pinellas County’s park system at about 1,100 acres. It’s comprised of five interconnected islands, and visitors to the park can enjoy seven miles of waterfront, as well as a complex ecosystem replete with birds, sea life, native plants, and other wildlife. The park is home to a 238-site family camping area, boat launching facility, multiple playground areas, a seven-mile multi-purpose trail, and two large lifeguarded swimming areas. To hear Jim Wilson, the park’s general manager, speak about the park is to be transported to another world. Wilson is a third generation Pinellas County resident. “The only parcel of land that remains unchanged in this quickly growing metropolitan area has been this park. It is about the same as it was in 1849 when Robert E. Lee surveyed it.” Wilson’s passion for the

park is obvious. “I started working here in the mid-70s in maintenance, and I eventually interviewed for the best job on the planet.” Wilson lives in a home within the park in order to manage the campground and oversee the property. Fort DeSoto Park is ideal for family camping. “There are so many amazing features of this park. We encourage families to bring their dogs – we have arguably the best dog park in the nation. I would also encourage families to bring paddle boards, kayaks, and any boats they have. It’s easy to fish and see wildlife within the park. We have several fishing piers on which you can fish without a license (we license them for fishing). There is an historic fort with two large batteries intact and the original armament, as well as a small museum which documents the park’s history” Wilson said. He described the park as a destination for birders, and ornithologists have identified more than 300 species of birds there. Anastasia State Park Located near the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park offers recreational opportunities, along with the chance to experience our rich history as Floridians and Americans. “We have over 1,700 acres of land that spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intercostal Waterway,” said Renee Market, park services specialist at Anastasia State Park. “To the north on the beach, you will find the St. Augustine Inlet, flanked on NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

Tips from Other Families u “Test it out in the backyard first before taking the plunge! Let your kids pick out their sleeping bag, introduce them to s’mores, get fun flashlights for inside the tent, and be prepared for them to stay up past their bedtime.” Jenna Berry u “Have kids shake out their shoes before they put them on in the morning. If they left them outside the tent at night, there may be spiders, snakes, or bugs who decided to sleep in those stinky things.” Anthony Dunford u “Go with a larger tent. The extra space makes the time in the tent more enjoyable, especially if you’re forced to spend extra time in there due to weather.” Chas Lemley u “We use the big foam puzzle squares on the floor of the tent. We also bring glow sticks for the kids at night, which helps us keep track of them.” Kimberly Snyder u “Prep the food before you go, especially the stuff that needs slicing and cleaning.” Mark Royan u “Baby powder is a life saver to remove all the dirt or sand before bed. Store everything in plastic bins overnight, and bring a container of plastic grocery bags for dirty clothes and muddy shoes.” Pieri Davenport u “I pick up ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard packets at a fast food restaurant so I don’t have to refrigerate condiments.” Amy DeCant Levitre u Crack all the eggs you will need and put them in a milk jug. Pour them out as you need them.” Jayla Smith u “We have a toilet seat that has its own legs; it makes life easier even if there are bathrooms close by.” Rachel Gonzalez

each side by vast views of Vilano Beach and Historic Downtown St. Augustine. To the south, you will see St. Johns County pier, available to the public for fishing or sightseeing. Just steps from the pier is the famous A1A Beachfront Avenue, where you will find many local eateries, shops, and local talent.” With an ideal location A campsite at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. for a campground, families visitors the unique opportunity to experican enjoy local art, delicious food, tours of ence a night sky without light pollution. the historic fort in St. Augustine (Castillo The astronomy pad in the park is available de San Marcos), and beachfront activities. to visitors to view vast amounts of stars and The park itself provides a picture of historic beautiful night skies. Florida. “Our main park road is part of the “Campsites fill up quickly because historic register and is the original A1A of [the Dark Sky Spot] designation,” said Avenue used until 1949 when the land was Frank Berello, park ranger, “but we try to repurposed as a park,” Market said. accommodate anyone who wants to experiThe park’s campground is unique. ence this amazing night sky. Just give us a “Our 139 campsites are located in an call, and we can help you get in after hours, ancient dune line that runs parallel to the as long as you have an annual pass.” ocean,” Market said. “Running through the Visitors also are drawn to this idyllic center of the park is Salt Run, a beautiful, park by the beautiful vistas of the prairie, protected saltwater estuary filled with sea the wildlife, and the 130 miles of multilife. Visitors can see packs of dolphins, sea use trails. turtles, and manatees regularly – it is a “The park is a preserve and a state tidal area filled with mangrove patches and park,” Berello said. “95% of Florida’s dry oyster beds. But our park’s best feature is prairie is gone. At 22,000 acres, we have the nature trails through the park; miles of the largest dry prairie land tract remaining. walking paths line the salt run, the ancient We are actively saving Florida’s unique dune line, and the beach.” ecosystems.” To find out more information about Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park reserving a campsite at Fort DeSoto, Kissimmee Prairie was recently granted Anastasia, or Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, status as a Dark Sky Spot by the Internaor at any other state park in Florida, visit tional Dark Sky Association. Located 2½ the Florida State Parks website at www. hours away near Lake Okeechobee in the floridastateparks.org. center of the state, Kissimmee Prairie offers

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YOUR COMMUNITY By Stacy Nicolau

Fun, Frights, and Cocktails

o you believe in ghosts? Even if you don’t, you can learn about the fascinating history of Marco Island and the difference between a ghost and a spirit at the same time, by taking the Marco Murder and Mayhem Historical Frightseeing Tour, hosted by local expert Martha Horror. The tour begins with a complimentary cocktail (recommended) or beverage at the Olde Marco Inn, a quaint registered historic landmark on the northern tip of the island that was built in 1883 on old Calusa Indian grounds. Now extinct partially due to illness brought to the island by Spanish settlers, the Calusa left behind a rich history and plenty of ceremonial artifacts scattered around Marco Island. The evidence of the Inn’s original architecture is apparent in its creaky, slanted floorboards and low, wooden slat ceilings to, well, its tangible aura. After leaving the warmth and relative safety of the piano bar, visitors are greeted by Martha Horror (Gina Sisbarro), and escorted by her ghoulish assistants Eddy Ludwiggen and “The Creature” (Ryan Sullivan) on the motor coach where we settle in for an evening of fun and frights. Martha introduces her helpers and affectionately gives each rider a nickname. She begins by giving an introduction to the history of Marco Island and how she became an expert on the supernatural spirits that hover there. As we make our way to our first stop of the evening, Martha asks if we know the difference between a ghost and a spirit. After

a few guesses are wagered, she explains that a spirit has crossed to the afterlife but a ghost has not. There can be many reasons, she says, such as unfinished business, need for justice, fear of the unknown, or simply not understanding that they are dead. The passengers are silent as we all contemplate this. The first stop is Caxambas Cemetery, the oldest cemetery on the island, where Martha attempted to lure a young spirit out

with a ball and a doll. Next stop was Otter Mound, which is an elevation formed from thousands of years of shells collected by the Calusa Indians. There, we were encouraged to stay close to the group as we used our flashlights to navigate the bumpy path in the woods. Named for one-time owner Ernest Otter, we saw the wall he created out of Calusa whelk shells to protect his property. Our bus continued on to a pineapple plantation where we learned of the scandalous history of pirates on Marco Island and then on to the Marco Island Cemetery where

we were told of the tragic fates of the Collier families and other more recent arrivals. Martha’s assistants carefully supported the surrounding spirits as they observed us. The journey ended where we started, at the Olde Marco Inn, where we tip-toed in the attic and the abandoned rooms of the second story to lure the playful spirits that still dwell there. Participants can choose to stay after the tour to enjoy dinner at Bistro Soleil or another drink in the lounge where patrons were seated at the piano enthusiastically singing classics along with the piano player. The nearly 100 years worth of giant tarpon scales signed and dated by fortunate fishermen are framed on the walls. Owner Lisa Meurgue says that the presence of poltergeists at the Inn does not deter business and the location comes up on any search of haunted buildings. As for her own experience, she simply stated: “I have not seen any ghosts but have had doors close behind me. Some of my servers claim to have seen shadows/figures. I personally prefer not to go upstairs at night.” Marco Murder and Mayhem Tours are scheduled on select Friday evenings October through April; private tours can be customized for birthday parties, wedding parties, and other large groups. The next scheduled tours are March 3 and April 7. Visit www. marcomurderandmayhem.com. For details about Olde Marco Inn, call 239-394-3131 or go to www.oldemarcoinnandsuites.com. For Bistro Soleil, call 239389-0981 or go to www.bistrosoleil.net.

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SPRING CLEANING By Leigh Tahirovic

Calm the Clutter In Your House

leanliness is next to godliness. That adage is more like an old wives’ tale for some busy moms. But one expert suggests that cleanliness is merely a case of being organized. If you’re struggling to find a balance between a clean, organized house and other demands of family life, there are simple solutions to finding some sanity. But first, parents should know that cleaning and organizing go hand in hand. “Don’t let kids take over the whole house,” said Marla Ottenstein of Naples Professional Organizer Florida. “Create a physical space for kids and have a place for things to go.” Ottenstein works with families who need help reorganizing their homes, and tells moms and dads that it’s never too early for kids to have responsibility. “Get kids in on the whole (organizing) plan.” Naples mom Erin Garner agrees. She taught her three children early on to be responsible. “When they were teeny tiny, I had them put away their toys,” said Garner, of Andrew, 14; Abby, 18; and Isaac, 21. “By kindergarten, they were making their beds and doing other age-appropriate tasks.” Another thing, Garner said, it is vital to establish a space for shoes. “Each kid has a shelf in the garage. Shoes and sports stuff stay outside.” Calm the clutter. It’s easy to lend a blind eye to clutter during the week, but come the week’s end, that pile can look more like a landfill, overflowing at every spot. To keep things manageable, dedicate a catch-all place to stash items that you’ll need in the near future. For example, use the kitchen countertop for mail, school projects, and other kid-related belongings or parental possessions that accumulate. But don’t place toys or large items on it. Take

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care of those immediately. Otherwise, come Saturday, it will be a daylong project to clear your small space. Plus, put away as you move throughout the house, Ottenstein said. “Take 10 minutes a day to pick up and put away.” Less is more. For some families, their homes are stuffed full, especially since parents feel pressured to give their children more and more. “Minimize purchases,” said Ottenstein, who tells gift-givers to reduce the volume of presents given to young kids and to purge regularly. “They are never too young to learn that charity begins at home. Give kids a challenge to find a specific number of toys to give away.” And if an item is broken or has missing pieces, toss it out. Don’t waste space thinking you’ll find what was misplaced. Start small. Instead of taking on a large disorganized space, like a whole bedroom or garage, think in terms of one shelf or one wall in said space. It makes the project more achievable when you tackle it little by little. And when you set out to organize it, clean it out completely. “Evaluate each item before putting it back and ask yourself, ‘Does this [item] have a purpose in my life? Will I use it again?’,” said Ottenstein. When it’s time to put things back, recreate the shelf or space to accommodate your child. Don’t store their books or toys out of reach or overuse plastic bins, especially if they are oversized. “I’m not a fan of containers, but make sure they are clear and snap shut, and keep them the same size and kind,” she said. She suggests parents stick to medium-sized stackable containers that can be stored under a child’s bed or on the closet shelf. Maximize a room’s potential. Ottenstein often find spaces that are under-utilized, specifically citing how to repurpose the NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

laundry room area with shelving to create storage for kids’ stuff. “Have the child decorate their new space, to give them pride of ownership,” she suggested. And if kids slack on their new cleaning procedures, parents should confiscate the items they find out of place. “Give your child three warnings [to pick up] and take photos of the offensives,” said Ottenstein. Kids learn from example, so parents should keep their mess to a minimum too. “If parents leave dirty dishes out on the counter, a kid will do it too,” she said. Be visual. Garner hangs a wall calendar and bulletin board in her kitchen to organize her kids’ activities. When her kids were younger, she used an incentive chart to keep track of their weekly duties, like making their beds, keeping their toys picked up, and personal hygiene responsibilities like brushing teeth and washing their face. “I gave them a reward when they had a good week,” recalled Garner, “As they got older, they got more responsibility.” But she always required them to help clean the kitchen after meals and wash off their plates. Perfection isn’t possible. “I was constantly reminding them when they were younger, but I would never say, ‘Oh what a terrible job.’ Once they became teenagers, I let them self-govern,” said Garner. “If their rooms were messy, I’d shut the door.” Ottenstein tells busy parents to consider professional help, like a housekeeper who comes in monthly. To pay for this help, consider cutting back on extras, like dining out. Make it a routine. If kids are brought up to manage their own laundry, to clean up after themselves, and to be responsible for their possessions, then they carry that on for life. “Start these habits when kids are young,” Ottenstein said. Good organizing

Try it at home • Recognize problem areas and look for a simple solution. • Do certain tasks every day, like a load of laundry and washing the dishes. • Use photos to label containers to aid small children with clean up. • Use what you have. Don’t buy new storage containers. • Allow kids to help, even if it’s not perfect. [skills] spills over into other areas of life, like good study habits.” And when they fall short, let them suffer the consequences instead of coming to the rescue. They may wear a less-than-clean shirt that day, but that will help them remember next time. Accept limitations. Garner’s children are all competitive swimmers, and the family spends many weekends traveling for swim meets. Even now, with her two oldest in college, Garner still juggles a busy schedule. “We have swim practice every day and we are always on the go,” she said. To keep her five-bedroom, fourbathroom house organized, she sometimes stays up late to straighten up. “Our house is not perfect and I accept that.” LEIGH TAHIROVIC is a wife and mother who loves traveling and Civil War History. She moved to Naples in 2001 and began a career in journalism. She is a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers in South Florida.

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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day O

n March 17 every year, the Irish (and the not-so-Irish) celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Patrick was born in Wales in the late 4th century and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he later returned to convert the Irish to Christianity. Throughout his life, he established monasteries, churches, and schools. It was the Irish in America who transformed St. Patrick’s Day into a secular holiday and celebration. Boston held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, followed by New York City in 1762. Since 1962, Chicago has colored its river green to mark the holiday. Naples has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with an annual parade for more than 40 years. A variety of other events are planned throughout March. Enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day fun! Rhythm of the Dance: The National Company of Ireland March 1 • 6 p.m. • Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd. S.E., Bonita Springs The show is an inspiring epic, reliving the journey of the Irish Celts throughout history. Using modern art forms of dance and music, this richly costumed show marries the contemporary and the ancient. Check swflpac.com or call 239-389-6901 for more information.

Cape Coral Irish Festival March 4 & 5 • Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. • Sun Splash Water Park, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral Enjoy two days of continuous Irish entertainment sponsored by the Cape Coral Irish Club. Live music by West of Galway, Brendan Nolan, Irish Stew, and many more; performances by local Irish dance schools; games; art & crafts; vendors; food; refreshments; and, of course, Irish beer! Check capecoralirishfest.com or call 239-574-0558 for more information. Marco Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival March 5 • 10 a.m. • Veterans Community Park, Marco Island Organized by the Sons and Daughters of Erin, the parade ends at Veterans’ Community Park with fun, games and food. Festival runs until 5 p.m. Call 239-566-2367 or check colliergov.net for additional information. Naples 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11 • 11 a.m. • Fifth Avenue South, Naples Through the hard work of many volunteers and the generous support of patrons, the parade has prospered in the decades since its

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launch more than 40 years ago. It is now the largest privately-funded parade in the state. It draws over 40,000 people to downtown Naples each year to celebrate Irish heritage and Irish culture in America. Call 800-222-3333 or check naplesparade.com. Baby Leprechaun Races March 12 • 11 a.m. • Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero Join Miromar Outlets for this fun event in which babies must crawl past the finish line to compete for prizes. For more information visit www.miromaroutlets.com. St. Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run March 16 • 6 p.m. • 819 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day festivities with a 5K Fun Run. Participants are encouraged to dress in green and costumes. The celebration will feature live music, a food truck, raffle giveaways, costume contest, games, and a huge beer garden. The event is being coordinated by Gulf Coast Runners. For more information, visit gcrunner.org/stPatricks5k.html or email Mitch@gcrunner.org. Annual St. Paddy’s Dinner Festival March 17 • 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. • Southwest Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd. S.E., Bonita Springs Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish-inspired foods like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, and many more. Entertainment includes performances by Irish dancers, Vertigo the U2 Tribute band, and bag pipers. Visit capecoralirishfest.com. A Little Bit o’ Blarney March 17 • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. • 2777 Tamiami Tr., Naples The night features entertainment, dancing, a 50/50 cash raffle, heavy appetizers, and a cash bar. Cocktail attire is requested. Benefits Collier Child Care Resources (CCCR). Visit www.collierchildcare. org or call CCCR at 239-643-3908. St. Patrick’s Day Block Party March 17 • 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. • Downtown Ft. Myers Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in downtown Fort Myers. Music, food, drink, and vendors. Bands include Tommy Bar, Hypnoticals, Electric Mudd, and Marty Stokes. Check www.riverdistrictevents. com or call 855-732-3836 for details. St. Patrick’s Day Celebration March 17 • 5 p.m. • Venetian Village, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples Enjoy a night of Irish dance performances and live music at Venetian Village. Check venetianvillage.com. Gaelic and Garlic Festival March 18 & 19 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • St. John’s, 111th Ave. N., Naples Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and Saint Joseph’s Feast on the same weekend during this two-day event. There will be green beer, opera music, Italian dancing, 5K fun run, car raffle, and a meatball eating contest. For more information, call 239- 566-8740. NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2017

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