Neapolitan Family May 2023

10 Is My Teen Ready to Babysit? How to know when your teen is prepared for this important responsibility.

by Jennifer Moes, APRN

12 New Mother’s Day Giveaway! We are giving away a prize package for new parents valued at more than $800.

22 Student Artists Shine. Students selected by CCPS art teachers were honored at the district art show.

23 Vacation Bible School Find out where your kid can enjoy a week of free or low-cost summer camp.

24 Speaking Out About Postpartum Depression. A Naples mom wants to remove the shame often attached to this common condition.

by Andrea Stetson

Primrose School,

Community School of Naples in the fall.

kindergarten

enjoys dance class at Dance Arts by Maria, piano at Naples Piano Studio, soccer at Soccer Shots, and gymnastics at Naples Progressive Gymnastics. She loves drawing, swimming, shopping at Target, and trips to Disney World.

info@monicaalvarezphotography.com

26 Making Social Connections. There is a social media group for every type of parent in Naples.

By Stacy Nicolau

29 Special Graduation Section. Local schools honor their 2023 graduates in this special section.

Team: Ages 8-11 Junior Open Water Camp: Ages 10-17

Cover photo by Monica Alvarez www.monicaalvarezphotography.com 305-815-3495

Zoe Burch, 5, is the daughter of Jennifer and Zachary Burch of Naples. She is graduating this month from VPK at

and will attend

at

She

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

from the publisher…

Co-Publisher

Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529

Co-Publisher

Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333

Digital Editor

Jane MacNealy

Travel Editor

Karen T. Bartlett

Newsletter Editor

Emily Brockelsby

Feature Writers

Anna Snyder

Andrea Stetson

Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at distribution points throughout Collier County, as well as digitally at https://neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2023 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Member of

THIS MONTH Graduation

When my daughter was born in 2005, I thought about the important dates in her future, including 2023, when she would graduate from high school. It seemed so far in the future, an abstract concept for a new mom navigating constant diaper changes on very little sleep.

But now, in the blink of an eye, it’s here. That tiny baby is now 18 years old and about to embark on the next stage of her life, as a newly fledged adult. Is she ready? Definitely. Am I ready? It depends on the day, although I probably never will be truly prepared for her to leave the nest. Just as my life changed completely the day she was born, it now will morph again as she heads off to Ohio for the next four years. I’m focused on the positives — she’s entering a new, exciting world, and I suddenly will have more time and less responsibility. Yet I will miss, so much, the daily presence of this person who has been the very heart of my life for almost two decades.

In addition to wallowing, I want to pay tribute to my graduate, Rachel Newman (yes, that’s her above, and on our cover). You continue to amaze me every day, with your relentless pursuit of excellence in everything you do, and the enthusiasm with which you approach life, with the noted exceptions of cooking or going to the beach. You have always forged your own unique path, and I can’t wait to see where it takes you next. I am so beyond proud of you.

To all my fellow parents of 2023 graduates, congratulations! And hugs. It’s going to be okay.

Happy Graduation!

Photo by Monica Alvarez

Village School Students Host Fashion Show at True Fashionistas

The Village School of Naples hosted its first-ever Model Students at Galleria fashion show at True Fashionistas in Naples, with more than 25 students of all ages taking to the runway.

TVS students Olivia Apostal, Lauren Lappin, and Em Sarjeant coordinated the models. NBC-2 journalist Kyla Galer was the show’s emcee, and stylists Sarah LaMont and Erica Thebaud of WhyStyle helped the students identify trends and best practices for fashion success. Because of the sheer number of students interested in participating in the show, the models were chosen via a raffle drawing.

“Model Students is a development department project designed to foster creativity, responsibility, philanthropy, and leadership skills within the Upper School student body,” said Jane Badger, director of development at TVS. “We plan to build upon the success of this first show to further instill the importance of leadership and philanthropy in our school.”

For more information, visit www.villageschoolnaples.org and www.truefashionistas.com.

Send Us Your Community News!

Did your kids do something amazing? Is your organization hosting an event? Let us know, and you might see your news in print!

Send photos and details to info@neafamily.com.

Left to right: Em Sarjeant and Lauren Lappin, the Village School student leaders of the Model Students at Galleria fashion show; Jennifer Johnson, owner of True Fashionistas; Sarah LaMont, stylist with WhyStyle; and Olivia Apostal, TVS student leader. Photo courtesy of The Village School of Naples.

Relaxed Performances at Naples Players Continue to Sell Out

The most recent “relaxed performance” offered by The Naples Players, The Sound of Music, sold out. The special presentation of the popular musical in March allowed 185 children and adults living with autism, sensory processing disorders, Alzheimer’s, and many other physical and neurological challenges to experience theater without the pressure or overstimulation of a traditional performance. Children as young as 8 years old and adults into their 90s were referred by partner organizations to attend. Lights and sounds were modified to ensure a more comfortable experience for those who may become agitated or afraid in a typical theater environment.

In December, the first special relaxed performance at TNP to sell out was A Christmas Carol, the Musical, which was attended by 174 individuals who are faced with some type of sensory challenge. Visit naplesplayers.org.

Lipman Family Farms Donates $3 Million to Migrant Nonprofit

A$3 million gift to RCMA (Redlands Christian Migrant Association) from Lipman Family Farms will support the expansion of RCMA’s charter schools throughout the state, including a new campus in Immokalee. The gift is the largest one-time private gift that RCMA has ever received and Lipman Family Farm’s largest donation to any one organization.

“This gift will fuel RCMA’s efforts to build new dual language schools in different parts of rural Florida, which have the potential to change Florida’s educational landscape for low-income families,” said Isabel Garcia, executive director of RCMA.

RCMA will receive $1,200,000 from Lipman Family Farms this spring, and $200,000 a year over the next nine years. RCMA’s new campus in Immokalee will be named Lipman Family Farms Campus for Children and Families, and construction begins this month. The center will feature two new child development centers, a community center, two soccer fields, and a school.

For more information on RCMA, contact Joseph Goldbach at Joseph.Goldbach@rcma.org or 239-227-7283.

Get a Jump on Summer!

The Y has SO MANY exciting CAMP options to ensure everyone has FUN all summer long.

YMCA OF COLLIER COUNTY | WWW.YMCACOLLIER.ORG

Photo courtesy of The Naples Players

For many young teens, babysitting is a rite of passage from childhood to adolescence. It provides them an opportunity to earn money, develop responsibility, and grow career skills like setting schedules, negotiating pay, and managing money. As a parent of two teen girls and as a pediatric provider, I’m often asked by parents, “How do I know when my child is ready for this important responsibility?”

While Florida has no legal minimum age to babysit, most experts say age 12 is a good age to consider light babysitting responsibility such as an hour or so while parents run an errand. However, there are several other factors to consider before allowing your child to care for siblings or other children.

1. Emotional maturity. Babysitting readiness depends a lot on your child’s emotional maturity. To assess your child’s emotional maturity, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does my child think through a situation and choose how to handle it in the best way possible?

• Does my child follow direction and rules?

• Does my child willingly care for younger siblings, family, or neighbor children during gatherings?

• Does my child meet academic and home responsibilities?

• Does my child recognize others’ needs as well as their own?

When your child expresses an interest in babysitting it is important to discuss the expectations required from a babysitter. Ask them to share what they think a good babysitter is responsible for and how they may handle a situation such as a child not listening or getting

Is My Teen Ready to Babysit?

upset. Their responses will provide you a good sense of their readiness.

2. Safety. Babysitting can be super fun, but it is also a serious responsibility. A babysitter’s number one priority is safety, which means protecting children from possible dangers such as falls, choking hazards, food allergies, chemicals, drowning, and strangers. This requires constant supervision and environmental scanning for potential hazards. Ask yourself:

• Does my child have the focus needed to keep a child safe?

• Does my child know what to do in an emergency?

3. Preparation. To ensure your child fully understands the responsibilities required to be a babysitter, consider signing them up for a babysitting class. There are several options including NCH’s in-person Safe Sitter Class and the American Red Cross’s online Babysitting Basics classes. The courses teach young teens how to care for infants and children, what to do in an emergency, how to recognize and handle certain behavior, and even how to start a babysitting business.

Additionally, your teen should enroll in a first aid and CPR class, where your child will learn how to provide first aid care and administer CPR. Together these classes will help give them confidence as a babysitter to make decisions, resolve problems, and handle emergencies.

4. Research. There are tons of excellent resources available on the internet about babysitting, from preparedness tips on how to create a family questionnaire that includes important information such as the parent’s phone numbers, children’s allergies, the house address,

and bedtime routines to general tips on safety such as keeping doors locked and outside lights on, and never leaving kids unattended on a changing table or in a bathtub.

It is important to remember that all children develop at different rates, and if you determine your child is not ready to take on the full responsibility of babysitting at this time there are ways you can help them prepare.

For instance, let friends and family know your child is interested in being a parent’s helper. A parent’s helper watches over kids while a parent is present. Sometimes this can be working alongside the parent to watch the kids during an errand or an afternoon at the park, or it can be more independent where the parent is focused on a project as your teen cares for the children. Working as a parent’s helper is an excellent way for a teen to strengthen their skills while under the guidance of an adult.

As a parent, you know being responsible for the safety of a child is a tremendous responsibility. Allowing your teen to babysit is not a decision to be made lightly, and there is no one-size-fits-all determining factor for babysitting readiness. However, helping your child ease into the process with honest conversations, babysitting classes, and monitored parent helper opportunities is the best way to support their preparedness.

JENNIFER MOES is a pediatric advanced practice registered nurse with Healthcare Network and mother to two teenage girls. Healthcare Network provides quality primary care services for children and adults in locations throughout Collier County. To learn more or make an appointment, call 239-658-3000 or visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org.

Don’t miss this treasure... we highly recommend it, especially if you have children.

To enter, visit https://neafamily.com/contests or scan here:

Three Visits From Rattled

$276, www.rattledconcierge.com

Rattled is a concierge service in Southwest Florida that offers customizable visits for families, which can include laundry, dishwasher loading and unloading, bottle/breast pump sanitization, countertops cleaned, room tidying, etc. We cover everything from newborn visits to c-section recovery visits, to pet care. Overwhelmed? Rattled is here to help!

$50 Gift Card, Giraffe Onesie, and Sophie la Giraffe Teething Toy

From Sunset + Pine, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Suite 102, Naples

$130, www.shopsunsetpine.com

Sunset + Pine is a Naples-based children’s boutique with a store in the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt as well as a website for online orders. The sleeveless bubble onesie is made of 100% cotton fabric. Elastic leg openings, as well as back and bottom snap closures, ensure easy changing. Born in Paris in 1961, Sophie la Giraffe has helped generations of teething babies. Made from natural rubber, she is safe and satisfying to chew, and her shape is easy for a baby to grasp.

SlumberPod 3.0 From SlumberPod

$199.99 (with fan), www.slumberpod.com

This portable privacy sleep nook for babies and toddlers (4+ months) is made with premium fabric. The bottomless blackout canopy provides an easy, slip-over visual barrier so little ones can nap in bright or distracting conditions. It’s an affordable solution that provides flexibility for comfortable room-sharing (hotels, studio apartments, etc.) so that everyone can sleep better.

One lucky new parent or parent-to-be will take home this prize package worth more than $800!

Britannica’s

Baby Encyclopedia

From What on Earth Books

$25, www.whatonearthbooks.com

For curious kids ages 0 to 3, this huge board book covers an enthralling spectrum of topics: Earth, animals, plants, food, machines, art, music, numbers, and shapes. The simple, clear, and lyrical text includes plenty of sound words for an enjoyable reading-aloud experience and is paired with gorgeous illustrations by Hanako Clulow. This is the perfect book to inspire little brainiacs!

Smarter Sleep Sound Machine From RAPTbaby

$59.99, www.raptbaby.com/smarter-sleep-sound-machine

Sleep well. Sleep smart. Neuroscientist designed, patented, and tested, Smarter Sleep is the first sound machine (and product!) ever created to support sleep and a child’s ability to process language.

Gripe Water Original

From Mommy’s Bliss

$13.49, www.mommysbliss.com

Ginger and fennel have been used for centuries to soothe sensitive stomachs. In our Gripe Water, they’re organic, gentle, and at the ready whenever tummy troubles turn up in a tiny belly. Gas, colic, hiccups? Here comes comfort!

momi Plastic Bottle Starter Set From Momtech Inc.

$49, www.momi.baby

This starter set allows you to try all our nipple flows so you can find baby’s preference. Set includes all three nipple flow rates, one 5-ounce bottle base in BPA-free plastic, and a nipple cleaning tool to make cleaning a breeze. Skin-soft silicone is designed to stretch and pull just like a mother’s breast. Anti-colic vents reduce gassiness, regurgitation, and discomfort. Microwave, dishwasher (top shelf), bottle warmer, and UV sterilizer safe.

Infant Automatic Nail Trimmer

From Lil Nipper

$50, www.lilnipper.com

This battery-operated nail trimmer safely trims tiny fingernails without harming surrounding skin. Lil Nipper is gentle and precise, yet effective in trimming your baby’s nails. A bright LED light shines over nail slot for increased vision. Nails are captured in a hidden compartment for a mess-free solution. Product is antimicrobial to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.

Fifth Grader Helps Classmates Learn to Overcome Difficulties

When he sees his classmates spinning out of control, Andrew often leads them to the calming corner and gives them words of advice.

“I say, ‘You can do it. Just calm down and take some deep breaths.’ I learned that from the teachers. If they don’t get a good score that day, I say, ‘You can do it the next time.’ Every day is a new day.”

Andrew said he learned to take deep breathes when he is upset, so he does deep breathing exercises with his classmates.

“I don’t like when kids get upset, so I try to help them,” he explained.

Terri Grusemeyer is an aide in Andrew’s class and is astonished by his new attitude.

“Andrew has come a long way with communication,” said Grusemeyer. “He has really done a great job, and now he is helping everyone else learn to communicate. That makes me the happiest.”

“He has grown so much,” added Ashton Hausin, the school’s behavioral analyst. “He is new to our IBI program, and he improved his coping and social skills so much that when he sees others having this problem, he goes out of his way to help. He gives them pep talks. He helps them with coping strategies. He is just kind.”

Hausin said students in IBI usually don’t improve that rapidly, and they don’t switch from being tough to being kind in just a few months.

“He is a definite success story,” said Hausin. “He was just super motivated.”

Hausin said Andrew mimics many of the sayings he has heard from teachers when he is helping others.

Andrew McManus often got upset and agitated. He had tantrums. Life was tough. Now he’s the kind kid helping others overcome similar difficulties.

Earlier this year Andrew was put in an intensive behavioral intervention (IBI) classroom at Naples Park Elementary School to help get him on a better track. The fourth grader almost immediately took on the challenge to rise to the highest levels of success in that classroom. Soon the tantrums ended. He spoke with compassion instead of anger. His teachers and specialists at the school were amazed by his turnaround. But they were even more amazed when he turned his tough experiences into something that helps others.

“I encourage [my classmates],” Andrew said. “I try to help them when they feel sad. I help them use their coping skills.”

“If he sees someone agitated he will say, ‘Hey, it’s a small problem.’ That is a phrase that we use. There is a calming area in the classroom so he might direct them toward that, and help them make a better choice.”

Andrew also adheres to his own advice.

“I have seen other kids sometimes try to get him riled up, and he just brushes it off,” Hausin described. “At the beginning of the year that might have led to an explosion. Now he says, ‘I just want to be with people that make better choices.’ I am so proud of him.”

Andrew, who is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan and enjoys playing soccer, says he was nervous and frustrated when he first arrived in the IBI classroom, but now he is proud of his success. His kindness isn’t just in the classroom anymore. He’s helped stop a fight from escalating on the school bus, and he encourages his brother when his brother gets stressed with piles of schoolwork.

“I learned to help my friends because they need it sometimes,” he said.

Andrew McManus is using his own experiences to help other kids with their troubles. Photo by Andrea Stetson

FAMILY FUN in May

2 TUESDAY

10:30 a.m. Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. Select dates through May 19. $25 for all ages, includes lunch and show. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check www.broadwaypalm.com.

3 WEDNESDAY

10:30 a.m. Family Music Time. Fun music making classes for children up to 5 years old. Located at Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers. Call 239-267-5107 or check www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com.

4 THURSDAY

5:30 p.m. Circle of Rhythm Adaptive Inclusive Recreation. A four-week program introduces basic hand-drumming techniques and rhythms. Ages 5-12. Located at Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Email AdaptiveInclusiveRec@colliercountyfl.gov or call 239-252-4551.

5 FRIDAY

10:30 a.m. Family Storytime. Stories, songs, and a craft for children of all ages and caregivers. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-2527064 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

5:30 p.m. Avow Kids First Friday Movie Night. Enjoy dinner and The Book of Life. Free. Located at Avow Ispiri Community Center, 1205 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples. RSVP to 239-261-4404 or AvowKids@avowcares.org.

6 p.m. Pool Fiesta. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with contests, including: taco eating, best dressed, musical chairs, dance off, and more. $3. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-3527 or check www.collierparks.com.

6 SATURDAY

9 a.m. Free Zoo Admission for Collier Residents. Present qualifying ID for free entry on the first Saturday of the month. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-315-7626 or check www.napleszoo.org.

9 a.m. Lifeguard Training Class. For ages 15+. Must attend all classes (30 hours) and pass all tests to receive certification. $45. Located at Eagle Lakes Aquatics Facility, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Check www.collierparks.com or call 239-252-1020.

10 a.m. Free Kids’ Fishing. Fish on the back lake (catch and release). Located at Bass Pro Shop, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-461-7800 or check www.basspro.com.

10 a.m. Mad Science. Fun and educational experiments. Ages 5+. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7371.

10:30 a.m. Cinco de Mayo! Fun activities and cultural food. Located at Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee. Call 239-252-2611 or check www. colliermuseums.com.

Photo by Peggy Farren

Milestone checklists for 2 months to 5 years

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To complete a milestone checklist, visit:

2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee, The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Rated PG-13. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-2527073.

7 SUNDAY

10 a.m. Free Wonder Gardens Admission. Free entry with Bonita Springs address on a photo ID on the first Sunday of the month. Located at Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Check www.wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.

10:30 a.m. Sensory Sundays. Join us for a planetarium show for guests with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or for young children on the first Sunday of the month. $5. Located at Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-275-3435 or visit www.calusanature.org.

8 MONDAY

9:45 a.m. Ms. Jen’s Family Storytime. Ages 1-4. Stories and hands-on activities. Registration required. Located

SUMMER CAMPS SUMMER CAMPS

JUNE 5-AUGUST 9 AT CFABS

DISCOVER SUPER EXCITING ARTS ADVENTURES

Our innovative summer program features classes in painting, sculpture, pottery, drawing, glass and mosaics; plus, courses in singing, dancing, acting, and audition techniques; write and perform a play; build your own instruments; take ballet, tap, and jazz dance classes and more! Pick your favorites, mix and match courses to create your own dynamic schedule.

Supervised Before, Lunchtime & After Care are available

10 a.m. Baby Play. Explore sensory play with your baby and make new friends. Ages birth to 18 months. Registration required. Located at South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-533-4400 or check www. leegov.com/library.

9 TUESDAY

4 p.m. Little Builders Build With KEVA Planks. Use KEVA planks to build houses, fanciful structures, and skyscrapers. Ages 3-13. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239252-7542.

6 p.m. Teen Scene: Button Making. Create your own button to add to your backpack, lanyard, and more. Ages 12-17. All supplies included. Registration required. Located at South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-5334400 or check www.leegov.com/library.

10 WEDNESDAY

10 a.m. Kid’s Yoga. All ages welcome. Yoga class followed by open play. Located at Mosaic Kids, 14700 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-249-5292 or check www.mosaic-kids.com.

10 a.m. Homeschool Science Classes. Learn about different science topics through activities and take-home lesson guides. Registration required. Located at STEMLab at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Suite 192, Estero. Check www.miromaroutlets.com or call 239-

6 p.m. Reeling With a Ranger. Second Wednesday of the month. Cast a line and reel in a catch while learning and chatting with a ranger. Equipment and bait provided. Free. Located at Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park, 1515 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Check www.collierparks.com or call 239-252-4000.

11

THURSDAY

10 a.m. Little Explorers. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Multisensory, interactive activities, stories, and crafts. Located at Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Visit www.conservancy.org or call 239-262-0304.

3:45 p.m. Cooking for Kids. Learn how to make a healthy snack. Ages 7+. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4549 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

4 p.m. Lego Fun. Ages 4-11. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-252-7109 or check www.collierlibrary.org

12 FRIDAY

5:30 p.m. Avow Kids Mother’s Day Celebration Dinner. For children who have lost mothers or grandmothers. Free. RSVP by May 5 to avowkids@avowcares.org or 239-261-4404. Located at Avow, 1205 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples. Check www. avowcares.org.

6 p.m. Mother’s Day Tea Party. Enjoy refreshments, activities, and entertainment. Online or in-person registration required by May 7. Located at Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Blvd., Naples. Call 239-252-4105 or check www.collierparks.com.

13 SATURDAY

9 a.m. Mother’s Day Crafts. Ages 3+. All day, while supplies last. Make a craft for that special one you love and appreciate. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.

1 p.m. Mother’s Day Craft Make and Take. Make a Mother’s Day craft in the children’s department. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4549 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

3 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Read to a dog or just pet one. All ages. Dogs are provided by Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-7160 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

14 SUNDAY Happy Mother’s Day!

9 a.m. Rookery Bay’s Farmers Market. More than three dozen vendors offer fruit, vegetables, local seafood, art, and more. Live music. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5972 or check www.rookerybay.org.

12 p.m. Second Sundays. Enjoy trails, meet special guests, and explore the preserve. Free, donations appreciated. Located at Gore Nature Education Center, 4261 40th Ave. SE, Naples. Check www.cclandkeepers.com or call 239-308-0281.

IRISH DANCE CAMP

ONLY $50 PER WEEK!

July 3-July 24, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For beginners ages 5+

Naples School of Irish Dance

875 94th Ave. N., Naples FL 34108

Contact Robin Maki at 516-314-7404 or NaplesIrishDance@gmail.com

Disney’s splash hit comes to life on stage!

Grades

11 a.m. Mother’s Day Sightseeing Cruise. Moms cruise free with accompanying paid adult or child admission. Located at Pure Florida, Tin City, 1200 5th Ave. S., Naples. Check www. purefl.com or call 239-263-4949

16 TUESDAY

10 a.m. All About Owls. Ages 6-11. Learn about these amazing animals, dissect an owl pellet, and better understand the predator-prey relationship. $20 per student. Located at Gore Nature Education Center, 4261 40th Ave. SE, Naples. Call 239-3080281 or check www.cclandkeepers.com.

10:30 a.m. Stewie the Duck Visits the Library. Story, crafts, and activities. Learn about water safety and how to wear a life jacket. All ages. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-2527542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

4 p.m. Lego Crew. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided. Ages 5-13. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

8:15 p.m. Movies on the Lawn - In the Heights. Free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food and drink available for purchase. Located at Mercato Shops, Naples. Call 239-254-1080 or visit www.experiencemercato.com.

THEMES

Grades

Grades

Miguel Argumosa, DMD, Erin M. Taylor, DMD, Nicole Eastham, DMD Sarah Vanderbosch, DMD

WEDNESDAY

10 a.m. Learn and Play. Learn letters, shapes, and numbers while having fun. Ages 3+ with caregiver participation. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7369.

10 a.m. Preschool Program: Florida Flowers. Free. Ages 3-5. Explore different kinds of Florida flora through crafts, outside exploration, and other hands-on activities. RSVP encouraged. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-8476 or visit www.colliermuseums.com.

5 p.m. Women’s Self-Defense Class. Free. Registration required. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Suite 190, Estero. For details or to register email glevine@sheriffleefl.org.

18 THURSDAY

3:30 p.m. Art for Kids. Learn art techniques and do a fun project. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4549 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

6 p.m. The Artsy Evening. Ages 5-12. An evening of artmaking activities for kids. Registration required. Located at Naples Art Institute, 585 Park St., Naples. Check www.naplesart.org or call 239-262-6517.

7 p.m. Movies in Paradise. Free outdoor screening of Jurassic World: Dominion. Food available for purchase. Located at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. Check www.playparadisecoast.com or call 239-252-4386.

7 p.m. PFLAG Naples. A safe, loving, and supportive environment for the parents, family, and friends of LGBTQ people. Located at Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport Rd. S., Naples. Call 239-304-9407 or check www.naplespride.org.

19 FRIDAY

10:30 a.m. Family Play and Social Hour. Ages birth to 5 years and caregivers. Meet other parents and caregivers. Free play with other children, toys, and music. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.

3 p.m. Learn and Play Dominoes. Learn to play dominoes or Mexican Train dominoes, or enjoy a game with some new opponents. Ages 8+. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.

6 p.m. Water Safety Month Celebration. Have fun while learning how to be safe around water. CPR demonstrations for both parents and children. Photos with Stewie the Duck. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Check www.collierparks.com/events or call 239-252-3527.

6:30 p.m. The Hollywood Kids. Also May 20 at 1 p.m. A fun musical comedy for all ages by Children for the Arts. Located at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. Check www.childrenforthearts.com.

• Top Rated VPK Program

• Preschool Classes for 2-5 Year Olds

• Summer Camp

• Owned/Operated by a Certified Teacher with 25 Years Experience

868 94th Ave. N. Naples, FL 34108 www.LittlePeoplesSchool.info

• 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 www.onceuponachildnaples.com

Community Health Center 12655 Collier Blvd, Naples

Same Day Care Earaches and Ear Infections Colds, Fever and Sore Throats

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Minor Cuts, Burns or Rashes and More!

We buy & sell gently used kids stuff

X SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE

NAPLES LIBRARY

Estero Community

650 CENTRAL AVE., NAPLES

239-252-5135 • WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

Hotel Transylvania 3, rated PG. Registration not required. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m.

11 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Magic Carpet Family Concert: Percussion. Instrument demonstrations and music performed by percussionists from the Naples Philharmonic. Free, tickets required. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or visit www.artisnaples.org.

X PRESCHOOL NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

• ADHD

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO

12 p.m. Free Community Day. A day of art, music, and fun. Includes hands-on activities, musical performances, and special events throughout the day. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or visit www.artisnaples.org.

239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

• Behavioral Health

Spooktacular stories, songs, and crafts. Wear your costume for a parade inside the library. Ages 3-5. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Specialist Ref

1:30 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Read to a dog or just pet one. All ages. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-2527369.

X HALLOWEEN MAGIC WITH JOEY EVANS

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO

239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

2 p.m. Lego Fun. Bricks are provided, so let your imagination run wild. All ages. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-2527073.

Spooky magic, mystery, and fun. Ages 6-11. Registration is required. Saturday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m.

23 TUESDAY

X PRE-READERS SPOOKY DANCE PARTY

BONITA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

10560 REYNOLDS STREET, BONITA SPRINGS

239-533-4860 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

10 a.m. Celebrate Safe Boating Week. Also Wednesday. Water activities and boating crafts. All ages. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www. collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7371.

4 p.m. Little Engineers Design and Build. Build with blocks, nuts, bolts, and more. Ages 5-13. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

5:30 p.m. Exceptional Night. For children with autism and other sensory integration disorders or other disabilities. Located at Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check www.cmon.org or call 239-514-0084.

24

WEDNESDAY

9 a.m. Safari Squad. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Ages 1-4 with an adult. Animal encounter, storytime, art, and play stations. Registration required. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd., Naples. Check www.napleszoo.org or call 239-3157626, x158.

27

SATURDAY

9 a.m. Family Wonder Days. Also Sunday. A weekend of games, activities, scavenger hunts, and music for the whole family. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check www.naplesgarden.org.

30 TUESDAY

6 p.m. Autism Parent Support Group. A parent-led support group. Email JohannaTaylor@me.com for more information. Located at Mosaic Kids, 14700 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239249-5292 or check www.mosaic-kids.com

Students Celebrated for Excellence in Art

Collier County Public Schools student artists were recognized at the annual Superintendent’s Art Gallery Reception last month at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Administrative Center in Naples. Students received a certificate, recognition, and a photo opportunity with Interim Superintendent Leslie C. Ricciardelli, Ed.D., at the ceremony. In addition, their artwork is displayed digitally on the district’s website and the reception was recorded for future viewing.

Sixty-five student artists were featured from 51 CCPS and public charter schools. Each art teacher in the district selects one student’s piece to represent their school at this annual show. The art is received at the district office, where it is matted, labeled, framed, and will remain on display for one year. Art is returned to the student each spring when the new art is received.

Skip Pardee, district fine arts coordinator, stated that all CCPS elementary students receive art and music education, while 51% of middle and high school students are taking an art elective at any given time. A fine arts elective (art, music, or drama) is required for high school graduation with a traditional diploma.

Since the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Administrative Center opened in 2002, it has been a tradition to host a student art show sponsored by the superintendent. Additional student art is displayed throughout the building. Initially, one piece of 2-D art was collected from each K-12 public school, but the show has grown to include 3-D and digital art, as well as art from the public charter schools.

Left: Julia Nicolau, a junior at Barron Collier High School with Elizabeth Alves, Ed.D. (left), chief academic officer for CCPS, and Leslie Ricciardelli, Ed.D. (right), interim superintendent. Above: Third grader Adeline Lammert with her art teacher, Meredith Kutz, from Veterans Memorial Elementary. Below: Martensen Pierre Louis, a third grader at Golden Gate Elementary, with Alves and Ricciardelli.

Vacation Bible School

If you are looking for a few days of Christian education for your child this summer, you are sure to find a program that will meet your needs. Vacation Bible Schools are either free of charge or low cost. Registrations are all open. Programs fill up quickly, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. For even more Vacation Bible Schools visit https://neafamily.com and click on the Summer Camp Directory.

COVENANT CHURCH

239-597-3464

6926 Trail Blvd., Naples

www.covenantnaples.com/events

June 19-23, 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free. For children 3 years old by June 1 through those who have completed fifth grade. This year’s theme is Summer Seaquest! Register online.

NORTH NAPLES BAPTIST CHURCH

1811 Oakes Blvd., Naples 239-597-2201 • www.nnbc.life

June 5-9, VBS AM from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., VBS PM from 5:30-7:30 p.m. $5 for T-shirt. Music, crafts, games drama, Bible stories, and missions. Supper provided for VBS PM. For ages 3 through teens. This year’s theme is Twists & Turns. Register online.

FIRST NAPLES

239-597-6057

3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples

www.firstnaples.org/launch

June 5-9, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $10 registration includes t-shirt. For children 4 years old by Sept. 1 through current fifth graders. This year’s theme is Launch . Register online.

NEW HOPE MINISTRIES

7675 Davis Blvd., Naples

239-348-0122

www.newhopenaples.com

July 10-14, 8:30-11 a.m., for grades K-5. This year’s theme is Sailing with the Savior. Kids will enjoy fun Bible lessons, memory verses, games, crafts, and snacks. Register online.

Vacation Bible School

JUNE 19-23, 2023 | 8:45 AM - NOON

Ages 3 (by June 1st) to Completed 5th grade Register at COVENANTNAPLES.COM/EVENTS or scan the QR code.

Naples Mom Speaks Out About Postpartum Depression

Jen Sanchez is usually a happy, bubbly person. She lights up a room with her cheeriness and funny stories. But that all changed when her second daughter was born.

“Postpartum depression is real, and it sucks,” Sanchez said. “Never in a million years did I think my happy and laughing butt would be on an antidepressant, but here I am. I have an awesome and supportive family, but you can’t control your hormones.”

Sanchez knew that new mothers sometimes feel ashamed of these feelings, so she wanted to share her story and let people know that there is no shame, the feelings are real, and they are not something a new mom can control. So shortly after her daughter was born she posted about her experience on Facebook.

“You cry for no reason,” she stated. “Well, I cry now because Angela will most likely need eye surgery and it scares the living daylights out of me. I also get waves of anxiety – a warm tightness that comes over my body. It is so weird, but I wanted to post in case others are having the same feelings or have been through it. A lot of people don’t talk about it, but if you don’t, you’ll feel poopy.”

Angela is now 2 years old and Samantha is 8 months old. Sanchez said she believes she had a bit of postpartum depression with her first daughter, but it was worse with the second one.

“I cried a lot with Angela, but it was different with Samantha, just the feelings that I had. I cried every morning. It is way worse this time,” Sanchez described.

The feelings can be scary and confusing. Sanchez loves being a mother. She loves snuggling with her daughters on the couch and reading to them. She loves holding them and being with them. That’s why the sadness can seem perplexing and overwhelming.

“I would just wake up in the mornings feeling really anxious,” she described. “I

got to the point where I couldn’t be alone. There was a feeling of guilt. When I was holding one baby, I felt guilty that I was not spending time with the other. With Angela, she has some delays and eye issues and is underperforming, and I felt like I was

not doing enough. It was just mom guilt. I think that just spiraled me down.”

When her husband left for work each day, she couldn’t bear to be alone. She realized she needed some extra support, so she would spend her days with the girls at her

Jen Sanchez reads to her daughters, Angela (left) and Samantha, in her mother’s home in North Naples. Photo by Andrea Stetson

mother’s house, while on maternity leave from her job teaching at a local elementary school.

“Before I was coming here, I would look at the clock and count down the hours until my husband came home,” she described. “I wanted to do it on my own. I thought I could do it. Then I would look at the children, and I would start crying. I couldn’t read without crying. I couldn’t sing without crying. It was just cry, cry, cry.”

Sanchez says she has every reason to be happy, so the sadness felt strange.

“They are so beautiful,” she said as she held her daughters. “I am crying because I can’t believe they are mine. I have a happy marriage. I have everything I have wanted in life.”

Having the support of her family was not enough. So when a friend suggested that she talk to her doctor about postpartum depression, she headed to her physician.

Her doctor prescribed Prozac, which is an antidepressant.

“It took a couple of days,” she said. “The first week or so, I was feeling the anxiety and panic, but it has gotten a lot better. The pills are supposed to make you feel like you used to feel, and that’s how I feel now.”

Her journey is not unusual. Andrea Press of Press Psychology in Naples says it is extremely common to have some sort of issue after giving birth. While postpartum depression is more common in people who have a history of depression, Press said it can affect anyone.

“A lot of times there is no reason why,” Press said.

She praises people like Sanchez who are not afraid to talk about postpartum depression.

“Some people are scared to tell their doctor,” Press said. “It is really challenging. You have to advocate for yourself, and that is hard when all this is happening.”

She said society also plays a role in this.

“Part of it is the overall stigma of mental health,” Press said. “There is so much pressure on what a new mom should be like. And so many people ask how the baby is, but not how the mom is.”

She said many people and even some doctors don’t recognize the problem.

“A lot of times you have certain expectations on how your maternity leave will go, and how you will connect with the

baby, and when that doesn’t happen you think it is something that you did wrong.” Press explained. “Once you deliver the baby there is a huge drop in hormones. When they say baby blues, that is pretty common, but if it has been more than two weeks, it is not baby blues anymore, and we have to do something.”

Press hopes more people seek help and also speak more about it to reduce the stigma.

“Just becoming a mom is hard,” she said. “It is not all rainbows and butterflies.”

It can be especially hard having two children within 18 months. There was the exhaustion. Samantha was going through cluster feeding for a while. There was the guilt when Angela wanted to be held, but Sanchez needed to tend to the infant.

When Sanchez first posted her journey on Facebook in December, she got dozens and dozens of comments, many from people who also struggled with postpartum depression. Some added information on their experiences, while others sent words of encouragement.

Lisa Michelle wrote about her struggles and how Prozac helped her too.

“It’s a long road, but you can and will get through it,” she stated. “I still want to cry when I think about the struggles I went through. I promise it gets easier – just keep climbing.”

“Postpartum depression is real,” wrote Becky Wright. “Honestly, I didn’t think life would ever get better. It’s hard to see the light, but I promise you, it’s there. Take one day, or hour, or even minute at a time. And, try to do something for yourself every day – a shower, a walk, anything counts. You’ve got this.”

“It is very real,” added Meredith Myers. “I had it bad, too. Hang in there momma, you’re doing a great job. Seeking help is what I had to do, too, and I felt

embarrassed, but my doctor made it much easier to talk about.”

Kristie Allred wrote: “Thank you for sharing, so it doesn’t feel so lonely for others.”

Sanchez said sharing her experiences helped her see she was not alone. It helped her connect with others, and it gave her the satisfaction of providing support for people who might be afraid to talk about it.

“Like miscarriages, [postpartum depression] just isn’t spoken about, but is very common,” Sanchez stated. “I totally understand a private life and keeping things to yourself, or wanting to share life updates with the world. I personally decided to post since I knew it was common. So again, if you aren’t feeling yourself, it is worth a call to your doctor or even a Facebook post and others will reach out. It takes a village to not only raise kids, but to take care of each other.”

Today, Sanchez is doing much better. She plans to stay on the medication for a while, but she hopes to wean off of it eventually. She is now back teaching second grade, while knowing her little girls are safe at her mom’s house while she works. She loves reading to them, singing and dancing with them, and going for walks with her girls. She praises her husband, Mike, for all his support. She said things like positive self-talk, meditation, and exercise also can help.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out if you feel there is something that is not right,” Sanchez stressed. “There is no need to be ashamed. The more you talk about it, the more people will come to you. It is such a taboo subject, but I am not ashamed of it. People are just embarrassed. People don’t want to talk about private issues. I am a person that wants to talk about things. By reaching out I might help someone who is going through this.”

“Postpartum depression is real, and it sucks. Never in a million years did I think my happy and laughing butt would be on an antidepressant, but here I am. I have an awesome and supportive family, but you can’t control your hormones.”

—Jen Sanchez

Stacy Nicolau

Naples Moms (and Dads) Find Community

Moms everywhere love information, cautionary tales, and personal experiences. More importantly, many moms just want to belong to a community of other moms, like themselves, who they can connect with in real life or online.

I did a brief inventory of my own group membership and found over 38 groups that had the word mom, family, or parent in the title. I belong to the groups I administer for Neapolitan Family, plus some based on local mom interests, parents of students at Florida State University, University of Florida, and parents of students at both FSU and UF. Parents of Greeks, parents of pre-law, parents of study abroad, parents who belong to my same religion, and parents that have children with a disease in common.

There seems to be a Facebook group for every kind of mom of every kind of family. Launched in 2010, nearly six years after the inception of Facebook, groups can be public, private, or secret, and members can be accepted, denied, and blocked by the administrators and moderators. Even though most groups now offer the anonymous post option to maintain a safe space for the members, nothing on Facebook is

ever 100% private.

In the pandemic era, communicating in groups became an even more important way for moms to stay connected. And, in response to difficulties brought on by the pandemic and the recent catastrophic hurricane, some groups began to offer financial support and donations to struggling moms, and even staged a few middle of the night escapes to women suffering from domestic abuse.

I spoke to several local moms’ groups, and one created just for dads, about the evolution of their groups and how they became such a powerful source of support in our community.

Naples Moms 2.0: 21,100 members

The Naples Moms Group (2.0) was founded in 2018 by Naples Realtor Judy Huntley. She created the group the same day that the original Naples Moms Group was archived without warning. Because of the size of the group, Judy relies on moderators Nadine Eubanks and Renee Kirnon to monitor posts and approve new members. The group is made up of new and seasoned moms, grandmothers, and moms-to-be.

The most popular topics are not surprising: baby weaning, breast feeding, general parenting, marriage troubles, and searching for babysitters, photographers, day care, and health care providers. Not surprisingly, off-limit topics included politics and opinions about circumcision and vaccines.

There are sub groups for more specific conversations such as Naples Moms Marketplace for members to sell their personal items or to advertise their businesses, Naples Moms Virtual/Homeschooling Co-Op, Naples Moms Newcomers, as well as their own neighborhood page, Golden Gate Estates Neighbors: Advice, Tips & News.

The group also has hosted an annual holiday bazaar event, complete with momowned business vendors, entertainment, and food trucks.

Harnessing help beyond advice became a huge focus of the group in recent years. “During COVID, we paid rents and utilities and brought groceries to our fellow moms in need who found themselves suddenly without income,” Huntley told us. “We mobilized again after Hurricane Ian as we filled our members’ trunks with donated goods and brought them directly to the hardest hit areas in both Naples and Fort Myers, offering hope, water, ice, diapers, and even insulin. We fed an entire apartment complex of kids that hadn’t had power in weeks with a huge pizza party and brought loads of diapers and wipes.”

In addition to recent crises, the group raises thousands of dollars each Christmas and sends that money to surprise dozens of families who needed a little miracle. They also have helped pediatric cancer patients go on Disney trips, and delivered a carload of gifts, goods, and gift cards to a secret women’s shelter in Immokalee.

“We have a secret side group of women who have the resources to move mountains, and I can reach out to them with the bigger tasks,” Huntley says.

“One time, a group member submitted an anonymous post about needing a bus ticket out of here to get to family and away from an abuser,” she reflects. “My daughter and I drove straight over and brought them to The Shelter Naples. We ended up caring for her daughter briefly while she worked and got on her feet. I am happy and proud to say

The Posh Mama Club of Naples is one of many social media groups where moms are connecting with each other and the community. Photo courtesy of The Posh Mama Club

that today she is doing amazing, is employed, has her own place, and is getting married to a wonderful man. I am so proud to know her.”

Huntley says helping women who need to leave abusive relationships and start over has been some of the most “meaningful moments of my life.”

The Real Moms of Naples: 13,000

Around the same time Naples Moms 2.0 was created, another local mom and Realtor, Karly Carbella, created her own group. The Real Moms of Naples also is made up of all kinds of moms and caregivers who often belong to both groups to increase their crowdsourcing of information and opinions. For that reason, Carbella recently changed the name from Moms of Naples to The Real Moms of Naples so people would not get confused as to which group they were posting in. The topics are similar to the other mom groups but, according to Carbella, no subject is off limits as long as the conversation remains kind and respectful.

Carbella plans a monthly event that any member can attend so that they can meet other moms in real life and become friends, while patronizing the small, local businesses that often struggled during the pandemic and recent hurricanes. She also has planned volunteer events for local nonprofits such as Beverly’s Angels and Salvation Army, including a pop-up shop where families could select necessities from donated items. She currently is working on a project that will include a quarterly nonprofit event.

Naples Moms of Tweens and Teens:

1,118 members

This group was created by three moms because the local social media groups

available in our area in 2019 were geared toward moms of infants, toddlers, and younger elementary-age children. “Parenting tweens and teens introduces daily challenges and practices in patience,” moderator Jennifer Stoneburner explains. “This group has developed a relaxed environment where moms understand that they are not alone in riding the roller coaster of parenting adolescents and budding adults.”

Stoneburner says that the best thing about the group is that the moms do not judge, and instead find ways to support, understand, and sympathize with one another. She says the most popular posts are those that shine a humorous light on this chapter in our journey. Off-limit topics include religion, politics, and hate speech. The group hosts a MOTTS Night Out the first week each month at a locally owned establishment, in addition to occasional daytime coffee meet-ups. “Personally, it has been amazing to observe the fellowship and the camaraderie among a group of likeminded women,” Stoneburner says. “Friendships have been forged in these monthly meet-ups, and that is what it is all about.”

The Posh Mama Club of Naples: 118 members

Moms who trend toward a more glamorous lifestyle, or who aspire to, will find like-minded mamas in The Posh Mama Club of Naples. Founded by Emely Darby, a former corporate social responsibility and public relations director, the club was created to become a safe haven for fashionforward mothers who want a little bit of glitz and glam in between the tantrums, diaper changes, and chaos.

TPMC focuses on the mothers’ morale

through fashion expression, networking, empowerment, and fun, Darby says. She is proud that this is a diverse group of like-minded current/former entrepreneurs, educators, attorneys, brokers, physicians, and stay-at-home mamas who share a passion for fashion, beauty, and staying active within the community.

Darby says that the most popular group topics are self-identity, empowerment, latest trends, business goals, self-reflection, and the next brunch or happy hour spot, with the goal of creating “genuine friendships with women who feel the same and creating a safe space away from conflict.”

The group hosts at least four private socials per month, plus a book club and a Posh Kids social.

TPMC hosts an annual “PoshGiving” to benefit The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, and has collaborated with Cancer Alliance of Naples, Humane Society, Make-A-Wish, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation South Gulf Coast Chapter.

Dads of Naples: 202 members

Are there any Facebook groups just for local dads? We found one. Dads of Naples is moderated by Jay Weitzner, who owns Symmetry Exercise Clinic in Naples. The group was created for dads to have a place to connect and have a “dad-perspective” of events, topics, and things to do in general. While the group does not have as many members as the moms’ groups, Weitzner plans to host live events to build the group, which he says is diverse in every way, including, politically, professionally, and economically, but “it’s no Reddit,” he jokes.

Register: Under the Sea (Ages 5-7) - June 5-9

Tickets: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - May 20-25

Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Jr. - June 22-23 • The SpongeBob Musical - July 20-23

GULFSHOREPLAYHOUSE.ORG

Florida’s VPK Program

Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Program – also known as VPK – is a FREE education program that helps prepare your child for school. Open to children who are 4 years old on or before September 1st that reside in Florida, VPK builds a strong academic foundation for children before beginning kindergarten. No Income Requirements. Choose Where Your Child Learns.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

The new graduates featured on the following pages began their high school careers during an unprecedented time, so let’s celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well as they embark upon this exciting new stage in their lives.

https://neafamily.com/ten-great-gifts-for-the-graduate.

Photo by Monica Alvarez

Mason Classical Academy Class of 2023

Melana Mourad

Amber Williams

Nathan Beadle Keegan Brown

Jake Bryant

Andrew Christensen Haylie Corcoran

Steffano Cornejo Asha Dataram Lucas Diblasio Tera Diericks Gianna Dix

Christian Duhamel Jorge Gomez Rebekah Greer Alexander Harts Elisha Hutchins

Diana Ionel Jade Izurieta Nick Jules Anthony Kfoury Max Komarowski

Bridi Paparusi Lehna Prophilien Griffin Ragan

Amelia Rama

Sebastian Rivero Andreu Terroba

Elektra Roman Ardra Seaton

Adrian Vando

Benjamin Lewis James Nelson

Alyson Noller

Aden Ortiz

Victoria Blankenship

Maya Goodspeed Alexis Hartman

Macy Hill

Lily Hoff

Aidan DeStefano

Benjamin Fisher

Gabriela Alcalde

John Angelini Victoria Blankenship

Grace Dean

Calvin Luu

Ryan Marsh

Andrew Martin

Johanna Hospodar Jerika Ivey Martin Kita

Maya Goodspeed

Alexis Hartman

Macy Hill

Aidan DeStefano Eli Erickson

Andrew Fabela

Dakota Baker

Kaijah Brown

Ava Crossan

Bryn Dougherty

Ryan Gibbs

Jace Jackson

Kate Keuler

Katie Beam

Mason Burton

Latrell Davis

Stanley Elusma

Mollie Haskins

Brody Jameyson

Emma Keyes

Joshua Bergtold

Cameron Carter

Olivia DeSantis

Tyler Fink

Ellie Hendricks

Jordan Jean Luc

Oleksandra Koliichuk

Melina Bohemier

Joseph Castellone

Samuel DeStefano

Luke Fischer

Olsen Patt Henry

John Carl Johansen

Victoria Krischanowski

Hosea Booker

Jose Cintron

Isabella DiGrigoli

John Patrick Fortier

Koda Hillis

Amarah Johnson

Ryan Kriz

Jaden Booker

Zacharie Garcon

McKenna Hopla

Ty Keller

Juliette Lane

2022 Graduates

2022 Graduates 2023 Graduates

Jacob Panzarella

Marissa Pascale

Connor Swanson

Spencer Sommerville

Ryan Platter

Brooke Pyburn

Cole Pyburn

James Ridinger

Ema Santos

Andre Santos

David Searc

Anna Smith

Calvin O’Dell

Jacob Panzarella

Marissa Pascale

Claire Penrod Riley Peterson

Kate Urbancic

Carson White Zachary Zanas

Spencer Sommerville Lucca Souza

Luke Stepan Elijah Stewart

Brooke Pyburn

Cole Pyburn James Ridinger

Andre Santos

David Searc

Anna Smith

Joseph Lucia

Alfred Martucci

Nathan Mihet

Gavin Patton

Madeline Secu

Taryn Sprouse

Dylan Vila

Katelyn Lup

Gabriel Medina

Cade Mitchell

Audrey Penrod

Preston Shemansky

Madalyn Swanson

Michael Votta

Lucas Lye

Dakota Meister

Christian Moder

Easton Prodanov

Caterina Shemavonian

Annie Tanner

Mary Brauer White

Lydia Marin

Jacob Melancon

Malachi Moody

Roy Reyes

Brian Sneed

Angel Terrulli

Mia Wigglesworth

Owen Martin

Richemard Mellien

Kevin Nelson

Jolie Romero

Buddy Sorge

Danielle Ughi

Trevor Wilson

Conner Levy

Hannah Nornberg

Donovan Sealy

Buster Sorge

Hans Vallee

Community School of Naples is Proud to Celebrate the Accomplishments of the Class of 2023.

The University of Alabama (4)

Amherst College (2)

Appalachian State University (1)

Arizona State University-Tempe (1)

University of Arizona (2)

Auburn University (4)

Baylor University (2)

Belmont University (3)

Berklee College of Music (1)

Boston College (2)

Boston University (1)

Bridgewater State University (1)

California State University-Los Angeles (1)

University of California-Berkeley (1)

University of California-Irvine (2)

University of California-Merced (1)

University of California-Riverside (2)

University of California-San Diego (2)

University of California-Santa Barbara (1)

University of California-Santa Cruz (1)

Carthage College (1)

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We’re proud to announce the Class of 2023 has been accepted into 137 colleges and universities! Our commitment to academic excellence empowers students to reach their full potential and achieve personal success.

To learn more, visit communityschoolnaples.org

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By Jennifer Kupiec

CCPS Class of 2023 Students Share Advice, Memories

Collier County Public Schools is celebrating the Class of 2023. With high school graduates set to walk the stage later this month, we recently caught up with a couple of seniors from Naples High School who gave insight into their time with CCPS.

“Naples High School has been my home for four years now, and it is a place that I will cherish forever,” said Sabyne Brisson, who grew up attending Pelican Marsh Elementary and Pine Ridge Middle. “I am eternally grateful to all my teachers, administration, coaches, [especially] Mrs. Lee (current NHS principal) and Mr. Burkett (former NHS principal) who helped me find my place at Naples High.”

Sabyne’s favorite teacher is Cliff Greer, an engineering teacher who also is co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the NHS football team. “Coach Greer’s passion and love for engineering can illuminate an entire room,” Sabyne explained. “He understands students and is always putting students’ learning before grades.”

Her advice to future students: “Make the most of your high school years by participating in clubs and extracurriculars.” As executive board president of the student government, a four-year varsity swimmer, and a member of the Fishing Club and Leaders in Sports, it’s advice that Sabyne embodies.

“Some of my favorite memories are from the swim team, but my favorite is winning my state title with my teammates around me.” Sabyne will be attending (and swimming for) Georgia Institute of Technology and working toward a degree in mechanical engineering.

Camille Sonalia is a teammate of Sabyne’s who also looks back on her time with the swim team fondly. “My favorite memory was definitely placing third in the 200 freestyle relay at the state championships. I was only a freshman and thought it was the coolest thing ever.”

Founder of the school’s Pickleball Club, Camille also served as president of Best Buddies, competed in debate, sat on the executive board of student government, and was a member of the Problem

Solving Leaders of America Club. This is all in addition to her volunteer activities and a part-time job.

Camille’s route to NHS included Lake Park Elementary and Gulfview Middle School. “I enjoyed meeting people along the way who became some of my best friends.”

CCPS often talks about the importance of substitute teachers, known in our school district as guest teachers. Interestingly enough, Camille’s favorite teacher was a guest teacher named George Poulopoulos. “He was always excited to teach forensics – he actually created the course itself! Mr. Poulopoulos was kind, funny, helpful, and always had a smile on his face.”

Camille is headed to Florida State University this fall, majoring in biological sciences on a pre-med track. She shared this advice for her younger peers: “Slow down! You don’t need to grow up as quickly as you think. Live in the ‘now’ and savor being young; you will grow up faster than you realize.”

For a schedule of CCPS graduation ceremonies by school visit www.collierschools.com/grad.

Sabyne Brisson

Camille Sonalia