A mom's journey with teaching her children responsibility. by Cheryl
Maguire
10 From Safety to Support Learn about the impact of Youth Relations Deputies in Collier County Schools. by Andrea Stetson
12 Meet the Collier County School Board Candidates
Cover photo by Monica Alvarez monicaalvarezphotography.com 305-815-3495 info@monicaalvarezphotography.com
Residents of Collier County will be voting for two new school board members in the primary election.
22 SWFL Youth Sports Directory
Local programs offer a wide variety of sports for beginner to advanced students.
24 The Secret to a Successful College Freshman Year
Local college student, Katheryn Moore shares her tips for college freshmen. by Katheryn Moore
26 Embracing the Journey It's important for parents to monitor childhood developmental milestones by Douglas Halbert, M.D.
28 Destination: Wilmington North Carolina
Visit the jaw-dropping 729foot Battleship NC, a fabulous railroad museum, a Venus flytrap habitat and more. by Karen T. Bartlett
Mick Waterhouse Baumhart lives in Naples. He is 7 years old and going into first grade. He says he is looking forward to playing on the playground with his friends when school starts.
Co-Publisher
Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com
Co-Publisher Jane MacNealy jmacnealy@neafamily.com
When I was growing up in North Carolina, the end of summer vacation also meant the end of all the things I loved: playing on the beach, swimming in our neighborhood pool, summer camp, and staying up late to play outside with my friends until the streetlights came on and my dad whistled from the house to come home. By Labor Day, the family beach vacations were over, and the neighborhood pool was drained and covered. Late nights playing outside turned into homework and early bedtimes.
In Southwest Florida, the fun doesn't have to stop when school starts. We can still go to the beach on the weekend and the swimming pools don't close. A new school year, however, opens the door to many exciting new adventures. To celebrate the end of summer, Neapolitan Family invites you to our annual Back to School Expo on Saturday, August 10, at North Collier Regional Park. Not only will you get to meet the people who represent the many fun afterschool activities, sports, dance, theater, and arts programs, you can enjoy lots of free entertainment, food trucks, and demonstrations.
Proud Member of
Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at distribution points throughout Collier County, as well as digitally at neafamily.com.
While you are at the Expo, you can also meet some candidates running for the Collier County School Board and learn about their plans to help our students have the best educational opportunities possible. The Expo takes place next door to an early voting location, where voters from any precinct can vote early for the school board, primaries, and other elections. This is an amazing way to teach your children civic responsibility because you can demonstrate asking the candidates questions and then take your children to the polls so they can watch you cast your vote.
If you cannot make it to our big event, you can still check out all of the opportunities available to your family in our August issue, the Fall CCPS Activities Guide, and our online directories at neafamily.com.
We look forward to meeting you and sharing all of the wonderful resources that make Southwest Florida a great place for families.
Welcome back!
You never know who you will meet at the Expo! ~Stacy and Tank at the 2023 Back to School Expo. Come meet Tank at this year’s Expo!
Cape Coral Animal Shelter Participates in Kids Camps
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter participated in city-wide Kids Camps to promote how to properly interact with dogs and the care and responsibilities of owning a pet. Each camp included plenty of hugs and kisses from it’s resident pups! Since opening in 2020, the shelter volunteers, in coordination with the City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department, plan multiple camps at various locations each summer. This year, Cape Coral Animal Shelter volunteers and pups traveled to several city locations including Four Freedoms Park, Oasis Elementary School, and the William “Bill” Austin Youth Center. More camps were hosted by CCAS at the shelter where students had the opportunity to see firsthand the work that goes into caring for 100+ animals. Over 485 kids attended the camps, learned about the responsibilities of owning a pet, and, as you can see by their smiling faces—had a GREAT time!
The mission of CCAS is to engage a bond between people and animals by means of adoption services, medical care, education, and training for the prevention of cruelty and abandonment. capecoralanimalshelter.com
JUNE 28 - AUGUST 10
Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of an irresistible story, breathtaking dance numbers and unforgettable songs.
JULY 11 - AUG 2
Based on the children’s book, this musical tells the tale of a family who moves into a new home and finds it’s already inhabited by a talented reptile named Lyle the crocodile.
NO MORE MOM TO THE RESCUE
Teaching Children Responsibility
By Cheryl Maguire
“Can you please bring me my Chromebook?”
That text message was sent by my eighth-grade son.
“I’m on my way,” I responded.
My twins will be 14 years old soon and as much as I hate to admit it, this had to end. I knew I needed to devise a plan to wean them (and me) off their “Mom Butler Services.”
When my twins were in first grade, the school phone number popped up on the caller ID. I panicked. Are they hurt? Are they sick? Are they in trouble? I expected to hear the voice of the principal or a teacher. But, instead, the sound of a six-year-old girl’s voice emitted through the speaker.
“Mom, can you please bring me my homework?”
“Of course, sweetie, I’ll be right over.”
And so it began.
Before I drove to the school that first time, my husband said, “Don’t bring it to her.”
Really? He was the “yes man”. The one who allowed our kids to climb up that steep wobbling ladder attached to an equally steep slide. He’s the guy that buys them over $50 worth of movie theater candy. Does he really want me to say no to something that seemed pretty benign to me?
“She needs to learn to remember to bring it and you bringing her homework doesn’t help her to do that. If you bring it to her she learns that her mom will always bail her out,” he said.
My first reaction to this was, “What is wrong with her thinking her mom will always bail her out?” But then after giving it some more thought, I knew he was right.
I just couldn’t say no, though, and I brought her homework to the school. And I continued to do so when any of my three children called because they forgot their lunch or gym clothes.
Two years ago, I read an article about how a Catholic boys’ school posted the following sign on its front entrance: “If you are dropping off your son’s forgotten lunch, books, homework, equipment, etc., please TURN AROUND and exit the building. Your son will learn to problem-solve in your absence.”
My initial thought was, “I wish our school posted that sign because then it would absolve me of my guilt if I didn’t bring it.” But at the same time, I wanted to be able to help my kids when they asked me for help.
Now that my twins are in eighth grade, my husband’s sentiments are starting to resonate stronger with me while my protective mama-bear instinct has slowly dissipated. I feel more like a mama bird who needs to nudge them out of that comfy well-insulated nest. In five years, they may be going to college. So I developed a plan. They each are allowed three passes—three times during the school year, I will bring a forgotten item to school. I also taped a sign on the front door, reminding them to bring their homework, lunch, etc.
I’m cautiously optimistic that this plan will enable my kids to be more responsible. I realize it is a growing process for all of us and I need to go at my own moderate pace. There will likely be setbacks when they ask for a forgotten lunch but hopefully, we will be able to stay the course.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessing and Your Teen Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.
FROM SAFETY TO S u PPORT
The Role of Youth Relations Deputies in Collier County Public Schools
By Andrea Stetson
Deputy Eric Fitzgerald walks into the Sea Gate Elementary School cafeteria in Naples, giving kids high fives. He might help a youngster open their milk container while the other children chatter about their day. Later, he heads to a classroom where kids rush to hug him. While the Youth Relations Deputies in all Collier County Public Schools
trust and friendships.
“These are real people that are there to help” students, stressed Marc MacDonald, district safety and security administrative supervisor at CCPS. “There is so much negativity about law enforcement in the media that kids are exposed to, [so] establishing a good relationship is critical. It humanizes [our] profession” and lets kids know the YRDs are there to help them.
Sergeant Mike Butcher of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Youth Relations Bureau says it is important to show young kids that officers are not just out to arrest people.
“The biggest thing we hope to accomplish is to break down any barriers that might get in the way of kids talking to law enforcement,” Butcher said. “We want them to be able to talk to us [and know that] we are the ones they can come to for help.”
To further stress the difference between officers on the street and YRDs, the deputies in school wear black collared shirts with the sheriff’s office logo and green pants instead of the typical light gray and green uniform of street officers.
greeting children at the car drop-off line.
“It is great because everybody has such great energy in the morning, and the kids are so happy to be coming in. If a kid is having a bad day, you can take them aside and ask what is going on,” he said.
Then Fitzgerald makes his rounds, walking around the school and greeting kids as he checks that everything is shut and secure. He visits kids at lunch, PE, and sometimes in the classroom. He especially enjoys helping out in a classroom for children with special needs, where he reads them books, enjoys watching their lessons, and talks to the children.
The YRD also takes the time to interact with students one-onone. “One time, I helped a boy who was doing a Boy Scout badge about fingerprinting,” he said. “I had him come to my office and showed him different things with fingerprints. That was fun.”
BuILDING RELATIONSHIPS
are there to keep everyone safe, they are also mentors who form lasting relationships with students.
“We all have this passion,” Fitzgerald said of YRDs. “We want the kids to have a positive attitude and interact with us. You can’t wait for stuff to happen.”
In elementary school, the YRDs’ goal is to establish
“That softer look always makes [the YRDs] more approachable,” MacDonald explained. “The full-dress uniform is a little more intimidating.”
“Kids are used to seeing the black polo and green pants every day at school, and it gives them a sense of ease,” Fitzgerald added.
MAKING THE ROuNDS
Fitzgerald starts his day at Sea Gate Elementary by
In addition to the everyday presence at school, the Youth Relations Bureau provides programs such as L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) which is taught to all fifth graders by deputies. The lessons focus on how to resist pressures to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs. Fourth graders are enrolled in the Junior Deputy program, where they learn safety tips and are treated to a free day at the Collier County Fair.
These programs all focus on establishing positive relationships between children and deputies. “The people here
Ramiro Placencia Zamora, a third grader, wants to be like Youth Relations Deputy Eric Fitzgerald. Photo from Sea Gate Elementary School.
love the police, and it starts at the very beginning,” Fitzgerald stressed.
The relationships continue as students progress to middle and high school. At these stages, YRDs are working to help students understand the difference between right and wrong, and learn the boundaries of behavior in society, MacDonald explained. “It is more of a guiding, mentoring relationship.”
NO-JuDGMENT ZONE
Butcher said there is an important side effect of forging bonds with students. It can lead to a safer school.
“We are one set of eyes in a school, but if kids feel comfortable, they come to us with threats and things we might not see on our own,” Butcher described.
By high school the deputies hope the relationships are well established. While there are still some high fives and friendly talk, there is also a more serious side to the student-deputy connection.
“The thing about the high school relationship is there are real life consequences
to their actions,” MacDonald said. “But the juvenile justice system is there to be corrective in learning. It is designed around restorative justice and learning your lesson. You still see the police officer having positive relationships with kids, mentoring and some coaching sports. It is all part of that positive relationship.”
Luke Arnold was a deputy at Barron Collier High School for four years before becoming a sergeant in the YRD department. He now oversees schools in North Naples. He is also one of the assistant coaches for the varsity girls’ beach volleyball team at BCHS.
“There is a different relationship with us than with teachers,” Arnold explained. “Teachers are so busy. Kids can come down and talk to us and share parts of their lives. Sometimes they will just come down and say they had a bad night at their house. It makes me feel good when they come and talk to me. Even when they see cops portrayed as bad, they still come up to me. They trust us to talk. They don’t just see that badge and think they are going to be arrested. Some of those kids don’t have anyone to talk to at home, but they
open up and talk to us. We are a no-judgment zone. We are just here any time you want to talk.”
“We are showing them a father or mother figure,” Arnold said. “Someone who is compassionate and cares about them. I still see kids I arrested in Immokalee 14-15 years ago, and they totally respect me. The kids that don’t get in trouble still interact with us, and it starts with kindergarten. They know we are another safety blanket. A big part of our job is counseling and mentoring. I get really excited about this stuff.”
ESSENTIAL PART OF THE SCHOOL
The YRDs have become part of the fabric of CCPS schools.
Jessica Davis, principal at Sabal Palm Elementary School, says the YRDs are essential to the school community.
“You will find our deputy sitting down reading to kids,” Davis described. “In the cafeteria, you will see them talking to kids and helping them work through issues. I appreciate their role in our school.”
Connor Cassilly, a second grader at Pelican March Elementary
on his face.”
THE STARFISH STORY
The YRDs know their number one responsibility is keeping the school safe, but it’s the daily interactions with children that make them feel like they are making a difference.
“Most of this job is not law enforcement related, but it is just as important,” Fitzgerald said.
The deputy said he often feels like the character in the wellknown starfish story. It’s the story of a young girl on the beach where thousands of starfish washed up during a storm. As she threw them back into the water, she was told there were too many to save. She replied by tossing another one into the sea and saying “Well, I made a difference for that one.”
“I tell that story to the kids in classes, as I know even the smallest thing can have a tremendous impact,” Fitzgerald concluded.
Meet the Collier County School Board Candidates
In addition to picking out new backpacks and school supplies, residents of Collier County will be voting for two new school board members in the primary election on Aug. 20 with early voting from Aug. 10-17.
Districts 2 and 4 seats will be decided between the primary and the November general elections. Voters may select one candidate in each district, regardless of what district they live in. The four-year terms are staggered, with a total term limit of 12 years. In addition to appointing the superintendent, the five-member board is responsible for making decisions that affect the daily operations of the public schools in the district. For more information on the role of a school board member, visit www.collierschools. com/Domain/101.
Attending school board meetings open to the public is a great way to be involved with your child’s education. Upcoming meetings and agendas are posted on www.collierschools.com.
The candidates submitted the information for this guide and it does not represent an endorsement by Neapolitan Family magazine. Submissions were edited for space and clarity.
DISTRICT 2
District 2 in Collier County includes Aubrey Rogers High, Barron Collier High, Naples Park Elementary, North Naples Middle, Osceola Elementary, Pelican Marsh Elementary, Pine Ridge Middle, and Veterans Memorial Elementary.
I moved to Naples in 2003 from New Jersey and have raised our four children here. We have one graduate from Barron Collier High School , one from Gulf Coast High School , and I will have two children at Aubrey Rogers High School this year.
EXPERIENCE
Besides being a former science teacher and board member since 2016, I have volunteered in our schools and the larger community for over 20 years. I know exactly where our schools have been and what we need to do to keep improving.
PLATFORM AND GOALS
Commitment to Student Safety
Ensuring safe schools by partnering with law enforcement to identify, prevent, and investigate potential threats
All schools have at least one of our nationally recognized Youth Relations Bureau Deputies and many other layers of protection. Our larger schools have at least two
FIGHTING FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Recent testing shows that Collier County students outperformed the State, again, in 20 of 21 assessed areas.
Championed the expansion of phonics and common novels to increase literacy rates
Focused on expanding technical training opportunities for all students
Committed to increasing teacher salaries, as evidenced by historic raises this year Advocate for Fiscal Responsibility
Set the district on track to be DEBT-FREE by 2026
Residents will continue to see lower tax rates as they have since 2020 (we are fourth lowest in the State)
Continuing to support efforts to reduce spending and increase accountability with workgroups and committees made up of various stakeholders.
Please vote for Stephanie Lucarelli because Collier County needs a parent voice on the board who also has an inside view of what’s happening in our schools. I would be honored to have your support as I continue making our schools a place where all our children excel.
BACKGROUND AND FAMILY
My husband and I moved here with our two oldest children 9.5 years ago. Upon our arrival, our youngest child and our labrador retriever joined our family. Our children attend a public charter school.
EXPERIENCE
I am a medical doctor and have run several successful small businesses. I have organized and run overnight science camps for underserved children and have also worked in the California public school system.
PLATFORM AND GOALS
I Stand For:
Excellence in education
Parents’ rights
School choice
Supporting our teachers
Using tax dollars wisely by putting them back in the classroom where they belong.
I Stand Against:
Indoctrination
Wasteful spending
Continuing with a system that claims to be “A-rated” has led to 44% of our third-grade students not being able to read at grade level and only 45% of our eighth-grade students being able to pass their basic science tests! We must do better than this for our children so that they can have bright futures and a chance to live their American Dream!
I am endorsed by the Republican Party, the Christian Family Coalition, Patriot Parents, and the Hispanic Republican Club of Collier. Please remember to get out and vote for a brighter future for your children on Aug. 20.
continued on page 14
DISTRICT 4
Alternative Schools, Avalon Elementary, East Naples Middle, Gulfview Middle, Gulf Coast Charter Academy South, Lake Park Elementary, Lorenzo Walker Technical College, Lorenzo Walker Technical High School, Mason Classical Academy, Naples High, Optima Classical Academy, Poinciana Elementary, Sea Gate Elementary, and Shadowlawn Elementary.
ERICK CARTER
(Incumbent)
www.Erickcarter.com
BACKGROUND AND FAMILY
I have lived in Naples since 1992, and am graduate of LWTC. My wife and I (of 27 years) have been salon owners since 1998. Our son attended Naples High School is now an incoming senior at Florida Southern College on a ROTC scholarship.
EXPERIENCE
TOM HENNING
(Challenger)
www.votehenning.com
BACKGROUND AND FAMILY
Tom Henning is a deeprooted resident of Naples who has been heavily involved in the community for most of the 50-plus years he has lived here.
EXPERIENCE
Elected as a Collier County Commissioner for four terms (2000-2016). Elected Fire Commissioner for two terms (19962000 and 2016-2020). Appointed to the Golden Gate Civic Advisory Board, and has served as President of the Golden Gate Civic Association.
I understand the complex budget of CCPS. I have continued as an owner/operator of our small business and real estate investments. That gives me firsthand experience on budgeting, payroll, projected maintenance schedules, and so much more.
PLATFORM AND GOALS
Debt free by 2026 while paying cash for three new schools saving taxpayers $120 million in interest. Establish spending reduction work groups, budget reduction committees, zero base budgeting and priority base budgeting where applicable, more opportunity for juniors and seniors to our technical colleges, continue to build on elementary gains and expand Pre-k opportunities.
PLATFORM AND GOALS
In January the school board was presented with a risk analysis that the incumbents failed to address (physical harm to students, vendor favoritism, taxpayers' money spent on nonpublic purposes). Budgets are intentionally manipulated or misreported; Budget rationale, status, and amendments are not communicated appropriately or timely; increased exposure to operational disruption; contractual and legal risk. When elected, I will motion to ask the external auditor to give a complete report to the board. Teachers are overburdened due to the different learning abilities/disabilities of students. Last year, the incumbents raised the taxes to the highest level in history–I will roll back taxes and add more resources to the classroom.
Voter Registration Deadline/Book Closing: July 22
Vote-by-Mail Ballot Mailings: July 6 (UOCAVA)
July 11-Aug. 10 (Domestic)
Ballot Request Deadline: Aug. 8, 5 p.m.
Early Voting: Aug. 10-17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Election Day: Aug. 20, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit www.colliervotes.gov for more information.
Let’s Talk SPORTS!
by Jennifer Kupiec
Collier County Public Schools is moving to digital ticketing this school year. Spectators will purchase tickets to all high school sporting events using GoFan. Cash no longer will be accepted at our gates. Middle school sporting events continue to be free.
“We are committed to providing a seamless experience for our fans and are excited to introduce digital ticketing at all our high schools this upcoming season,” said Mark Rosenbalm, director of interscholastic athletics and student activities. “Accessing our games and events will be easier than ever before and provide for a faster gate experience for everyone.”
Purchase tickets by visiting www.gofan.co or downloading the GoFan mobile app. Once you are on the site, search for your school, select the appropriate event, and complete your purchase. The process is quick and easy.
As we gear up for another exciting season of competition, we are eager to reunite with our community and celebrate the passion and camaraderie that sports bring. Together, let’s embrace our school spirit, cheer on our teams, and create lasting memories!
Following is a list of CCPS high school sports programs offered by season.
FALL SPORTS
Boys and Girls Cross Country
Boys and Girls Golf
Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving
Cheerleading
Football
Volleyball
WINTER SPORTS
Boys and Girls Basketball
Boys and Girls Soccer
Boys and Girls Wrestling
Cheerleading
Girls Weightlifting
SPRING SPORTS
Baseball
Boys and Girls Lacrosse
Boys and Girls Tennis
Boys and Girls Track
Girls Beach Volleyball
Softball
FUN EVENTS IN AUGUST
MULTI-DATE EVENTS
CONSERVANCY OF SWFL TOAD EXHIBIT FEEDING. Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25; 2 p.m.
The live southern toads are fed on exhibit while the interpreter explains toad biology and the threats of invasives (Cane toads) on native wildlife and humans. Location: Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. www. conservancy.org.
MARY POPPINS. Aug. 1-4 & 7-10, check website for times Everyone’s favorite nanny is back! Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives.
Location: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. broadwaypalm.com or call 239-278-4422.
1 THURSDAY
MAKE AND TAKE. 2 p.m.
This family workshop provides kids with an opportunity to make their own unique artwork using some of the styles and techniques from a featured exhibition at the Baker Museum. FREE.
Location: Artis Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. www. artisnaples.org.
3 SATURDAY
NATURE EXPLORERS: DINOSAURS. 9-11 a.m.
Kids can make model Dinosaurs, practice moving like Dinos, and watch videos about them. Nature Explorers is a drop off program for children ages 5 to 11.
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. www.calusanature. org.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCKS
FAMILY DAY. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn how to use an abacus
and get back in the learning groove with a fun twist on memorizing facts with songs from Schoolhouse Rock.
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E, Naples. www. colliermuseums.com.
6 TUESDAY
FREE KIDS CRAFTS. 10-11 a.m.
Kids crafts near the WINK Playland, every Tuesday. FREE and no registration required.
One of Broadway's most classic and beloved tales, 42nd Street tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway.
LITTLE EXPLORERS: LITTLE OWL LOST. 10 a.m. Little Owl has fallen from his nest and can’t find his mommy. Along the way, Little Owl makes new forest friends who help him find his way home
Location: Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.
www.conservancy.org.
17 SATURDAY
PUPS 'N' BOOKS. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Therapy dogs provided by Golden Paws Assistance Dogs. Stop by and read to a dog or just come by to pet one.
SUMMER HOMESCHOOL DAY: HISTORY OF FLORIDA FISHING.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
At Collier Museum's Summer Homeschool Day, learn the history of Florida fishing with hands-on activities for all ages.
Neapolitan Family's BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO
Saturday, Aug. 10 • 10-2
North Collier Regional Park Gymnasium, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples
Enjoy food trucks and refreshments while you enjoy the free entertainment, meet your favorite characters, and win fabulous prizes neafamily.com
Check event website for time and location before attending
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples. www. colliermuseums.com.
21 WEDNESDAY
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: PIONEER PLAYTIME. 10-11 a.m.
Long before there were singing baby sharks and rescue puppies, pioneer children of early Florida were making the most of the limited fun resources they had around them
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples. www. colliermuseums.com.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT. 5-7 p.m. Bell Tower Shops will be hosting a monthly Family Fun Night. Adam's Animal Encounters will be exhibiting live exotic snimals.
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers. www.belltowerfl.com or call 239-489-1221.
24 SATURDAY
BROADWAY HITS WITH A TWIST. 7:30 p.m. Hits from your favorite Broadway shows sung by some of your favorite local Broadway stars... but with a TWIST.
Location: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. www. bbmannpah.com.
31 SATURDAY
KIDS' DAY! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Come to Miromar Outlets for face painting, crafts, pizza and ice cream at the WINK Playland! T
Michael Roberts’ Dedication to Helping Young Athletes
By Andrea Stetson
It started as a capstone assignment for fifth grade at The Village School of Naples and spiraled into a ongoing project to help children who need shoes. Michael Roberts, 11, wanted his project to have meaning and incorporate baseball, given his love of the sport. “I had to choose something I was passionate about, which is baseball,” he said.
Michael plays center field for a triple A team at Gulfside Baseball Academy in Naples. He began making necklaces with different color patterns to represent themes of freedom, power, the galaxy, and dreams. He expanded his work to include the colors of sports teams. Michael explained that he wanted to help instill the power of positive thinking in other athletes. “Each necklace has a positive message,” he said. “If I give them the necklaces [to other players] they might play at a better level.”
The necklaces cost about five dollars to make, and he sells them for $15 at baseball games and school and to family and friends. All the money earned goes to buy cleats to donate to Laces of Love, a nonprofit in Naples. Laces of Love has given more than 300,000 kids new shoes over the past 18 years. Shoes are donated directly to local school children
CHANGING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN, TEENS, AND STUDENTS OF ALL AGES!
in Collier and Lee counties and through other nonprofits. Michael has raised $500 so far and recently used that money to buy 13 pairs of cleats.
“There are so many kids who can’t afford sports equipment,” Michael said. “I want to be able to help kids play baseball.”
His parents, Stephanie and Dave Roberts, are proud their son chose to donate the money rather than keeping it for himself.
“He has always been an entrepreneur, ever since he was little – just making things and selling them or going around the neighborhood to rake leaves or (in Canada) shoveling snow,” Stephanie Roberts said. “We are proud watching him support this local charity and having his younger brother want to follow in his footsteps. He is a great role model.”
Michael and his younger brother, Lucas, 8, purchased the cleats online and then delivered them to Laces of Love. They even helped organize and tag the shoes.
Jeanne Nealon, founder and president of Laces of Love, said it is great to have young volunteers support her cause.
“It breaks my heart wide open,” Nealon began. “It lets us know that there are really good children out there who want to serve others and kind children who
recognize that there could be a little boy on his baseball team who needs shoes. It renews your faith in the youth of today. Michael is just taking care of his own little part of the world.”
Michael began his capstone project last October, but decided to continue with his mission long after that school assignment was complete. His goal now is to raise $1,000 for cleats.
“I will just keep going,” he said. “I feel this is better for the world.”
For more information about Laces of Love, visit www.lacesoflove.org.
Anything Goes Tap Class (Ages 10 - 18) Aug. 14 - 15, 2024
6PM - 8PM | Tuition: $75
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Ages 6 - 9)
Mon - Thurs, Nov. 4 - 21 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Performances: Nov. 21 - 23, 2024
Calling students ages 6-9! Join us for a three-week Conservatory program at Gulfshore Playhouse! Led by seasoned theatre professionals, young actors will have the opportunity to grow their acting, singing, and dancing skills in a supportive and dynamic environment. The program culminates in a 30-minute adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, celebrating students’ dedication and growth on stage.
Broadway Bootcamp: Golden Age (Ages 8 - 13) Weds. Jan. 8 - Feb. 5
5:30PM - 7:30PM Tuition: $150
Story Explorers: Happily Haunted (Ages 5 - 7) Tuesdays, October 1 - 29, 2024 5:30PM - 7:30PM Tuition: $150 Story Explorers: Out of This World (Ages 5 - 7) Weds. Jan. 8 - Feb. 5 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Jeanne Nealon, founder of Laces of Love, receives a donation from Michael Roberts, 11.
Photo by Andrea Stetson
SWFL Youth Sports Directory
There are many opportunities in SWFL for kids of all ages to learn about a sport or to join a competitive team. The directory below is a year-round resource of athletic organizations offering sports for both beginners and advanced athletes.
Visit www.neafamily.com or scan the QR Code for the most up-to-date list.
RESILIENT VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY resilientvolleyball.sportsengineprelive.com
SOUTHWEST TIDAL WAVE www.southwesttidalwave.com
USA SOUTH VOLLEYBALL www.usasouth.club
Add your youth sports program to our website at neafamily.com/directory/ sports/youth-sports# or scan QR code
SUCCESSFUL
THE SECRET TO A COLLEGE FRESHMAN YEAR
By Katheryn Moore
The first year of college is one of the most stressful things a young adult can experience. For many, it is their first time away from home and taking care of themselves. With this new-found freedom, it is very easy to lose sight of the reasons why they are in college. With my freshman year under my belt, I’ve realized that the secret to success isn’t just about acing your exams or partying hard (although, let’s be real, those things are important too!). It’s about something much more valuable: building relationships and staying true to your purpose. Trust me, it’s crucial to stay focused and intentional about building your network and staying connected to your goals.
Many students don’t realize how important it is to network in college. You are surrounded by future leaders. It is important to build those connections with your peers sooner rather than later. It’s also very important to connect with your professors! One of the biggest mistakes
I made in the beginning was thinking I had to do everything on my own. I tried to tackle every assignment, club, and social event solo without asking for help or support. I quickly realized that it wasn’t sustainable, or necessary. By surrounding myself with people who supported and encouraged me, I was able to achieve more than I thought possible. And that’s what I want to pass on to you: the importance of building relationships, seeking help when you need it, and leaning on others to help you achieve your goals.
So, how do you actually build this network and stay focused on your goals? For me, it started with being intentional about the clubs and organizations I joined. Instead of just signing up for everything that sounded vaguely interesting, I chose a few groups that aligned with my passions and values. Among these groups, my involvement with the National Association of Black Accountants proved to be transformative as I went from a member to
the social media chair of the executive board, creating valuable connections and an amazing support system that has helped guide my academic and professional success. I also forced myself to step out of my comfort zone and strike up conversations with people I didn’t know –whether it was a classmate, a professor, or a guest speaker. By taking these small steps, I began to build a community of people who supported and encouraged me.
I was hesitant to attend a career development seminar, thinking it would be just another dull lecture. That event, however, turned out to be a game-changer. That’s where I met Cassandra, an experienced business professional who would become my mentor. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from having a mentor, but Cassandra’s guidance and support have helped me grow in various areas. She’s pushed me to explore new interests, refine my skills, and apply for many new opportunities. Cassandra has been a constant source of
encouragement and wisdom, helping me to stay focused on my goals and reminding me why I started college in the first place. Thanks to her, my freshman year has been transformed from a mere academic exercise to a journey of self-discovery and growth. Over the past year, I learned that success isn’t just about achieving good grades or landing a coveted internship but about building meaningful relationships, staying true to your purpose, and creating a foundation for future success. My hope is by sharing my experiences and insights, other students will be inspired to approach their own freshman year with intentionality, purpose, and a commitment to building a strong network of peers, mentors, and friends. Remember, the connections you make and the memories you create during these four years will stay with you for a lifetime. So, get out there, take risks, embrace challenges, and make the most of this incredible journey. You’ve got this!
KATHERYN’S TOP TIPS FOR FRESHMEN
▶ Get Involved on Campus: Join clubs, volunteer, or take on a part-time job. It’s a great way to meet people and build your resume.
▶ Embrace Networking: Attend career events, join clubs, and connect with people in your field. You never know who might become a valuable mentor or friend.
▶ Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Freshman year can be challenging. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you’re growing and learning every day.
▶ Seek Help When Needed: Don’t struggle in silence. Reach out to professors, advisors, or mentors for guidance and support.
▶ Explore, Don’t Settle: Try new things, explore new interests, and don’t be afraid to change your mind.
▶ Be Conscious of Your Friend Group: Make sure to surround yourself with people who are like-minded academically and have goals.
▶ Be Open-Minded: Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different interests. You might discover a new passion.
▶ Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for exercise, meditation, and relaxation. Your mental health matters.
▶ Stay True to Yourself: Don’t lose sight of why you started college in the first place. Stay focused on your goals and passions.
▶ Seek Out Mentorship: Find someone who believes in you and can offer guidance and support. It can make all the difference in your freshman year!
Katheryn Moore, an intern at Neapolitan Family, graduated from Naples High School in 2023. She will be a sophomore marketing major at Virginia State University in the fall.
Janet & Blake Gable
Jim & Faye Derham
Embracing the Journey Childhood Development
Is NOT a Race
By Douglas Halbert, M.D.
Childhood is a time of exploration, discovery, and growth. It is a period marked by curiosity and wonder, where every experience contributes to the development of skills, knowledge, and character.
Marking progress along this journey are developmental milestones, which describe what children should be able to do by a certain age.. For babies, those milestones can include rolling over in bed, taking their first step, and waving bye-bye to their parents. These milestones help parents, family, medical providers, and teachers compare growth and development to what is considered typical for children of the same age.
Medical providers use milestones outlined by groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics to assess where each child is on their journey. Early interventions to assist with development can be critical in helping children reach their full potential.
Pediatricians monitor these developmental milestones, but it is also important for parents to actively monitor them. There are four different
types of milestones that parents can track:
Cognitive: Tasks like learning, thinking, and problem-solving help determine whether a child is on track for future academic success.
Social/Emotional: Children should be learning how to interact with other children and show emotion.
Language/Communication: Children learn to express their needs and share their thoughts. They also should be able to understand and interpret what others are saying.
Movement: Represent the physical body and how children can use their bodies for movement.
Parents have many resources to track developmental milestones, including websites, apps, resource books, and pediatricians and family practice providers who can identify and address important social, developmental, behavioral, and health issues during well-child health assessments.
It is very important for parents to monitor their children’s developmental milestones and maintain open communication with their healthcare team. However, these milestones are only guidelines – some children are bound to reach them first, and others will reach them later in their development, and some may not meet certain milestones but will excel in their own way. Life is a journey with joys and discoveries unique to each child and family. We are here to celebrate every step along the way while ensuring every child the opportunity to maximize their potential.
Douglas Halbert, M.D., is a boardcertified pediatrician at Healthcare Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to everyone in our community. Halbert specializes in pediatric care, offering comprehensive medical services to children and adolescents. He is committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality medical attention, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Visit HealthcareSWFL.org for more information.
DESTINATION: WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
Battleships, Model Trains, and Flesh-Eating Bog Dwellers
By Karen T. Bartlett
Iconfess that our original plan was to spend a few days chilling with friends, grownup style, in the gracious, magnolia-shaded southern city of Wilmington, North Carolina. We’d watch the sun rise over the narrow tidal creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway, stroll the historic Riverwalk, admire the 18th century mansions, and feast on fresh-caught seafood and decadent Southern desserts (which we most definitely did). I didn’t expect it to be a family destination. I was so, so wrong. Consider ▶
BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLINA
Our first clue is the jaw-dropping sight of this ominous 729-foot World War II vessel with an imposing battery of nine 16-inch guns looming 10 stories high over downtown Wilmington. The most decorated ship in the Pacific Theater, she earned 15 battle stars. Besides daily self-guided and docent-led tours, monthly interactive programs take visitors behind the scenes with perioddressed interpreters and interactive living history events. Remaining this year are Battleship 101 on Oct. 12, and Battleship Alive! on Sept. 28 and Dec. 7. BattleshipNC.com
FLESH-EATING BOG DWELLERS
Sharp eyes are needed to discover the tiny, wide-open spiked jaws of the Venus flytrap lurking low in the bog along the Flytrap Trail in
Carolina Beach State Park, but those lean, mean, red-veined bug-eating machines called green pitcher plants, up to 30 inches high, are easy to spot. Only Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors finds humans tasty, but even touching one of these rare, protected carnivores is a felony and can chomp a big chunk out of your wallet.
HEY, IS THAT JAMIE LYNN SPEARS?
The time-warped beach town of Carolina Beach, with her huge summer pop-up Coney Island-style midway and 50s-era family motels and eateries, along with her laid-back sister, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher four miles down the strand are superpopular film locations. Think Zoe 101 and Zoe 102, Dawson’s Creek, The Summer I turned Pretty, and all those gushy Nicholas Sparks movies. Locals are accustomed to casting calls and working movie crews. I
2,134 officers and crew served aboard Battleship North Carolina during WWII. Photo courtesy of Battleship North Carolina
fantasized about being cast as an extra in the adorable doggie-focused rom-com Merv, but alas, production had just wrapped when I arrived.
PEGASuS, PENGuINS, AND OCTOPI OVERHEAD!
Kites are always flying over the windswept North Carolina coast, but families in town Nov. 1-3 shouldn’t miss the Cape Fear Kite Festival, the last event of the professional kite-flying season. Starting with Friday’s “Night with Kites,” the sky is awash with sea creatures, storybook characters, and super-heroes all weekend. Food trucks, live music, and festival booths abound. VisitKureBeachNC.com
KAYAKING, FOSSIL HuNTING, AND CIVIL WAR ARTIFACTS
The peaceful bays, marshy creeks, and uninhabited islands fringing the Intracoastal Waterway are a kidfriendly kayaking dream. Check out Zeke’s Island Family Adventure for ages 3 and up at KayakCarolina.com. Finds on Shark’s Tooth Island include Native American, Civil War, and Colonial-era artifacts, megalodon teeth, and – of course – sharks’ teeth. SharksToothIsland.com
FORT FISHER: THE END OF THE CONFEDERACY
Fort Fisher was the last remaining supply route for Robert E. Lee’s blockade runners bringing supplies to Wilmington, which was under siege. On Dec. 24 and 25, 1864,
the fort held off 55 Union warships with 600 guns. It was a Christmas miracle! But in January, when 58 more warships showed up, conducting the greatest land-sea bombardment of the Civil War, the fort fell. Three months later, so did the Confederacy.
THE WRECK OF THE CONDOR AND THE LADY SPY
North Carolina’s coast has earned its title, Graveyard of the Atlantic, with over 2,000 shipwrecks since the 16th century, including Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge. The famous Confederate blockade runner Condor lies just 24 feet underwater off Fort Fisher’s beach. The only person lost at sea from Condor was a proper socialite-turned-spy named Rose O’Neal Greenhow (aka “The Wild Rose of the Confederacy”). After Condor successfully slipped past the Union blockades, it ran aground. Fearing capture and execution, Rose demanded to be rowed ashore. Tossed by rough seas and weighted down by her billowing skirts with a fortune in heavy gold sewn inside, she drowned. Her Confederate flagbedecked grave is in Wilmington’s Oakdale Cemetery.
PERFECT SHORT TRAIL
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area encompasses 300 acres of wide, sandy beaches, sea-oat covered dunes, salt marsh, and maritime forests. My fave is the 2.2-mile Basin Trail that traverses all these ecosystems, includ-
ing a long, low boardwalk through vast open marshland.
AND BACK DOWNTOWN...
I love the Wilmington Railroad Museum, ranked among America’s top five. There also are pirate tours, ghost tours, horse-drawn trolley tours, family-friendly foodie and walking tours, and water excursions. In the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science and the Children’s Museum of Wilmington, kids can do cool stuff like crawl into a beaver lodge, feed a Venus flytrap, operate an International Space Station-style robotic arm, brush giant teeth, visit a life-size skeleton, and way more. WilmingtonAndBeaches.com
Children’s Hall in the Wilmington Railroad Museum. Photo by WilmingtonAndBeaches.com
Venus flytrap station in the Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center. Photo by Karen T. Bartlett.
Cape Fear Kite Festival. Photo by WilmingtonAndBeaches.com
Wilmington Railroad Museum. Photo by Karen T. Bartlett.
For ages 11 - 17, August 6 | For ages 5 - 10, August 7 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Immokalee August 8 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. AVOWLOWEEN - TRUNK OR TREAT All ages | October 18 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p. m.
For ages 12 - 17 | November 15 - drop off at 5:00 p.m. | November 17 - pick up at 12:00 p.m.
FESTIVAL All ages | December 14 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
