November 2018 neafamily.com
COMPLIMENTARY
11 Ways to Honor Veterans Go Rogue for Thanksgiving Celebrate National Adoption Month Should You Shop for Shipt? MOMentum Mom Amber Phillips Living With PKU International Festivals in Florida
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
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The Only 24 Hour Pediatric Emergency Department in Collier County Always Open, Close To Home
Robert, Mariann & Megan MacDonald
Pediatric Emergency Department
239-552-7827 2
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Healthpark Blvd.
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Immokalee Rd. NCHmd.org
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Christmas Tree Sales!
Collier County Fairgrounds, under the pavilion Starting Friday, November 23 at 9 a.m. Location: 731 39th Avenue N.E. Naples, FL 34120 Days & Times: Monday-Saturday: 9 am to 9 pm Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm We have the best Quality Frasier Fir Christmas Trees from North Carolina, at low prices. Trees range from 3 feet to 12 feet Tall. Come early! We will be selling trees until they are gone. Christmas Card Photo Opportunity The Collier County Agricultural Fair & Exposition, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides support for such community groups as the Collier County Sheriff’s Junior Deputy Program, Catholic Charities, 4-H Association, Open Youth of Collier County, Boy Scouts, Kiwanis Club, Naples Bears, Immokalee High School Band, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Youth Haven, and the Palmetto High School Fishing Club, Marching Band, and Band Boosters. In addition, our Making Life Fair Fund supports local individuals with life-altering illnesses or hardships.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our
Big Swamp Smoke Off January 5, 2019!
Proceeds benefit the Making Life “Fair” Fund colliercountyfair.com NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Collier County Fair
CollierCoFair neafamily.com
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November 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS
in every issue . . . 07
FROM THE PUBLISHER
08
FAMILY MOVIE PREVIEWS
12
COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
13
COLLIER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE
14
ESTATE PLANNING
15
CITY CONNECTION
23
FAMILY LAW
on the cover…
16 11 Ways to Salute a Veteran. How to show your gratitude to those who serve us. by Christa Melnyk Hines
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18 What is PKU? Learn how one local woman is managing this rare disease. by Anna Futrell 20 MOMentum Moms. Meet Amber Phillips, a business owner and single mom who celebrates veterans all year.
36 Destination: The World Inside Florida. Where to find a little bit of Scotland, China, Japan, and Holland in the Sunshine State. by Karen T. Bartlett 38 Go Rogue This Thanksgiving. Create a meaningful Thanksgiving tailored just for your special crowd. by Christa Melnyk Hines 40 Shopping for Shipt. A Shipt Shopper gives us inside information to help you decide if this job is right for you. by Jessica LeBrun
Caroline Duggan is 9 years old and in the fourth grade at Big Cypress Elementary. She is the daughter of Rick and Katrina Duggan. Caroline is a competitive cheerleader, participates in gymnastics, and has her yellow belt in taekwondo. Caroline was born in Jiangxi, China, and was adopted when she was seven months old. Cover photo by Peggy Farren of Avant Garde Photography 239-263-7001 • naplesportraits.com
42 National Adoption Month. Don’t miss this fascinating story about Operation Baby Lift, and one woman’s quest to place hundreds of babies in loving homes, including her own. by Helen Colella 44 Figuring Out FASFA. Learn how to navigate the confusing process of obtaining financial aid for your student. by Ashley McNaughton
St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Catholic Education in the Heart of Naples Since 1981 Fully accredited by Florida Catholic Conference
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INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION FOR STRUGGLING READERS
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• Certified Reading Specialist • 27 Years Experience • Methods: Orton-Gillingham & Reading Recovery • Children with Dyslexia, ADD and other challenges • Approved service provider for the Gardiner Scholarship • Downtown Naples Location • All Ages
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239-233-9400
Academic, social and spiritual formation for PreK-3 to Grade 8
2730 53rd Terrace SW • Naples, FL#C20C06167 34116 • 239-455-2262 DCF License
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*not guaranteed
Typical gain in phonics skill equals one grade level for every three months of full-time program attendance.*
info@ReadingRescueCenters.com • ReadingRescueCenters.com
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Providing Care for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, VPK & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS K-5th GRADE
APPLE Accredited
Gold Seal Recognized by the Department of
Children and Families
Family Friendly Business Award Recipient
Nationally Recognized Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Center & Gold Level Employer
Two Year FACCM Center of the Year Winner
Secure Gated Entrance, Security Cameras, and a dedicated safety trained staff
Parent workshops and trainings
Balanced curriculum of 38 objectives including extracurricular activities such as STEAM, Music Lessons, Soccer, Dance, Zumba, Spanish and Baby Sign Language
On Campus Garden, STEAM Laboratory, and Library with over 4,500 books!
Family friendly events such as Halloween Parade, Scholastic Book Fairs, Spirit Nights, Family Dinner Nights, Mothers Day Performance, Fathers Day Dance, VPK Graduation & Prom, and more!
Weekly Yoga, Music, Piano, Soccer, Dance, Zumba, Foreign Language & Sign Language Classes Monthly field trips to destinations such as the Conservancy, The Children’s Museum, the Artis Naples, Barnes and Noble, the Botanical Gardens, Naples Zoo and more! Call today to schedule a tour! 239-261-7442 PHONE
Precious Cargo Academy 5200 Crayton Road Naples, FL 34103 WEBSITE: PreciousCargoAcademy.org
EMAIL: Leanne.badham@outlook.com
A Mission of Naples United Church of Christ NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Find Us on Facebook!
@PCANaples neafamily.com
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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county
P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com 8
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THIS MONTH: Giving Thanks
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Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature Writer Anna Snyder Cover Photographer Peggy Farren www.naplesportraits.com Field Photographer Lisette Morales lisettemoralesart@gmail.com Intern Ginny Lundstrom Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at more than 200 distribution points throughout Collier County as well as digitally at neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2018 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
What do you look forward to most about Thanksgiving? Is it the turkey? The stuffing? Mashed potatoes and gravy? Pie? Imagine not being able to have most of these traditional foods with the heavenly smells because you were born with PKU, a genetic inability to break down an amino acid found in all food containing protein. Thanks to an experimental drug, Naples resident Jennifer Mazorra tells us on page 18 how she can now eat many of those foods that she missed out on as a child and which dishes she is looking forward to sharing with her own family. What if none of the traditional foods of Thanksgiving appeal to your family? If you are tired of making a fantastic turkey dinner for your crew only to have the kids ask for chicken nuggets and fries, Christa Melnyk Hines gives us some fun and stress-free suggestions on page 38 to go a little rogue this Thanksgiving and create new family traditions that may not include a turkey at all. One thing that we are all thankful for this time of year is our military veterans. On page 16 you will find 11 ways your family can thank a veteran, including welcoming local veterans home from their Honor Flight, where they tour all of the war memorials and monuments in Washington, D.C., accompanied by volunteer guardians like our Momentum Mom, Amber Phillips. November also is National Adoption Month. The Vietnam War didn’t just send veterans home to the United States, it created many orphans who needed homes. On page 42 we learn about Operation Baby Lift, and one nurse’s quest to place hundreds of babies in loving homes, including her own. Our cover girl Caroline was adopted in South China by a loving family here in Naples. If you have room at your Thanksgiving table for a new family member, family law expert Sarah Oquendo provides information on pages 23 about support for those choosing to adopt local foster children in need of a family of their own. Happy Thanksgiving,
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FAMILY MOVIES
Family Movie Previews for November RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET Rated PG for some action and rude humor In theaters 11/21 • For kids 6+ This sequel to “Wreck-It Ralph” takes place six years after Ralph and Vanellope saved Litwak’s Arcade from Turbo’s vengeance. The Sugar Rush arcade cabinet has broken, forcing Ralph and Vanellope (now friends) to travel to the Internet via the newlyinstalled Wi-Fi router in Litwak’s Arcade to retrieve the piece capable of saving the game. THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS Rated PG for some mild peril In theaters 11/2 • For kids 6+
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD Rated PG-13 for some sequences of fantasy action In theaters 11/16 • For kids 10+ This is the second installment of the “Fantastic Beasts” series set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World featuring the adventures of magizoologist Newt Scamander. At the end of the first installment, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings. In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world. 8
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All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift from her late mother. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key, which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip, a gang of mice, and
the regents who preside over three realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. CREED II Rated PG-13 for sports action violence, language, and a scene of sensuality In theaters 11/21 • For kids 12+ Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan). Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life, as the newly crowned light heavyweight champion faces off against Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
THE GRINCH Rated PG for brief rude humor In theaters 11/9 • For kids 6+ The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming, and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism. Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, suggestive material, drug content, and language In theaters 11/2 • For kids 13+ important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history.
It’s been over 25 years since the death of lead singer and flamboyant frontman Freddie Mercury, yet the music lives on. Freddie redefined and transcended stereotypes, just as Queen’s music cannot be slotted into any traditional genre. Perhaps that’s why the band is
such a cross-generational, multicultural, and global phenomenon. Now, Emmy-winner Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) dons the skintight catsuit and grabs that microphone to take on the role of the king of pop rock.
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5385 Jaeger Rd Naples, FL 34109
239.566.3535 neafamily.com
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Sleep Related Infant Death has caused the death of about 3,500 babies in the past year nationwide, and 45 in Collier County since 2000. SUIDS – Sudden Unexplained Infant Death – is the death of an infant Image courtesy of the Safe to Sleep® campaign less than one year old that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. This is a tragedy no parent should have to suffer. There are ways to greatly reduce the risk.
Photo by Charlie McDonald
Safe Sleep for Baby
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Above (L-R): Naples Mayor Bill Barnett, Neapolitan Family Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau, and Collier Child Care Resources Executive Director Nicole Howard.
Neapolitan Family Recognized As Family Friendly Workplace
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ollier Child Care Resources recently recognized a number of companies in Southwest Florida, including Neapolitan Family Magazine, for their family friendly business About 3,500 babies nationwide have practices. Arthrex was named Employer of the Year in the Large About 3,500 babies nationwide have died in the last year and 45 in Business category (50+ employees), while NCH Healthcare System died in the last year and 45 in Collier County since 2000, from was the runner up. PBS Contractors was named Employer of the Collier County since 2000, from unsafe sleep. SUIDS, sudden Year in the small business category and Quarles & Brady LLP was unsafe sleep. SUIDS, sudden the runner-up. unexplained infant death, is the unexplained infant death, is the Additional winners include: ABN Law, Artis-Naples, Ave Maria death of an infant less than one year death of an infant less than one year School of Law, Avow Hospice, Bailey’s General Store, Bonita Bay of age that occurs suddenly and Club, Brooks Insurance Services, Brown & Brown of SWFL, Chilof age that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. This is a tragedy no no dren’s Montessori School, City of Naples, Collier County Board unexpectedly. This is a tragedy of Commissioners, Collier County Clerk of Circuit Court, Collier parentparent should have to suffer. There should have to suffer. There County Health Department, Collier County Public Schools, Collier re ways to greatly reduce the risk. are ways to greatly reduce the risk. County Sheriff’s Office, Community Health Partners, CommuCopyright 2013, Charlie’s Kids Foundation nity School of Naples, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, David About 3,500 babies nationwide have Lawrence Center, Dr. Marilyn J. Varcoe and Associates, Family died in the last year and 45 in First Legal Group, First Choice Insurance of Naples, First Florida Visit www.charlieskids.org or call the Collier County since 2000, from Integrity Bank, Florida Skin Center, Food Idea Group, FORZA Florida Department Health in Forsleep. more information on Infant Safeof Sleep - visit www.charlieskids.org ForSUIDS, more information on Infant Safe Sleep - visit www.charlieskids.org unsafe sudden Child Development Center, Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, County atof(239) unexplained infant death,Department is the callFlorida The Florida of Health in Collier County at (239) 252-6022 orCollier callor The Department Health in252-6022. Collier County at (239) 252-6022 Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Guadalupe Center, Gulf death of an infant less than one year Coast Charter Academy South, Healthcare Network of Southwest of age that occurs suddenly and Florida, Heavenly Day Preschool, IL Primo Pizza & Wings, Lipman unexpectedly. This is a tragedy no Family Farms, MaidPro Naples, Meals of Hope, Moorings Park, parent should have to suffer. There Naples Daily News, Naples Floral Design, Path2Freedom, Precious are ways to greatly reduce the risk. Proudly Welcomes Cargo Academy, Royal Palm Academy, Sanibel Sea School, Spherion Another Great Provider To Our Team Staffing, Storm Smart, Studio 8 Dance, The Greater Marco Family e & H e a l t hy S af YMCA, The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, The Players Schedule an appointment Club & Spa, Trades of Hope – Nancy Sustersic CE, Universal with Dr. Luisa Edwards at Children’s Care East For more information on Infant Safe Sleep - visit www.charlieskids.orgCommerce Promotions, Vineyards Country Club, William C. Huff hi Companies, and Youth Haven. io l d r Department or call The Florida of Health in Collier County at (239) 252-6022 e n ’s C o a l i t For more information, visit collierchildcare.org. Luisa Edwards, M.D
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Providing Quality Healthcare for All Since 1977
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Air Conditioning Broken?
AAA All Brands Appliance, LLC Above: Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Chief Administrative Officer Armando Llechu receives the ultimate haircut from McKenzie Hummer.
Community Leaders Go Bald for Kids at Clips for Cancer
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olisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Chief Administrative Officer Armando Llechu and dozens of others had their heads shaved by pediatric cancer patients during the Clips for Cancer event. Llechu had his head shaved by McKenzie Hummer, who inspired him to hold this event to raise awareness and drive philanthropic support to help local children with cancer through Barbara’s Friends. Ten years ago, eight-year-old McKenzie was diagnosed with an aggressive, cancerous brain tumor. “Through this head-shaving event we showed these children that bald is beautiful, and while we may never have the strength they do, we are with them in their journey,” said Llechu. For more information, call Lee Health Foundation at 239343-6950 or visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/ClipsForCancer.
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he Immokalee Foundation is looking for a few good mentors. Potential mentors should be caring, compassionate adults who have at least one hour per week to meet with their students. Each newly inducted student in the Take Stock in Children program – mostly 7th and 8th graders – is partnered with a volunteer mentor, who encourages the student to succeed in academics and to achieve their life goals. The coaching and support of mentors is critical to each student’s success. As many of the students may be the first in their families to attend college, they benefit tremendously from the guidance of mentors. Contact Michelle Kennedy at 239-657-2461 or mentor@ immokaleefoundation.org or visit immokaleefoundation.org.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
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COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
By Kristine Gill
Catching Kids Doing the Right Thing
D
o you know a child who has gone out of his or her way to do the right thing? It can be something as simple as befriending someone in need of companionship at school or returning a lost wallet. Every day, students in our community do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Here at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, we make it a point to recognize those students every other month with a Do The Right Thing ceremony. Recently, we recognized a student who alerted adults when another child nearly drowned at a water park; two sisters who raised money for a Naples organization benefitting foster children; and a 7th grader who turned over a $10 bill he found at school. We post about these students and their stories on our website following each ceremony to inspire other students to do the right thing. We are always looking for and accepting nominations for these awards. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, coach, or youth group leader, chances are you’ve noticed a child in your care acting bravely or demonstrating a strong moral compass. To nominate these children, fill out the form on our website or print a paper copy and fax it to 239-252-0145. We vet the applications and our selection committee chooses 10 or more finalists for each ceremony. Winners receive a certificate and letter or recognition at the ceremony. Family and friends are
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encouraged to attend. You can nominate students ranging from the elementary through high school level. We conduct five or six ceremonies each year. Our next award ceremony is Dec. 4. Dates for the first quarter of 2019 are listed on our website. All ceremonies begin at 3:30 p.m. at Lorenzo Walker Technical High School. Contact the Youth Relations Bureau at 239-252-0144 or 239252-0143. To nominate someone, visit our site for links to the form: www.colliersheriff.org/we-can-help/parent-resources/do-theright-thing.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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By Jennifer Kupiec
Know the Facts About Juuls
ollier County Public Schools (CCPS) is committed to keeping parents informed about rising nationwide trends. Therefore, we wanted to share some important information regarding Juul (pronounced “jewel”) devices, which have become popular among young adults. These devices are often hidden in plain sight, disguised as familiar objects. We are working with our school leaders and teachers to keep these devices out of our schools. And we need parents to be just as vigilant at home as part of this effort. So, what is a Juul? A Juul is a battery-powered vape system containing a pod, pre-filled with a high volume of nicotine. Tiny Juul pods contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes! And while cigarettes seem to have lost their appeal to our younger generation, Juuls have taken their place. Their popularity may have something to do with the marketing. Juuls come in a variety of flavors and smells such as fruit medley, mango, crème brulee, and cool cucumber. And the devices are very small and easy to hide, often disguised as USB drives, chargers, and Sharpie pens. Another alarming fact is that many of the kids that have started using such devices are unaware of the risks. Juuls deliver a potent dose of nicotine with each puff and could potentially be just as addictive as traditional cigarettes. Some cardiologists believe that longterm use of Juul devices may have lasting effects on heart health.
While the purchase of e-cigarettes or other tobacco products is illegal for people under the age of 18, teens are still finding ways to get them. The use of vapes and Juuls is a violation of the CCPS Code of Student Conduct and can result in the following: out-ofschool suspension, coding for athletes, and/or police citation. As a parent, you may be asking, “if these devices are so easy to disguise, how will I know if my child is using them?” Here are some signs that your child may be vaping: sweet smell; persistent cough; odd-looking new technology (i.e. USB drive, charger); increased thirst; nosebleeds; acne; and sudden decrease in caffeine intake. We encourage parents to educate themselves on the dangers of vaping and to familiarize themselves with the often disguised appearance of these products. Visit www.drugfreecollier.org.
caught the flu? no school for you!
Prevent the flu– get your children vaccinated. No appointment necessary! Walk-In Services for Free Children’s Vaccines. Naples 239-252-8595 Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
(Registration closes at 3pm)
Immokalee 239-252-7300 Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
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ESTATE PLANNING
By Norell Albanis
One Instance Where ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ Might Be A Good Idea
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ou might not be a big fan of their life choices, but the Kardashians recently demonstrated impressive wisdom in protecting their minor children using estate planning. During a recent episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Khloé Kardashian was preparing to give birth to her first child, daughter True. Khloé was second-guessing her initial choice to name her sister Kourtney as the child’s legal guardian in the event something happened to her and the baby’s father, Tristan Thompson. During her pregnancy, Khloé spent lots of time with her other sister, Kimberly, and her family. Watching her interacting with her own kids, Khloé really connected with Kim’s mothering style and pondered if she might be a better choice as guardian. “I always thought Kourtney would be the godparent of my child, but lately I’ve been watching Kim, and she’s been someone I really gravitate to as a mom,” said Khloé. To make things more challenging, Kourtney always assumed she’d be named guardian and said as much. Over the years, Khloé had lots of fun times with Kourtney’s family and Kourtney thought her own passion for motherhood would make her the natural choice.
For guidance, Khloé asked her mother, Kris Jenner, how she chose her kids’ guardians. Kris’ answer was to compare how her two sisters raised their own children. “You just have to think,” Kris told her, “ ‘Where would I want my child raised, in which environment? Who would I feel like my baby is going to be most comfortable and most loved?’ ” In the end, Khloé chose Kim. She explained her decision had nothing to do with her respect or love for Kourtney; it was merely about which style of parenting with which she felt most comfortable. “Watching Kimberly be a mom, I really respect her parenting skills – not that I don’t respect Kourtney’s, I just relate to how Kim parents more,” said Khloé. Lessons learned Khloé’s actions are admirable for several reasons. First off, far too many parents never get around to legally naming a guardian to care for their children in the event of their death or incapacity. Khloé not only made her choice, but she did so before the child was even born. Khloé also took the time to speak and spend time with her sisters beforehand, so the family understood the rationale behind her decision. Khloé was lucky her choices were close family members, so she had ample opportunity to experience both of their parenting styles. Depending on your life situation, you might not be able to spend that much time vetting your choice. But at the very least, you should sit down with each of your top candidates to openly discuss what you’d expect of them as your child’s new parents. Furthermore, with multiple family members vying for the guardian role, Khloé’s quick action may have prevented a potential nightmare. If she’d delayed naming a guardian and something happened to her, Kourtney, Kim, and even other family members could’ve gone to court seeking guardianship of True. This could have lead to years of contentious legal battles that potentially could cost the family huge sums of money and impose incalculable hardship on the children. Even if you think something like this would never happen to your family, why take the risk, especially when it’s so easy to avoid?
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Get started now While the Kardashians are wealthy and famous, you too can provide the exact same level of protection for your kids, even with minimal financial resources. It is imperative as soon as it is physically possible to choose someone who will step in to raise your children if you cannot. You must also legally document your choice and make sure the individual you have selected knows what to do if they are called upon. NORELL ALBANIS is an estate planning attorney, and can be reached at 239-314-2353 or by visiting albanislaw.com. NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT.
By Laura Tichy-Smith
Autumn Days at Naples City Parks Get out in the cooler fall weather to enjoy these family events sponsored by the City of Naples Community Services Department and other local organizations.
Celebration of Lights
First Friday Family Art Night
Do your kids miss the snow falling around the Christmas tree? Then bring them to Third Street South’s official launch of the holiday season running nightly Nov. 1924 (except Thanksgiving Day) from 6-9 p.m. Live music and bells resound from every courtyard and plaza as Santa arrives. Call 239-649-6707. (Third Street South & Broad Avenue, Naples)
Bring your kids (ages 8+) to the Norris Center every month and spend a fun evening together learning a new art form. In November, you’ll weave a basket. Nov. 2, 7-9:30 p.m. $30 plus $5 supply fee. Preregistration required. Call 239-213-3058. (730 8th St. S., Naples)
Venetian Village Holiday on the Bay The Village on Venetian Bay invites your family to visit on Nov. 23-24 from 5-8 p.m. for its annual holiday festivities, which include a tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 23 that is sure to delight the little kid in everyone. Call 239-961-2975. (4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples) School’s Out Fun Day for Elementary School Kids Need childcare when school is closed but you have to work? Fleischmann and River Parks have planned fun activities for your child’s day, including crafts, games, and sports. You provide lunch and snacks. Fun Day runs 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register no later than two weeks prior to the event. Nov. 21. $30 per child. Call 239-2133020. (1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples)
Holiday Workshops for Kids Your child can enjoy a themed craft workshop at Fleischmann Park. For November, the offerings are “Wild Indians” for grades K-5, Nov. 19 from 3-5 p.m.; and “Tiny Turkeys” for ages 18 months to 5 years (with adult) from 10 a.m.-noon. $20 plus $5 supply fee. Call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples) Take a Walk from The Heart Join the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk fundraiser. Nov. 3 from 8-10:30 a.m. at Cambier Park. Call 239498-9288. (755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples) Free Saturday Nature Talks Bring your children (ages 6+) and learn together how nature can flourish in the city. The Naples Preserve continues its tradition of free nature talks at 10 a.m. on Nov. 17 with “The Preserve is for the Birds.”
The Dec. 1 talk teaches about how The Naples Preserve is “Not Just for Gopher Tortoises.” Call 239-261-4290. (1690 Tamiami Tr. N.) Free Concerts at the Bandshell Enjoy free Sunday afternoon jazz concerts at 2 p.m. in Cambier Park. Gulfcoast Big Band, Nov. 4; U.S. Navy Band Commodores, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.; Naples Concert Band, Nov. 11; Naples Big Band, Nov. 18; and Naples Dixieland Jazz Society, Nov. 25. Call 239-213-3058. (755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples) Mommy/Daddy & Me Painting Enjoy painting night with your child for ages 5+. Nov. 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. $35 for one parent and child ($5 extra for day-of registration). Call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples) Parents’ Night Out With Miss Cricket At Fleischmann Park, your kids will enjoy dinner, games, and a movie while you have a night out. Nov. 16 from 6-9:30 p.m. $22 for first child, $17 for siblings with pre-registration; $27 for first child, $22 for siblings with day-of registration. Call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples)
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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
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GIVING THANKS
By Christa Melnyk Hines
11 Ways Families Can Salute a Veteran
D
uring this month of Thanksgiving, don’t forget our military service members. Many organizations offer ways to help support and show gratitude to current and retired members of the armed forces. Help a veteran, a deployed service member, and military families know that you appreciate their sacrifices. Here’s how: 1. Help an expectant military mom. Nothing relieves a soldier’s worries than knowing his family is supported back home. Soldiers’ Angels Baby Brigade is a nationwide network of individuals who sew, knit, and create gift baskets to support new and expectant mothers whose husbands are deployed. To donate, visit soldiersangels.org/Baby-Brigade-Team.html. 2. Write a letter. Remind veterans and their families that you’re thinking about them and appreciate their commitment to our nation. Write a letter to a deployed soldier, a wounded warrior, or a veteran through OperationGratitude.com or a military family through Operation Appreciation sponsored by Blue Star Families at www.bluestarfam.org. 3. Support their furry friends. Raise money to go toward fostering pets of active duty service members, wounded warriors and homeless veterans. Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet is a non-profit organization that finds qualified foster families to care for pets while soldiers are deployed or when military families transfer overseas. The foster families also care for pets whose warriors have died. 4. Contribute to Paralyzed Veterans of America. This orga-
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nization supports veterans who suffer from a spinal cord injury. Participate in one of the organization’s sporting events or fundraisers, make a monetary donation, or collect and donate needed items. For more information, visit www.pva.org. 5. Assist disabled and wounded veterans. Volunteer at your local Veterans Affairs hospital or help disabled veterans whether running errands, doing yard work, or providing transportation. Contact www.dav.org for more information. Also, check out the Wounded Warrior Project for other ways to help. 6. Help them call home. Veterans of Foreign Wars supports and assists military veterans and their families through a variety of programs, including Operation Uplink. The program enables service members and hospitalized veterans to make free calls back home to loved ones for three days each month. Go to www.VFW. com to find out how you can make a donation. 7. Aid service dogs. PAWS Assistance Dogs Naples trains dogs to serve disabled veterans. You can volunteer to help the organization by running a fundraiser; assisting with puppy training; fostering a puppy cadet; assisting with administrative tasks; or helping to spread the word about PAWS. Monetary donations are also always needed. For more information visit www.pawsassistancedogs.org. 8. Clip coupons. Don’t toss your expired coupons! Military families stationed overseas can use coupons for up to six months past the expiration dates. Visit www.coupsfortroops.com for dropNEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
off sites or to find out where to mail your coupons. 9. Donate DVDs. DVDS4Vets is a non-profit organization started by Dr. Richard Landis, an orthopedic surgeon who helped build clinics in Afghanistan, and James F. Nicholson, who served as an Air Force pilot in Korea between 1950 and 1953. Landis and Nicholson saw a need to provide basic entertainment for veterans who returned home with traumatic brain injuries and other serious wounds and were undergoing long-term rehabilitation. To donate used or new DVDs to veterans, visit www.dvds4vets.org. 10. Send a care package. Soldiers who are serving far from home look forward to receiving mail. Visit Anysoldier.com to learn how to send a letter and what is appropriate for care packages. To help support a veteran who does not have family to assist in the transition to home and civilian life, check out the Adopt a Veteran program through SoldiersAngels.org. Adopting Angel volunteers make a 12-month commitment to send a letter each week and a small gift once a month, tailored to the veteran’s specific needs. 11. Support Honor Flights. Collier County Honor Flight transports local veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service. Volunteer to act as a guardian for a veteran during the trip to Washington or simply show up to the airport when the plane lands to welcome them home. For more information, visit www.collierhonorflight.org. For more ways to thank a vet, visit www.kidsthankavet.com. Freelance journalist CHRISTA MELNYK HINES, daughter of retired USAF SMSgt. Walter Melnyk, is thankful for all of our veterans and their families for their sacrifices and service.
Photo by Deanna Sakal
Above: Community members welcome home veterans at Southwest Florida International Airport after a recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials that honor their service.
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HEALTH
By Anna Futrell
Life with PKU During the Holiday Season: One Woman’s Journey
O
ne of the first unpleasant experiences newborns suffer the belled for a period of time, which is all too common, from what I day after they are born is the heel sticks for blood to test have learned from my fellow “PKU-ers.” for several diseases. Later on, in my college years, Gabe (my now husband) enThis is how Jennifer Mazorra, 36, of Naples was diagnosed couraged me to get control of my diet so I could operate at my with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare brain-threatening genetic best. Even when I started the drug study, I had only moderate disease. PKU prohibits the body from breaking down an amino control of the diet, but was still able to function at a high level. acid (Phe) found in all How have you exnatural protein and, if not panded your diet now managed, can lead to neuthat your body can rological damage and inbreak down Phe? The tellectual impairment. Bediet is still a learning procause of the risks and the cess for me. I was telling fact that the diagnosis rea friend yesterday that I quires strict adherence to still have to work to una protein-free diet, Jenniravel my ways of thinkfer not only had to avoid ing about food; I am still meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and changing my relationship dairy her entire life, but with food. I love to cook, she also had to avoid havand now, I’m able to eat ing her own child. whole, nutritious foods. In 2014, Jennifer Our family eats a primarstarted a clinical trial for ily plant-based diet. It has Palynziq (a drug that was been a joy to incorporate approved by the FDA this foods like kale, oatmeal, year). The treatment has nuts and nut butters, all been a success, and her the vegetables I want, body is now able to break and grains, all of which I down Phe, allowing her to wasn’t able to do before. safely eat food containing Above: Jennifer and Gabe Mazorra with their son, Sebastian. I’m able to experiment protein and get pregnant. Photo by Stacy Mahlon with new recipes! I have This year, her son to keep adjusting to conSebastian (who turned one in September) will be experiencing sider healthy protein sources, and I continue to work on reducing solid holiday foods for the first time, and will share with his mom sugar intake. As a child, my mom would feed me fruit roll ups and all of the traditional holiday foods she had to avoid as a child juice before a meal to fill me up (these are Phe-free foods) so that growing up with PKU. I wouldn’t be hungry, and still stay in my allotted 300 mg of Phe Jennifer shared her unique story with Neapolitan Family. per day. I also still experience guilt when eating high-Phe foods. Tell us about your experience growing up with PKU. I am working on erasing those ideas of “cheating,” as well as the Growing up with PKU definitely had its ups and downs. In my habits I formed growing up. younger, school-aged years, it didn’t seem like a big deal. I really Describe your experience while pregnant. Were you able didn’t know any differently. In those early years, the stress and to fulfill various cravings during your pregnancy? Pregnancy burden fell mostly to my parents. The medical foods and formulas was by far the most challenging thing I have ever done, though I were very expensive, and the diet was incredibly restrictive. My did not experience any cravings for food. I was very ill and naumom felt immense pressure knowing that every morsel of food seous the whole time. My diet was so rigorous, and I was anxious that went into my mouth would ultimately impact my cognitive most of the time about the well-being of my baby based on what function, emotional function, and IQ. That’s a lot of pressure for I was consuming. a mom. Throughout my early years, I stuck to a very rigid diet. HowI became acutely aware of PKU and its limitations during ever, I never had levels [of Phe] in the most acceptable 2-6 range. birthday parties, holidays, and other celebrations that often center Because of this, I was skeptical I could achieve low levels in pregaround food. The biggest challenges were in high school. I renancy. The latest research has shown that PKU women should
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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
What is Phenylketonuria? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare condition in which a baby is born without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. Causes PKU is inherited, which means it is passed down through families. Both parents must pass on a nonworking copy of the gene in order for a baby to have the condition. Symptoms (if untreated) • Delayed mental and social skills • Head size much smaller than normal • Hyperactivity • Jerking movements of the arms or legs • Mental disability • Seizures • Skin rashes • Tremors If PKU is untreated, or if foods containing phenylalanine are eaten, the breath, skin, ear wax, and urine may have a “mousy” or “musty” odor. This odor is due to a buildup of phenylalanine substances in the body. Diagnosis PKU can be easily detected with a simple blood test. All states in the United States require a PKU screening test for all newborns as part of the newborn screening panel. The test is generally done by taking a few drops of blood from the baby before the baby leaves the hospital. complete a pre-conception period whereby they adhere to the strict diet, monitor regular levels, and work to achieve the proper range. During this three-month time, I found that I had to weigh everything I ate, which I had never done in the past. What has it been like starting to feed your son solid foods? We did genetic testing prior to Sebastian’s birth, and because we found that Gabe is not a PKU carrier, Sebastian would not be born with PKU. Both parents must be carriers in order for a baby to be born with PKU. (Sebastian is a carrier, though.) It has been such a joy feeding Sebastian! As I mentioned, I love food, cooking, and creating healthy, well-balanced meals for the family. He loves eating black bean pasta with coconut oils, homemade nut bars, papaya, bananas, mango, peaches, and berries. He is a bit picky about vegetables, and so I sneak greens into smoothies whenever I can. How is your life different than it was a few years ago? My life is so full and rich now. I feel so much better since starting Palynziq because I’ve been able to get my [PHe] levels down to a normal range. Prior to treatment, I struggled with anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog. Now, I do not. For some reason, I don’t respond to a high dose of the drug. I consume about 30 grams of protein NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Treatment PKU is a treatable disease. Treatment involves a diet that is very low in phenylalanine, particularly when the child is growing. The diet must be strictly followed. This requires close supervision by a registered dietitian or doctor, and cooperation of the parent and child. Those who continue the diet into adulthood have better physical and mental health than those who don’t stay on it. “Diet for life” has become the standard most experts recommend. Women who have PKU need to follow the diet before conception and throughout pregnancy. There are large amounts of phenylalanine in milk, eggs, and other common foods. The artificial sweetener NutraSweet (aspartame) also contains phenylalanine. Any products containing aspartame should be avoided. There are several special formulas made for infants with PKU. Older children and adults use a different formula that provides protein in the amounts they need. People with PKU need to take formula every day for their entire life. Outlook The outcome is expected to be very good if the diet is closely followed, starting shortly after the child’s birth. If treatment is delayed or the condition remains untreated, brain damage will occur. School functioning may be mildly impaired. If proteins containing phenylalanine are not avoided, PKU can lead to mental disability by the end of the first year of life. Source: University of Florida Health a day through food, which is an improvement from my previous allotment of 6 grams of protein per day. I still take the formula twice a day, but the dosage is much less than I used to take growing up. I probably will always have to take it. I will ultimately have to take the drug forever if I want to continue a semi-normal diet. And after the extension study is complete, I will go through the process of insurance approval, which may be difficult because the drug is so costly. What foods did you feel you missed out on during Thanksgiving as a child? Everything! My mom always tried to make it special and create modifications that were like the regular food. Although, I always wanted to be able to eat pumpkin pie or apple pie, but I could only eat a little of the apple filling from the pie. I also always wanted to eat mashed potatoes and gravy. I was never able to eat the good turkey gravy. What are you looking forward to enjoying at Thanksgiving this year? We’re planning to spend Thanksgiving dinner with my husband’s family. My husband is Cuban, and his family makes delicious rice and black beans. Some of my favorite foods I now get to eat include the pumpernickel bread that accompanies spinach dip. I am excited for us to eat mashed potatoes together, too! neafamily.com
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MOMentum Moms
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n November, we honor our country’s veterans and prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving. As an Honor Flight guardian, MOMentum Mom Amber Phillips celebrates veterans all year long and provides turkeys for hundreds of people in our community to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal affordable for their families. Born in Ohio, but raised in Naples, Amber is a self-taught chef and owner of Sage Events Gluten Free Kitchen, Catering, and Meal Delivery Service. She also owns Sage Kitchen and
plans and officiates weddings through her other business, Sand Dollar Weddings. Amber is a single mom who lives with her 16-year-old daughter Meadow and two pups named Wiggles and LuLu. How did you get involved in Honor Flight? Editor’s note: Honor Flight is an organization that treats veterans to a day in Washington, D.C., to visit all of the war monuments. Back in 2015, I went to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to greet the veterans coming home from their Honor Flight.
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The veterans were crying and thanking us for being there. My Grandpa was a World War II veteran and I would have given anything for him to experience this. I was so touched and humbled by the experience that I signed up to be a guardian on a flight. My first flight was in 2015 with Korean War veteran Carol. My second flight was in 2016 with Korean War veteran Harry and I just completed my third flight with Korean War veteran Tony. What is the Honor Flight day like? I pick up my veteran the day of the flight at 3:15 a.m. We drive to the Naples Airport and depart via bus with a police escort and a motorcycle group (like Guardian Angels) to RSW. As our plane taxis before takeoff, we get a fire truck water salute. We help the veterans board and exit the buses and planes and push them all over Washington, D.C. We make sure they use sunscreen, are hydrated and fed, and have all their medications. Our sole purpose is to make sure they have an awesome and safe day. Tell us about your other community service roles. I am very active with PACE Center for Girls in Immokalee. I started volunteering at some fundraisers a couple of years ago and decided that I wanted to be more involved. In 2018, I was named the PACE volunteer of the year. I knew then that my heart belongs here. I was nominated for the PACE board of directors and was inducted this past summer. For the past six years, my company has run the Annual Sage Turkey Drive at Thanksgiving. We started out donating 10-20 turkeys to families and organizations in need. Now we donate, with the help of the community, almost 300 turkeys annually! Editor’s note: At press time, Amber packed and sent a truck loaded with donated supplies to the areas affected by Hurricane Michael. What is something that would surprise us about the veterans? I find it amazing that the veterans are so humble. When they returned from their respective wars, they simply came home and went back to work. There was no parade for their return and they weren’t honored as heroes. The fact these soldiers saw so much pain and suffering, yet cry when they are welcomed home from their Honor Flight is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. So much emotion has been locked away, but it comes out instantly on a flight. They are our heroes.
Facing page: Amber Phillips with veteran Anton Zeman during a Honor Flight. Photo by Deanna Sakal Above: Amber Phillips with her daughter, Meadow. What is a typical day for your family? I am up at 5 a.m. to get the pups out, make lunch for my daughter, and get her to high school. I can be at work anywhere from 8-20 hours. Most Tuesday nights, I try to have date night with my daughter. I never have weekends off with this business, but if I am able to sneak away, I am always up for a good music festival and checking out great food. Do you think your community service helps to make you a better parent? Absolutely – it keeps life in perspective. When you help another person, you see what they are going through, you see their struggles, and you realize how grateful you should be and instill that blessing of knowledge and gratitude onto your kids. What are your biggest challenges right now as a mom? Balance. Trying to balance all facets of a business and raise a beautiful, respectful young lady as a single parent – it’s not for the faint of heart!
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NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH
By Jo Ann Talpey
Digesting Diabetes Jo Ann Talpey is a certified diabetes educator and directs the Naples Area Diabetes Education Program for the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida. For National Diabetes Month, Jo Ann answers your questions about the main diabetes types and their treatment. What is diabetes? Seven types of diabetes are known to exist, but the most prevalent are: prediabetes, type II diabetes, type I diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes is a serious health condition in which a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be classified as type II diabetes. Without weight loss (for those overweight), healthy eating, and moderate physical activity, many people living with prediabetes will go on to develop type II diabetes. Type I diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune illness where the immune system develops antibodies to pancreas cells, causing the cells to stop producing insulin. Most experts think the antibodies form after the person has a viral infection. It comes on very dramatically with high blood sugar levels in the 500-1,500 range, weight loss, frequent urination, and fatigue and requires immediate treatment with insulin. Parents of children with T1D must learn how to give insulin injections and how to treat low blood sugars with glucose tabs or other liquid sugar drinks such as juice or soda. High-tech devices such as insulin delivery pumps can be used instead of insulin injections, and continuous glucose monitoring devices have software that allows the parent to monitor (computer/ phone apps) their child while at school, participating in sports, or sleeping. Summer camps through the American Diabetes Association and Help a Diabetic Child Foundation are available for kids with T1D to learn various skills and manage their own disease while having fun. Good communication with the school nurse also is critical. A parent of a child with T1D often fears long-term complications of uncontrolled blood sugars and the potential for life-threat-
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ening low blood sugar. T1D can be an exhausting 24-hour-a-day condition for a parent to watch over. For support and resources, including help with obtaining insulin and supplies, go to jdfr.org/ southgulfcoast, HelpaDiabeticChild.org, and diabetes.org. Type II diabetes (T2D) has a gradual onset. Symptoms may include thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite. Insulin resistance, the hallmark of T2D, is thought to be caused by the presence of fat within the muscle or fat cell wall, disabling insulin’s ability to open the cell to allow sugar to pass into the cell to produce energy. It is controlled through diet, physical activity, and the use of medications to lower blood sugar levels or decrease insulin resistance. When not managed well, diabetes can lead to loss of vision, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations of extremities, and premature death. If you are concerned that you may have T2D, you may request a referral from your provider to a certified diabetes educator, and take the brief test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Gestational diabetes (GDM) usually occurs during the last few months of the pregnancy. Symptoms are thirst, increased appetite, tiredness, and frequent urination. An obstetrician or midwife will order glucose tests during the first and fifth month of pregnancy, and if the results are elevated, usually will refer the woman with GDM to a dietician, certified diabetes educator, or both. GDM often managed with a low carbohydrate diet and at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly; however, sometimes insulin is needed to keep blood sugars within a healthy range. After delivery, the mother’s blood sugar may go back to normal, but GDM increases a woman’s risk of having T2D up to 50% within the following 10 years. How can I know if I am or someone I know is at risk for diabetes? The main risk factor for T1D is a family history of T1D. People are at risk for prediabetes and T2D if they: • are overweight; • are 45 years or older; • have a family history of T2D; • are physically active less than three times a week; • have had GDM; • have given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds; • are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk). Women are at risk for GDM if they: • had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy; • have given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds; • are overweight; • are 25 years or older; • have a family history of T2D; • have polycystic ovary syndrome; • are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. For more information, go to diabetes.org. NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
FAMILY LAW
By Sarah Oquendo
Adopting Through Foster Care
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ovember is Florida Adoption Month and November 17 is National Adoption Day. This month received that designation in our state two years ago, with the goal of educating Floridians about the process of adoption and to highlight the number of amazing children available for adoption throughout the state of Florida. In 2017 alone, 3,692 children in Florida found their forever families. Similarly, National Adoption Day is a collective, national effort to raise awareness of more than 117,000 children in foster care waiting for their permanent families. There are a number of benefits of adopting children through the Department of Children and Families foster care system. For example, adoption from foster care costs very little for the adopting families. Parents are required to attend adoptive parent training classes and are subject to a home study, but those are both provided free of charges. Additionally, court fees and costs may be paid by the Department of Children and Families if the family cannot afford them. In contrast, private adoptions may cost upwards of $30,000. Second, children adopted through foster care are eligible for free tuition at any of Florida’s state universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. This benefit continues until the child is 28 years old. This is an important benefit to anyone
who is considering adopting an older child. Children adopted through private adoption are not granted this benefit.
Third, families that adopt through foster care are eligible to receive a monthly subsidy to help offset ongoing costs of raising the child until he or she is 18 years old. The amount is determined on a caseby-case basis and depends on the unique needs of the individual child. In addition, all of the children who receive a monthly subsidy are eligible to receive Medicaid until they are 18 years old. If either of the parents who are adopting the child is a state employee, the family is also eligible to receive a one-time lump sum payment of $10,000 for a special needs child and $5,000 for a non-special needs child. Lastly, all families who adopt chil-
dren, either privately or through foster care, are eligible for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. The Federal Adoption Tax Credit helps offset the high cost of adoption and allows more families to afford adoption. The credit applies to all types of adoption (except for step-parent adoptions). Families who adopt children with special needs (i.e., adopted through foster care) can claim the maximum credit regardless of whether they have qualified adoption expenses. The adoption tax credit is not a refundable credit, which means taxpayers can only get the credit if they have federal income tax liability. Adoption provides a special opportunity to change the life of a child and enrich the life of the family who is lucky enough to welcome that child into their home. For more information regarding adoption through foster care, visit floridafapa.org and adoptflorida.org. If you are considering adoption, an experienced family law attorney can assist in you in the process. SARAH OQUENDO is a marital and family law attorney with Coleman, Hazzard, Taylor, Klaus, Doupé & Diaz, PA. Visit CHTlegal.com or call 239-298-5200.
Covenant Church of Naples Mom’s Morning Out Providing a loving environment for children while offering parents and caregivers a needed break
Session 3 starts November 12 Mon & Wed or Tues & Thu (one-day option available) 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ages 2-4 years by Jan. 1
6926 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL
239.597.3464 Visit www.covenantnaples.com/Moms-Morning-Out NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Hurry! Space is limited. neafamily.com
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monday
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9:00 a.m. Car Seat Safety Inspections. Safe Kids and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County hold regular car seat safety inspections. Florida Department of Health, 3339 Tamiami Tr. E., Bldg. H, Naples. Call 239-565-8371 or check safekids.org.
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10:00 a.m. Veterans Day Ceremony. The Collier County Veterans Council hosts its traditional Veterans Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239370-5428 or visit www. naplesgov.com.
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6:00 p.m. Minecraft Club. A safe and productive place for your children to stretch their minds and skills, relate to other kids, and create in Minecraft. Ages 6-12. Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Check www. fullsteamaheadfl.com or call 239-451-3142.
sunday
10:00 a.m. Toddler Time. A time for little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, without interference from the big kids. Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 14181 S. Tamiami Tr., Fort Myers. Visit www. fortmyersstore.skyzone. com. 4
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3:30 p.m. Smile! A Visit with The Tooth Fairy. Enjoy a story, activities, and learn how to take care of your teeth. Ages 4-7. Registration required. Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org.
tuesday
November
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5:30 p.m. Tiny Food Thanksgiving. Join us for a miniature holiday feast where you can be the chef. Ages 6-11. Registration required. Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit collierlibrary.org.
4:00 & 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Art Class. Ages 2-4 at 4:00 p.m., ages 5-12 at 5:00 p.m. All materials included in class price. Sibling discounts. Includes free play before and after. InPlay Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239963-9716 or visit www. inplayfamilyfun.com. 7
wednesday
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7:00 p.m. Youth Fall Play-Stuart Little. An endearing classic about a mouse named Stuart who is born into an ordinary New York family. Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org.
9:00 a.m. America Recycles Day. Buy one get one free entrance today to promote the importance of recycling for our economy and environment. Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check www.rookerybay.org.
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10:00 a.m. Le Leche League Monthly Meeting. For all breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding. Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Visit LLLsunshinestate.org.
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10:00 a.m. Cooking: Thankful Thanksgivings. Learn dozens of tips to ensure that your Thanksgiving meal is a success. Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary. org.
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10:00 a.m. Junior Ranger Program. Discover and learn about plants, animals, and other secrets of the park. Ideal for children ages 6-12. Parental presence required. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check friendsofkoreshan. org/events. 17
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11:30 a.m. Madagascar: A Musical Adventure. It’s time to “Move it! Move it!” and bring the whole family to a matinee through Nov. 16. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check BroadwayPalm.com.
12:00 p.m. Fall Community Day and Halloween Concert. Art and activities for all ages. Free activities include live music, hands-on art experiences, and access to the galleries. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Visit artis-naples. org. 4:00 p.m. Life-Size Candy Land. Dress up and experience a life-size Candy Land adventure. Kids will journey through candy worlds and participate in games and activities. Grow Church Naples, 15300 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-304-5483 or check growchurch.com.
6:00 p.m. Golden Gate Fall Carnival. Enjoy rides and your favorite carnival food and treats. Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-4180 or check colliercountyfl.gov.
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saturday
friday
thursday
Best Bets
9:30 a.m. Zoo Yoga. Start your day with an animal-themed yoga class designed for all ages. You will breathe, stretch, and relax in nature. Naples Zoo, 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.
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7:30 p.m. White Christmas. Through Dec. 23. Based on the beloved and timeless film, this heartwarming musical features the Irving Berlin classics “White Christmas,” and “Blue Skies.” Naples Players, Blackburn Hall, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples. Visit naplesplayers.org.
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7:30 a.m. School’s Out Fun Day for Elementary School Kids. Need childcare when school is closed but you have to work? Fleischmann Park and River Park have got you covered. Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Call 239-213-3020.
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3:30 p.m. Teen Library Group. Participate in creating programs that are just for you. Ages 13-17. Registration is not required. Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-657-2882.
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9:00 a.m. First Day of Christmas Tree Sales. Christmas trees from 3-12 feet tall will be sold starting today until they are gone. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave., N.E., Naples. Visit colliercountyfair.com or call 239-455-1444.
5:00 p.m. Venetian Village Holiday on the Bay. Tree lighting ceremony, free photos with Santa, Dickens-period carolers, a snow show, face painting, stories with Mrs. Claus, and more. Venetian Village, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. Visit venetianvillage.com or call 239-261-6100. 24
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Happy kids. Sparkly smiles.
5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’mon. For children on the autism spectrum and/or with other sensory integration disorders. Lighting and sound are muted and cool down spaces are provided. C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239514-0084 or check www. cmon.org. 27
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Dusk. Movies on the Lawn: The Last Jedi. Bring your blankets and chairs and join us on the lawn. Food and drinks available for purchase. No coolers, please. Wellbehaved pets welcome. Mercato, 9132 Strada Pl., Naples. Check mercatoshops.com.
Try it at our office.
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5:00 p.m. Pizza & Game Night. Bring your friends, eat pizza, and play games for a fun night out. Ages 11-17 years. Registration required. Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit collierlibrary.org.
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6:00 p.m. Celebration of Lights. Kick off this holiday season as the mayor lights the official Christmas tree and the snow falls. Ice sculpting, ballet, and musical performances. Visit thirdstreetsouth.com.
11:30 a.m. Elf The Musical. Follow Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check BroadwayPalm.com.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
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YOUR COMMUNITY NOVEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS: To submit your event for both our online and print calendars, go to the Calendar at neafamily.com and follow the instructions for inputting event information. The deadline for print calendar events is the 12th of the month preceding publication. You can submit events anytime for the online calendar. Note: Please check dates and times before attending events. As we do not enter all calendar data, we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Piano
1 THURSDAY Library Hours. Teen Activity Corner & Kindness Wall. All month. One act of kindness goes a long way. Help us display a wall of kindness in the children’s department by decorating hearts, flowers, and butterflies. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Branch Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary. org for additional information. 10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Mini Wonders. It’s toddler fun and activities dedicated to our little learners 5 and under. Now featuring two workshops every Thursday. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org. 10:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. ¡Celebremos Dia de los Muertos! For 9 months to Pre-K at 10:30 a.m., listen to a picture book celebrating families, learn the history of Dia de los Muertos, watch the movie Coco, and decorate your own paper craft mask. Ages 11-17 at 4:30 p.m. will spend the afternoon celebrating your families, sharing your traditions, and learning the history of Dia de los Muertos. Watch Coco and decorate your own calavera. Located at East Naples Branch Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org. 10:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time. Join us for stories, activities and an art project for children ages 3-5 years. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org.
Theatre
2:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at Golden Gate Senior Center, 4898 Coronado Pkwy., Naples. Visit mealsofhope.org or call 239-537-7775. 3:00 p.m. Brass Superheroes. This program will demonstrate each brass instrument’s “super power” using music like 76 Trombones, Flight of the Bumblebee and more. Ages 3 years to adult. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org for additional information. 4:00 p.m. Ready to Code. Every Thursday. Free after-school program for grades 6-12. Use computer science to impact your community and join a group of supportive peers and role models. Learn to code and have fun in the process. Middle school age and older. Registration is required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239252-5128 or visit collierlibrary.org. 5:00 p.m. Parent Cafe. Offers useful information and an opportunity to create connections and share experiences. A light dinner of pizza, salad, and drinks will be served. Located at South Regional Branch Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542. 6:00 p.m. Fall Carnival. Enjoy rides and your favorite carnival food and treats. Located at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-4180 or check colliercountyfl. gov for additional information.
Vocals
Sign Up for 2018-2019 Performing Arts Classes Class Instruction in piano, brass, percussion, guitar, dance and theatre. Private Lessons Offered.
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Contact us for more information! regan.love@uss.salvationarmy.org (239) 210-4008 NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
6:00 p.m. Dog’s Night Out. Bring your four-legged furry friends to play at this special event, including rescue organizations and vendors. Located at Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Dr., Estero. Call 239-992-9966.
2 FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. Be a Knight for the Day. The Village School of Naples invites children grades K-11 to sit in on a typical TVS day. Space is limited. Located at TVS, 6000 Goodlette Rd., Naples. Call 239-593-7686 or email sbeckner@tvsnaples.org. 9:00 a.m. Find It Fridays. Kids enjoy a scavenger hunt all day. Ask for more details at the ticket counter. Located at Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-2591 or visit evergladeswondergardens.com. 10:00 a.m. Fred Fridays. Focuses on the positive messages incorporated in the Excellence in Education of Spirit, Mind and Body since 1956! classic kids show Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Stories, games, activities, crafts, and episode clips. Ages 3-6 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, Excellence in STREAM-integrated education of curriculum spirit, mind • Challenging 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit collierlibrary.org. andTechnology, body since (Science, Religion,1956! Engineering, Arts, Math) 10:30 a.m. Madagascar: A Musical Adventure. It’s time to “Move it! Move it!” and bring the whole family for selected matinees through Nov. 16. Located at • Safe, family community Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278LITTLE PEOPLE’S • Faith, values, andSCHOOL service • For 2-5 year olds 4422 or check BroadwayPalm.com. 868 94th Ave. N, • Competitive athletics Naples 239-597-5064 4:00 p.m. Family Night. Every Friday night from 4-7 p.m. Admission is $7 per • Music, Band, Fine Arts, Foreign Language child. Located at Whiz Kids, 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Visit whizkidsnaples. com or call 239-263-7017. • 1:1 iPad program 4:00 p.m. Life-Size Candy Land. Also on Saturday at 8:30 a.m., and the firstwww.stann.net • Gifted, Honors, and Resource Programs ~ facebook.com/SaintAnnSchool hour is sensory-friendly. Dress up and experience a life-size Candy Land adven• Blue Zone certified ture. Kids will journey through candy worlds and participate in games and activiGive yourS. child gift of a Catholic education. 542 Eighth Avenue ~ the Naples, FL 34102 ties. And yes, there will be TONS of candy. Preregister to avoid long lines. Located at Grow Church Naples, 15300 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-304-5483 or Scholarships Available. check growchurch.com for additional information. www.stann.net 5:30 p.m. Mommy/Daddy & Me Painting Afternoon. Ages 5+. Call 239-213facebook.com/SaintAnnSchool 3020 to secure your spot and save $5. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleis- • Challenging STREAM-integrated curriculum 542 Eighth Avenue S., Naples, FL 34102 chmann Dr., Naples. Visit muralistica.com. (Science, Tech., Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) 7:00 p.m. First Friday Family Art Night (ages 8+). Spend a fun evening as a LittlePeoplesSchool.info family learning a new art form. In November, you’ll weave a basket. $30 plus $5 • Safe, family community supply fee. Located at Norris Center, 755 8th St. S., Naples. • Faith, values and service 7:00 p.m. Supervised Drop-off Open Gym Ages 5-13. Drop off your child • Competitive athletics or stay and watch. $10. Located at Gymnastic World Naples, 2187 Trade Center • Music, Band, Fine Arts, Foreign Language Way, Naples. Visit gwnaples.com or call 239-592-0608.
Grades PK3 thru 8 • Call (239) 262-4110 for a tour.
Call for a tour ~ (239) 262-4110 Grades PK3 thru 8
• Top Rated VPK • Preschool Classes • Summer Camp
3 SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. Tin Can Tourist Vintage RV Show. Vintage RVs are on display for the public to view and explore. Located at Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311. 8:45 a.m. Additional Needs Bounce Session. This is a sensory friendly event. Bounce is closed to the general public. Music is at a low volume or not played at all. Children are safe and monitored both by parents and Bounce monitors. Located at Bounce Naples, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-302-3848 or check additionalneeds.info or bouncenaples.com. 9:00 a.m. Free Admission. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month at the Naples Zoo for Collier County residents with ID. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org. 9:00 a.m. Kids Workshops. Build a military helicopter in this Veterans Dayfocused workshop. Recommended for ages 5-12. Located at Home Depot, 2251 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-1515 or check www.homedepot.com. 10:00 a.m. 70th Anniversary Swamp Buggy Parade. This annual Naples tradition features local celebrities and dignitaries, marching and string bands, pageant winners, dance troupes, floats, antique cars, cartoon characters, and our famous Racing Swamp Buggies. Call 239-774-2701 or visit www.naplesgov.com. 10:30 a.m. WONDER in the Garden. Every Saturday and Sunday, imagine, create, and explore with lessons and activities about a monthly theme. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Visit www.naplesgarden.org. 12:00 p.m. Fall Community Day and Halloween Concert. Come explore the Artis-Naples campus with art and activities for all ages. Free activities include live music, hands-on art experiences, and access to the galleries. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Visit artis-naples.org. 1:00 p.m. Kids Yoga. The class will contain fun yoga poses as well as music,
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
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arts & crafts, and stories for kids ages 5-10. Located at Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr. N., #204, Naples. Call 239-692-9747 or check loveyogacenter.com. 1:00 p.m. Autism Spectrum Playgroup. Open to ages 5-16. $10 per child. Children must respond to verbal direction, be potty trained, not require one-onone supervision, and engage in minimal aggressive behavior. Located at Christ Community Church, 4050 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-910-0712 or visit www.fi-florida.org for additional information. 2:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Craft. Get an early start on your Thanksgiving decorations. Ages 5 to 11 years. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Visit collierlibrary.org for additional information. 2:00 p.m. Books & Bites: Monthly Teen Book Club. Meet new friends, eat snacks, and discuss great books. This month, no assigned reading or one specific book to read; just bring a book you have read that you want to talk about. Ages 1117 years. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Branch Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542.
10:00 a.m. Southwest Florida Diabetes & Wellness Conference. An entire day of educational and professional speakers, research, vendors, demonstrations, and support. Located at FSW Collier Campus, 7505 Grand Lely Dr., Naples. Visit www.SWFLDiabetes.com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Toddler Time. Wednesdays & Sundays. A time for little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, without interference from the big kids. Located at Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 14181 S. Tamiami Tr., Fort Myers. Visit fortmyersstore.skyzone.com. 3:45 p.m. Family Yoga. Yoga class uniquely designed for pre-teens, teens, and adults to spend time together on their mats. Located at Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr. N. #204, Naples. Call 239-692-9747 or check loveyogacenter.com.
5 MONDAY 9:00 a.m. International Games Week. Play all week. Ask the staff at the Adult or Youth Services desk for a list of games to borrow and play in the library while you are visiting. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-533-4400 or visit leegov.com/library. 9:30 a.m. Music Together. An interactive musical experience designed for young children and their caregivers. Registration required. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-533-4400 or visit leegov.com/library. 11:00 a.m. Pie Baking Made Easy. We won’t be baking a pie, but through hands-on demonstrations and pre-baked samples, you will learn tips and techniques to make delicious pastry. Ages 12+. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org. 3:00 p.m. Good News Club. A free after-school program that runs on Mondays after school until 4:15 p.m. Located at Pelican Marsh, 1810 Persimmon Dr., Naples. Call 239-404-8528 or check goodnewsincollier.com for other locations and start dates in Collier County. 3:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Located at Lely Presbyterian Church, 110 St. Andrews Blvd., Naples. Check mealsofhope.org or call 239-537-7775. 4:00 p.m. Make Music with Scratch. We’ll show you how to make music on our library iPads using Scratch. Ages 5-9 years. Registration required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org. 4:30 p.m. Pups & Books. Stop by to read to a pup or just pet one. The service dogs-in-training are provided by PAWS Assistance and Therapy dogs. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at East Naples Branch Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-775-5592. 6:00 p.m. Art Classes for Kids. Ages 5-12. Fun projects with acrylic on canvases, watercolor, collages, mixed media, and much more. Sign up ahead of time so that we have enough materials for your child. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Dr., Naples. Visit muralistica.com or call 786-374-6002. 6:00 p.m. Minecraft Club. Every Monday. If your child loves Minecraft and you want them to have a safe and productive place to stretch their minds and skills, relate to other kids, and of course, create in Minecraft, this is the club for your family. Ages 6-12. Located at Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Check fullsteamaheadfl.com or call 239-451-3142 or email info@ fullsteamaheadfl.com.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
6 TUESDAY 8:00 a.m. Dogs in the Garden. Explore the beautiful Naples Botanical Garden and bring your best fur friend along during designated Dogs in the Garden Walk Days. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Check www.naplesgarden.org. 10:00 a.m. Magnificent Manatees. Also Nov. 8. For ages 18 months to 5 years. Multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and crafts. Meet ambassador animals and explore the entire campus. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org. 10:00 a.m. Preschool Open Gym. Bring your children ages 6 and under, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. $9. Located at Gymnastic World, 2187 Trade Center Way, Naples. Call 239-592-0608 or check gwnaples.com. 10:00 a.m. Storytime with Miss Mary Ellen. A toddler favorite. Join us for reading, singing, and coloring in a fun-filled atmosphere of learning and lots of laughter. Be sure to ask about the little green frog song. All ages. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Check stores.barnesandnoble.com. 10:30 a.m. Family Story Time and Craft. Come and join other parents and their children for stories, songs, and crafts. All ages are welcome. Located at Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org. 1:00 p.m. Beading for the Season. Enjoy an afternoon of an easy beading craft project. Located at East Naples Branch Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org. 3:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Check mealsofhope.org or call 239-537-7775. 4:00 p.m. DIY Ice Cream. Come cool off with an after school treat as we discover how to make ice cream. Ages 12-17. Registration is required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5128 or visit collierlibrary.org. 4:00 p.m. Pretty Deadly: Toxic Plants and Your Pets. Learn what common plants in SW Florida are toxic to our pets and what alternatives are either less toxic
or non-toxic. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Chess Instruction, K-12. Join Antonio, as he shares his skills at chess with students entering K-12. Only for beginner players. Enjoy open chess with other beginning players on the remaining Tuesday nights. Space is limited to the first 24 walk-in students. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check collierlibrary.org or call 239- 593-0870 for additional information.
7 WEDNESDAY 9:00 a.m. Pee Wee Play Dates. Wednesdays. Ages 9 months to pre-K. Children and their caretakers are invited to a play date. Have fun with our toys and games and listen to music. Drop-in program, no registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check collierlibrary.org. 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Crafts. Kids from toddlers to 12 are invited to participate in fun activities in WINK Playland. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check www.miromaroutlets.com. 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Art Class. Ages 2-4 at 4 p.m. and ages 5-12 at 5 p.m. All materials included in class price. Sibling discounts. All classes include free play before and after. Call InPlay to register at 239-963-9716. Located at InPlay Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples.
8 THURSDAY 10:00 a.m. Cooking: Thankful Thanksgivings. Learn dozens of tips to ensure that your Thanksgiving meal is a success. Located at Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Ghost Rider Tram Tours. $25 per person most Thursdays in November and December and are named for the famous ghost orchid found in the park. Located at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, 137 Coastline Dr., Copeland. Call 239-567-7919 or visit www.floridastateparks.org.
SM
Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Music. Enrichment
After School Programs
NEW LOCATION
NEW PROGRAMS
SAME AMAZING EXPERIENCE
STEM Clubs
STEAM Teams
Home School
Free Explore
Robotics
3D Printing
Coding
Space Physics
Drones
Engineering
Art
Piano
Ukulele
...and more!
WE’VE MOVED!
FIND US ONLINE
(239) 451 - 3142 Info@Fullsteamaheadfl.com www.Fullsteamaheadfl.com
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Montessori Naples @ Hodges University 2655 Northbrooke Dr, Naples FL
NEW ASP Transportation from:
Laurel Oak Elementary* Vineyards Elementary*
Pelican Marsh Veteran’s Memorial
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2:00 p.m. Story Time: The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. The warm and funny story of the four Plumb siblings about to inherit their nest egg. Located at Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org.
9 FRIDAY 10:00 a.m. Le Leche League Monthly Meeting. All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are welcome to attend or call one of our leaders for breastfeeding help. Located at Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Visit LLLsunshinestate.org. 11:00 a.m. Smile! A Visit with The Tooth Fairy. Enjoy a story, activities, and learn how to take care of your teeth. Ages 4-7. Registration required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-657-2882. 12:00 p.m. Veterans Day Cruise. Free cruises for members of the U.S. military through Monday. Located at Pure Florida at Tin City, 1200 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-4949 or check www.purefl.com for additional information. 5:30 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. Ages 2.5-11 years. Join us for a evening full of laughter, surprises, activity, and great friends. Located at My Gym, 13020 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-431-6499 or check www.mygym.com. 6:00 p.m. PJ Party Parents’ Night Out. Ages 4-12. Kiddos will be able to play in the bounce houses, play games, eat popcorn, and watch a movie. Located at Whiz Kids Naples, 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-263-7017 or check www. whizkidsnaples.com for additional information.
10 SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. Sensory Friendly Screenings. Lights are up, sound is down, and you are totally free to move around! The Grinch. Film titles subject to change. Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Check www. paragontheaters.com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Montessori Open House. Come see us in our new home! Or call to
UnitedHealthcare DECEMBER 15, 2018 8:00 AM 5K START
schedule a private tour. Located at Montessori Academy of Naples, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Check www.naplesmontessori.org or call 239-597-2255. 10:00 a.m. Want to Have Your Own Burrowing Owl? Burrowing owl habitat is rapidly disappearing on Marco Island. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Visit collierlibrary.org. 12:00 p.m. Mini Moo Petting Zoo. Pet and feed a variety of animals. Possible appearances by: sheep, goats, a pot belly pig, rabbits, ducks, chickens, and even a calf. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5128 or visit collierlibrary.org. 12:00 p.m. November Project of the Month. Sign your kiddo up for an artistic afternoon of fun, painting an adorable owl door hanger, complete with fall colors and glitter. Located at Whiz Kids, 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-2637017 or check www.whizkidsnaples.com for additional information. 2:00 p.m. Gratitude Leaves Ornament Making. We will be working with polymer clay creating fall leaf ornaments with one word expressions of what we are thankful for. Apple cider and fall cookies will be served. Ages 11-17 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit collierlibrary.org for additional information. 3:00 p.m. Teen Film - Solo: A Star Wars Story. During an adventure into a dark criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future. Located at South Regional Branch Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542. 7:00 p.m. Free Concert at Cambier Park. Jazz is America’s music and the U.S. Navy Band Commodores has been performing the very best of big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for over 40 years. Naples. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples.
11 SUNDAY All Day. Free Small Popcorn for Veterans. A free small popcorn for all veterans (and family members) who show a military ID in gratitude for their service to our country. Located at Paragon Pavilion, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check www.paragontheaters.com.
Girls on the Run 5K and fund raiser
Community School of Naples 13275 Livingston Road
Register online: GOTRSWFL.org/5K Thank you to our 5K sponsors:
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Join us for a fun, festive, holiday-themed 5K! Open to the public. Runners, families and friends invited. On-site Registration 7:00 AM | Kids Santa Sprint at 7:45 AM Pre-Event 5K Registration: Adults $25, Students $15, Kids Sprint NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
8:45 a.m. Additional Needs Bounce Session. This is a sensory friendly event. Bounce is closed to the general public. Music is at a low volume or not played at all. Children are safe and monitored both by parents and Bounce monitors. Located at Bounce Naples, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-302-3848 or check additionalneeds.info or bouncenaples.com. 10:00 a.m. Veterans Day Ceremony. The Collier County Veterans Council hosts its traditional Veterans Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-370-5428 or visit www.naplesgov.com. 1:00 p.m. Bark for Life. Come out for a great day of fun, pet-friendly afternoon in support of the American Cancer Society. Located at Mercato Shops, 9132 Strada Pl. Naples. Visit www.mercatoshops.com for additional information. 2:00 p.m. Free Concert at the Bandshell. Naples Concert Band. Bring a blanket and the entire family. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239270-1221 or check naplesconcertband.org.
Miguel Argumosa, DMD., Erin M. Taylor, DMD, Nicole Eastham, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists
Three Locations to Serve You. BONITA SPRINGS
9510 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 101
239.333.2990
CAPE CORAL
1508 S.E. 12th Terrace
239.322.5222
PORT CHARLOTTE
3872 Tamiami Trail, Unit D&E
941.391.8090
12 MONDAY 9:00 a.m. Car Seat Safety Inspections. On the second Monday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon, Safe Kids and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County hold regular car seat safety inspections. Located at Florida Department of Health, 3339 Tamiami Tr. E., Bldg. H, Naples. Call 239-565-8371 or check safekids.org.
13 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Safari Squad. Also Nov. 14 & 17. This month’s theme is “We Like to Move It, Move It”. Crawling, flying, swimming, and slithering. Animals move in so many ways! Come move with us. Age 3-5. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Visit napleszoo.org for additional information. 3:00 p.m. Kindness Rocks Project. Created to spread inspiration and motivation for unsuspecting recipients by painting rocks and randomly tucking them into the world. 90 minutes. Registration required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Branch Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org. 3:30 p.m. Kindness Club. Join us at the library on World Kindness Day to create kindness in our community. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. 3:30 p.m. Smile! A Visit with The Tooth Fairy. Enjoy a story, activities, and learn how to take care of your teeth. Ages 4-7. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org. 6:15 p.m. Beads, Boards, and Bindings. We will be weaving with nature. Have a favorite feather, shell, or stone? Add it to your weaving. All materials will be supplied. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Visit leegov.com/library.
14 WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. Color Me Amazing Wednesday. Join us for a fun and relaxing hour of coloring intricate designs and patterns while listening to soothing music. Located at East Naples Branch Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org. 4:00 p.m. Lego Club. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Test out your wheeled creation on our super-fast test track. Bricks will be provided and your creation will be put on display. Ages 5-11. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org. 5:30 p.m. Tiny Food Thanksgiving. Join us for a miniature holiday feast where you can be the chef. Ages 6-11. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit collierlibrary.org.
15 THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. America Recycles Day. Buy one get one free admission to promote the importance of recycling for our economy and environment. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or visit www.rookerybay.org. 10:00 a.m. iPad Basics. New to iPads? This class teaches basic iPad vocabulary, navigation, and features. For beginners only. Bring your own iPad. Located at Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org for additional information.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
Most Insurances Accepted
A lifelong joy of learning, An education for life. INFANT * TODDLER CHILDREN’S HOUSE * VPK ELEMENTARY
Come see us in our new home at
2655 Northbrooke Drive Saturday, November 10, 2018 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
or
Call to schedule a private tour
239-597-2255
More information can be found on our website
www.naplesmontessori.org 2655 Northbrooke Drive, Naples, Florida 34119 License #C20CO0132
Daily hours from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. neafamily.com
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NAPLESZOO.ORG
years as a garden
BRINGING GENERATIONS CLOSER. CLOSER TO ANIMALS. CLOSER TO NATURE. CLOSER TO FAMILY.
Traveling Exhibit
years as a zoo
Naples Zoo is proud to showcase “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea”. This traveling art exhibit will feature eleven larger-than-life marine animal sculptures made entirely of plastics found along beaches. Visit Naples Zoo to learn how you can make a difference for our waters today!
11/17/18 - 4/21/19
Free with paid Zoo admission.
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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
4:00 p.m. Food 101: Mug It Edition. Microwave chocolate cake in a mug. All you need to make this work is a mug, ingredients, and a microwave. It’s quick and easy. Ages 11-17 years. Located at Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org for additional information. 5:00 p.m. Third Thursday on Third Street South. Live music in the Fleischmann Courtyard. Located at 1250 Third St. S., Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check www. napleschamber.org for additional information. 7:00 p.m. PFLAG Support Group Meeting. The Naples chapter of PFLAG (Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets on the third Thursday of each month. Visit pflagnaples.org or call 239-963-4670 for location.
16 FRIDAY 6:00 p.m. Coconut Point’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Holiday spectacular tree lighting to kick off the season. Entertainment, special offers, and much more. Located at Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Dr., Estero. Call 239-992-9966 or visit simon.com/mall/coconut-point. 6:00 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. Want a Friday night out? Miss Cricket, the gymnastics and after-school instructor at Fleischmann Park, has got you covered. Dinner, games, and a big screen movie. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Call 239-213-3020. 6:30 p.m. Buddy Break Respite Program for Kids With Special Needs. Threehour monthly session of free respite care for children with special needs and their siblings. Every third Friday. Pre-registration required. Located at Naples Seventh-day Adventist Church, 5050 Davis Blvd., Naples. Call 239-272-8031 or check www. facebook.com/BuddyBreakNaples. 7:00 p.m. Youth Fall Play-Stuart Little. Performances through Sunday. An endearing classic about a mouse named Stuart who is born into an ordinary New York family. Located at Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check www.artcenterbonita.org.
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17 SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. Junior Ranger Program. Discover and learn about plants, animals, and other secrets of the park. Meet in the picnic area. Ideal for children ages 6-12. Parental presence required. Located at Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check friendsofkoreshan.org/events. 10:00 a.m. Free Saturday Nature Talks. Bring your children and learn together how nature can flourish in the city, with the proper care. Located at Naples Preserve, 1690 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-261-4290. 1:30 p.m. Pups & Books. Stop by to read to a dog or just to pet one. Dogs are provided by PAWS Assistance and Therapy Dogs. Due to the popularity of the program, please sign in at the children’s desk when you arrive to reserve a 10 minute space. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit collierlibrary.org.
18 SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. Zoo Yoga. Start your day with an animal-themed yoga class designed for all ages. You will breathe, stretch, and relax in nature. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org. 4:00 p.m. Russian String Orchestra. The Russian String Orchestra is under the creative baton of its founder and music director Misha Rachlevsky. Freewill offering. Located at Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr., Naples. Call 239-261-1487.
logiscool.com
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(239) 673-0051
NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2018
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Dr. Jennifer B. Hughes, DMD Pediatric Dentist
19 MONDAY 10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. Holiday Workshops for Kids. Your child can make crafts and make new friends. “Tiny Turkeys” for ages 18 months to 5 years (with adult) from 10 a.m.-noon. “Wild Indians” for grades K-5 from 3-5 p.m. $20 plus $5 supply fee. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Call 239-213-3020. 5:00 p.m. Parent Cafe. Offers useful information and an opportunity to create connections and share experiences. A light dinner of pizza, salad, and drinks will be served. Located at South Regional Branch Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
239-260-7672
1879 Veterans Park Dr., Suite 1203, Naples, FL 34109 neafamily.com
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November Picks inLeeCounty
6:00 p.m. Celebration of Lights. Kick off this holiday season as the mayor lights the official Christmas tree and the snow falls. Ice sculpting, ballet, and musical performances. Visit thirdstreetsouth.com for additional information.
20 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Bear Crossings. For ages 18 months to 5 years. Multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and crafts. Meet ambassador animals. Located at Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org. Dusk. Movies on the Lawn: The Last Jedi. Bring your blankets and chairs and join us on the lawn. Food and drinks available for purchase. No coolers, please. Well-behaved pets welcome. Located at Mercato, 9132 Strada Pl., Naples. Check www.mercatoshops.com.
21 WEDNESDAY
Taste Of The Town
Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers Sunday, November 4 • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Each restaurant will present a “taste” of their best & most popular dishes. All food and beverage items will cost between $2 & $5 worth of tickets. www.jlfmtaste.com
Cape Coral Coconut Festival
Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Cape Coral November 8 - 11
This four-day event includes bands, entertainment, carnival games, rides, food, contests, crafts & more. www.cocofest.com
American Sandsculpting Championship Festival 6890 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach November 16 - 25
Fort Myers Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel. Over 1,000 tons of sand will be piled and sculpted! www.sandsculptingfestival.com
Stuart Little
Center For the Performing Arts, Bonita Springs November 16 - 18 This is the endearing classic about a mouse named Stuart who is born into an ordinary New York family. 239-495-8989 .
Elf The Musical
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers November 22 - December 25 239-278-4422
Lee County’s Original Family Publication
FOR 27 YEARS!! www.leefamilynews.net
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7:30 a.m. School’s Out Fun Day for Elementary School Kids. Need childcare when school is closed but you have to work? Fleischmann Park and River Park have got you covered. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Call 239-213-3020. 9:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Full STEAM Ahead Mini Camp. Students will receive STEAM enrichment, participate in both indoor and outdoor guided activities if they choose, and a snack. Instruction is from 9-12 and 1-4. Ask us about extended hours care (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Located at Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Check fullsteamaheadfl.com or call 239-451-3142 or email info@ fullsteamaheadFL.com 11:30 a.m. Farm City BBQ. A favorite Thanksgiving tradition that has raised more than $400,000 for local non-profit organizations. Located at Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. First St., Immokalee. Visit farmcitybbq.com or call 239-431-4646. 1:30 p.m. Fall is All Around. Celebrate fall with friends. Hear stories read aloud and participate in making a decorative autumn craft. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at East Naples Branch Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org for additional information. 2:00 p.m. Movie Day. Join us for an afternoon movie. Popcorn and water will be provided. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-657-2882.
22 THURSDAY 7:30 a.m. Gobble Gobble 4 Miler. A family friendly annual event, taking place on Thanksgiving Day. As a cup free “Green Racing Event” it helps to promote sustainability and environmental impact awareness. 100% of the race’s proceeds go to benefit St. Matthew’s House. For more information or to register, visit www. gobblegobblefourmiler.com. 11:30 a.m. Elf The Musical. This hilarious musical comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Through Dec. 25. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check BroadwayPalm.com or call 239-278-4422.
23 FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Full STEAM Ahead Mini Camp. Students will receive STEAM enrichment, participate in both indoor and outdoor guided activities if they choose, and a snack. Instruction is from 9-12 and 1-4. Ask us about extended hours care (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Located at Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Check fullsteamaheadfl.com or call 239-451-3142 or email info@ fullsteamaheadFL.com. 9:00 a.m. First Day of Christmas Tree Sales at Collier County Fairgrounds. Christmas trees from 3-12 feet tall will be sold starting today until they are gone. Located at Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave., N.E., Naples. Visit colliercountyfair.com or call 239-455-1444. 5:00 p.m. Venetian Village Holiday on the Bay. Join us for our annual Grand Illuminations tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy free photos with Santa, Dickens-period carolers, a snow show, face painting, stories with Mrs. Claus, and much more. Tree lighting at 7 p.m. Located at Venetian Village, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. Visit venetianvillage.com or call 239-261-6100.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
24 SATURDAY
CHILDREN’S THEATRE
6:30 p.m. Free Photowalk Third Street South Lights & Snow. Joe Fitzpatrick with Understand Photography is leading a free photowalk at the Celebration of Lights & Snow Falling Nightly celebration. Located at Tony’s Off Third, 1300 Third St. S., Naples. Call 239-263-7001 or check www.meetup.com/UnderstandPhotography.
$19
25 SUNDAY
LUNCH & SHOW!
Selected Matinees
NOW – NOV 16
7:00 a.m. Iron Joe Turkey Ride. It’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving cycling tradition! Choose from 20, 40, or 62 mile fully supported routes, and new this year, the 5 mile family ride and scavenger hunt. After the ride, stay for music, lunch, and beer. Sponsored by Naples Pathway Coalition. Located at Fit & Fuel, 819 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-777-7718 or check www.RegisterIronJoe.com.
26 MONDAY 5:00 p.m. Pizza & Game Night. Bring your friends, eat pizza, and play games for a fun night out. Ages 11-17 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or visit collierlibrary.org.
27 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Kids Read Down Fines. Children and teens can earn a $2 credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs. Visit leegov.com/library. 3:30 p.m. Dolphin Adventure. Join Everglades Park Ranger Helen Johnson to learn all about dolphins’ diet, bone structure, and other interesting facts. Ages 5-11. Registration is not required. Located at Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-4549. 4:00 p.m. Story of the Shy Wolf. Learn about these fascinating wild animals. You will meet a wolf ambassador and have the opportunity to ask questions. Registration required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Branch Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-597-8444. 5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’mon. For children on the autism spectrum and/ or with other sensory integration disorders. Lighting and sound are muted and cool down spaces are provided. Limited participation in order to minimize crowds, and registration is required. Located at C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org.
NOW – NOV 17
NOV 22 – DEC 25 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers
239.278.4422 BroadwayPalm.com
28 WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m. White Christmas. Thru Dec. 23. Presented by Naples Players. Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming musical features the Irving Berlin classics “White Christmas” and “Blue Skies.” Located at Blackburn Hall, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples. Visit naplesplayers.org.
29 THURSDAY 3:30 p.m. Teen Library Group. Do you have ideas to help improve the library for teens? Want to participate in creating programs that are just for you? If so, come to the first meeting for food and fun, share your ideas with the group, and learn how to possibly receive volunteer hours for your time. Ages 13-17. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-657-2882. 4:00 p.m. Riverdale Escape Room. Solve the clues and puzzles to help the kids from Riverdale save Jughead. Ages 11-17. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Visit collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-4549 for additional information.
30 FRIDAY 6:00 p.m. Teen Bereavement Movie Nights. Ages 11-18. The last Friday of every month. Each session will include a discussion of how the movie applies to our own lives. Located at Avow, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. Call 239-261-4404.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
We buy & sell gently used kids stuff • Clothing (newborn to size 16), toys, baby furniture, equipment and more. • We pay cash on the spot. • No appointment necessary; clothes must be freshly laundered and brought in a plastic container.
13560 Tamiami Trail N #4, Naples
239-596-6096
Also in: Fort Myers at 239-274-0039 Port Charlotte at 941-764-8121
onceuponachildnaples.com neafamily.com
35
TRAVEL
By Karen T. Bartlett
Destination: The World Inside Florida
Photo courtesy of Lantern Light Festival
I
f my time stretched into forever and money were no object, I’d live aboard my personal jet and hit every strange and wonderful festival that National Geographic ever featured. You know the ones: La Tomatina in Spain, (the world’s biggest food fight); Night of the Radishes, an amazing 120-year-old event in Oaxaca City, Mexico; the Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea that’s as squishy as it sounds. Well, maybe not that last one. But definitely the iconic Cowal Highland Games in Scotland; China’s dazzling Qinhuai International Lantern Festival; the stunning Japanese Takayama Festival in April; and the breathtaking display of tulips in Holland. As I seem to have misplaced my jet, I took a look closer to home, and look what I found, right here in Florida! Bagpipes, ax throwing, sword fighting, & Celtic games If you can’t make it to Cowal, on Scotland’s Firth of Clyde, for the largest Highland games on the globe, head straight to Winter Springs for the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games. You’ve got your sheep and border collies, bagpipes and drums, archery, highland dances, and plenty of shortbread and scones. For the grownups, there are whisky tastings and for the kids, non-competitive games like the caber (pine log) toss, the haggis hurl (umm, really?), and tug-o-war. The competitive spirit in your group might want to enter the Boulder Boogie – that age-old tradition of carrying big Celtic-carved rocks – to win the coveted title, Lord of the Trolls. Jan. 19-20; flascot.com Stilt singers, dragon lanterns, and acrobats The 2,000-year-old celebration of the Chinese New Year is all
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about love, reunions, and family. The spectacle includes lion dances, stilt singers and dancers, and a sea of lanterns lighting up the night. But you needn’t fly 8,000 miles to Qinhuai or Shanghai. Drive over to the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds for the Chinese Lantern Light Festival any weekend between November 30 and January 20. Marvel at the Chinese acrobats and huge inflatable dragons and sea creatures, taste authentic Chinese festival food, mine for emeralds, take a dragon ride, and even play a round of Chinese lantern minigolf. Nov. 30-Jan. 20; lanternlightfestival.com Dancing flowers and super cool topiaries While seven million tulips are opening at the famed Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, the vast, colorful gardens will burst into bloom at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in Orlando. Possibly the coolest kid-centric topiaries in the world – Mickey and Minnie, Shrek and Princess Fiona, Stitch, Winniethe-Pooh, and even spacemen, cars, and dragons – will tower over the flower-infused gardens. There are dancing flowers, live performances, and other fun family activities, in addition to Kidcot and all the other fab Epcot attractions. Mar. 6-June 3; disneyworld.com Anime characters, taiko drumming, and martial arts Who knew? A small community of Japanese farmers founded a colony near Boca Raton, and though only a few families remain, their culture lives on today at the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. The most colorful annual event for the past 39 years is Hatsume Fair, celebrating the first bud of spring, Japanese-style. Over the weekend, there are martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, and photo-perfect costumed anime (futurNEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
istic comic action characters and avatars) strolling around. There’s also authentic Japanese street food and children’s activities. April 6-7; morikami.org Swamp cabbage If you crave true Old Florida culture, invented just up the road and unparalleled anywhere on the planet, mark your February calendar for the LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival and Parade. Going on for 53 years now, it celebrates what the gentry call “heart of palm,” harvested from Florida’s state tree, the sabal (cabbage) palm. You can taste swamp cabbage prepared every which-way, plus fried gator, sweet tea, barbecue, homemade pies, and more. Contrary to wide belief, it’s not illegal to harvest swamp cabbage, although the tree does die. The family-friendly weekend is packed with country, gospel and blues music, clogging, a rodeo, and the Legends of the Road Super Cruise & Show. There’s a pageant (of course), river cruises, and, oh yes, an armadillo race. Feb. 23-24; labelleswampcabbagefestival.org Travel Editor KAREN T. BARTLETT is also the Adventurer-in-Chief of Southwest Florida-based, award-winning Mostly Kids’ Guides, unabashedly self-proclaimed The Most Awesome Family Guidebooks on the Planet.
Photo courtesy of Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
Facing page: An inflatable dragon at the Miami Chinese Lantern Light Festival. Below: A family enjoys the Hatsume Fair at the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach.
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
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CELEBRATE THE SEASON
By Christa Melnyk Hines
Go a Little Rogue for a More Gratifying Thanksgiving
W
loin with chipotle wine sauce instead. “Everyone loved it – the adults and the kids. Now, it’s our go-to for Thanksgiving,” she says.
Eat this, not that “Thanksgiving is absolutely one of our favorite holidays, especially in terms of food,” says Caroline King, a mom of six children, ranging in age from four to 16. But, no one in the family really likes turkey all that much. “We spent years making the traditional feast, but always had a second or third ‘main side’ for the kids and that was just silly,” she says. King says her husband Rich does most of the cooking and decided one year to punt the turkey and try a roast pork tender-
Choose your own adventure Jocelyn Chilvers says she and her husband Jim enjoy being spontaneous and creative with the holiday. “It also helps that we like all kinds of food and find no appeal in eating the same dishes year after year,” Chilvers says. With families more far-flung than ever, not everyone is able to get together with extended family for the holiday. That’s one reason the Chilvers’ family chooses to surround themselves with good friends instead. For over 10 years, they’ve invited friends and neighbors over for a “Turkey Fry Open House” in their backyard from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving day. “We set up a turkey fryer on our lawn
hen we think of Thanksgiving, our thoughts naturally drift to traditional roast turkey, pumpkin pie, and family gatherings. But if the holiday feels more like a tired list of hohum obligations rather than an energizing way to revel in your blessings, maybe it’s time to revolutionize your Thanksgiving this year.
or driveway, away from any structures, and use a piece of drywall – pro tip! – as a base to catch any spills,” Chilvers says. The couple sends out invitations about two to three weeks in advance and friends can select a time when they’d like to fry their turkey or, in some cases, their chicken, game hen, or duck. Many guests show up just to socialize and enjoy beverages and light appetizers, often bringing their own foods to share. “This varies from cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit in the morning to stuffed jalapeños and bruschetta in the afternoon,” Chilvers says. “It’s a very fluid event with folks coming and going throughout the day.” No bluffing, baby Some friendly competition in the form
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of board games and card games can bring generations of family members together. Anita Smith, a mom of two, says that she and her family like to play Texas Hold ‘Em each year after the big meal. Among the roughly 30 guests who attend the family’s annual Thanksgiving, about 10 like to circle around the card table to play a few hours of low stakes poker. “The big pot might be $3, but we act like it’s $500,” laughs Smith. The conversation and camaraderie make the game extra special. “It’s fun because it crosses all generations,” she says. “We have the 80-year-olds, those of us in our 40s, and the kids playing.” Smith’s sons, Evan (15) and Collin (12), are the youngest players at the table. She says that the game offers a natural segue into conversations between the older family members and her children. “My kids get to know them, their personalities, and stories from way back when.”
tradition of “Friendsgiving” five years ago on the day before Thanksgiving. The event is a fun way for the families to kick off the entire holiday season. The group gathers together with fall soups and foods, and the kids take part in a candy cane hunt. “Our many, many children all have a great time playing and running in our friends’ large backyard until the real show begins,” Moorehead says. The much anticipated “real show” is a fireworks event at a local lake. “We all load up, bundle up, pack hot chocolate and candy canes, and spend the evening watching fireworks,” Moorehead says. After that, the caravan drives through a Christmas in the Park holiday lights display set to festive music at a nearby campground. “What better way to start the holiday than with friends who truly are family,” she says.
Fire up holiday spirit Stacey Moorehead, a mom of six girls, says she and a group of families started the
You rebel, you Families change and grow. Often what once worked well no longer makes sense for
NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
any number of reasons. Maybe you’re sick of making candied yams every year that no one eats. Or you daydream of skipping the cooking and cleaning for a relaxing family vacation on the beach instead. “It seems that a lot of people live under unrealistic expectations, especially when it comes to holidays,” King says. “The focus needs to be on family celebrating what they are thankful for, not to be stressed out that the green beans aren’t up to snuff. Make food that makes you happy, make your own traditions. At the end of the day, you will remember the laughs and time spent together.” So go ahead and resist! Rather than running yourself into the ground chasing society’s prescribed picture-perfect holiday, create a meaningful Thanksgiving tailored just for your special crowd. You will be grateful you did. CHRISTA MELNYK HINES loves spending Thanksgiving at home with her family. One year, she tried quitting the cranberry sauce that slides out looking like the can, but her husband rebelled. Holiday rogues must choose their battles wisely.
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39
MONEY MATTERS
By Jessica LeBrun
Should You Shop for Shipt?
I
love Shipt. Their shoppers have saved me more than once when I needed groceries but could not get to the store, did not feel like going to the store, had two small children who I did not want to take to the store ... you get the picture, right? But, what is it really like to be a Shipt Shopper? I love to share ideas of ways that you can work from home, pay off debt, or have more freedom. While Shipt Shoppers don’t technically work from home, they do get to create their own schedules and decide when and how much they work. This intrigued me. While Shipt Shopping is not the right gig for me, it may be for you. I caught up with a real Shipt Shopper, Heather, and got the inside scoop on what it’s really like to be a Shipt Shopper. What does a Shipt Shopper actually do? Short answer: Shipt Shoppers simply shop from a list and deliver. To go a little more in depth, a Shipt Shopper is notified when there is a shop to be done in their area of choice with info about the location, window of time the shop has to be done in, and the estimated amount of money you’ll make on the shop. You can accept or turn down that shop at your discretion. If you accept the shop, you just head to the store indicated in the shop info at the time indicated, check off the shopping list as you pick up the items, check out at the register, take a picture of the receipt through the app, text the customer to let them know you’re on your way, click the map for directions, and drop off the grocer-
ies. Aside from texting the customer to ask about substitutions for items not available at the store, it’s as simple as that. How do you make money as a Shipt Shopper? Shipt Shoppers make a percentage of the total grocery order, plus tips. The Shipt website says you can make $15-$22 on average per hour and I have found that to be true. To be clear, you get paid per order, not per hour. Does Shipt pay mileage or fuel reimbursement? No, Shipt does not reimburse fuel. However, you choose your area based on what’s closest to you, so your mileage is limited. You are considered an independent contractor and can write off your fuel costs on your taxes. It’s important to track your mileage. Shipt covers this in training. How many hours per week do Shipt Shoppers have to work? This is my favorite part of Shipt Shopping! I am a lover of most unconventional ways of making money because they typically involve doing it when and as often as I want to (or don’t want to). You are basically your own boss. You set your hours of availability on your shopper app. You can set them ahead of time or wake up each morning and set your hours for the day. Even if you set your hours for the day and then change your mind or something comes up, you can reset them to unavailable whenever you want or turn down shops anytime you want. How do Shipt Shoppers pay for the grocery orders? Shipt
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will send you a card that it loads with money each time you except a shop. Shipt loads it with extra money in case the customer texts you and asks you to pick up something extra, or you have to substitute an item for a higher-priced item. I have only had to contact Shipt’s shopper tech support once because my card wasn’t loaded yet. I did a quick chat through the app and they loaded it immediately. The whole process took about three minutes. What is your favorite thing about being a Shipt Shopper? The flexibility, for sure! You can work as little or as much as you want to and you don’t have to decide ahead of time. Anyone can do it in their spare time or as a full time job. What is the most challenging aspect of being a Shipt Shopper? At first the most challenging part was time management and being nervous. I went into it thinking I would rush through the grocery store like it was “Super Market Sweep” because that’s what I do when I’m shopping for my own groceries. In, out, easy peasy. But when I got to the store for my first shop, I realized that it’s easy for me to shop for myself because I know myself. I know that I don’t mind generic brands and I know the exact ripeness I like my bananas to be. I don’t have to second guess every decision I make when I’m shopping for myself. For my first few shops, I was nervous. I had to ask the customers a lot of questions, and the shops took me more time than I expected, which equals less money. Fortunately, that got better quickly. I got more comfortable and realized most people want you to ask questions and those who don’t will tell you to use your best judgment and they are happy with the outcome. How often do you get paid? Shipt Shoppers get paid weekly via direct deposit, so it should be noted that all shoppers are required to have a checking account. Sometimes you get cash tips. Some tips are paid through the app so they’ll be added into your weekly paycheck. Are there any requirements to be a Shipt Shopper? Yes, but they are reasonable: at least 18 years of age; valid U.S. driver’s license and auto insurance; a reliable vehicle, 1997 or newer; knowledge of produce selection; insulated cooler bag; ability to lift 40 pounds; and iPhone (iOS 10 or newer) or Android (5.1 or newer) smartphone. Can you take your kids with you when you’re Shipt shopping? Shipt makes it clear during training that anything but solo shopping is prohibited. Taking other adults who have not been vetted by the company (each shopper agrees to a background check)
may upset some customers because you are going to their homes. Shipt also states that you are not allowed to bring children, but I have seen Shipt Shoppers at the stores with their kids. My opinion is that children are prohibited from tagging along because most likely they would cause too much distraction for your shop. That would extend shopping and delivery times. If you’re a mom and you want to make some extra money, I would suggest working while your kids are at school or after they go to bed. Night time is actually the prime time to make the most money anyway. Do you ever feel uncomfortable during the delivery at a stranger’s house? At first I was nervous about going to people’s houses. Obviously, there is always some risk involved in this. After all, the Shipt Shoppers are the only ones getting background checks, not the customers. After my first shop I felt much better. Most customers are extremely nice and the transactions are very short and sweet. Some people ask you to bring their groceries inside and I decide on a case-by-case basis if I will do that. Shipt allows shoppers to politely decline to bring groceries inside. You are not allowed to carry firearms as a Shipt Shopper, but I did carry pepper spray on my key chain. Are there any other perks of being a Shipt Shopper? Flexibility and the opportunity to make good money aren’t the only perks of the job. Many of the customers I deliver to are elderly or disabled and unable to make it to the store on their own. It’s rewarding to know that you are helping those in need. How can someone become a Shipt Shopper? Visit www. shipt.com/be-a-shopper and fill out the quick application. As long as you meet the basic requirements they will ask you to do a virtual interview. This seems complicated, but they walk you through it and it’s super simple. After you submit the videos you’ll receive an email if they think you’ll be a good fit for Shipt. At that point you’ll have to electronically sign some paper agreements and give Shipt permission to run a background check. This took a few days for me. After my background check came back clear, Shipt notified me by text and email that my Shipt Shopper packet was on the way. The packet includes a t-shirt (that you aren’t required to wear) and your shopper card. You can get started setting up your availability and receiving shops as soon as you activate your shopper card. JESSICA LeBRUN writes the blog On Moxie & Motherhood, which can be found at www.onmoxieandmotherhood.com.
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NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH
T
By Helen Colella
Who Chose Whom?
wo years after the United States signed a cease-fire with Vietnam, the country came under an extreme assault from communist troops. The last American troops pulled out, yet many American diplomats and civilians stayed behind. On March 30, 1975, South Vietnam’s second largest city, Da Nang, was captured. The communist invasion closed in on the capital city of Saigon, forcing President Nguyen Van Thieu to surrender. Chaos ran rampant throughout the country as one city after another fell to the North Vietnamese. As events of the surrender unfolded our government put an immediate evacuation plan for American citizens into action. One of the main projects, approved by President Gerald Ford, was to airlift as many orphans from Vietnam as possible. Over a period of three weeks, Operation Babylift evacuated an estimated 3,500 children to the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Here in the United States, volunteers for adoption groups reported a surge of requests from perspective parents. But the “Baby Lift,” an unusual way of removing the babies from a dangerous situation without the usual processing, had already promised children to adoptive families who had been approved or were close to completing the process. One of these “pre-approved” families was the Thiemans, a couple from Iowa who had completed all the paperwork for an adop-
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tion through the Friends of Children of Vietnam (FCVN) and were in the “2-3 year waiting” stage of the process. Every time the phone rang, they hoped it would be news of the new “addition” coming to their family – a son for them, a brother for their two daughters. The adoption ultimately was a success, but there’s more to the story than meets the eye. In 1975, LeAnn Thieman’s unplanned involvement in the Vietnam Orphan Airlift certainly substantiates the theory that God uses ordinary people to do extra ordinary things. “I’m living proof,” she affirms with an air of amazement. “I never imagined that stopping at a bake sale in an Iowa Mall to buy a dozen cupcakes would change my life so drastically.” LeAnn can still visualize the helplessness in the eyes on the starving poster child that drew her to the FCVN booth at the mall and tugged at her heart. Since early childhood, she remembers wanting to help others. Church clothing drives, collecting pennies for UNICEF, and selling baked goods herself awakened and strengthened her belief that we are all called to be our brother’s keeper. She even contemplated adopting a child. As she grew older, her need to help others directed her life. She became a nurse. In retrospect it was probably all of these things that led her to stop that day at the mall. “All I wanted to do was help the orphans of the world.” LeAnn jokes. “But God had a bigger plan.” Not only did she buy the cupcakes but she joined FCVN, NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
applied to adopt a baby boy, became president, and turned her basement into the state headquarters. Within a year LeAnn faced one of the biggest decisions of her life. Could she travel to Vietnam to escort six adopted babies back to their assigned families, leaving her husband and two toddler daughters at home? At this time, Vietnam was in political turmoil. Saigon, her destination, was a true war zone and about to fall to the communists. Yet the drive to minister to others, her deep faith, a lot of soul searching and prayers, and the support from her family helped her determine what she had to do; she agreed to go. When LeAnn arrived in Saigon, her FCVN contact greeted her with, “Have you heard the news? President Ford has okayed Operation Babylift. You won’t be taking out just six babies. It’ll be 300!” Instantly, LeAnn knew why God had chosen her for this trip. She’d be part of rescuing babies for so many more “waiting” adoption families. What better way to serve others, she thought. Then, amidst the chaos that ensued during her mission in Vietnam, LeAnn experienced a miracle. She was given the opportunity to choose a baby for her family. “How could I pick one, from so many?” she asked. Then, doing what she knew was best way to handle the situation, she prayed for God’s intervention. Again her faith prevailed. The decision was near impossible. But then a smiling baby boy came crawling across the room and into her arms. He looked into her eyes and nestled against her as if he belonged there. He
stole her heart and became the one she “chose” to become her son. The mounting disaster in the war zone set off frantic efforts from the FCVN staff and volunteers. Gunfire echoed around them. Bombs exploded in the near distance. Government delays frustrated them. When plans had to be modified, LeAnn raced to retrieve her son and the second “shipment” of babies, scheduled for the next pickup. LeAnn was determined to complete her mission and get herself and her son-to-be out of the country, on the first plane. Yet once again her plans were foiled. She would not be on that first plane of Operation Babylift. Devastated, LeAnn stood helplessly watching that plane taxi down the runway. She became panic-stricken, not knowing if she’d even survive. That first plane took off to freedom. But what happened next threw everyone into shock – the plane exploded. She, her son, and cohorts had escaped death; now she wondered if her plane would befall the same fate. Fortunately, it did not. LeAnn made it home safely to introduce her baby to her husband and two daughters; one of which responded with, “This must be my brother.” Once settled back into her life at home, LeAnn reviewed the pictures taken in Vietnam. The photo set aside to document the trip and illustrate the cover of her book, This Must Be My Brother, sent chills up her spine. There in the background in one of the ‘empty cribs’ and unbeknownst to anyone at the time, stood a little baby; the same baby LeAnn miraculously took home. Over the years and on more than one occasion since then, LeAnn has said, “I wonder, who chose whom?”
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MONEY MATTERS
By Ashley McNaughton
How to Navigate the College Financial Aid System
A
s college application season is fully underway, it is important to learn about the primary financial aid applications and types of aid your student could receive. The two most common applications used by colleges across the US are the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE, and they need to be filed prior to each year the student plans on attending college. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the standard form used by all schools to determine the amount of federal aid a student will receive. The application opens online on October 1 each year and closes the following June 30. The FAFSA calculates the EFC (Expected Family Contribution), what the government considers a reasonable amount the family should be able to contribute to the student’s educational costs whether or not a parent wants to contribute to their child’s education. For 2019-20, you will file using prior-prior (2017) tax year information. The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Search Profile) is used
by many colleges, primarily private, to determine eligibility for non-federal funding (institutional aid). It is filed through the College Board online. This application also opens October 1 and will use prior and prior-prior tax year information. So if you are applying for 2019-20, you will use 2017 and 2018 information. It is important to know that the earlier you file the CSS Profile and FAFSA, the more funding you may receive as some grants are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also, each state and college has its own deadline for when you need to file, and these often fall around the time the college applications are due. Start early and aim to have your financial aid applications complete two weeks before your student’s first admission application deadline. There is no harm in submitting the forms before the actual admission applications are completed. If you are about to make a large purchase or make any significant payments, you should make them before updating your bank balance information. Other than
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that, do not delay completing your financial aid applications. While the FAFSA is primarily used to determine federal funding, some schools also use it to determine the distribution of their own institutional aid if they do not require the CSS Profile. Therefore, it is often recommended that all students fill out the FAFSA and do it early, whether or not they think they will be eligible for federal aid. Visit the colleges’ financial aid websites to find out whether you need to file the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile digs a little deeper into your family’s financials than the FAFSA. Some key differences are that it includes home equity of primary dwelling, family farms, value of small businesses, and for some schools, the non-custodial and/or stepparent income, and cash value of life insurance policies. Before you begin, it is helpful to gather the materials you will need to complete the applications: • An FSA ID to sign the FAFSA electronically. You can apply for this special username and password online via fsaid.ed.gov or other U.S. Department of Education websites. The student and the custodial parent will need separate IDs. • A College Board account to complete a CSS Profile – the student and custodial parent will share the login. If a non-custodial parent needs to fill out a separate application, you will receive notification after adding your schools to the list. • Social Security numbers. • Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of income earned. You may be able to use the FAFSA’s IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which transfers the data directly from your completed tax returns to your application. • Bank statements and records of investments. • Mortgage statement. • Records of untaxed income such as child support or interest income. • List of schools student is applying to. Ensure that the information you have entered is accurate and complete to prevent any delays in the processing of your application. Make sure you have added any schools to which you are applying to the FAFSA and CSS Profile applications so that they receive the information. Filing the FAFSA is free, but the CSS Profile costs $25 for the application and first school and $16 for any additional schools. If you need to add colleges to either application later, you can always log back in and do that. If your family’s financial situation has changed for the current year and the tax information you must use for the application does not properly reflect this development, it is important that you contact each of the colleges and inform them of your current situation. Examples may include hurricane loss, death in the family, loss of job, or illness. For any questions regarding each college’s financial aid policy and types of aid awarded, take a look at its website and feel free to reach out to the college’s financial aid office. ASHLEY McNAUGHTON is an independent college counselor and founder of ACM College Consulting, LLC. For more information, call 814-935-4244 or visit www.acmcollegeconsulting.com. NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2018
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