Neapolitan Family September 2020 Issue

September 2020 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

The Arts Issue Pandemic Arts

How Local Instructors Are Teaching the Arts Safely

Digital Designers Creative Outlets for Techy Kids

The Arts Directory Find the Best Local Classes for Your Child

Cover Kids See Your Child On Our Cover

NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

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Providing Care for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, VPK, Kindergarten, & After School Programs K-5th GRADE 

Accredited and Gold Seal Center

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Private School Registered with the FL Department of Education

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Weekly Yoga, Music, Piano, Sports, Dance, Zumba, Mindfulness, Library, and Foreign Language & Sign Language Classes Monthly field trips to destinations such as the Conservancy, Children’s Museum, Artis Naples, Barnes & Noble, Botanical Gardens, Naples Zoo and Call today to schedule a tour! 239-261-7442 PHONE

Precious Cargo Academy 5200 Crayton Road Naples, FL 34103 WEBSITE: PreciousCargoAcademy.org

EMAIL: Leanne.badham@outlook.com

A Mission of Naples United Church of Christ 2

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Find Us on Facebook!

@PCANaples

NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

Sometimes, they’re not

“just being a

teenager”

Prolonged changes in your teen’s attitude, emotions, and interests may be more than just a phase.

Knowing when to reach out for help is sometimes

the hardest part. Sadly, research indicates an average 10-year delay from first symptom to

treatment. Think of the challenges and impact a decade of delay can create. Let’s avoid that

long, often silent, psychological struggling for children and teens.

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LEARN THE SIGNS & FIND ANSWERS AT: DavidLawrenceCenter.org/signs

NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

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September 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . .

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FROM THE INTERN

10

YOUR COMMUNITY

12

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

13

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE

on the cover…

Violet O’Donnell is 13 years old and is in 8th grade at North Naples Middle School. She started ballet and tap lessons at age 3, and later enrolled in Irish dance because her father is from Ireland. Violet now trains four days a week at the Drake School of Irish Dance in Coral Springs. Her goal is to qualify for the World Championships, and dreams of performing in Riverdance someday. Violet also loves spending time with friends and family, snuggling her little dog, Una, swimming, and going to the beach.

Cover photo by Pure Fotografica https://purefotografica.com

14 Destination: University. Whether you are touring college towns or looking for outdoor travel ideas, we have off-thebeaten-path adventures near several Florida campuses.

by Karen T. Bartlett 16 20 in 2020: Help With Home School. The top 20 tips for those of us teaching our kids at home.

by Anna Snyder 20 RV 101. If you are homeschooling or virtual learning, it might be a great time to plan a vacation in a recreational vehicle.

by Tricia Vlasak 22 The Art of Survival. How dance studios and music teachers are keeping art in our kids’ lives during COVID-19.

by Katie Roberts 26 Digital Designers. Creative ways techy kids can express themselves.

by Christa Melnyk Hines 28 The Arts Directory. Find the best local classes and lessons to guide your child’s interest in music, visual arts, the stage, and dance.

FREE

Find a weekly Good News Club for 5-12 year olds & register online!

WWW.CEFOFCOLLIER.COM

Games • Snacks • Songs • Storytelling • Bible Teaching • Wonder Time + more

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NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

Full & Part Time Programs 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Extended Hours Available NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER VPK

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Naples, FL 34119 childmont101@gmail.com (Across from Super Target)

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Toddlers 12 - 36 mos Primary 3 yrs to Kinder VPK 4/5 yrs

(239) 593-6668 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. www.childmont.com Naples, FL 34119 License # C20CO0018 License # C20CO0018

Happy kids. Sparkly smiles.

Dr. Sandor

Naples Pediatric Dentistry www.drmarilynsandor.com

Dr. Marilyn C. Sandor, DDS, MS, PA

NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

239.592.0800 neafamily.com

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NOW OPEN TICKETING INFO AT

NAPLESZOO.ORG The Zoo experience will be modified to fully provide for the safety of guests, Zoo staff and the animal collection and to comply with all federal, state and local requirements and recommendations for physical distancing.

The experience will be modified, but we are still the same nationally accredited Zoo and garden offering a safe, outdoor experience for children and families in our community.

Safety Updates: Social Distancing Contactless Entry Limited Capacity Additional Sanitizing New Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm REVIEW SAFETY UPDATES & TICKETING INFO AT

NAPLESZOO.ORG 6

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NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

from the intern… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com 2020

2020

2020

2020

Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature Writers Anna Snyder Katherine Baron Field Photographer Lisette Morales lisettemoralesart@gmail.com Intern Katie Roberts Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information.

We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at more than 200 distribution points throughout Collier County as well as digitally at neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2020 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

THIS MONTH Back to School: We’re All in this Together!

We asked our intern, Katie Roberts, to try her hand at the publisher’s note this month, as she heads back to Florida Gulf Coast University for her senior year. We hope you have enjoyed reading her stories as much as we have the past few months!

It is that time of the year. School supplies are on sale, the grocery stores display food for lunches, and college students are purchasing their expensive textbooks. However, this school year is different.

I was listening to the radio the other day and heard an ad from a local office supply store, advertising that the store has everything from spiral notebooks and calculators to face masks and travel hand sanitizers.

Who would have thought that we would need to wear face masks in order to go back to school?

I am starting my senior year of college this fall. I tend to get overwhelmed at the beginning of any semester, with the stress of signing up for the right classes, finding my classrooms, and filling out my new planner with hundreds of assignments. This year, I also have been struggling with setting up a new Zoom account and navigating through our online learning management system, Canvas.

After a much-needed mental health break, I realized that this is not the end of the world, and I am not the only one who is going through this new, unfamiliar way of school. We are all in the same boat. Whether it is parents with young kids who are trying to homeschool for the first time, or are sending their kids to school and constantly worrying about their health.

Our September issue is here to answer questions and remove some weight from your shoulders. We have articles about art education in the Naples community (page 22), creative ways for techy kids to express themselves (page 26), and our 20 in 2020 series (page 16), which offers tips for virtual learning.

As the saying goes from my favorite childhood movie, High School Musical, we are all in this together!

Katie Roberts

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8 Tips for a Winning Cover Kids Entry 3

Lighting is the key. Photos with dark shadows or with your child squinting into the sun won’t portray them in the best light (pun intended!). Photos taken during the “golden hour,” which is the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, offer the best lighting. If you’re indoors, bounce light off walls or put your child near a window. Avoid back lighting, which results in a photo where the child is darker than the background.

Watch the background. The beach, open grass at the park, a hiking trail – all offer simple but beautiful backdrops for a good photo. Avoid busy street scenes, signs, or crowded theme parks. And definitely avoid a bunch of distracting people in the photo with your child. Make sure your child is the star of the show.

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Your child’s personality should shine. A twinkle in the eye, a little bit of a smirk, or a huge grin – little extras make one cute kid stand out from all the other cute kids. Missing teeth, a mud-covered shirt, and a crazy outfit your kid chose themselves all can add up to a distinctive entry that we will notice.

If you are planning on entering your child in this year’s Neapolitan Family Cover Kids Contest (see details to the right), here are eight tips that will help you choose the best photo to enter.

Best of luck to all entrants!

1

Face front. Be sure your child is looking directly at the camera. Eye contact is essential, and we want to see your child’s entire face in the frame. Let us see all of that adorableness – no sunglasses, hats, etc. that might block our view.

2

Keep it casual. Catch your child playing or when they are quiet and involved in an activity. Don’t try to dress them up, style their clothing, and still expect a relaxed photo.

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In focus, please. Blurry and low-resolution photos are the worst offenders. We print photos out to 5x7 to choose the finalists. If we print your photo and everything is fuzzy, we have a hard time telling what your child looks like.

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Limited or no makeup. Makeup makes it hard for us to see what your child looks like, and often masks their unique personality. Less is definitely more when it comes to makeup.

8

Don’t take it personally. Every year we have to make choices, and there are always kids we wish we could choose.

If your child isn’t chosen, it’s not because they aren’t adorable. It may be because we have enough sibling groups or we need a child of a different age. We try to vary chosen models by gender, age, ethnicity, and sibling groups that will work for specific cover themes.

We promise that your child is cover material – there simply aren’t enough months in the year for all of the kids who enter.

Covenant Church of Naples Mom’s Morning Out Providing a loving environment for children while offering parents and caregivers a needed break

Enrolling for Fall Session – Register Today!!

One-, Two-, and Three-Day Options Available Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Ages 2-4 years by Aug. 1

6926 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL

239.597.3464

C H U R C H o f N A P L E S | P CA

For more information, email momsmorningout@covenantnaples.com.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

Neapolitan Family Magazine Presents the 2020-21

Cover Kids Contest We are excited to announce our 2020-21 Cover Kids Contest!

The staff of Neapolitan Family will choose the finalists, who will appear on a cover between December 2020 and November 2021.

Because of COVID-19, this year’s contest will be online instead of in-person. Visit neafamily.com for details on submitting a photo of your child.

Entries will open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15 and close at midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

A lifelong joy of learning, An education for life.

INFANT TODDLER CHILDREN’S HOUSE VPK ELEMENTARY

Call to schedule a private tour

239-597-2255

More information can be found on our website

www.naplesmontessori.org 2655 Northbrooke Drive Naples, Florida 34119 License #C20CO0132

Daily hours from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

David Lawrence Center Opens First Certified Recovery Residence

D

avid Lawrence Center (DLC) in Naples has opened Hope Home, a six-bed recovery residence for men located less than a mile away from the DLC main campus on Golden Gate Parkway.

The home provides a substance-free and affordable living option for individuals in early recovery, and is designed to help ease the transition from DLC’s Crossroads residential treatment program or other substance use recovery programs into daily life in the community. Hope Home is one of only four Florida Association of Recovery Residences certified homes in Collier County.

The cost to purchase and renovate the five-acre, five-bedroom residence was more than $630,000. To date, 63 donors have contributed $400,000. DLC is seeking $200,000 in donations to cover the remaining costs.

To donate, visit DavidLawrenceCenter.org, call 239-3541455, or e-mail donorcare@dlcmhc.com. For more information about DLC’s Hope Home admission criteria, e-mail HopeHome@ dlcmhc.com, call 239-455-8500, or visit DLCHopeHome.org.

Free Mental Healthcare for Teachers, Frontline Workers

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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.

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

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ealthcare Network of Florida is offering free mental health services for essential frontline workers in Southwest Florida, including school employees and their families who may be anxious about upcoming plans to open schools during COVID-19.

Through an emergency grant of $50,000 from the medical aid organization Direct Relief, in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers, Healthcare Network will provide up to three free visits with mental health providers to essential frontline workers and their families, including (but not limited to) teachers, school employees, healthcare workers, protective service and first responders, grocery store workers, agricultural workers, janitors and maintenance workers, and restaurant workers.

NOW OPEN

NICHOLS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Family • Dental • Women Children • Senior • Pharmacy Integrated Behavioral Health

Supporting Your Healthcare Journey LOCATED AT 12655 COLLIER BLVD., NAPLES

NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

Appointments are available via telehealth or at Healthcare Network locations. Visit HealthcareSWFL.org/Direct-Relief or call 239-658-3185 for more information.

Additional Needs Art Contest Open for Kids and Adults

A

dditional Needs Inc. of Naples has launched an annual art contest, which is open to children and adults with special needs.

The contest originally was intended for residents of Collier and Lee County, but founder Doug Sharpe has opened it to applicants from across the country because so many events have been shut down due to COVID-19.

Entries will be accepted through March 6, 2021. Submissions will be posted on the Additional Needs website, and public voting is schedule for March 13-28. The top five artists in each age group will be announced April 3, and the winners will be announced on April 24 at a reception at Naples Botanical Garden. The Garden also is providing free admission to inspire participants. All registered artists will be entered in drawings for prizes held throughout the contest, and the last drawing will be on April 10.

This year’s theme is nature. Artwork may include anything nature related, and acceptable art mediums include: painting, drawing, fiber art, photography, sculpture, or collage.

Visit https://additionalneeds.info/art-contest or email info@ additionalneeds.info for more information.

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Neapolitan

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

By Haris Domond, Healthcare Network Chairman of the Board

Improving Healthcare Access and Quality for Underserved Populations

W

hile protests continue to address issues of racial disparity throughout the United States, another important issue received attention through Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness Month in July.

BIPOC mental health shouldn’t be relegated to one month. As our country explores the longstanding impact of racism and bigotry, it’s important that we vigorously explore the mental health needs of traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services and use community mental health services, and are more likely to use emergency departments and receive lower-quality care. Poor mental health care access and quality of care contribute to poor mental health outcomes, including suicide, among racial and ethnic minority populations.

Traumatic events often are considered to be sexual assault, exposure to violence or war, accidents, and natural disasters. But trauma also be can carried through generations from historical adversities, violence, and oppression that have a deep impact on the way victims live, speak, and think, and often translate into socioeconomic disparities

and mental health concerns.

Mental Health America, a communitybased nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all, issued a position statement on healthcare reform. “Mental Health America believes that all individuals and families should have access to mental health services that are responsive to their needs. This requires minimizing barriers, providing multiple referral and service pathways, redesigning services that are more culturally and linguistically competent and evidence-based, and expanding access in rural and inner-city areas to community-based systems of mental health and substance use services and supports that are integrated with medical care.”

This is what Healthcare Network is about. Since 1977, when it was founded as a nonprofit to tackle the medical issues of migrant farm workers, the rural poor and citizens in Collier County, Healthcare Network has welcomed all patients – insured or uninsured – and has provided the same high-quality standard of care to all. This is possible because Healthcare Network offers a sliding fee program that reduces costs to underinsured and uninsured patients based on their income and family size.

Healthcare Network provides cutting-edge, best-of-class integrated primary

care addressing the whole person – both body and mind. This integrated care model blends primary care and mental health into one setting, allowing patients to experience a true team-based approach to healthcare.

The model is highly effective because patients often seek medical care for physical symptoms that are related to or caused by behavioral issues. In addition, co-locating services reduces the stigma many patients feel when seeking behavioral health services in a traditional setting.

As I watch the protests and nationwide discussions in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, I’m encouraged by increased support of Black-owned and minorityowned businesses. In similar fashion, it is increasingly important that the community supports nonprofit organizations already in place and working to address healthcare disparities to BIPOC communities.

HARIS DOMOND is a certified mental health counselor and chairman of the board at Healthcare Network.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

T

By Jennifer Kupiec

The New Look of Music in Our Schools

he doors of Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) are now open and, let’s face it, things are different. Students are adjusting to masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizer at every corner. In these new times some may be wondering, what happens to arts education? We’ll review some of the plans here while also addressing a fan favorite – marching band!

The arts often serve as a connective tissue among students, staff, and community. “CCPS is steadfast in its commitment to providing a robust arts education for all students in grades K-12,” said Skip Pardee, CCPS district coordinator of fine arts. “It’s the reason why, despite the recent challenges of COVID-19, arts education remains a priority.”

Each of the CCPS enrollment options provides access to arts education. Students who returned to campus Aug. 31 (those who chose Option 1) continue to receive in-person instruction from highly qualified educators. Classroom procedures have been put in place to properly distance students, and supplemental personal protection equipment has been deployed to further mitigate aerosol dispersal in classrooms.

Students in CCPS Classroom Connect (those who chose Option 2) also will receive instruction from those same educators at their zoned schools, but in a virtual format. And finally, eCollier Academy will offer music electives virtually, though the focus for those courses will be more individualized music-making and music-appreciation approaches.

Elementary art and music instruction will occur for every child at least once per week, as in years past, for those who chose Options 1 and 2. This includes 50-minute instructional periods with highly qualified art and music educators leading them through the Florida standards.

Secondary music students (those in grades 6-12) will have daily interactions with their music educators – either in person

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or virtual as per above – to lead them through the curriculum in preparation for future performances.

Now let’s talk marching band! “Considering changes to football through the Florida High School Athletics Association and the cancellation of the Music Performance Assessments for marching bands, activities have been altered this year,” Pardee reported.

While details are still developing, CCPS will incorporate marching band into the curriculum of its high school band programs. “Although the on-field presentations may look different in this unique academic year,” Pardee said, “we are fortunate to have some of the largest band programs in Florida, consistently rated ‘Superior’ at district and state music performance assessments.”

The bottom line is yes, things will be different, but arts education is alive and well in CCPS. Our talented student musicians will continue to be led by extraordinary music educators at all levels – elementary, middle, and high – and we look forward to the day when Friday night lights return and we are able to see these outstanding musicians in action.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

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TRAVEL

By Karen T. Bartlett

Destination: University The college-bound student in your family may not be leaving the state, but if they dig a little deeper than the usual places right here in Florida, it can almost feel like another country – or even another world. You’re going to need some cool places to meet up with your collegian, so here are a few ideas. Remember: with these crazy times of reduced schedules and phased re-openings, be sure to visit the websites for the very latest updates.

Gainesville

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

A really big sinkhole So you’re thinking, “Wait, what? You’re suggesting I visit a sinkhole?” Yes, my pretties, and not only that, legend says that the bottom of the geological wonder called Devil’s Millhopper once was prehistoric animals’ entrance to the underworld.

The 120-foot deep sinkhole is at least 20-30 million years old. The best way to experience it is total immersion. More than 100 steep wooden steps and platforms descend through its spooky shadows among giant ferns, small waterfalls, and other rainforest flora. The legend started in the early 1900s after the discovery of animal bones at the bottom. We don’t believe that stuff, of course. There also are trails around the rim, and nice picnic spots. www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/devils-millhoppergeological-state-park

The Moorings Presbyterian Preschool A vibrant learning community with a highly qualified staff

Now accepting applications for enrollment, ages 2-5!

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VPK Provider No Wrap-Around Fees Creative Arts Letter People Handwriting without Tears

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Hands-On Learning Small Class Size Chapel Discovery & Exploration S.T.E.A.M.

www.mooringspreschool.org

(239) 649-1811

NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

Jacksonville/Amelia/St. Augustine Surf’s up!

There are actual waves on the Atlantic coast, and this is the spot to learn to surf (or polish up your skills) for that future trip to Costa Rica or Hawaii. Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach aren’t just gorgeous; the long, uncrowded stretch of coastline is also a social distancing dream. Champion surfers practice along Florida’s east coast at the highest tides during the winter months.

But there also are more gentle waves for the rest of us, and plenty of surfing schools and classes. Atlantic Beach is a great place for beginners. Why not share a private 90-minute lesson for two with your new roomie or BFF now, and then maybe book a private group lesson when the family comes to visit. Jax Surf & Paddle has surfboard rentals, wetsuits, and other supplies. Besides private and group classes for beginner and intermediate surfers, they also offer technique-coaching sessions for advanced surfers. www. jacksonvillesurfandpaddle.com Horseback riding on the beach You can ride horses in Naples, but not on the beach here.

What a thrill that would be, right? From your campus anywhere east of Orlando, between Daytona and Jacksonville, you’re not far from a public riding beach, and Equestrian Adventures of Florida is your go-to outfitter. Owner Jennifer Miko offers several meet-up locations, running five to six days a week. Schedules depend on low tides for the best rides on the wide sand beach and through the surf. www.EquestrianAdventuresFL.com Just north of Jacksonville, you can also ride alongside the protected wilderness dunes within Amelia Island State Park.

While in the park, take some time for shelling. You’ll discover some different varieties up here on Florida’s northeast coast. The park website will direct you to Kelly Seahorse Ranch for booking. www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/amelia-island-state-park

Tallahassee Serenity in the salt marshes There’s something mystical about the raw, salty air in North Florida’s sawgrass marshlands that doesn’t quite reach our section of the Gulf Coast. Just 25 miles south of Tallahassee, where

Florida turns left and becomes the panhandle, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a true best-kept secret. In addition to its vast expanses of salt marsh, pine forests, and coastal plains, its iconic landmark is the functioning lighthouse that rises from the sandy dunes overlooking Apalachee Bay. That venerable old soldier has been assaulted by more than 100 storms, hurricanes, burnings, and the bombardments of three brutal wars. The keeper’s house and museum recently were renovated, and in normal times are open to visitors. Even while the museum and programs are not operating due to government restrictions, the drive through the refuge itself, hiking and biking trails, boardwalks, picnic areas, and boat ramps remain open. With recent reduced numbers of visitors, the wildlife viewing is better than ever. www.fws.gov/ refuge/St_Marks

Tampa/Sarasota La Segunda, Columbia y mas If you think you’ve savored the best café con leche, Cuban bread, and medianoche sandwiches this side of Havana, but you’ve never been to Ybor City, Florida, poor you. A Cuban baker opened the tiny La Segunda Bakery over a century ago and now great grandsons and their families turn out 18,000 of their fragrant, crusty-outside-soft-inside loaves every day, to deliver within hours to restaurants all over the U.S. Locals and savvy visitors are happy to stand in line at daybreak for a café con leche and a signature guava turnover or some other Cuban-inspired pastry. Start your day at the bakery, and then wander around the historic, architecture-rich Cuban town that once was considered the cigar capital of the world (for real!).

There’s still at least one operating cigar factory, and you can catch several free cigar-rolling demonstrations in shops and galleries along 7th Avenue. Also on 7th Avenue is the original Columbia Restaurant (circa 1915). If you’re feeling the call for some quirky entertainment on a Friday or Saturday night, go for dinner and the flamenco show. And by the way, the last time I dined there, the bread was still fragrant from the La Segunda ovens. www. columbiarestaurant.com; www.yborcityonline.com The vintage-style TECO Line Streetcar, with socially distanced bench seating, runs between downtown Tampa and Ybor City. It’s free. www.TECOlinestreetcar.org

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15

20 in 2020

By Anna Snyder

Need Help With Distance Learning?

The Top 20 Tips for Temporary Homeschoolers

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emember back in March when Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) canceled school for one week? That was cute. What started out as an extended spring break quickly turned into months of homebound learning for thousands of families in Southwest Florida. With the support of amazing teachers, we made it work, getting through the end of the school year and – finally – embracing our summer freedom from virtual learning. For my family this year, summer involved a shift from our normal rhythm. Though we didn’t travel to visit family in Illinois or Maine, we did embrace our time in this beautiful place. This summer meant lots of beach and pool days, reading on the back porch with homemade lemonade, working through a home science experiment book for kids, weekly movie nights with popcorn and candy, and lots of camp crafts – beaded necklaces, Shrinky Dink, woven pot holders, and hemp bracelets. Like many other parents, I began the summer saddened by the fact that all my travel plans seemed to change. I ended the summer saddened and overwhelmed by the prospect of school – and a car full of beach sand.

In light of our current circumstances surrounding the virus, many families have decided to select one (or more) of the stay-athome learning options offered by CCPS. What are some ways families are embracing virtual learning, even though it wasn’t what they had in mind? The three CCPS schooling-at-home options give parents and children the opportunity to select a structure that works – for now. I recently read a post by Kelle Hampton, a New York Times bestselling author and Naples resident, and I loved what she had to 16

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say: “I can do anything for a short amount of time. It is not convenient, it is not what’s best for my kids, and no, I’m not cut out for homeschooling. It’s the better of all the choices for my kids, for now.

And we’re bringing the same excitement to the start of school that we bring to every year.”

This new rhythm isn’t necessarily forever, but a choice for this year, for this unique time. How are temporary homeschool families around town making it work? And, what advice can seasoned, experienced homeschool parents offer to those temporarily homeschooling?

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Many kids with special needs depend on routine for success and security. Try to keep as many regular school routines as possible so that when it’s time, the transition back to face-to-face learning goes smoothly. Even though it might seem silly, you can still pack and unpack backpacks at home, turn in work to a designated area, unzip lunch boxes, and use visible clocks for day pacing. Kelle Hampton, temporary homeschool mom of three (2nd, 4th, and 8th grades) Use your inner safe circle to help support your child’s learning. Certified teacher tutoring may not fit within your budget, but you may have friends with teens who would love to make some extra money by spending an hour a week writing, reading, or doing flash cards with your child.

It’s a more affordable option, you can set your own safety NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

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precautions, and it gives your child the opportunity to have some face-to-face learning from someone other than you.

Kelle Hampton If your children are having a hard time typing, try the talkto-text feature available on most computers. Esther Hentges, experienced homeschool mom of two (3rd and 5th) If you feel comfortable, plan a couple days per week to have one or two friends over to do school together. My high schooler, in particular, will benefit from the routine socialization. Kelly Eastman, temporary homeschool mom of five (kindergarten, 2nd, 6th [twins], and 9th) Talk to your school counselor if you have questions or concerns. I had them – especially for my daughter’s first year of high school – and the counselor called me to talk through all my questions and thoughts regarding virtual learning, scheduling, coursework, extracurriculars, and electives. Kelly Eastman Give out grace readily – to the kids, teachers, your spouse, and yourself. I am expecting some hiccups – some trial and error. But, I also believe CCPS is trying to make this work well. And even more, I am a huge fan of my kids’ teachers and know they want them to thrive. We are all feeling the same uncertainties, and we all desire the greatest outcome for our children. Kelly Eastman Take screen breaks and avoid screen time as much as possible outside of homeschool setting. Esther Hentges Take it slow and enjoy learning along with your children.

They will be encouraged by your interest and enthusiasm.

Deirdre Lapp, seasoned homeschool mom of two (4th and 10th) Keep a schedule posted – but the times are not necessarily important. The order, however, is important. Start with something that sets a warm, positive tone, and transition often. Julie Gerber, seasoned homeschool mom of three and certified teacher (baby, preschool, and kindergarten)

10. Keep everything short and sweet, and quit while you’re 11.

ahead. Julie Gerber

Create a 1- to 2-hour quiet time after lunch for yourself and your children, regardless of their age. Have your kids go into their rooms and read or do some sort of quiet project (art, beading, etc). Monica Meistrell, seasoned homeschool mom of four (preschool, 2nd, 5th, and 7th)

12. Do not expect your temporary homeschooling experience

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to look like a public school experience. Stick to the basics: math, reading, writing, and language arts. Use your local public library to read and learn about historic events. Alison Denton, experienced homeschool mom of four (preschool, 1st, 3rd, and 5th)

13. Enjoy your kids! If you don’t accomplish everything, know that tomorrow is a new day. Alison Denton

14. Make sure children have the opportunity to run around

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and pay attention, I know it is important to first give them wide open spaces. Brandi Kermundu, certified teacher and homeschool mom of three (preschool, kindergarten and 1st)

15. Be flexible with the schedule, if at all possible. Though routine has its place, there are mornings each week when we go to the beach or do a group activity. Learning doesn’t have to be indoors at a desk. Brandi Kermundu

16. Parents don’t need to do as much as they think they need to do, and their children will still learn and grow very quickly.

I’ve only ever done formal lessons and instruction from 9 a.m. to noon, and I’ve never taught my kindergarteners for more than an hour a day. Missi Bechtle, experienced homeschool mom of four (kindergarten, 2nd, 5th, and 9th)

17. Get your kids started, set expectations, and then let them

work it out on their own. Let reality and natural consequences hold them accountable. Because both my husband and I work full-time, we’ve trusted our children to complete their schoolwork the past six years we’ve homeschooled. We give them lots of responsibilities, and because of that, we’ve seen them grow and mature in many areas of life. Penny Downer, experienced homeschool mom of three (12th and two college students)

18. Be prepared. Look over lessons the night before, and have

what you need printed out or laid out in the school space.

Otherwise, it gets chaotic trying to get everyone what they

Thank You!

need at the same time in the morning. Kristen Potter, experienced hybrid homeschool mom of four (preschool, kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th)

19. Allow children to be in a bad mood, as long as they state it

out loud. Make it easy for your children to apologize to each other – and to you. Everyone is on top of each other when both parents work from home and kids are schooling virtually. It is okay to get frustrated with each other. The more we let them know it is okay to have these feelings, the easier it is to deal with them. Julie Ojanovac, experienced homeschool mom of two (10th and 11th)

20. High school is a different animal; it is not as hands on.

It’s important to help children move on to a great arena of self-awareness as they move on academically. We help our children pursue emotional stability, and, most importantly, becoming selfless. Homeschooling would not work if everyone in our house was self-absorbed, which high schoolers naturally are. So, we give daily reminders to our children to grow in this area as they pursue knowledge and academics.

Julie Ojanovac

There’s no one right way to homeschool children. Temporary homeschool families can enjoy additional time together at home while following a structured curriculum. The array of options offered by CCPS encourages families to do what works for them – with student growth and development as the desired outcome. From all of us at Neapolitan Family, have a great start to the 2020-21 school year!

TO OUR SPONSORS AND READERS FOR MAKING THE FIRST EXPO TO GO A SUCCESS! R

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TRAVEL

By Tricia Vlasak

RV 101:

Planning a Family RV Vacation

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hen your family goes on a camping vacation, not only do you have your own space, free of the worry about staying socially distant from others, but you also have the opportunity to find places that are sparsely populated.

Gas prices are lower this year, so that’s a big bonus when we are all watching our budget.

With COVID-19 concerns on everyone’s minds, travel restrictions to other countries, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring, it’s hard to plan a weekend getaway, let alone a family vacation.

So many families are looking to RVs. If you are considering joining the ranks of RVers, consider this: • RV dealers have seen a spike in purchases, with most RV manufacturers seeing a 30% increase in sales over 2019.

• Citing pandemic concerns, the RV Industry Association found that 20% of survey respondents are more interested in RV travel than they are in flying, tent camping, cruises, or short-term home rentals.

• In a survey of RV owners, 40% said their level of use would remain the same.

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And 49% said they would be using their RVs more often this year.

The basics If you are thinking about purchasing an RV and have never owned or driven one, there are several things to consider. Will you want a travel trailer or a motorhome? A travel trailer generally is less expensive and easier to maintain than a motorhome. Insurance is less costly, and there is more variety in the layout. How many people will be sleeping in the trailer? What amenities are essential? Do you need a trailer with a generator? You also need to think about what you will tow the trailer with. Do you have a tow vehicle with the capacity to tow the weight of the trailer you are interested in? For your vehicle and safety, I recommend selecting a trailer with a Gross Dry Vehicle Weight (GDVW) well below your tow vehicle’s towing capacity.

Also, in many states, trailers over a specific weight require an electronic brake controller installed on the tow vehicle. You can find information on calculating how much your trailer weighs fully loaded online.

Thinking about buying?

If you plan on purchasing a motorhome, realize you will be making a hefty investment. The most basic new motorhomes start at about as much as I paid for my first home – around $70,000. Buying used is a good option for both motorhomes and travel trailers, as they tend to depreciate quite a bit, and great deals can be had.

However, it’s smart to buy from a dealership that offers a warranty. Most importantly, research, research, research! There are too many options to discuss here, so look online at brand reviews, research floorplans, and join a Facebook RV group for excellent tips and information.

Think about what you plan to do when you get to your destination. This will help you decide if you want a travel trailer, which gives you the use of your tow vehicle once your trailer is unhooked. Or do you want to drive a motorhome, with your whole family comfortable and spread out, during the road trip? Remember that once you’re set up in your campsite, going anywhere will be difficult, as you will have to unhook everything, find a parking space for an RV wherever you’re going, and eventually back in and re-level the coach when you return.

Rental considerations If buying is out of your budget or you want to give RVing a try before committing, renting is a good option. It will allow you to see if the RV lifestyle is for you, with a comparatively small investment. Several companies are comparable to AirBnB or VRBO, giving you the option to rent privately-owned RVs. Outdoorsy and RV Share are popular platforms, and both get good reviews. They work much like reserving a vacation home online. There are also larger corporate companies, such as El Monte RV and Cruise America. The advantage of corporate rentals is they often are slightly cheaper. However, the RVs are the equivalent of a well-used rental car: they’ve been beaten up quite a bit. They usually are not luxury models, meaning the inside is basic. Not to mention, they are like rolling billboards with their corporate advertising plastered across the side.

In contrast, by renting from an owner, you can access a wide variety of RVs at all levels of luxury. These RVs are privately NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

owned and often used by the owner when not being rented out. They tend to be very well-maintained and typically come equipped with everything you need to camp, i.e., linens, dishes, camp chairs, etc.

Advice from owners Here are some tips from RV owners for prospective renters: • Read your contract. The fine print is important. Also, if you know little about RVs, watch YouTube videos to learn how to dump the tanks, hook up at campsites, and even drive an RV. Rentals will come with manuals, and the owners will do a walk-through, but it is a lot to take in. And be honest with the owner about your level of experience.

• Carry a car seat. If you are renting a motor home, most states will require a small child to be in a car seat during travel.

• Have realistic expectations. Many RVs are very luxurious, but they still aren’t a hotel suite. Also, RVs are made of wood and Styrofoam, for the most part. Driving down the road is like subjecting them to an earthquake every day. Roll with the flow

and communicate with the owner. Almost anything can be fixed on the road.

• Practice driving. Be comfortable pulling a trailer or driving a coach before taking your family on a winding road in the mountains.

• Research insurance options. Be sure you know exactly what is covered on your personal policy as well as on any additional policy you purchase.

• Go small. Renting a 40-foot luxury coach for your first RV experience is inviting disaster. Start on three- or four-day trips.

Work up to that long road trip.

• Expect to pay for mileage over a certain amount. The limit is usually 100 miles per day. Also expect to pay a hefty (refundable) deposit, generally between $500 and $2,000, depending on the RV. Your first vacation Once you decide whether to buy or rent, it’s time to plan your vacation. A lot of new RVers overestimate the number of miles per day they will drive. Keep in mind that you won’t be driving 70 miles per hour, and you may be on curvy mountain roads.

You will also be stopping for gas more than you would in a car.

Will you need reservations at the campground you choose? Most federal and state campgrounds in desirable locations fill up months in advance (and several federal ones are closed at this time). You may have better luck finding a camping spot in a privately owned or membership campground such as KOA or Thousand Trails. There are many “first come, first served” campgrounds, but they do fill up. For help finding alternatives to public campgrounds, check out https:// gocampingamerica.com.

Being an RVer is like being part of a big, fun-loving club. People are more than happy to share their experiences and information with you. Even when you are camping, if you have a problem, you most likely can solve it with a campground neighbor.

The biggest reward of vacationing in an RV is that it allows your family to return to the basics: campfires, board games, listening to music, and riding bikes. RVing is an outstanding option for relaxation and recreation during these times. Time preparing will help your family stay safe and have fun.

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21

THE ARTS

By Katie Roberts

The Art of Survival

Local students of the arts are keeping their dreams alive as instructors embrace technology and get creative

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Photo by Matthew Schipper

his pandemic has shut almost everything down, but local arts organizations are using technology and following CDC guidelines to keep students engaged and safe. It hasn’t been easy, for both students and teachers, but the show must go on here in Southwest Florida.

And it has. Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples recently sold out all performances for its The Addams Family student production. All performers wore face coverings during rehearsals and performances (see photo, left). In addition, house capacity remained at 50%, with seats properly distanced. Two new productions are planned for December: Little Women and Ebenezer. Little Women takes the stage Dec. 4-6 while Ebenezer performance dates are Dec. 17-19.

Gulfshore Playhouse also has been offering online theater education and experiences for young actors in the community.

“Throughout the pandemic, we created new immersive audience engagement programs – Artful Distancing and Broadway Photos. This page, top: The recent KidzAct production of Moana, Jr. Left: Gianni Gizzi in Gulfshore Playhouse’s production of The Addams Family. Facing page, top: Violet O’Donnell participates in an Irish dance Zoom class at home. Middle: Dancers rehearse The Nutcracker at The Naples Academy of Ballet. Bottom: Laura Ferranti of The Vocal Ring School teaches a voice lesson via Zoom.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

Masterclass Virtual Series,” said Megan Meyer, spokesperson for Gulfshore Playhouse. “Artful Distancing is a free, weekly series of virtual theater-based content, designed to connect audiences, from the comfort of home, to the larger theater patron community around the country. The Broadway Masterclass Virtual Series gives participants the opportunity to receive direct training from professional theater artists.”

KidzAct at The Naples Players (TNP) has offered both inperson and online classes for kids in recent months, and staged Moana, Jr. in August, with performers wearing masks and the audience socially distanced (see photo, facing page, top).

TNP has been offering a variety of online content and classes, including its popular Comedy Club for Teens, which provides an opportunity to learn the ropes of improv and comedic acting. The class is led by Craig Price, director of community education and wellness at TNP, and a graduate of The Second City in Chicago.

KidzAct is holding auditions for The Sound of Music on Sept.

12, and performances are scheduled for December.

Dance Arts by Maria is celebrating the start of its 15th season, and is holding in-person instruction this fall. Owner Maria Ellis Nave said the studio is keeping classes small and requiring staff to wear masks. “We are cleaning regularly in between classes and provide hand sanitizer for everyone,” she added.

Dance Arts also is offering small classes of six or fewer students for homeschooling families. “We are including the moms too,” Nave added. “A new option class called Moms Matter Too will allow moms to take Zumba or dance cardio while their little dancers are taking their classes.”

Getting creative In addition to embracing technology, arts instructors have developed creative ways to teach safely during the pandemic. The Naples Academy of Ballet is presenting its performance of The Nutcracker outdoors at Cambier Park in Naples this year. And The Vocal Ring Studio (VRS) in Naples is rolling out an outdoor studio location so that students can experience safe, in-person voice lessons, starting in October.

“The stability of VRS was put to the test when COVID-19 hit in March,” said co-owner Taylor Ferranti. “In-person lessons ... were considered problematic due to aerosol droplets and the Continued on page 24

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suspension of aerosols in the air.”

The studio transitioned to online-only lessons in the spring and continues to operate remotely. Ferranti noted that enrollment has remained solid. “The reason VRS continues to thrive amidst a pandemic is that making music together is therapeutic and a powerful way to help students feel grounded and stay connected,” he explained.

Backstage Dance Academy (BDA) in Naples came up with a creative alternative to canceling its annual year-end recital – the Red Carpet Event. Each dancer had the option to go into the studio and record their dances individually. Each dancer could bring in up to four guests per dance, take pictures in costume, and sign the wall in the studio with encouraging messages for fellow dancers.

All of the individual videos were then synced, to make it look like the students all were dancing side by side.

“I absolutely loved this new, innovative solution,” said Victoria Poff, a sophomore at Barron Collier High School and BDA student for 12 years, “and I had the best time dancing!”

Moving quickly BDA immediately moved to online-only instruction in March when dance studios across the state were forced to close. “I was pleasantly surprised at how fast BDA offered Zoom classes,” Victoria said. She not only took eight classes each week via Zoom, but also acted as a teacher’s assistant virtually for a tap class.

“The most challenging part of virtual dance was not being in the physical dance studio,” she said. “I never realized how important a proper floor, mirrors, space, and other dance equipment are when dancing. It was very difficult to dance on tile or carpet rather than a slick marley floor, and using a piano as a ballet barre was also a big change!”

The studio reopened in June. The enthusiasm of the instructors and the safety protocols put in place by staff made the transition back to the studio an easy one for Victoria. “My favorite part of being back is getting to see my wonderful dance family and learn new, exciting choreography for this year,” she noted.

Silver lining Irish dancer Violet O’Donnell is an 8th grader at North Naples Middle School and also this month’s Neapolitan Family cover model. Pre-pandemic, Violet had been traveling to the Drake School of Irish Dance, South Florida in Coral Springs four times a week for classes. When dance studios were directed to close in March, the Drake studio moved to Zoom lessons.

“We are very lucky that we have technology that allows Violet to keep practicing,” said Diana O’Donnell, Violet’s mother. “We had to make room for her since she practices a lot at home, and we make it work.”

There has been a silver lining in the pandemic for Violet.

“I noticed that Violet is getting in more practice time since online classes are now available,” said Diana. “This has not been done before, and I think it will change the future. It may become a permanent thing for dancers, since Zoom is more convenient for our schedules.” Along with virtual classes, Violet is traveling again to the Coral Springs studio for slightly altered lessons. The dancers have been placed in “micro groups” of eight people. Temperatures are checked as people enter the studio, and staff are required to wear face masks.

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THE ARTS

By Christa Melnyk Hines

Digital Designers

Creative Ways Techy Kids Can Express Themselves

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ick of the amount of time your kids are spending on video games? When boredom strikes, give your digitally charmed youngster a project that enhances their technical skills while also fostering their creativity.

Write a digital storybook. Introduce your young storyteller to https://storybird. com, which features illustrations that kids can use for story inspiration. They can write and design picture books and long-form stories or write poetry. Subscription-based monthly writing challenges can help boost a child’s literacy skills. Young authors can choose to keep their work private, publish it to Storybird’s public library, share it on social media, email it to friends and family, or print off the books for special keepsakes or gifts. Other sites include https://bookcreator.com and https://inkspire.org, which encourages youth between the ages of 14 to 29 to share their stories, thoughts, and ideas with others, and.

Draw comic strips. The StripDesigner app enables kids to take pictures of their artwork or upload photos to create their own comic strips using the site’s comic book template. They can play with fonts and filters and write dialogue in speech balloons. Also check out the family friendly website www.MakeBeliefsComix.com created by Bill Zimmerman. The free site provides writing prompts for kids, comic strip templates, and suggestions for family activities. Younger children might like Superhero Comic Book Maker and Princess Fairy Tale Maker available at www.duckduckmoose.com, which are designed for kids who aren’t writing yet. When they’re finished creating their story, they can record it and play it back.

Create a digital photo book. Ask your kids for help in putting together a photo memory book of your family’s vacation. Have them include captions of the places you visited, the things they learned, and short anecdotes. Walmart, Picaboo, and Shutterfly are a few sites that offer templates for photo books.

Play with music. From Garage Band on Mac for older kids to www.creatingmusic.com for younger ones, turn kids on to playing around with pitch, tone, and rhythm.

Also, check out Incredibox and Fun2Think.

Start a family newspaper. My 13-year-old son likes to write up short “ripped from the headlines” news briefs, family news, and car advertisements. He also draws cartoons for a “funnies” section. My son prefers to use GoogleDocs so that he can easily email or print his paper, but Word or Pages (Mac) also offers templates for newsletters.

Build a family webpage. Many kids love to play with coding, design, photography and writing.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

Help your child design a free family website using platforms like uKit, Wordpress, Weebly, Wix, or Squarespace. Some of these sites are more user-friendly than others. Check around to see what would work best for your youngster.

Direct a movie. Kids love to play with video. Show them applications like iMovie (Mac), which gives them an opportunity to choose templates, edit, add audio, and share their short films. Slo-mo and Timelapse are also fun video features on many smartphones. On Timelapse, my kids like to record themselves cleaning up their room. They get a kick out of going back and watching the process in fast- forward. (That’s a win for parents too!)

Record an interview. Interview a grandparent, parent, sibling, or another relative using the audio record function on your phone, computer, or iPad. Not sure what to ask? Check out https://storycorps. org, which offers an app with suggested interview questions.

Create a digital slide show. On

your next family field trip or vacation, provide your child with an inexpensive digital camera if they don’t have access to smartphone. Afterward they can upload their photos to your computer and create a digital slideshow with music, transitions, and creative fonts. Check out www.smilebox.com, iPhoto, or Movavi.

Start a blog. Help your budding artist, writer, or photographer start a private family blog where they can share their work with family and friends. If your children like to cook, suggest they take photos during each step of the cooking process and post their recipes onto the blog. For a group of friends who love to read, watch movies, or play video games, suggest setting up a group blog that they can use to take turns posting book, movie, or video game reviews.

Snap a photo a day. Using apps like Photo 365, have your child take a photo a day throughout the fall. Choose a specific subject like a tree, a seed that they plant, their puppy or kitten, a sibling, themselves. At the end of the season,

watch the subject in a quick time lapse.

How does the subject matter change over the course of the season? Also check out the 365 Photography Challenge Calendar at https://expertphotography.com, which features ideas for daily photography prompt ideas.

Get curious. Check out a list of sites for kids featuring links to art, science, music, games, sports, and more at www.

KidSites.com.

As always, ensure that your kids are taking appropriate personal safety precautions to protect their identity and location while online. Unsure about an app or online platform? Check out https://www.

CommonSenseMedia.org.

As the mom of two sons, ages 12 and 14, freelance journalist CHRISTA MELNYK HINES is in thick of navigating technology use in her home. She is the author of “Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.”

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THE ARTS DIRECTORY

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DANCE ARTS BY MARIA 239-513-6999 www.naplesdancearts.com naplesdancearts@hotmail.com

We offer mobile dance classes for kids ages 2 and older in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, creative movement, parent & child, and more. Classes are fully customizable and can be taught in any location. We bring the classes to you. Private and group lessons at affordable rates.

Dance Arts by Maria Inc. teaches a love and appreciation for the art of dance to all ages and levels of students. Dancers between the ages of 2-18 can learn ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical. Virtual and in-person classes are available for our fall session. In addition to recreational classes, the studio offers multiple performance team opportunities and an award-winning competitive team. The studio participates in charitable events throughout Naples, so keep an eye out for our dancers. To keep up to date check out our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages @naplesdancearts.

ELITE DANCE CENTER 239-435-3840 dance@elitedancecenterfla.com http://elitedancecenterfla.com Elite Dance Center is dedicated to bringing progressive dance education to Southwest Florida. We want to not only improve our students’ dance technique but also instill the love of dance that we have in our students. Whether the student wants to make a career out of dance or simply dances for pleasure, we will provide the same top notch training from the same instructors for all.

NAPLES ACADEMY OF BALLET 239-732-1000 http://naplesballet.org dance@naplesacademyofballet.com We build students’ strength, focus, creativity, and love for dance by exploring and expanding their talents in order to develop physical, social, and intellectual skills in the art of dance. We provide our students with the traditions and discipline of the well-founded Russian Vaganova style of ballet. We offer professional dance instruction for all ages, regardless of whether a student’s goal is a career in dance or is purely recreational.

MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES ARTIS-NAPLES 239-254-2355 • https://artisnaples.org Artis–Naples is dedicated to making the arts a part of every local child’s life. With family-friendly concerts, youth music ensembles,

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Mobile dance classes for ages 2 and up!

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• Schedule classes at your convenience • Private and group lessons available • No long-term commitment • Qualified adult instructors • Birthday parties

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NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

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THE ARTS DIRECTORY

school field trips, classroom art-making,ArtSmart summer camp, and more, our thriving student education and enrichment programs are central to our organizational mission. The Naples Philharmonic provides opportunities for advanced student musicians with the following youth ensembles: orchestra, jazz orchestra, symphonia, and chorus.

CITY OF NAPLES 239-213-3020 • jfox@naplesgov.com www.naplesgov.com The City of Naples offers a variety of activities for everyone from pre-kindergarten to adults all year long. Programs include arts, water sports, language, and more. Specialty summer camps are offered for prekindergarten to teens.

COLLIER COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION 239-252-4000 www.collierparks.com peg.ruby@colliercountyfl.gov bl

The Collier County Parks & Recreation Division offers a variety of programs involving the arts. Dance classes are offered at our community centers at affordable prices. The basics of ballet, jazz, tap, and dance technique are stressed for all students. We provide programming for all ages and abilities, including sports leagues/ camps/competitions, aquatics, arts, dance, community classes, senior, kids’ out-of-school programs, adaptive programs, special events, and more.

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Online & n o s In Per gun. e b e v s ha Classe BALLET | POINTE JAZZ | LYRICAL |

| TAP MODERN

Call for available class times today! (239) 566-3535

13020 Livingston Road #8, Naples, FL 34105 | bdaNaples.com NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

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THE ARTS DIRECTORY

advertising section

Continued from page 29 GLOW DANCE & ART ACADEMY 929-429-9655 www.glowfl.com info@glowfl.com Glow dance classes are taught by Iveta Lukosiute, a 2-time World Professional Ten Dance Champion, and 5-time U.S. National Ten Dance Champion. Iveta was a professional dancer on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing, as well as Dancing with the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance. We offer a playful and relaxed environment where all can let loose, have fun, and learn a thing or two. We offer various dance, fine art, and yoga classes for all ages.

NAPLES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 239-597-6722 http://NaplesPerformingArtsCenter.com info@naplesperformingartscenter.com The Naples Performing Arts Center provides excellence in arts education through a diverse curriculum in dance, theater, and music.

MUSIC ASHLEY BALL PIANO LESSONS 239-287-1633 • ashleyballpiano@gmail.com I teach all levels from beginner to advanced and all ages from 7 years old to adults. Lessons are taught at my home in Lake Park in Naples. Masks may be worn, and the piano is disinfected before and after each student.

KIDZACT YOUTH THEATRE OF THE NAPLES PLAYERS 239-434-7340, ext. 127 • https://naplesplayers.org cprice@naplesplayers.org KidzAct programs are offered year round for students 5-18 years, including children with special needs. Six levels of skill/showcase classes are offered in singing, dancing, and acting. Teen programs in song, dance, and acting are also offered.

VISUAL ART/PHOTOGRAPHY THE ART EXPRESS 239-434-0781 • https://theartexpress.net theartexpressonline@gmail.com

GREATER NAPLES YMCA 239-898-7040 • www.greaternaplesymca.org

Art classes for all ages, as well as youth camps for summer and school breaks. We also can come to your school, community center, special event, birthday party, and more.

Make your own kind of music at the YMCA’s lessons and classes.

We offer group and private opportunities for children starting at age 5 and adults of all ages. You can take a bow at your own recitals and performances.

NAPLES ART 239-262-6517 https://NaplesArt.org • info@naplesart.org

THE VOCAL RING STUDIO 941-219-5885 • https://vocalringstudio.com We provide custom voice lessons for all ages and abilities. Our students experience high-quality lessons from degreed and skilled voice teachers and performers. In addition to vocal training, students learn how to sight-sing and read music.

THEATER GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE 239-261-7529 www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org Gulfshore Playhouse Education serves SWFL through a wide variety of unique educational opportunities. The Playhouse’s educational programming provides people from the diverse community accessibility to the art of theater. Program offerings for youth grades pre-K to 12 range from STAR (Student Theatre Artist in Residence) theater classes, summer camps, and productions to ThinkTheatre in-school and classroom programs. Gulfshore Playhouse also provides a variety of educational opportunities for adults, from Synergy Series audience enrichment programs to professional internships.

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We believe that a strong arts education is part of the foundation for a successful future. Youth who participate in the popular ARTScool summer education program delve into their creative sides. Special studio or art classes for children are offered throughout the year, including classes specifically designed for homeschool students.

Collier County high school art students have opportunities to earn scholarships to pursue their artistic studies at the collegiate level.

SPRINKLE BASH 239-434-0781 www.sprinklebash.com • contact@sprinklebash.com We offer DIY workshops for kids, birthday parties, parents’ night out, mini camps, and event styling.

UNDERSTAND PHOTOGRAPHY 239-263-7001 https://www.UnderstandPhotography.com We provide lessons to photographers who prefer step-by-step, easy-to-understand instructions. Our motto is “We Simplify the Technical.” Students can learn at their own pace at the studio in Naples, on location, or in the privacy of their own home via online classes.

Workshops for teens as well as adults are offered.

NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020

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The all-new Second Edition is the perfect guide for visitors, local families, classrooms, homeschool groups and libraries. Twice as many colorful photos and illustrations...more super-fun attractions and experiences... more freaky factoids and inside tips. Plus, all the websites and phone numbers you need. It’s absolutely, positively not just for kids! Available in the best bookstores, gift shops, and on amazon.com.

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IS YOUR CHILD HURTING? AVOW IS

HERE TO HELP

Activities for Your Child • Parent and child support groups • Grief support in Collier County schools

Children often mask their feelings of grief behind smiles or even unusual behaviors.

We’ve been helping Collier’s children unmask and process grief since 1983, all without charge to families.

We support children through divorce/separation, incarceration, deportation of a family member, death of a loved one or pet, loss of a friend, and other losses that affect your child.

• Individual and group meetings with licensed or certified counselors • Camp MendingHeartTM day and overnight camps that feature therapeutic art, therapeutic music, and healing activities • Teen movie nights

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Aunt Janet’s House on the Avow Campus

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Phone: (239) 261-4404 Email: AvowKids@avowcares.org Visit: Avowcares.org NEAPOLITANfamily • September 2020