Nov 2016 digital issue Neapolitan Family

November 2016 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY COMPLIMENTARY

Giving Back:

Our Annual Guide to Local Nonprofits That Need Your Help Tips for Celebrating the Holidays With a Blended Family Could You Live on $10 Worth of Food For a Weekend?

Make the Election Fun for Your Kids NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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Christmas Tree Sales!

Collier County Fairgrounds, under the pavilion Starting Friday, November 25 at 9 a.m.

Location: 731 39th Avenue N.E. Naples, FL 34120 Days & Times: Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturdays: 9am to 9pm Sundays: 9am to 6pm We have the best Quality Frasier Fir Christmas Trees from North Carolina, at low prices. Trees range from 3 feet to 12 feet Tall. tree stands also available.

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 Foundation, 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 6 & 7, 2017!

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Collier County Fair

CollierCoFair

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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The Only 24 Hour Pediatric Emergency Department in Collier County

Robert, Mariann & Megan MacDonald

Pediatric Emergency Department

X

North Naples Hospital

Healthpark Blvd.

•Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year •Safe and secure with designated entrance •Calming environment that promotes healing •Child-focused decor •Equipped with the most advanced, child-sized medical technology •Waiting room serves only pediatric emergencies •Streamlined process for moving children through triage quickly and efficiently

Immokalee Rd.

NCH North Naples Hospital 11190 Health Park Blvd.

Naples, FL 34110

239-552-7827 www.NCHmd.org NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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NOVEMBER 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . .

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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REEL LIFE WITH JANE Movie reviews for the entire family

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COLLIER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE

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RACHEL RECOMMENDS Book reviews for kids by a kid

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COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Community Safety Advice

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CITY CONNECTION City of Naples Parks Department News and Events

on the cover…

Sophie Pierre is 2 years old and is the daughter of Pam and Getty Pierre. She loves going on walks, dancing, and “playing” basketball and soccer with her big brothers. Pam teaches Spanish, while Getty teaches French and coaches girls’ soccer at Golden Gate High School.

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Destination: Venice and Sarasota.

Sharks’ teeth, undersea romance, and a ton of lettuce are waiting to be discovered.

by Karen T. Bartlett

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Holidays with Blended Families.

Tips for successfully celebrating the holidays as a stepfamily.

by Laura Lyles Reagan

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Election. This presidential election provides us with an opportunity to help our kids understand what history really means.

by Lynn Dean

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Special Needs. Here’s some help in figuring out your first steps after finding out your child has special needs.

by Anna Snyder

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Avow Hospice for Children.

Learn more about Naples’ often over-looked resource for helping kids deal with the loss of a loved one.

by Anna Snyder

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Childhood Hunger Challenge. Three local leaders share their experiences living on $10 worth of food for 68 hours to bring awareness to food insecurity.

by Stacy Nicolau

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Nonprofits. We’ve extended our list of local nonprofits to 100 this year, with profiles of 10 organizations that are making a difference in our community.

Cover photo by Peggy Farren 1-4 pg Horiz.4_Layout 1 2/18/13 9:45 AM Page 1 ofCEDR Avant 1003 GardeNeaFamily Photography • 239-263-7001

I love my

Empowering and inspiring children to reach their potential with: - Programs for 6 months to 6 years of age with full or parttime days - Florida VPK programs & Private chef’s delicious full meal program - Residential campus setting with 2-large play yards and much more

Call today for a campus tour: 239-597-7190 www.cedarmontessori.org e-mail: office@cedarmontessori.org

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

Maria Montessori

inspiring the love of learning since 1984 NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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Providing Care for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, VPK NOW OFFERING AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS K-5th GRADE

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Children guided by a balanced curriculum of thirty-eight objectives that incorporates academics, and the individual needs of the child

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Educated, compassionate, and skilled teachers

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Baby Sign Language used in all infant and toddler classrooms

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Instilling school preparedness through mathematics, science, literacy that enforces sight words, phonics, letter recognition, and a Kindergarten Readiness Program Parent Trainings and Workshops available!

Field trips including: Barnes & Noble, The Artis Naples, The Children’s Museum, Naples Zoo, The Conservancy of SWFL, The Glenview Naples, and the Naples Botanical Gardens Afterschool Program that includes homework time, tutoring, games, crafts, and snacks!

Secure gated entrance, cameras, and a staff training program dedicated to safety

Call today to schedule a tour! 239-261-7442 PHONE

Precious Cargo Academy, a Mission of Naples United Church of Christ WEBSITE: Preciouscargoacademy.org

EMAIL: Leanne.badham@outlook.com

Find Us on Facebook!

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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Sign-up for After School before Thanksgiving and we’ll waive the registration fees!

E BUS!

TH GET ON

Greater Naples YMCA

After School Program Learning doesn’t end with the school bell! Available for children in grades K-8, our program provides a range of activities, including:

We offer bus service to the Y from most schools! *We accept Early Learning Coalition (ELC) certificates!

Academic Enrichment

Computer Lab

Activities

For more information on ELC, please call 239.213.1137 or visit their office located at 3050 Horseshoe Drive #231, Naples FL 34104.

Healthy Snacks

Rates a low as $50 per week*

Scholarships available!* For more information or to register, visit www.GreaterNaplesYMCA.org *To see if you qualify for a scholarship, visit the Greater Naples YMCA and apply in person.

239.597.3148

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5450 YMCA ROAD • NAPLES, FL

WWW.GREATERNAPLESYMCA.ORG

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau advertising, marketing, social media, editorial snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman graphic design, accounting, editorial lanewman@neafamily.com 239-287-4221 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature Writer Anna Snyder Cover Photographer Peggy Farren Editorial Submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials.

Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors.

Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information.

We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at over 275 distribution points throughout Collier County as well as digitally at neafamily.com.

Neapolitan Family is ©2016 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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THIS MONTH: Focus on Nonprofits

One of the best things about my job is answering the Neapolitan Family phone. Every day I talk to someone new and, sooner or later, they share an interesting story with me. Lately, I’ve talked to a combination dance instructor/dog trainer, a mermaid, and a Marco Island ghost.

By far the most interesting message I got was this week from Peggy Koutas, of Easter Seals Naples. She wanted to know if her organization could deliver our magazines for us. For FREE. Eager to find out more, I called her back. She is developing the nonprofit’s Life Skills, Employment, Advocacy, and Participation (LEAP) Program, which helps transition young adults with disabilities who have aged out of the school system into productive, successful adults. Having these participants manage our distribution is going to provide a valuable service to the community.

Leigh Ann and I are thrilled to forge a partnership with this Easter Seals program, not only because it lightens our work load, but because it fits in to our vision to be active participants in community service. Since September, we have become business partners with Girls on the Run of Collier County, Collier Child Care Resources, and Pine Ridge Middle School.

Our November issue focuses on local nonprofits that improve the lives of people in Southwest Florida. For the past three years, we have profiled 90 nonprofits; this year we add 10 more to the list and created a more comprehensive directory to serve as a resource on neafamily.com. We hope that somewhere in this issue you will find an organization that resonates with you, and inspires to you help in any way you can.

Could you feed yourself on $10 for the whole weekend? Because of the prevalence of local families with food insecurity, several community leaders attempted the Childhood Hunger Awareness Challenge, created by Meals of Hope. Three of them shared their experiences with us on page 38. Find out what they were able to buy and the impact the challenge made on their whole family.

Finally, who can ignore the elephant (or donkey) in the room? Cover Kid Sophie Pierre was happy to celebrate the end of a tumultuous election season with a photo session dance party and confetti. On page 18, Lynn M. Dean has suggestions for experiencing the presidential election season with kids of all ages.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stacy Nicolau Co-Publisher neafamily.com

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REEL LIFE WITH JANE

By Jane Louise Boursaw

Family Movie & DVD Reviews New movies for kids and teens in November include the wizarding world’s “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them,” Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” and Disney’s family film “Moana.” Here’s a sneak peek at all the new movies for kids and teens this month. Note that release dates are subject to change.

Timberlake and Gwen Stefani, in addition to a number of classic hits from the 1960s through the 1980s.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM Rated PG-13 for some fantasy action violence • In Theaters 11/18 Ok for Kids 13+ Reel Preview: 5 of 5 Reels

TROLLS Rated PG for some mild rude humor In Theaters 11/4 • Ok for Kids 6+ Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels From the creators of “Shrek” comes this smart, funny, and irreverent comedy about the search for happiness, and just how far some will go to get it. This cute movie transports audiences to a colorful world populated by the overly optimistic Trolls, with a constant dance in their step and a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have trolls in their stomachs.

After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy (Anna Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the curmudgeonly Branch (Justin Timberlake) set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Together, this mismatched duo embark on a rescue mission full of adventure and mishaps – trying to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done. The soundtrack is produced by Timberlake and features five original songs, including songs by Justin 8

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This all-new adventure from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe is directed by David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters. The movie opens in 1926, as magizoologist Newt Scamander (Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wiz-

arding and No-Maj worlds. Rowling wrote the screenplay for this Harry Potter prequel, which also stars Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Jon Voight, Ron Perlman, and Samantha Morton.

MOANA Rated PG for peril, some scary images and brief thematic elements In Theaters 11/23 • Ok for Kids 6+ Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific Ocean, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voiced

by Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, this cute family movie also features the voice talent of Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk.

THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN Not yet rated; likely PG-13 In Theaters 11/18 Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels This new coming-of-age movie offers an honest, candid, often hilarious look at what it’s like to grow up as a young woman in today’s modern world. Everyone knows that growing up is hard, and life is no easier for high school junior Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), who is already at peak awkwardness when her all-star older brother Darian (Blake Jenner) starts dating her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson). All at once, Nadine feels more alone than ever, until the unexpected friendship of a thoughtful boy (Hayden Szeto) gives her a glimmer of hope that things just might not be so terrible after all. Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, this movie also stars Kyra Sedgwick as Nadine’s well-meaning but completely ineffective mother, and Woody Harrelson as Nadine’s History teacher, mentor, and reluctant sounding board.

DOCTOR STRANGE Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence • In Theaters 11/4 Ok for Kids 13+ Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel cinematic universe. Directed

by Scott Derrickson, this movie also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

LOVING Rated PG-13 for thematic elements Ok for Kids 13+ • In Theaters 11/11 Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels From acclaimed writer/director Jeff Nichols, “Loving” celebrates the real-life courage and commitment of an interracial couple, Richard and Mildred Loving (Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga), who married and then spent the next nine years fighting for the right to live as a family in their hometown.

Their civil rights case, Loving v. Virginia, went all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1967 reaffirmed the very foundation of the right to marry. Their love story has become an inspiration to couples ever since. Also stars Michael Shannon.

miracle. This movie stars Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Danny Glover, and Gabrielle Union.

ARRIVAL Not yet rated; likely PG-13 In Theaters 11/11 Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is brought together to investigate.

As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and her team race against time for answers. To find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this action sci-fi also stars Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

ALMOST CHRISTMAS Not Rated PG-13 for suggestive material, drug content, and language In Theaters 11/11 • Ok for kids 13+ Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels A new comedy from writer and director David E. Talbert (“Baggage Claim”) and producer Will Packer (“Ride Along,” “Think Like a Man”), this movie tells the festive story of a beloved patriarch who asks his family for one gift this holiday season: to get along. If they can honor that wish and spend five days under the same roof without killing each other, it will be a Christmas NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Coulda been a contender.

Three Reels – Something to talk about.

Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick.

Five Reels – Wow. The stuff dreams are made of.

JANE BOURSAW is the film critic and editor-in-chief of Reel Life With Jane. Contact her at jboursaw@charter.net. Images used with permission of the studios and distributors. neafamily.com

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COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Amanda Jackson, Communications & Community Engagement

Lely High Students Take to the Skies

J

uan Pena always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but he didn’t think it would happen so soon. The 18-year old Lely High School (LHS) student is graduating this year, not only with a diploma, but a private pilot’s license as well. Pena’s not the only one. Students in LHS’s Academy of Aerospace and Aviation are learning to fly, sometimes before they can drive, and are taking the sky by storm.

The academy is run through an agreement between Collier County Public Schools and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. It’s a dual-enrollment program, allowing students to receive college credit for courses they are taking in high school.

On top of that, students who finish the course can earn their ground school certification and private pilot license through the Federal Aviation Administration.

For Pena, the program was a path to kick start his dreams.

“When I was younger, I would always talk to my friends and say, ‘hopefully I’ll get my pilot’s license after high school,’ but I never imagined I’d be flying alone as a junior,” Pena says.

While taking the courses, students

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learn through a traditional classroom setting and spend time using flight simulators.

They can choose any airport in the world, along with weather and air patterns, and replicate what a flight would be like. Pena says it’s a good learning tool, but it didn’t start to feel real until he stepped into the pilot’s seat.

During “one of my first flights as a copilot, the instructor said ‘Okay, here are the controls.’ Some of the most basic controls, but I thought to myself this is the coolest thing I’ve experienced in my life,” he says.

Or at least up until that point. Soon after, Pena had his first solo flight. He remembers every detail from that day. May 9, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. on Runway 1-7 at the Marco Island Airport.

“There was a lot of freedom and responsibility,” he recalls. “It was amazing knowing that someone trusted me to fly the plane all by myself, even if it was only in a small area.”

While the ground school certification test is part of the academy, a private pilot’s license is something additional. Many Lely students who take that next step do so with the help of the James C. Ray Scholarship.

Twenty-eight LHS students have applied

for the $11,500 scholarship, and they’ve all received it, Pena included. The scholarship covers the cost of attending flight school, and students can choose where they want to go.

But students aren’t only learning to fly planes. LHS has drones that need pilots as well. Embry-Riddle donated 11 drones to the school and Pena, a licensed drone pilot, is working as a peer counselor too.

“We want to get more students licensed,” he says. “We’ve got a net set up outside for when it’s time to learn.”

Pena has been using the equipment to get aerial videos and photography of the school. Many of his videos are featured on Lely’s website.

Pena plans to continue his education at Embry-Riddle, studying Aeronautical Engineering with minors in air traffic control and aviation safety. His long-term goal is to become a commercial airline pilot, and with his experience, he’s well on his way.

Pena’s advice for prospective students?

Study. “Don’t lose your motivation. You may not see it now but just keep working and it’ll pay off,” Pena says. “It’s a whole different world up there.”

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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RACHEL RECOMMENDS

By Rachel Newman

Theodore Boone: The Accused by John Grisham

I

would like to start off by thanking Bella Schaab for writing a review on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child last month. It was very well written and a great review.

This month I decided to review Theodore Boone: The Accused by John Grisham. I know it’s surprising I’m writing about a John Grisham book, but no worries, this book’s targeted audience is children.

Theodore Boone is the only child of two lawyers. It’s a family tradition to become a lawyer, and Theodore has a goal of continuing that tradition. He’s a good kid and has a fine reputation, until he gets framed for a crime, gets in a physical fight, and has a out-of-school suspension. Theodore Boone needs to get out of this situation, and quickly. With the help of his friends, can he accomplish the impossible?

This book, I believe, is worth reviewing because it’s different from most other children’s books. Most books have a simple plot line: a child has an idol, who he meets; a child has a goal she reaches; girl meets boy or vise versa; and so forth. You don’t find yourself wanting to be Theodore Boone, you find yourself wanting to be his friend.

Theodore Boone is not the perfect child from a fantasy, he’s different and unique from other characters from the universe of books.

Attack of the llama This book has a lot of humorous moments. I especially enjoy the one where

can all relate to having some weird dreams because of something that happened to us during the day.

Theodore Boone is great book, and luckily for us it is one in a series (you know how I love series of books.). The first one in the series is Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer.

There are four books in total: Kid Lawyer, The Fugitive, The Abduction, and The Accused). I would recommend The Accused for children 10 and older, but for kids 13 and younger, I would recommend parental approval.

Theodore Boone has to help out his friend’s mother’s friend in animal court because her llama had continuously attacked a police man at the farmer’s market.

Flying rainbow caterpillars With all the commotion of being framed for a crime, it began to lead to some creative nightmares for Theodore Boone.

I actually connected to Theodore myself while reading about one of his dreams. I often have very interesting dreams, such as the time I dreamt that Dumbledore, from Harry Potter, fell in love with a flying rainbow caterpillar (I had watched a Harry Potter movie that night). So, I think we

John Grisham is for kids Read this book if you love thrillers and lawyers! I would like to also say that, parents, really look at this book before you tell your kid he or she can’t read it. Don’t stereotype this book because John Grisham wrote it.

Just remember, “A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.”

RACHEL NEWMAN is 11 years old and in the sixth grade at Pine Ridge Middle School.

When not doing homework, she spends her time hangingout with her friends, Irish dancing, playing the flute, listening to U2 and Lindsey Sterling, and watching “I Love Lucy” and “Family Ties”.

Covenant Church of Naples Fall Festival Just good, family-centered fun for free.

Friday, November 11 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Bring Friends and Family.

6926 Trail Blvd.

Naples, FL 34108

239.597.3464

Featuring a climbing wall and inflatables for fun, family entertainment, this fall festival offers something for the whole family. Come and enjoy the hay ride, crafts, corn pit, and carnival games. Our food area will offer hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, cupcakes, and drinks.

For more information visit covenantnaples.com

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COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

By Kristine Gill

Traveling CCSO Exhibit Enlightens Parents

T

he items scattered around a makeshift bedroom housed within the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer look harmless enough: a stick of deodorant, a tin of mints, a tampon wrapper, and a stack of books.

But the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Free Collier want parents to take a closer look. The traveling exhibit aims to educate moms and dads about the warning signs of risky behavior. Some of the items are being used by teens and even elementary school students to hide drugs and alcohol.

Others are signs of mental and social problems from which a child might suffer. Take the mints for example. Drugs can be hidden beneath the candy. And the books? One of the thickest volumes was actually a safe of sorts. Pages inside had been hollowed out so items could be stored within it.

There’s plenty more to wow parents inside the trailer, and the point is not to reveal all of the details here. Deputies want parents to see it for themselves because in the ever-changing world of drugs and technology, it’s important that parents know how to spot the red flags and broach the subject with kids. As soon as parents think they have figured it all out, there’s a new drug or social media app that they need to be aware of.

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The traveling exhibit invites parents to tour the bedroom with more than 100 items that have either been confiscated from Collier County students or can be easily purchased at local head shops. And while some of the behaviors and items sound extreme, deputies say they’ve seen students

as young as elementary school becoming involved in gang activity or showing early signs of self-harm behaviors. Other items are indicators of sexual activity, eating disorders, and cutting.

And while the trailer might also seem like an educational experience for teens, deputies warn this one is just for adults.

Instead of saying “Do Not Enter” or “No Boys,” like a child’s bedroom might, the sign outside the trailer reads “Parents Only.”

Cpl. Scott Freiburger gives tours and presentations of the trailer, and said most parents are shocked by what they learn.

He hands out brochures referring parents to local resources should they suspect their child is engaging in dangerous behaviors.

Organizations can reserve the trailer for an event through the Youth Relations Bureau at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. This free educational resource is made possible through Arthrex, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District, the Community Foundation of Collier County, and St. Matthew’s House.

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CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT.

By Laura Tichy-Smith

November is a Natural for Family Events 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 local organizations.

Free Sunday Nature Talk Series Bring your children and learn together how nature can flourish in the city, with the proper care. The Naples Preserve continues the tradition of its free nature talk series, but now on Sundays at 2 p.m., when it is easier for you to attend. The presentations will inform and entertain both adults and children over the age of five. The schedule is: “The Naples Preserve’s Fascinating Insects” on November 6; “She Sells Seashells...” on November 13; and “Frog Calls 101” on November 20. For more information, call 239-261-4290. (1690 Tamiami Trail N., corner of US 41 & Fleischmann Blvd.)

or to register, call Fleischmann Park at 239213-3020 or River Park at 239-213-3037.

Parents’ Night Out How about a Friday night date for you and your spouse? Fleishmann Park has got you covered. Movies and games with new friends plus dinner equals a tired kid to pick up. Friday, November 4 at River Park and Friday, November 18 at Fleischmann Park from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $20 for first child and $15 for sibling if pre-registered; $25 without pre-registration. For more information, call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Ave., Naples)

School’s Out Fun Day for Elementary School Kids

Get in the Holiday Mood with Free Celebration of Lights

Need childcare when school is closed but you have to work? Both Fleischmann Park and River Park have a solution for you.

They have planned fun activities for your child’s days off from school, including crafts, games, and sports. Send a lunch and snacks with your child. Fun Day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. You must register no later than two weeks prior to the event, as space is limited. Wednesday, November 23. $30 per child. For additional information

Do your kids miss the snow falling around the Christmas tree? Then take them to the Celebration of Lights, Third Street South’s official launch of the holiday season running nightly Monday, November 21 through Saturday, November 26 (except Thanksgiving Day) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Live music and bells resound from every courtyard and plaza as Santa arrives. For more information, call 239-649-6707.

(Third Street S. and Broad Avenue, Naples)

Free Concerts at the Bandshell Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park at 2 p.m. on Sundays in November. Concert schedule: Gulfcoast Big Band on November 6; Naples Concert Band on November 13; and Naples Dixieland Jazz Band on November 27. For additional information, call 239-213-3058. (755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples)

239-260-2100

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TRAVEL

By Karen T. Bartlett

Destination: Venice & Sarasota Sharks’ Teeth, Undersea Romance, and a Ton of Lettuce

W

carrots, beets, and apples every day. While their table manners aren’t perfect, these brothers are the only manatees in the world trained to participate in research projects to help Mote’s biologists understand their endangered species. And what personalities!

They’re definitely posing at the giant viewing windows for the kids’ cameras as they munch away. To learn more, call 941-3884441 or visit mote.org or Hugh and Buffet’s web page: isurus.mote.org/hughbuffett/.

hat prehistoric sea creature has the head of a horse, the tail of a monkey, and the pouch of a kangaroo, and lurks right here in the shallow bays of Southwest Florida? You’ll find that quiz on page 23 of my new book, “A (mostly) Kids’ Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands and the Fort Myers Coast,” among other bizarre factoids that kids love to learn.

The answer? A seahorse! But wait - there’s more! In the seahorse world, the daddy has the babies!

Oh, Baby!

Plenty more shocking things go on in the romantic lives of sea creatures, as we discovered recently on a day trip to Sarasota’s Mote Aquarium. “Oh, Baby! Life Cycles of the Seas” is all about where marine babies come from. Don’t worry, Mom & Dad, it’s a nice clean family exhibit. And oh, baby, the things you’ll learn! Did you know, for example, that a baby seahorse is called a fry?

That’s where the term “small fry” comes from – not from a fast food potato!

One especially giggle-worthy thing about watching these seahorses: with such tiny fins to navigate around, even slight water movement bobs them sideways and upside down. And they look so very unconcerned about the whole thing. They use their monkey-like tails to grab onto a bit of coral or sea grass as they bob by.

Sea Monster?

Molly the 27-foot giant squid is no longer living, but her preserved body is a real attraction at Mote Aquarium. With her outrageously long and scary tentacles, Molly was as close to a real movie-style sea monster as there ever has been. Check it out: her eyes alone were 10 inches in diameter!

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Photograph by Karen T. Bartlett

You need at least two hours to enjoy all the aquarium’s exhibits and visit the creatures in the Main Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Center, including closeup viewing of otter babies Huck, Pippi, and Jane chasing each other around in the new river otter habitat.

Plan to stay longer if you want to try some of the special experiences at extra cost, like helping the staff chop up lunch and then feed the full size sharks in the Shark Zone (for ages 13 and up), or hunting for ancient sharks’ teeth in the Fossil Creek sand trough (for the younger ones).

As for us, our next stop will be 20 miles south to Venice Beach, “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World,” to find our very own fossilized treasures in the wild.

But first, we head over to watch Hugh and Buffet, Mote’s resident assistant scientists, enjoying a little lunch. Okay, a lot of lunch.

These approximately 1,500-pound fellows are actually manatees, and boy do they love to eat their vegetables. Together, they chomp down about 120 heads of romaine lettuce and 12 bunches of kale, along with

Venice: The Hunt for Sharks’ Teeth In prehistoric times, when Florida was still beneath the sea, this area was teeming with sharks. One shark can lose 10,000 to 20,000 teeth during its lifetime. After millions of years, all those teeth and shells left a layer of fossils up to 30 feet deep around the Venice coast. Cool news for us: The tides just keep uncovering them.

At Caspersen Beach Park, the outdoor shower pad and walkways are imbedded with thousands of sharks’ teeth. We’re psyched! Tooth-hunters are knee-deep in the water with their official sifters, flat metal colanders on sticks, nicknamed the Venice snow shovel. It’s clear from our Naples-style long-handled shelling nets that we’re not from around here.

We sift through the coarse gray-flecked fossil sand near the water’s edge for about two hours, and our reward is 14 treasures, including some extinct megalodon teeth.

A few are whole and still sharp. Most are the size of a child’s thumbnail. We’ll add these to the larger teeth collected in previous years, and we’ll dream of the really huge one we’ll find on our next trip up the coast. Maybe we’ll even invest in a Venice snow shovel.

KAREN T. BARTLETT is Travel Editor of Neapolitan Family. She is the author of 11 destination travel books, and publisher of the award-winning book, A (mostly) Kids’ Guide to Naples, Marco Island & The Everglades.

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10/20/16 1:05 PM

HOLIDAYS

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By Laura Lyles Reagan

The New Norm: Celebrating the Holidays as a Blended Family

he holidays may present special challenges for stepfamilies. I divorced 13 years ago and remarried seven years ago. Through trial and error I have learned a few things about what works and doesn’t. As a clinical sociologist, I also facilitate coparenting education groups.

Marriage and family sociologists estimate at least 1,300 new stepfamilies are formed every day!

According to extrapolations of the U.S. Census, more than 64% of families will have at least one step relationship at some point in the arch of the family. We are the new norm! Here is some advice on how to navigate the sometimes stormy waters of holidays with blended families.

Holiday Helps Let Go of Expectations. My husband invited our daughters to his parents’ Christmas Eve dinner but did not push them to go. They were older and had their own traditions established with me as their biological parent prior to the new marriage.

My girls chose to go to dinner with his parents but did not want to stay for the gift giving extravaganza since they really didn’t know all the extended family members.

Tweens and teens may need to take their time embracing an extended family.

There is not a perfect holiday family activity that will make everyone suddenly feel closer. There is not a perfect holiday meal. There is no perfect gift that will heal NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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divorce. There are only opportunities to connect and connection can be defined in a variety of ways. Children may choose to connect or they may not, depending on where they are in the process of accepting

and feeling a part of the stepfamily. Wherever they are in the process is valid.

Many experts believe it takes approximately five years to blend a stepfamily, states David L. Brasher, BCSW and family therapist.

Be Open and Flexible. “My mom doesn’t make the turkey that way.” A brave step parent might respond by saying something like this, “Tell me how your mom does it. I might want to try it like that sometime.” If the child says, “Daddy’s Christmas tree has the ornaments I made when I was little,” a wise step parent might say something like this, “That must be really special to have those special ornaments on the tree. Will you help me make an ornament for our tree?” Biological parents might support the stepfamily dynamics by sharing with the child, “Not everyone does things the same way and we can try a

new way.” Learning to live with different people and different styles is a positive skill that may help kids of blended families for years to come in their interpersonal and professional lives.

Keep It Simple. Keeping activities simple may help diffuse tension and help new family members get to know each other without pressure.

The following list might be helpful in starting some new family traditions.

• Watch a holiday DVD and string popcorn for the tree.

• Go to a holiday movie in a theatre together.

• Go Christmas caroling around your neighborhood, laugh with each other, let the kids be silly.

• Go to church, synagogue, or mosque together.

• Volunteer together at the charity or nonprofit of your choice.

• Bake holiday cookies together.

• Make New Year cards for military service personnel.

• Trim the Christmas tree together as a family.

Family is about being loved and accepted for who you are, no matter how family is defined or configured.

LAURA LYLES REAGAN is a parenting coach and author of How to Raise Respectful Parents. Reach her through her website at www.lauralreagan.com. neafamily.com

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Tir Na Nog

Salvation Army Holiday Assistance Registration Open

Academy of Irish Dance

Our mission is to promote the heritage and culture of Irish Dance.

Visit us online at tirnanogdance.com or call 239-455-7225 Call Us to Schedule Your First Class FREE.

LEARNING CAN BE FUN Start the school year strong with custom tutoring sessions at Wise Minds Tutoring Center Tutoring for Grades K-12 • Free Assessment • No Contracts Flexible Scheduling • One on One Instruction • Sibling Discount Guaranteed Grade Level Improvement

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he Salvation Army in Collier County is taking registrations now through the end of November for its Naples Christmas Cheer program. Naples Christmas Cheer provides holiday gifts for seniors and children 0-12 years old, boxes of food to create nutritionally sound holiday meals, and activities for local seniors and families in need. Last year the program served close to 5,000 individuals in Collier County.

All registrations must begin with an application via the Naples Christmas Cheer website – NaplesChristmasCheer.com. This is followed by an on-site registration appointment. On-site registrations will be held in both Naples and Immokalee throughout the month of November.

Required documentation for Naples Christmas Cheer include: • Picture ID for parent/head of household • Certified birth certificates for all children in the home, 0-12 years of age • Pant, shirt, dress, coat, and shoe sizes of all children • Income/NO income verification (employment, DHS, unemployment) • Verification of SSI/SSA/SSD, food stamps, child support • Proof of residency (utility bill, rent/lease receipt) • Proof of expenses (household, vehicles, medical, etc.)

For additional information, visit salvationarmy.org or call 239-210-4009.

Diabetes Meeting Brings Doctors, Patients, Researchers Together

$100 off

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he 2nd Annual Naples Diabetes Conference is a collaborative educational conference where doctors, patients, and researchers will come together to discuss the latest advancements in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatment and prevention.

The conference, set for Sunday, November 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples, is open to the public, and offers continuing education credits to medical professionals.

The new demonstration kitchen at the Naples YMCA will be used for hands-on sessions about cooking with diabetes. There will also be onsite screenings for the TrialNet Pathways to Prevention Study. The study will help researchers gain knowledge to prevent type 1 diabetes and stop disease progression by preserving insulin production before and after diagnosis. Standard breakout and learning sessions also will take place.

“This conference has quickly grown to be a resource for those affected by diabetes as well as a place where our medical community can come together and further their own education on diabetes. We have a line-up of speakers from around the country this year and we are so proud to have them coming to Naples to educate our community,” said Joe Balavage, co-founder of Help NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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a Diabetic Child and Naples Diabetes Conference. Early registration is recommended. Visit NaplesDiabetesConference.com or call 239-821-5051. Tickets start at $10 and need-based scholarships are available through the Greater Naples YMCA. All proceeds benefit children with diabetes.

Elephant Fest Benefits Alzheimer’s Support Network

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lephant Fest is the Alzheimer’s Support Network’s only fundraising event of the year, and will be held on November 12 at the Naples Zoo, starting at 9 a.m. It is a festive morning in a wonderful setting with animal shows, music, food, and a special tribute to families dealing with Alzheimer’s and related diseases.

The suggested donation is $25.

When you make an Elephant Fest donation, you receive a tshirt, which can be picked up at the Alzheimer’s Support Network office at 660 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 21, Naples, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, or at the event. Your t-shirt is your “ticket” to Elephant Fest and allows all day admission to the Zoo. At 10 a.m., everyone will gather at Lake Victoria to hear a few words of inspiration and a song as we float flowers and pay tribute to those we have lost and their families.

The Alzheimer’s Support Network provides support groups for caregivers of individuals with memory issues. The network also provides a 24-hour Help Line (239-262-8388) that is answered by staff members. All services are provided free of charge.

For more information, or to volunteer, call 239-262-8388, email efest@alzsupport.org or visit alzsupport.org.

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BRK Pizza Named Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant

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RK Pizza of Naples is the latest Blue Zones Project Approved restaurant in Collier County. Blue Zones Project is a community-by-community, well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes to environment, policy, and social networks.

“The Blue Zones Project movement is transforming the wellbeing of the Naples community, and we wanted to be part of that change,” said Randy Trombino, owner of BRK Pizza. “By making small changes, we realized we could have an impact and help make Naples a healthier, happy place to eat, live, work, and play.”

To earn approval, BRK Pizza added new, healthy choices to its menu. The restaurant hosted a competition among its employees to see who could create the best tasting Blue Zones Project inspired pizza. The “Power Pizza” consists of a multigrain, whole wheat crust, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onion, spinach, fresh mushrooms, black olives, pineapple, and an Italian balsamic glaze drizzle. BRK Pizza also added whole grain and gluten-free crusts to its menu options, became a tobacco-free worksite, and is now sourcing more than 15 produce items from local farmers.

For more information, visit brkpizzanaples.com or southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com. BRK Pizza is located at 6355 Naples Boulevard, in front of Costco and Best Buy.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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Miguel Argumosa, DMD., Erin M. Taylor, DMD, Nicole Eastham, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

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10/20/16 1:06 PM

ELECTION

By Lynn M. Dean

How to Make the Election More Fun and Understandable for Your Kids N

o matter how you look at it, this year’s election already has made history. For the first time, a woman has been nominated as a major party candidate, and perhaps, in January, we will see the inauguration of the first woman president. If elected, she also will be the first former First Lady to hold that title. She’ll also be the first president who is a mother.

The list goes on. But even if she doesn’t win the election, it will be an historic one.

What an important time to be a voter.

What an exciting time to be a parent! We have an opportunity to help our kids understand what history really means. History is not about obscure dates and facts, but about important or memorable moments in people’s lives. We also have the opportunity to teach our children what it means to be an American. We are a free people with the right to choose our government. It is our responsibility to choose wisely. By not exercising the right to vote, we are accepting the status quo. By not participating, we are really voting for whomever everyone else chooses. And this year, not voting may have serious consequences, no matter which candidate you support.

But exercising our right to vote is more

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than just voting in the presidential election.

Local and state elections matter, too. It’s crucial that we bring our children, no matter their ages, into our political discussions and bring them along as we perform our civic duties. Research shows that children whose parents “socialized” them to the political process tend to be more involved and active citizens.

This election year is the perfect time to put these sentiments into practice. Here are some ways to make this year’s election more understandable and fun for your children: 4 Get to know the candidates. The more your children know about the candidates, the more they’ll be interested in the election and the political process. Luckily there are a number of online resources out there to help. Scholastic News has an excellent website (election.scholastic.com) to explore with your children, as does Time for Kids (timeforkids.com/minisite/ election-2016). You and your kids can read about both of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, read the latest election news, get inside the issues, review a glossary of election terms, learn about the path to the presidency, and discover how Congress fits into picture. On the

Time website, click on “Who Really Elects the President” to learn about the role the Electoral College plays in the process. Or, have some more fun by clicking on “What to Call Bill.” Just what do you call the husband of a female president who was also president himself? Discuss the issue with your children and then see what the Time For Kids reporters heard when they placed the issue before convention-goers.

4 Read all about it. There are many good children’s books that can help your kids learn about the election process. For 4 to 8-year-olds: The Ballot Box Battle by Emily Arnold McCully, If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier, If I Were President

by Catherine Stier,Robin Hill School: Election Day by Margaret McNamara, My Teacher for President by Kay Winters and Denise Brunkus, The Day Gogo Went to Vote by Elinor Batezat Sisulu, Duck for President by Doreen Cronin, and How Our President is Elected by Linda Granfield, For kids 8-12: See How They Run

by Susan E. Goodman, Election: A Kid’s Guide to Picking Our President by Dan Gutman, Class President by Johanna Hurwitz, The Kid Who Ran for President

by Dan Gutman, NEATE to the Rescue NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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by Deborah Newton Chocolate and Wade Hudson, and Presidential Elections: And Other Cool Facts by Syl Sobel.

For upper-elementary and high school students: Our White House: Looking in, Looking Out by the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance, Ghosts of the White House by Cheryl Harness, So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George, White House Q&A by Denise Rinaldo, Dolly Madison Saves George Washington

by Don Brown, and The White House by Joanne Mattern.

4 Arm yourself with knowledge.

Kids ask hard questions. You don’t have to have all the answers. Admit when you’re in over your head. PBS Kids’ The Democracy Project (pbskids.org/democracy) has resources to help parents answer their children’s questions about the election.

4 Actually watch some of those political ads that are polluting the airwaves with older children. Dissect them as you do other commercials. What are they really saying? What does it really mean? Decide together which slogans and messages the candidates are communicating in their advertising. Ask your kids whether the message is a positive one or a negative one.

4 Talk about why you vote and why it’s important to vote. If you have older children, talk about how you make a decision on who to vote for. Ask your children about times they’ve had a chance to vote such as in a school election. PBS Kids’ The Democracy Project’s page “Step Inside the Voting Booth” has links to What a DIFFERENCE One Vote Makes, Step into a Voting Time Machine, Cast Your Vote, and How You Can Be Part of an Election.

Explore these sites with your children.

4 Help your children recognize that men and women have fought and died

to protect our freedom to vote. Learn about local heroes who have defended our right to vote and be free. If your family includes military veterans, encourage your children to ask why and where they served.

Did anyone in your family die fighting for our country?

4 Remind your children that there was a time when women didn’t have the right to vote. Now there is a woman on the ticket. Talk about Women’s Suffrage.

Check out About.com’s Women’s History page at womenshistory.about.com/od/suffrage1900. Print and read aloud Susan B. Anthony’s speech on the women’s right to vote (historyplace.com/speeches/anthony. htm).

4 Revisit the Civil Rights Movement. Your children may not know that African Americans have not always had the right to vote. Although black men theoretically won that right with the end of the Civil War, white men passed laws that, in reality, prevented them from exercising it. Read all about it at history.com/topics/ black-history/voting-rights-act. Watch some of the videos with your children.

4 Peruse your local television guide and watch educational programs on the election, the United States presidents, election history, and presidential history. Tie in to classroom lessons by finding out what your kids are learning about the election in school and expanding on those lessons at home.

4 Discuss who you are going to vote for and why. If you and your spouse each support a different ticket, talk about why and explain that here, in America, we have the right and the freedom to disagree.

4 Bring the election home. Talk about the difference between red states (Republican) and blue states (Democratic) and explore together why Florida is considered a pivotal state in this election. Read up on red and blue states at the Wall Street Journal’s graphics.wsj.com/elections/2016/ field-guide-red-blue-america. Then, ask your children why they think the candidates are placing so much emphasis on Florida voters this election year. On election night, take the discussion further by coloring in the states on a map according to whether they vote red or blue or purple. You’ll find a map to color at theodora.com/maps/ new5/usa_color.gif. Warn your kids that the results may not be all in by bedtime.

4 Discuss local issues. Check out the League of Women Voters of Collier County’s page on lwvcolliercounty.org.

Share your sample ballot that comes in the mail with your children. Talk about the local voting process.

4 Take your kids to vote with you.

Have fun experiencing history in the making.

LYNN M. DEAN is a Colorado writer and mother of three. Lynn specializes in parenting, education, lifestyle, health and women’s issues.

www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com

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SPECIAL NEEDS

By Anna Snyder

Where to Start: Resources & Support for Parents of Kids with Special Needs

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t is difficult to know where to start when you find out your child has special needs. The tasks seem overwhelming, and there is so much emotion involved. Special needs run the gamut, and there is so much information available – countless options for doctors, therapies, interventions, specialists, and support groups. Stressful questions arise: “Where do I start?” “What are the long-term implications for my child and my family?” “How do I find time for all of this?” “Does anyone understand what I’m going through?”

One parent (who asked to remain anonymous) shared her story and advice for other parents with me. “A parent’s greatest resource and starting point is the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System, also commonly known by its acronym FDLRS (sounds like “Fiddlers”). They will connect you with Early Steps of Southwest Florida, the local branch that will send the resources you need right to your home to get the appropriate assessments done,” she explains. “At [my son’s] 12-month appointment, our pediatrician referred us to FDLRS, and it took about two months to get our initial evaluation (so a parent needs to call as soon as possible to get on the wait list). Our primary service coordinator did an initial overall evaluation, then got an [occupational therapist], a [physical therapist], speech pathologist, and behaviorist to come to the home for more detailed evaluations and eventual therapy, and they also sent us to a local psychologist for an ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). This was the best, most helpful starting point after months of telling various doctors that I knew something was ‘up.’”

FDLRS is the starting point for parents, including assessments, evaluations, and subsequent referrals, and parents are able to access these resources regardless of their child’s age or diagnosis. The organization provides diagnostic, instructional, and technology support to families of children with special needs, as well as resources for schools in Florida. There are 19 centers that serve schools directly, and an additional six multi-disciplinary centers that provide indepth evaluations. For more information and additional resources recommended by FDLRS, visit fdlrs.org.

FDLRS manager Theresa Bowman, advises parents that “it is okay to focus on the needs of their child rather than a diagnosis.

Every child is different, and it is generally easier for families to take one step at a time rather than a giant leap. Seek the help of community agencies, friends, and family because you need to know you are not alone in your new journey.”

Many parents with children who have special needs will be referred to a specialist for interventions, therapies, and/or medical treatment. One such specialized organization in Naples is Building Blocks, owned by Charlene Westman. Her advice to parents who have a newly diagnosed child with special needs is to “take a breath.

Allow yourself space to feel whatever you may be feeling, but know that you are not alone. There are parents in this (and every) commu-

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nity that have gone through what you are going through. Remember that life is a marathon and not a sprint. Don’t forget to attend to your own needs as well as those of other family members.”

Westman encourages families to “get informed and have a plan.

Take the time to learn about the nature of your child’s disability, and seek out resources that might guide you during this early period.

Find consultants to assist you. This could include psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers. Use your consultants to answer questions you may have. Don’t be afraid to question their information if you don’t understand it.”

For those parents who have recently learned their baby or toddler has special needs, early intervention can be very important, depending upon the unique need. However, it is never too late for your child to receive the interventions he or she needs. “Neural pathways in the brain, during first three years of life, are particularly flexible,” explains Westman. “This means that the brain can change more easily during these years. More importantly, changes during this period can change the trajectory of a child’s development.

Be encouraged, though – it’s never too late to change the brain.

We can all continue to grow and develop new neural pathways throughout our lifespan.”

Finding Support A supportive community is essential for parents of special needs children. “Whenever I have a parent who has recently found out they have a child with special needs, or we together suspect their child may have special needs, I typically refer them to a specialist,” says Dr. Debra Shepard, a pediatrician at Lighthouse Pediatrics in Naples. “There are so many unique needs; a specialist will be able to determine the correct course of action and any interventions or therapies needed. Specialists are often able to direct families to support groups specific to the child’s needs,” she continues. “I often seek to connect parents who have recently found out their child has a special need with another parent in my practice who has walked a similar road. I find it helps greatly to have a personal connection right away.”

Local parent Tianna Fisher organizes one such support group – the Naples FL Parents of Special Needs Children Facebook group, which provides support and networking. The group plans regular events and also shares information on local events and activities specific to the special needs community.

“I want people to know there is a supportive bunch of parents who are here to share resources and help each other,” Fisher says.

“Now that my daughter is five, we’ve been through a lot of different courses of treatment – trial and error. There is a lot of advice out there, and a lot of support. Sometimes it can feel isolating.

Don’t give up.”

Fisher also stresses the importance of early intervention to those with recent diagnoses. “A diagnosis is very helpful in getting you the right help and services, and early intervention can open doors for your child, as well as expand your own knowledge as a parent. A diagnosis, however, does not change the things that you love about your child. Special needs can vary in degrees – a child may have a slight language delay, or a child may have severe impairment in many areas. The best thing a parent can do is find a support network” such as the Facebook group organized by Fisher.

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“We are here,” Fisher says. “We love our children, and we get it. Never stop learning from your child. I’m so thankful for this community.”

Encouragement from Other Parents There are so many sources of encouragement, but the words from parents who have been there – who have gone through the diagnosis process, and have walked this challenging road of parenting – are especially poignant. Here are what six local parents have to say to others just beginning the process: n “It is never easy to find out that your child doesn’t fit society’s ‘normal’ standards. It doesn’t matter how severe or mild the special needs are, it’s still hard. Every day is a challenge, and I just want other parents of special needs kids to know they are NOT alone, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed, too. I struggle, too. Take some time for yourself because caring for children is hard enough, but it’s especially hard when your child needs more than you can sometimes handle.” n “When you find out your child has special needs, realize and understand that it’s a good thing. Every child is unique – every child has unique abilities and needs. Having a child diagnosed as having special needs is a blessing – that child is a blessing.” n “You’re not alone. I was devastated when I found out my son had special needs. I turned to support groups for help, and it made me realize I am not alone.” n “My son will be 18 years old in January. We found out when he was three years old that he has special needs, and things have changed a lot since then. I always tell other parents like me that this is still the same child you had before. This is not the end of the world, even though you might feel like it. Many other parents are in the same situation. Take some time to breathe, and love on your family before you go crazy with research. Don’t be over-protective with your child; be there, and be involved. You have to be your child’s number one advocate. If you don’t push for what your child needs, no one else will.” n “As parents, our hearts are so full of love for our child the moment we see them. When you see your child suffer, it can cause your heart to ache because it is growing and being stretched by that love. Whether your little one arrives with his or her own suffering or acquires it later matters very little. Your suffering child will cause your heart to grow – just like each of your other children, perhaps even more. Special needs often set you apart, a little or a lot. Having at least one friend who walks with you through similar challenges can be so helpful. But, if you don’t have one, try to strengthen your family bonds to be there for each other through this always unpredictable journey that is parenthood. And remember that you are the expert on your child.”

No matter what happens in life, it is important for parents to know that they are not alone. One great way to learn from others and make connections with like-minded parents is to seek out events designed for parents of children with special needs. FDLRS is offering a free conference on Nov. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

The conference is open to any parent who has a child with a special need, regardless of the need or age.

For additional information, contact Jessica Braun at 239-3378539 or visit apps.collierschools.com/events/Pages/Guest/Event. aspx?eventid=19. neafamily.com

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MENTAL HEALTH

By Anna Snyder

Avow Hospice Provides Healing Resources for Grieving Youth

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any people in our community are familiar with Avow Hospice, a nonprofit health care organization dedicated to compassionate, expert care for families experiencing and facing profound grief. The organization provides outstanding end of life and counseling services, and it has had a tremendous impact on the Naples community. I recently visited the facility recently to learn more about the counseling services Avow provides to children and youth in Naples on an ongoing basis.

Programs for Youth Talking with children about grief, and walking through the grieving process with a child, can be a daunting process. The programs and services provided by Avow aid in this grieving process, with the desired outcome being full healing in the hearts and lives of children facing such a difficult time in their lives.

Avow is in the process of physically expanding, with a new building opening in 2017, according to Deborah Jonsson, communications manager at Avow. A portion

of the new facility will be dedicated to family bereavement and structured programs and activities designed for children. I was surprised to learn about Avow Hospice’s range of programs available to children and teens in Naples.

“Until you need it, you aren’t usually aware of it,” Jonsson explains about Avow’s programs available for children. “Part of my job is raising awareness about the support that is available.”

“We offer individual grief counseling, six week group workshops, and grief camps.

We meet with parents and work with them to provide guidance and support,” says Raquel Gonzalez, a children’s bereavement counselor with Avow.

Through partnerships with Collier County Public Schools, as well as the private schools in the area, Gonzalez and Denise Self, also a children’s bereavement counselor at Avow, work with the schools and school counselors to identify students who may require specialized counseling as a result of the loss of a loved one.

Avow also provides a day camp and a new two-day camp environment for

Children create memory boxes at Avow bereavement day camp last May. 22

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grieving students. Gonzalez shares that her goal is “to provide counseling services to as many kids as there are who need those services.” In the past, Avow offered younger children in the community a day camp at The Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples with an array of activities designed to help them connect with peers and promote the healing process.

The team is excited about a new program they are offering: an expanded overnight camp for students ages 12-18. The camp includes outdoor team-building activities, a ropes course, music therapy activities, and art projects.

“We work with guidance counselors in schools to gain referrals for the camps, and we invite children and students we’ve met with individually. Also, area youth agencies can also recommend students for the camp,” Gonzalez says, adding that the camps are free. “We are a nonprofit with a fantastic base of donors and supporters.”

Transportation and food also are included.

The ultimate goal for these programs and services is healing. “We help create an outlet for the expression of feelings, and we promote healing. We encourage discussion, and help families open the door for discussion. If children don’t share their grief, they have to process it alone. There are avenues for expression,” Gonzalez explains.

The team continues to find it particularly difficult for middle and high school students to share their grief and express their feelings. The individual counseling services, six-week group session, and the overnight camp are all ways that the team seeks to bring about the ultimate goal of healing.

The children’s bereavement team is available to answer any questions parents might have, stresses Denise Self. “Please call us. We are always happy to answer questions and provide as much information as we can.”

For more information, visit avowcares. org or call 239-261-4404.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

10/20/16 1:09 PM

Dance Classes

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

November 2016.indd 23

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9:30 a.m. Music Together at Whiz Kids.

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9:30 a.m. WONDER 5:30 p.m. Festival 5:00 p.m. Sensory 11:30 a.m. Farm City 7:00 a.m. ThanksgivKids. Drop in anytime be- of Lights. Third Street Night. C’mon provides BBQ. The annual Farm ing Day Gobble Gob-

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5:00 p.m. Fair at Fenway South. Open Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 1720, 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Located at JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-334-4700 for additional information.

1:00 p.m. C’mon Mini Wonders Workshop: Perky Turkey. Join us for our weekly toddler workshop. Wobble and gobble to the Mr. Turkey song, create your own turkey callers, and play turkey games. Ages 2-5.

Located at C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples.

Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org.

4:00 p.m. Discovery Reptiles. See and learn about giant lizards, large snakes, and tortoises that will grow to over 200 pounds. Ages 5+. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib. org.

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1:00 p.m. Free Outdoor Movie: The Good Dinosaur. Please leave coolers at home and support our merchants. Popcorn, food, beer, wine, and soft drinks for sale on the lawn. Lawn chairs, blankets, well-behaved pets. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Pl., Naples. Call 239-594-9400.

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6:00 p.m. Turkey Feather Hunt. Go on a turkey feather hunt and create a unique craft. Play some games and activities while learning about Thanksgiving.

Ages 4-10 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples.

Call 239-593-0870.

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1:00 p.m. Bark for Life. A fun, pet-friendly afternoon in support of the American Cancer Society. Contests for Best Costume, Most Amazing Tricks, etc. Dog products, agility course, daycare and spas, veterinarians, gifts.

Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-594-9400.

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5:30 p.m. Fall Festival at Convenant Church of Naples.

Featuring a climbing wall and inflatables for fun, family entertainment. Come and enjoy the hay ride, crafts, corn pit, carnival games, and food. Located at Covenant Church of Naples, 6926 Trail Blvd., Naples.

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9:30 a.m. American Indian Arts Celebration. Enjoy traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, dance, and music of the Seminole, Southeastern, and other Indian tribes from. Located at Ah-TahThi-Ki Museum, 34725 West Boundary Rd., Naples.

Call 877-902-1113.

7:00 p.m. Nelson Illusions Magic Show. Nelson Illusions combines rare and original illusions from around the world with award winning, jaw-dropping magic. Located at Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Call 239389-6901.

7:30 p.m. The Rocky Horror Show. Showing Oct. 12 through Nov. 16.

This rocking musical is a humorous tribute to the cheesy science fiction and horror B movie genre. Located at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue S., Naples.

Call 434-7340, ext. 39, or check naplesplayers.org for additional information.

10:30 a.m. Junie B Jones The Musical.

This delightful adaptation of Barbara Park’s best-selling books is brought to life on stage in this musical comedy about Junie B. Jones and her first grade adventures.

Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Call 239-278-4422.

friday

thursday

wednesday

tuesday

4:00 p.m. Squishy Circuits and Snap Circuits. Learn how to make electrical connections using various types of circuits.

Grades 3-5. Registration required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org.

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monday

4:00 p.m. LEGO Club at Estates Branch Library. LEGO bricks will be provided. Your creation will be put on display at the library. Ages 5-11 years.

Registration is not required.

Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239455-8088 or check public. collier-lib.org.

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4:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will all be given away to families in need every Tuesday.

Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca. org for more information.

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8:00 a.m. Community Yard Sale. Find yard

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9:00 a.m. Old World Festival. Brings together the state’s finest historical reenactors, craftworkers, and living history presenters to recreate over 10 centuries of everyday life on the SWFL frontier. Located at Collier County Museum, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples.

Call 239-252-8476.

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10:00 a.m. Twinkle Outreach. Any local families in need are welcome to come by and receive free children’s clothing or baby equipment. Families show up and apply for the items they may need. Located at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store LLC, 4172 Tamiami Trail North, Naples.

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9:00 a.m. Panther Festival. Enjoy special presentations, children’s activities, a panther-themed nature hike with park rangers and panther biologists, and more. Free admission for Collier County residents.

Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples.

Call 239-262-5409.

saturday

Best Bets

6:30 p.m. Films for Film Lovers. Films begin at 7 p.m. Join our lively and entertaining film discussion after each film. Located at Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs.

Call 239-495-8989 or visit artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

sunday

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1:00 p.m. Marco Craft Beer and Fine Food Fest. 25 craft beers from six Florida breweries paired with food from six Marco Island restaurants. $60. The Esplanade, 800 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island.

Call 239-389-4511 or check theesplanade.com.

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7:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Day Gobble Gobble Four-Miler. Dress up in your best Thanksgiving themed gear for a special prize and bring the little ones for the Lil’ Gobbler Dash.

Located at Venetian Village, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples. Visit venetianvillage. com or gobblegobblefourmiler.com.

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Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org.

Braces & Invisalign® FREE Consultations

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5:00 p.m. Mercato Tree Lighting. Come and join Mercato as they light the largest live tree in Southwest Florida. There will be live music and and dance performances. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239594-9400 or check mercatoshops.com for additional information.

3:30 p.m. Mini Moo Petting Zoo. Interact with live animals from our locally owned petting zoo. All ages welcome. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Road, Naples. Call 239-2524542 or check public.collierlib.org for details.

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2:00 p.m. Free Concerts at the Bandshell. Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-213-3058 or check naplesgov.com for additional information.

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or check public.collier-lib. org.

11:30 a.m. Farm City BBQ. The annual Farm City BBQ has become a favorite Thanksgiving tradition that has raised more than $250,000 for local non-profit organizations. Located at Seminole Casino, 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee. Call 239-658-1313 or check seminolecasinoevents.com.

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Naples. Call 239-594-9400.

5:00 p.m. Sensory Night. C’mon provides Sensory Nights for children on the autism spectrum and or with other sensory integration disorders. Registration required. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org.

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5:30 p.m. Festival of Lights. Third Street South will be launching the holiday season as the mayor lights the official Christmas tree full of twinkly lights and wonderful red and silver decorations. Located at Third Street South, Naples.

Call 239-434-6533 or check info@napleschamber.org for more information.

9:30 a.m. WONDER Kids. Drop in anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to the Smith Children’s Garden for fun activities. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or visit naplesgarden.org.

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Call 239-593-0870.

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Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-594-9400.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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9:30 a.m. Music Together at Whiz Kids.

Come indoors and experience the joy of music making with your little ones. Family classes available Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday. Located at Whiz Kids Play Zone and Tutoring Center, 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples.

information.

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8:00 a.m. Community Yard Sale. Find yard sale bargains all in one location. If you are interested in reserving a spot to sell used items please call. Located at Immokalee Community Park, 321 North 1st Street, Immokalee. Call 239-6574449 for details.

Call 239-252-8476.

YOUR COMMUNITY November EVENTS CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS:

1 TUESDAY

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.

Call for times. Junie B Jones The Musical. Runs through Nov. 18. This delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books is brought to life on stage in this musical comedy about Junie B. Jones and her first grade adventures. Call for tickets and times. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-2784422 or check broadwaypalm.com for additional information.

8:30 a.m. Traditional Yoga in the Park. Traditional yoga class focuses on breathing, stretching, and postures. Modifiable for all ages and levels of participants. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. For additional information, call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org.

9:30 a.m. Music Together at Whiz Kids. Experience the joy of music making with your little ones.

Family classes (0-5 years) available Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday mornings. New babies class (infants-8 months) available Saturday afternoons. Located at Whiz Kids Play Zone and Tutoring Center, 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples.

10:00 a.m. Moms and Tots Storytime with Miss Jessica and Miss Mary Ellen. A toddler favorite, the girls read, sing, dance, and color, creating a fun atmosphere of learning and lots of laughter. Come and ask about the little green frog song. All ages are welcome.

Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or visit bn.com.

The deadline for print calendar events is the 12th of the month preceding publication. You can submit events anytime for the online calendar.

Note: Registration is required for most library events.

10:00 a.m. Family Story Time at South County Regional Library. Your whole family is invited to this enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and stories. All children attending must be registered. Please be on time. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Elementary Creative Clay Home School Class. Use your imagination and master the skill of hand-build clay pieces using techniques such as pinching, slumping, slabs, and coils. Each project will explore the principles of design and sculpture.

For home schooled students ages 4-8 years. Located at Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., Naples. Call 239-262-6517 x100 for details.

4:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry. Every Tuesday until 6:30 p.m. Frozen food, fresh produce and canned goods will all be given away to families in need. Anyone is welcome. Located in the parking lot at the Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples.

Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for more information.

2 WEDNESDAY Call for Times. The Rocky Horror Show. Showing through Nov. 16. Call for tickets and times. This rocking musical is a humorous tribute to the cheesy science fiction and horror B movie genre. Located at

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November 2016.indd 26

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

10/20/16 1:10 PM

Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave S., Naples. Call 434-7340, ext. 39, or check naplesplayers.org for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Whole Foods Farmer’s Market. Every Wednesday on the front patio.

Located at Whole Foods, 9101 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-552-5100 or check wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/naples for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Baby Boot Camp at Miromar Outlets. Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, post-natal, and ultra-fit moms. Classes are weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at MundoMax Playland.

Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Ikebana Naples Chapter. Attendees are invited to bring all materials to make an arrangement. They will be able to shop at a full Ginza or Japanese marketplace. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month. Located at Moss Hall of Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, Naples.

9:30 a.m. Historical Walking Tours. Come enjoy this 2 to 2.5 hour walking tour through parts of the Naples Historic District including alleys and the Naples Pier.

Located at Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Avenue South, Naples. Call 239-2618164 for additional information.

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

10:00 a.m. Art for Mom & Me at Rookery Bay. Local artist Marjorie Pesek will lead this one-hour workshop for children and adults at all levels of creative talent. She will share her unique art technique of Layered Imagery. Registration fee ($25) includes one adult, one child, and supplies. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-417-6310 or check rookerybay.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Preschool Story Time at South County Regional Library. Parents and caregivers encourage independence by waiting nearby in the library for this program. The stories and activities may be longer but just as fun. You must register for each week of the six-week session. Please be on time. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

10:30 a.m. Family Story Time at Bonita Springs Library. This program is for the whole family and lasts about 30 minutes. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-0101 or check library.lee-county. com/services/locations/BN/pages/default.aspx for additional information.

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Offering classes for ages 2-18 in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Pointe, Technique and Improv

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239-513-6999

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

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3 THURSDAY 8:30 a.m. Goddess Yoga in the Park. This form of yoga incorporates goddess mythology into the physical practice of yoga, allowing participates to embrace and internalize the symbolic nature of each goddess in the practice. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Tai Chi in the Garden. Instructor Karen McNeil hosts this energyflow exercise in the South Grove of the Garden every Thursday. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check naplesgarden.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Little Explorers Program at Conservancy. Explore nature and discover amazing animals through multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and animal-themed crafts. No registration is required to join in the fun. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Toddler Tales at South County Regional Library. This interactive time for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers will include storytelling, wordplay, fingerplays, and music-making designed to advance pre-reading skills.

Registration is required. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

10:15 a.m. C’mon Mini Wonders Workshop: Big Red Barn. Join us for our weekly toddler workshop. Who lives in the Big Red Barn? As farmers, we’ll discover which animals call the Big Red Barn home, help the muddy farm animals get squeaky clean, and have an E-I-E-I-O of a good time. Ages 2-5. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Technology Thursdays at Naples Regional Library. Join us after school for a fun hour dedicated to STEM technology. Participate in hands-on

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

November 2016.indd 27

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

Now Enrolling! Call 239.980.9021

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

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activities. View the Young Adult bulletin board for details. Grades 6-12. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-262-6853 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Dog Daze at Miromar. Enjoy pet-friendly specials and entertainment with your four-legged friends at participating stores and restaurants on the first Thursday of every month. Located at Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 941-755-3088 for additional information.

7:00 p.m. Nelson Illusions Magic Show. Nelson Illusions is a one-of-a-kind theatrical spectacle that combines rare and original illusions from around the world with award winning, jaw-dropping magic. Located at Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-389-6901 or check swflperformingartscenter.com for additional information.

4 FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. Find it Fridays at Everglades Wonder Gardens. 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 check evergladeswondergardens.com for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Baby Boot Camp at Miromar Outlets. Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, post-natal and ultra-fit moms. Classes are weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at MundoMax Playland.

Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

9:30 a.m. Music Together at Whiz Kids. Experience the joy of music making with your little ones. Family classes (0-5 years) available Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday mornings. New babies class (infants-8 months) available Saturday afternoons. Located at Whiz Kids Play Zone and Tutoring Center, 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples.

9:30 a.m. American Indian Arts Celebration. Enjoy traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, dance, and music of the Seminole, Southeastern, and other Indian tribes from across the country. Located at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, 34725 West Boundary Rd., Naples. Call 877-902-1113 or check ahtahthiki.com for additional information.

5:00 p.m. First Friday’s Art for Art Lovers. Gourmet food, fine wine and art demonstrations. Located at Shoppes of Old Marco, 258 Royal Palm Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-2787 for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Wine Tasting & Live Music. Join us the first Friday of every month in the cafe and Lifestyle Center for wine-tasting and live music. This month enjoy over 25 wines from around the world. Proceeds benefit a local charity. Payment is accepted in the cafe, upon arrival. Located at Whole Foods, 9101 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-552-5100 or check wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/naples for additional information.

6:00 p.m. 4th and 5th Grade Dance. Dance the night away at our Elementary School dance. Tickets on sale two weeks prior to dance. $10. Located at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-4180 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Immokalee Community Park Indoor Movie Night. This program provides couples with an opportunity to enjoy the night without children. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Located at Immokalee Community Park, 321 North 1st St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-4449 for additional information.

6:30 p.m. Children For The Arts Presents Alice In Wonderland. A show for all ages. Additional performance on Saturday at 1 p.m. Located at Pine Ridge Middle School, 1515 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples.

5 SATURDAY 7:30 a.m. Third Street South Farmer’s Market. Parking lot behind Tommy Bahama’s. Located at Third Street South, Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check info@ napleschamber.org for additional information.

8:00 a.m. Community Yard Sale. Find yard sale bargains with the convenience of having all the sales in one location. If you are interested in reserving a spot to sell used items please call the respective park to reserve a spot. Located at Immokalee Community Park, 321 North 1st Street, Immokalee. Call 239-657-4449 for details.

8:00 a.m. Eco-Cruise to Picnic Island. Sailing from The Marina at Edison Ford, the Eco-Cruise is a popular attraction for all ages. Guests will have the opportunity to bask in the sunshine and observe wildlife native to the Caloosahatchee River and Picnic Island. Located at 2360 West First St., Fort Myers. Call 239-919-2965 or check pureFL.com for additional information.

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8:00 a.m. Pregnancy Resource Center Walk 4 Life & Fun Fest. Pregnancy Resource Center’s Walk 4 Life & Fun Fest is a free event designed to raise the funds needed to supply life-enriching medical and educational services for families facing an unplanned pregnancy. Located at Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-252-6128 or check colliergov.net for more information.

8:00 a.m. Collier Heart Walk. Designed to promote physical activity and hearthealthy living, the Heart Walk creates an environment that’s fun and rewarding for the entire family. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-2133058 or check naplesgov.com.

8:15 a.m. SW Florida 5K Run/Walk. The Lung Cancer Research Council is hosting its fourth annual SW Florida 5K Run/Walk and Mile of Memories Memorial Walk. Registration for the 5K is $25 for ages 19 and up, $15 for 14-18, and free for 13 and younger. For the Mile of Memories, the cost is $25 for 19 and older, and free for 18 and younger. Located at Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte.

8:30 a.m. ALS Walk. Register near MundoMax Playland on walk day. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration is online at WalkToDefeatALS.org. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Greenmarket. Join us on our 10-acre campus every Saturday to find an exclusive selection of locally grown, caught, and cultivated foods and other products available to sample and purchase. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check artinlee.org for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Panther Festival. Enjoy special presentations, children’s activities, a panther-themed nature hike on the Gordon River Greenway with park rangers and panther biologists, talks about living with wildlife, and more. The Festival will also once again be hosting an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day to provide a home for unwanted exotic pets instead of having them released into the wild. Admission is free for Collier County residents. For others, regular zoo admission applies. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check caribbeangardens.com for additional information.

9:30 a.m. WONDER Kids at Botanical Gardens. Drop in anytime before 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to the Smith Children’s Garden for fun activities. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or

check naplesgarden.org for additional information.

9:30 a.m. Vaccines: Pride & Prejudice. Dr. Brian Thornburg, D.O. FAAP, recognized by Parents Magazine as “One of the Top 7 Pediatricians in the U.S. ‘Making a Difference,’ presents a common sense and scientific explanation of vaccines and their role in your family’s health. $25. RSVP required. Located at Bayfront Inn 5th Ave., 1221 Fifth Ave South, Naples.

10:00 a.m. Artists@Work at GreenMarket. Members of the SWFL Florida Fine Craft Guild demonstrate their specialties during this free, family friendly demo day that takes place during our weekly GreenMarket. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check artinlee.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Free Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shops. We provide the rod and reel, and the bait. All you need to provide is the kid who wants to have a fun time fishing.

Located at Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-461-7800 for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Buckler’s Arts and Crafts Fair. Enjoy handmade creations, custom home decor, unique gifts, gourmet delights, and much more. Located at Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd., Fort Myers. Call 239-543-8368 or check Leeciviccenter. com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Sensory Friendly Screening of Trolls. Children with autism (or other special needs) and their families are invited to join us for a sensory-friendly screening of the movie Trolls. The lights are up, the sound is down, and you are totally free to move around. Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check paragontheaters.com for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Barnes and Noble Storytime. Storytime every Saturday. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Autoberfest-Naples Pelican Bay Rotary. Sponsored by the Naples Pelican Bay Rotary Club. Event proceeds benefit Collier County charities. Saturday Until 5 p.m. at Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt. Come out for an amazing day featuring exotic cars, local food trucks (Sizzle Truck, Jonesez BBQ, Blue Canteen, Food Truck Ministry, Naples Best Popcorn), craft beer, wine tasting, local vendors, contests, and raffles. $5 entry fee; kids under 16 are free. Located at Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-273-2350 for additional information.

8:30am - 2:30pm Extended Hours Available 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. Naples, FL 34119 (Across from Super Target)

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

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11:00 a.m. Taste of Lee. There will be fun games, live music, and exciting activities for the entire family along the Caloosahatchee River in Centennial Park. The event will highlight the great restaurants of Lee County. This event benefits Caleb’s Crusade Against Childhood Cancer. Admission is $5, children 12 and under are free. Located at Centennial Park, 2000 West First St., Fort Myers. Check tasteoflee. com for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Mini Maker Faire: Make Workspace. Experience the latest in virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D printing, pen-invent technology, robotics, coding, and programming with demonstrations from Bloxels, sphero SPRK, Air Hogs Connect, VEX Robotics, XYZprinting, and more. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information.

12:00 p.m. Swamp Buggy Races. The World Famous Swamp Buggy Races return to the Florida Sports Park on Saturday and Sunday. Located at Florida Sports Park, 8250 Collier Blvd., Naples. Call 239-774-2701 or check thefloridasportspark.com for additional information.

1:30 p.m. Family Activity Day. Free to families. Located at Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Alligator Fishing at Everglades Wonder Gardens. Every Saturday, join us for Alligator Fishing. For $5 plus regular admission, you get a cane pool with a hot dog on the end of it to feed our 37 gators. Located at Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-2591 or check evergladeswondergardens.com for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Improv Cafe. Make Saturday afternoon the best time of the week when you bring your family out to “Little Shop of Improv”, the first Saturday of every month. Located at Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

7:00 p.m. Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Free chamber concert. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or check thephil.org for additional information.

7:30 p.m. Bubbapalooza. This live musical, comedy, and entertainment event features radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge and is free to the public (21 years

and older). A VIP ticketed event will be held at 5:30 p.m. Located at Seminole Casino, 506 South 1st St., Immokalee. Call 239-658-1313 or check seminolecasinoevents.com for additional information.

8:00 p.m. Improv Tonight. Be as involved in the show as you’d like. Beer and wine available. Located at Center for Performing Arts, Moe Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd. SE, Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

6 SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Farmers Market. Join us in the historic settlement of Koreshans. Our quaint summer market offers local produce, fresh seafood, local honey, handcrafted goods, pickles and olives, and cheese. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org for additional information.

9:30 a.m. WONDER Kids. Drop in anytime between before 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to the Smith Children’s Garden for fun activities. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check naplesgarden.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Historical Tours at Koreshan State Park. Walk the grounds of the utopian community that helped establish Estero. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks. org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. 2nd Annual Diabetes Conference. The largest talk on diabetes treatment, prevention, and research in Southwest Florida. Brings together diabetes patients, care takers, and medical professionals to learn and connect. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Car Cruise-In. Come see all of your favorite classic, exotic and custom cars on display. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

11:15 a.m. Spanish Church Service. St. Monica’s Church, in support of the Latino community, will hold a Spanish speaking service every Sunday. Located at

Text collierparks to 77948 Enter to win a Family Four Pack to Sea World

follow us Saturday, December 3 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Golden Gate Community Center

2016

4701 Golden Gate Pkwy. $2 • 3 & under free

www.snowfestnaples.com download our mobile app to stay Connected!

15000 Livingston Rd. • Naples, FL • 34109 239-252-4000 • www.collierparks.com 30

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St. Monica’s Church, 7070 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 239-591-4550 or check stmonicasnaples.org for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Marco Craft Beer and Fine Food Fest. More than 25 craft beers from six Florida breweries paired with food from six Marco Island restaurants. $60.

Located at The Esplanade, 800 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Call 239-389-4511 or check theesplanade.com for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Free Concerts at the Bandshell. Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Avenue South, Naples. Call 239-213-3058 or check naplesgov.com for additional information.

3:00 p.m. Meet the Composers Classical Music Series. Join international artist and lecturer Dr. Anne McLean the first Sunday of each month as she performs in a multi-media presentation highlighting a great composer’s music, fascinating historical insights, and visual images of that unique era. Located at Center for Performing Arts, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

7 MONDAY

Outside the Box PROGRAMS

9:00 a.m. Beginning Watercolor and More class series. Join the Fort Myers Beach Art association for “Beginning Watercolor & More” with Sue Pink. Classes are $140 for members and $170 for non-members. Classes will be held Nov. 7, 21, 28 and Dec. 5, 12, 19. Located at Fort Myers Beach Art Association, 3030 Shell Mound, Fort Myers Beach.

9:00 a.m. Paint the Beach-A Plein Air Art Festival. Observe this challenging form of open air painting as artists compete in a three-day art competition throughout Fort Myers Beach. The artists capture the beauty, texture, and light of the local landscape. The celebration culminates in a two-day sale where the artists display the art they created all week long. Located at Santini Marina Plaza, 7205 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. For more information, visit fortmyersbeachart.com.

9:00 a.m. Baby Boot Camp at Miromar Outlets. Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, post-natal, and ultra-fit moms. Classes are weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at MundoMax Playland.

Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

6:30 p.m. Films for Film Lovers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and films begin at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to join our lively and entertaining film discussion after each film, led by a Film Society Chairman and a Film Society Member. Located at Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

Multimedia Art, Yoga & More

We Offer: Multimedia Art, Fashion, Theater, Film, Spanish, Yoga, Karate Register now! Fall classes begin September 19

9 WEDNESDAY 9:00 a.m. Seacrest Country Day School Open House. Small school. Big experience. Seacrest Country Day School is hosting its fall Admission Open House for parents of preschool through grade 12 students. RSVP at seacrest.org. Located at Seacrest Country Day School, 7100 Davis Blvd., Naples.

4:00 p.m. LEGO Club at Estates Branch Library. Share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun. LEGO® bricks will be provided. Your LEGO® creation will be put on display at the library. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required.

Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Squishy Circuits and Snap Circuits. Learn how to make electrical connections using various types of circuits. Grades 3-5. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Paint the Beach Sundowner. Watch 60 artists paint the sunset in front of Junkanoo until 7 p.m. Located at Junkanoo, 3040 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. For more information, visit paintthebeach.com.

7:00 p.m. Epilepsy Support Group. Join us for our monthly support group.

Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information.

10 THURSDAY 4:00 p.m. Squishy Circuits and Snap Circuits. Learn how to make electrical connections using various types of circuits. Grades 3 through 5. Registration required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Drive,

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Classes for adults and children 3 months to 16 years old Plus: BIRTHDAY

PARTIES, EVENTS, & WINTER CAMPS

1660 Trade Center Way, Naples, FL 34109

239-272-6152

www.houseofgaia.org

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION FOR STRUGGLING READERS • • • •

Certified Reading Specialist • All Ages • Naples Location by arrangement Methods: Orton-Gillingham & • Reading Recovery

25 Years experience Children with Dyslexia, ADD and other challenges Approved service provider for the Gardiner Scholarship

Additional Services for Homeschool Families: Annual Certification of Progress and Curriculum & Instruction Guidance Reading Rescue of Naples, Florida

239-233-9400

info@ReadingRescueCenters.com ReadingRescueCenters.com neafamily.com

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November Picks inLeeCounty

Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:30 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books at East Naples Branch Library. Stop by to read to a dog or just to pet one. Dogs are provided by PAWS Assistance and Therapy Dogs. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

6:30 p.m. Evening on Fifth. This fabulous free street party happens every second Thursday through April featuring live music, dining, dancing, shopping, and fun on 5th. Located at 649 Fifth Avenue South, Naples. Call 239-692-8436 or check fifthavenuesouth.com for additional information.

11 FRIDAY

Taste Of The Town

JetBlue Park, Fort Myers Sunday, November 6 • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Each restaurant will present a “taste” of their best and most popular dishes. All food and beverage items will cost between $1 & $5 worth of tickets. www.jlfmtaste.com

Cape Coral Coconut Festival

Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Cape Coral November 10 - 13

This four-day event includes bands, entertainment, carnival games, rides., food, contests, crafts & more. www.cocofest.com

American Sandsculpting Championship Festival Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach November 18 - 27

Fort Myers Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel.

Over 1,000 tons of sand will be piled and sculpted! www.sandsculptingfestival.com

Taste of Bonita

Riverside Park, Downtown Bonita Springs November 20 • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Over 25 area restaurants serving up tasty plates, live music, arts & crafts and kids play area. www.tasteofbonita.com .

Holiday Nights

Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers November 25 - January 1 www.edisonfordwinterestates.org

Lee County’s Original Family Publication

FOR 25 YEARS!!

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10:30 a.m. Marco Island Veteran’s Day Celebration. Honoring those who have served in our United States Armed Forces. Please bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Located at Veteran’s Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Call 239-566-2367 or check colliergov.net/your-government/divisions-f-r/parks-and-recreation/parks/ veterans-community-park for additional information.

12:00 p.m. Veteran’s Day USO Show. Naples’ role as an Army Air Corps training base during World War II is remembered each Nov. 11 at the Naples Depot Museum, following the city’s Veterans Day ceremony. Located at Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave South, Naples. Call 239-262-6525 or check colliermuseums. com/‎ for additional information.

12:00 p.m. Veterans Cruise Free. In recognition of Veteran’s Day, Pure Florida is honoring members of the U.S. military by offering free cruises from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13 for veterans and active duty service members when accompanied by paid adult or child admission. Located at The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 West First St., Fort Myers. Call 239-919-2965 or check pureFL.com for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Paint the Beach Awards Reception. Paint the Beach Awards Reception in the festival tent at Santini Marina Plaza. Tickets $10. Appetizers, cash bar, and music. Collectors preview art for sale. For additional information, visit paintthebeach.com. Located at Santini Marina Plaza, 7205 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.

5:00 p.m. Fair at Fenway South. The fair will open Nov. 11 to 13 at JetBlue Park, and again on Nov. 17 through 20. It will run from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Located at 11500 Fenway South Drive, Naples. Call 239-334-4700 for additional information.

5:30 p.m. Fall Festival at Convenant Church of Naples. Featuring a climbing wall and inflatables for fun, family entertainment, this fall festival offers something for the whole family. Come and enjoy the hay ride, crafts, corn pit, and carnival games. Our food area will offer hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, cupcakes, and drinks.

Located at Covenant Church of Naples, 6926 Trail Blvd., Naples. For additional information, call 239-597-3464 or visit covenantnaples.com.

6:00 p.m. The Immokalee Foundation 2016 Charity Classic Celebration.

An extraordinary evening of fine dining, entertainment and auctions of once-in-alifetime experiences to benefit TIF students located at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. For more information, contact the Immokalee Foundation at 239-430-9122 or info@immokaleefoundation.org, or visit www. immokaleefoundation.org.

7:00 p.m. Casting Crowns. The Very Next Thing Tour, with Matt Maher and Hannah Kerr. Doors open at 6 p.m. Located at Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-335-0457 or check germainarena.com for additional information.

12 SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. Elephant Fest 2016. Elephant Fest is the Alzheimer’s Support Network’s only fund raising event of the year. It is a festive morning in a wonderful setting with animal shows, music, food, and a special tribute to families dealing with Alzheimer’s and related diseases. $25 suggested donation, includes a t-shirt, which is your ticket to Elephant Fest. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check caribbeangardens.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Twinkle Outreach. Any local families in need are welcome to come by and receive free children’s clothing or baby equipment. Families simply show up and apply for the items they may need, and will be able to select and receive things that day based on their needs. Located at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store, 4172

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Tamiami Trail North, Naples. For additional information, email TwinkleTwinkleLittleStore@yahoo.com.

10:00 a.m. Autumn Art. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by creating a nature-inspired craft with clay. Presented by the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs. For grades K-5. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Marco Gives a Hoot: A Celebration of the Island’s Burrowing Owls. Join the Friends of the Library for a morning with Marco Island’s burrowing owls. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 South Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Bacon Fest. Bring the family and enjoy. There will be bacon, bacon, and MORE BACON. Restaurants and chefs from throughout the greater Naples area will have their best bacon dishes available for tasting. Located at Naples Airport, 160 Aviation Dr. N., Naples.

1:00 p.m. C’mon Science Saturday Open Lab. It is time again for families to discover together. Join us in our open lab. This month our stations are all about the beloved pumpkin. Find your inner botanist as you explore the scientific properties of a pumpkin, and plant seeds to grow your own pumpkin. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org for additional information.

1:30 p.m. Mini Moo Petting Zoo. Join us on the lawn to interact with the live animals from our locally owned petting zoo. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239262-6853 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

7:00 p.m. Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance. The Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance is Naples Equestrian Challenge’s signature fundraising event held outdoors under their covered riding arena. Located at Naples Equestrian Challenge, 206 Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-2988 or check naplesequestrianchallenge.org for additional information.

13 SUNDAY 12:00 p.m. Coconut Festival. Cape Coral’s annual Coconut Festival will be nuttier than ever this year, with a carnival, music, and fireworks. Located at Sun Splash Water Park, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. Call 239-574-0558 or visit cocofest.com for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Bark for Life. A fun, pet-friendly afternoon in support of the American Cancer Society on the Mercato lawn. Contests and prizes for Best Costume, Most Amazing Tricks, etc. Dog products, agility course, daycare and spas, veterinarians, gifts, and fun for all. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-5949400 or check mercatoshops.com for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Alexandra Carlson, piano, Daniela Shtereva, violin, and Adam Satinsky, cello. The program includes Beethoven’s Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1 “Ghost” and Brahms’ Trio in C Minor, Op. 101. Located at Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr., Naples.

4:00 p.m. Art Demo by Bridget Austin. Come join us for some art on Fort Myers Beach. $10. Located at Fort Myers Beach Art Association, 3030 Shell Mound, Fort Myers Beach.

WHERE SOMETHING IS ALWAYS HAPPENING

Glow Bowling Family Special Group Functions

Birthday Parties Great Menu So Much More!

Sundays 5-9PM

2 Hours of Bowling 14”Pizza (1 topping) & Pitcher of Soda

Plus

Shoe Rental too!

Up to 4 bowlers per lane

$37.00 + tx Your favorite sports always on.

Nemo’s awesome menu!

Located inside all Bowland Centers.

*Reservations Accepted Woodside Lanes 8525 Radio Ln. Naples, 455-3755

Beacon Bowl N. Tamiami Tr. Naples 597-3452

www.bowlandcenters.com

Temple Shalom Preschool

Planting the Seeds in the Minds of our Future Exceptional Education for ages 2 - 5

i NOW REGISTERING i

for Little Cubs, from 18 months to 2 years

14 MONDAY 7:30 a.m. The Immokalee Foundation 2016 Charity Classic Pro-Am. The Immokalee Foundation’s 2016 Charity Classic Pro-Am scramble-style golf tournament will pair more than two dozen of the world’s greatest golfers with Naples’ most philanthropic players. Located at Bay Colony Golf Club, 9740 Bent Grass Bend, Naples. Contact the Immokalee Foundation at 239-430-9122 or info@immokaleefoundation.org, or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.

10:00 a.m. Fort Myers Beach Art Association: Member Judged Show. The Fort Myers Beach Art Association presents their member-judged show. The event is free to the public, non-members are welcome to come view. The show will run until December 8. Located at Fort Myers Beach Art Association, 3030 Shell Mound, Fort Myers Beach.

6:00 p.m. Turkey Feather Hunt. Go on a turkey feather hunt and create a unique craft. Play some games and activities while you learn about the Thanksgiving holiday. Ages 4-10 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information.

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the

TSP

experience

TempleShalomPreschool.org

239-455-3227

4630 Pine Ridge Road

i

Naples, FL 34119

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COME EXPLORE WORLD RELIGIONS EVERY SUNDAY AT 10:15 A.M. at the Church of OPEN minds, HELPING Hands, and LOVING Hearts.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Naples 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples Close to 75 & Pine Ridge Road 239.784.4580

uunaples.org or UUA.org

Accepting New Patients • • • • •

Specializing in Infants, Children and Teens.

Over 15 years experience.

After-school and Saturday appointments available.

Most insurance accepted.

In-network provider for Cigna, MetLife, Principal and more.

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

Phone: 239-260-7672

info@pediatricdentistryofnaples.com

PediatricDentistryofNaples.com

LITTLE PEOPLE’S SCHOOL • For 2-5 year olds 868 94th Ave. N, Naples (239) 597-5064

15 TUESDAY 9:00 a.m. America Recycles Day BOGO at Rookery Bay. In celebration of America Recycles Day, the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center offers “buy-one, get-one-free admission.” Higher price prevails. Cannot be combined with other offers. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-417-6310 or check rookerybay.org for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Free Outdoor Movie: The Good Dinosaur. Please leave coolers at home and support our merchants. Naples Flatbread will have popcorn, food, beer, wine, and soft drinks for sale on the lawn. Lawn chairs, blankets, and well-behaved pets are welcome. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-5949400 or check mercatoshops.com for additional information.

3:30 p.m. Global Can Be Local. We often hear how people are different. But we’re similar, too. Join us to talk about some of the things that we share - no matter where we live or what language we speak. Grades 1 through 5. Registration required.

Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. LEGO Club at South Regional Library. Join the club and share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun. LEGO bricks will be provided. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Squishy Circuits. Discover electricity while using very safe supplies in this hands-on workshop. Create a sculpture and see it light up. Grades 3 through 5. Registration required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

6:15 p.m. Story Starters: Creative Writing for Teens. Join us for a creative writing party. Help finish a fantastic story and see where your imagination takes you.

Receive a free notebook while supplies last. Light refreshments offered. For grade 6 and older. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

6:15 p.m. Video Game Design for Teens. An advanced introduction to programming skills that includes animating characters, creating special effects, and building video games. Presented by Sylvan Edge. For grade 6 and older. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

16 WEDNESDAY 4:00 p.m. Discovery Reptiles. You will see and learn about giant lizards, large snakes, and tortoises that will grow to over 200 pounds. Ages 5 years and older.

Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Chomp and Skink, No Surrender by Carl Hiassen. Don’t Flush away an opportunity for a good time and a great discussion. Scat to the library for this event. Ages 12-16 years. Registration requested. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:30 p.m. Santa PAWS Puppy Project. The Puppy Project gives you the opportunity to support PAWS Assistance Dogs in our mission to gift highly skilled service dogs to combat wounded veterans and children. Patron Tables are available with seating for 10 guests for $3,000 per table. Located at Hilton Naples Hotel, 5111 Tamiami Trail North, Naples.

17 THURSDAY

• Top Rated VPK • Preschool Classes • Summer Camp LittlePeoplesSchool.info 34

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11:00 a.m. Fall Crafter’s Choice. Drop by at any time and make the fall crafts of your choice. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 North First Street, Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

1:00 p.m. C’mon Mini Wonders Workshop: Perky Turkey. Join us for our weekly toddler workshop. Wobble, wobble, wobble and gobble, gobble, gobble to the Mr. Turkey song, create your own turkey callers, and play turkey games to celebrate Thanksgiving. Ages 2-5. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org for additional information.

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3:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Teens and Kids. Drop in for Thanksgiving art and bracelets to take home. For ages 5 and up. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-0101 or check library.lee-county. com/services/locations/BN/pages/default.aspx for additional information.

3:30 p.m. Native American Games and Crafts. Join us for an evening of fun with games and a take-home craft. Grades K through 5. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. LEGO Club at Marco Island Library. Join the club and share ideas, be creative, make new friends and have fun. LEGO bricks will be provided. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr. Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Stain a Frame. Capture the beauty and wonder of nature in our “Stain A Frame” pictures that we will paint and then hang in our windows. We will use glass stain to create a special effect. Ages 11-17 years. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:30 p.m. ExEL Foundation Soup and Bread Festival. Fourth annual Soup and Bread Festival will be held at the St. Agnes Parish Center Hall. Yes, only good soup (complements of Mr. Big Fish), bread, and water along with a great silent auction that includes art work from the children of local early learning centers (ELCs).

Adults: $25 minimum donation. This year ExEL will again donate over 90% of its proceeds to ELCs of the northern Golden Gate area for tuition assistance. Located at St. Agnes Naples, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples.

6:00 p.m. Third Thursday on Third Street South. Live music in the Fleischmann Courtyard. Located at Third Street South, Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check info@napleschamber.org for additional information..

7:00 p.m. PFLAG Support Group Meeting. The Naples chapter of PFLAG (Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets on the third Thursday of each month. Call 513-4568 for location.

8:00 p.m. Eaglepalooza. The Florida Gulf Coast University Programming Board presents Eaglepalooza featuring T-Pain with Baauer and D.R.A.M. Located at Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-335-0457 or check germainarena.com for additional information.

NAPLES PREMIER YOUTH THEATRE

JOIN US FOR

Performances: Sat., Dec. 3 & 10 at 2:00 pm Sun. – Tues., Dec 4-6 & 11-13 at 7:00 pm Over 100 local students sing and dance their way through this modern song and dance version of the beloved classic.

Providing exceptional youth theatre for over 20 years

Register Today!

Call 239-434-7340 Ext. 100 YOUTH THEATRE OF THE NAPLES PLAYERS

Class schedules at naplesplayers.org. Click on Learn!

Located at The Naples Players, 701 5th Avenue South

18 FRIDAY 5:00 p.m. Fair at Fenway South. Enjoy a carnival midway, delicious food, games, and live entertainment and shows including The Nationally Recognized Fearless Flores Thrill Show, animal shows, magic shows, a full petting zoo, and much more The fair will open weekends from Nov. 11 to 13 at JetBlue Park, located at 11500 Fenway South Drive in Fort Myers, and again on Nov. 17 through 20. It will run from 5 to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and from 1 to 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Located at JetBlue Park, 11581 Daniels Pkwy., Fort Myers. Call 239-334-4700 or check fairatfenway.com for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Beer Tasting and Live Music at Whole Foods. Drop by Whole Foods for beer tastings in the Café and Lifestyle Center the third Friday of every month.

This month sample tons of different beers, including select seasonal beers. Vendors will be on-site to answer questions and offer recommendations. Located at Whole Foods, 9101 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-552-5100 or check wholefoodsmarket. com/stores/naples for additional information.

6:00 p.m. 5th Grade Dance. Dance the night away at our Elementary School dance. Tickets on sale two weeks prior to dance. $10. Located at Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-348-7500 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

6:30 p.m. Friday Concert Series. Concert under the stars featuring James “Sunny Jim” White’s Island Lifestyle Music. Bring a lawn chair. $15 donation at door. Located at Peace Lutheran Church, 9850 Immokalee Rd., Naples.

19 SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. Heroes for the Homeless 5K Run/Walk. A fun, family-oriented event to benefit the homeless of Southwest Florida. All proceeds go to St. Matthew’s House, a non-profit organization providing innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty. Join the Collier County Special Operations Units and other members of the community for activities for all ages. We invite the serious runner, the weekend jogger, and families with children to come enjoy

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this beautiful course around the lakes at Ave Maria. Check stmatthewshouse.org for details. Located at Ave Maria Town Center, 5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria.

Call 239-867-4322 for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Old World Festival. The annual family-style adventure brings together over 100 of the state’s finest historical reenactors, craftworkers and living history presenters to recreate over 10 centuries of everyday life on the Southwest Florida frontier. Located at Collier County Museum, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Call 239-252-8476 or check colliermuseums.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Democratic Women’s Club of Collier County. Join us to discuss issues important to all progressive Democrats through the eyes of the Democratic Women of Collier County and their supporters. Located at Walden Oaks, 6710 Lone Oak Blvd., Naples. Call 239-434-7754 for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Reptile Expo. There will be vendors selling reptiles, feeders, and supplies. This is a family friendly event that gives everyone a fun chance to get up close and personal with a great variety of animals. Located at Bonita Springs-Estero Elks Lodge 2753, 3231 Coconut Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-947-2753 for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Kids Day. Kids from toddlers to 12 are invited to participate in fun activities near MundoMax Playland. Kids will receive a free slice of pizza from Luna Pizza and a coupon for a free kids’ cone from Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, while supplies last. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Discovery Reptiles. Check out this traveling zoo that specializes in rare and highly endangered species of reptiles. You will see and learn about giant lizards, large snakes, and tortoises that will grow to over 200 pounds. Ages 5 years and older. Registration required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Free Kids Archery at Bass Pro Shops. This free event requires nothing more than a child willing to give archery a try. Just show up to the range located on the second floor in the hunting department and be ready for a fun learning experience. Located at Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers.

Call 239-461-7800 for additional information.

1:30 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books at Headquarters Library. Stop by to read to a dog or just to pet one. Dogs are provided by PAWS Assistance and Therapy Dogs. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Teen Book to Movie Club at South Regional Library. Teens are invited to join the Movie Club featuring primarily book-to-movie adaptations. Bring your friends, chow down, and let us know if the movie lived up to the book. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Festival on Fifth. This event will be six blocks of entertainment, food, wine, and craft beers all along Naples’ famous Fifth Avenue South. Located at 649 Fifth Avenue South, Naples. Call 239-692-8436 or check fifthavenuesouth.com for additional information.

20 SUNDAY 1:00 p.m. Fort Myers Beach Art Association: Free Gallery Talk. Come join us for some art on Fort Myers Beach. The event is free to the public, non-members are welcome to come view. Located at Fort Myers Beach Art Association, 3030 Shell Mound, Fort Myers Beach.

21 MONDAY 9:30 a.m. Baby Yoga with YoPlay Yoga. Baby trees, flying baby, and bubble boats are some of the things you and your baby will enjoy during this special yoga experience with YoPlay Yoga. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Please arrive 15 minutes in advance and check in at the youth services desk. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

3:00 p.m. Crafty Mondays at South Regional Library. Drop in to the Children’s Department to make a fun craft. There will be recycled crafts, useful crafts, and holiday crafts. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:30 p.m. Third Street South Festival of Lights. Third Street South will be launch-

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ing the Holiday Season as the Mayor lights the official Christmas tree full of twinkly lights and wonderful red and silver decorations. Located at Third Street South, Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check info@napleschamber.org for more information.

5:30 p.m. Turkey Feather Hunt. Go on a turkey feather hunt and create a unique craft. Play some games and activities while you learn about the Thanksgiving holiday.

Ages 4-10 years. Registration required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collier-lib.org for details.

22 TUESDAY 5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’MON. C’mon provides Sensory Nights for children on the autism spectrum and or with other sensory integration disorders. Sensory Nights have limited participation in order to minimize crowds, and registration is required. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org for additional information.

23 WEDNESDAY 11:30 a.m. Farm City BBQ. With deep roots in Collier County’s business and agricultural community, the annual Farm City BBQ has become a favorite Thanksgiving tradition that has raised more than $250,000 for local non-profit organizations.

Located at Seminole Casino, 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee. Call 239-658-1313 or check seminolecasinoevents.com for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Makerspace. A Makerspace is a place where kids of all ages can have fun while they create, construct, code, learn, and share. Experience robots, electricity, LEGO and more. Ages 4-14 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Art After Hours. Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum the last Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A local band offers musical entertainment and audiences of all ages are welcome to view the galleries and learn from our docents. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1111 or check artisnaples.org for additional information.

24 THURSDAY 7:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Day Gobble Gobble Four-Miler. Start your Thanksgiving off on the right foot by running/walking the annual 4-mile Gobble. Dress up in your best Thanksgiving-themed gear for a special prize and bring the little ones for the Lil’ Gobbler Dash. Located at Venetian Village, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples. Check gobblegobblefourmiler.com or venetianvillage.com for additional information.

7:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day 5K. This beautiful 5K course will wind through downtown Naples with festivities staged from the picturesque Cambier Park. Pumpkin pie and apple cider will be served after the race. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-213-3058 or check naplesgov.com/index for details.

25 FRIDAY 5:00 p.m. Grand Illuminations Tree Lighting. Enjoy a snow show, holiday carolers, a magician, face painting, complimentary photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the tree at 7 p.m. Located at Venetian Village, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples. Check venetianvillage.com for additional information..

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

Serving children Infant - age 5 VPK Certified

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

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

29 TUESDAY 3:30 p.m. Mini Moo Petting Zoo. Join us outside the children’s department on the patio to interact with live animals from our locally owned petting zoo. All ages welcome. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check public.collier-lib.org for details.

30 WEDNESDAY 5:00 p.m. Mercato Tree Lighting. Come and join Mercato as they light the largest live tree in Southwest Florida. There will be live music and media bRd.casting. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-594-9400 or check mercatoshops.com for additional information.

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NONPROFITS

By Stacy Nicolau

Living on $10 for the Weekend Brings Childhood Hunger into Sharp Focus

W

Publix, and Target. As I was driving from hen the final school bell rings without the variety of protein and fat that place to place, I realized how difficult it on Friday afternoon, most stuI usually eat. I also substituted instant cofmust be for someone who does not have dents eagerly anticipate heading fee for the brewed coffee I drink every day. time or transportation to shop at several home to begin a weekend of sports, swimIf you have children at home, what different stores to get the best deals. ming, and hanging out with friends. But for was your conversation like? I did have What did you buy/spend? I spent the 64% of Collier County students who family visiting during this time and we rely on free breakfast and free gathered with my young grandchilor reduced cost lunch at school, dren (ages 6 and 9) for a meal I prethe end of the week also marks pared at home. I made the family a the end of a guaranteed healthy meal I regularly cook and then made meal until Monday morning. my eggs and vegetables. I was able Based on this fact, Meals to have a poignant discussion with of Hope Director of Developthem about food insecurity and child ment Katie Schweikhart Jepson hunger and I know it brought a great created the Childhood Hunger deal of awareness to us all.

Awareness Challenge, and inAny additional thoughts that vited local community leaders you would like to share? Child to participate. hunger is hard. While I was able to Meals of Hope is a local sustain myself through this challenge, nonprofit started by Stephen it was difficult to think of children Popper in 2007 after he helped with hungry bellies right here in our to ship food to a poor school community – probably classmates in Haiti. Popper soon realized of my grandchildren. That made that we had hungry families my heart hurt. I’m thankful we have in our own community that great organizations and caring people would benefit from his help. He in our community that recognize this began food packing events that issue and are taking action. consisted of simple packages of Did you know that most of our dried beans and rice and macateachers refrain from scheduling tests Groceries purchased by Rabbi Adam Miller of Temple Shalom roni and cheese fortified with to live on for 68 hours during the Childhood Hunger Challenge. on Monday mornings? They know protein, vitamins, and minerals that some students come to school $9.94 of the allotted $10. I purchased a pack created by volunteers in assembly line fashhungry from a weekend of little to no food of seven servings of instant coffee, a dozen ion. His organization grew quickly and has and have a hard time concentrating. Thank eggs, a six-ounce bag of fresh spinach, a large fed millions of people across the country. goodness for backpack meals from Meals of fresh red pepper, Canadian Bacon, a pint of The challenge is to spend $10 on all Hope that go home discreetly and make a organic half & half, and a half stick of butter. food, drinks, and snacks consumed from 3 difference.

What types of meals did you make for p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Monday. Food previ yourself? I follow a very specific ketogenic ously purchased could not be consumed, Rabbi Adam Miller nutrition plan. This is a very low-carb diet. including condiments, nor could someone Where did you buy the groceries for I knew this would be a challenge as most else purchase or prepare food for you. the challenge? I purchased my groceries inexpensive foods are high carb. I stuck In addition to Jepson, two other from Walmart. Before the challenge began to my nutrition plan by eating the same participants, Chief Stephanie Spell of the I went online to research the best options meal for the 68-hour period: spinach, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and Rabbi and discover how to create the most nutrired pepper, and diced Canadian bacon Adam Miller of Temple Shalom shared tional options possible with such a limited sautéed in a small amount of butter, three their experiences. budget. eggs scrambled, and instant coffee with What did you buy/spend? I planned half & half.

Chief Stephanie Spell out my menu for the weekend carefully in What did you have to do without Where did you buy the groceries for advance, knowing that there would be no and did you have a splurge item? I did the challenge? I shopped at Trader Joe’s, margin for error should I forget to purchase

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an item. My groceries included one dozen eggs, two pounds of brown rice, several cans of black beans, two bananas, two apples, frozen broccoli, and frozen vegetable medley. Only the fruit was fresh – and I carefully weighed the fruit pieces to make sure I could stay within my budget (spent $9.33).

While shopping I often looked for items that were labeled as “WIC” approved – knowing that those would be more likely to fit within my budget. I also had to carefully weigh questions about convenience versus cost. I opted to spend slightly more on canned beans rather than dry beans as I did not think I would have the time necessary to prep and cook the beans.

What types of meals did you make for yourself? My menu consisted of the following: rice, black beans, and frozen veggie medley for all lunch and dinner meals.

Breakfast consisted of two eggs scrambled with frozen broccoli mixed in. For snacks I had hard-boiled eggs and the pieces of fruit (one egg and one fruit each day). In hindsight, I should have purchased a small onion to add flavor to the different dishes. The meals were quite bland, and my thought was about the utilitarian nature of the food.

I was just eating to survive. The taste was less important than getting enough calories and nutrition. I could feel my energy level drop over the course of the weekend.

What did you have to do without and did you have a splurge item? Through the course of the challenge I became very aware of how much our lives, particularly our social lives, revolve around food. I sensed how much I take for granted – whether family meal times out on weekends, or just sitting together in front of the television and enjoying snacks while watching sports on TV. I felt very aware throughout the experience of the temporary nature of the condition. At the end of the weekend, I would return to my normal eating habits.

With that in mind, I did not feel the need to “splurge.” But for too many people living in our community, food insecurity and hunger are more than a weekend challenge.

Food insecurity for children and seniors across our community are real day-to-day experiences that simply drain individuals.

Knowing how hard it must be for those individuals and families to make ends meet and put food on the table is quite a sharp contrast from the “paradise” that we live in.

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If you have children at home, what was your conversation like?

My children were surprised to learn how many kids live with food insecurity in our community. They noticed when I was not able to eat the same food they were having around the kitchen table.

We talked about the fact that we should not take our food for granted. They asked how kids can help. Through our discussion we explored actions then can take, such as avoid food waste, as well as using their tzedakah (charity) money to give to organizations like Meals of Hope, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, and Collier Harvest.

Any additional thoughts that you would like to share? Living off $10 of food for the weekend is a sobering reminder of the real challenges facing thousands of children in our Chief Stephanie Spell spent $9.94 for the above community. Most of those children items to feed herself for nearly three days. live in families with few resources and the splurge item was coffee (nearly $2). I missed real daily crisis of food insecurity. Even the fruit and snacks. My husband normally ability to travel back and forth to the store does our cooking and he was out of town without worrying about fuel costs is a luxury. so I had to cook for my son (11) and then I hope that by sharing my experience had to cook something for myself. with others this has raised further awareness If you have children at home, what of the real needs that exist here in our local was your conversation like? My son community. Together, one positive act at hates that people go hungry. I’ve worked a time, we can help feed the hungry in our feeding people for years and he doesn’t community and repair the world around understand how hunger can happen in us. I ask everyone who reads this to comSouthwest Florida. He also expects me to mit to doing at least one act to address food fix it single-handedly. My participation in insecurity in Collier County. Bring a bag the Challenge made him uncomfortable as to a local food collection, participate in a he could watch how little I ate.

Meals of Hope packing event, volunteer at Any additional thoughts that you a local food pantry. Be part of making our would like to share? I work for Meals of world whole and holy.

Hope. Our mission is “Communities com ing together to end hunger.” We do three Katie Schweikhart Jepson things: pack meals which are donated to the Where did you buy the groceries for local food bank; in partnership with the Pan the challenge? I went to The Dollar Tree, Florida Challenge; provide 2,500 children Lucky’s Market, and Walmart. with a weekend backpack full of food each What did you buy/spend? I bought a week; and run three food pantries in Collier bunch of radishes, a head of lettuce, a lemon, County. eggs, an onion, a can of black beans, and Meals of Hope does not have enough coffee (spent $6.35). food to meet the need. We welcome food What types of meals did you make for drives or donations. We also host our largyourself? I ate a radish for two meals beest food packing event on December 24 at cause I had a very busy weekend and didn’t Harborside Event Center. We will pack have time to cook. Also, I noticed that I 600,000 meals in two hours. The event used significantly more salt than normal. is free and open to the public. Please visit What did you have to do without mealsofhope.org, and to register for the and did you have a splurge item? My event, visit holidayswithouthunger.org. neafamily.com

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Giving Back A Guide to 100 Nonprofits in Southwest Florida

For each of the past three years, Neapolitan Family has spotlighted 30 nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of Southwest Florida residents and animals. This year, we decided to bring our list to 100, and to provide you with the contact information of the 90 other nonprofits that we have already reviewed. No matter what your passion or your needs are, you should be able to find several local organizations right here in our community. If you are fortunate enough to be able to give back, please consider giving your time, attention, or donations to one of these worthwhile causes.

1. Adonis Autism 239-450-6060 adonisautism.org Adonis Autism believes in creating a future for adults with autism. They envision a world that provides lasting security for families with autism. Their intention is to help families live in a world where parents of children with autism are not desperate and hopeless about their future and that of their loved ones. Their mission is to create a community for families, seniors, and adults with disabilities living together in a supportive, caring, and affordable environment. Osprey Village is a safe, affordable, financially sustainable long-term residential cohousing community providing meaningful work, recreation, education, and training for individuals with disabilities and their families. It provides affordability, a supportive and comprehending community and a secure and safe space created and managed by the very families it serves.

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with projects, workshops, fundraising events, and technology.

2. Blessings in a Backpack 239-410-9592 blessingsinswfl.org This unique program is designed to provide weekend nourishment to children grades K-5 in eight Title 1 schools in Lee County and two in Collier County. Food is distributed through a network of volunteers and school officials on Fridays before the children leave for the weekend. All students served are recipients of the national Free and Reduced Meal/Lunch program. Most of the recipients are in a household with a single parent or with parents who are classified as working poor – those individuals who are employed but don’t earn enough to make ends meet. Weekend backpacks include ready to eat food items: Fruit Roll Ups, Pop Tarts, lemonade and other drink mix packs, instant noodles, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, rice, beans, granola,

pasta, instant potatoes, dry cereal, etc. All food choices are kid friendly. This means the food distributed is healthy, light in weight and easy for children of all ages to carry, easy to make, and non-perishable.

They rely on private donors to purchase this food, as well as supermarkets that give the organization a substantial discount.

How you can help: A donation of $100 feeds a child for an entire school year. Volunteers are needed to sort food and stuff backpacks each week.

3. Collier County Fair and Exposition, Inc. 239-455-1444 colliercountyfair.com The Collier County Fair and Exposition, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching our community by promoting education and Southwest Florida agriculture while showcasing and rewarding youth achievement. They accomplish this by producing a first-class 11-day Fair each spring with quality family NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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entertainment and providing facilities and resources for year-round events. Over the years they have given back to a long list of other not-for profits and charities throughout our community as well as their own “Making Life Fair” fund.

How you can help: Attending events throughout the year at the Collier County Fairgrounds raises money for their many philanthropies. Those events include The Haunted Gross Walk in October, Christmas tree sales in November and December, the Big Swamp Smoke Off, Craft Beer Fest and Country Jam Festival in January, and the Collier County Fair in March.

4. Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida 239-591-2125 healthcareswfl.org Collier Health Services, Inc. (d.b.a.

Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida) was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1977 by a group of community leaders to address the health issues of migrant and seasonal farm workers, rural poor, and other citizens in Collier County. Over a period of time, other medical support services such as laboratory and radiology, pharmacy, outreach and health education, social

services support, transportation, and translation assistance became available. English, Spanish, French, Creole, and Kanjobal are spoken at many of Healthcare Network’s office sites.

Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida continues to seek ways to further its commitment to provide quality, professional medical and dental healthcare services to Collier County residents. In so doing, it has established 21 healthcare sites in Collier County, including the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® Program.

How you can help: Each year the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida Foundation hosts several events and fundraisers.

5. Legal Aid Service of Collier County Naples Office: 239-775-4555 Immokalee Office 239-657-7442 collierlegalaid.org Legal Aid Service of Collier County is a private, non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to Collier County residents who face matters of life-changing significance. Programs include direct representation for: Domestic Violence and Family Law: Helps survivors of domestic violence obtain

short- and long-term safety and stability for themselves and their children by securing protective and custody orders. Also helps clients obtain divorces, guardianships, alimony awards, parenting plans, and child support orders.

Legal Aid for Collier Kids: Staff attorneys represent children in Dependency court who have been abused, neglected, and/or abandoned. Representation of children in Dependency court is done by court-appointment only.

Women & Girls in Need Project: Provides services aimed to address the economic issues and challenges facing low-income senior women, women leading households by themselves with minor children, and women and girls with disabilities.

Public Benefits for the Elderly, Veterans, and the Disabled: Provides assistance to the elderly, veterans, the disabled, and others in need who are experiencing problems related to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), VA Benefits, Unemployment Compensation, Food Stamps, and other public benefits to which individuals are lawfully entitled.

Fun Games ~ Indoor Sports ~ Obstacle Courses ~ Fitness Workouts Arts & Crafts ~ Legos & Building Blocks ~ Reading Time ~ Ages 4+ **No previous martial arts experience necessary to enjoy the FUN**

November 23rd 24th and 25th December 22nd through January 3rd

Impact Martial Arts Naples

5926 Premier Way Unit 128, Naples, FL 34109

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The Senior Citizen Unit also provides legal advice and representation to Collier County residents who are 60 years of age or older for all general, civil legal matters.

Immigration Assistance: Assists immigrant victims of domestic violence, victims of human trafficking, and victims of other violent crimes in obtaining lawful immigration status. They also represent abused, abandoned, or neglected immigrant children in their applications for lawful permanent residence. Additionally, their attorneys fight for clients with meritorious defenses such as adjustment, cancellation, and political asylum, in removal proceedings. They also represent Temporary Protected Status applicants, who are temporarily unable to safely return to their home country due to dangerous or unsafe conditions.

Foreclosure Defense: Provides legal assistance to qualifying individuals who are in or near foreclosure. Our services include: educating homeowners about the judicial foreclosure process, representing and assisting homeowners in mediation sessions, providing information on alternatives to foreclosure, identifying fraudulent documentation and other widespread illegal foreclosure practices, and helping homeowners gain crucial time needed to work toward a solution.

Tax Assistance: Assists individuals with a federal income tax controversy up to $50,000. Their attorneys assist with issues such as: Dis-allowance of tax credit; audit assistance; collection issues, including lien and levy; appeals; representation in federal tax court; assistance in identity theft cases; preparation of amended returns to resolve controversies; and other important issues.

How you can help: Current law students and recent graduates can help prepare materials for cases and information clinics.

College and high school students can help do office work and other volunteers can help manage fundraisers, clinics and events.

Anyone can help with their Annual Adopt a Family program at the holidays by shopping for and transporting gifts.

6. Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC) 239-777-7718 naplespathways.org The NPC works with local and county elected officials and staff on planning and implementing safe pathways for adults and 42

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children on which to walk, run, bike, and use non-motorized transportation.

How you can help:: Volunteers are needed for advocacy, events and fundraising. Attend the Fit & Fuel Iron Joe Turkey Ride on Nov. 27 or the Bike Brunch & Family Festival on March 5, 2017.

7. Naples Orchestra & Chorus 908-415-1655 naplesorchestraandchorus.org The Naples Orchestra & Chorus (NOC) is the only combined orchestra and chorus in Southwest Florida. The NOC has promoted music education among the students of local schools and colleges by inviting them to participate in their programs, and giving scholarships to help them with their music education Today, outreach to students has led the NOC to become the only multi-generational organization of its type in Lee and Collier counties.

How you can help: Donations can be directed to the organization in general or designated for a scholarship of a chosen student.

Attending one of NOC’s many seasonal concerts also supports this organization.

8. PAWS Assistance Dogs 239-775-1660 pawsassistancedogs.org PAWS Assistance Dogs promotes independence for combat wounded veterans and children with life-changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs. The PAWS organization also coordinates four community outreach programs: CLEPP (Children’s Literacy and Education PAWS Program): promotes character education, language development, and literacy.

SOAR (Special Operations and Recovery): The PAWS Veteran Hiring Initiative helps veterans assimilate back to civilian life.

PACT (PAWS Assistance Crisis Team): brings service dogs to crisis centers such as The David Lawrence Center, Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center, and Lorenzo Walker Institute’s New Beginnings School.

POWER (PAWS Orients Women Exposed to Risk): interaction with the dogs lowers stress and anxiety through caring for the dogs.

How you can help: Volunteers are needed for fundraising and events, help with basic puppy training, and foster homes

for puppy cadets until they are old enough to begin their intense training.

9. Samantha’s Purse a.k.a.

Voice for Cerebral Palsy 305-345-4992 voicesforcerebralpalsy.com Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children. It is the second most common disability in children, after autism.

Cerebral palsy currently affects roughly 800,000 children, adolescents and adults in the United States. Samantha’s Purpose was started in Miami by Jose “Manny” and Michelle Garcia. The organization is inspired by their daughter’s life with cerebral palsy. They saw firsthand that information about cerebral palsy was not easily accessible. They reached out to their friends and shared their idea to start a charity that would raise cerebral palsy awareness and provide guidance and financial support to those with cerebral palsy. Over the years, this group of parent volunteers have financially provided support to many children with cerebral palsy (and various other diagnosis) with the cost of therapy services and special needs equipment. The organization has also provided financial support to different organizations that provide education, summer camp programs or therapy services to children with cerebral palsy.

How you can help: Attend Samantha’s Purpose’s bowling fundraiser “Pins for a Purpose” to support all-inclusive summer camps for children with special needs on Jan. 28 at Bowland Entertainment Center.

10. Valerie’s House 239-841-9186 valerieshouseswfl.org Valerie’s House programs are designed to give children and families a safe place to share, grieve, and grow. Children, ages three to 17, will get to know other children like them, heal together, and learn loss doesn’t have to limit their dreams. Valerie’s House also supports parents and caregivers as they cope with the loss of a spouse or child. Valerie’s House offers grief presentations, education, and support to the faculty and staff of elementary, middle, and high schools.

How you can help: volunteers can serve as group facilitators, group buddies, dinner helpers (set-up, cooking and clean-up), and house helpers (organizing toys and arts and crafts, and office help).

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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27. Collier County Hunger and

Homeless Coalition 239-263-9363 collierhomelesscoalition.org

11. Able Academy 239-352-7600 theableacademy.org

19. Care Club of Collier County, Inc. 239-353-1994 colliercareclub.org

12. Alzheimer’s Association 800-272-3900 alz.org/flgulfcoast

20. Catholic Charities of Collier County 239-793-0059 catholiccharitiescc.org/get-involved

13. Angels Undercover 239-596-0690 angels-undercover.org

21. Cancer Alliance of Naples 239-643-4673 cancerallianceofnaples.com

29. Collier Harvest 239-455-3663 collierharvest.org

14. Baby Basics of Collier County babybasicscollier.org

22. Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs 239-495-8989 artcenterbonita.org

30. Conservancy of Southwest Florida 239-262-0304 conservancy.org

23. Charity for Change 239-592-6787 charityforchange.org

31. David Lawrence Center 24/7 Access: 239-455-8500 davidlawrencecenter.org

16. The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County 239-325-1700 bgcc.com

24. Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County 239-263-8383 caccollier.org

32. Domestic Animal Services 239-252-7387 collierpets.com

17. Brooke’s Legacy Animal Rescue Inc. 239-434-7480 BrookesLegacyAnimalRescue.org

25. Collier Childcare Resources, Inc. 239-643-3908 collierchildcare.org

33. Dress for Success 239-689-4992 swflorida.dressforsuccess.org

18. Caleb’s Crusade Against Childhood Cancer 239-896-8786 calebscrusade.org

26. Collier County Honor Flight 239-777-9295 collierhonorflight.org

34. Drug Free Collier 239-377-0535 drugfreecollier.org

15. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, Collier County Chapter 239-331-7133 bbbssun.org

28. Collier County Junior Deputies League juniordeputies.com

spirit! y a d i l o o the h Get int A l l ra c e p ro c e e d s benefit :

T h a n k yo u t o o u r s p o n s o r :

& ocoa Hot C eshments Refr Other

REINDEE R RUN 5K 3 rd Annual

NAPLES, FL

December 17, 2016 • 8:00am Community School

Enjoy

Meet

and Santa ers lp his he

Dress

ire ay att Holid e g ra d encou

Swag

will ipants g c i t r a p e swa receiv

REGISTRATION FEES $25 per person $35 race day A race for the whole family! Come dressed in $15 students (22 & under) your most festive holiday attire and join us $5 Santa Sprint (9 & under) for an untimed fun run!

Re g i s t e r : G OT RC C . o r g / eve n t s NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

November 2016.indd 43

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35. The Early Learning Coalition of SW Florida 239-935-6100 elcofswfl.org 36. The Education Foundation of Collier

County/Champions for Learning 239-643-4755 educationforcollier.org 37. First Book Collier County firstbookcolliercounty.org 38. Friends of Foster Children Forever 239-262-1808 friendsoffosterchildren.net 39. Friends of the Library 239-262-8135 collier-friends.org 40. Friends of Lovers Key 239-463-4588 friendsofloverskey.org 41. Friends of Rookery Bay 239-530-5940 rookerybay.org 42. Girls on the Run Collier County 239-777-3720 gotrcc.org 43. The Glitter Foundation 239-293-2932 theglitterfoundation.org 44. Grace Place 239-234-2400 graceplacenaples.org 45. Greater Marco Island YMCA 239-394-3144 greatermarcoy.org 46. The Greater Naples YMCA 239-597-3148 greaternaplesYMCA.org 47. Guadalupe Center 239-594-2696 guadalupecenter.org 48. Gulfshore Playhouse 239-261-7529 gulfshoreplayhouse.org 49. Habitat for Humanity of Collier County 239-775-0036 habitatcollier.org 50. The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida 44

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239-334-7007 x141 harrychapinfoodbank.org 51. Help a Diabetic Child, Inc. 239-821-5051 hadcf.org 52. The Holocaust Museum and

Education Center of Southwest Florida 239-263-9200 holocaustmuseumswfl.org 53. Hope for Halloween facebook.com/pages/Hope-forHalloween/ 54. Human Trafficking

Awareness Partnerships 239-415-2635 humantraffickingawareness.org 55. The Immokalee Foundation 239-430-9122 immokaleefoundation.org 56. Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida 239-325-4444 ifcsswfl.org 57. Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida 239-225-2590 jaswfl.org 58. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 239-591-2825 floridasuncoast.jdrf.org 59. K is for Kids Foundation 239-596-5437 kisforkids.org 60. Kowiachobee Animal Preserve 239-352-5387 kowia.com 61. Laces of Love lacesoflove.org

65. Meals of Hope 239-537-7775 mealsofhope.org 66. Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion 239-591-8393 miraclelimbs.org 67. Music for Minors Foundation 239-273-2250 music4minor.org 68. Multiple Sclerosis Center of

Southwest Florida 239-435-1901 mscenterswfl.org 69. Naples Art Association 239-262-6517 naplesart.org 70. Naples Botanical Garden 239-643-7275 naplesgarden.org 71. Naples Cat Alliance 239-300-0829 naplescatalliance.org 72. Naples Equestrian Challenge 239- 596-2988 naplesequestrianchallenge.org 73. Naples Free Net 239-417-1400 naples.net 74. Naples International Film Festival 239-775-3456 naplesfilmfest.com/index.html 75. The Naples Players and KidzAct 239-434-7340 naplesplayers.org 76. National Alliance on Mental Illness 239-260-7300 namicollier.org

62. Lighthouse of Collier, Inc. 239-430-3934 lighthouseofcollier.org

77. NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s

Coalition of Collier County 239-552-7788 SafeHealthyChildren.org

63. Literacy Volunteers of Collier County 239-262-4448 collierliteracy.org

78. Neighborhood Health Clinic 239-261-6600 neighborhoodhealthclinic.org

64. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida 239-992-9474 sflwish.org

79. New Horizons of Southwest Florida 239-948-4146 newhorizonsofswfl.org NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016

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80. Our Mother’s Home of

Southwest Florida, Inc. 239-267-4663 ourmothershome.com 81. PACE Center for Girls,

Collier at Immokalee 239-377-9864 pacecenter.org/collier 82. Project Help, Inc. 239-649-1404 Office 239-262-7227 Hotline 24/7 ProjectHelpNaples.org 83. Project Outreach ProjectOutreachNaples.com projectoutreach@comcast.net 84. Providence House 239-692-8779 providencehousenaples.org 85. Ricky King Children’s Fund 239-449-0209 RickyKingFund.org 86. Rushman-Micah Angel Foundation 239-216-2363 rmaf-fl.org

87. St. Matthew’s House 239-774-0500 stmatthewshouse.org 88. Salt Warriors 239-734-0204 saltwarriors.org 89. The Salvation Army 239-775-9447 salvationarmyflorida.org 90. The Shelter for Abused Women & Children Confidential 24-hour crisis line: 239-775-1101 naplesshelter.org 91. Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education and

Experience Center, Inc. 239-455-1698 shywolfsanctuary.com/index.html

94. Surfers for Autism, Inc. surfersforautism.org 95. Together Rising togetherrising.org 96. United Arts Council of

Collier County 239-254-8242 uacollier.com 97. VITAS Healthcare Paw Pals

Pet Therapy 866-418-4827 vitas.com/hospice-care-services/ paw-pals-pet-therapy 98. Volunteer Services for Animals 239-261-4768 vsarescue.org

92. Special Olympics of Southwest Florida 239-775-1991 specialolympicsflorida.org/collier

99. Wounded Warriors of

South Florida 561-855-4207 wwofsf.org

93. SWFL Foster & Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. 239-410-6090 swflapa.com

100. 45 MPH Couch Potato Greyhound Rescue 239-265-6452 45mphcouchpotato.com

Art

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Openings Available (239) 438-6281

Small classes with individualized instruction neafamily.com

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Arpeggio Fine Arts Studio

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Piano and Violin Private Lessons

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305-807-8576

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is happy to introduce a complete

Children’s Birthday

Lauren K. Mason, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist 239-307-0886 www.spacuity.net

Package!!!

SwimLessons Group/Private/ Your Home or Mine

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18 Holes of Golf Plates, forks, napkins & candles Tables & Chairs Drinks: Coke, Sprite, etc.

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Only $10.00 per person Bi (the Birthday Child is Free and gets 1 year of free golf) These figures are based upon a minimum of 10 people. We will require 10 days notice.

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Masters Degree CPR, First Aid Certified Clean driving and FBI record Day/Evening/Overnight 239-631-3041 Ms. Lorel

To list your after-school activity for FREE in the Winter Activities Guide, visit neafamily.com For advertising opportunities, contact Stacy Nicolau at snicolau@neafamily.com or 239-370-5333.

46

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ABC Swim School Survival Swimming for babies & toddlers in Naples

239-272-0529 abcswimschoolnaples.com PediaSwim & CPR certified

2016

Fall Activities Guide

Academics • After-School Programs • The Arts • Clubs & Organizations • Special Needs Programs • Sports

CCPS ACTIVITIES GUIDE • FALL 2016

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1

Buy the travel guide by Neapolitan Family Travel Editor Karen Bartlett that captured the Silver Benjamin Franklin Award presented by the Independent Book Publishers Association.

Available locally and at www.mostlykidsguides.com.

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Programs are twice a week!

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Pre-K Programs: Thursdays & Saturdays 10 AM (Most enjoyed by children 5 and younger)

e NOVEMBER 3 & 5: Explore natur ograms Who Lives in an Alligator Hole?

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DECEMBER 15 & 17 Tommie Turtle’s Secret FREE with Nature Center admission. Visit www.conservancy.org/little-explorers 48Non-members: neafamily.com NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2016 1495 Smith Preserve Way x Naples, Florida 34102 x 239.262.0304 x www.conservancy.org November 2016.indd 48

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