Hency & Nolan De La Rosa. Hency (left) is a 9th grader at Gulf Coast High, and Nolan (right) is an 8th grader at Mason Classical Academy. They volunteer at One Life Church in Naples and participate in mission trips. The family's diverse volunteer work includes helping the community during hurricanes and volunteering in Cuba, Guatemala, and Colombia, showcasing their commitment to bringing hope to others in need.
Cover photo by Monica Alvarez monicaalvarezphotography.com 305-815-3495 info@monicaalvarezphotography.com
12 The Benefits of Tutoring Tutoring is not just for students who are falling behind. Get tips and resources to help your child.
by Andrea Stetson
16 Elephants and Butterflies
Find some of the world’s largest and smallest creatures in Florida.
by Karen T. Bartlett
19 How to Choose the Best Volunteer Activities
Learn how to find and enjoy the right volunteering activities for your family.
by Sandi Schwartz
20 Getting Sick is Not Convenient
Walk-in clinics are a great alternative to emergency or urgent care when you can't get a doctor's appointment. by Lawrence Egger, PA-C
23 Preparing for Hurricane Milton
SWFL parents share photos of how families prepared for Milton.
24 Foster Parenting
One family's journey to making a difference. by Anna
Snyder
26 How AI is Changing the Game for Parents
With technology advancing rapidly, there are now more tools than ever to help make parenting a little easier. by Katheryn Moore
Don’t miss your chance to make new friends and be part of a journey you’ll never forget. Get ready for a year full of fun and amazing adventures. Be a Girl Scout!
You can make a difference. Volunteer with Girl Scouts. We’re ready for you!
Co-Publisher
Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com
Co-Publisher Jane MacNealy jmacnealy@neafamily.com
One of the most common questions that our readers ask us is where they can volunteer with their families. I often answer by asking them: What is your passion? What are your skills? What are you most grateful for? Start there.
Volunteering can make a significant impact, no matter what your interests are. If your family is grateful for its pets, you can make a difference by volunteering at a shelter, walking dogs, or fostering a dog or cat in your home. If you love art or theater, your support can help our local arts community thrive through volunteering at events, helping with set design, or promoting shows. If you want to address local hunger issues, your efforts at food banks, food collections, or meal-packing events can make a real difference. And if you love to walk or run, participating in a 5K can help raise funds for important causes.
Our November issue also celebrates the joy of giving back, highlighting how many people of all ages in our community choose to make a difference. From Cub Scouts, hurricane helpers, and our Kindness Corner kids to Tank, the North Naples Fire Department's dog, there are heroes among us everywhere, spreading joy and inspiration.
Proud Member of
Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at distribution points throughout Collier County, as well as digitally at neafamily.com.
In How to Choose Volunteer Activities for Your Family (page 19), Sandi Schwartz provides wonderful guidance on how to make giving back a successful experience. On page 24, Anna Snyder takes us on her family’s journey to becoming foster parents by opening their hearts and their home.
Neapolitan Family is grateful for the important work our local nonprofits do, so we also try to give back to them. In the past year, we have donated media space, tote bags, and silent auction prizes to 11 organizations to help make their events more successful. Last spring, we were delighted to treat nearly two dozen children from AvowKids to see Disney on Ice at Hertz Arena.
This spirit of giving back makes living in Southwest Florida so special. Giving back to the places and people that have been meaningful to you improves everyone's lives. For inspiration on where your family can help out this holiday season and beyond, please search our list of 100+ nonprofits at Neafamily.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!
CoNNECT WITH US!
North Collier Fire Control & Rescue’s Fire Dog Tank Reaches Semi-finals in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards
The North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District fire dog Tank reached the semifinals in the Emerging Hero and Shelter Dog category of the American Humane Hero Dog award.
Tank began his career with the North Collier Fire at 10 weeks old on Sept. 11, 2021, after he had been discovered via a Facebook post from the Gulf Coast Humane Society. In 2019, the Fire District, unable to visit the community’s youngest members in person due to COVID-19 restrictions, developed a YouTube channel called Frank & Tank. This series stars the animated characters Firefighter Frank, Firefighter Emily, and their K9 partner Tank. The videos provide safety lessons for children, tours of fire trucks and fire stations, and even though the animated Tank never speaks, his character engages the children more than any of the characters.
“We couldn’t believe how lucky we were to find a shelter puppy that looked just like the animated character from our Frank & Tank series. He has become a part of the North Collier Fire family and is easily the most requested crew member for public events,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, Public Information and education officer for the district and Tank’s handler. www.youtube.com/@franktank5522
Board of County Commissioners Vote to Invest in the Arts in Collier County
In a 4-1 vote, the Board of Collier County Commissioners approved grant awards to 17 arts and cultural organizations during September’s board council meeting. The approval of $750,000 in funding represents less than 2% of the overall revenues the county receives annually from the tourist taxes, commonly referred to as the bed tax. The vote was preceded by months of planning, review, and dialogue over what the return on investment represents related to funding arts and cultural organizations. “Return on investment is a common question,” shared Elysia Dawn, executive director, United Arts Collier (UAC). “The arts are shown time after time to improve not only our economic health, but our mental and physical health as well as educational outcomes. They need to be recognized as fundamental to offering comprehensive human services in the community because they provide so much beneficial return on investment.”
United Arts Collier, a nonprofit organization), is recognized by the State of Florida as the official Local Arts Agency for Collier County. Visit unitedartscollier.org for more information or follow UAC on social media.
VFW Post 7721 Launches New Cub Scout Pack in Naples
VFW Post 7721 in Naples has chartered a new Cub Scout pack, providing additional scouting opportunities for local children. Pack 7721 is part of the Alligator District in the Southwest Florida Council.
Pack 7721, led by a team of parents and volunteers, is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and educational environment. Pack 7721 aims to set a new standard for scouting in the area, offering unique opportunities for scouts to connect with veteran role models, develop valuable life skills, and participate in patriotic community events alongside our nation’s heroes.
“We are honored to partner with VFW Post 7721,” said Marissa Colon, newly appointed Cubmaster of Pack 7721. “This collaboration allows us to bring scouting to more families and provide our youth with meaningful connections to veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.” Visit www. pack7721naples.com.
DECEMBER 3 - 24
Autism Collier Charter School open for Next School Year
The Collier County Public School Board voted last month, to approve the charter school application for Autism Collier Charter School (ACCS). This groundbreaking educational institution will open its doors in Naples, in August 2025, offering a specialized environment for students with autism.
Currently, families of neurotypical children have a wide array of educational options that do not extend to those with significant autism. ACCS is focused on addressing this gap by providing families in Collier and surrounding counties with a choice that meets their child’s specific learning needs.
ACCS is committed to providing an innovative learning atmosphere where students with autism are the primary focus. The school’s mission is to offer a safe, nurturing, and cutting-edge educational experience designed to meet the unique needs of each student. The vision is for students with autism to be empowered to reach their full potential and experience uninhibited growth.
For more information, visit the Autism Collier Charter School website autismcolliercharter.org or follow on social media.
CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY & FAMILY ORTHODONTICS OF NAPLES
H F O R C A N D Y
”
NOVEMBER 4TH - 7TH FROM 8A.M.-12P.M. AND 2-4P.M.
WE WILL BE COLLECTING HALLOWEEN CANDY FOR $1 PER POUND ALL CANDY COLLECTED WILL BE DONATED TO AMERICAN TROOPS THAT ARE SERVING OVERSEAS
DROP OFF CANDY AT: 3021 AIRPORT PULLING RD N , SUITE 203 NAPLES, FL 34105
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CALL: (239) 262-3898 *$10 LIMIT PER INDIVIDUAL*
Are your kids passionate about being on stage?
At the Conservatory at Gulfshore Playhouse, we offer pre-professional training through exciting theatre productions, engaging classes, and funfilled camps for students of all ages
PERFORMANCE PRODUCTION CLASSES
Anything Goes: Youth Edition
Performances:
Dec. 13, 2024 at 7:00PM Dec.14, 2024 at 2:00PM Dec. 14, 2024 at 7:00PM Dec.15, 2024 at 3:00PM
Spots fill up quickly—register today! Visit GULFSHOREPLAYHOUSE.ORG call 239-261-7529 for more information.
★ AMENDMENT 1
★
Voters will be asked to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on six proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution. The first amendment listed on the ballot would require members of a district school board to be elected in a partisan election rather than a nonpartisan election. The change would go into effect in 2026. Currently, school board races are nonpartisan and registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, are eligible to vote for candidates.
★ SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM ★
The last item on page 2 of the general election ballot will greatly impact how schools are funded for the next four years. Voters will be asked to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on whether to continue tax-neutral flexible funding for Collier County Public Schools. A public vote is required through a referendum to provide our local school board with
2024 Ballot Breakdown Key Education Issues You Need to Know
By Chad Oliver, CCPS Chief Communication Officer
The 2024 General Election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5 and includes two voting items directly related to education: Amendment 1 and the School District Referendum. Below is a summary of those two items and important upcoming dates.
the flexibility to continue to shift up to $60 million per year from the capital budget to the operating budget for the next four years. This is timely because the current referendum expires in June of 2025. The tax-neutral referendum will not add any additional costs to taxpayers.
The referendum has historically passed by wide margins since first appearing on Collier ballots in 2008, and it has been used to recruit, support, and retain the high-quality staff who make CCPS a high-performing school district. Visit www.collierschools.com/ referendum for additional information on this topic.
★ UPCOMING
DATES
★
There are three ways to vote in the upcoming election:
by mail
by voting early
by voting on election day.
Early voting will take place Oct. 21 through Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 11 sites across Collier County. Election Day is Nov. 5 and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day is the last opportunity to cast a ballot, and voters must vote in their assigned precinct on that day.
This communication continues a tradition of Collier County Public Schools partnering with the Collier County Supervisor of Elections to engage with and provide information to the community. For more information, visit www.CollierVotes.gov or contact the Supervisor of Elections office at 239-252-VOTE (8683). Education is an issue that touches every corner of our com munity, and our stu dents, staff, and schools are definitely on the November ballot in more ways than one.
THE BENEFITS OF TUTORING
It’s Not Just for Students Who Are Falling Behind
By Andrea Stetson
Will Schoback started struggling with schoolwork when he was in second grade. He lost confidence and started falling behind. That’s when his mother, Mamiko Schoback, found him a private tutor. Each week Will meets with Ruth Andrews at the Headquarters Branch of the Collier County library systems for one-on-one instruction. Andrews said Schoback did the right thing by getting Will help so quickly. Many times parents wait until their child falls so far behind that they risk failing state standardized tests or high school classes.
“Will is a perfect example of a person who benefits from tutoring,” Andrews said. “He really has skyrocketed.”
Now, as a third grader, Will has caught up with the curriculum and even surpassed it in some places. He is happier and more confident and even raises his hand to answer questions in class.
“She taught him the strategies he needs,” Schoback said. “At school there are 20 kids and one teacher so it is really hard for the teacher to focus on only one kid. [Last year], everything was moving very fast and he was falling a little behind in the class and we wanted to have extra help. Ms. Andrews found strategies that helped Willy.”
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
Every weekday afternoon almost every table is full of tutors and students at the Headquarters Branch, with similar scenes at other local library branches. Tutors are helping students with everything from elementary school math and English to high school chemistry and calculus.Most of the tutors are teachers or retired educators with lots of experience.
“I have 20 years of experience in the classroom,” said Andrews who left teaching to tutor full time. “I can take that knowledge and skill and figure out within a session or two with the child why they are not learning. What is special about working with a tutor is you are getting someone certified just working on your child. You do not get that in any school. I individualize every session for that child.”
GETTING AHEAD
Tutors are not just for students who are
falling behind. They help students get ahead, enrich their education, and help youngsters gain confidence.
When Kelly Murch moved to Naples from Illinois a few years ago, she found her twin daughters a tutor to help them make an easier transition to local schools.
“We originally started when we moved here from Illinois and the curriculum was totally different, and we didn’t know what all the testing was about,” Murch began. “We needed help navigating everything.”
Now the twins and their younger brother and sister have weekly tutoring with Julie Raymond, a teacher at Osceola Elementary in Naples, to keep them excited about learning and to enrich their education.
“It is not necessarily that they need help,” Murch continued. “They are all high performing. I didn’t want to have to look for a tutor when there was a problem. I wanted to make sure we were proactive.”
All four of Murch’s children love their tutoring sessions. They say they would rather be there than having free time or playing with friends.
“I really get ahead in my class,” said fifth grader Nora Murch. “Last week she taught long division and literally the next day we had a test to see how much we knew about long division. I got 100 percent on that.”
Her twin sister, Stella, says she gets better grades in school because of tutoring.
“I like tutoring because I can tell her what I have trouble with and what I need help with, and Mrs. Raymond always listens,” Stella said. “In fourth grade I started out with a B in [language arts] and now I am an A student.”
Raymond says there are so many benefits of tutoring.
“The kids get empowerment,” she said. “They get confidence. They are learning the standards. They get repetition. They get practice and practice and practice and they get really good skills, and they get confidence.”
Raymond has a passion for tutoring. After
spending a full day teaching in a local classroom, she spends four more hours in the evening tutoring at the library and then tutors at home on the weekends.
“The best part about tutoring is their families almost become yours,” Raymond said. “They bring the family to the library sometimes. You meet the grandparents. You become so close to them. It is like being a family member.”
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Sylvan Learning Center is a nationwide tutoring program that has been around for 45 years. At Sylvan students typically work with a variety of tutors who provide an assortment of learning experiences.
“Students get the opportunity to work with all of our tutors,” said Heather Santana, director at the Sylvan Learning Center in Fort Myers. “In real life, and they need to learn to work with a lot of teachers. They might learn something from one teacher and then another teacher might teach it in a way that clicks. I do tend to rotate my students around unless I find there is a perfect fit and they are making terrific progress.”
Santana has a passion for teaching and loves seeing the children make progress. She said the Sylvan model has proven to be successful.
“The data is there,” Santana stressed. “That is why we have been in business for so long. The program we use for our analysis is why each kid is on their own program. We don’t teach them things they don’t need to know.”
Santana says students can start working with a tutor as early as kindergarten.
“Unfortunately [parents] are knocking down our door when it is too late, and we need to change that,” Santana said. “Kindergarten and first grade are when they need to pay attention. Don’t let the teacher persuade
Julie Raymond tutors fifth grader Nora Murch at the Headquarters Branch of the Collier County library system. Photos by Andrea Stetson
[you] to wait a few months. You wait too long and then it is too late. You really need to see if your child is on the right track.”
COSTLY ENDEAVORS
Tutoring isn’t cheap. Most elementary school tutors charge between $50 and $65 per hour. Those teaching specialized subjects like cal culus, chemistry, or physics cost about $80 an hour. Tutors say they offer discounts for siblings or multiple sessions each week. Sylvan charges $69 an hour for the small group sessions, and offers dis counts for siblings as well as payment plans.
High school students can get free tutoring from students in the Na tional Honor Society at all CCPS high schools either during lunch or after school. In Immokalee, free tutoring is available at the Guadalupe Center. Children and grandchildren of migrant workers receive free tutoring at the Gargiulo Education Center in Naples.
Lee County’s Connect with Lee program offers free homework and classroom assignment help two evenings a week for any student in grades K-12. Students use their Launchpad on Chromebook to register when they need help and then are placed in a virtual waiting room. When it’s their turn, they are assisted by a certified teacher.
“Connect with Lee is primarily for math because that has been the most requested subject,” said Rob Spicker, assistant director of media relations and public information at Lee County Schools.
Spicker said children that have been identified as needing help can get intensive support provided by the schools.
“If they are not already identified and a parent feels they need [tu toring], contact the school,” Spicker said. “Every school offers some sort of extra support.”
THE BENEFITS
Tutoring can be expensive and time consuming, but experts say it is well worth the investment. “Tutoring can be beneficial for most students,” said Elizabeth Alves, chief academic officer for CCPS. “Throughout their educational career they will struggle with some aspect. It is an opportunity to have that one-on-one support.”
Alves says the school district does not recommend specific tutors, but it does tout the benefits of extra instruction.
“It is the personalized one-on-one support that a tutor provides for a student,” Alves continued. “It is that ability to target the area that the child is struggling with and provide consistent instruction and practice until students can acquire the skill and demonstrate it independently.”
YEARS EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION f English f English as a Second Language f Reading with Comprehension f Reading with Dyslexia f Language Arts f Executive Function f Homework Assistance
SOLVING THE RIDDLE
The tutors say parents should look for the following clues to determine if their child needs a tutor:
Is your child struggling with homework?
Does your child complain about the difficulty of lessons at school?
Is your child bored at school?
Not sure how to find a qualified tutor?
Here is some advice
Reach out to your student’s classroom teacher, who may have recommendations or will provide a list of tutors.
Ask for recommendations from friends or at your local library.
Reach out to other parents on local Facebook groups.
SUSAN LEANUES (774) 212-1888 • www.susanleanues.com
41
A Top Grade, LLC
Teaching and Tutoring Kindergarten through Adult
• Certified Elementary
• Reading (Endorsed)
• Spanish
• Language Arts (6-12)
• Social Science (6-8)
• ESE (Exceptional Student Education
• English to Speakers of Other Languages 787 100th Avenue N • Naples, FL 34108 (239) 340-2464 • lisa@atopgrade.com • www.atopgrade.com
YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE
FUN EVENTS IN NOVEMBER
MULTI-DATE EVENTS
PETER PAN. Nov 1-30, 4:30-7 p.m.
A high-spirited production of Peter Pan. Open to children ages 6-16.
Location: Children For The ArtsPulte Family Center, St. John The Evangelist Church, 625 111th Ave. North, Naples. Call 239-571-3305 or visit www.childrenforthearts. com.
HALLOWEEN EXPRESS. Nov. 1 & 2, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Join the Railroad Museum of South Florida for thrilling train rides through Lee County's Lakes Park.
Location: Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers. www.rrmsf.org.
AVE FARMERS MARKET & LIVE MUSIC. Nov. 2, 9, 16 & 23. 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Browse handmade creations, including organic produce, flowers, honey, specialty food and baked goods, home décor, ceramics and more.
JUNIOR KIDS RECREATIONAL BACKYARD GAME. Nov. 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6-7:30 p.m. A variety of recreational activities for ages 9 -12.
Location: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave., NE, Naples. anc.apm. activecommunities.com.
JUNIE B. JONES JR. Nov. 8-10, 7:30 p.m. A show full of laughter, mischief, and Junie B.’s unforgettable antics.
Location: MAC Building at Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples. naplesperformingartscenter.com.
A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL. Nov. 20-Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. This musical is based on the movie classic that runs round-theclock on television every Christmas. Location: Kizzie Theater, 701 5th Ave., S, Naples. naplesplayers.org.
festivities all week (except Thanksgiving) with live music and a forecast of snow.
Location: Third Street South, 1207 3rd St. S, Naples. thirdstreetsouth.com.
JOHNSONVILLE NIGHT LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN. Nov. 29-Dec. 10. Stroll the Garden illuminated in thousands of lights. Enjoy live music each night, photo ops, a living bromeliad tree, and festive treats.
49TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY NIGHTS CELEBRATION. Nov. 29-Dec. 23 & Dec. 26-Jan. 5. Holiday Nights has been revamped with new light displays and more, including the Children’s Holiday Tree Trail with handmade ornaments created by students.
Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. www. naplezoo.org or call 239-920-2085.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. 4:30-6 p.m. Ring in this holiday season with Santa's arrival and the Christmas Tree lighting at Bass Pro Shops.
Location: Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. www. gulfcoasttowncenter.com.
SCIENCE AT THE PARK. 10-11 a.m. An opportunity for the community to engage with the park and participate in a science program.
Location: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave., NE, Naples. anc.apm. activecommunities.com.
AUTUMN GARDEN FESTIVAL. Nov. 23 & 34, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The festival features garden vendors with tropical and native plants and trees for sale, food trucks and live music.
Location: Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. www.edisonfordwinterestates.org
2 SATURDAY
ARTIS—NAPLES COMMUNITY DAY. 12-4 p.m. Includes free admission to The Baker Museum, musical performances, special activities related to Día de los Muertos, an instrument petting zoo, food trucks, face painting and more. Location: Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. artisnaples.org.
CONSERVANCY OF SWFL TOAD EXHIBIT FEEDING. 2 p.m. The live southern toads are fed on exhibit while the interpreter explains toad biology and the threats of invasives on native wildlife and humans. Location: Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. conservancy.org.
FALL FESTIVAL AT EMPOWERMENT FARM. 10 a.m.4 p.m. This family-friendly event with a day full of autumnal fun and community spirit. Location: Empowerment Farm, 2600 Garland Road, Naples. empowermentfarm.org.
FREE ZOO DAY. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Collier County residents receive free admission to zoo. Location: Naples Zoo, 1590
Location: Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. www. edisonfordwinterestates.org.
4 MONDAY
BABY RHYME TIME. 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages birth – 18 months and caregivers. Bond with your baby and meet new friends during this storytime.
SUNSET FEST. 3:30-6 p.m. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, outdoor games, and more at Four Freedoms Park.
Location: Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. www. facebook.com/FourFreedomsPark
9 SATURDAY
CAPE CORAL VETERANS DAY PARADE. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Honor our American heroes and pay tribute to those who lost their lives, those who served honorably, and those who are still proudly serving our country.
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Naples Botanical Gardens is showing appreciation to our servicemen, women, and military personnel (active or retired) with free admission to the Garden. Location: Naples Botanical Gardens, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. www.naplesgarden.org.
11 MONDAY
BEN ALLEN BAND: VETERANS DAY BENEFIT LIVE AT THE OASIS. 5-9 p.m. An evening of country music and heartfelt giving with the Ben Allen Band, fronted by Ben Allen, a finalist on The Voice Location: Nauti Parrot Oasis, 17200 South Tamiami Tr., Fort Myers. www.nautiparrot.com.
NAPLES VETERAN'S DAY BIG BAND CONCERT AT CAMBIER PARK. 7 p.m. The Naples Big Band comprises 19 professional musicians.
Location: Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave., S, Naples. www.naplesbigband.com
VETERANS DAY 5K. 6:30 p.m. A 3.1 mile with awards, pre-race and post-race festivities.
Location: Fort Myers YMCA, 1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd., Fort Myers. www.ymcaswfl.org/ location-fort-myers.
WELLFIT GIRLS SWINGING WITH PURPOSE. 12:30 p.m. Golfers and non-golfers can join the fun whether it’s playing or participating in the contests and
activities.
Location: The Quarry Golf Club, 8950 Weathered Stone Dr., Naples. wellfitgirls.org/swp-charity-golftournament
12 TUESDAY
EXCEPTIONAL NIGHT. 5-7 p.m. Exceptional Nights are created specifically for children with physical and/or neurological disabilities, Autism, and other sensory integration disorders. .
Location: Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. www.cmon.org.
KINDNESS CLUB. 4-5 p.m. Kids can participate in fun activities designed to encourage kindness and help make the world a better place.
CORKSCREW FAMILY NIGHT TOUR. 5:45-7:15 p.m. Family Night Walk for families with young children. Learn about life in the swamp at night when the nocturnal animals are out and vocal.
HOLIDAY EATS KIDS COOKING: PUMPKIN PIE IN A CUP. 6-7 p.m. This program will allow children between the ages of 6-12 to explore their creativity and learn how to cook basic recipes with adult supervision. Everything is provided.
Location: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave., NE, Naples. anc.apm. activecommunities.com.
16 SATURDAY
FAMILY TREES AND MEMORIES FAMILY DAY. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. How much does your little one know about your family's history? Let them "take the mic" as they learn to interview their elders and capture those timeless stories.
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E, Naples. colliermuseums.
com or call 239 252-8517.
USA TODAY WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE. 1-4 p.m. Explore a culinary adventure celebrating the best local food and drink.
Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3890 City Gate Blvd. N, Naples. wineandfood.usatoday.com.
17 SUNDAY
HOTCAKE HUSTLE 5K. 8 a.m.
Enjoy a beautiful professionally marked course with a special finish line party with pancakes.
CHRISTMAS BALLET. 5 p.m. A Christmas tradition with an all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics.
Location: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. www. bbmannpah.com.
19 TUESDAY
FALL FUN: CANDY CORNUCOPIA. 6-7 p.m. Children will craft candy-filled cornucopias using ice cream cones and colorful candies and finish the program with a fun fall-themed bingo game.
ENCANTO THE SING-ALONG FILM CONCERT. 7 p.m. Experience the magic of Disney’s Encanto like never before as Hayes
Hall transforms into a vibrant wonderland.
Location: Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. artisnaples.org.
THE FIRST THANKSGIVING FAMILY FUN PROGRAM. 10 a.m.1 p.m. Enjoy classic Thanksgiving crafts with a Florida twist.
Location: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. colliermuseums.com or call 239252-1440.
THE ILLUSIONISTS. 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists –Magic of the Holidays
Location: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. www.bbmannpah.com.
28 THURSDAY
GOBBLE GOBBLE THANKSGIVING DAY 5K. 7:30-9 a.m. Experience the beauty of Naples as you run through the downtown streets and picturesque waterfront.
Location: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd., N, Naples. www.naplesgov.com.
29 FRIDAY
SANTA IN MARCO ISLAND. 5-7 p.m. Santa arrives at the Marco Island Academy on the day after Thanksgiving. He'll meet and greet with children and is available for photos
Location: Marco Island Academy, 2255 San Marco Rd., Marco Island. www.facebook.com/ events/1277993149851414.
30 SATURDAY
7TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING GULF COAST TOWN CENTER. 5-8 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers. www.gulfcoasttowncenter. com.
THE GREAT ELEPHANT MIGRATION …and
a few million butterflies
By Karen T. Bartlett
There's an elephant in the room and 100 of them on the beach. Seriously. Remember how after Hurricane Ian, flocks of pink flamingos migrated to Florida? Well, it's not exactly like that, but it's true that a herd of Indian elephants, from magnificent 15-foot tuskers to four-foot babies, is currently on the move toward Florida, where they'll be pasturing around Miami Beach for 10 days beginning November 22. Right now, they're traveling through traditional indigenous lands along the eastern seaboard, including Seminole and Miccosukee lands.
Photo by Corey Favino
The elephants were handcrafted by 200 Indian artisans using individual living elephants as models, in a global collaboration with contemporary artists and cultural organizations. The goal is to delight and inspire, while raising funds to support human/wildlife coexistence and conservation work around the world. The public is invited at no charge to mingle and coexist with the herd before they rest up for their cross-country spring migration to the Blackfeet Nation Buffalo Pastures in Montana. It's said that those who listen closely will hear the trumpeting.
The Great Elephant Migration began last summer on the grounds of several Gilded Age mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. It continued south to the cobblestoned streets of New York City's Meatpacking District, where the radical idea of wild elephants wandering city streets, coexisting with humans, reflects reality in India even today.
To reach the $10 million fundraising goal, the elephants are for sale at $8,000 to $22,000, depending on size. Each elephant is made with the stalks of an invasive weed wrapped around a steel rebar frame. thegreatelephantmigration.org
BUTTERFLIES ON THE MOVE
Elephants are the world's largest land animals. An adult weighs over six tons, with a lifespan of 60 years. The monarch butterfly weighs a fraction of an ounce with a lifespan as short as a week. Yet right now, millions of these fragilebut-resilient creatures are migrating thousands of miles to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico. So are throngs of tourists. For a more laid-back experience, consider National Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, California. Tens of thousands of them are arriving weekly to shelter until spring in the eucalyptus trees of Monarch Grove. parks.ca.gov
YEAR-ROUND BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORIES
Callaway Gardens
Pine Mountain, GA
The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, 60 miles south of Atlanta, is the second oldest in the U.S. and one of the most conservation focused in the world. Up to 2,000 butterflies at a time live in the expansive glass-enclosed environment. They are purchased in the chrysalis stage from family-run butterfly farms in economically challenged tropical countries. Go during the holidays for the lights and activities. callawaygardens.com
WHY CHOOSE?
The Florida Museum of Natural History on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville has an internationally acclaimed and impressively displayed fossil collection, including remains of a 5-million-year-old elephant graveyard from a recent Florida dig. There's also a butterfly rainforest, a way-cool interactive discovery center, and one of the world's largest lepidoptera (moth and butterfly) collections. Most exhibits are free. floridamuseum.ufl.edu
THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY Hohenwald, Tennessee
Only two true U.S. elephant sanctuaries simulate Asian and African elephants' natural habitats. The Elephant Sanctuary on 2,700 acres in rural Tennessee is the largest, providing rescued elephants haven and a herd for life. Guests don't mingle with the elephants (nor do the keepers), but through live EleCams in the Discovery Center, visitors can observe them living their best elephant life. elephants.com
Butterfly World Coconut Creek, FL
Jewel-toned butterflies, sweet little parakeets and budgies, tropical butterfly houses, outdoor butterfly gardens, and a butterfly farm comprise this family-friendly attraction near Fort Lauderdale. It's reputedly the world's largest butterfly garden. butterflyworld.com
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Miami, FL
Hundreds of butterflies representing more than 40 species flutter about in the lush Wings of the Tropics butterfly garden and metamorphosis lab. They are only one small part of this magnificent 83-acre estate that includes a children's garden, a rainforest, and seasonal experiences in Miami's historic Coral Gables district. fairchildgarden.org
Village Walk Butterfly Garden
Bonita Springs, FL
Here in our own backyard, 11 lovely gardens support more than a dozen species of butterflies and are favorite spots for hummingbirds and songbirds. Visitors can walk the flowery paths or step right into the gardens for close-up encounters. villagewalkgardenclub.com
HENRY
Dominating the rotunda of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. is the once-proud 11-ton African Bush Elephant donated by a game hunter in the 1950s. Understanding was different then, and the exhibit has evolved to include education about elephant ecology and poaching. Visitors love the "elephant voices," intense vibrations by which elephants communicate miles apart. naturalhistory.si.edu/exhibits/african-bush-elephant
Help for Veterans, Military Families, and Their Children
Far too often, veterans returning home carry invisible wounds that run deep, affecting every facet of their daily lives. These mental, emotional, and physical challenges not only impact their lives, but also the lives of their children and families. Children are particularly susceptible to mental and behavioral health concerns, due to a variety of factors related to their unique family situation and stressors associated with a military lifestyle.
But help is available at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC).
Our dedicated, experienced, and compassionate team offers specialized services, programs, and resources tailored to the unique needs of veterans, military families, and their children.
UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES
At DLC, we understand the significant and ongoing challenges faced by children in military families that can lead to struggles with behavioral issues, mental health, and overall wellness. The National Military Family Association’s 2023 Military Teen Experience Survey found that 40% of military teens scored low on mental well-being. This is due to a variety of factors, including:
z Parental Absence: Deployments can result in prolonged periods of parental absence, causing emotional and behavioral issues.
z Reintegration Difficulties: Military parents returning home may face difficulties reintegrating into family life, which can affect children’s emotional well-being.
z Exposure to Trauma: Children may witness or hear about traumatic experiences their parents have had, which can impact their own mental health.
z Social and Educational Disruptions: Frequent moves and changes in schools can disrupt children’s social and academic stability, leading to stress and adjustment difficulties.
PARTNERSHIPS EXPAND SUPPORT
Recognizing the unique challenges children and young adults in military families face, DLC offers specialized services aimed at supporting youth mental health. This includes traditional treatments, such as counseling and outpatient care, as well holistic care, such as pet therapy, art therapy, yoga, and structured fitness.
With a growing population of approximately 26,000 veterans in Collier County, DLC started a dedicated Veterans’ Services Program. In 2023 alone, DLC served 134 individual veterans through 9,177 services. The program is designed to build meaningful partnerships with veterans and their families to help them function better at home, in the community, on the job, in educational settings, and throughout life.
Through this program, DLC has worked diligently to increase services through strategic and clinical partnerships, including with Home Base Florida, Warrior Homes of Collier County, and the SWFL Regional Coalition to End Homelessness. These valuable collaborations have allowed DLC to continue expanding services for veterans and their families, ensuring that no veteran in Collier County is left behind.
DLC’s services for veterans and their families include:
z Veterans’ Case Management focuses on peer-to-peer support, linking to services such as mental health, medical needs, social services, SNAP benefits, Medicaid/Medicare, and assistance with transitional and long-term housing.
z Home Base Florida Outpatient Treatment for a variety of mental and emotional health needs, such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, substance use, anger, grief and loss, and transitional challenges.
z Veterans’ Treatment Court provides effective treatment and rehabilitation, as well as alternatives to incarceration to assist participants in developing the skills necessary to maintain a substance-free life, fulfill their legal obligations, and establish positive and productive relationships with their families, employers, and community.
DLC’s Veterans’ services are provided in partnership with Home Base Florida and Wounded Warriors of Collier County.
HOW TO HELP
Community support is crucial to ensure veterans, children, and families impacted by military service have access to vital care, tools, and support systems to thrive. Together, we can offer a sense of connectedness, reduce isolation, and enhance overall wellbeing and resilience for individuals and families that have sacrificed so much for our community and country.
To learn more about the work DLC is doing to provide lifesaving and life-changing behavioral health care to those in need, visit DLCenters.org.
If you or someone you know is in immediate need of help, call DLC’s 24-hour phone line at 239-455-8500 or dial 911.
Children of veterans are particularly susceptible to mental and behavioral health concerns due to a variety of factors related to their unique family situation and stressors associated with the military lifestyle. Photo courtesy of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR FAMILY
By Sandi Schwartz
Volunteering as a family is a wonderful way to bond and to feel better overall. When we make others happy, we experience an amazing biological phenomenon called a “helper’s high” that is the result of our brain releasing chemicals called endorphins. These positive feelings make our kids happier and healthier by reducing stress and anxiety and feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression.
Finding the right family volunteer activities can be challenging. You may feel uncertain about what is expected and question whether your children can participate. It is important that your children feel comfortable where you volunteer, get inspired by the work you do, and enjoy themselves. Without these three components, our children won’t reap all the amazing benefits of volunteering.
When searching for the appropriate activity, consider the following priorities:
PROJECT FOCUS
Is there a particular cause your family is passionate about, such as feeding the unhoused, helping animals, or visiting the elderly? What interests, skills, and talents do your family members have? Do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors? Do you want to work directly with people? The options are endless, so it is important to narrow down your choices.
ORGANIZATION’S MISSION
Do your research before you sign up with a specific organization. Find out about the group’s history, goals and mission, leaders, and funding. Check its website, search online for press coverage, and visit sites like www.charitywatch.org and www.charitynavigator. org. If possible, ask a current or past volunteer about the pros and cons of the organization. Getting a referral from someone you know is the best option, especially because your children will be participating.
LOCATION
Next, you will want to make sure you search for projects that are close to home so you do not have to drag your kids far to volunteer. Check your local paper, call charitable organizations, or search online for volunteer opportunities in your area.
COST
Although rare, check to see if there are any fees to volunteer. You may also want to consider any other costs involved like travel,
equipment such as certain clothing required, or requested products or monetary donations.
TIME COMMITMENT
Decide how much time you have to volunteer. Start slowly and gradually increase your involvement. You may choose to volunteer with different organizations each time to expose your children to a variety of experiences.
AGE RANGES
Before committing to a project, check for any age requirements. It may take some hunting around, but you should be able to find age-appropriate options. Even babies can take part in nursing home visits, charity walks, and beach clean ups.
ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS
Before you show up, find out exactly what you will be doing. Will there be heavy lifting involved? Will the project be a boring and repetitive task that will make your kids annoyed? Make sure the activity is something that your kids will actually enjoy before you invest your time.
SAFETY
No matter what, safety needs to come first when children are involved. You may want to avoid going to activities in neighborhoods that make you uncomfortable. Your kids may be scared to talk to strangers, so consider starting with familiar people and places. As they get older, you can start to venture out and expose them to more mature situations.
FUN FACTOR
Choose projects that involve your children in a fun way, but also teach and inspire them. Avoid topics and activities that are too serious and sad for young children. Be sure to ask your kids afterward what they thought about the experience, and if they would be willing to do it again.
Sandi Schwartz is a mother of two and an award-winning author, and freelance journalist.
For a list of SWFL non-profit organizations go to our website: neafamily.com/directory/100-southwest-florida-nonprofits-thatimprove-the-lives-of-p
GETTING SICK IS NOT CONVENIENT —
When unexpected injury or illness happens, waiting for an appointment with your primary care doctor is not always an option. Whether you’re dealing with a sprained ankle, flu-like symptoms, an earache, or other nonlife-threatening concerns, you need timely care.
NOT
While emergency rooms are available 24/7 for serious conditions, they can be a costly and timeconsuming choice for less urgent health issues. Urgent care centers also may mean a long wait time and extra expense. But walk-in clinics can provide that timely care that is more convenient and less expensive than a visit to the emergency room or urgent care.
Locally, Healthcare Network offers Convenient Care walk-in clinics, which provide same-day appointments for minor health concerns. In addition, Healthcare Network recently launched a pilot clinic at Manatee Middle School for students.
The walk-in clinics are staffed by board-certified doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who offer same-day care, for infants to the elderly, to treat common illnesses and minor injuries.
FASTER AND LESS EXPENSIVE
Hospital emergency departments are equipped to manage complex or critical needs, including lifethreatening situations, ranging from a heart attack to traumatic injuries from a car accident.
Accordingly, wait times in emergency rooms are based on severity of the medical problems, so less critical cases are expected to wait for treatment, sometimes for hours. In fact, some insurance plans charge an additional co-pay for emergency room visits that are not considered true medical emergencies.
Urgent care centers are often larger and offer more services than walkin clinics and treat more serious conditions. Urgent care clinics can offer services like x-rays and CAT scans and can treat conditions like fractures, sprains, burns, and pneumonia.
Walk-in clinics help fill a gap for minor illnesses or injuries when you cannot wait for an appointment with your family doctor. They are designed to quickly address medical issues that are not considered emergencies, allowing emergency departments to focus on more serious medical cases.
In Naples and Immokalee, Healthcare Network’s Convenient Care, which functions as a walk-in clinic, addresses minor illnesses and provide health care services such as:
Ear infections
Colds or coughs
Flu or flu-like symptoms
Minor burns or rashes
Minor allergic reactions
Minor orthopedic injuries
Flu shots
School physicals
Blood pressure checks
MAKING CARE CONVENIENT
At Manatee Middle School in Naples, Health Care Network has opened a school-based clinic to provide well-being exams and medical attention for students when they are sick, with parental permission.
BUT CARE CAN BE
The clinic, funded by the Naples Children & Education Foun dation, founders of the Naples Win ter Wine Festival, was selected based on lack of access to and distance from medical services for families. The Collier County School District is providing the space for the clinic, but no funding or personnel.
The pilot program will be evaluated for the potential addition of clinics at other CCPS schools.
Research shows that school-based clinics in low-income areas help improve health and academic performance. School clinics help lower
By Lawrence Egger, PA-C
absentee rates and can lessen the need for parents to take time off work for a child’s doctor visits.
“The school-based clinic at Manatee Middle School is going to be a game changer for many families,” said Jamie Ulmer, president and CEO of Healthcare Network. “We are committed to meeting the healthcare needs of our community through our Convenient Care and school-based clinics, ensuring that patients can receive the care they need when they need it most.”
Lawrence Egger, PA, is a NCCPAcertified PA with Healthcare Network. Egger is passionate about breaking barriers to health access and has been practicing since 1991.
CONVENIENT CARE LOCATIONS
Nichols Community Health Center, 12655 Collier Blvd., Naples
Monday to Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended after-hours
Wednesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Veterans Park Health Center, 1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. FSU College of Medicine, 1441 Heritage Blvd., Immokalee Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information visit Healthcareswfl.org or call 239-658-3000.
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM: Fall Season: Aug 13-Dec 13 Spring Season: Jan 6-May 30 TENNIS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS & FUN TENNIS CAMPS FOR KIDS AGES 4 AND UP
THE POWER OF Play
by Lauren Donovan, MSW, LCSW, RPTTM
As I write this article, Hurricane Milton is approaching, and the severe weather has started. It made me think about the power of play and how it can help children in challenging situations. Here are five suggestions for parents to harness the power of play.
1 SELF-EXPRESSION
Play is children’s natural language, words are not. Through play, children can express their thoughts and feelings without fear. To help facilitate that expression, play with puppets with your child. Have your puppet say, “Sammy is feeling a little nervous about the storm. I wonder how Sally feels about the storm.” Your child will respond through their puppet, and continuing this dialogue between the puppets will give a window into what your child might be experiencing.
2 POSITIVE EMOTIONS
Play allows children to laugh, have fun, and be joyful. Building in moments of play during challenging situations can shift the mood, the dynamic, and how children respond after it. And you don’t need toys to play. If the power goes out during a storm, grab flashlights and a blanket and make a fort with your child. Even if in a shelter, which is undoubtedly a challenging situation, you can still bring in play. Have your child draw a happy memory or a safe place. Play a simple game like I Spy or 20 Questions, or ask your child to make up their own game.
3 STRESS MANAGEMENT
When we play, our blood pressure goes down, our heart rate goes up, and we produce endorphins. Play is a wonderful way for children to reduce and manage their stress levels.
4 PERSONAL STRENGTHS
Play allows children to build upon their strengths and even develop new ones.
GET NOTICED IN THE Holiday Savings Passport
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Showcase your holiday special with one of these opportunities in our award-winning magazine.
PoSTCARD INSERT oPPoRTUNITIES
• Sponsor with your name, logo, URL, and information about your business or program. The sponsor gets total display space of 4" x 6"
• one slot with your logo, short description of your holiday savings for our readers, one URL.
Contact Stacy Nicolau at snicolau@neafamily.com or 239-370-5333 for more information.
During a storm, give your child a large cardboard box and some art supplies. Your child can turn the box into anything they want. Children will get creative; they will problem solve; and they will work through frustration. You just provided them with an opportunity to have a sense of mastery during a very stressful storm. You reinforced that while this might feel scary, they still can do hard things.
5 RESILIENCE
Finally, everything above builds resilience in your child. Resilience comes from the interactional relationships between children and their support systems. Playing with your child before, during, and after a life challenge builds a resilient child.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?
Connected Path
Counseling
www.connectedpathcounseling.com
Fostering Hope
One Family’s
Journey to Making a Difference
By Anna Snyder
Inever thought we would have an only child. When we first got married in 2012, my husband and I used to discuss whether we would have three or four children – he wanted three, and I wanted four. Now, looking back on those dreamy, doe-eyed “arguments,” they feel silly. We’re 12 years into marriage, 10 years into parenting, and I’m reminded daily that contentment and longing can go hand in hand.
There is value in waiting, praying, discussing, considering, and drawing nearer to one another. It’s okay to mourn regularly while counting our blessings. Life in a broken, hurting world demands this rhythm – this balancing act. My husband and I are choosing more often to look up and say: “Thank you” instead of looking around, comparing ourselves to others, and asking: “why?”
If we did humbly ask “why,” though, one of the answers may be foster care. Over the past four months, we have gone through the process of becoming a licensed foster care family through One More Child. I’ve learned so much about the need for families to come alongside hurting parents and children and be a resource and support for healing. Over the years, my husband and I talked about adoption and foster care – and finally made the decision to get licensed after a month of praying and research as a family. The ultimate goal of foster care starts with reunification, as research shows it is best for children to be with biological family or close friends/kin with whom they already have a relationship. The process of opening our home was significant and uncomfortable, though it has already been accompanied by great blessing.
As we sifted through mounds of paperwork and began our classwork, we were encouraged by a One More Child trainer and foster parent, Laura Wells. The Wells have been a foster family for six years and have had 24 children placed in their care. They have had children for as little as one night to as long as 18 months. The Wells family recently moved into the One More Child home in Fort Myers to be able to take in more sibling groups, as the space was originally designed to serve as a group home. Laura shared her story with us. “My dad was a foster child, and he didn’t get to stay with his sibling. His story is one of continued abuse, dysfunction, and neglect. But from ages 5-10, he was in a functional foster home, which profoundly impacted the trajectory of his life. Because of foster care, my dad met and married my mom. Foster care saved me from generational dysfunction, and now we’re a foster family.”
I asked Laura when she and her husband decided to become a licensed foster fam-
Photo by Alex Chaney of Willow Tree Photography
ily. “We have five biological children. When we were in the hospital for my third, I asked my husband, ‘Why are we waiting? There’s never going to be a perfect time to start.’ And we started the process. Foster care is such an important part of my story. It’s always been in me to be a foster parent. I look at how my dad was welcomed by a woman who didn’t know him. I’m saying yes to my dad and his siblings every time I welcome a child into my home.”
Our training opened my eyes to the idea of trauma-informed care. As we enter situations and assess behaviors of children joining our family, we must ask, “What happened to you?” and “What do you need?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” Laura shared with me about the need for trust-based relational intervention, which was a focus of our training. “Physiological change happens because of trauma. Children have to feel safe; we can’t just tell them they’re safe. It takes time and quick thinking. Our biological kids can handle small disappointments, but we must recognize that children coming into our homes are fragile. And so, we demonstrate consistency and fill their buckets with drops of love and consistency. A lot of behaviors are helped through tiny routines; traumatized children require slow healing over time.”
ally and significantly by the virus – either through illness or loss of a loved one, requiring them to shift their focus and efforts. Others still were impacted financially by loss of jobs or wages through direct or indirect fallout. Now, fewer people think about stepping into the space of fostering for these same reasons. With so many other stressors, both from COVID and other challenges, such as economic downturn and [hurricane damage], it can be hard for families that would have otherwise considered fostering to imagine spreading themselves, their resources, and their families even thinner.”
Janelle Hanaburgh directed our training sessions and continues to serve as a resource for us at One More Child. Thankfully, because of the pandemic, the entire foster care training process takes place online now, which theoretically makes it easier for families to obtain licensure. Hanaburgh noted the immense need for families to pursue licensure. “In the month of August alone, there were nearly 17,000 children placed outside of their homes in the state of Florida due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Fostering children from your local community makes a huge impact on the children’s ability to stay in their school, keep important connections with teachers, friends, and family, and have access to other familiar parts of their life, only improving their academic, mental, and emotional outlook, and overall wellbeing during their time in care. Becoming
a safe home for a child in crisis can truly save a life and allow you to be a part of putting families back together whenever safe and possible.”
As we completed the training, we were often reminded about the goal of foster care: reunification. Foster families provide necessary care while biological parents complete court-mandated activities and receive support. “Most biological parents DO love their children,” Hanaburgh reiterated. “Their ability to care for their children and meet their needs in a way that would be considered safe and satisfactory to the Department of Children and Families has been impeded often due to substance abuse issues, mental health challenges, not having had proper and safe parenting modeled for them, or lack of resources and support. Foster parents can encourage, cheer on, and model proper parenting for biological parents.”
Unfortunately, though the process of becoming a foster family is easier and more seamless now, there has been a significant drop in the number of licensed families since the pandemic in 2020. “We lost families during COVID due to their valid concerns about the virus and children or workers being in and out of the home, possibly increasing the risk of exposure,” Hanaburgh explained. “Some foster parents were impacted person-
Laura and I talked about the decrease in the number of foster families – and the growing need for foster families. “I hear it a lot,” she shared, “people say things like, ‘I would do it, but the system is so bad. I would have a hard time letting them go back to a bad situation.’ My response is to remind them that our call is to love them for a moment, to show them what a healthy family looks like, and to get them involved and help them discover their gifts and abilities.”
The need is so great. Laura encourages families, “If you have a spare room, take someone in. The impact on your own children, to foster children, to people you meet along the way is so great –it’s a ripple effect. You can change the whole trajectory of someone’s life. My foster grandma had no idea the harvest that would come from caring for others in their time of need. There are generations beyond what we see today in which we are investing.”
Becoming licensed took a greater investment of time and energy that we originally anticipated, but our file has finally been approved by One More Child, Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, and DCF. And, the training was also much more informative and valuable than I ever thought possible. I’ll be sharing monthly about our journey as a foster family in the magazine and on neafamily.com. For more information on becoming a licensed foster family, visit onemorechild.org.
The Snyders celebrate Windley’s 10th birthday at home with a selfie, showcasing a custom race bib/medal holder made by a friend.
Photo provided by Anna Snyder.
Parenting is a 24/7 job that can be overwhelming at times. With the constant juggling of responsibilities, it's easy to feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day. But, with technology advancing rapidly, there are now more tools than ever to help make parenting a little easier. One of the most exciting developments in this space is the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI-powered virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home are revolutionizing how parents manage their daily lives. These assistants can set reminders, play music, and even control smart home devices, making it easier to keep everything running smoothly. For example, parents can use Alexa to set a timer for when the kids need to take their medicine or to play calming music to help them fall asleep. Meal planning apps like Yummly (basic app is free, paid upgrade available) and Plan to
Eat ($5.95 after free trial) can generate healthy recipes and shopping lists, making it easier to keep the family fed. And, with services like Amazon Fresh, groceries can even be delivered right to your doorstep, saving time and energy for more important things.
But AI's impact doesn't stop there. It's also making a big difference in childcare. Apps like BabyConnect and Happiest Baby track sleep patterns, and feeding schedules and even offer
How AI is Changing the Game for Parents
This is not about whether your kids are cheating in school
By Katheryn Moore
personalized advice on soothing fussy babies. This can be a lifesaver for new parents who are navigating the ups and downs of caring for a tiny human. Additionally, these apps can help parents identify potential health issues early on and provide valuable insights to share with pediatricians.
And, as if that's not enough, AI is also supporting parents' mental health in meaningful ways. With AI-powered chatbots and virtual therapy platforms, parents can get support and resources from the comfort of their own homes. This can be especially helpful for parents who struggle to find time for selfcare, or who live in areas with limited access to mental health services. These platforms can offer personalized advice, coping strategies, and even connect parents with other families who are going through similar experiences. By providing a safe and anonymous space to discuss challenges and concerns, AI-
powered mental health tools can help parents feel less isolated and more supported.
Of course, some people worry that AI will re place human inter action, but I think it's just a tool to make life easier. By saving time and reducing stress, AI can help parents focus on what matters most — their families. This isn't about replacing the human touch, but rather about freeing up time for more meaningful interactions and activities. With AI handling routine tasks, parents can devote more energy to playing, teaching, and bonding with their kids.
As AI continues to evolve, the potential for its impact on parenting is truly exciting. From personalized learning platforms to AIpowered baby monitors, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you're a parent or know someone who is, it's worth exploring how AI can make parenting a little easier and more enjoyable.
I'm a bit biased on this topic. This article was written with the help of AI, which I used to organize my thoughts, create an outline, and refine my writing. AI helped
me rephrase sentences for clarity, smooth transitions between ideas, and overcome writer's block by suggesting alternative approaches. While it didn't replace my creativity, it was an invaluable tool for improving sentence structure and polishing the final product, allowing me to focus more on content and less on editing.
The future of AI in parenting holds much promise. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions to make parenting easier, safer, and more enjoyable. One thing is certain - AI is here to stay, and it's revolutionizing the world of parenting, one algorithm at a time.
Katheryn Moore was a summer intern at Neapolitan Family who graduated from Naples High School in 2023. She is a sophomore marketing major at Virginia State University.
Vanderbosch, DMD
Pediatric Dentists
The Power of a Hug
How a Kindergartner’s Compassion Helped a Fellow Student Overcome Her Fears
By Andrea Stetson
Kindness doesn’t always involve volunteering or fundraising or leadership. Sometimes, it is just the simple act of reaching out to another. Five-yearold Edson Cuevas Limon, a kindergarten student at Palmetto Elementary School in Collier County, did just that, and helped a young girl overcome her fears and finally settle into school.
It all started at the beginning of the school year when Collet Alvarez arrived at school crying. It’s not unusual for some kindergarten students to cry a bit at the beginning of the school year, but Collet’s case was extreme. She didn’t cry for just a few minutes or even an hour, she cried most of the first day, and every day that followed. Collet had never been away from her parents and she wanted to go home. She also didn’t speak English, so being thrust into a big school filled with strangers speaking a different language was too much for the 5-year-old-girl. Most kids would steer away from a crying, screaming child, but not Edson.
“I was talking with her and told her how she could be calm,” Edson said in Spanish. “I said ‘Don’t cry. We are
going home to our moms and dads. School is only for a little bit of time.’ I held her hand so she would be more calm.”
Edson and Collet met on the school bus, but were in different kindergarten classrooms. Collet was calm when she was with Edson, but her tears would return once they were separated.
School staff tried without success to comfort the little girl. “We were just at our wits’ end,” said kindergarten teacher Mandy Bontrager. “I would see her around school and she would be crying. Being a new mom, I would pick her up and walk her around. A lot of times you are supposed to ignore the behavior, but I couldn’t. I asked her if she wanted to come with me every time I saw her crying. Coming in here with no language, I just connected with her.”
Nothing seemed to help; Collet kept crying.
SUCCESS AT LAST
Finally, PES’s principal decided to ask Collet which classroom she would like to be in. She chose Bontrager’s. “At first, my eyes were glimmering because I felt so honored because Collet picked me,” the teacher said. “Nope. She chose my classroom because of her bus mate, Edson.”
The new setting was a success.
“Collet sat next to Edson and the first thing he did was give her the biggest hug that his little arms could provide,” Bontrager said. “He explained our class rules in their native language, told her where to put her backpack, and modeled to her what a kindergartener looks like.”
Edson Cuevas Limon and Collet Alvarez became best friends.
Photo by Andrea Stetson
“The first day that I came to this room I gave him a hug and then I was fine with that,” Collet said in Spanish.
“She asked ‘Do you want to be my friend?’ and I said ‘Yes, I want to be your friend’,” Edson said. “She is good and she is lovely and she is a good friend.”
BEST FRIENDS
Bontrager said Collet quickly adjusted to kindergarten once she had Edson at her side. Now sometimes she returns the favor by helping Edson stay calm and remember the kindergarten rules. The two friends enjoy working on math problems and computer lessons together, but their favorite thing is the brain breaks when they get to dance on the carpet together.
“They will sit at lunch with each other and hold each other’s hand,” said Alejandra Basso, a school aide.
Bontrager says there are several reasons why the two connected.
“I think it is because he always has a smile on his face,” she said. “He is just a warm kid. You see him and all you want to do is smile. If you are sad, he senses people’s emotions. He knows when to be what. He can be the jokester, or he can be comforting. If he sees somebody is sad, he just gives them a hug.”
Edson has a different idea of why he is so kind.
“Because that way I can have more friends,” he concluded.
If you know a child who has done something special and kind in the community, please let us know. Contact reporter Andrea Stetson at agstetson@msn.com.
Edson Cuevas Limon and Collet Alvarez work on a computer activity in their kindergarten classroom at Palmetto Elementary School. Photo by Andrea Stetson
X SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE
NAPLES LIBRARY
650 CENTRAL AVE., NAPLES
239-252-5135 • WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG Hotel Transylvania 3, rated PG. Registration not required. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m.
X PRESCHOOL NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY
21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO 239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY
Spooktacular stories, songs, and crafts. Wear your costume for a parade inside the library. Ages 3-5. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY 21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO 239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY
Spooky magic, mystery, and fun. Ages 6-11. Registration is required. Saturday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m.
TRAVEL
X PRE-READERS SPOOKY DANCE PARTY BONITA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY 10560 REYNOLDS STREET, BONITA SPRINGS 239-533-4860 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY
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