Oct 2016 digital issue by Neapolitan Family

October 2016 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Smooth Sailing With Autism on the Seas Why Your Porch Should Have a Teal Pumpkin Black Cats are Good Luck

Annual Fall Fun Guide

NEAPOLITANfamily â&#x20AC;¢ October 2016

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The Haunted ‘Gross’ Walk October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 Collier County Fairgrounds 751 39th Ave NE Naples, FL 34120

Events & Times Gates Open 7:00-11:00 PM Haunted Walk Tickets $15.00 Starts at Dark Bring the little ones out for: Hayrides, Kids’ Games, Cake Walk, Pony Rides, Food, Vendors and Fun! Priced based on activity. Special additional events Special additional events on on October 29!! October 29 CCSO Rock Wall Trunk or treat 7:30-8:30 PM non-food non-food treats treats offered offered for for kids kids with with allergies. allergies. #tealpumpkinproject #tealpumpkinproject

Costume Contest 8:00 PM

Collier County Fair CollierCoFair

colliercountyfair.com colliercountyfair.com

Proceeds Proceedsbenefit benefitthe theMaking MakingLife Life“Fair” “Fair”Fund Fund TheThe TealTeal Pumpkin Project® and and the Teal Pumpkin Project® logologo are registered trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education Pumpkin Project® the Teal Pumpkin Project® are registered trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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Math Help and Enrichment

Test Prep

Homework Help

MAKE THIS SCHOOL YEAR

GREATER THAN LAST YEAR!

As your child gears up to head back to school, Mathnasium is here to help set the stage for success! Our unique teaching method is designed to strengthen math foundations, boost confidence, and ultimately, make math make sense. Whether your child is ahead of the curve, performing at grade level, or falling behind, together, we can make this school year greater than last year!

NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL

1 Complimentary

Week of Sessions Expires 9/30/16. See center for details.

NEAPOLITANfamily â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016

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Mathnasium of Naples 6420 Naples Blvd, #103 Naples, FL 34109

239-455-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com/naples neafamily.com

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OCTOBER 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS 10

Travel Column. Our new travel editor provides a glimpse of the beauty of the migration of millions of monarch butterflies every year from Canada to Mexico. by Karen T. Bartlett

Teal Pumpkins. The Teal Pumpkin Project is helping to make Trick or Treat fun and safe for kids with food allergies. See how you can take part. by Stacy Nicolau

Autism on the Seas. A mom’s story about a liberating few days at sea with her extended family and son with special needs. by Suzanne Reed

Mr. Anthony. Anthony is providing a safe and fun place for all kids every Sunday. by Anna Futrell

Fall Festivals and Fun. We’ve rounded up the best pumpkin patches, haunted houses, fall festivals, and Halloween events for your family.

Black Cats. Maybe it’s time to bring good luck, as well as cuteness, into your home by adopting a black cat. by Leigh Ann Newman

in every issue . . . 07

FROM THE PUBLISHER

REEL LIFE WITH JANE Movie reviews for the entire family

COLLIER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE

RACHEL RECOMMENDS Book reviews for kids by a kid

13 COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 14

CITY CONNECTION City of Naples Parks Department News and Events

on the cover…

Sarah is the 17 month-old daughter of Rachel and Kyle Cohen of Estero. Rachel is a pediatric audiologist and Kyle is an attorney. Rachel began raising awareness of the Teal Pumpkin Project in their Bella Terra neighborhood last Halloween. Cover photo by Peggy Farren of Avant Garde Photography • 239-263-7001

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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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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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 • October 2016

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EV FRE EN E T!

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5450 YMCA ROAD • NAPLES, FL

WWW.GREATERNAPLESYMCA.ORG NEAPOLITANfamily • October 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 Leigh Ann Newman graphic design, accounting, editorial lanewman@neafamily.com 239-287-4221 Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau advertising, marketing, social media, editorial snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature Writer Anna Futrell 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 • October 2016

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THIS MONTH: Fall Fun

Autumn was my favorite season before moving to Naples. I loved the colors, all things pumpkin, wearing sweaters. During my first few years here, I would notice fall had arrived only when Starbucks started serving pumpkin lattes. I always forgot to get my flu shot because my body thought it was summer well into November. My college doesn’t have a football team, so that didn’t help matters. But then I discovered the wealth of fall festivals and Halloween events that take place in Southwest Florida every October, and I found everything I had been missing, except for the sweaters. We want you to get your autumn on, too, so we have continued to expand our Fall Fun Guide each year. Turn to pages 38-43 for the comprehensive listing. You also can access the guide online. This year, I was introduced to the Teal Pumpkin Project by my co-publisher. Kids with food allergies typically don’t get to trick or treat, but now teal pumpkins are making it possible for them to safely receive treats. Read Stacy Nicolau’s story on page 15 for all of the details. We’re excited to welcome Karen T. Bartlett as our travel editor. A well-respected photographer and writer, she has covered family, adventure, luxury, and offbeat travel for two decades, and on page 15 is her first column -- a look at the yearly monarch butterfly migration. Finally, one article means a great deal to me personally. Written by my sister-in-law, Suzanne, it focuses on Autism on the Seas, an organization that facilitates cruises for families with kids (and adults) with special needs. AOTS made it possible for my extended family to enjoy a vacation together with my nephew, Jonathan, no longer sitting on the sidelines. It’s an amazing group that literally is changing lives. Read about the difference it made in Suzanne’s on page 20. Happy Autumn!

Leigh Ann Co-Publisher neafamily.com

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REEL LIFE WITH JANE

By Jane Louise Boursaw

Family Movie & DVD Reviews New movies in October for children and teens include tales of middle school, extraterrestrials, and ancient symbols. Here’s a sneak peek at all the new movies for kids and teens this month. Please note that release dates are subject to change. Sixteen-year-old Max McGrath has just moved to a new town and is desperately trying to fit in when he discovers his body can generate the universe’s most powerful energy. Unbeknownst to Max, a slightly rebellious and hilarious techno-organic extraterrestrial named Steel has been keeping an eye on him, hungry for his super-human energy. When they finally meet, they discover that together they form Max Steel, a superhero with powerful strength beyond anything in our world. These two unlikely friends soon find themselves hunted by sinister forces who want to control Max’s powers, as well as an unstoppable enemy from another galaxy. Directed by Stewart Hendler, this movie stars Ben Winchell, Maria Bello, Ana Villafane, Josh Brener, and Andy Garcia. KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES MIDDLE SCHOOL:THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE

stars Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle, and Thomas Barbusca.

Rated PG for rude humor throughout, language, and thematic elements In Theaters 10/7 • Ok for Kids 8+ Lionsgate, CBS Films Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels

MAX STEEL

Rafe has an epic imagination, and a slight problem with authority. Both collide when he transfers to an oppressive, rulecrazy middle school. Drowning in do’s and don’ts, Rafe and his scheming best friend Leo hatch a plan to break every rule in the school’s Code of Conduct. It’s Ferris Bueller meets Home Alone as their battle with Principal Dwight explodes into chaos both real and imagined. Meanwhile, Rafe struggles to hide his misbehavior from Jeanne, the straight-A, overachieving girl of his dreams, and at home, his mother’s boyfriend - a moochy, jack-of-no-trades named Bear - threatens to become his stepfather. Directed by Steve Carr, this movie 8

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Not yet rated; likely PG In Theaters 10/14 • Ok for Kids 9+ Open Road Films Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, action/violence, and brief strong language In Theaters 10/21 • Ok for Kids 13+ Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels In this comedy directed by Greg Mottola, Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher play an ordinary suburban couple who discover

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that it’s not easy keeping up with the Joneses. Especially if their impossibly gorgeous and ultra sophisticated new neighbors are played by Jon Hamm and Gal Gadot. But things take an interesting turn when they learn that Mr. and Mrs. Jones are covert operatives.

paranormal poltergeists, ghosts, ghouls, and zombies while keeping a watchful eye on a group of misbehaving teens. In addition to “Madea,” Perry also plays the roles of “Joe” and “Brian.” Also stars Bella Thorne, Cassie Davis, and Andre Hall. INFERNO

JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK Not yet rated; likely PG-13 In Theaters 10/21 • Ok for Kids 6+ Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels In this second installment of the Jack Reacher franchise based on Lee Child’s popular book series, Tom Cruise returns as the title character. Jack must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name. On the run as a fugitive from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever. Directed by Edward Zwick (who also directed Cruise in 2003’s “The Last Samurai”), this movie also stars Cobie Smulders and Robert Knepper. OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL Rated PG-13 disturbing images, terror, and thematic elements In Theaters 10/21 • Ok for Kids 14+ Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels It was never just a game. Inviting audiences again into the lore of the spirit board, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” tells a terrifying new tale as the follow-up to 2014’s sleeper hit that opened at number one. In 1965 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their séance scam business, but unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by the

merciless spirit, this small family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side. Directed by Mike Flanagan, this thriller stars Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, Henry Thomas, and Lulu Wilson. BOO! A MADEA HALLOWEN Rated PG-13 for drug use and references, suggestive content, language, some horror images, and thematic material In Theaters 10/21 • Ok for Kids 14+ Reel Preview: 2.5 of 5 Reels Tyler Perry once again writes, produces, directs, and stars in his latest project with the popular character Madea. “In Boo! A Madea Halloween,” Madea winds up in the middle of mayhem when she spends a hilarious, haunted Halloween fending off killers,

Rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, disturbing images, some language, thematic elements, and brief sensuality. In Theaters 10/28 • Ok for Kids 13+ Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels Oscar winner Ron Howard returns to direct the latest installment in author Dan Brown’s (“Da Vinci Code”) billion-dollar Robert Langdon series. “Inferno” finds the famous symbologist (again played by Tom Hanks) on a trail of clues tied to the great Dante himself. When Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), a doctor he hopes will help him recover his memories. Together, they race across Europe and against the clock to foil a deadly global plot. 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 editorin-chief of Reel Life With Jane. Contact her at jboursaw@charter.net. Images used with permission of the studios and distributors.

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TRAVEL

By Karen T. Bartlett Fluttering through Texas En route to Mexico, the monarchs schedule some very specific rest stops. Two of the best places to see them are in Texas this month. Check out the annual Butterfly Flutterby in Grapevine (near Dallas) on Saturday, October 15. It starts with a butterfly costume parade to the Grapevine Botanical Gardens, and includes butterfly crafts, exhibits, butterfly release, scavenger hunt, face painting, and more. Visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com. The three-day Texas Butterfly Festival in Mission, Texas (on the Mexico border) starts October 29 with the free family Community Day. It includes a butterfly walk, family hawk watch, kite flying, crafts, games, tram rides, and more. Check out TexasButterflyFestival.com.

Destination: Migration of the Monarchs

Before you go Meet some monarchs in the butterfly houses at Naples Botanical Garden (naplesgarden.org) and The Butterfly Estates in Fort Myers (thebutterflyestates.com), and then watch the stunning Disney movie, Wings of Life.

ctober begins one of nature’s most spectacular shows, when 90 million monarch butterflies (yes, 90 million!) flutter south from Canada to their winter retreat in Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains. Lucky is the family that gets a front row seat for this show. Start practicing your ooohs and aaahs, because millions of fluttering wings sound like a waterfall, and fill the sky like sparkling golden-orange jewels. It’s magical! When they settle, the landscape is like a scene in a fairy tale. Here are three destinations for a family memory of a lifetime. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico The first monarchs begin arriving the end of this month at the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary near the town of Valle de Bravo. The peak months are January, February, and early March. Traffic slows down just for people to take it all in and to protect the butterflies. Once inside the reserve, you 10

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Photograph by Karen T. Bartlett

can hike up the steep mountain trail to the observation point, but it’s way more fun to go with a guide on horseback. The trail can get dusty; so tuck some colorful masks into your bag for yourself and the kids. Travel details Flights from Fort Myers (RSW) to Mexico City involve one stop, for about 6½ hours in transit. Direct flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) are lower priced and take 3½ hours. Valle de Bravo is a two-hour drive from Mexico City. There are several hotels near the reserve, including Hotel Rodavento with fun activities like kayaking and zip lining, and the charming B&B Las Luciernagas. (booking.com). If you like having an adventure outfitter arrange everything, including transportation, hotel, and guide, check out Natural Habitat Adventures (nathab.com/central-america/ monarch-butterfly-tour/).

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. Cool Monarch Factoids 2 Butterflies taste their food with their feet! 2 Monarch caterpillars like only one kind of flower: milkweed. 2 A monarch butterfly might look delicate and tasty, but hungry frogs beware: they’re poison to you! 2 The first monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico near the family feast day, Dia de los Muertos, celebrating ancestors and loved ones who have died. Some believe that they are their loved ones’ souls returning to comfort the ones who miss them. NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Amanda Jackson, Communications & Community Engagement

Elementary Students Excited About Science Visit from Celebrity Scientist Dr. Dollar Ignites Curiosity

sk any Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) fourth grader— Dr. Luke Dollar is a celebrity. The National Geographic scientist is the world’s leading expert in fosa research. When he’s not studying the mammal in Madagascar, Dollar is traveling the country to educate students on this endangered species. He recently visited CCPS for the annual Fosa and Fourth Graders event. Classes from Parkside Elementary School traveled to the Naples Zoo to see Dollar’s presentation about the fosa, while every fourth grade classroom across the district tuned into a live stream. He discussed the mammal, Madagascar, science, the scientific method, and his life, too. There are many things that make Dollar’s Fosa and Fourth Graders event unique, but this year’s visit was extra-special because our fourth graders were making history. With financial support from CCPS, the Naples Zoo, and National Geographic, Dollar was able to purchase GPS tracking collars. “For years, I’ve tried to run around and find fosa and mark their locations,” he says. “These collars keep track of fosa with GPS points and use satellite technology to send us texts about all the places the fosa have gone.” Not only does it make Dollar’s work easier but they have more accurate data about this mammal than ever before. It’s hard to surprise a veteran scientist, but Dollar says he’s shocked with how much they’ve learned from the collars.

Dr. Luke Dollar with Kevin Williams’ fourth grade class at Calusa Park Elementary.

“Just in the past two months, we’ve learned that fosa are moving way farther than I ever thought possible,” Dollar explains. “We couldn’t have gotten that information without this technology, without this partnership together to put this in place.” He says the information will help them determine how much land the fosa need for habitat and how they can improve preservation methods. Dollar’s excitement about fosas was infectious, and an hour-long presentation wasn’t enough for these fourth graders. He took many questions and got more in-depth about his fosa conservation efforts. At Calusa Park Elementary (CPE),

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Dollar set the school ablaze with excitement. Students could be heard in the hallways, whispering to each other about Dollar’s whereabouts. “I was just so excited to meet him, I mean he’s kind of a celebrity to fosas,” says fourth grader Julian Junkroski. “He protects them, saves their lives. He’s a famous scientist who protects our world. We were lucky to get to meet someone like him.” The students took pictures and videos, and some even posed for selfies with the scientist. “When we were taking the picture with Dollar, I felt like I was meeting someone really special,” says student Sarah Porter. “It was really life-changing.”

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RACHEL RECOMMENDS

By Bella Schaab

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne & John Tiffany

hen I heard of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II, I was very excited to read it. I was disappointed at the end of the eighth / seventh Harry Potter book and I hoped that this book would make up for the epilogue at the end of the series. This book was all that I had hoped for. At the beginning of the book Harry Potter is with his kids, James, Lily, and Albus, at platform 9¾. While Albus is on the train he meets Scorpius who is Draco Malfoy’s son. When they arrive at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus is sorted by the sorting hat into Salazar Slytherin House, which is generally the house for evil characters. The story then fast-forwards three years to the night before Albus is supposed to start his fourth year at Hogwarts. That night, Albus overhears Amos Diggory talking to Harry about how Harry can use the “time turner” to bring back his son Cedric, who was killed by Voldemort. Harry denies having the time turner when he is asked by Amos, so Albus decides to steal the time turner and save Cedric by going back to the past. This results in unforeseen consequences in their lives. While Scorpius and Albus are using the time turner, for the last time, something goes terribly wrong. Harry travels to where they are in time to fight the enemy with the help of Hermione, Ron, Draco, and Ginny.

Five things I liked about this book 1. I really appreciate the fact that it doesn’t just focus on Harry and his family but on people like Hermione, Draco, and Ron (even Neville briefly). 2. I also like the fact that even though Malfoy and Harry were enemies back when they were little, Albus and Scorpius are inseparable even though they come from extremely different families. 3. Another thing I like is how they kind of tell you of the previous books so you aren’t confused. I have personally read them all but this is helpful for people who haven’t. 4. I especially appreciate that the authors of the book described the scenes

Is your child a reader? We love Rachel Recommends, but we want to hear what other kids think about their favorite, and not-so-favorite, books. Submit a book review of 500-750 words, and it may appear in print. Parents, no editing, please! The staff at Neapolitan Family will provide that service. Send submissions to: info@neafamily.com 12

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vividly (because it is a play) so that I could get a mental picture of what’s happening. 5. The last thing I like about the Cursed Child is that before, anybody in Slytherin was evil but this new edition offers a different approach by making the main characters Slytherin instead of being in Gryffindor. Things I didn’t like about this book Things I didn’t enjoy about the book were that they skipped around in time a lot and I found this very confusing because sometimes I didn’t really know what was happening. I believe that this book is overall a very good book (besides some minor problems with time) and I would recommend it to anybody interested in fantasy. For kids 8 years old and above. ISABELLA “BELLA” SCHAAB is a fifth grader at Sea Gate Elementar y. She is an avid reader who really enjoys science fiction fantasy books. Bella also likes hanging out with her friends, listening to music, and swimming. NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

By Karie Partington

FREE Family Fun, Awareness at CCSO Events

ollier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk believes that the safest communities are those in which law enforcement and the community work together. It’s a philosophy that’s working. According to statistics maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Collier is the safest metropolitan county in Florida. One of the many ways the Collier County Sheriff’s Office partners with our community is the series of Celebrating Safe Communities events the agency hosts all around the county each October. These events offer a prime opportunity for members of the community to interact with and get to know the deputies who serve them, and have fun in the process. Each event is a little different, but all are family friendly, offer free food, activities, and the chance to see CCSO vehicles and equipment up close. In addition, attendees will have an opportunity to speak with deputies and learn important crime prevention information. Festivities will

include cookouts, bounce houses, face painting, wall climbing, and refreshments. There will also be informational kiosks and demonstrations by representatives of area emergency services and county government agencies. Each of CCSO’s six events draws hundreds of attendees each year. The events take place in October to commemorate

National Crime Prevention Month. Here are the details of the 2016 events: • North Naples: Monday, Oct. 10, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church parking lot, 1225 Piper Blvd. • Everglades: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the corner of Copeland Avenue and Hibiscus Street West. • Golden Gate: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy. • Golden Gate Estates: Thursday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Big Cypress Elementary School, 3250 Golden Gate Blvd. W. • Immokalee: Thursday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. 1st St. • East Naples: Friday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail E. For details, contact CCSO’s Crime Prevention Bureau at 239-252-7300.

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239.566.3535 NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT.

By Laura Tichy-Smith

Autumn Days at Naples City Parks Whether you are looking for a sport, a concert, or a chance to relax in nature, the City of Naples Community Services Department and local organizations have planned the perfect activity for your family. 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: “Flying Jewels in the Sky” by Becky Speer, teaching about dragonflies and damselflies on October 23, and “‘Will you Walk into my Parlour?’ Said the Spider to the Fly…” by Becky Speer, dispelling fear through a photographic journey and scientific facts about spiders on October 30. For more information, call 239-261-4290. (1690 Tamiami Trail N., corner of US 41 & Fleischmann Blvd.) Parents’ Night Out How about a Friday night date for you and your spouse? Fleishmann Park has got you covered. Movies and games (for children ages 3-12) with new friends plus dinner equals a tired kid to pick up. Friday,

October 21 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; $20 for first child and $15 for sibling if preregistered; $25 without pre-registration. For more information, call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Ave., Naples) Tennis Class: Red Ball (Ages 4-6) at Arthur Allen Tennis Center This tennis class will help your child develop a good attitude while learning the stroke mechanics, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and ball trajectory of tennis. Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Call 239-213-3060 for pricing and registration. (730 8th Street South, Naples) Tennis Class: Academy Training (Ages 7-15) at Arthur Allen Tennis Center Help your kids take their game to the next level in this class that emphasizes advanced skills, strategies, and competitive play. Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call 239-213-3060 for price and registration. (730 8th Street South, Naples)

School’s Out Fun Day for Elementary School Kids 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. Please 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. School’s Out Fun Days will be held at Fleischmann Park and River Park on Monday, October 3 and Wednesday, October 12 through Friday, October 14. $30 per child. For additional information or to register, call Fleischmann Park at 239-213-3020 or River Park 239213-3037. Free Concerts at the Bandshell Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays in October. Concert schedule: Naples Concert Band on October 16; Naples Big Band on October 23; and Naples Dixieland Band on October 30. For additional information, call 239-213-3058. (755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples) Spooktacular Halloween on 5th Avenue South Don’t be scared! Bring your family to the annual free party as a blocked-off 5th Ave. South is transformed into a Halloween in paradise. Trick-or-treat the merchants, get face painting and play games at “pumpkin patches” staffed by local organizations, enter your pet, your child or your parent in one of the three costume contests, and enjoy musicians and magicians. Monday, October 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For additional information, call 239-6928436.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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HOLIDAYS

By Stacy Nicolau

Teal Pumpkin Project Makes Trick or Treat Safe for All Kids

hildren begin anticipating Halloween almost as soon as autumn begins. They start by planning their costumes, choosing the perfect pumpkin for the doorstep, and boasting to their friends about how many treats they are going to collect on Halloween night. But for children with food allergies, digestive diseases, Celiac’s disease, or other special diets, Halloween can be a tricky time. Children with diabetes also can feel excluded. Many popular treats that families pass out to trick-or-treaters are not safe for these children and they come away disappointed with their Halloween haul. According to foodallergy.org, one in 13 children has a food allergy, and even a tiny amount of an allergen has the potential to cause a severe reaction. Candy often contains some of the most common allergens, such as nuts, milk, egg, soy and wheat. Many miniature candy items do not

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seashells, stickers, Play-Doh, bubbles, pencils, and many more are all great treats for the children with allergies, and it doesn’t cost a fortune.”

have individual ingredient labels, which can make it difficult for parents to determine if it is safe to eat. The Teal Pumpkin Project, inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee, became a national campaign by the Food Allergy Research and Education nonprofit organization in 2014. Families participate by displaying a teal pumpkin and/or sign at their home indicating that there are non-food treats available for trickor-treaters. The goal of the Teal Pumpkin Project is to make sure that all children come home on Halloween night with treats that they can enjoy and feel included with their friends. Estero mom Rachel Cohen and her four year-old son, Eli, are allergic to tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and gluten. Last Halloween, Rachel spread the word about the Teal Pumpkin Project in her neighborhood and was thrilled that nearly 20 houses participated. When she found out that her daughter Sarah would be on the October Neapolitan Family cover with teal pumpkins, she was excited to help raise awareness about food allergies to the whole community. “I am so happy that our community is spreading the word on the Teal Pumpkin Project so children don’t have to feel deprived of a good time and receive good “treats” that won’t make them sick,” Cohen says. “Painted rocks,

How do I participate? • Buy a teal pumpkin or paint one. • Download a free, printable sign from foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project and display at your home. • Use the hashtag #tealpumpkinproject on social media to help spread awareness. • Change your profile picture or cover photo to an icon that is available at foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project/ share. • Spread the word among your neighbors and at your school, religious organizations, and clubs. • Host a teal pumpkin party and have children paint and decorate teal pumpkins for their home. • Provide non-food treat options for trick-or-treaters. Ideas for Non-Food Treats • Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces • Pencils, pens, crayons, or markers • Bubbles • Halloween erasers or pencil toppers • Mini Slinkies • Whistles or kazoos • Bouncy balls • Finger puppets or novelty toys • Coins • Spider rings • Vampire fangs • Mini notepads • Playing cards • Bookmarks • Stickers Neapolitan Family will share information about any public event or community participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project this Halloween season on our website and social media. Please send details to info@ neafamily.com. neafamily.com

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Special Olympians Paddle to Medals in State Competition

ollier County sent 13 athletes to the Special Olympics State Stand-Up Paddle Competition recently, the most of any delegation in the state. Our local Olympians picked up eight gold medals, four silver medals, and one bronze medal while competing at five different levels, with race distances of up to three miles. The athletes from Special Olympics Florida – Collier County who competed at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota in late August are: Brock Bordeau, Peter Burns, Travis Dixon, Dylan Gauthier, John Hammig III, Stephan Johnson, Joshua McClellan, Louis Navin, Steven Newell, Viviana Pantoja, Devin Taliaferro, Michael Tulipano, and Alyssa Walker. Special Olympics Florida – Collier County, a volunteer-driven organization, offers a year-round sports program that includes training and competition in aquatics, golf, bowling, basketball, track and field, cycling, soccer, bocce, tennis, flag football, and stand-up paddle board for those eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes and their families. All individuals with intellectual disabilities are welcome, with no upper age limit.

A Collier County medal sweep (L-R): John Hammig, silver; Brock Boardeau, gold; and Stephan Johnson, bronze.

The organization also offers two additional programs specifically for younger athletes. The Young Athletes Program, for children ages two to seven, helps teach basic movement and sports skills to children with intellectual disabilities and to their siblings and peers without disabilities. The second program, Project UNIFY, is a school-based initiative that encourages all young people, with and without disabilities, to participate in athletic and leadership activities together. To participate as an athlete or become a volunteer coach for any sport, call 239-775-1991 or visit specialolympicscollier.org.

Naples Equestrian Challenge Participants Realizing Results

Collier athletes Alyssa Walker and Joshua McClellan during Opening Ceremonies at Special Olympics Florida’s State StandUp Paddle Competition.

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ore than three-quarters of participants in the Naples Equestrian Challenge (NEC) therapeutic riding program demonstrated improvement in social, communication, and motor skills, as well as balance and posture. Outcomes for therapeutic riders and advanced therapeutic riders were evaluated over three years by NEC’s Participant Evaluation and Progress Program. “Therapeutic riding is a highly beneficial and viable complementary therapeutic activity for children and adults with a myriad of special needs,” says Kim Minarich, NEC executive director. “All NEC lesson plans are designed to effectively provide specific equine therapy activities needed to help participants achieve identified target goals that help them to live life more fully.” Of the 77% of participants demonstrating an improvement, 58% demonstrated an improvement in their communication skills, 60% in their social skills, 71% in their motor skills, and 52% in both balance and posture skills. Program participants are evaluated based on their selected NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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goal at the end of each eight-week session and annually. Once a goal is met, another is selected, and so on. NEC has introduced an advanced therapeutic riding (ATR) program for those who show marked improvement in meeting their target goals. Once ATR participants meet all four goals, they graduate from the NEC program at its annual horse show. “Not all participants will be able to progress into the ATR program or graduate, but for those that are able, it provides a more advance equine therapy opportunity,” says Minarich. NEC provides therapeutic riding and other equine-assisted activities and therapy programs to more than 580 participants each year. For more information, visit naplesequestrianchallenge.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

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Home School Art Classes Offered by Naples Art Association

rt classes for home-schooled children are now offered by the Naples Art Association (NAA). Four different classes in the visual arts are available for students from ages four to 14. “We developed these home school classes out of a community need,” says Aimee Schlehr, executive director of the NAA. “We had a large group of parents who requested day classes for their school-aged children. After much consideration and exploration, we designed classes that will enrich these students’ already comprehensive school day.” The Elementary Art Adventure Home School Class is for ages 4-8 while the Junior Art Adventure Home School Class is for ages 9-14. Students will learn new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and discover the styles of the Impressionists and other great master artists. Students will express themselves artistically and produce a well-rounded portfolio of artwork. The Elementary Creative Clay Home School Class is for ages 4-8 while the Junior Creative Clay Home School Class is for ages 9-14. The children will get their hands dirty and learn how to create amazing pottery. They will 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. All classes are four weeks long and taught by seasoned artists and professional teachers who develop their lesson plans to make each class and session unique. Students will create new projects and participate in different lessons every session. Classes are $80 per participant and all supplies are included. For more information or to register, visit NaplesArt.org. For questions, contact Lynn Borzumato, education coordinator, at 239-262-6517, ext. 110, or email Lynn.Borzumato@naplesart.org.

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.

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Champagne Brunch & Fashion Show Benefits Baby Basics

aby Basics of Collier County’s ninth annual Champagne Brunch & Fashion Show will be held on Friday, November 4. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the event begins at 10:30 a.m. The event features delicious food, local models, a showing of fall’s latest fashions by Wildflower and J&K Collections, and jewelry

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS by Bigham Jewelers. A silent auction provides attendees with the chance to take home a $1,000 gift certificate from Bigham Jewelers. Baby Basics participants and their parents will be in attendance to speak about the program and how it has benefited their families. Tickets are $95 per person, which will provide diapers for one month for one baby in need in our community. Baby Basics is a volunteer organization that provides free diapers to more than 400 infants and toddlers from low-income, working families in Collier County and Bonita Springs and is celebrating its six millionth diaper donated this year. For more information visit BabyBasicsCollier.org, call 239352-4310, or email BabyBasicsNDC@hotmail.com.

Avow Offers Free Camp to Help Children Coping with Loss

hildren ages eight to 12 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life are invited by Avow Hospice to attend Camp MendingHeart October 29-30. The free overnight camp will be facilitated by Avow bereavement professionals and held at Riverside Camp & Retreat Center in Fort Denaud in Hendry County. Transportation to and from the camp will be offered. Camp activities will include art, music, writing, team building and special remembrance program. According to Avow children’s bereavement coordinator Raquel Gonzalez, “Camp MendingHeart is a creative and therapeutic program designed to allow children to express feelings, build coping skills and reinforce positive memories of their loved ones.” Pre-registration and parental consent are required. For more information or to register, call Raquel Gonzalez at 239-261-4404. Registration deadline is October 21.

Camp MendingHeart is part of Avow’s Children’s Services. Avow also conducts monthly children’s grief support groups on the first Thursday of each month and bereavement day camps for children under 12. For additional information, visit avowcares. org/childrens-services.

Cops & Joggers 5K, Family Fun Night Aids First Responders

ops & Joggers 5K and Family Fun Night will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Centennial Park at 2000 West First St. in Fort Myers. Benefiting fallen first responders, the 3.1-mile race begins at 7:45 p.m. with the glow of first responders’ lights lining the race path, which begins and ends at Centennial Park and crosses the Edison Bridge. The family event features music, food vendors, emergency equipment displays, and a children’s fun area with bounce houses, a dunk tank, SWAT obstacle courses and more. Register online with the Fort Myers Track Club at ftmyerstrackclub.com. Early registration is $25 per adult and $15 per youth (17 years old or younger), on or before October 6. Fees increase to $30 per person for all participants on October 7 and again to $35 on October 8. Last year’s event hit a new record of 960 registered joggers and raised more than $20,000 for local first responders who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. “We’ve experienced consistent growth in the number of race participants in the last few years and are grateful for returning joggers who support our cause year after year,” said Lt. Jeffrey Bernice of the FMPD. “We hope to reach our new goal of 1,000 registered joggers this year and encourage families and groups, including organizations and clubs, to join in on the fun in achieving that goal.” The race was established in 2008 to assist the family of Officer Andrew Widman who was shot and killed in the line of duty on July 18, 2008. Proceeds now benefit the FMPD Fallen Officers Memorial Fund and The Brotherhood Ride, nonprofit organizations that aid the families of first responders who have been injured or killed in the line of duty, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. For more information, contact Lt. Bernice at 239-321-7698 or jbernice@fmpolice.com.

Blessings in a Backpack Extends Reach to Feed 130 More Kids

B Denise Self, Avow bereavement coordinator, leads a nature activity with children participating in Avow’s bereavement day camp held in May 2016.

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onita Springs Assistance Office and Boys and Girls Club of Lehigh Acres have joined with Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida to add another 130 to the nearly 3,000 children the agency provides with meals every weekend.Working with eight schools in Lee County and two in Collier County, Blessings in a Backpack serves an average of 468,000 meals in a school year. Florida ranks fourth in the United States for the number of K-12 students eligible for Federal Food Assistance programs. When NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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the school closes its doors on Friday afternoon, many of these children go home to empty cupboards and hunger pangs for 65 hours until they return to school on Monday morning. Blessings in a Backpack steps up where federal aid stops by feeding children on the weekend. Every Friday afternoon, children receive backpacks filled with kid-friendly, ready-to-eat items. Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida Executive Director Cecilia St. Arnold said, “The support of our partner agencies enables us to tackle the very big problem of childhood hunger on a very local level. Bonita Springs Assistance Office and Boys and Girls Club of Lehigh Acres can identify and meet the need where it exists.” Blessings in a Backpack relies on volunteers to lead the weekend nourishment program in the local schools and the direct support of individual donors. A $100 donation feeds an elementary school child in the program for an entire 38-week school year, including two breakfasts, two lunches, snacks, and drinks every weekend.

Marco 5K Raising Awareness for Domestic Violence Survivors

ands are for Helping 5K Fun Run will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 15 in the Publix parking lot at 175 S. Barfield Drive on Marco Island. This event is being launched for the first time this year to raise awareness of the struggles faced by survivors of domestic violence. The first 100 participants will receive a free t-shirt. The race is $22.50 and you can sign up at naplesshelter.org/funrun. For more information, contact Rebecca Thompson at 239-775-3862 or rthompson@naplesshelter.org.

Tir Na Nog Academy of Irish Dance

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

GREAT things are happening at Temple Shalom Religious School! NEW curriculum with experiential learning, family & intergenerational programs NEW class hours: Sundays 9-11:30 AM NEW online Hebrew practice & Hebrew School hours: Sundays 12-1 PM & Wednesdays 4:45-6 PM Classes begin August 28 for K-10th grade

Living Judaism, loving Judaism and sharing Judaism

Pink Celebrity Bartender Night Supports Breast Cancer Group

Contact Dr. Anna Salomon, Director of Congregational Education (239) 455-2233 asalomon@naplestemple.org 4630 Pine Ridge Rd Naples, FL 34119

he second annual “Pink” Celebrity Bartender Night is being hosted by Lamoraga Restaurant in Naples on Thursday, October 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event is raising funds to help find a cure for breast cancer, increase awareness of the disease, and provide necessary information on detecting breast cancer in its early stages. Proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. “Every year, hundreds of thousands of women and men are diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the United States,” says Tom Nütten, co-owner of Lamoraga. “We are passionate about helping those who have been affected by this disease and aspire to be a catalyst for hope. We know this is one of many events this October, but if we can inspire change through a fun event, our goal will be reached. Last year’s great turnout motivated us to make this an annual event and we are very excited about gathering the community together for this cause.” Tickets are $25 and will include a drink and tapas. Tickets can be purchased online through pinkcelebrity.eventbrite.com. For additional information call 239-331-3669 or visit lamoragarestaurant.com.

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SPECIAL NEEDS

By Suzanne Reed

Cruising with Autism on the Seas Making Vacations Happen for Families With Special Needs

amily vacations are a fantastic way for everyone to come together to relax and enjoy each other’s company without all the pressures of our daily lives. And while vacations may look different for each family—camping, trekking overseas, the beach, short day trips—it is truly all about the memories that are formed during these special times. But whatever vacation looks like to most families, it is never quite so easy to pull off a trip when you have a special needs child and/or adult that you want to have join in the fun. Vacations are never taken for granted when you have a loved one who needs extra help. It is honestly something that just many times never really happens for these families. Such is the case with our family. My husband and I have an absolutely remarkable child, Jonathan, who just happens to have multiple disabilities (with an autism diagnosis being one of them) and because of the challenges we face with him, we have never found a vacation destination that we could all easily enjoy for a few days at a time. He tires easily, cannot participate in many activities the same way that other

children can, cannot communicate verbally, and needs someone to be with him at all times. The year my mother-in-law turned 75, she wanted to take the entire family on a cruise. The very thought of this filled me with dread. How could we take Jonathan? There are so many people on the cruise … what if he gets out of our sight for even a moment? He wouldn’t know where to go and he wouldn’t be able to ask for help. I was filled with dread. On one hand, we wanted to be part of the trip, but on the other we didn’t think it was possible for us. We have missed many family get-togethers due to the distance, or the need to fly, or because our son wasn’t doing well at the time, etc. We wanted so much to join in the family celebration, so I started to have hope when my sister-in-law mentioned a group called Autism on the Seas (AOTS). Apparently, AOTS helps families just like ours – those that simply want to take a vacation, but struggle to do so because of the challenges they face with their child. As I looked at the AOTS website and my sisterin-law continued to encourage me that

Jonathan, enjoying the attentions of Autism on the Seas (AOTS) staff members (L-R) Sarah Wright, Antoinette Adelung, and Meghan Ansberry on a AOTS cruise on Royal Caribbean to Bermuda. 20

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everything would be okay, from somewhere deep down inside I came to realize that if we didn’t try, then we would never know and we would forever be stuck wondering if this organization would have been a fit for our family. What if it doesn’t work? After speaking with an AOTS representative, I began to feel better and much more “brave” about our decision to try the cruise. But in the back of my mind, I secretly kept wondering …. what if it doesn’t work? What if it is too much for him? We are all stuck on the boat for five days … what do we do if things go awry? We decided to move forward but we still weren’t sure what to expect so we brought along an aide who knows Jonathan almost as well as we do. She knows his signs/requests, she knows when he needs a break, she knows when he is tired, etc. I was sure that she would be the one helping us and that I would never feel comfortable leaving my child in the hands of people that I don’t know. I imagine it is tough enough to do that as a parent of a typical child, but when your child is 15 and can’t speak or tell you anything about his day, it takes this fear to a whole new level! Just like any other family I was wrong. The AOTS organization was phenomenal! I cannot begin to tell you what a liberating few days at sea our family was able to have. For once, we were a family just like any other family. On vacation, enjoying our time together, having fun, and knowing, most importantly, that our child was having a blast! AOTS provides priority boarding which allowed our son to slowly acclimate to the ship instead of being thrown in with everyone else which would have overwhelmed him. We chose a cruise that left from a port within driving distance from our home, so that alleviated the whole airplane issue as well. We also had a special first evening onboard when the whole AOTS group NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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had its own bon voyage party. We met the staff members the first night and were able to share the necessary information about Jonathan so that we could feel comfortable with them and have them feel comfortable with our son, as well. We did choose to have his aide assist Jonathan with most activities the first day. But AOTS staff members were present at all times. Around midday on the second day onboard, we started to join in on some of the activities that the group had to offer. The staff was terrific – they were teachers, teacher’s aides, therapists, etc. And they were all volunteering! Every staff member worked with special needs children and/or adults in some way and they truly understood some of the challenges they might face during the week. But this group also had interacted with enough parents to know just how exhausting raising a child with special needs can be and it brought them great joy to be able to give all of our families within the group some relief and respite that we so very much need but rarely ask for! If we wanted to eat breakfast, they were there to help us out if we wanted any assistance or just an extra set of hands. We also had a private dining room for breakfast, so we didn’t have to brave the throngs at the buffet lines. When we were sailing, they were there to help Jonathan in the swimming pool, which he loved! If we wanted an evening out, they were there to help provide respite care for us. They had special activities all throughout the day in which our son could fully participate and feel part of the bigger group. While our son joined NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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us in the main dining hall in the evenings, some children were not able to do so and the staff was there to provide help to those families and allow the parents to have an enjoyable “typical” night out. Good tears And what attention to detail by the staff. As I previously mentioned, we were able to talk with the staff and have them come to know our son’s likes and dislikes. One evening at dinner, I looked up and saw three staff members racing towards our table and saying, “we have to get him out of here.” My husband and I were confused as he was doing so well at dinner and we had just been commenting on that fact. The staff members saw a server walking toward another table with a birthday cake. The staff knew that Jonathan dislikes the “Happy Birthday” song for some reason, so they were rushing over to take him out of the restaurant so that he didn’t get upset. They even stopped the waiter and asked him to wait just a few moments. I found that to be remarkable! And there were many, many tears during our five days onboard. Good tears! Tears of relief that we were able to join our family and enjoy the week with them; tears of joy that our son was having a blast; and tears of admiration for the team that AOTS had assembled to help not only our family, but all the others like ours. “I have never been so happy” There was one moment in particular that I will never forget. On the third night,

I felt so comfortable with the staff and we could tell Jonathan was enjoying his time, so I did what I said I would never do. We took advantage of the AOTS respite care and let him have a night with the staff. We had his aide join us so that she could have an evening out as well. I remember our family was playing trivia in one of the taverns on the ship and for whatever reason I felt compelled to look to my right at what was apparently just the right moment. When I did, I saw Jonathan and one of the staff members walking arm-in-arm, and both were physically bent over in laughter. He was having a blast! He didn’t need us for a while! He got to be a big kid and went to see a show! It allowed him to have independence and be with one of his new “friends” without mom and dad, for once. I will never forget just watching him laughing and beaming as he walked right by us and didn’t see us because he was having such a great time. I have never been so happy! I thought my heart was going to burst with joy. The memory still brings tears to my eyes as I write this. And that is what vacations are all about – the memories! And I will forever be grateful to Autism on the Seas for their fantastic organization, and for allowing us, if only for a short time, to fit in with all the other families on the boat, and enjoy that special time and build those fantastic memories! For more information on Autism on the Seas, visit autismontheseas.com or call 800-516-5247. neafamily.com

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SPECIAL NEEDS

By Anna Futrell

Mr. Anthony: An Unsung Hero

any of you can attest to the realities of raising a child with special needs. From birth on through adulthood, there are unique challenges and joys that accompany being a family with a special needs child (or children). Every child with special needs is unique – specific needs vary greatly, and resources can be thin. However, there are people in our community who seek to alleviate some of the stresses experienced by parents of children with special needs. One such hero is Anthony Dunford. Mr. Anthony (as he is known to the kids) organizes and executes a weekly open gym specifically for families with children who have special needs. Every Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., you can find Anthony at Gymnastics World – playing with each child, encouraging parents, celebrating everyone’s unique needs, and providing a place of peace for families. “Every Sunday, we’re here. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, we’re here. We never miss a Sunday for any reason,” Anthony stressed to me the first time I visited the open gym time.

“All are welcome,” Anthony said. “Any family member – along with their special needs child – can attend the open gym free of charge. Parents need to keep an eye on their children, but the children can roam free. Families without special needs kids can come, too, although we require a donation to help with some of the costs.” My husband and I took our two-year-old daughter to play one Sunday morning. We arrived to find Anthony running around, encouraging play amongst attendees, talking with parents, connecting with children, jumping and exuberant beyond belief. Anthony’s joy is contagious, and his energy level infuses the entire gym area with excitement. As my husband took my daughter off to explore the bounce house, I had a chance to talk with some of the parents about why they attend Sunday open gym, and what Anthony means to their children. The children and parents obviously love Anthony and share a deep appreciation for his program. “I can’t say enough about Anthony,” shared Doug Sharpe. “He doesn’t get paid for this

Halloween Happenings No School Fun Camp

Community Parks Friday, October 3• 7:30am - 6:00pm • $17

No School Fun Camp

Community Parks Friday, October 12• 7:30am - 6:00pm • $17

No School Fun Camp

Community Parks Friday, October 13• 7:30am - 6:00pm • $17

Fall Festival

Immokalee South Park Thursday, October 20 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm • Free

Trunk or Treat

Max Hasse Community Park Friday, October 21 • 6:00pm- 8:30pm • $5

Family Halloween Event

Golden Gate Community Center Saturday, October 22 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm • $3

Trick or Treat

Eagle Lakes Community Park Friday, October 28 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm • $5

Pumpkin Hunt

Vineyards Community Park Friday, October 28 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm • $12

Halloween Family Fun

Immokalee Community Park Saturday, October 29 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm • Free

Free Online Registration at collierparks.com or download our mobile app 239-252-4000 22

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– he does it out of an open heart. My son (Jack, who has Down syndrome) gets so much out of this environment. He experiences independence here. The parents get to network with one another and share resources.” Many parents had similar thoughts. “He’s really good with the kids,” another dad told me. “The things he does are amazing. It’s so fun to watch. I think he’s part baboon! And the kids trust him.” Lisa Ji, one of the volunteers who helps Anthony run the open gym, shared, “I’ve been friends with Anthony for 15 years, and I’m here every week because the kids and their parents are amazing! Not every family who attends this open gym has a child with special needs. The children get to learn from and interact with each other.” Something to look forward to Another mom, who asked that she and her son remain anonymous, said “My son has free reign here. He bounces with abandon. He woke me up at 5:00 a.m. this morning, so excited to come here. The Sunday open gym gives my son something to look forward to. I wish there were more really safe, fun things for him.” Pure selflessness Anthony “does so much,” she said. “He has this incredible bond with the kids. People like him deserve all the accolades – all the recognition. There’s no reason that he does this, other than pure selflessness.” During the week, Anthony teaches science part-time in Collier and Lee counties. He offers a menu of interactive classes designed for pre-K and elementary environments. He also provides programs for children’s birthday parties as well. But on Sundays – every Sunday – you can find him at Gymnastics World. Why does Anthony run this program, and how did it get started? He has a deep love for families with children who have special needs. “I got into this because I saw a need,” he said. “I was teaching classes at Gymnastics World, and parents with special needs kids would ask me for private lessons. One mom suggested an open gym for special needs kids and their families. And I’ve been doing it for the past 15 years.” Anthony continued, “The owners (Cory and Carol Mango) donate the space and give us whatever we need. Any monetary donations we collect go toward the electric bill here, keeping the lights and A/C on.” I asked Anthony what motivates him to coordinate the program week after week as a volunteer, and with such a consistency. He explained, “Special needs families are stressed out to the max. There are not a lot of places for them to go where they don’t have to worry. This is a totally peaceful place free from judgement and worry. There’s nothing sacred here – nothing is off limits. These families have experienced it all. The children here learn through play and discipline, and the kids work out normal childhood drama.” His motivation is creating a place of peace for families. “This is my church,” Anthony shared. “I need this. These families manage to get up every day and make it happen. I can do the same for them on Sunday mornings.” Children with special needs, parents, and siblings can attend open gym on Sundays at Gymnastics World, at 2187 Trade Center Way in Naples from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. free of charge. For those families who would like to attend, but who don’t have children with special needs, a donation is required. NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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Dance Arts by Maria

Teaching love and appreciation for the art of dance. Offering classes for ages 2-18 in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Pointe, Technique and Improv

NaplesDanceArts.com

239-513-6999

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

SWFL READERS CHOICE “BEST DANCE STUDIO” 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014

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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1575 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 4, Naples, Florida 34109 • erin@wisemindslearning.com

239-631-2348 • WiseMindsLearning.com neafamily.com

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9:00 a.m. Baby Boot 4:00 p.m. All About 10:00 a.m. Preschool 4:00 p.m. LEGO Club. Call for times. Junie B 12:00 p.m. YMCA Camp at Miromar Spiders. Learn some fas- Story Time. Parents and Join the club and share ideas, Jones Jones The Musi- Fall Festival. Enjoy

Call for times. Ding Darling Days Family

11:00 a.m. Lighthouse of Collier Halloween Party. Join us for pumpkin decorating, trick or treating, and a dressup party for children with visual impairments and their families. Date and time is subject to change. Located at Lighthouse of Collier, 2685 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples.

1:00 p.m. Snapology’s Space Wars Robotics. Come on an adventure with Snapology, building and programing a functional droid arm using LEGO brick.! Ages 7-12. Registration required. Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr. Call 239394-3272 or check public. collier-lib.org. 8:30 a.m. Camp Wild. Full day camps for days off of school, October 12-14. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check caribbeangardens. com for additional information.

12:00 p.m. Comic Fest. The event is free, though pre-registration is required for popular activities. To register for an activity go to Leelibrary.net/calendar. Located at Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers. Call 239533-4600 or check Leegov. com/library/about/branches/ fm for details.

5:00 p.m. Teen Game Night. Board games, card games, and trivia games. Come play! Snacks will be provided. Ages 12-17. Registration required. Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org for details.

10:00 a.m. Beachcombing and Shelling Talk. What do wrack lines, jellies, blue buttons, beachhoppers, ghosts, sea pork, and beans have in common? Barefoot Beach Preserve, 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-252-4000 or check friendsofbarefootbeach.org for additional information.

8:00 a.m. Farmers’ Market. Local produce, fresh seafood, local honey, handcrafted goods, pickles and olives, and fresh mozzarella cheese. Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Magic Carpet Family Concert. For kids ages 3-9. Features musicians from the Naples Phil demonstrating their instruments and answering questions. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239597-1111 or visit artisnaples. org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Sensory Friendly Screening of Storks. Lights are up, sound is down, and you are totally free to move around. Children with special needs and their families are invited. Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239596-0008 or check paragontheaters.comt.

saturday

friday

6:00 p.m. Parents Night Out. Kids will enjoy a variety of games and activities in a safe environment. Dinner will be provided. $20. Located at Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Rd., Naples. Call 239-363-9669 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

thursday

4:00 p.m. All About Dogs. Tish Roland will bring her dog, Herbie, and talk about respecting dogs and how to care for them. Ages 5 years and older. Registration required. Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org.

wednesday

9:30 a.m. Homeschool Day. Cost is $15 ($10 for members), includes one child and one adult. Each additional child is $15 ($10 for members). Includes admission to the Environmental Learning Center for the day. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-417-6310 or check rookerybay.org.

tuesday

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

monday

6:30 p.m. Films for Film Lovers. Join our lively and entertaining discussion after each film. Located at Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org for more information.

9:30 a.m. W.O.N.D.E.R Kids at Botanical Gardens. Drop in 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 Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check naplesgarden.org for additional information.

4:30 p.m. Halloween Spooktacular. Trick-ortreat, face painting, games, enter your pet or your parent in the costume contests, and enjoy musicians and magicians. Located at 649 Fifth Avenue S., Naples. Call 239-692-8436 or check fifthavenuesouth.com for more information.

sunday

Best Bets

3:00 p.m. St John Neumann Catholic High School Open House. For prospective students and their families. Located at St. John Neumann Catholic High School, 3000 53rd St. SW, Naples. Call 239-455-3044 or check sjnceltics.org for additional information.

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Braces & Invisalign® FREE Consultations

6:00 p.m. Marco Murder & Mayhem Tour. Marco Island’s frightful past comes alive with tales of hard times, hostile tribes, lawlessness, and crimes that led to murder, many unsolved to this day. Olde Marco Inn, 100 Palm St., Marco Island. Call 239-537-8353 or visit marcomurderandmayhem. com for details.

6:00 p.m. Free Admission to The Baker Museum. Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum the last Wednesday of each month. View the galleries and learn from our docents. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or check thephil.org for additional information.

19 11:00 a.m. Read for the Record. Read The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach with children around the world. Make a theme-inspired craft and edible treat. Registration not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.or.

5:00 p.m. Sensory Night. For children on the autism spectrum and/or with other sensory integration disorders. Limited participation in order to minimize crowds. Registration required. C’MON, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org for details.

3:00 p.m. Crafty Mondays. 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 239252-7542 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

Call for times. Junie B Jones Jones The Musical. Through Nov. 18. A 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 239-278-4422 or check BroadwayPalm.com.

4:00 p.m. LEGO Club. Join the club and share ideas, be creative, make new friends and have fun. LEGO bricks provided. Ages 5-11. Registration is not required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239394-3272 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Preschool Story Time. 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. Registration required. South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. For details, call 239-479-4636.

4:00 p.m. All About Spiders. Learn some fascinating information about spiders! Grades K through 5. Registration required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239455-8088 or check public. collier-lib.org 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. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-9483766 or check miromaroutlets.com for additional information.

Call for times. Ding Darling Days Family Fun Day. Kicks off a week of eco-activities with all-free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, hot dogs, kids crafts, and more. J.N. Ding Darling Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel. Call 239-292-0566 or check dingdarlingsociety. org for details.

Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples.

394-3272 or check public. collier-lib.org.

details.

beach.org for additional information.

ditional information.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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8:30 a.m. Naples Zombie Fun Run. Come for this fun run while supporting a local community and school. Located at Palmetto Ridge High School, 1655 Victory Lane, Naples. Visit collierschools.com/prh for additional information.

12:00 p.m. YMCA Fall Festival. Enjoy games, prizes, arts and crafts, bounce house, pumpkin patch, membership deals and much more. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information.

com/library/about/branches/ fm for details.

YOUR COMMUNITY October EVENTS CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS:

1 SATURDAY

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.

7:30 a.m. Third Street South Farmer’s Market. Parking lot behind Tommy Bahama’s. Located at Third St. S., Naples every Saturday. Call 239-4346533 or check napleschamber.org for additional information. 8:00 a.m. Farmer’s Market. Open every Saturday (June to October) indoors. Located at Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-273-2350 or check facebook. com/pages/Shoppes-at-Vanderbilt-Farmers-Market/130258607139935 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 every Saturday. Please call if you are interested in reserving a spot to sell used items. Located at Immokalee Community Park,, 321 North 1st St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-4449 for details. 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 Boulevard, Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check artinlee.org for additional information.

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

9:30 a.m. W.O.N.D.E.R. Kids at Botanical Gardens. Drop in anytime from 9:30 a.m. to 2

p.m. every 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. 9:30 a.m. Music Together® at Whiz Kids. Come indoors and experience the joy of music making with your little ones. Family classes (0-5 years) available on Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday mornings. New babies class (up to 8 months) on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. Register online for the semester or for a free demonstration class. Located at 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. 9:30 a.m. Scavenger Dash to Benefit Girls on the Run. This Scavenger Dash is a twist on the Amazing Race. It’s part trivia and part challenges. Teams of four must solve clues to find checkpoints throughout downtown Naples. Located at 649 Fifth Avenue S., Naples. Call 239-692-8436 or check fifthavenuesouth.com for details. 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 Boulevard, Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check artinlee.org for details. 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shops. We provide the rod and reel and the bait

AFTER SCHOOL Program Camps

Classes

Where: St. John the Evangelist 625 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108

Music Lessons

Makerspace

Science. Technology. Engineering. Ar ts. Music. Enrichment

When: M-F 3:00-6:30

Only 48 spots available!

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Included: STEM class/Arts class, homework time, snack time, directed indoor and outdoor play

start date: August 15, 2016

price: $18-25/day or $90/week

S.T.E.A.M. Lab

Class options: Minecraft, 3D Printing, S.T.E.A.M. Makerspace, Robotics Piano, Guitar/Ukulele, Voice, Art & Science

Free Transportation Provided from: Osceola, Pelican Marsh, Veterans Memorial, Sea Gate, Naples Park

www.fullsteamaheadFL.com info@fullsteamaheadFL.com

Call to Sign-up Soon!

239-451-3142

@fullsteamahd facebook.com/fullsteamaheadFL NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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the first Saturday of each month. Located at Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-461-7800 for details. 10:00 a.m. Sunflower Festival. Entrance to the festival, tours, hikes, educational presentations, children’s activities, and hayrides are free. Call 239252-2961. Located at Pepper Ranch Preserve, 6315 Pepper Rd., Immokalee. 10:00 a.m. Sensory Friendly Screening of Storks. Lights are up, sound is down, and you are totally free to move around. Children with autism or other special needs and their families are invited. Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check paragontheaters.com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Blessing of the Stone Crab Fleet. The event starts at 10 a.m. with arts and crafts booths, music, face painting, a frog jumping contest, and a stone crab art contest for the kids, the annual Coconut Guava Cake Baking Contest, and more. Located at Rod & Gun Club Lodge, 200 Riverside Dr., Everglades City. Call 239-260-4577 for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Pokemon Go Lure Party. Catch as many Pokémon as possible while exploring our libraries, signing up for a library card, and checking out the collection of Pokémon books. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib. org for details. 10:30 a.m. Little Chef’s Pizza Class. Open to all kids ages 5-12. Reservations are required by 2 p.m. the Friday prior. Held every Saturday. Call 239-5946058 for reservations and information. Located at The Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Dr., Naples. 11:00 a.m. Barnes & Noble Storytime. Storytime every Saturday at 11 a.m. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Snow Day. The festivities include holiday pictures with Disney tribute characters from the movie Frozen. Located at Pediatric Dentistry of Fort Myers, 8016 Summerlin Lakes Dr., Fort Myers. 12:00 p.m. Farmer Mike’s U Pick Halloween Fall Festival and Corn Maze. 2nd annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze. Located at Farmer Mike’s U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs. 2:00 p.m. Alligator Fishing at Everglades Wonder Gardens. For $5 plus 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 more information. 4:00 p.m. Improv Cafe. Bring your family out to our “Little Shop of Improv” on 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. 4:00 p.m. LEGO Star Wars Rogue One Build Event. For kids ages 8 and up. In this open and fun-filled activity, build designs from the exciting new film coming out this year. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information.

2 SUNDAY Call for times. Cirque Du Soleil Ovo. Ticket prices range from $37 to $152. Located at Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-335-0457 or check germainarena.com for additional information. 8:00 a.m. Farmers’ Market. Our quaint market offers local produce, fresh seafood, local honey, handcrafted goods, pickles and olives, and fresh mozzarella cheese. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org for details. 9:30 a.m. W.O.N.D.E.R. Kids at Botanical Gardens. Drop in anytime from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every 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 details. 10:00 a.m. Historical Tours at Koreshan State Park. Walk the grounds of the utopian community that helped establish Estero. Located at Koreshan

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Experienced Licensed Psychologist is bringing her practice back to Naples.

Christine Borelli, Ph.D.

Areas of expertise include: • Learning disabilities, brain injury, behavioral disorders, ADHD, Autism, dementia • Treatment modalities include psychotherapy, cognitive remediation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy • Consultation with schools, best fit school consultation • Work with Individualized Behavior plans (IEP) and 504 Accommodations

Services include: • Psychological assessment • Accommodation testing for standardized testing including the ACT, SAT

Call for free consultation 631-903-7886 Home and office visits available

We buy & sell gently used kids stuff • Clothing (newborn to size 16), toys, baby furniture, equipment and more. • We pay cash on the spot! • No appointment necessary, clothes must be freshly laundered and brought in a plastic container.

13560 Tamiami Trail N #4, Naples,

239-596-6096

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

onceuponachildnaples.com

neafamily.com

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Temple Shalom Preschool

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

i NOW REGISTERING i for 2016-2017 school year

TSP

the

experience

TempleShalomPreschool.org

239-455-3227

4630 Pine Ridge Road

Naples, FL 34119

State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Naples. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org 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 at 11:15 AM every Sunday. Located at St. Monica’s Church, 7070 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 239-591-4550 or check stmonicasnaples.org for additional information.

3 MONDAY 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. 10:00 a.m. Beachcombing and Shelling Talk. What do wrack lines, jellies, blue buttons, beachhoppers, ghosts, sea pork, and beans have in common? Come find out at this lecture on beachcombing and shelling every Monday. Located at Barefoot Beach Preserve, 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-252-4000 or check friendsofbarefootbeach.org for additional information.

4 TUESDAY 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., Naples. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org for additional information. 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 N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Family Story Time at South County Regional Library. An enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and stories. Registration required. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information. 3:30 p.m. Crazy Eights Math Club at South County Regional Library. Children in grades K-2 are invited to join us for hands-on games and activities that will have them fired up about math. Kids will build, run and jump, make music, and participate in other over-the-top fun. Registration is required. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information. 4:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry. In our parking lot every Tuesday. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information.

5 WEDNESDAY 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. 9:30 a.m. Homeschool Day. Cost is $15 ($10 for members), includes one child and one adult. Each additional child is $15 ($10 for members). Price includes admission to the Environmental Learning Center for the day. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-417-6310 or check rookerybay.org. 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

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will lead this one-hour workshop for children and adults at all levels of creative talent every Wednesday. 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.

POSITIVE PARENTING USING MINDFULNESS & LAUGHTER Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.

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. Please note, 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.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Naples

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 for details.

at the Church of OPEN minds, HELPING Hands, and LOVING Hearts.

6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples Close to 75 & Pine Ridge Road 239.784.4580

uunaples.org or UUA.org

6 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. Every Thursday. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Naples. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org for additional information. 9:30 a.m. Baby Yoga with YoPlay Yoga. Baby trees, giggle and cuddle bends, flying baby, mommy goddess, baby triangles, bubble boats, bouncing baby lifts, cozy wall, and rock the babies are all some of the things you and your baby will enjoy during this special yoga experience. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Little Explorers Program. 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 caregiver 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 details. 10:00 a.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 Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com for details. 2:00 p.m. Movie Day: The Jungle Book. After a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named Mowgli embarks on a journey of self discovery with the help of panther, Bagheera, and free-spirited bear, Baloo. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

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

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 activities. View the Young Adult bulletin board for details. Grades 6 through 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. 4:00 p.m. All About Dogs. Tish Roland will bring her dog, Herbie, and talk about respecting dogs and how to care for them. Ages 5 years and older. Registration required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org. 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Nocturnal Animals. Why do some animals sleep through the day and come out at night? Three sessions. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

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7 FRIDAY

INFANT TODDLER CHILDREN’S HOUSE with integrated VPK

ELEMENTARY

ADOLESCENT Ages 8 weeks to 15 years

Join us for our next Open House Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 5-6 PM

Or call today to schedule a private tour

239-597-2255

More information can be found on our website at www.naplesmontessori.org 2659 Professional Circle, Suite 1118, Naples, Florida 34119 License #C20CO0026 DAILY HOURS 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Outside the Box PROGRAMS

Multimedia Art, Yoga & More

We Offer: Multimedia Art, Fashion, Theater, Film, Spanish, Yoga, Karate Register now! Fall classes begin September 19 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 30

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www.houseofgaia.org

Call for times. Pirate Festival. Ahoy Mateys! Join us at the historic Old San Carlos seaport for three days of pirate fun on the waterway of Estero Island, October 7-9. Located at Fort Myers Beach. Check fmbpiratefest.com for additional information. 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 239992-2591 or check evergladeswondergardens.com for additional information. 12:00 p.m. Boat and Lunch Tour. Boat leaves the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center on Fridays at noon from May 6 through October 28. Take a guided tour of the Gordon River aboard one of the Conservancy’s famous electric boats and stop for lunch. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org 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. Parents Night Out. Parents enjoy the night out without your kids. Kids will enjoy a variety of games and activities in a safe environment. Dinner will be provided. $20. Located at Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Rd., Naples. Call 239-363-9669 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

8 SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. Strolling 4 Lily’s Leisure Stroll. Family-friendly leisure stroll to raise money for Lily’s Playhouse, a nonprofit who mission is to bring awareness to Down syndrome. To register go to strolling4lilys.eventbrite.com. Located at Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-533-7575 for additional information. 8:30 a.m. Making Strides Walk. Help finish the fight against breast cancer by raising funds for and walking with American Cancer Society Making Strides of Lee County. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com for additional information. 9:00 a.m. Free Community Memorial Service. The program will feature music, readings, a candle lighting, and reading of names of those being remembered. Located at Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. Call 239-649-3697 or check avow.thankyou4caring.org for additional information. 9:00 a.m. Educator Appreciation Days. Pre-K through grade 12 educators, join us October 8-16 for Educator Appreciation Days. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Twinkle Halloween Costume & Accessory Giveaway. For families who like to get creative, we will be giving away costume articles and accessories that you can piece together to make your own Halloween costume creation. Located at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store, 4172 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. 10:00 a.m. Magic Carpet Family Concert. For youth ages 3-9, these concerts feature musicians from the Naples Philharmonic performing a 45-minute program while demonstrating their instruments and answering questions. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples. Call 239-597-1111 or check artisnaples.org for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Dora and Diego Return to the Naples Zoo. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Naples Zoo October 8-9. 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. Ozobots. Come have fun programing and competing with these mini robots. Ages 11-17 years. Registration limited and required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 10:30 a.m. Cloth Diaper Q & A Class. Are you thinking about using cloth

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diapers? Are you confused and overwhelmed by all of the information and options? Don’t be! Join us for this free class at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store as we explore the different brands, styles, laundering, and storage of dirty diapers. Located at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store LLC, 4172 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. 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. 4:00 p.m. Ghosts in the Gardens. Craft your own ghost and we will showcase your ghoulish creations for all to see. Drop off is on Oct. 8 at 4 p.m., display and voting starts at 9 a.m. on October 12, and the winner will be announced at 3 p.m. on Oct. 30. Visit us in costume on Oct. 31 to see the “ghosts” on display and receive $2 off regular admission. Located at Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-2591 or check evergladeswondergardens.com for additional information.

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

Three Locations to Serve You! BONITA SPRINGS

9510 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 101

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5:00 p.m. Cops & Joggers 5K. The family event will also include music, food vendors, emergency equipment displays, and a children’s fun area with bounce houses, a dunk tank, SWAT obstacle courses, and more. Located at Centennial Park, 2000 West First St., Fort Myers. Check fortmyersmusicwalk. com for additional information.

11 TUESDAY 5:00 p.m. Teen Game Night. Board games, card games, and trivia games. Come play! Snacks will be provided. Ages 12-17 years. Registration required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

Most Insurances Accepted

12 WEDNESDAY 8:30 a.m. Camp Wild. Full day camps for days off of school October 1214. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check caribbeangardens.com for details. 1:00 p.m. Snapology’s Space Wars Robotics at South Regional Library. Robotics inspired by Star Wars® and space travel. Come on an adventure with Snapology, building and programing a functional droid arm using LEGO® bricks. Computers are provided. Ages 7-12 years. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-2527542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

WHERE SOMETHING IS ALWAYS HAPPENING

2:00 p.m. Make and Take Art. Make-and-Take workshops present opportunities for kids and adults alike to learn about a featured museum exhibition and then create their own artwork inspired by the exhibition. Located at ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or check thephil. org for additional information. 2:00 p.m. School’s Out. Drop-in activities and crafts. Enjoy a day out from school by dropping into the library and creating a craft, playing a game, or doing an activity. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

Glow Bowling Family Special Group Functions

Birthday Parties Great Menu So Much More!

4:00 p.m. LEGO Club at Estates Branch Library. 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 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information. 5:00 p.m. Prose in Verse-Guys, Read! Dynamic reading! These books will draw you in instantly. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 7:00 p.m. Epilepsy Support Group. Join us for our monthly support group. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-5973148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information.

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Sundays 5-9PM

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

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13 THURSDAY

October Picks

1:00 p.m. Snapology’s Space Wars Robotics at Marco Island Library. Robotics inspired by Star Wars and space travel! Come on an adventure with Snapology, building and programing a functional droid arm using LEGO bricks! Computers are provided. Ages 7-12 years. Registration 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. 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 E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information.

in Lee County

14 FRIDAY

11th Annual Pirate Fest

Docks beside Matanzas Pass at Fort Myers Beach October 7 - 9

Throughout the weekend, kids activities will include interactive games with pirates, sea battles, fishing contests, stage shows and pirate ship rides. www.floridapiratecruise.com

Punkin'palooza Pumpkin Festival

Fleamasters, 4135 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers October 14 - 16 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Live music, pumpkin decorating, clydesdales, Way Too Tall Torrie, Giggles the Clown and more fun family activities. 239-334-7001

Wheel Fun Rentals Pumpkin Patch! Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers October 14 - 16 & 21 - 30

Friday from 6 - 9 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. www.wheelfunrentals.com

Junie B. Jones

Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers October 21 through November 18

Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre is fun for everybody! Includes lunch and a show. 239-278-4422 .

Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers Wednesday, October 26 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

Lee County’s Original Family Publication

FOR 25 YEARS!!

www.leefamilynews.net 32

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9:00 a.m. Punkin’ Palooza. Come celebrate the fall harvest season at Fleamasters’ Annual Great Pumpkin Festival Oct. 14-16. Pick out a pumpkin from the Great Pumpkin Patch to decorate and take home. Children’s crafts, facepainting, live music, fall crafts and shopping bargains. Located at Fleamasters Fleamarket, 4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-334-7001 for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Fall and Halloween Festival and Pumpkin Patch. The Annual Fall and Halloween Festival is back at Lakes Regional Park October 14- 31. Located at 7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-533-7575 for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Lighthouse of Collier Halloween Party. Join us for pumpkin decorating, trick or treating, and a dress-up party for children with visual impairments and their families. Date and time is subject to change. Located at Lighthouse of Collier, 2685 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples. 5:00 p.m. Corkscrew Family Fun Night. Make slime and perform amazing science experiments with Mr. Glen of Super Science and Amazing Arts. Located at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Rd. W., Naples. Call 239-348-9151 or check corkscrew.audubon.org for additional information. 5:00 p.m. Halloween Parent Night Out. Leave your child with us for some Halloween fun while you go out for some fun of your own. We’ll have crafts, games, treats, fun. It’s $25 per family and pizza is included. Costumes are welcome but not required. Located at Cornerstone UMC, 8200 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 239-354-9160 or check cornerstonenaples.org for additional information. 7:00 p.m. Haunted “Gross” House. Fridays and Saturdays starting October 14 through October 29. Located at Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Avenue NE, Naples. Call 239-455-1444 or check colliercountyfair.com/ fairgrounds-info for additional information.

15 SATURDAY 5K Fun Run. Food and family fun at this event in Marco Island to raise awareness for The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. Kids under 18 are free. Register at naplesshelter.org/funrun. Located at Publix, 175 South Barfield Dr., Marco Island. 10:00 a.m. Fall for the Arts Festival. This annual free family festival

features live performances, games, arts and crafts stations, food trucks, face painting and more. 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. Ozobots. Come have fun programing and competing with these mini robots. Ages 11-17 years. Registration limited and required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Free Kids Archery at Bass Pro Shops. This completely free event requires nothing more than a child willing to give archery a try. Just

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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 Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-461-7800 for additional information.

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

11:00 a.m. Two Happy Hands Fall Festival. Carnival games, raffles, bounce houses, hula hoop contest, scavenger hunt, candy, vendors, and prizes. Highlights include a costume contest and goodie bags for the first 50 families that attend. Located at Two Happy Hands Signing Academy, 3440 Marinatown Lane, North Fort Myers. Call 239-233-6517 for additional information. 12:00 p.m. Comic Fest. The event is free, though pre-registration is required for popular activities. To register for an activity go to Leelibrary.net/calendar. Located at Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers. Call 239533-4600 or check Leegov.com/library/about/branches/fm for details. 1:00 p.m. CowBoy Up Bonita Fest. CowBoy Up Fest Bonita is a family fun day brought to you by Arc of Life Family Spinal Care. Benefits the Naples Equestrian Challenge. Free food, games, and more. Wear your best western duds. Located at 26731 Dublin Woods 26731 Dublin Woods Circle, Naples.

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

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 Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information. 7:00 p.m. Tabletop Gaming Meetup. Gather your friends to come into our store and learn to play the featured games for this celebration of tabletop gaming. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information.

16 SUNDAY 2:00 p.m. Free Concerts at the Bandshell. Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free jazz concerts in Cambier Park every Sunday. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-213-3058 or check naplesgov. com for additional information. Call for times. Ding Darling Days Family Fun Day. Family Fun Day kicks off a week of eco-activities with all-free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, hot dogs, kids crafts, and more. Located at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel. Call 239-292-0566 or check dingdarlingsociety.org for additional information.

18 TUESDAY 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. All About Spiders. A Collier County Park Ranger will be here with some fascinating information about spiders. Grades K 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. 6:00 p.m. Movies on the Lawn at Mercato. Movies start at dusk. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-594-9400 or check mercatoshops. com for additional information.

19 WEDNESDAY 4:00 p.m. All About Dogs. Tish Roland will bring her dog, Herbie, and talk about respecting dogs and how to care for them. 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 details. 5:00 p.m. Prose in Verse-Teen Book Crew. Dynamic reading! These books will draw you in instantly. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt

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October is

BUDDY MONTH! Bring a Friend and SAVE!

New members receive

1/2 Off First Month

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Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

20 THURSDAY 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. 6:00 p.m. Third Thursday on Third Street South. Live music in the Fleischmann Courtyard. Located at Third Street S., Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check info@napleschamber.org for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Fall Festival. This event will provide families a place to enjoy fall festival with a bounce house, music, food, and fun. Free. Located at Immokalee South Park, 418 School Dr., Immokalee. Call 239-252-4677 or check collierparks.com for additional information.

21 FRIDAY Call for times. Junie B Jones The Musical. October 21 through November 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 239-278-4422 or check BroadwayPalm.com for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Boo at the Zoo. All the fun is included in regular admission. October 21-23. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check caribbeangardens.com details. 6:00 p.m. Trunk or Treat. $5 per family. Have the joys of Trick or Treating all in on spot. Music, face painting, bounce houses, food, costume contest ,and tons of spooky fun. Located at Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-348-7500 or check colliergov.net for details. 6:00 p.m. Royal Scoop Halloween Party. Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream is inviting everyone to a spooktacular Halloween Party outside our store in Bonita Shores. We will have lots of treats and a few tricks, too. Located at Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream, 15 8th St., Bonita Springs. 6:00 p.m. Parent’s Night Out. Movies and games with new friends plus dinner equals a tired kid to pick up. $20 for first child and $15 for sibling if pre-registered; $25 without pre-registration. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Dr., Naples. Call 239-213-3020 for additional information.

22 SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. K is for Kids Bookfair. Join us all day for a bookfair in support of K is for Kids Foundation. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information. 12:00 p.m. YMCA Fall Festival. Come and enjoy an afternoon of games, prizes, arts and crafts, bounce house, pumpkin patch, membership deals, and much more. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information. 3:30 p.m. Halloween Happenings. Come make a craft and enjoy a treat. Wear your costume and get into the spirit of things. Ages 3-11 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for details. 5:00 p.m. North Collier Fire Rescue Fall Festival and Costume Party. Complete with a kids’ costume contest with prizes, games, fire demonstrations, and food, the annual event is a favorite tradition for the community. Free. Located at Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples. Call 239-566-2367 or check colliergov.net for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Gigi’s Playhouse Gala. Local families are raising money to open a Down syndrome achievement center in early 2017. Located at West Bay Club,

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4606 West Bay Blvd., Estero. For additional information, call 239-677-6349. 6:30 p.m. PACE Center for Girls’ Boo Ball. PACE Center for Girls of Lee County is hosting its inaugural Boo Ball fundraising gala. The Halloweenthemed event will include a live auction, along with a “Pass the Pumpkin” auction, featuring unique and valuable items. Located at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. Call 239-333-1933 or check sbdac.com/. 6:30 p.m. Family Halloween Event. Join us for a scare throughout our spooky haunted rooms. There will be crafts, games, candy, and much more. Come in costume and don’t forget a trick or treat bag to collect goodies. $3 per child. Located at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-4180 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

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 details.

24 MONDAY

27 THURSDAY

12:00 a.m. Halloween at Bass Pro Shops. This free annual event will feature fun crafts for kids, a Halloween costume parade, trick-or-treating, and more. Located at Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-461-7800 for additional information. 3:00 p.m. Crafty Mondays at South Regional Library. 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. Fall Festival and Costume Party. Join us for a howling good time. Play games, make spooky treats, and march across our stage in a costume parade. All ages welcome. Registration required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-262-6853 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Read for the Record. Join children around the world in reading The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach. We will also make a theme inspired craft and edible treat. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 3:00 p.m. Halloween Crafts. Wear your costume and drop-in to make some fun or scary Halloween crafts. Ages 3-10 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. 5:00 p.m. Walk at the Promenade. Located at Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795-27911 South Bay Dr., Bonita Springs. Call 800-799-0178 or check promenadeshops.com for additional information. 5:30 p.m. Halloween Fun Run. A family friendly run/walk through the parks for all ages. Costumes, candy, and more. Located at Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-252-6128 or check colliergov. net for additional information. 5:30 p.m. Read for the Record. Join children around the world in reading The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach. We will also make a theme

25 TUESDAY 5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’mon. For children on the autism spectrum and/or with other sensory integration disorders. Sensory Nights have limited

26 WEDNESDAY 6:00 p.m. Free Admission to The Baker Museum. Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum the last Wednesday of each month. 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 239-597-1900 or check thephil.org for details.

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inspired craft and edible treat. Ages 2-6 years. 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. 6:00 p.m. Naples International Film Festival Opening Night. Opening Night Film & Party at Artis–Naples. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or check thephil.org for details.

28 FRIDAY Call for time. Stone Crab Festival. Through Sunday. Free Parking. Located at Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-262-4200 or check tin-city. com for details. 5:00 p.m. Boo Bash. Bring your little monsters to enjoy this family fun event at Waterside Shops. It’s a scary good time with trick-or-treating, fantasy characters, jugglers, stilt walkers, live music, party favors and many more surprises. Reservations required. Located at Waterside Shops, 5415 Tamiami Trail N, Naples. Call 239-598-1605 or check watersideshops.com for additional information. 6:00 p.m. 4th and 5th Grade Video Dance. Dance the night away at our elementary school dance. Tickets on sale two weeks prior to dance. $10. Located at East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-4414 or check colliergov.net for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Hawg-o-ween. Join Naples Harley-Davidson for their annual Hawg-o-ween Bike Night. There will be vendors, food, live music, pumpkin races, costume contests, cash giveaways, and more. Located at Naples Harley Davidson, 3654 Gateway Lane, Naples. Call 239-594-5504 or check HDNaples.com/ for additional information. 6:00 p.m. Marco Murder & Mayhem Tour. Marco Island’s frightful past comes alive with tales of hard times, hostile tribes, lawlessness, and crimes that led to murder, many unsolved to this day. Located at Olde Marco Inn, 100 Palm St., Marco Island. Call 239-537-8353 or check marcomurderandmayhem. com for additional information.

6:30 p.m. Trick or Treat at Eagle Lakes Park. $5 per family. Have the joys of Trick or Treating all in on spot. Music, face painting, bounce houses and tons of spooky fun. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail E., Naples. Call 239-252-4414 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

29 SATURDAY 7:30 a.m. Soup’er Hero Run/Walk. Dress as your favorite super hero for this family friendly race. All ages are invited. Located at Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers. Check gulfcoasttowncenter.com. 8:30 a.m. Naples Zombie Fun Run. Come for this fun run while supporting a local community and school. Located at Palmetto Ridge High School, 1655 Victory Lane, Naples. Check collierschools.com/prh for additional information. 8:30 a.m. Hoots & Hisses at the Conservancy. Located at the Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. For more information, call 239-262-0304 or visit conservancy.org. 10:00 a.m. Local Author Meet & Greet. Southwest Florida is full of literary talent and we are happy to host many of those authors in our store today. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information. 11:00 a.m. Halloween Arts & Crafts for Kids and Teens. Join us to decorate a Halloween bag or create Halloween art. All supplies provided. Ages 5+. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-0101 or check library.Lee-county.com for additional information. 12:00 p.m. Naples Philharmonic Halloween Concert and Community Day. Free activities for all ages, including live music, an instrument petting zoo for kids, and access to all museum exhibitions and galleries. Come dressed in costume. Concert at 3 p.m. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or check thephil.org for additional information. 3:00 p.m. Monster Mash. Face painting, balloon art pumpkin decorating, complimentary photos, arts and crafts, trick or treating, and meet the wild

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animals from the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve. Located at Venetian Village, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples. Check venetianvillage.com for details. 4:00 p.m. Marco Island Halloween Spooktacular. Wear your costumes for this Halloween Spooktacular. Trick or treating, crafts, music, and more. Located at Mackle Park, 50 Bald Eagle Dr. Call 239-642-0575 for details. 4:00 p.m. Koreshan Family Halloween Festival. Take a fun hayride, be a part of the parade, and compete in the costume contest. Let your children enjoy activities and treats while you learn about the services your community has to offer. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check floridastateparks.org for additional information. 5:00 p.m. Halloween Family Fun. Enjoy Halloween with a bounce house, music, food, and fun. Located at Immokalee Community Park,, 321 North 1st St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-4449 for additional information.

30 SUNDAY 1:00 p.m. Symphony Spooktacular. A “not-so-spooky” Halloween concert that’s sure to be fun for the whole family. Located at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy., Fort Myers. Call 239-481-4849 or check bbmannpah.com for additional information. 2:00 p.m. Family Day. Paint a witch or pumpkin. Ages 6+. Located at Vino’s Picasso, 2367 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-431-8750 or check vinospicasso.com for additional information. 3:00 p.m. St John Neumann Catholic High School Open House. For prospective students and their families. Located at St. John Neumann Catholic High School, 3000 53rd St. SW, Naples. Call 239-455-3044 or check sjnceltics. org for additional information.

31 MONDAY 9:00 a.m. Halloween Fun. Come into the library wearing your costume and pick up a treat. Ages 2 years and older. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 9:00 a.m. Get Out the Vote. Vote for your favorite fictional character and find out who wins the week of Nov. 7. Guess the estimation jar at the Children’s Reference Desk for a chance to win a prize. Ages 5+. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 10:00 a.m. Halloween Storytime. Halloween stories, crafts, and more for ages 3-6. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information. 12:00 p.m. Trick or Treat at Your Library. Put on your Halloween costume (optional) and stop by the East Naples Library for a scavenger hunt, a spooky craft and a treat. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Trail E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information. 4:30 p.m. Halloween Spooktacular. Trick-or-treat the merchants, get face painting and play games at “pumpkin patches” staffed by local organizations, enter your pet or your parent in the costume contests and enjoy musicians and magicians. Located at 649 Fifth Avenue S., Naples. Call 239-692-8436 or check fifthavenuesouth.com for additional information. 5:30 p.m. Halloween Party. Wear your costume and march in the parade. Make crafts. Have fun. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 North First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information. 9:00 p.m. Halloween Bash. Join Whiskey Park for their 1st annual Halloween Bash. Come dressed in the most outrageous and creative costume for a shot at winning the costume contest. Judging begins at midnight and there’s a $500 cash prize for first place. Located at 3380 Mercantile Ave. Naples. Call 239-263-6777 for details.

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ANNUAL FALL FUN GUIDE

Pumpkin Patches Haunted Houses Fall Festivals & Halloween Events

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Please note that details of events were correct at press time. Call or check websites before attending, as dates and times may have changed.

Pumpkin Patches

WHEEL FUN RENTALS AT LAKES PARK 7330 GLADIOLUS DR. FORT MYERS, FL 33908 239-533-7575 LEEPARKS.ORG Pumpkin Patch open Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-30. Monday-Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. NORTH NAPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 6000 GOODLETTE ROAD N. NAPLES, FL 34109 239-593-7600 NNUMC.ORG Pumpkin Patch will be held at the church Oct. 8 –31 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn for sale. OAKES FARMS 2205 DAVIS BLVD. NAPLES, FL 34104 239-732-0144 OAKESFARMS.COM Sales of pumpkins, hay bales, and corn stocks. Check website for dates and hours.

239-229-6582 SECOND LOCATION: GULF COAST TOWN CENTER (NEXT TO DICK’S SPORTING GOODS) 9903 GULF COAST MAIN ST. FORT MYERS, FL 33913 239-229-6582 Two locations. There will be a huge variety of pumpkins (including one specially grown for Uncle Al that lasts longer in Florida’s humidity and heat), bounce house, games, photo area, and special activities daily Oct. 14-31 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bounce house will be inflated from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and regular hours on weekend. Moms’ groups may call to have bounce house inflated during weekday visits.

Fall Festivals

COVENANT CHURCH OF NAPLES FALL FESTIVAL 6926 TRAIL BLVD. NAPLES, FL 34108 239-262-6853 COVENANTNAPLES.COM Featuring a climbing wall and inflatables for family entertainment, this fall festival offers something for the whole family from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 11. Come and enjoy the hay ride, crafts, corn pit, and carnival games. Our food area will offer hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, cupcakes, and drinks.

COWBOY UP BONITA FEST 26731 DUBLIN WOODS CR. ST. MONICA’S CHURCH NAPLES, FL 34135 7070 IMMOKALEE RD. 239-200-7248 NAPLES, FL 34119 FACEBOOK.COM/ 239-591-4550 COWBOYUPFESTSWFL STMONICASNAPLES.ORG Come and enjoy free food, games, and fun on Pumpkin Patch runs Oct. 7-31 from 10 a.m. to Oct. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wear your best 7 p.m. every day. western duds. Bouncy houses, games, pumpkin patch, raffle prizes, and much more. Benefits UNCLE AL’S Naples Equestrian Challenge. Sponsored by Arc 5300 GOLDEN GATE PKWY. of Life Family Spinal Care. CEDR 1003 NeaFamily 1-4 pg Horiz.4_Layout 1 2/18/13 9:45 AM Page 1 NAPLES, FL 34116

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

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FALL FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL AT ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS 10091 MCGREGOR BLVD. FORT MYERS, FL 33919 239-939-2787 ARTINLEE.ORG Celebrate the changing season with your family and friends at the Alliance for the Arts on Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual free family festival features live performances, games, arts and crafts stations, food trucks, face painting, and more. FALL FESTIVAL AND COSTUME PARTY AT NAPLES REGIONAL LIBRARY 650 CENTRAL AVE. NAPLES, FL 34102 239-262-6853 COLLIER-LIBRARY.ORG Join us for a howling good time on Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Play games, make spooky treats, and march across our stage in a costume parade. All ages welcome. No registration required. FALL FESTIVAL AND CORN MAZE AT FARMER MIKE’S U PICK 26031 MORTON AVE. BONITA SPRINGS, FL 34135 FARMERMIKESUPICK.COM 239-498-4576 The corn maze will be open weekends Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, noon to 6 p.m. There also will be hay rides and our famous pumpkin patch. Tickets for the corn maze are $10; haunted corn maze, $12; hayride only is $5. Children two and under are free. FALL FESTIVAL AT THE GREATER NAPLES YMCA 5450 YMCA RD. NAPLES, FL 34109 239-597-3148 GREATERNAPLESYMCA.ORG Join the YMCA for our 2nd annual Fall Festival and Open House on Oct. 22 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Come and enjoy an afternoon of games, the things he sees are not just remembered, they form a part of his soul.

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prizes, arts and crafts, bounce house, pumpkin patch, membership deals, and much more. Take a stroll through the haunted hallway and enter the costume contest. Free. Costumes are strongly encouraged. FALL FESTIVAL AT THE FARM 8500 PENZANCE BLVD. FORT MYERS, FL 33912 239-768-0309 SOUTHERNFRESH.FARM Every weekend in October, we will be having our 2nd Annual Fall Festival. Free admission and parking. Pumpkins, hayrides, and food. Call for times. FALL AND HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL AT LAKES REGIONAL PARK 7330 GLADIOLUS DR. FORT MYERS, FL 33908 239-533-7575 LEEPARKS.ORG Features the Halloween Express Train Ride on the 1/8th scale railroad through woods, lakes, small villages, and scenes. Lights on the route are set to Halloween music, while decorations and inflatables line the route. Visit Lee County’s largest pumpkin patch, judge scarecrows, play in the holiday inflatables, or go on a hayride. Oct. 14-31. Hours are daily 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parking is $3, $5-$15 for activities. FLEAMASTERS FLEAMARKET PUNKIN’ PALOOZA 4135 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD. FORT MYERS, FL 33916 239-334-7001 FLEAMALL.COM Pick out a pumpkin from the Great Pumpkin Patch to decorate and take home. Children’s crafts, face painting, live music, fall crafts, clowns, and bargains on Oct. 14-16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and parking. FORT MYERS BEACH PIRATE FEST TIMES SQUARE & OLD SAN CARLOS BLVD. FORT MYERS BEACH, FL 33931 239-850-8611 FMBPIRATEFEST.COM Oct. 7-9. It’s a great ol’ time with yer lads and lasses at this year’s Pirate Fest as we host a slew of pirates, wenches, corsairs, and beauties at the historic Seaport of Fort Myers Beach. Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. is an evening for the adults. Enjoy great family entertainment Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with melodies and shows on two stages or watch our ships go to battle with thar cannons. There’s something for kids and adults alike. Suggested entry donation of $5 per adult. Kids under 12 are free.

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IMMOKALEE FALL FESTIVAL 418 SCHOOL DR. IMMOKALEE, FL 34142 239-657-8575 COLLIERGOV.NET Enjoy a bounce house, music, food, and fun on Oct. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. NORTH COLLIER FIRE RESCUE FESTIVAL AND COSTUME PARTY VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK 1885 VETERANS PARK DR. NAPLES, FL 34109 239-657-8575 NORTHCOLLIERFIRE.COM Held Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Complete with a kids’ costume contest with prizes, games, fire demonstrations, and food, the annual event is a favorite tradition for the community. Free. PEPPER RANCH SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL 6315 PEPPER RD. IMMOKALEE, FL 34142 239-252-2495 COLLIERGOV.NET Collier County’s Conservation Collier and Parks and Recreation Division will hold the Second Annual Sunflower Festival at the Pepper Ranch Preserve on Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival coincides with the amazing annual blooming display of the Pepper Ranch Preserve’s southern sunflowers. Sunflower Festival attendees will have the opportunity to visit the historic Pepper Ranch Preserve, get a glimpse of ongoing ranch operations, and enjoy a day of music, ranch-style food, hikes, educational presentations, children’s activities, hayrides, and more. Entrance to the festival, tours, hikes, educational presentations, children’s activities, and hayrides are free. PRIDE FEST AT ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS 10091 MCGREGOR BLVD. FORT MYERS, FL 33919 239-939-2787 PRIDESWFL.ORG At the eighth annual Pride Fest, there will be plenty of food, drinks, vendors, community organizations, and an afternoon full of diverse and fabulous entertainment on the amphitheater stage on Oct. 8 from noon to 7 p.m. PUMPKIN FEST AT ST. MONICA’S CHURCH 7070 IMMOKALEE RD. NAPLES, FL 34119 239-591-4550 STMONICASNAPLES.ORG St. Monica’s Pumpkin Fest will be held on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited

to participate in games, stories, crafts, pony rides, bake sale, and much more. Free event. STONE CRAB FESTIVAL BAYFRONT PLACE AND TIN CITY NAPLES, FL 34102 STONECRABFESTIVAL.ORG Looking for an entertaining weekend full of seafood and fun? Then you definitely don’t want to miss out on this year’s annual Stone Crab Festival, set for Oct. 28-30 at several connecting locations on the Old Naples Waterfront. The Stone Crab Festival will offer plenty of fresh stone crab claws, music, events, art, and a ton of fun activities for the whole family. TWO HAPPY HANDS SIGNING ACADEMY FALL FESTIVAL 3440 MARINATOWN LANE, UNIT 201 NORTH FORT MYERS, FL 33903 239-233-6517 TWOHAPPYHANDS.COM Carnival games, raffles, bounce houses, hula hoop contest, scavenger hunt, candy, vendors and prizes on Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Highlights include a costume contest and goodie bags for the first 50 families that attend.

Haunted Houses & Halloween Events

BOO AT THE ZOO AT THE NAPLES ZOO 1590 GOODLETTE-FRANK RD. NAPLES, FL 34102 239-262-5409 NAPLESZOO.COM From Oct. 21-23, kids can have a wildly good time celebrating Halloween during the annual Boo at the Zoo. This kid-friendly event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Don’t miss all the fun Boo activities like trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, the giant hay bale chair, and Halloween costume characters roaming the zoo for photo opportunities. Watch the animals going wild “carving” pumpkins and other treats with tooth, horn, and claw. All the fun is included in regular zoo admission. BOO BASH AT WATERSIDE SHOPS 5415 TAMIAMI TRAIL N. NAPLES, FL 34108 239-598-1605 WATERSIDESHOPS.COM Bring your little monsters to enjoy this family fun event at Waterside Shops from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It’s a scary good time with trickor-treating, fantasy characters, jugglers, stilt walkers, live music, party favors, and many more surprises. Be there… if you dare! $10 per child donation benefits C’mon, space is NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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limited to 350 children, and reservations are required. Tickets are available for purchase at cmon.org/events. FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT AT GOLDEN GATE COMMUNITY CENTER 4701 GOLDEN GATE PKWY. NAPLES, FL 34116 239-252-4180 COLLIERGOV.NET Come dressed in your best costume and don’t forget a trick-or-treat bag to collect goodies on Oct. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be crafts, games, candy, and much more. FRIENDLY FOREST AND HAUNTED WALK AT CALUSA NATURE CENTER AND PLANETARIUM 3450 ORTIZ AVE. FORT MYERS, FL 33905 239-275-3435 CALUSANATURE.ORG The Haunted Walk is open nightly Oct. 2131 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can expect the fright of their life as they try to make their way through the swampy woods, taken over by strange, mutant half-human, half-animals and even eerier creatures prowling the grounds. For visitors 16+. For the young and the young at heart there is a Friendly Forest open on Oct. 8-9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with candy, games, and activities.

GHOSTS IN THE GARDEN AT EVERGLADES WONDER GARDENS 27180 OLD 41 RD. BONITA SPRINGS, FL 34135 239-992-2591 EVERGLADESWONDERGARDENS.COM Craft your own ghost and we will showcase your ghoulish creations throughout the property for all to see. Drop off is on Oct. 8 at 4 p.m., display and voting starts at 9 a.m. on October 12, and the winner will be announced at 3 p.m. on Oct. 30. Visit us in costume on Oct. 31 to see the ghosts on display and receive $2 off regular admission. HALLOWEEN AT BASS PRO SHOPS 10040 GULF CENTER DR. FORT MYERS, FL 33913 239-461-7800 BASSPRO.COM This free annual event will feature activities including fun crafts for kids, costume parade, trick-or-treating, and more. Oct. 24-31. HALLOWEEN CRAFTS AT MARCO ISLAND LIBRARY 210 S. HEATHWOOD DR. MARCO ISLAND, FL 34145 239-394-3272 COLLIER-LIBRARY.ORG Wear your costume and drop-in to make some

fun or scary Halloween crafts on Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. Ages 3-10 years. Registration is not required. HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN AT IMMOKALEE COMMUNITY PARK 321 NORTH 1ST ST. IMMOKALEE, FL 34142 239-252-4449 COLLIERGOV.NET Bounce house, music, food, and fun on Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL AT KORESHAN STATE PARK 3800 CORKSCREW RD. ESTERO, FL 33928 239-992-0311 FLORIDASTATEPARKS.ORG Take a fun hayride, be a part of the parade, and compete in the costume contest on Oct. 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Let your children enjoy activities and treats while you learn about the services your community has to offer. Fun for families, children 12 and under. Free with park admission. HALLOWEEN FUN HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY 2385 ORANGE BLOSSOM DR. NAPLES, FL 34109 239-593-0870

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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COLLIER-LIBRARY.ORG Come into the library wearing your costume and pick up a treat from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registration is not required. HALLOWEEN PARENT NIGHT OUT 8200 IMMOKALEE RD. NAPLES, FL 34119 239-354-9160 CORNERSTONENAPLES.ORG We’ll have crafts, games, treats, and fun on Oct. 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s $25 per family and pizza is included. Costumes are welcome but not required. HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR CONCERT AT ARTIS-NAPLES 5833 PELICAN BAY BLVD. NAPLES, FL 34108 239-597-1900 ARTIS-NAPLES.ORG An afternoon of fun, dramatic and spooky orchestral music featuring works from Fantasia, Psycho, Star Wars, and more. The concert starts at 3 p.m., and is part of Community Day, which starts at noon. Costumes not required, but are encouraged for the costume contest and parade. HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR ON FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH FIFTH AVENUE S. BUSINESS DISTRICT NAPLES, FL 34102 239-692-8436 FIFTHAVENUESOUTH.COM The 6th annual Halloween Spooktacular will be held on Oct. 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be live music, kids’ activities, trick or treat, spooky movies and cartoons, haunted Houses, live animals, a street dance, and more. There will be costume contests for kids, adults, and pets. So plan on dressing up yourself, your kids, and your pets for a fun afternoon and evening on 5th. HAUNTED GROSS HOUSE AT THE COLLIER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 751 39TH AVE NE NAPLES, FL 34120 239-455-1444 COLLIERCOUNTYFAIR.COM. On Oct. 14, Naples’ largest haunted house will open at the Collier County Fairgrounds. On Fridays and Saturdays until Oct. 29, guests will dare to enter the 14,000-square-foot Haunted Gross House. The house features over 14 rooms of terror that will keep guest screaming. Guests will move through unique rooms including collapsible ceilings, haunted attics, black light rooms, clown scenes, and a graveyard finale. There also is a Haunted Hay Ride and food vendors. Trunk or Treat is on Oct. 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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with a costume contest at 8 p.m. The Collier County Sheriff ’s Office will be there on Oct. 29 with a rock climbing wall. Admission to the Haunted House is $15 for all ages. Gates open daily at 7 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. This is fundraiser for Making Life “Fair”. HOOTS AND HISSES AT THE CONSERVANCY 1495 SMITH PRESERVE WAY NAPLES, FL 34102 239-262-0304 CONSERVANCY.ORG An eco-friendly, family fun event featuring live animal shows, spooky trail walks, face painting, and more on Oct. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LIGHTHOUSE OF COLLIER HALLOWEEN PARTY 2685 HORSESHOE DR. S. NAPLES, FL 34104 239-430-3934 LIGHTHOUSEOFCOLLIER.COM Join us for pumpkin decorating, trick or treating, and a dress-up party for children with visual impairments and their families on October 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MARCO ISLAND HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR 50 BALD EAGLE DR. MARCO ISLAND, FL 34145 239-389-3917 Wear your costumes and head down to Mackle Park for a Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. Trick or treating, crafts, music, and more. MONSTER MASH VENETIAN VILLAGE 4200 GULF SHORE BLVD. NAPLES, FL 34103 239-261-6100 VENETIANVILLAGE.COM Come to Venetian Village on Oct. 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a frightfully good time with face painting, balloon art with Sharkey The Pirate, pumpkin decorating, complimentary photos, arts and crafts, trick or treating, and meet the wild animals from the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve. PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS’ BOO BALL 2301 FIRST ST. FORT MYERS, FL 33901 239-425-2366 PACECENTER.ORG PACE Center for Girls of Lee County’s inaugural Boo Ball fundraising gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The Halloween-themed event will include a live auction, along with a “Pass the Pumpkin” auction, featuring unique and

valuable items donated by community members and guests in attendance. PUMPKIN HUNT AT VINEYARDS COMMUNITY PARK 6231 ARBOR BLVD. W. NAPLES, FL 34119 239-353-9669 COLLIERPARKS.COM Pumpkins in the park? You Bet! They’re hidden all over the place! Who put them there? We don’t know but we need you to help us find them on Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Includes prize winners and a treat bag for every child to take home. Preregister by Oct. 24. Ages 6-12. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW SUGDEN COMMUNITY THEATRE 701 5TH AVE. S. NAPLES, FL 34102 239-263-7990 NAPLESPLAYERS.ORG Performances will be held Oct. 12-Nov. 6. This rocking musical is a humorous tribute to the cheesy science fiction and horror B movie genre. The story follows the innocent and newlyengaged Brad and Janet as they get caught in a storm and find themselves at the mansion of Dr. Frank N Furter who is anything but innocent. Come on, “Let’s Do The Time Warp Again!” ROCKTOBERFEST 10 MILER & 2X5 RELAY NORTH COLLIER REGIONAL PARK 15000 LIVINGSTON RD. NAPLES, FL 34109 ELITEEVENTS.ORG The 6th Annual Rocktoberfest 10 Miler & 2x5 Mile Relay is the only 10-mile race in Southwest Florida, and one of just a few in Florida. The two-person relay category will have two runners each racing a 5-mile section of the course. Dress up as your favorite rock star or any Halloween character. We will have special prizes for winners of the costume contest. Postrace festivities include music and refreshments. ROYAL SCOOP HALLOWEEN PARTY 15 8TH ST. BONITA SPRINGS, FL 33134 239-992-2000 ROYALSCOOP.COM Enjoy a spooktacular Halloween Party on Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Costume contest, festive treat bags, pumpkin decorating, creepy witches’ cauldron, games, balloon animals, face painting, spooky magic, and ice cream eating contest. SYMPHONY SPOOKTACULAR AT BARBARA B. MANN PERFORMING ARTS HALL NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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13350 EDISON PKWY. FORT MYERS, FL 33919 GULFCOASTSYMPHONY.ORG A “not-so-spooky” Halloween concert that’s sure to be fun for the whole family on Oct. 30. At 1 p.m., come dressed as your favorite storybook character for a costume contest and try out the instruments of the orchestra in a Musical Discovery Zone. At 2 p.m., we move into the theater for a concert featuring some of the most memorable music from Disney. $10 per person. Children 11 months and younger free. TRICK OR TREAT AT EAST NAPLES LIBRARY 8787 TAMIAMI TRAIL E. NAPLES, FL 34113 239-775-5592 COLLIER-LIBRARY.ORG Put on your Halloween costume (optional) and stop by the East Naples Library from noon to 7 p.m. on Oct. 31 for a scavenger hunt, a spooky craft, and a treat. All ages. Registration is not required. SOUP’ER HERO 5K AND TRICK OR TREATING AT GULF COAST TOWN CENTER 9903 GULF COAST MAIN ST. FORT MYERS, FL 33913 239-267-5107 GULFCOASTTOWNCENTER.COM Dress up as your favorite super hero for our

Soup’er Hero 5K, a family-friendly event benefitting the Community Cooperative, on Oct. 29 at 7:30 a.m. Come back in the evening for a costume contest and trick or treating at participating stores from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. TRICK OR TREAT ON THE BOARDWALK 1515 GOLDEN GATE PKWY. NAPLES, FL 34105 239-252-4000 COLLIERPARKS.COM Trick or treat for children ages 1 to 5 on the boardwalk at Freedom Park. Fun and games on Oct. 30 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. TRICK OR TREAT AT EAGLE LAKES COMMUNITY PARK 11565 TAMIAMI TRAIL E. NAPLES, FL 34113 239-252-3527 COLLIERGOV.NET Music, face painting, bounce houses and tons of spooky fun on Oct. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. TRUNK OR TREAT AT MAX HASSE PARK 3390 GOLDEN GATE PKWY. NAPLES, FL 34105 239-252-4200 COLLIERGOV.NET Have the joys of trick or treating all in one spot.

Go car-to-car gathering up the Halloween treats on Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Music, face painting, bounce houses, food, costume contest and tons of spooky fun! Call the park at 239252-4200 if interested in a parking spot. Free for vendors. $5 per family. TRUNK OR TREAT & MALL-O-WEEN AT MIROMAR OUTLETS 10801 CORKSCREW DR. ESTERO, FL 33928 239-948-3766 MIROMAROUTLETS.COM Music, karaoke, and contests in Playland. Trunk or treat and Mall-o-ween (trick or treating at participating stores) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. Presented by The Cool Cruisers of SWFL. Children’s costume contest (0-12 years) at 6:30 p.m. Pet costume contest at 7:30 p.m. TWINKLE HALLOWEEN COSTUME & ACCESSORY GIVEAWAY TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STORE 4172 TAMIAMI TRAIL N. NAPLES, FL 34103 239-262-5904 TWINKLETWINKLELITTLE STOREOFNAPLES.COM For families who like to get creative, we will be giving away costume articles and accessories that you can piece together to make your own Halloween costume creation on October 8 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Happy kids. Sparkly smiles.

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Naples Pediatric Dentistry goodcheckup.com

239.592.0800 neafamily.com

9/21/16 7:32 PM

PETS

By Leigh Ann Newman

Black Cats Bring Good Luck

lack cats are considered good luck in Japan, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Egyptians believed that “hosting” a black cat in their homes would bring favor from the gods. Sailors wanted their ship’s cat to be black, because it was considered good luck. Their wives even kept black cats at home to increase the odds of their husbands returning safely from sea. So why do black cats here at home linger in animal shelters and rescues? Sadly, the main reason is simple: superstition. “There’s just a lot of superstition around black cats,” says Erica Smith, cat lead for the cat condos at Petco for Brooke’s Legacy Animal Rescue. “I truly believe that black cats and kittens are overlooked in shelters because of silly superstitions,” agrees Rachel Johnston, marketing coordinator for Humane Society Naples.

“We don’t really care what color the cats are. We just rescue those who needs us,” Smith says. Superstitions aside, sometimes it just comes down to personal preference. “Potential adopters are drawn to animals that catch their eye,” explains Johnston. “I’ve seen how affectionate black cats can be and I’m not the only one that will say so. What they lack in bright colored fur, they make up with their one-of-a-kind personality.” Smith notes that many shelters limit or prohibit adoption of black cats in the month of October for Halloween because of the higher risk that potential adopters may not have the best interests of the animal at heart. We are a little late in the year to participate in National Black Cat Appreciation Day, which is August 17. But the Humane Society Naples celebrates this

day in style, running a Free Frisky Felines adoption special for all black, and black and white cats. “Adoption fees were waived and helped shine a bright light on the overlooked black (and black and white) cats and kittens that were waiting adoption at the no-kill shelter,” says Johnston. Some 28 black and black and white cats found forever homes during the 22-day long promotion in 2016. Some of the cats had been at the Humane Society for more than six months, and were finally adopted at no cost to good and loving homes, Johnston notes. For additional information, contact Humane Society of Naples at 239-6431555 or visit hsnaples.org, and Brooke’s Legacy Animal Rescue at 239-434-7480 or visit brookeslegacyanimalrescue.org. Rachel Newman contributed to this article.

All cats shown here are available for adoption at press time. Please contact the rescue group for their current status.

Curly Sue Brooke’s Legacy

Hank Brooke’s Legacy 44

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Photos of Humane Society Naples cats are provided courtesy of Paws & Prints

Ferdinand Brooke’s Legacy

Maggie Moo Brooke’s Legacy

Humphrey Bill Baggs Cape Park Lighthouse Brooke’s Legacy NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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If you are interested in adopting one of the cats pictured here, contact the organization listed on the picture: Brooke’s Legacy at 239-434-7480 or visit brookeslegacyanimalrescue.org; Humane Society of Naples at 239-643-1555 or visit hsnaples.org.

Umbreon Brooke’s Legacy

Allena Humane Society

Bandito Humane Society

Yamaha Brooke’s Legacy

Lutzie Humane Society

Pippy Humane Society

Schnicky Humane Society

Ace Humane Society

Jody Humane Society

Priscilla Humane Society

KC Brooke’s Legacy

Ursula Humane Society

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

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SwimLessons Group/Private/ Your Home or Mine

Red Cross Instructor Lifeguard/CPR/1st Aid

Lessons for all ages!

Specializing in frightened swimmers WE H TEAC S! LT ADU

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Masters Degree CPR, First Aid Certified Clean driving and FBI record Day/Evening/Overnight

Arpeggio Fine Arts Studio Piano and Violin Private Lessons

Naples and Marco Island

305-807-8576

arpeggiofineartstudio.com

is happy to introduce a complete

Children’s Birthday

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We will furnish:

18 Holes of Golf Plates, forks, napkins & candles Tables & Chairs Drinks: Coke, Sprite, etc. 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. Thank you! 2205 E. Tamiami Trail Naples, FL 34112

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AUDITIONING for experienced

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Available locally and at www.mostlykidsguides.com.

Ages 2 to adult Classes start Saturday, October 8 Call now to register!

To list your after-school activity for FREE in the Winter Activities Guide, visit neafamily.com

2016

Fall Activities Guide

For advertising opportunities, contact Stacy Nicolau at 239-682-3241 pureenergydancecenter.com contact@pureenergydancecenter.com 46

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snicolau@neafamily.com or 239-370-5333.

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

CCPS ACTIVITIES GUIDE • FALL 2016

neafamily.com

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

9/21/16 7:34 PM

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C O N S E R V A N C Y

O F

S O U T H W E S T

F L O R I D A

Family Fun!

Saturday, October 29 9:30 AM- 4:30 PM www.conservancy.org

Conser vancy Nature Center • 1495 Smith Preser ve Way, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.262.0304

“Creepy Crawly Creatures” Animal Presentation Animal Encounters • Apple Cider Station • Face Painting Halloween Animal Crafts • Spooky Trail Walks • Scavenger Hunt Just south of Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Rd. 48

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2016

9/21/16 7:35 PM