October 2022 Neapolitan Family

Leo Samuel Loughry is the youngest of six siblings. He has three older half-brothers and two older half-sisters. Leo, along with his father, Robert, and mother, Samantha, relocated to SWFL in November 2021. Leo is a happy, high energy 2-year old who enjoys dinosaurs, coloring, parks, and spending time in the pool. He loves morning walks with his mom, cars, ani mals, dancing, and fixing things around the house with his dad. A special thank you to the Naples Zoo for hosting this month’s cover shoot! photo by Monica Alvarez

12 Fall Family Fun. October is the busiest time of year in SWFL for festivals and fun events. Find all the information you need in our annual guide.

21 Should You Yumble? A local mom tries out a new food service featuring healthy meals for kids. by Anna Snyder

22 Preventing Domestic Violence. The Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples is working to stop domestic violence before it starts by Linda Oberhaus

24 Get That Fabulous Fall Feeling in Florida. Whether you are new to town or a native, discover how to get in the autumn spirit when it still feels like summer. by Andrea Stetson

26 Finding the Right Tutor Tips on getting your children the help they need to succeed in school. by Jan Pierce

28 Destination: Sarasota. Take a two-hour drive north to fly on a trapeze, audition for the circus, eat in a train car, and search for a missing magic pumpkin. by Karen T. Bartlett

the parenting magazine devoted P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com

20202020

Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333

Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529

Travel Editor

Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026

Digital Editor Emily Brockelsby

Feature Writers

Anna Snyder

Andrea Stetson

Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or com ment editorially on all material con tributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Nea politan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or mislead ing in nature. Neapolitan Family is avail able free of charge at distribution points throughout Collier County, as well as digitally at https://neafamily.com. Nea politan Family is ©2022 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights re served. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

For a town that has no aroma of changing leaves in the air, rarely any crisp evenings, and zero apple trees, I think fall is the most popular season for SWFL families.

With school and football back in full force, Southwest Floridians delight in decorating their doorsteps with leafy wreathes, pumpkins, and Halloween creatures. In our neighborhood, Halloween yard displays out rival Christmas and holiday home decor every year. At this writing, our first neighbors to decorate already has erected their 12-foot high skeleton with electric eyes beckoning to the rest of us: “Hey neighbors, it’s on.”

We have been busy gathering all of the fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween events in our guide starting on page 12. Head to the same guide on neafamily.com to check for additional events as they are added to our website daily. Be sure to meet our cover giraffe Bruehler and his friends at Boo at the Zoo, in the exhibit proudly sponsored by Neapolitan Family.

If you find clowns as creepy as I do, be sure to check out the changes to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Karen T. Bartlett’s round up of circus-themed excursions and museums in Sarasota, for a day trip or a weekend away, on page 28.

One frightening thing that almost no one talks about is the prevalence of domestic violence in our community. In honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we feature statistics and resources provided by The Shelter for Abused Women & Children in Naples on page 22, and how it is educating our students and families on identifying early signs of abuse and where to call for help.

Finally, the frenzy of the fall season and sports may cause us to reluctantly pick up fast food on the way home. On page 21, Anna Snyder reviews a new home delivery ready-to-serve meal kit for families that makes nutri tious fast food a happy meal for all.

Happy fall!

THIS MONTH Fall the

Happy

Naples Therapeutic Riding Center Names New Executive Director

Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, which provides therapeutic horse back riding and other equine-facilitated group services to children and adults with physical, social, and mental health needs, has named Martin de St. Pierre as its new executive director.

A Naples resident for more than 40 years and a graduate of Naples High School, de St. Pierre has nearly 30 years of wealth management, business de velopment, and fundraising experience.

Most recently, de St. Pierre served as director of development for the Salva tion Army of Collier County. He is active in the Naples community, serving on a variety of boards related to the arts, education, and children. He is a 2009 Leadership Collier graduate, where he served as vice chair of the Class of 2011, and chair of the Class of 2012. He currently is a member of the Collier County Public Transit Committee and chair of the Barron Collier High School Student Advisory Council.

Visit www.naplestherapeuticridingcenter.org.

NCH and Nicklaus Children’s Announce Collaboration

NCH

Healthcare System and Nicklaus Children’s Health Sys tem have announced a collaboration with the goal of keeping children in Southwest Florida who require specialty pediatric care closer to home.

Nicklaus Children’s, through its multispecialty medical group practice Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Specialists, will provide inpatient services for NICU, PICU/Peds patients as well as new born routine screenings. NCH is taking over the newborn hearing screenings.

Nicklaus Children’s Health System is the parent organization of Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Specialists and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, a 309-bed pediatric specialty hospital in Miami. NCH’s plans call for development of a Level III NICU as well as expansion

Martin de St. Pierre

of the level and number of pediatric specialties offered.

“Today marks a wonderful collaboration that not only helps us meet that goal, but, more importantly, will allow more children in need of specialized pediatric care to get it … right here at NCH and close to home … with fewer needing to be transferred out side Collier County,” said Paul Hiltz, president and CEO, NCH Healthcare System.

Starting Oct. 1, Nicklaus Children’s will provide inpatient pediatric coverage at the NCH North Naples Hospital located at 11190 Health Park Blvd. in Naples.

Visit www.nicklaushealth.org or www.nchmd.org.

Golden PAWS Hosts First Teen Champion Volunteer Program

This past summer, Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs offered its first volunteer program for teens. The Teen Champions Program provided an opportunity for local high school teens to contribute to their community, develop unique skills, and explore the world of service dog training.

Ten teens, ages 16-18, participated in the summer pilot pro gram. They worked alongside staff and volunteer handlers who pro vided guidance and training. Each participant had the opportunity to assist with the total care and training of several service dogs in the new Golden PAWS facility from June to August.

“We are so thankful and grateful for these teens; they really did a the church of the Open Helping Hands, and Loving Hearts.

great job,” said Jeannie C. Bates, founder and CEO of Golden PAWS. Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs is a nonprofit organization that promotes independence for combat wounded veterans and children with life-changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs. Golden PAWS dogs are always placed at no cost to those they serve. Visit www.GoldenPaws.org or call 239-775-1660.Your Community Here. the church of the Open Mind, and Loving

Left to Right: Class of 2022 Golden PAWS Teen Champions Amia Meikle, Cali Bean, LeighAnne Patterson, Andrew Krivda, Bella Forrester, and Erin Garry.

NCH, CCF, and LifeVac Distribute Free Choking Rescue Kits in Naples NCH

Healthcare System, LifeVac, and Collier Community Foundation last month gave away hundreds of LifeVac chok ing rescue device kits to local restaurants, schools, and hotels for these establishments to have on hand for the unexpected moment that someone starts choking.

Neapolitan Family will be giving away 10 LifeVacs to readers. Check https://neafamily.com for details.

Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States, according to the National Safety Coun cil’s Injury Facts, and can be more prevalent in the elderly, children, and those with swallowing difficulties. The Heimlich maneuver remains the gold standard for attempting to unblock the airway of a choking victim. But for those untrained in the technique, the LifeVac could help save a life in an emergency.

“LifeVac is a simple device that has saved hundreds of lives around the world. It’s as easy as place, push, pull,” said Michael Plunkett, president of LifeVac, during a recent presentation at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in Naples.

To date, 483 lives, including 270 children, have been saved with the device, according to Arthur Lih, founder and CEO of LifeVac. Equipping local businesses and schools with LifeVac is

“how we change the world. Forever,” Lih said. “You guys will save a life. I promise.”

At the event, representatives of local schools, restaurants, and hotels picked up free LifeVac devices and were given brief instructions on their use. All costs were covered by donations procured by the NCH Healthcare System and the Collier Community Foundation.

“NCH Healthcare System is always looking for ways to safe guard the health of our community,” said Paul Hiltz, president and CEO, NCH Healthcare System. “The LifeVac choking rescue tool is just one more way where NCH Healthcare System can help make a difference in our community and possibly save a life.”

To purchase a device, visit www.lifevac.net.

Marching Band Showcase at Barron Collier HS in October

The music, the moves, the precision: High school marching bands in Southwest Florida are impressive. The average size of our Collier County Public Schools marching bands is more than 200 students. Altogether, more than 1,200 students are involved in a CCPS high school band program, which repre sents nearly 10% of the total high school population.

With those numbers, it is no surprise that the Florida Bandmasters Association announced the formation of District 22, which is made up of Collier County schools only.

Why does this matter? The FBA is the organization responsible for rating high school marching bands through music performance assessments, or MPAs. In the past, Collier schools had to travel to other areas to participate. This year, however, we’re excited to announce that our MPA events will occur right here in Collier County.

What does this mean for you? A great show, of course!

Our first MPA event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Barron Collier High School and will feature all of our county’s high school marching bands. To open the event, CCPS’ middle school bands will take to the field at 6:45 p.m. to perform

the national anthem. Attendees then will be treated to shows from each of our phe nomenal high school marching bands.

“This event is always popular,” ex plained Skip Pardee, coordinator of fine arts for CCPS. “It offers a chance to see each of our amazing marching bands perform live, all in one place.”

Tickets for the Collier County March ing Band MPA may be purchased online by visiting www.collierschools.com. The concession stand will be open, and proceeds benefit the BCHS marching band. Arrive early for a good seat, and witness a spectacu lar show of talent by our #CCPSFamily! Visit www.collierschools.com.

Barron Collier High School Marching Band

SEVERAL

Reuben Martin

Pumpkin Patches

FARMER MIKE’S U PICK 26031 MORTON AVE., BONITA SPRINGS 239-498-4576

• WWW.FARMERMIKESUPICK.COM

Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and hay bales for sale. U Pick pumpkins. Oct. 1-31, Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note: Fall festival activities are Friday-Sunday only.

HEAVENLY EVERGREENS

8200 IMMOKALEE RD., NAPLES 276-768-7676

WWW.HEAVENLYEVERGREENS1.BLOGSPOT.COM

Pumpkins for sale and props for great family photos. Open first week of October through the end of the month, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 12-7 p.m. Sundays.

31 PRODUCE

18672 STATE ROAD 31, ALVA 239-313-8213

• WWW.31PRODUCE.COM

Pumpkins, bounce house, vendors, petting zoo, free tractor rides (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and more. Free admission and parking. Oct. 8-19, 15-16, and 22-23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NORTH NAPLES CHURCH 6000 GOODLETTE RD. N., NAPLES 239-593-7600

• WWW.NNCHURCH.ORG

Stop by to purchase pumpkins, corn stalks, and gourds and take your favorite fall family photos. Oct. 15-31, MondayFriday, 3-7 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Trunk or Treats

AVOW-LOWEEN TRUNK OR TREAT 1095 WHIPPOORWILL LANE, NAPLES 239-261-4404

• WWW.AVOWCARES.ORG

Kids will pick up an individually packaged bag of candy after parading past Halloween-decorated trunks. Meet fire fighters and Stars Wars characters. Bring your own bag or bucket. Friday, Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT BIG CORKSCREW ISLAND REGIONAL PARK 810 39TH AVE. N.E., NAPLES 239-252-4927

• WWW.COLLIERPARKS.COM

Parking spots given at time of check-in. $5 per spot. Friday, Oct. 21, 6-9 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NAPLES 3000 ORANGE BLOSSOM DR., Naples 239-597-6057

• WWW.FIRSTNAPLES.ORG/KIDS

A free night of fun! Fill your bags with candy, play games, and wear your favorite non-scary costume. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6:30-8 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT

NAPLES AREA BOARD OF REALTORS

1455 PINE RIDGE RD., NAPLES 239-597-1666

• WWW.NAPLESAREA.COM

Dress up and collect candy. Free. Friday, Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT IMMOKALEE COMMUNITY PARK 321 N. FIRST ST., IMMOKALEE 239-252-4449 • WWW.COLLIERPARKS.COM

Music, face painting, food, costume contest, and tons of spooky fun. Friday, Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m.

SPOOKTACULAR NIGHT:

TRUNK OR TREAT AND MOVIE IN THE PARK ESTERO PARK & REC CENTER 9200 CORKSCREW PALMS BLVD., ESTERO 239-533-1470 • WWW.LEEPARKS.ORG

Trunk or treat, pumpkin decorating contest, food trucks, and viewing of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Saturday, Oct. 29, 4-9 p.m.

BOO BASH & TRUNK OR TREAT SAM FLEISHMAN SPORTS COMPLEX 1750 MATTHEW DR., FORT MYERS 239-321-7553 • WWW.LEEPARKS.ORG

Trunk or treat, movie in the park, face painting, and trunk competition. Saturday, Oct. 29, 5-8 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT FLEISCHMANN PARK 1600 FLEISCHMANN BLVD., NAPLES 239-213-3020 • WWW.NAPLESGOV.COM/PARKSREC

Collect candy from families and local organizations. Saturday, Oct. 29, 6-7 p.m. $3 per person.

TRICK OR TREAT FLEAMASTERS FLEAMARKET 4135 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD., FORT MYERS 239-334-7001 • WWW.FLEAMALL.COM

Show off your costume and get free candy. Costume contest. Sunday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fall Festivals

FALL FESTIVAL AND CORN MAZES

FARMER MIKE’S U PICK

26031 MORTON AVE., BONITA SPRINGS 239-498-4576 • WWW.FARMERMIKESUPICK.COM

Bounce houses, corn box, crafts, pumpkins for sale and U Pick pumpkins, activities, and food available for purchase. Family-friendly corn maze and

SOUTH REGIONAL LIBRARY 8065 LELY CULTURAL PKWY., NAPLES 239-252-7542

• WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

FALL FESTIVAL AT SOUTHERN FRESH FARM

8500 PENZANCE BLVD., FORT MYERS 239-768-0309

Halloween games, stories, crafts, songs, and more. Don’t forget to dress in costume! Registration is required. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2-3 p.m.

• WWW.SOUTHERNFRESH.FARM

Pumpkins, hayrides, animals, food trucks, and spooky walk. Saturdays and Sundays in October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

X HALLOWEEN TRAIN RIDES

NAPLES LIONEL TRAN MUSEUM, 401 10TH ST. S., NAPLES 239-262-1766

• WWW.NAPLESTRAINMUSEUM.ORG

FALL FESTIVAL AND HAUNTED NIGHTS

SPRINGTIME FARMS ADVENTURE PARK

10761 AQUA VISTA LANE, NORTH FORT MYERS 239-309-0630

• WWW.SPRINGTIMEPLANTFARM.COM

Come for a Halloween train ride. See Lionel’s Harry Potter train. Watch the Orange Blossom Express arrive at the depot, and more. Admission (includes train ride): $8 for ages 13 and older, $4 for ages 3-13, free for ages 3 and younger. Friday, Oct. 29 & Saturday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pumpkin patch, maze, hayrides, petting farm, inflatables, and more. Through Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Haunted Nights on Fridays and Saturdays, 7-9:30 p.m.

X SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE

PUMPKIN PALOOZA FLEAMASTERS FLEAMARKET

NAPLES LIBRARY 650 CENTRAL AVE., NAPLES 239-252-5135

4135 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD., FORT MYERS 239-334-7001

• WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

• WWW.FLEAMALL.COM

Hotel Transylvania 3, rated PG. Registration not required. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m.

Pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, balloon twisters, face paint ing, live music, and more. Saturday, Oct. 8, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

X PRESCHOOL NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY 21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO 239-533-4400

LAKES PARK FALL FESTIVAL LAKES REGIONAL PARK 7330 GLADIOLUS DR., FORT MYERS 239-533-7578

• WWW.LAKESPARK.ORG

• WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY Spooktacular stories, songs, and crafts. Wear your costume for a parade inside the library. Ages 3-5. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Pumpkin patch, bounce houses, hayrides, Halloween Express train, and concessions. Oct 14-30, see website for hours.

Spooky magic, mystery, and fun. Ages 6-11. Registration is

www.naplesdancearts.com

FALL FESTIVAL

NORTH FORT MYERS COMMUNITY PARK

2000 N. RECREATION PKWY., NORTH FORT MYERS 239-533-7200 • WWW.LEEPARKS.ORG

Face painting, candy, games, DJ, photo booth, prizes, costume contest, and more. Friday, Oct. 21, 6-9 p.m.

CAPE CORAL OKTOBERFEST

GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB

2101 SW PINE ISLAND RD., CAPE CORAL 239-283-1400 • WWW.CAPECORALOKTOBERFEST.COM

German food, beer, live music, dancing, and carnival area for kids. Oct. 21-23 and 28-30, see website for times.

STONE CRAB FESTIVAL

TIN CITY, 1200 5TH AVE. S., NAPLES WWW.STONECRABFESTIVAL.COM

Live music, delicious stone crab, free admission. Friday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 30, see website for times.

FALL FESTIVAL

COVENANT CHURCH, 6926 TRAIL BLVD., NAPLES 239-597-3464 • WWW.COVENANTNAPLES.COM

Open to the community. Free Parking. Food available for purchase. Hay rides, rock wall, inflatables, and more. Friday, Nov. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Halloween & Fall Events

PUMPKIN SPICE COMEDY NIGHT

THE NAPLES PLAYERS

701 5TH AVE. S., NAPLES 239-263-7990

• WWW.NAPLESPLAYERS.ORG

It’s autumn in SWFL, and time to enjoy the season with some family-friendly comedy. Saturday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m.

LA CALAVERA CATRINA NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN 4820 BAYSHORE DR., NAPLES 239-643-7275 • WWW.NAPLESGARDEN.ORG

The exhibit features eight sculptures of La Catrina, one of the most recognizable figures of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Join us for a Día de los Muertos Celebration Nov. 5-6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit runs Oct. 1-Jan. 29.

SAFARI SQUAD: PUMPKIN PATCH

NAPLES ZOO AND CARIBBEAN GARDENS

1590 GOODLETTE-FRANK RD., NAPLES 239-920-2085

• WWW.NAPLESZOO.ORG

For ages 1-4. Learn about some our fa-BOO-lous animal friends. Wednesdays and Fridays in October, 9-10 a.m.

PRESCHOOL NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO 239-533-4400

• WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

Spooktacular stories, songs, and crafts. Wear your costume for a parade inside the library. Ages 3-5. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

PRE-READERS SPOOKY DANCE PARTY

BONITA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

10560 REYNOLDS ST., BONITA SPRINGS 239-533-4860

• WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

Celebrate the season with a spooky dance party. We’ll sing and dance and then cool off with bubble time. Ages 2-5. Thursday, Oct. 13, 10:30-11 a.m.

HALLOWEEN-THEMED KIDS’ NIGHT OUT

DONNA FIALA EAGLE LAKES COMMUNITY PARK

11565 TAMIAMI TR. E., NAPLES 239-252-3527

• WWW.COLLIERPARKS.COM

Enjoy themed games and activities. Costumes encouraged. $10 per child. Ages 5-11. Friday, Oct. 14, 6-8:30 p.m.

HAUNTED GROSS HOUSE COLLIER FAIRGROUNDS

June 20 Aug 5, 9 am to 12 pm, Monday Friday Ages 7+, $20 per day Pre registration required for Our Annual Workshop June 1 30, Ages 7+, Some Experience Necessary Classes for Ages 7+ Start August 15 Registration is Open! Jig Ages 4 6 S L Dance Dance 4-6,

751 39TH AVE. N.E., NAPLES 239-455-1444

• WWW.COLLIERFAIR.COM

At press time, event was still in planning stages. Please confirm before attending. Don’t miss Naples’ scariest haunted house. On Oct. 29, trunk or treat from 7:30-8:30 p.m., costume contest at 8 p.m. $10. Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 7-10 p.m.

HALLOWEEN MAGIC WITH JOEY EVANS SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO 239-533-4400

• WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

Spooky magic, mystery, and fun. Ages 6-11. Registration is required. Saturday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m.

HALLOWEEN JACK-O-LANTERN CRAFT ESTATES LIBRARY

1266 GOLDEN GATE BLVD. W., NAPLES 239-252-7109

• WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

Turn a glass baby food jar into a jack-o-lantern. Best for ages 6-10. Registration required. Monday, Oct. 17, 3-4 p.m

HAUNTED HOEDOWN MERCATO SHOPS, NAPLES 239-254-1080 • WWW.MERCATOSHOPS.COM

DJ, face painting, stilt walker, candy, costume contest, and more. Stick around for a free screening of Ghostbusters (2016) at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 5:30-9 p.m. 7:30 A.M. 5:30 Mini Summer Camp!

BOO AT THE ZOO

NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS

1590 GOODLETTE-FRANK RD., NAPLES 239-920-2085

• WWW.NAPLESZOO.ORG

Free admission for children 12 and younger in costume. Only adults accompanying children may dress in costume. Trick-or-treating trail, magic show, education stations, character meet-and-greets, jugglers, professional pumpkin carver, photo opportunities, and more. All activities included in admission. Oct. 21-23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CANDY HAUNTED HOUSE CREATIONS

VINEYARDS COMMUNITY PARK 6231 ARBOR BLVD. W., NAPLES 239-252-4105

• WWW.COLLIERPARKS.COM

Use an assortment of candy, frosting, and cookies to design a haunted candy house. Ages 4-11. $10. Registration required. Friday, Oct. 21, 5-6:30 p.m.

FAMILY HALLOWEEN MONSTER BASH

GOLDEN GATE COMMUNITY CENTER

4701 GOLDEN GATE PKWY., NAPLES 239-252-4180

• WWW.COLLIERPARKS.COM

A fun night of dancing, music, games, and treats. All guests must be in family-friendly costumes to attend. All ages. $3. Friday, Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m.

HALLOWEEN HOWL EAST NAPLES COMMUNITY PARK 3500 THOMASSON DR., NAPLES 239-252-4414

• WWW.COLLIERPARKS.COM

A fun-filled night of tricks and treats. Haunted house, games, activities, and inflatables. $3. Friday, Oct. 21, 6-8:30 p.m

SPOOKY FUN HALLOWEEN SCIENCE CRUISE

PURE FLORIDA, 1200 5TH AVE. S., NAPLES 239-263-4949

• WWW.PUREFL.COM

Hands-on Halloween-themed science experiments and dem onstrations. Kids receive bag of Halloween candy and an experiment to take home. After the show, families will enjoy a 90-minute cruise. Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.

OWL-O-WEEN

GORE NATURE CENTER EDUCATION CENTER

4261 40TH AVE. S.E., NAPLES 239-308-0281

WWW.CCLANDKEEPERS.COM/EVENTS

Stories, activities, costume contest, and nature hike. Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

PIONEER PUMPKIN PALOOZA IMMOKALEE PIONEER MUSEUM AT ROBERTS RANCH 1215 ROBERTS AVE. W., IMMOKALEE 239-252-2611 • WWW.COLLIERMUSEUMS.COM

Fun and educational activities, such as face painting, arts & crafts, and more. Oct. 21-22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ALL ABOUT MASKS FAMILY DAY COLLIER MUSEUM AT GOVERNMENT CENTER

3331 TAMIAMI TR. E., NAPLES 239-252-8476

WWW.COLLIERMUSEUMS.COM

Crafts, games, and activities for the whole family. Reservations not required. Free. Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES 15080 LIVINGSTON RD., NAPLES 239-514-0084 • WWW.CMON.ORG

Come in costume for not-so-spooky Halloween games, activi ties, and trick-or-treating for the whole family. Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE AND TREATS HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY

2385 ORANGE BLOSSOM DR., NAPLES 239-252-7371 • WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

Join our parade, and enjoy games, a craft, and a treat. All ages. Registration required. Monday, Oct. 24, 6-7 p.m.

HALLOWEEN PARTY: PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT MAX A. HASSE JR. COMMUNITY PARK

3390 GOLDEN GATE BLVD. W, NAPLES 239-252-4200 • WWW.COLLIERPARKS.COM

Music, cookie decorating, and a costume contest. Slice of pizza and drink included. Ages 5-11. Registration required. Friday, Oct. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL VANDERBILT BEACH LIBRARY

788 VANDERBILT BEACH RD., NAPLES 239-252-7160 • WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

Put on your Halloween costume (optional) and join our festival. Make some crafts and play fun games. Don’t forget: It’s trick or treat! Ages 3 years and older. Registration not required. Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN PARTY

MOSAIC KIDS

14700 TAMIAMI TR. N., NAPLES 239-631-2953

• WWW.MOSAIC-KIDS.COM

A sensory-friendly Halloween party with trick-or-treating, Halloween activities, open play, and more. Costumes are op tional. $16 per child. Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

HALLOWEEN TRAIN RIDES

NAPLES LIONEL TRAN MUSEUM, 401 10TH ST. S., NAPLES WWW.NAPLESTRAINMUSEUM.ORG

Come for a Halloween train ride. See Lionel’s Harry Pot ter train. Watch the Orange Blossom Express arrive at the depot, and more. Friday, Oct. 29 & Saturday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

5TH AVENUE HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR CAMBIER PARK

755 8TH AVE. S., NAPLES 239-692-8436

• WWW.FIFTHAVENUESOUTH.COM

Fun events for families, including live music, street danc ing, costume contest, games and more. Saturday, Oct. 29, 12-3 p.m.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR SOUTH REGIONAL LIBRARY 8065 LELY CULTURAL PKWY., NAPLES 239-252-7542

• WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

Halloween games, stories, crafts, songs, and more. Don’t forget to dress in costume! Registration is required. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2-3 p.m.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR MARCO ISLAND FRANK E. MACKLE PARK 1361 ANDALUSIA TERRACE, MARCO ISLAND 239-642-0575

• WWW.CITYOFMARCOISLAND.COM

Costume contest, music, games, hay rides, treats, and more. Free. Saturday, Oct. 29, 4-6 p.m.

NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KID’S GYM 17640 S. TAMIAMI TR., SUITE 309, FORT MYERS 239-362-3378

WWW.WEROCKTHESPECTRUMFORTMYERS.COM

Open play, glow-in-the-dark balloon drop, Halloween-themed dance party, pizza, and treats. Registration required. Saturday, Oct. 29, 5-8 p.m.

HOWL-O-WEEN DOGGIE COSTUME CONTEST

VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK 1895 VETERANS PARK DR., NAPLES 239-252-4682

• WWW.COLLIERPARKS.COM

Bring your dog to participate in our costume contest. Prizes. Saturday, Oct. 29, time TBA.

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 www.onceuponachildnaples.com

HALLOWEEN BASH SHELL FACTORY & NATURE PARK 16554 N. CLEVELAND AVE., NORTH FORT MYERS 239-995-2141 • WWW.SHELLFACTORY.COM

Free trick or treat from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mini carnival from 12-3 p.m. Crafts, games, prizes, freebies for kids in costume. Sunday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WONDERWEEN THE WONDER GARDENS 27180 OLD 41 ROAD, BONITA SPRINGS 239-992-2591 • WWW.WONDERGARDENS.ORG

Raffle prizes, Halloween-themed games, costume contest, raffle prizes, and more. Sunday, Oct. 30, 12-2 p.m.

JACK-O-LANTERN JUBILEE WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KID’S GYM 17640 S. TAMIAMI TR., SUITE 309, FORT MYERS 239-362-3378

WWW.WEROCKTHESPECTRUMFORTMYERS.COM

Open play, pumpkin painting, indoor trick-or-treat stations, and snacks. Registration required. Monday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Should You Yumble?

Another food service has materialized, boasting high quality, nourishing kids meals, delivered to your door: Yumble. What could be better? Marketing across media platforms to moms like me, Yumble curates a variety of plates from which children may select. There are many meal choices are available, and options change regularly.

Various levels of subscriptions meet a variety of needs. Additionally, these ready-to-heat-and-eat meals are all ready to go: no assembly required! Meals arrive in cooler-type boxes and remain fresh for up to seven days. Yumble provides nu tritionally balanced options with fresh,

seasonally available fruits and vegetables, and they have developed nutritious, kidpleasing meals. Additionally, Yumble has developed a prize system that encourages children to enter nutrition goals and rein force healthy choices to earn points they may redeem for prizes. This system excites children about healthful eating choices and encourages good habits.

We tried Yumble’s six-meal delivery option. My daughter, Winnie, and I se lected the meals together, and (yahoo!) the meals arrived just as I was about to go out of town. As I left, I was comfort ed knowing Winnie would have some fast-and-easy-for-my-husband-to-access

nourishment that had nothing to do with a drive-thru.

Though she enjoyed some meals more than others, Winnie ate it all – the portions were manageable, yet filling (my husband took a small “dad tax” of a couple items, too, just to (ahem) “check for poison”). Winnie’s favorite meal was the cheese ravioli with organic tomatoes in a veggie-packed marinara sauce. Other highlights included the cheesy beef and noodles with diced sweet potatoes; cheesestuffed soft pretzel bites with beef meat balls and marinara sauce; and a pepperoni pizza bagel and vegetables.

Each meal costs $6.99-$9.99, de pending on the number of meals pur chased. Shipping is included. For our household, the price is too high for a regu lar subscription, but I would consider ran dom orders depending on the situation. Ordering a box of Yumble dinners would ensure nutritious meals for our daughter if we were out of town.

The meals would be nice to have on hand for a busy week night. And I could see it working well for families who want easy meal prep for a nanny, babysitter, or grandparent.

In short, Yumble was lovely in my out-of-town situation. For busy families focusing on health and wellness, Yumble may represent a fantastic investment in family nutrition. If you do order, let me know your kids’ favorites – I’d like to be even better prepared for my next kid-free out-of-town adventure!

Visit www.yumblekids.com.

Courtesy of Yumble

Preventing Domestic Violence Saves Lives in the Home and Community

By Linda Oberhaus

Brooke was physically, emotionally, and financially bankrupt when she arrived at The Shelter for Abused Women & Children in Naples with a garbage bag of clothes and her two dogs.

At 20, she had been abused her entire life, first by her mother and then by her boyfriend, Jeff. Although he did not work, Jeff took over their finances and withheld money to control and punish Brooke. She lived in constant fear. If she came home late from work, she was threatened or physically abused. Sometimes Jeff would show up at her workplace and harass her in front of her coworkers.

Socially isolated, Brooke’s only source of happiness was spending time with her dogs. When Jeff began to abuse them, she took a coworker’s advice and came to The Shelter because it had a kennel. She ar rived bruised, broken, and ashamed.

Brooke’s story is not unique. Last year in Collier County, there were more than 1,500 9-1-1 calls regarding domestic vio lence. Chances are very likely you know at least one of these victims because domestic violence crosses all ethnic, economic, and geographic boundaries, from Port Royal to Immokalee.

At The Shelter, Brooke had time to focus on herself and heal. She received counseling and came to understand the abuse she suffered was not her fault. She also took part in The Shelter’s economic empowerment classes, applied for a credit card, and opened a savings account. She found the self-confidence to eventually enroll in technical college and move into her own apartment.

October is National Domestic Vio lence Awareness Month. Statistics show that one in three women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, finan cial, and almost always a combination. The batterer may deny or deflect blame onto others and use intimidation, coercion, and threats to control their victim(s). Many, like Brooke, suffer in silence, unsure where to turn for help.

In addition to emergency refuge, The Shelter provides counseling, outreach

services, legal and court assistance, financial education, prevention programs, community education classes, and more. Our two-year transitional living program features nine three-bedroom, two-bath cottages that provide survivors with affordable housing as they work toward financial independence.

Although The Shelter probably is best known for providing protection, it is only one leg of its three-pronged mission – to prevent, to protect, to prevail.

Prevention is the key to social change. It begins at home, at school, and in the workplace. In partnership with Collier County Public Schools, The Shelter presents age-appropriate program ming designed to prevent domestic violence before it even begins. Young children receive the message that “Hands are for helping, not for hurting.” Teens learn to recognize unhealthy relation ships and early signs of domestic violence. Through the Raising Gentle’men program, young men and boys challenge traditional male stereotypes of aggression and control. The Shelter’s com munity and professional education programs provide employers, medical personnel, and first responders with the tools needed to recognize and provide assistance when they suspect abuse.

Brooke’s life might have been different had she learned the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Perhaps her employer or physician might have intervened had they known the signs of abuse and how to offer her assistance. Jeff’s life might have been impacted by a Raising Gentle’men advocate. We will never know.

What we do know is that the failure to recognize and report domestic violence puts the entire community at risk, because vio lence in the home does not stop at the front door. It seeps out into our workplaces, schools, social circles, and places of worship. We see the tragic results in the headlines every day.

In addition to the devastating cost these crimes have on vic tims, the financial cost to the community is substantial. In 2021, costs associated with domestic violence in Collier County exceed ed $30 million in law enforcement, court costs, medical care, so cial services, lost wages, and job productivity.

We cannot remain silent upon experiencing, witnessing, or hearing about incidents of domestic violence. We must take a stand to help victims and, ultimately, put an end to domestic vio lence in Collier County.

Assistance is a phone call away. If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, call The Shelter’s crisis line at 239-775-1101. To learn how you can help end domestic violence in our community, check www.naplesshelter.org.

National

“The failure to recognize and report domestic violence puts the entire community at risk, because violence in the home does not stop at the front door.”

—Linda Oberhaus, CEO

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Get That Fall Feeling in Florida

Everything from pumpkins to costumes to fall foliage is so different when you are celebrating a hot Halloween. Up north, it’s not unusual to carve a pumpkin a week before the holiday and then set it out to be admired. That can’t happen here. Florida’s heat and humidity are still prevalent in October, so early carving isn’t an option unless you want a soggy, moldy mess. It’s not uncommon for people here to paint the faces on their pumpkins or just leave them in their natural state. Pumpkins shrivel up because they run out of moisture.

A cut pumpkin will gradually develop a thin film of white mold, and eventually black or grey mold. Since they are moist, any bit of exposed pumpkin guts will go moldy very quickly. For those who still want to pull out the gooey seeds and carve that scary or funny face, here are some tips to help this gourd last a bit longer.

• Make a solution of one tablespoon bleach and one quart water, and spray the inside and all cut areas of the pumpkin. Leave on for about 20 minutes and then rub the carved surfaces with petroleum

Fall Classes

SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER AT THE CENTERS!

We welcome kids ages 4+ to our innovative Fall Program, which includes courses in Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Design, 3D Printing and Film Making; Performing Arts: Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop & Broadway Jazz Dance; plus, this season is packed full of great Theatrical Opportunities onstage and off! Check out our Fully Staged Theatre Productions and workshops in Singing, Special FX Makeup, Accents & Dialects and more! Conveninet Class Times: Homeschool · After School · Saturdays CATALOG

jelly. This helps keep out bacteria and mold.

• Soak the pumpkin in a solution of one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water for about eight hours. The pumpkin should be completely submerged. After soaking, pat dry with paper towels.

• Submerge the pumpkin in a solution of 10 parts water and one part vinegar for about 30 minutes. Then let it air dry.

• Spray the pumpkin with hairspray or an acrylic finish to seal in some of the freshness.

• Spray the inside of the pumpkin

Photo by Andrea Stetson

with a solution of one tablespoon pepper mint dish soap or several drops of pepper mint oil in a quart of water. Peppermint is a natural anti-fungal and will slow the decomposition process.

• Refrigerate the pumpkin.

• PumpkinPatchesAndMore.org sug gests cleaning the surface of the pumpkin and the interior with a teaspoon of bleach per one quart of water to sterilize the gourd, killing any existing bacteria. Let it dry fully before you start carving. After carving sub merge it in a bucket filled with water and 2/3 cup of bleach. Leave the pumpkin to soak for up to 24 hours. Next add a layer of petroleum jelly, vegetable oil, or WD-40 on the carved edges. Since all three are flamma ble, don’t put a candle inside your pumpkin.

• If you see your pumpkin starting to wilt, rehydrate it by giving it an overnight ice bath.

Locals know exactly what happens to pumpkins that are carved too early.

“We do carve them the day before Halloween,” said Susie DeLadurantey, mother of three children ages 6, 4, and 2. “We can put them out on the table on Halloween before they rot the next day.”

Before Halloween DeLadurantey gives her children stickers to put on the pumpkin for decoration.

“Even Kassidy can put the stickers on, and she is 2,” DeLadurantey said. “The adults have to carve the pumpkin, but the kids can do the stickers all by themselves.”

Sarah Jordan, who has two sons ages 4 and 3, also carves her pumpkins the day before Halloween.

“We paint them, too,” she said about other ways to get her gourds to last longer.

Cool costumes

Walk into any Halloween shop or big box store and you will see racks of cute costume creations such as furry lions, long-sleeve dinosaurs, wrap-around sweet peas for infants, and more. Great costumes if you live somewhere cold. But on our sweltering, hot, humid Halloween nights something else is needed. Here are some local finds:

• Party City has a Moana costume that is sleeveless and a Wonder Woman costume with short sleeves. There’s also a pretty purple shimmering sleeveless but terfly costume with a light wispy skirt.

• Spirit Halloween has short-sleeve Minecraft character costumes that can be coordinated with shorts and a t-shirt. The store also stocks a sleeveless Space Jam costume.

• Amazon has inflatable costumes that allow you to coordinate with your own sleeveless or short-sleeve shirts. For example, there is an inflatable dinosaur or raptor that a child slips their legs into, leaving the upper torso ready for a light weight shirt.

There are always homemade options. When my son was younger LEGO bricks were everything to him. So a cardboard box was painted red, cups were glued to the outside for the little bumps, and arm holes were cut. Underneath he simply wore shorts and a T-shirt. Meanwhile, my daughter trick-or-treated in a homemade mermaid costume.

DeLadurantey has a great idea for her three kid’s costumes that also beat the heat of a SWFL Halloween.

“We get character pajamas so they can use them throughout the year,” she

explained. “We buy pirate or lion pajamas on Amazon. They look so cute, and they can use them all year.”

Jordan’s oldest son wants to be a Zelda character, while her younger one plans to be a giant heart. “We make a lot of our costumes,” she explained.

A little feeling of fall

You might think there’s no chance of seeing fall leaves in Southwest Florida, but you can get that feeling on Livings ton Road, just north of Immokalee Road. Here the median is lined with Golden Rain trees. These trees boast yellow blos soms that turn into orangeish paper lanterns in the fall months that dangle from the tree in a spectacular explosion of color.

Scott Windham, of Windham Studio Inc., is the landscape architect consultant who originally designed these medians. Since Livingston was a new road, cutting through wilderness, he had the opportu nity to create a new type of experience for motorists.

“We thought it would be nice to have some seasonal color,” Windham said.

So he planted the Ipe Tabebuia that have lavender pink blossoms as well as the Golden Rain trees.

“The reason we selected the Golden Rain tree was to provide interest and beau ty,” Windham explained. “It is unique be cause it has yellow flowers in summertime, but ... the seed pod, which comes on in the fall, is that beautiful salmon color. So many people comment on it. It is special. It’s our fall leaves. It’s our little feeling of fall.”

Finding the Right Tutor for Your Child

Parents typically hire a tutor when their child is falling a bit behind in one school subject or another. But today, with many families choosing virtual learning options for their students, selecting a tutor to provide additional individual instruc tion takes on even more importance.

Whatever the reason, hiring a tutor is a serious venture. You don’t want to risk adding more stress to your child’s life, and the additional expense can be a strain on your budget. You definitely want the dollars spent to bring positive results, and help move your child’s education forward.

Here are some things to consider when looking for the best tutor for your child:

Safety and convenience

Your primary concern is for the well-being of your child. You’ll be entrusting your little learner into the hands of another adult. Be sure to get references and check them out. Ask the tutor if online sessions are available. Make sure you are comfortable with the environment in which your child will be learning.

Skills and experience

The best tutors are current or former teachers. They are certi fied and have lots of experience with children needing additional support. Sometimes businesses that offer tutoring for children are able to provide encouraging lessons in basic subjects, but just as often their teachers are not certified and have limited experience in teaching a subject with multiple learning styles in mind. They may not be able to present a lesson in a number of different ways to help the child understand.

Occasionally a family member may be able to step in and help your child in a certain subject. In that case, work with your child’s teacher to get proper materials for the lessons. It’s important that the tutoring sessions not confuse your learner by teaching lessons that conflict in any way with the classroom expectations.

Be sure that you work with your child’s teachers and the tutor to set specific goals for the time spent in tutoring sessions. One good way to build learning confidence is to see progress over time as certain goals are met.

Patience, empathy, and kindness

Children who have fallen behind in their classroom work often are very discouraged. They may feel they can’t learn and may have taken a hit to their self-esteem. So anything additional in their schedule can feel like punishment. Avoid that possibility by hiring someone who understands the problem and offers nothing but positive lessons presented in small, bite-sized pieces so that failure is not an option.

Good tutors will have games and activities that are both instructional and fun. They may use a reward system that encour ages a bit of risk-taking, but also makes your child feel hopeful and accomplished.

A good tutor is on task but upbeat and friendly. They will be patient but expect the best, so that sessions are worthwhile and have specific milestones to achieve. Often charts and stickers work

very well for younger children who have not been able to earn them in class.

Enthusiasm for the subject, positivity

Typically children who have experienced a degree of failure are sure that they’re “bad at math” or “bad at reading.” A good tutor can present material in a way so that your child can shine. And enthusiasm for the fun of reading a good book or solving a math problem literally can change your child’s mind about that subject. An enthusiastic tutor who truly loves the subject matter may be able to overshadow all those unhappy experiences in the classroom and offer your child new hope.

Reliability

Your family’s schedule is important, and adding a tutoring session may be a stretch for you. So if your tutor is not on time, or fails to measure up in any way, please feel free to find another one.

It’s also a good idea to schedule tutoring sessions for a month or two at a time and then re-evaluate the need for the extra support. You may decide that the extra boost in learning was all your child needed to get back on track. Or you may decide that certain times of the year are just too busy to add another commitment. Maybe waiting until spring or even summer would be the best choice for your family.

It’s important that your child never feel that working with a tutor is an embarrassment or a punishment. It may be wise to explain that throughout history children have worked with tutors and that classroom instruction is a relatively new way to learn.

Finding the best tutor for your child will take some research and time. Engaging the tutor will cost some money. But a strong, capable tutor may be just the boost your child needs to become a confident, successful learner.

Questions to Ask a Tutor

. What is your teaching philosophy?

. Where will the sessions take place?

. How long is each session?

. How much is each session?

. What is your cancellation policy?

. What are your qualifications?

. How long have you been tutoring?

. What experience do you have with different learning styles?

. How do you measure a child’s

. What if my child doesn’t

. How can I best support my child outside of the

. How often will you communicate with me and/or my child’s teacher?

Destination: Sarasota

The flying trapeze, the circus trains, and Miss WitchyPOO

Permit me, please, a little backstory. Once upon a time, a mile-long train carrying outrageously color ful caravans and hundreds of performers rolled into towns all over the country, packed with clowns and jeweled ladies and white horses, wild animals imported from India and Africa, and the most dar ing, death-defying aerialists of all time, the Flying Wallendas. Small towns pretty much shut down because practically everybody came to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: The Greatest Show on Earth. Adrenaline was high. The clowns with their pratfalls and pies in the face were hilarious. Back then it didn’t occur to our grandparents that it’s not okay to see lions, tigers, and bears cowering on pedestals before a man with a chair and a whip. They honestly weren’t aware that “tamers” were piercing baby elephants and their mamas with bullhooks so they’d “behave.”

Enlightenment began in the 1990s Grownups and kids alike preferred to encounter animals in more natural habitats. Finally, under pressure in 2016, Ringling began to remove elephants, bears, and big cats. In 2107, 146 years after it began, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus died.

Or … did it?

Not a chance. Sarasota was the win ter home of John Ringling, his circus, and generations of performers, so the culture runs deep. The Circus Arts Conservatory still teaches kids and grownups to flip, fly, and soar on the flying trapeze. It presents seasonal circus shows at the historic Asolo Theater, and since 1949 has run Sailor Circus Academy, producing “The Greatest ‘Little’ Show on Earth.”

And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls … exactly one year from now, the Greatest Show on Earth will re-emerge more spectacular and adrenaline-inducing than your grandparents ever imagined. All without a single elephant, lion, or tiger.

Audition anyone?

Are you at least 18, able to push the limits of human potential, and create jawdropping moments? If so, the producers who bring you Sesame Street Live!, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Jam, and Mar vel Universe LIVE! and now owns the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, may be looking for you. Right now, Feld Entertainment is auditioning daredevils, street and stunt performers, multi-instrumentalists/rhythm specialists/ beatboxers, dancers, physical comedians and characters, and extraordinary athletes around the globe to join the new Greatest Show on Earth. Apply without delay at www.feldentertainment.com.

Happy Retirement!

Retired Ringling elephants live happily in a vast habitat at White Oak Conservation in North Florida. It’s not open to the public, but there are intern ships, summer camps, and school programs.

Photo, above left: Mongolian performers auditioning for the reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus debuting in fall 2023. Courtesy of Feld Entertainment.

Fly through the air with the greatest of ease

On Saturday mornings, the Circus Arts Conservatory offers one- and twohour classes for kids 6 and up. The Youth Circus Sampler and the Flying Trapeze Class are suitable for all fitness levels. Call 941-355-9335 or visit www.circusarts.org.

Visit the Ringling Circus Museum

It takes a whole room to display the 3,800-square-foot Howard Bros. Circus Model. The 44,000 individually crafted miniature pieces depict the trains, cara vans, performances under the Big Top, sideshows, and behind-the-scenes circus life. In adjacent rooms are original circus artifacts like elaborate wagons, costumes, props, John and Mable Ringling’s first train car, a cannon that launched “human cannonballs,” selfie spots, and interactive displays. Try balancing on the high wire just two inches above the floor. Don’t snicker; it’s not as easy as you’d think. Visit www.ringling.org/circus-museum.

Dine aboard Bob’s Train

There’s something about Bob. The high security Navy veteran, professional chef, artist, and former circus man has a mind like a museum archive and knows way more circus secrets than just about anyone since the late John Ringling him self. He owns a vast collection of signed photos and memorabilia that once be longed to the greatest circus performers of all time. Bob personally has known many of them, as well as the movie stars, world athletes, military brass, presidents, and

royals who came to the shows, and oh, the stories he can (and does) tell.

And wait till you see his restaurant. It’s a string of four former Ringling cir cus cars set on the rails of an abandoned lumberyard. There’s the dining and bar car, two museum cars, and the fourth is JoMaR, the Ringlings’ ultra-luxury second train car. Bob found it 20 years ago rusted out and bound for the junkyard. He ad mits that it’s a formidable fixer-upper, with another decade of work ahead, so he wel comes weekend warriors to drop in to help three Saturday mornings a month. Call first if you’re interested. You need to call anyway, because a GPS will take you in circles.

Plan about 90 minutes to have lunch and gawk over the collections. Bob is your personal host, and if you loved his last scintillating story, he’s got a thousand more. You’ll want to admire the roughly quarter-scale locomotive out back that he built with found objects. Look for the bird bath, the service station sign, pizza pans, a hotel air conditioning duct, his daughter’s bunk bed, a trash chute, a measuring cup, and rods from a Chevrolet engine.

By the way, unless she’s off doing a high wire gig somewhere, your server may be Nova, a great-granddaughter of Karl Wallenda, founder of the still-flying

Flying Wallendas. Families may prefer the excellent kid-friendly weekday lunch fare; on Sundays it’s strictly Bob’s made-to-order omelets and eggs. But really, the food is incidental. Closed Saturdays. Call 941321-5643 or visit www.bobstrain.com.

October only!

Hop aboard the BooMobile

It seems that Miss WitchyPOO has lost her magic pumpkin, which is running around somewhere in Sarasota. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings starting Oct. 14 you can join her in the search. This funny, 45-minute family-friendly tour in cludes treats, a Halloween singalong, and not-too-scary stories. Make a reservation at www.discoversarasotatours.com.

The pie-in-the-face trick, 21st century style

It’s too late to earn my BFA in pie throwing at Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Clown College (it graduated 1,300 clowns before closing in 1997), but I have been spotted introducing my face to a giant wedge of strawberry rhubarb pie a la mode – or another of the 21 made-fromscratch-daily offerings – at the pie window of Yoder’s Amish Restaurant. Trust me: two can share one slice. Closed Sundays. Visit www.yodersrestaurant.com.

Photos, above left: Brothers Bowen and Tate visiting from Utah admire an ornate concert band wagon at the Ringling Circus Museum. Middle: Bob Horne, owner/chef at Bob’s Train. Photos by Karen T. Bartlett Right: Miss WitchyPOO takes guests in search of her magic pumpkin on the 45-minute special Discover Sarasota Tours theme tour. Courtesy of Discover Sarasota Tours.

The Most Awesome Family Guidebook on the Planet!

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

maid!