Neapolitan Family October 2023 issue

LIVING WITH DIABETES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Share Memories & Celebrate with Family

Enjoy live entertainment, food and drink specials, and arts and crafts for family-friendly fun!

7 FROM THE PUBLISHER

8 YOUR COMMUNITY

10 COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE on the cover…

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.

18 Understanding ADHD. What parents need to know about ADHD.

by Dr. Keenan Tamm

20 October’s Rad Dad. Meet this month’s Rad Dad, Daniel Sawyer, a lieutenant with the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District.

by Anna Snyder

22 Kindness Corner. Teenager Cooper Tunkle turned tragedy to triumph by giving away more than 400 bike helmets.

by Andrea Stetson

Leah is in fourth grade at Pelican Marsh Elementary. She enjoys art, building legos, reading, acting, and martial arts. Read more about Leah and her advocacy work with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on page 28.

Special thanks to Good Mood Ranch for hosting the cover photography location.

Cover photo by Keri Johnson www.kerijohnson.com

239-825-2166

keri@kerijohnson.com

24 Stomp Out Bullying. Signs to watch for and how to stop it in it’s tracks.

by Kimberly Blaker

26 Once Upon a Time in a Fairy Tale. Take the family for a magical trip to Germany’s enchanted fairy tale region.

by Karen T. Bartlett

28 Living With Diabetes During the Holidays. October cover girl, Leah Shwedel shares her journey with diabetes.

by Andrea Stetson

Program Hightlights

Youth Program Highlights

• Creative Art & Music Expression

• Community Service Projects

• Social Justice, Action, & Awareness

• Eco-Education, Gardening & Field Trips

• Acceptance & Encouragement of Spiritual Growth

Join us Sundays, 10-11 AM, for free programs: Spirit Play – Ages 5-12

Our Whole Lives – Ages 12-14

Coming of Age – Ages 14+

Playroom Childcare – Ages 5 and younger

Programs Start Sept. 10

6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples • www.uunaples.org

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

P.O. Box 110656

Naples, FL 34108

info@neafamily.com

from the publisher…

Co-Publisher

Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com

239-370-5333

Co-Publisher

Jane MacNealy jmacnealy@neafamily.com

Calendar Editor

Liani Belcher

Travel Editor

Karen T. Bartlett

Feature Writers

Anna Snyder

Andrea Stetson

Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at distribution points throughout Collier County, as well as digitally at neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2023 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Member of

For a region 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.

Despite the warm weather, Southwest Floridians delight in decorating their doorsteps with leafy wreaths, pumpkins, and Halloween creatures. In our neighborhood, Halloween yard displays rival Christmas and holiday home decor every year. At this writing, our first neighbor 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, trunk-or-treats, and Halloween events in our guide starting on page xx. Head to the same guide on neafamily.com to check for additional events as they are added to our website daily. There is a fall event or activity occurring nearly every single day of October, so you will have plenty of choices in ways to celebrate the season.

For our cover girl Leah Shwedel who lives with type 1 diabetes, Halloween can be especially tricky. Read more on page 28 about the creative way her family celebrates Halloween and other holidays that center on sharing treats with family and friends.

Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD for your child can also be scary. On page 18, Dr. Keenan Tam from the Healthcare Network helps parents understand the diagnosis and methods to manage the symptoms.

For most children, nothing is scarier than facing a bully at school, and the trauma resulting from these encounters can last a lifetime. On page 24, we offer strategies on how to protect your child from bullies, and how to recognize the signs that your child may be bullying other children.

For those who prefer the magic of fairy tales over ghost stories, gather round and listen to our travel editor Karen T. Bartlett on page 26 as she takes us through Germany’s enchanting regions that inspired the stories that have captivated children and adults alike for centuries.

Happy fall, y’all!

Don’t miss this treasure... we highly recommend it, especially if you have children. Learn

Child’s Path’s New Early

Center in East Naples

Learning

Child’s Path announces its new East Naples UMC early learning center, located at East Naples United Methodist Church. Serving children from six weeks to five years, this facility features four classrooms, outdoor play areas, and offers a nurturing, experiential approach to education.

Child’s Path is offering an exclusive promotion: a FULL waiver of registration fees valued at $200! This offer is subject to availability, so seize this opportunity today to secure your child’s spot Part-time and drop-in care options are available, offering flexibility for parents. Explore the center through a virtual tour. Learn more about Child’s Path’s commitment to highquality early education at childspath.org

Blessings in a Backpack currently feeding 7,300 SWFL students

Blessings in a Backpack of SWFL surpassed a significant milestone in its mission to eradicate childhood hunger in the region. The organization is now providing essential weekend meals to 7,300 students who would otherwise go hungry over the weekends. This growth is attributed to the extension of services to include schools in Charlotte County, a community where many students are facing homelessness and food insecurity. “We are beyond grateful for the support we have received from our community, donors, and volunteers,” said Cecilia St. Arnold, Executive Director of Blessings in a Backpack of SWFL.

Charlotte County community’s youth face challenges due to Hurricane Ian, food shortages, and increased prices. By offering nutritional meals on weekends, Blessings in a Backpack seeks to bridge the gap and provide children with the sustenance they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

For more information on how to get involved or to donate, please visit swfl.blessingsinabackpack.org

Naples Zoo Welcomes Critically Endangered Orangutans

Naples Zoo celebrates a historic milestone, introducing critically endangered Bornean orangutans for the first time. Four red-haired apes from ZooTampa at Lowry Park have joined Naples Zoo’s family. This orangutan clan includes DeeDee, the 43-year-old matriarch, along with her offspring. They serve as vital ambassadors for their species.

Naples Zoo aims to raise awareness about Bornean orangutan conservation, providing visitors an up-close look at these remarkable creatures and the challenges they face. They also champion sustainable palm oil to combat deforestation.

Support their cause by purchasing limited edition magnets featuring the orangutans, with proceeds benefiting the Naples Zoo Conservation Fund. Visit one.bidpal.net/orangutans/welcome to purchase.

By Jennifer Kupiec

Positive Impacts of Athletics and Intramural Sports

The Interscholastic Athletic Programs within Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) are integral to the educational process. CCPS students participating in athletics often demonstrate increased achievement, regular attendance, good behavior, and reduced grade retention. Every practice session and competition is a teaching/ learning opportunity.

Athletics is a vehicle that can promote adolescent development, mental and physical growth, selfconfidence and positive self-image. While teaching students to manage time, school, sports, and social events, athletic programs may also show students the reality of life through disappointments and accomplishments and teach them the value of teamwork.

CCPS proudly offers fall, winter, and spring sports at middle and high school levels. Middle school students can take advantage of cross-country, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track. The goals of our middle school athletic programs are to provide opportunities for individuals and teams to pursue excellence in their sport while promoting in students an enthusiasm and positive perception of their school experience.

As students move into high school, there are even more opportunities available. We’re in the fall season, bringing cross-country, swimming and diving, football, golf, volleyball, and cheerleading. Winter includes

basketball, soccer, weightlifting, wrestling, and once again, cheer. As we move into spring, you’ll see softball, baseball, beach volleyball, lacrosse, track, and tennis.

The philosophy of our athletic programs includes:

• stressing the value of ethical conduct, sportsmanship, and fair play;

• recognizing that the purpose of competitive athletics is to promote the physical, moral, mental, social, and emotional well-being of the individual;

• viewing an athletic contest in the proper perspective, as a game rather than a “do-or-die” effort;

• showing courtesy and respect to all visiting teams, fans, and officials; and

• encouraging the development of leadership, initiative, and good judgment in all team members.

As we move past the start of the school year, we hope our students will take advantage of the athletics programs available. Parents with questions may contact their school directly. We look forward to seeing our student-athletes in action this year!

Lely High School Swimming

Barron Collier High Track & Field

Details are subject to change so check the event’s website for the latest information.

OCTOBER 1-30

Check website for times

14th Annual Lakes Park Pumpkin

Patch

Tons of Pumpkins, Incredible Inflatables, Halloween Express Train Ride, Games, Hayrides, Scarecrow Contest Displays, and more.

DATES: OCT. 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 & 29

LOCATION: Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers.

INFO: 239-332-2453 or leegov. com/parks/parks/lakespark

Boo at the Zoo

All kids 12 and under in costume receive FREE admission!

DATES: Oct 13-16

LOCATION: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette Frank Rd. N , Naples.

INFO: 239-262-5409 or napleszoo. org/boo

Cape Coral Oktoberfest

With German music and local bands, German food, and beer, there’s plenty of fun to go around, for any age. Carnival area for kids.

DATES: Oct 20, 21, 22, 27 & 28

LOCATION: German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral.

INFO: 239-252-4000 or capecoraloktoberfest.com

Farmer Mike’s 9th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Mazes

Farmer Mike has 3 different corn mazes, hayrides and pumpkin patch.

DATES: Sept. 29-Nov. 5

LOCATION: Farmer Mikes U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave, Bonita Springs.

INFO: 239-498-4576 or farmermikesupick.com

Halloween Nights in the Gardens

Photo ops, family games & activities, special animal enrichment, fun decorations & MORE!

DATES: October 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 26, & 28

LOCATION: The Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs.

INFO: 239-992-2591 or wondergardens.org

Halloween Spooktacular CMON

Come in costume and join us for not-so-spooky Halloween games, activities, and trick-or-treating for the whole family.

DATES: October 27 & 28.

LOCATION: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON), 15080 Livingston Road, Naples.

INFO: cmon.org

Haunted Walk

When darkness falls, your only mission is to survive.

DATES: Every weekend starting Oct. 6

LOCATION: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers.

INFO: 239-275-3435 or calusanature.org/haunted-walkdead-by-dawn

Pumpkin Patch Festival

Lots of vendors, food, tractor rides and more.

DATES: Oct 14,15,21,22,28 &29

LOCATION: 31 Produce, 18672 State Road, Alva, FL

INFO: 31produce.com

Southern Fresh Farms Fall Festival

Vendors, hay rides, animals, food and so much more!

DATES: Sept 30 & Oct 1; Oct 7 & 8; Oct 14 & 15; Oct 21 & 22; Oct 28 & 29.

LOCATION: Southern Fresh Farm, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers.

INFO: 239-768-0309 or facebook. com/Southernfreshfarms.

3 TUESDAY

Tweens Make A Haunted House Kit

It’s That Spooky Time Of the Year. Make a Haunted House Cookie Kit!

TIME: 4 pm

LOCATION: Naples Regional Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples.

INFO: 239-252-5135 or collierlibrary.evanced.info

7 SATURDAY

Fall Festival at Mercola Market Vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, games & more! Children’s costume contest (for children 12 and under) and Pet Costume Contest.

TIME: 10:00 am-3:00 pm

LOCATION: Mercola Market of Cape Coral, 125 SW 3rd Pl, Cape Coral.

INFO: mercolamarketcc.com

SWFL is loaded with exciting choices this autumn season, from spine-tingling spookiness to heartwarming family activities. Explore the diverse range of fall fun options that await you in our annual Fall Family Fun Guide.

Fall Family Fun GUIDE

12 THURSDAY

Evening on Fifth

Come enjoy live music, shopping, dining and dancing along Naples’ Main Street. This free event features an array of live musical performances up and down the sidewalks along Fifth Avenue South.

TIME: 5:00-8:00 pm

LOCATION: Downtown Naples, Fifth Avenue South, Naples.

INFO: 239-692-8436 or FifthAvenueSouth.com

Fall Fun

Trees, leaves, and pumpkins oh my! Have a ball this Fall with autumn themed activities and crafts around the children’s room.

TIME: 11:00 am-12:00 pm

LOCATION: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street Bonita Springs.

INFO: leelibrary.librarymarket.com

13 FRIDAY

Ghouls in the Pool Collier County Parks and Recreation will be hosting Ghouls of the Pool Halloween Event! There will be Halloween themed games, music, food vendors are available and most importantly, candy!

LOCATION: Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trl. E., Naples.

INFO: 239-252-3527 or fb.me/ e/6UGL9gCVj

Halloween Howl

Fun-filled night of tricks and treats

Games, activities, dancing and a costume contest awaits TIME: 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

LOCATION: East Naples Community Park, 3500

Thomasson Dr., Naples.

INFO: anc.apm. activecommunities.com

15 SUNDAY

Naples Concert Band Concert

Fiesta del Paraíso (Latin) with guest artists Maritza Cedeño, vocalist, and FloDivinas Dance, dancers.

TIME: 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

LOCATION: Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. INFO: fifthavenuesouth.com

17 TUESDAY Haunted Hoedown

Includes a dance party, face painters, stilt walker, trick-ortreating around Mercato & more!

TIME: 5:30 pm-7:00 pm

LOCATION: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples.

INFO: experiencemercato.com

19 THURSDAY

Preschool Costume Ball

Get ready for an afternoon of dancing, moving, and grooving, in your best costumes to our favorite preschool tunes. For ages 2 - 5 years, and their caregivers.

TIME: 11:00 am-12:00 pm

LOCATION: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street Bonita Springs.

INFO: leelibrary.librarymarket. com

20 FRIDAY

Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park Trunk or Treat

The annual Trunk or Treat with music, candy, crafts, and a costume contest with prizes!

TIME: 6:00-9:00 pm

LOCATION: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th ave ne, Naples.

INFO: 239-252-4000 or fb.me/ e/1yIcJvePh

Fall Festival-North Fort Myers Park

Family friendly event to celebrate all things fall! There will be a DJ, photo opportunities, games, and a costume contest - come dressed to impress!

TIME: 6:00-9:00 pm

LOCATION: North Fort Myers Park Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers.

INFO: 239-553-7200 or leegov. com

Wicked Walk

The fifth annual Wicked Walk celebrates art and music in Lee County schools and the achievements of student artists –with a spooky twist.

TIME: 6:00-9:00pm

LOCATION: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers.

INFO: Fb.me/e/1fPNWZiKx

21 SATURDAY Halloween in the Park

The City of Bonita Springs is hosting our Halloween in the Park event again this year.

TIME: 5:30-9:00 pm

LOCATION: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs.

INFO: fb.me/e/4BnklpMdl

Pioneer Pumpkin Palooza

Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: RSS

How do you fix a broken pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch! Come join us and choose your favorite orange squash among many to paint and keep!

TIME: 10:00 am-2:00 pm

LOCATION: Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee.

INFO: colliermuseums.com

Spooky Fun Halloween Science Cruise

Get Halloween started on the water with Pure Florida and Mr. Glen with Super Science & Amazing Art.

TIME: 10:00 am-12:30 pm

LOCATION: Pure Florida, 1200 5th Ave S, Naples.

INFO: 239-263-4949 or purefl.com

27 FRIDAY

Avow Kids Avow-loween Trunk or Treat

Swing by Avow’s campus for treats, no tricks! Kids will pick up an individually packaged bag of candy after parading past Halloween-decorated trunks.

TIME: 5:00-7:00 pm

LOCATION: Avow, 1095 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples.

INFO: (239) 261-4404 or fb.me/ e/3Ig79zbAu

Boo Bash Parents Night Out Includes pizza, costume contest, DIY cupcakes, crafts, play & MORE! Ages 5+.

TIME: 5:00-9:00 pm

25 WEDNESDAY

Trunk and Treat at First Baptist Church Naples

Join us for a FREE night of fun with our Naples community. Bring your family, invite a friend, fill your bags with candy, play games, and wear your favorite (non-scary) costume!

TIME: 6:30-8:00 pm

LOCATION: First Baptist Church Naples, 3000 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples.

INFO: 239-597-6057 or fb.me/e/ tCVAhvjw0

26 THURSDAY

“Haunted Tales” performed by Dr. Joel Ying

Join us for a mix of true stories and spooky folk tales, fun for all ages. Dr. Joel Ying is a parttime physician and professional storyteller that teaches oral storytelling at FGCU.

TIME: 3:30-4:30 pm

LOCATION: Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Road, Naples.

INFO: (239) 252-4542 or collierlibrary.evanced.info

LOCATION: Inplay! Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd Unit 101, Naples.

INFO: 239-963-9716 or fb.me/e/ H1NirzNt

Bootacular Halloween Celebration

Bootacular Halloween Celebration is a mini-carnival specially designed for children ages 5 & under.

TIME: 6:00-7:30 pm

LOCATION: YMCA of Collier County (North Campus), 5450 YMCA Road, Naples.

INFO: 239-294-9622 or fb.me/e/ Xq8cL8DA

Halloween Monster Bash

Halloween Bash set for all family members to have a fun night of dancing, music, games and treats

TIME: 6:00 pm

LOCATION: Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples.

INFO: 239-252-4180 or collier_park/golden-gatecommunity-center

Naples North Collier Regional Park Boo-tacular Halloween

Collier County Parks and Recreation invite you to the North Collier Regional Park Soccer Complex for their BOO-Tacular Halloween!

TIME: 6:00-9:00 pm

LOCATION: North Collier Regional Park Soccer Complex, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples.

INFO: 239-252-4000 or fb.me/ e/1jUBrNuE1com

Trunk or Treat at the Florida Sports Park

Trunk or Treat! FREE, FUN, Family Friendly Event at the Florida Sports Park.

TIME: 6:00-9:00 pm

LOCATION: The Florida Sports Park, 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd., Naples.

INFO: 239-774-2701 or fb.me/ e/3c16zBfu9

Trunk or Treat NABOR

Dress up and collect candy at the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® Trunk or Treat. This is a FREE event for the entire community.

TIME: 6:00-8:00 pm

LOCATION: Naples Area Board of REALTORS, 1455 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples.

INFO: 239-597-1666 or fb.me/ e/3QgxL44o3

Trunk or Treat & Halloween Movie

The 2nd Annual Trunk-or-Treat will include candy giveaways (while supplies last), music, and skelefun for all ages. Costumes are encouraged!

TIME: 6:00 pm

LOCATION: Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral.

INFO: 239-573-3128 or capecoral.gov

Fall Family Fun GUIDE

28 SATURDAY

2nd Annual Marco Island 5K & Fall Festival

Ready, Set, Go! A day filled with fun and excitement at the Marco Island 5K & Fall Festival.

TIME: 8:00 am-2:00 pm

LOCATION: YMCA of Collier County (South Campus - Marco), 101 Sand Hill Street, Marco Island.

INFO: 239-394-9622 or ymcacollier.org

5th Avenue Halloween Spooktacular

Fun events for families and children, including live music, street dancing, costume contest, games, and more.

TIME: 3:00 pm-5:00 pm

LOCATION: Cambier Park and Park St., Naples.

INFO: fifthavenuesouth.com

Annual Trunk-or-Treat at Ave Maria Town Center

Join us and event sponsor, Oil Well Craft Beer, for the 8th annual event.

TIME: 3:00 pm-6:00 pm

LOCATION: Ave Maria Town Center, 5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria, FL, 34142, Immokalee.

INFO: 239-352-3903 or avemaria.com

Annual Halloween Trick or Treat Spooktacular-Bell Tower Shops

Annual Halloween Trick or Treat Spooktacular

TIME: 12:00 pm-3:00 pm

LOCATION: Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers.

INFO: 239-489-1221 or fb.me/e/1zyDl29cB

Fall Festival

This family-friendly event will include an autumn market with 30 local craft vendors and artists, plus several fun activities for children.

TIME: 9:00 am-4:00 pm

LOCATION: Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers. edisonfordwinterestates.org

GTLC’s Annual Trunk or Treat

Games! Candy! Hay rides! Candy! Costumes! Candy! Prizes! Candy!

GTLC’s Annual Trunk or Treat is back again, scaring up a howling good time for all the boos and ghouls.

TIME: 6:00 pm

LOCATION: Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church, 11381 Gateway Blvd, Fort Myers.

INFO: fb.me/e/1tCc2QsTA

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

Spooktacular

Now through the end of October, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is featuring a family-friendly Spooktacular event included with regular admission to the park. On Saturdays and Sundays, plus Monday, October 30th and Tuesday, October 31th, guests will step into a whimsical world full of enchantment with Kandy, a witch-in-training! A costume parade, story time, and trick or treating are some of the activities guests will find in this immersive Halloween experience. The Belcher Family Blog represented Neapolitan Family Adventures at the special media preview in September.

“The Spooktscular event at Busch Gardens had us in awe! They truly made the best experience for our little ones.” Liani Belcher said. Their children loved the Spooky Kooky Science Experiment with Professor Pufflemintz and were selected to participate in one of the science experiments.

The kids also loved trick-ortreating at every station and enjoyed story time with Kandy.

The Belcher Family recommends:

▶ Bring a small reusable candy bag or purchase reusable bags in the park.

▶ Have the kids dress in Halloween costumes because they will get to participate in a costume parade.

▶The pumpkin maze is great for the kids to walk through and provided photo opportunities.

For the mature crowd, Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. HowlO-Scream is a separately-ticketed night event. No costumes are allowed.

For more info and tickets go to buschgardens.com/tampa

Halloween Spooktacular

Bring your little ghouls and goblins to the South Regional Library for Halloween crafts!

Don’t forget to dress in costume!

TIME: 2:00-3:00 pm

LOCATION: South Regional Branch Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples.

INFO: 239-252-7542 or collierlibrary.evanced.info

Marco Island Halloween Spooktacular

The City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation will be holding their annual Halloween Spooktacular event at Mackle Park! There will be music, games, treats for the kids and a costume contest!

TIME: 4:00-6:00 pm

LOCATION: Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island.

INFO: 239-642-0575 or fb.me/ e/41LwqN9cD

Mosaic Kids Trick-or-Treat Halloween Party

The second annual sensoryfriendly Halloween party. Trickor-Treating, Halloween activities, open play and more. Costumes are fun, but not necessary. Come comfortable and ready to play!

TIME: 9:30 am-2:00 pm

LOCATION: Mosaic Kids, 14700

Tamiami Tr N Ste 1, Naples.

INFO: 239-249-5292 or mosaic-kids.com

Spooktacular Night at Estero Park

A spooky night under the stars!

Trunk-or-Treat, food trucks and Movie in the Park featuring Disney’s “Halloweentown”.

TIME: 5:00-7:00 pm

LOCATION: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.

INFO: 239-533-1470 or leegov. com/parks/centers/estero

Spooky Sweets Trunk or Treat

Pumpkins, live music, family fun.

TIME: 5:00-7:00 pm

LOCATION: Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Road, Naples.

INFO: 239-594-5000 or shopvanderbilt.com

Tamiami Ford Trunk of Treats

Adult and Kids Costume Contest

- Show off your most creative, spooky, or hilarious costumes for a chance to win amazing prizes!

TIME: 10:00 am-2:00 pm

LOCATION: Tamiami Ford, 1471 Airport-Pulling Rd. N, Naples.

INFO: fb.me/e/3VgSdDhZM

Trick or Treat & Costume

Contest-Gulf Coast Town Center Join Gulf Coast Town Center for the annual Trick or Treat and Costume Contest.

TIME: 5:00-8:00 pm

LOCATION: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers.

INFO: fb.me/e/39N0tMOv7

Trunk or Treat & Haunted House

Join us for a spooky Halloween! Special appearances by The City of Naples Police Department and Naples Fire-Rescue Department food trucks, music and more.

TIME: 5:30-7:30 pm

LOCATION: Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples.

INFO: facebook.com/

CityofNaplesFireRescue

Walk the Talk: Paws & Pumpkins a Halloween Howl

Over 500,000 individuals in Florida struggle with epilepsy, making it the state with the most instances in our country.

TIME: 9:00 am-12:00 pm

LOCATION: Baker Park, 50 Riverside Cir, Naples INFO: naplesgov.com

29 SUNDAY

BOOth or Treat

Bring the family in costumes to our first “BOOth or Treat” Receive a Free Halloween Trick or Treat bagCollect treats through 15 indoor booths decorated in kidfriendly Halloween decor.

TIME: 4:00-6:30 pm

LOCATION: Be Our Guest Party Room, 12901 McGregor Blvd #10, Fort Myers.

INFO: fb.me/e/6EEERFc4H

Hogwarts Halloween: Family Concert

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of music and magic as we bring the spellbinding world of Hogwarts to life in a not-sospooky Halloween concert that’s perfect for the whole family!

TIME: 2:00 pm

LOCATION: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers.

INFO: bbmannpah.com

Scan here for even more family-friendly events

ADHD By Dr. Keenan Tamm

Understanding ADHD What Parents Need to Know

ADHD occurs when a child’s brain develops differently. This non-typical development causes children to have trouble deciding what they should pay attention to. More simply, people with ADHD have trouble focusing on one thing at a time. For example, a child trying to listen to their teacher’s lecture may become distracted by the squeaking of a chair.

ADHD also includes hyperactivity and impulsivity. In other words, a child may struggle to stop themselves from acting on sudden thoughts. They may sit down to do their homework and then leave their desk because they realize they forgot to turn off the television.

These symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity may present by themselves or together.

Although the term ADD was previously used to label attentional problems, it is now considered outdated.

HOW IS ADHD DIAGNOSED?

While approximately one in 10 children have ADHD, attentional and behavioral problems are sometimes normal or related to emotional problems. Parents who are worried their child has ADHD should share their concerns with their pediatrician to decide if their child should be further evaluated or treated.

At Healthcare Network, ADHD assessment begins after

a parent expresses concern to their child’s doctor. If concerns are found, the physician will conduct a “warm handoff,” and request that the psychologist come into the exam room. Together, the parents, psychologist and physician will talk about the child’s symptoms and decide what to do next. If the decision is to evaluate, parents return for a follow-up appointment called a diagnostic intake. During this appointment, the psychologist will ask the parents more questions and review information provided by the child’s teacher. The psychologist may also have the child complete computerized testing to determine a diagnosis.

HOW IS ADHD TREATED?

If a child is diagnosed, treatment may include medication. While medication is not always needed or wanted, it is considered the gold standard in ADHD treatment. However, the decision to use medication is made by parents and their physician together. If medication is prescribed, the

child is monitored during frequent office visits in which parent and teacher input is reviewed. These visits allow the physician to see if the child is benefiting from the medication, if there are any side effects, or if adjustments are needed. ADHD medication side effects are generally mild and can include headaches, reduced appetite, irritability and decreased talking. ADHD can also be treated with therapy. Psychologists can focus on behavior by teaching children how to organize their materials and prioritize tasks. They can also guide parents on how to work with their child’s school to help with the treatment plan. For children with more serious ADHD symptoms, medication and self-management strategies may not be enough. In these instances, psychologists can help parents enroll their child in Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA. This involves a therapist creating a plan designed for a child’s specific needs and then working one-to-

FALL CLASSES FOR

YOUNG ARTISTS

one to improve their attention.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF NOT TREATING ADHD?

Although the process of diagnosing and treating ADHD can be complex and take time, it is vital to ensure children are successful and happy. Children with ADHD experience anxiety or depression more often than other children. These feelings often result from below-average grades and getting in trouble. Improving a child’s concentration can improve their self-esteem and prevent emotional problems.

Dr. Keenan Tamm is a licensed clinical psychologist with Healthcare Network, a nonprofit health center committed to ensuring primary care is accessible to children, adults and seniors in Collier County. For more information, please call 239.658.3000 or visit HealthcareSWFL.org.

Arts Bonita welcomes young artists to our new and innovative fall program featuring courses in painting, drawing, acting, music, dancing, and more. These courses offer access to the visual and performing arts for young creative minds exhibiting a strong interest in exploring the arts and soaring to new heights. Students learn important foundations in artmaking and techniques that build on previously learned skills, while having fun with an array of projects and performances. Classes divided according to age.

While approximately one in 10 children have ADHD, attentional and behavioral problems are sometimes normal or related to emotional problems.

Meet Rad Dad

DANIEL SAWYER

Daniel Sawyer is a lieutenant with the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District. Over the past 20 years his work as a firefighter and member of the technical rescue team has taken him all over Florida. Daniel is a fourth-generation Neapolitan, and our October Rad Dad.

Tell us about your family and what it was like growing up in Naples as a fourth-generation Neapolitan.

My wife, Jenna, and I have been married for 12 years and have three daughters who mean everything to us. My family has been in this area since the late 1800s. We started out in the Ten Thousand Islands, and we moved around through Marco Island, Goodland, and then into the Naples area. My family came here for fishing; we made our living in trades that had to do with the water. My great-grandfather, Preston Sawyer, has had books written about him. He was a fishing guide and well-known as The Caxambas Kid. (Caxambas was a Marco Island settlement.)

My dad, Kit Sawyer, opened Sawyer’s Outboard Service in 1990, where he and my mother still work full time. I began working there as a teenager and still work parttime there today.

Naples was a lot different during my childhood; there were a lot less people, and Southwest Florida was obviously much less developed. Growing up, I attended Naples Christian Academy from preschool through eighth grade, and I had a very small, tightknit community. Outside of school, I spent most of my time with my family; I was always outside fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, and camping.

How have you carried on that legacy in your immediate family?

My family and I are always outdoors, going on little adventures. That’s why we moved to the Estates; we wanted our girls to grow up the way I did. The girls are always eager to wear camo and go hunting, or get out and ride around in the Picayune State Forest looking for wildlife.

We also like to show the girls the different parts of Naples and share the history of our family in this area. We take them to different local islands, tell them our stories, and show them where the Sawyer family has lived. It’s really neat when we walk into a local restaurant and I can point out a picture of my great-grandfather on the wall.  As a family, we pursue self-sustainability; we have farm animals and grow our own food as much as possible. We enjoy working out in the yard, learning about what we can grow here, and eating tropical fruits that people don’t normally eat – food you can’t find in the grocery store. That’s how my family has always lived in this area, and

Photo Credit: Jenna Sawyer

that’s some of what we’re trying to teach our daughters.

Tell us about your work with the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District.

I started my career with Golden Gate Fire Department in 2003. Since then, several local independent fire districts merged to become what is now the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District. I am currently a lieutenant in the operations section, as well as a member of the dive team and the Technical Rescue Team (TST). I joined both of those special operations teams early in my career, and they are a big part of who I am, and what I love about my job.

I love my role on the dive team. It is equally as important to me as the TST. It’s never pretty; it’s never fun, but the dive team is action-packed and carries so much responsibility. When someone is trapped under water, you’re it, and you are usually down there alone and in total darkness.

What happens when your team gets deployed during natural disasters?

Our TST can be deployed anywhere in the state in response to disasters. We are trained and equipped to do [multiple types of] rescues. After a natural disaster, we work alongside many other urban search and rescue teams from all over Florida and other parts of the country to search for anyone who may be trapped or missing.   Deployments are voluntary, but we always have more volunteers than open seats. When we agree to deploy, we agree to a lot of unknowns. We don’t know how long we will be gone, we don’t know where we will sleep, and we don’t know what we will be asked to do once we get there. Once we get to the area of operation, the infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed, and communication back home will be limited. On past deployments, I’ve slept in nice hotels overlooking the ocean, in civic centers with hundreds of other responders, in the back of trucks, and on the floor

in a jail. Sometimes, we find that we have no showers or bathrooms. We have created makeshift showers using fire trucks as walls and a fire hose for the water supply. We have built bathrooms with tarps and a bucket.  These challenges allow us (and force us) to get closer to the people with whom we serve and to see a deeper side of each other as we see the impact of what we are doing. Hurricane deployments are always emotionally charged. In many cases, we may be leaving our own families, who are also in the midst of a disaster, to help other people.

How did you decide to become a part of Greater Naples Fire Rescue Department?

It’s always been a calling for me from a young age. I loved firetrucks, and I always wanted to know what was going on. I have always been a thrill seeker, and I love to help people, so it seemed like it was the perfect job for me.

How would you encourage other parents who are also first responders in a role like yours?

Always put your family first. This job can and will change you. Don’t let it become your only focus, don’t let it define you, and don’t let it take its

toll on you or mar your outlook on life. Seek help when you need it, and seek out things that bring about good in your life rather than destructive habits. Your family is always going to be there and help you through the tough times that this job will bring. Don’t ignore that kind of support system or take it for granted.

Do you have any stories that stand out from the past 20 years?

Over the years, we have had some significant brush fires out in the Estates that have impacted a lot of people. These are always action-packed, and I really enjoy the fast-paced nature of fighting brush fires. They are one of the big reasons why I joined the Golden Gate Fire Department in 2003.

One aspect of these fires that stands out is how the community rallies behind us. To see the amount of love and appreciation that the community pours out over us is motivating — from the piles of drink and food donations to the handmade signs lining the side of the road thanking us for doing our job. It is inspiring and stands out as one of my great memories during these fires. That’s why I do this work and pursue excellence and growth. That’s why I love Collier County so much.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Daniel and his team conducted primary and secondary searches of structures along Naples beach. Photo Credit: Jenna Sawyer

TEEN TURNED TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH

Cooper Tunkle, 17, turned tragedy into triumph.

“There was someone in my school that was biking and then died when a car hit him, and he did not have a helmet,” Cooper recalled. “He was the inspiration.”

Shortly after that, in 2019, he founded Cooper’s Helmet Hero.

“I have biked a lot since I was really young, and I always wear a helmet because I fall a lot,” Cooper added. He was just 13 when he started his endeavor.

“First I got money for my birthday, and I used the money to get helmets, and I gave the helmets away,” Cooper began. “Then I made a website, and people could donate to the website, and I started getting more and more.”

At first, he donated to local schools to give helmets to students who needed one. But he wanted to reach even more kids, so he teamed up with the Lipman Backpack Giveaway to donate helmets during their yearly backpack and bicycle giveaway.

This August during the Lipman Family Farms 13th annual giveaway and back to school event in Immokalee, they gave away 1,500 backpacks and 300 bicycles along with helmets donated by Cooper’s Helmet Hero. Jaime Weisinger, director of community relations at Lipman Family Farms, praised Cooper’s volunteer work.

“We really couldn’t pull off this size of an event without help from the community, and Cooper has a very like-minded giving spirit like we do,” Weisinger said. “Not only does he donate helmets, but he comes out to the event to help with fittings. He helps all of the families get ready to

go back to school. He is a shining example of what it takes to make this event successful.”

Cooper says he just does it to keep people safe. He is still an avid bicycle rider and always wears a helmet when he rides, and he wants to make sure everyone else wears a helmet too.

“Ninety-five percent of people that die on a bike weren’t wearing a helmet,” Cooper said. “A lot of time when you don’t wear a helmet it is not safe at all.”

In 2021 there were 183 bicycle fatalities in Florida, from 6,399 crashes, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In 2020 Florida had the highest rate in the nation of fatal bicycle accidents. According to the National Safety Council, one in every three nonfatal bicycling injuries is a head injury, over 80,000 a year nationwide.

Since he founded Cooper’s Helmet Hero, Cooper has given away more than 400 helmets.

He buys a variety of helmets in bulk from money donated to his charity and accepts donations of helmets.

“I was excited,” said his mother, Ashley, as she spoke about Cooper founding his own charity. “But I was curious about how he was going to make it happen. I was also super impressed by the community outpouring.”

When Cooper was a freshman at Naples High School, he took a digital design course and created the Cooper’s Helmet Hero slogan and logo.

“I made the website, and my mom

put it on Facebook, and that is how it started,” Cooper recalled. “And for my birthday, I ask if people can donate to a charity.”

Cooper is now a senior at Naples High School. He hopes his brother Graham, who is sophomore, will take over the charity when Cooper leaves for college next year. For more information on Cooper’s group go to www.coopershelmethero.com

Cooper Tunkle raises money to buy bicycle helmets for those in need.

Photo by Andrea Stetson

About one in five kids ages 12 to 18 is bullied in a given year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . Such bullying ranges from namecalling and spreading rumors to the destruction of property, threats, and violence.

Studies have found bullying has health and psychological repercussions – and the effects can last into adulthood. The victims of childhood bullying and bully-victims (those who are both bullied and bully others) are “at increased risk of poor health, wealth, and socialrelationship outcomes in adulthood,” according to a 2013 report in Psychological Science Journal.

BULLYING VERSUS CONFLICT

For parents and educators to effectively address bullying, we must first understand what constitutes bullying. When we see it, we often don’t recognize it because, from the

S TOMP OUT BULLYING AND

Signs to Watch for How to Stop It Dead in Its Tracks

by Kimberly Blaker

outside, it looks like a conflict. In the heat of the moment, kids, like adults, can say and do mean things to each other. That, in and of itself, doesn’t constitute bullying. Because parents and teachers are aware of this, it’s sometimes easy to dismiss a child’s complaints about being harassed as nothing more than a spat. So, here are some questions to help determine which it is.

Do both children have equal power?

If so, it’s conflict. In bullying, the bully has more power or more perceived power.

Are both children able to express their concerns or views? Or is one child passive or unable to express her side for some reason?

Does the behavior stop when the antagonizing child recognizes he’s hurting another? Or does the aggressor continue, while being fully aware of the effects of his behavior?

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is repeated acts by an individual or group with the intent to scare, distress, or cause harm to another. It differs from simply disliking or rejecting another, mutual conflict, or a single-episode meanspirited act.

Bullying behaviors include any of the following:

• Hostile or discriminatory behavior based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation

• Cyberbullying, which is the use of social media, websites, instant messaging, or texting via smartphones or computers to harass or harm another

• Causing physical harm by hitting, kicking, shoving, or destroying property

• Social bullying, such as spreading malicious rumors, damaging someone’s reputation, encourag-

ing others to gang up on someone, or playing mean or embarrassing jokes

• Verbal bullying, which includes name-calling, intimidating, or insulting another

KIDS KEEP IT A SECRET

Often children don’t tell when they’re being bullied. As a result, bullying persists for months or longer and becomes increasingly more damaging. There are multiple reasons kids might not tell an adult.

• Perhaps a child has been threatened with repercussions if they tell, or the child fears the threat will become greater if they say anything.

• They don’t want to be a tattletale. Kids don’t always understand the difference between tattling for unimportant matters versus more serious issues.

• Children often feel ashamed or embarrassed either about being a victim of bullying or about the reason they’re being bullied.

• They feel they either won’t be believed or that adults won’t do anything about it.

SIGNS OF BULLYING

Several signs might indicate your child is being bullied.

• Frequently trying to get out of going to school or declining grades

• Complaining of stomach aches and headaches

• Feeling sad or upset

• Withdrawing from social interactions

• Difficulty sleeping

• Asking whether something derogatory someone said about your child is true or other signs of decreased self-esteem

• Bruising and abrasions that are unexplained

• Missing or damaged clothing, electronics, or other belongings

• Seeming anxious or sad after being on social media

• Changing eating habits, whether lack of appetite, binge eating, or not eating lunch at school

• Harming themself or talking of suicide

VICTIM OR BULLY?

Your child might be a bully if he or she is:

• Hanging out with other kids who are aggressive or bully others

• Not taking responsibility for their own actions

• Excluding certain kids from activities

• Frequently getting into trouble at school

• Expressing intolerance toward kids who are different

• Making fun of other kids

• Bringing home items such as electronics, clothes, or money

• Hurting animals

• Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence

• Being overly concerned about popularity

HOW TO PREVENT OR STOP BULLYING

First and foremost, talk to your kids about bullying, so they understand what it is and that it’s unacceptable. Make sure your kids understand they must tell an adult if they or someone they know is being bullied so the bully doesn’t have the opportunity to gain power.

Monitor your kids’ activity online, including their social media. Ensure your child is neither being bullied nor acting like a bully.

Model the kind of behavior you expect from your kids. When kids hear their parents talk negatively about others because of their weight or joke about someone who’s different, kids tend to model this behavior.

Take time every day to talk with your child and ask how their day was. Kids who bully are often not getting the attention they need at home.

Children who are being bullied may feel they deserve the treatment or that their parents wouldn’t care or wouldn’t act on it.

Teach your kids to stand up for themselves. If your child remains passive, a bully will up the ante and gradually become more abusive. But, if your child assertively and unemotionally stands up to the bully, the bully will realize she won’t get away with the behavior. On the other hand, if a bully knows he’s getting under your child’s skin, the bully will persist. Your child should maintain eye contact, stay calm, maintain appropriate distance, and use the bully’s name while addressing the bully.

Jill Newman of Naples Family Martial Arts regularly offers free antibullying workshops for families. “As parents of school-aged children, we are keenly aware of the impacts of bullying, and we actively work to stop bullying by providing fellow parents and children with the benefits of a martial arts education,” she explains. “Martial arts disrupts the cycle of bullying by developing self-confidence, respect, communication skills, and self-control among our students.”

If your child is being bullied, also talk to your child’s teachers, school administrators, bus driver, and others who can help stop the abusive behavior. Make sure your school has a plan in place to protect your child, and if it isn’t doing enough, contact the district superintendent. The Collier County Public Schools district website, collierschools.com, offers resources and advice.

Finally, if the bullying doesn’t cease or your child has been threatened with violence, proceed by filing charges through your school board and the local police department.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books (sagerarebooks.com), specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera, and more.

By Karen T. Bartlett

Once Upon a Time in a

thousand-year-old Marburg Castle. Still, I don’t linger. I know I must descend before the lock turns in the tower door.

Iemerge from my wanderings in a dark medieval forest, into a clearing where stands an old stone tower. The late afternoon sun casts an eerie glow upon its ancient walls. Being hungry from my journey, I step through a heavy wooden door where a caretaker of sorts who appears quite harmless tempts me with a creamy cake from a small glass case. “You’ve come to climb my tower, yes?” He points to a small alcove. “Enter there, but beware: The tower must be locked before dark.”

My own magnified shadow pursues me up the winding stone staircase. I’m feeling sleepy after the pastry. But once atop the tower, I’m Rapunzel, gazing back across my forest at the magnificent silhouette of the

This really happened last summer, in the heart of Germany’s enchanting fairy tale region. Full disclosure: I did have a strong and fearless companion on my forest trek, and because we’ve embarked on a sixday journey along the Fairy Tale Route, I confess to this retelling in Grimms’ fairy tale style. The KaiserWilhelm lookout tower, with its tiny café, isn’t the actual tower from which Rapunzel let down her long golden hair. That one’s said to be nearby in Trendelburg. But both coincide with the time an early illustrator of Grimms Brothers’ fairy tales used his own 12th century town of Marburg for reference. In this university town where Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm studied law, 21st century students still gather at cafes to study philosophy or quantum physics beneath the watchful eye of a bronze Frog Prince. The faces of The Wolf and Seven Young Goats erupt from a lichencovered stone wall, a giant red shoe (a predecessor of Cinderella’s glass slipper) rests forlornly atop the castle wall, and seven giant dragonflies adorn a wall on the market square honoring The Brave Little Tailor’s amazing feat of “seven at one blow.”

Marburg is one of the 50 official fairy tale towns along the serpentine 370-mile route between Frankfurt and Hamburg, most exuding fairy tale charm with halftimber houses, cathedral spires, narrow cobblestone alleys and town

squares. Each has unique themed tours, festivals, and performances. All have twinkling Christmas markets, and each lays claim to at least one fairy tale character.

There’s Little Red Riding Hood’s town of Alsfeld. A statue of the Little Goose Girl graces the Göttingen fountain. In Hameln, the Pied Piper strides through town playing his magical flute that famously rid the town of its rats and its children. Bremen celebrates its Four Musicians (a rooster, a dog, a cat, and a donkey) and Buxtehude is the site of the hare and the hedgehog race. In Hofgeismar, travelers may meet Sleeping Beauty and her prince among the ruins of Sababurg Castle in the enchanted forest where they shared love’s first kiss.

Michael Boyer, the official Rattenfänger von Hameln, charms visitors with pop-up appearances and walking tours.

The Frog Prince presides over Marburg’s ancient cobblestoned market square.

Photo credit: Karen Bartlett

Photo credit: Karen Bartlett

Fairy Tale

And Puss in Boots can take you on a personal tour of Steinau. Some say you can do the whole route in two or three days. But my wish, in this land of wishes-cometrue, is to choose a few towns and sink into the ambience of each. For ambience to the max, we get first class Eurail passes, offering cushy seats, a table, legroom fit for a princess, and unbroken views of the Hessen countryside. Our train to Marburg leaves straight from Frankfurt International Airport. Skimming through dense forests and lush farmland sprinkled about with red-roof villages and random castles feels like a real-time National Geographic travelogue. There also are family cars, and kids younger than 12 ride free. Eurail’s sevenday pass is perfect for the fairy tale experience.

From Marburg, we take the highspeed ICE train to Kassel, headquarters of Deutsche Mäerchenstrasse, preserver of the Fairy Tale Route. It’s also home to Grimmwelt-Kassel Museum with its exquisitely curated Brothers Grimm memorabilia, paired with interactive fairy tale themed exhibits. Who knew that their greatest work was the creation of Germany’s first dictionary? They got through the letter F in their lifetime. Ironically, Jacob’s final word was froteufel (demon). Kids love the Insult Machine, where every modern-day expletive shouted into the funnel is answered by a swear word from that era. Other favorites are the mirror on the wall (ask and it answers!) and the theater showing snippets from a century of fairy tale movies.

And so to Hameln

Alas, the Pied Piper’s job is never done. Though he accomplished his first mission to eliminate Hameln’s rats, they’re still very much present, and the Piper still lures children of all ages by the thousands with his magical pipe, to tell how 130 young people mysteriously vanished on Sunday, June 26, 1284, never to be seen again. Look down and you’ll see bronze rats embedded among the cobblestones, glinting in the sun, their tails pointing to significant sites and markers. Look up to find them leering down at you in bas relief from a medieval mansion. Discover them in the shapes of pastries in bakery windows. But there are even more tributes to the Piper himself, as he’s quick to point out. You’ll see them all— Rattenfänger, enormous red-eyed rats, and their evil Rattenkönig (Rat King) — in hilarious conflict at twiceweekly summertime outdoor plays. After the Wednesday performance of RATS the Musical, the Rat King leads a walking tour to tell his side of the story.

What really happened that Sunday morning while the grownups were in church? In a private or group tour with the town’s official Rattenfänger von Hameln , Michael Boyer recounts historical evidence suggesting several theories. Were the children kidnapped for the Children’s Crusades? Did they succumb to bubonic plague? Or more credibly, were they lured with prom-

ises of a better life to colonize East Germany and Transylvania?

When he reaches a certain street, the Piper respectfully lowers his flute. The people of Hameln take this tragic history so seriously that it’s illegal to play a flute or any music along Bungelosenstrasse (street without drums), where the children were last seen seven hundred and thirty-nine years ago.

And so, the battle rages on:

“This is my town, you patchwork clown. We don’t need any musicians around.”

“Be you rat or newt or viper, no one resists the call of the Piper.”

…The End

RESOURCES

hameln.de hessen-tourismus.de/en

deutsche-maerchenstrasse.com/en eurail.com

Family-friendly Marburg stay: Marburgerhof.de

◀ Candy walls adorn Hansel and reimaginedGretel’s gingerbread house in Grimmwelt-the Kassel museum.

Photo credit: Karen Bartlett

LIVING WITH DIABETES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Leah Shwedel, 9, holds up fourgallon size freezer bags stuffed with small syringes. Then she tells everyone that is how many shots she has endured during the past three months. But the shots aren’t even the hardest part of having Type 1 diabetes. The tough part is the daily balance of food, insulin and lifestyle that is needed to keep the young Naples girl alive.

“Most people think I got it because I ate too much cake. I don’t even like cake,” Leah said.

On stage during charity events, Leah jokes about life with diabetes, but in reality, it never stops being very seri ous. The chronic disease essentially programs a person’s immune system to destroy cells in the pancreas that produce insulin which is vital for turn ing sugar into energy. Leah is one of about 1.9 million people living with Type 1 diabetes in the United States. And it’s a roller coaster of hospital visits, sleep-deprived nights and lifestyle modifica tions.

It all began one day when Leah was five years old. She had been a healthy child.

“And then bam, one day I wake up, and I am extra, extra thirsty,” Leah explained. “I drank a milelong water bottle, and I was still thirsty.”

Her parents took her to the doc tor, who immediately sent her to the hospital,

“It happened so fast. It was crazy,” Leah described.

That day changed their lives.

“When you leave the hospital after diagnosis, you know just about nothing about diabetes management,” her mother, Jessica Shwedel, explained. “You are taught the bare bones; finger sticks to check

blood sugar, insulin injections at mealtimes and how to count carbohydrates, and it is terrifying.”

Doctors told them not to change Leah’s diet, but Shwedel said that wasn’t working. So she researched and found a Facebook support group that suggested a low carb diet. “I started learning about it six months

helped, and Leah has stuck to this diet ever since. Yet it is still not easy. The entire lifestyle is an ever-changing balancing act.

“There are all sorts of things that change her blood sugar level,” Shwedel explained. “Growth spurt, loose tooth, the weather. The disease is so hard because there are so many

These factors can mean life or death. “It is scary when not enough insulin and too much can kill me,” Leah said. “It is so stressful every day. If I don’t get it right or can’t fix it when it goes wrong, I could get sick and maybe even die, and it is so scary and so stressful, especially for my mom. She works so hard at keeping me safe and

The ever-changing puzzle means Leah’s levels must be checked around the clock. Her parents even get up several times at night to check her levels. Shwedel uses an app to check Leah’s levels when she is at Pelican Marsh Elementary School, and she works closely with the school nurse to make sure Leah is safe.

“You go from being a parent to being a full-time nurse,” Shwedel said. “The hardest part of the disease is not the shots. The hardest part is managing it. It can be so defeating.”

Leah gets a minimum of six shots a day. Some of them hurt. Others she does not feel at all.

“It was hard initially,” Shwedel described. “I remember coming home from the hospital and it was helpful for us to scream together. ‘Diabetes, we are going to kick your butt’. We would scream it together, and then I would give her the shot.”

Holidays like Halloween can be especially tricky, according to Shwedel. Their family dresses up and goes trick-or-treating together. Later that

HEALTH By Andrea Stetson

October cover girl model, Leah Shwedel Photo credit: keri@kerijohnson.com

X SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE

NAPLES LIBRARY

650 CENTRAL AVE., NAPLES

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Dance With Us This Fall!

Hotel Transylvania 3, rated PG. Registration not required.

Saturday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m.

night, Shwedel explains, the “switch witch” comes and takes the candy Leah and her brother collected and replaces it with their chosen toys.

X PRESCHOOL NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO

239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

Other holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, are easier to manage when they host the meals in their home using diabetes-friendly ingredients. “We always tell Leah there’s nothing she can’t have, “ Shwedel says. “There’s just a better way to make it.”

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.

X HALLOWEEN MAGIC WITH JOEY EVANS

While life is centered on the disease, Leah also tries to be a normal 9-year-old. She likes to play with her brother Seth, 5 and watch videos on Netflix, She enjoys swimming, martial arts, theater, drawing, playing school with her dolls, playing Roblox and being with her friends.

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO

“Sometimes I forget I have diabetes,” Leah said. “I have so much fun.”

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“Those days are a blessing when we can put it at the back of our minds,” Shwedel added.

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

X PRE-READERS SPOOKY DANCE PARTY

BONITA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

But Jessica and Scott Shwedel and Leah want it to be on the public’s minds. They are heavily involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Leah has spoken at their annual fundraising gala for the last three years.

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239-533-4860 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

“It is good for Leah to meet other people and for her to know that she is not alone,” Shwedel said. “It is to empower her, and I think it has done just that. And it is to educate other people ultimately. It is so important to spread awareness so we can get better treatment and find a cure someday.”

Shwedel hopes a cure is coming soon.

“One of my biggest fears is when she moves out of my house and has to carry this burden by herself,” she explained. “I am hoping for better treatment before that.”

So Leah takes the stage and says it’s not scary speaking before a huge crowd, “I do acting classes so I am used to performing lines and doing dances,” she said. “When I get nervous, I just smile.”

Her speeches are a mixture of humor and serious facts.

“I want people to know that Type 1 diabetes is not easy,” Leah tells the audience. “In fact, it is totally unpredictable, like my little brother. My mom says she wishes it were her and not me, but frankly I think I am tougher than she is.”

This month Leah is heading to New York to speak in front of the Stem Cell Foundation.

“We will talk about what stem cells would mean for us,” Shwedel said. “The best treatment would be to get her body new beta cells to produce insulin.

The challenge is that her body doesn’t attack the new beta cells, or if they could find a treatment that would involve beta cells producing insulin without getting attacked.”

“I want to do it when they are 100 percent sure it is ok,” Leah said about stem cell treatments. “I don’t want to be a guinea pig. If I woke up tomorrow and there was a cure for diabetes, I would be very happy because I could eat snacks whenever I wanted them.”

SWING

into naples zoo for something new!

For the first time in our 50-year history, Naples Zoo welcomed four Bornean orangutans. Visit today to meet these red-haired, great apes.