THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
RAD DAD CRAIG PRICE [OF THE NAPLES PLAYERS]
ANNUAL ARTS DIRECTORY
THE CHALLENGES & JOYS OF PARENTING A GRANDCHILD
AUBREY ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL OPENS
YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL
PHOTOS
Our Back to School Expo ‘23 was a huge success! And we owe it all to you: our sponsors, vendors, and the more than 750 visitors who enjoyed a day of family fun at North Collier Regional Park. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
September
12 22 20
7 FROM THE PUBLISHER 8 YOUR COMMUNITY 11 COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE
10 Kindness Corner Sixth grader Lynlee Richards has crafted a way to help her family’s business recover from Hurricane Ian. by Andrea Stetson
12 Parenting a Grandchild. Learn about the challenges and joys of one local grandmother raising her granddaughter. by Andrea Stetson
20 The Show Must Go On. Discover the changes our local arts organizations are going through to grow and improve. by Andrea Stetson
22 Rad Dad. Meet Craig Price, husband, father, and director of Community Education and Wellness at The Naples Players. by Anna Snyder
25 Arts Directory. Explore the opportunities and benefits of arts education for every age in our community.
info@monicaalvarezphotography.com
We are constantly working to find a sensible balance between the demands of a growing population and the preservation of our natural resources. By becoming a member, you will not only help protect Southwest Florida’s ecosystems, but become part of our diverse community striving for environmental changes.
Sign up for E-News at conservancy.org and receive the latest news about the work we’re doing, policy updates, memberships and events at our Nature Center. BECOME
P.O. Box 110656
Naples, FL 34108
info@neafamily.com
Co-Publisher
Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333
Incoming Co-Publisher
Jane MacNealy jmacnealy@neafamily.com
Outgoing Co-Publisher
Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com
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 https://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.
After seven years as co-publisher of Neapolitan Family and 17 years as a Neapolitan, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s been a privilege to publish the magazine alongside Stacy Nicolau every month, and it’s difficult to leave. But it is the right time for me to go. My daughter has moved to Ohio for college, and my mother is getting to an age where I need to be close by. And I’m really excited to be able to wear sweaters again in my new home in Erie, Pennsylvania, although I may regret that statement in February.
I leave the magazine in extraordinarily capable hands – Stacy and her new co-publisher, Jane MacNealy. Jane is a veteran of the parenting magazine world, having worked at Washington Parent for 21 years, and she is no stranger to Neapolitan Family. You probably have noticed the upgrade in our cover designs over the past several months – that is all due to Jane. She also was front and center at our Back to School Expo last month, handing out tote bags at the entrance and getting to know our advertisers and readers. I can’t wait to see the exciting ideas that I know this new partnership will implement for Neapolitan Family.
I first met Stacy one week before we ended up deciding to buy the magazine. Looking back, moving that quickly was a recipe for disaster, and yet we ended up forming a successful business partnership and friendship. I will miss our thousands of texts flowing back and forth about the magazine, our kids, or whatever strikes us as hilarious. Much our of our work is done remotely, and we tend to think nothing of texting each other work questions at 10 p.m. While I may not miss late-night work texts, I deeply will miss working with Stacy. I’ve always thought of her as the heart and soul of the magazine, because of her commitment to making it the best it can possibly be, and how much she loves serving our community. She’s such a talented person, and Naples is lucky to have her.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives for a few years. You’ve all definitely made mine better.
Goodbye, Leigh Ann
Four students from Community School of Naples traveled to Normandy, France, this summer as participants in the Charles F. Kenney Legacy Trip. They were among 14 students from three schools invited to attend this program that allows students to walk in the footsteps of the heroes of World War II who fought on D-Day, June 6, 1944. It honors Brown University alumnus and U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Charlie Kenney, who died on a tour of duty in 2012. CSN became involved with the trip through Randall Byrnes, a former CSN trustee. The trip is designed as an opportunity to learn history’s lessons by visiting the historic beaches, which is exactly what CSN senior Anya Brenner discovered: “War had always been a foreign idea until my feet connected with the ground where so many soldiers had walked.”
The trip, organized by Military Historical Tours of Virginia, started each morning with a lesson about the history and military strategy of each site. Then the students spent the day exploring the battle fronts, museums, and villages affected by the battles of Omaha, Gold, Utah, Juno, and Sword beaches.
This fall semester, these four, along with other Rho Kappa (a history honor society) students, will participate in CSN’s World War II Memorial Project. They will curate artifacts, conduct interviews at the local VFW, and create an interactive WWII experience fashioned after the museums they visited on the trip. Visit ww.communityschoolnaples.org or call 239-597-7575.
Students in Florida have the opportunity to win scholarships and other prizes in two statewide contests that recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heroes and Their Contributions to Freedom.”
The art contest is open to Florida students in kindergarten through third grade. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks.
The essay contest is open to Florida students in grades 4-12. Six winners will be selected: two from grades 4-5, two from grades 6-8, and two high school students. Each winner will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship and a $100 gift card for school supplies. Each student may enter only one essay, written in English, no longer than 500 words. Students will write about a Hispanic-American (a Floridian) who has been influential and whose story should be shared.
All entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Sept. 18. Visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
The Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation is hosting its annual Aqua Ball on Sept. 23 at Vineyards Country Club in Naples. The money raised by the event pays for swimming lessons, door alarms, life jackets, and drowning awareness outreach programs.
FLDPF’s mission is to prevent childhood drowning by funding these layers of drowning prevention efforts, community water safety and family events, and supporting other Florida nonprofit drowning prevention organizations and programs.
Since 2015, the group has sponsored 622 swimmers, provided 4,976 swimming lessons and 864 door alarms, reached 20,000 preschoolers each year, replaced the life jacket loaner station on Marco Island’s Residents’ Beach after Hurricane Ian, and sponsored Stewie the Duck appearances for three years.
Visit www.fldpf.com or contact Terri Ballo at 239-919-2001 or terri@fldpf
Lynlee Richards spent her 11th birthday hunkered down in her North Naples home as Hurricane Ian blasted through the area. When the storm and her birthday were over, her life was changed. The concessions at Lovers Key State Park and Delnor-Wiggins State Park owned by her family owned were demolished. There was nothing left of Hurricane Charley’s, a snack shop at Lovers Key, or the shop or kayak and paddleboard rentals. It all disappeared under more than 15 feet of water that covered the two parks.
As her parents worked to rebuild the business, Lynlee was starting a business of her own.
“I just love crafting, and I was watching YouTube, and a lot of people were starting bracelet businesses,” she began.
So Lynlee bought batches of colorful clay and smiley face beads and began stringing them together. Early on, it was just a hobby. She gave the colorful bracelets to family members and friends. But when her father was able to open a makeshift shop at Lovers Key this summer, Lynlee had another idea for her bracelets.
“Originally I didn’t know what to do with the money I made,” Lynlee said. “I just wanted to make the bracelets for fun. Then I thought I could give them to a charity, but then I thought I could give them to Lovers Key.”
A few months ago Lynlee started selling her bracelets at her father’s concession at Lovers Key. The one at Delnor-Wiggins is not yet open.
“It has been a hard year for my family,” Lynlee said. “While we try to rebuild what we lost, I started making these bracelets because I love crafting and wanted to help my dad in some way because he has worked very hard for our family.”
Lynlee knows the little bit of money
earned from the bracelets won’t pay for the new food trailer or concession shop that her family needs to continue their business, but every little bit helps.
“I was very proud of her for her ingenuity and her entrepreneurship,” said Todd Richards, Lynlee’s father.
“I was just proud of her for wanting to give back, even if it is small,” added Maribeth Richards, her mother. “Her heart is in the right place.”
At first Lynlee was hand-stringing the beads, which took a lot of time.
“Then I found bead spinners, and they spin the beads onto a needle so it does not take as long,” Lynlee explained. “With the bead spinner I can make one in four minutes and 20 seconds. I timed myself.”
Things don’t always move so fast for
the North Naples Middle School sixth grader. She enjoys spending her leisure time doing all sorts of crafts. Her oncewhite desk is now a swirl of colors from the paints she uses to decorate wooden cutouts and frames or to simply paint. Beading is a lot neater. Next to her desk is an organized stand full of beads all sorted by color. Lynlee says choosing the color patterns consumes the most time in making the bracelets, which come in three sizes and are displayed in the shop beside a sign that says “Smile” which is what she named her business. All her bracelets have one smiley face bead in the middle. Lynlee’s bracelets are for sale at the temporary concession stand at Lovers Key State park. They also can be ordered by emailing smile.braclets28@gmail.com.
Collier County Public Schools celebrated the opening of its newest high school last month. Aubrey Rogers High School is the first CCPS high school to open in 19 years. The 60-acre property was purchased in 2001 thanks to the foresight of district staff and Collier County school board members. This forward thinking allowed CCPS to pay for the school in cash without having to issue a bond or local tax increase.
Ellen Keegan, a 19-year CCPS veteran, was chosen to lead the school as principal in its inaugural year. “To be able to be a part of this means that people believe in me as a leader,” Keegan said. “Not everybody has the opportunity to open up a brand new school, and so you get to be a part of picking furniture, designing uniforms, and that is going to be long-lasting.”
CCPS did as much as possible to preserve what makes the property uniquely Southwest Florida: wetlands, native flowers, cypress trees, and wildlife habitats. The singular, multi-story building minimizes the environmental footprint and is oriented toward a cypress dome containing a boardwalk for student and staff use.
Collaboration was top of mind as the design for ARH took form. For example, there are social stairs for students to work together, eat breakfast or lunch, or just enjoy being a student. School leaders creatively named spaces to align with the school’s Patriots mascot, such as Independence Hall, Liberty Lounge, Freedom Hall, and Allegiance Alley – a space that stretches the entire length of the building and is flanked by arts and athletics. Real-world learning also will be offered through five career academies:
• Engineering
• Health sciences
• Information technology
• Entrepreneurship and finance
• Law studies
Freshman Addison Hatch is thrilled to begin her high school career at ARH. “I’ve
been waiting,” she said. “I’ve been looking at the photos, the plans, and just walking down the hallway, I’m so excited.”
The school is named after the late Collier County Sheriff Aubrey Rogers. Rogers established the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Youth Relations program in 1977, a groundbreaking concept that put deputies on school campuses and still benefits our community today. He also was instrumental in founding the Collier County Junior Deputy League in the 1960s, bringing opportunities for children to go camping and to be mentored by deputies.
“To know that his name will be here forever now, and his legacy for what he did for the deputies in the schools and all of the youth in Collier County, it’s just indescribable,” explained Dan Rogers, a
30+ year CCSO veteran and son of the late Aubrey Rogers. “It’s going to be a really, really special year of firsts, and we as a family want to be a part of as much of it as we can.”
CCPS school board member Erick Carter visited ARH on the first day of school. “My hope is that everybody who is coming to this school, all the students, build their own culture and make this school unique to them and to our community, which I’m sure they will.”
“We are a team of 100 employees,” added Keegan. “We are excited and dedicated to making Aubrey Rogers High School the best learning environment for our students.”
To learn more about the school visit www.collierschools.com/arh.
Celeste Lynch is a typical busy mom, taking Gianna, 9, to school and swimming lessons, helping with homework, and making dinner. They cuddle on the couch with their cat, French Toast. They go on fun, adventurous summer vacations. But Lynch isn’t really a typical mom, because she is Gianna’s grandmother.
Lynch is one of more than 2.3 million grandparents in the United States who are responsible for caring for their grandchildren. And that number is rapidly increasing.
Parental substance abuse, incarceration, and death of a parent are some of the many reasons grandparents are raising their grandkids. But two recent crises have forced a spike now. COVID-19 has made at least 140,000 children orphans, according to a statement before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. The opioid epidemic also has greatly increased the number of grandparents stepping in to parent.
Sept. 10 is Grandparents Day, but for Gianna, Mother’s Day is more appropriate. Gianna was just a year old when Lynch began caring for her. It’s now been eight years of love, adventures, and challenges.
The Naples duo began their story by sharing the fun times. They recently returned from a summer vacation in the Bahamas,
where they swam with sharks, stingrays, turtles, and wild pigs. They scrolled through photos on their phone recalling all the fun times they had.
“She was scared of the pigs, but I wasn’t,” Gianna described.
Last summer they went to Costa Rica. They are planning a trip to Alaska for next summer.
“We like to swim together,” Gianna said. “And we love to go to the mall. We like eating there. I like Chick-fil-A and the grilled cheese place.”
Gianna calls Lynch Mom Mom. Lynch’s husband died years ago. Now she lives with her wife, Monica Smith, who Gianna calls Yaya. A grandparent’s life journey often takes an unplanned detour when they step in to parent a grandchild. While Lynch loves being Gianna’s parent, there are challenges.
“I had just married Monica, and then this happened,” Lynch began. “It was not something we planned on. Unfortunately, my daughter had addiction problems for many years, and things were not good, and the other parent was not in the picture.”
When the Florida Department of Children and Families called, Lynch didn’t hesitate to agree to care for her grandchild. “DCF was very happy when I said ‘yes’ because they don’t have that all the time,” Lynch explained. “There are a lot of grandparents who don’t have the ability”
Lynch had to find daycare quickly for the 1-year-old since she and Smith both work at Moorings Park, Lynch as an executive director and Smith as a nurse.
“First we went through guardianship and worked toward the adoption,” she explained. “It is not an easy process. That is why a lot of grandparents can’t do this. If you don’t have the resources it can be very limiting, so we were lucky.”
Caring for a grandchild is expensive. Raising a child from birth to age 18 costs about $310,000, or $17,000 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For senior citizens who rely on Social Security to pay the bills or for those who saved for their retirement but not for raising another child, this becomes quite difficult.
That’s why Tina Tusack of Fort Myers teamed up with CeAnne Kaiser to create Family Haven Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at helping grandparents and great-grandparents who are raising children. They realized that raising a grandchild can cause significant stress due financial concerns, physical limitations, and transitioning to a new way of life.
“We just want to help these grandparents,” Kaiser said. “They are the unspoken heroes who are helping their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
The group holds fundraisers including a yearly golf tournament and a 50/50 drawing. They use the money raised to help these grandparents and great grandparents with everything from utility bills to school fees to healthcare.
“We are talking about 80-year-olds taking care of 2-year-olds, and they are trying to live off Social Security,” explained Kaiser.
Kaiser described helping some Naples great-grandparents who suddenly were caring for toddler twins.
“They had no help, no advice, no place to turn,” she explained.
Raising grandchildren means life changes.
“It is kind of like starting over,” said Tusack, who is raising her 7-year-old granddaughter. “A retirement, I don’t see that in my future. We have to put another one through college.”
Lynch, 58, agrees.
“Probably 10-12 more years to afford getting her through school and college,” she said about working. “It does change your future.”
There were other life-changing decisions made when suddenly raising a grandchild. Lynch chose to move to a community in Naples with more children.
“We were drawn here because there were so many kids, and we felt we should move somewhere with a lot of kids,” Lynch said. “Without her we definitely would have been in a different community.”
Lynch also is trying to keep up with technology.
“I am not up on all the tech stuff,” she explained. “I feel that I am not a good resource for her because I don’t have an Apple watch and I don’t have an iPad. I use my computer for work, and I keep up with the things I need for work.”
There are even more challenges.
“Homework is really hard,” she admitted. “It is not the way we used to do things.”
Then there is the exhaustion.
“For me, personally, and Monica, we work all day, we have afterschool care, we pick her up at 6 o’clock, and we have to do dinner and homework,” she described. “So that is a challenge for me because I am tired. I fall asleep in the chair after I put her to bed because I am so tired. I wish there was more support. I don’t have the patience I used to have, but I am wiser. I think I can handle things a lot better because I have the experience, but with my age, it tries my patience a little more.”
Lynch did start a support group in Naples in 2017, but turned it over to Valerie’s House a few years later.
Things are good now for the Lynch family. Lynch was able to formally adopt Gianna in December 2019. Lynch’s daughter is now doing well and is able to spend time with Gianna, and Lynch is enjoying being the parent that Gianna needs.
“I am one of those people who believe things happen for a reason,” Lynch said. “Just that special bond makes me feel so good. It is a tighter bond. It inspired me to stay in shape and keep my health and wellness. I want to keep healthy for her. The things we do together are very special, and she is very loving and affectionate, and that is the way I am. She will reach out and hold my hand, so it makes you feel like you are making a positive impact. We are in such a good place now. She does see her mother, but she wants to come back here. Here is home.”
1 FRIDAY
10:30 a.m. Family Storytime. Weekly. Stories, songs, and a craft for children of all ages and caregivers. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239252-7064 or check www.collierlibrary.org.
6 p.m. Back to School Bash. Bounce houses, fire department, donation drop-off, mocktails, food samples. Located at Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-594-5000 or check www.shopvanderbilt.com.
9 a.m. Free Zoo Admission for Collier Residents. Present qualifying ID for free entry on the first Saturday of the month. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-315-7626 or check www.napleszoo.org.
10 a.m. Free Kids Fishing. Fish on the back lake (catch and release). Located at Bass Pro Shop, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-461-7800 or check www.basspro.com.
5:30 p.m. Avow Kids First Friday Movie: Inside Out. Registration required. Located at Avow, Ispiri Community Center, 1205 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples. RSVP to avowkids@avowcares. org or 239-261-4404.
9 a.m. Free Wonder Gardens Admission. Free entry with Bonita Springs address on a photo ID on the first Sunday of the month. Located at Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Check www.wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.
10:30 a.m. Sensory Sunday. Sensory-friendly planetarium show. Everyone is welcome. Located at Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Check www.calusanature.org.
9 a.m. Safari Squad. Ages 1-4 with an adult. Animal encounter, storytime, art, and play stations. Registration required. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Check www. napleszoo.org or call 239-920-2085 x158.
9:30 a.m. Future Makers. Ages 1-5. Have fun, learn, and gain social skills while exploring science, technology, engineering, and more. Located Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Check www.edisonfordwinterestates. org or call 239-334-7419.
10:30 a.m. Baby Rhyme Time. Ages birth to 18 months and caregivers. Bond with your baby and meet new friends. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.
Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Offering 1 or 2 day options
Ages 2– 4 year olds (by August 1st)
To enroll or for information please contact kelly.eastman@covenantnaples.com | 239-597-3464
7 THURSDAY
10 a.m. Family Storytime. Weekly. Stories, songs, and activities. All ages welcome but best for toddlers. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Call 239-2527150 or check www.collierlibrary.org.
10 a.m. Miss Jen’s Family Storytime Yoga. Story, songs, rhymes, movement, and fun activities to engage little hands and bodies. Bring yoga mat for some simple stretching activities. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7370.
2 p.m. Chess. For teens and adults. Boards supplied. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.
8 FRIDAY
10 a.m. La Leche League Monthly Meeting. All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are welcome. Located at The Humble Hut, 2740 Bayshore Dr., Unit 5, Naples. Call 865-696-6353 or check www.lllflorida.com/naples.
9 SATURDAY
7:45 a.m. Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk. Honors Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter, and all of those who died on 9/11. Located at Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Pkwy., Fort Myers. Check www.t2t.org.
10 a.m. Amazing Adventures Family Day. Mad scientists and budding engineers will enjoy hands-on crafts and experiments. Best for ages 5-12. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-8476 or Check www.colliermuseums.com.
10 a.m. Baby and Me. For 18 months to 3 years. Exploring, creating, singing, and dancing. Located at Autism Support Center, 734 SW Fourth St., Cape Coral. Call Family Initiative at 239-9100712 or check www.fi-florida.org.
11 a.m. LGBTQ Youth Group. A safe space to hangout, make friends, and support each other. Located at Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport Rd. S., Naples. Call 239-304-9407 or check www. naplespride.org.
12 p.m. Anti-abduction Seminar. Free self-defense class for kids and parents. Learn how to prevent and stop an abduction attempt. Registration required, limited space. Located at Naples Family Martial Arts, 5926 Premier Way, Unit #108, Naples. Check www.naplesfamilymartialarts.com or call 239315-6303.
12 p.m. Paint the Park. The three best-decorated squares win a prize. Games, music, food vendors, and more. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Check www.collierparks.com or call 239-252-3527.
6 p.m. Bark in the Park at the Mighty Mussels. Bring your dog to the game. Located at Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. Call 239-768-4210 or check www. milb.com/fort-myers.
• 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
2 p.m. Naples Ballet Nutcracker Auditions. Young dancers ages 5+ have the chance to perform on the grand Hayes Hall stage with professional dancers and the Naples Philharmonic playing Tchaikovsky’s iconic music. To register for an audition, email dance@naplesballet.org. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Visit www.artisnaples.org
10 SUNDAY
8 a.m. 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Climb 110 stories as our fallen heroes did in each of the Twin Towers. Located at Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Dr., Naples. Check www.facebook.com/brotherhoodride.
12 TUESDAY
4 p.m. Little Builders Build: Gears! Gears! Gears! Ages 3-13. A great way to encourage imagination while giving kids first-hand experience with simple mechanics and science. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542.
14 THURSDAY
3:30 p.m. Kindness Club. Fun activities designed to encourage kindness. Ages 7-11. Registration required. Located at South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-5334400 or check www.leegov.com/library.
4 p.m. Lego Fun. Ages 4-11. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-252-7109 or check www.collierlibrary.org
6:30 p.m. Evening on Fifth. Live musical performances up and down the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue South. Located at Fifth Avenue South, Naples. Check www.fifthavenuesouth.com.
15 FRIDAY
6 p.m. Kids’ Night Out. Ages 5-11. $10 per child. Themed games, activities, dinner, and a movie. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-2523527 or check www.collierparks.com.
16 SATURDAY
9 a.m. Gym Open House. Join us for a 30 minute block of your choosing until noon. For members and nonmembers. Registration required. Located at My Gym, 13020 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-431-6499 or check www.mygym.com/naples/ events.
More information can be found on our website www.naplesmontessori.org
2655 Northbrooke Drive Naples, Florida 34119 License #C20CO0132
11 a.m. Air Fryer 101 for Ages 10-18. Learn how to cook a healthy meal. Parents are encouraged to attend and observe. Registration is required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239252-7073.
1:30 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Read to a dog or just pet one. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7369 or check www.collierlibrary.org.
We buy & sell gently used kids stuff
18
MONDAY
3:30 p.m. Sept. 11 Remembrance – First Responder Letter Writing. Show your appreciation for our local first responders. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7350
19 TUESDAY
9:45 a.m. Young People’s Concert. Daily through Sept. 29. An interactive show that introduces children to the instruments of the orchestra. Homeschool groups and families welcome. Reservations required. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Visit www.artisnaples.org or call 239-597-1900
5:30 p.m. Family Tabletop Game Night. For all ages and skill levels. Challenge your family to a variety of tabletop games. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.
7:30 p.m. Movies on the Lawn: Encanto. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Located at Mercato Shops, Naples. Check www. experiencemercato.com or call 239-254-1080.
20 WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. Conservationist Jr. Ages 3-5. Preschoolers will explore the amazing natural habitats in Collier County. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. RSVP to 239-252-8472 or at www.colliermuseums.com.
3:30 p.m. Art Lab: Slime. Ages 6-11. Creative hands-on monthly art experiences. Registration required. Located at South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-5334400 or check www.leegov.com/library
21 THURSDAY
7 p.m. PFLAG Naples. A safe, loving, and supportive environment for the parents, family, and friends of LGBTQ+ people. Located at Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport Rd. S., Naples. Call 239-304-9407 or check www.naplespride.org.
22 FRIDAY
5:30 p.m. Hairspray. Select dates through Oct. 28. Located at Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check www.broadwaypalm.com or call 239-278-4422.
23 SATURDAY
10 a.m. Family Fun Day: Honrando Nuestra Historia. Activities and games exploring Hispanic and indigenous contributions to 10,000 Islands region, in celebration of Latina Heritage Month. Located at Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-252-1400 or check www.colliermuseums.com.
1 p.m. ASD Social Skills Playgroup. Kids with autism fit in, progress, and make friends. Ages 4+. $20. Located at Christ Community Church, 4050 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-9100712 or check www.fi-florida.org.
2 p.m. Lego Fun. Bricks are provided, so let your imagination run wild. All ages. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-2527073.
5 p.m. Family Fun Night. Games, food, face painting, balloons sculptures, and more. Located at Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-489-1221 or check www. belltowerfl.com.
5:30 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. Ages 2.5 to 11 years. An evening full of laughter, surprises, activity, and friends. Located at My Gym, 13020 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-431-6499 or check www.mygym.com/naples/events.
4 p.m. Lego Crew. Ages 5-13. Share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun. Bricks provided. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Check www. collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542.
5:30 p.m. Exceptional Night. For children with autism and other sensory integration disorders or other disabilities. Located at Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check www.cmon.org or call 239-514-0084.
10 a.m. Toddler Storytime. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ages 16-35 months for stories, songs, and activities. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239252-7109 or check www.collierlibrary.org.
4:30 p.m. Duct Tape Crafternoon. Ages 11-17. Use Make flower pens, wallets, storage boxes, and more. Registration required. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.
6 p.m. Art After Hours. Fun evening of art and entertainment for all ages. Located at Artis-Naples, Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Visit www.artisnaples.org or call 239-597-1900.
1 p.m. Hispanic Heritage Month Make and Take. Saturday also. Drop in through 4 p.m. to make a flag for Hispanic Heritage Month. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-4542
12 p.m. Festa Italiana. Food, entertainment, games, contests, vendors, and more. Located at German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral. Call 239-772-7037 or visit www.capecoralmuseum.org.
2 p.m. Spanish Loteria. All ages. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a few rounds of Loteria. Win some prizes and learn Spanish. Registration is not required, but seating is limited. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.
H E A R T S G U I D E
The show must go on. Even with a theater under construction or no permanent home, local theater groups are finding a way to continue to teach acting skills to children and adults and even give full performances for the community.
In April the building on Fifth Avenue in Naples that was home to The Naples Players, closed for major renovations. It won’t completely open until October 2024.
“Education station, temporary location,” said Craig Price, director of community education and wellness, as he greeted children entering one of the acting programs at a temporary location in North Naples.
TNP is leasing the former preschool building at the Naples United Church of Christ. The classrooms
are now used for acting lessons, dance, improv, and more. They are also leasing the church’s McSpadden Hall, that they turned into a makeshift theater. The group built a stage, put in a floor and brought in seating for 175 people. This summer children and teenagers performed Beauty and the Beast and Into the Woods in the church theater.
The group also leased space at the Community School of Naples for its production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
“It has really been a partnership of Theatre Zone at the Community School and McSpadden Hall and the church,” Price explained. “We have been very lucky to be able to lease these spaces to continue with our education and our productions.”
Tucker Claremont, 16, has performed in shows at
TNP in the past, and is now rehearsing and performing in the temporary locations. He calls it a good educational experience.
“In the Broadway business you are working with small spaces,” he described. “It was an adjustment, but it was a really cool experience.”
Rehearsal space at the church is much smaller than he is used to.
“It took a lot of creativeness to figure out how to use the space in the church,” Tucker said. “The biggest room there was about half the size of what we are used to, but it was a great experience.”
Tucker performed in Hunchback this summer at the Community School’s theater. He said having audience boxes added to the atmosphere of the show.
“It was wonderful,” he concluded. “Be tween the church and the Community School of Naples, we had plenty of resources.”
Price said these partnerships are essential for the survival of the Naples Players.
“It could have been devastating for our theater,” Price stated. “I don’t think we could survive a year. We survived COVID by doing everything online. We made it work during COVID, so we are making it work during construction.”
Next year TNP will move back into its building after a $21 million restoration and expansion. The new 44,000-square-foot facility will have three theaters; it previously had two.
The Gulfshore Playhouse is also in a temporary location while it constructs its first building. The group currently practices and performs at the Norris Center and holds rehearsals in the Fleischmann Field House. During the 202223 season, the group worked with more than
6,300 stu dents and expects to double that number this year. Con struction is underway on a new building that will have two theaters, a production studio, rehearsal studio and education wing. Its new Baker Theater and Education Center is expected to open in October 2024.
“It is going to be a beautiful one,” said Rachel Applegate, chief marketing officer. “We are building an entire new theater from the ground up.” Arts Bonita is expanding outward with plans to bring more activities beyond its two campuses. The group just changed its name from Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs to Arts Bonita.
“Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs was such a mouthful,” said Alyona Ushe, executive director. While its buildings are not under construction and all programs are going on inside, Ushe also wants to move things outside.
“We are going to do a lot more in the community,” Ushe said. “We want to invite as many artists as we can accommodate to come to our buildings, but in addition to that we want to spill onto the streets. We want to do art walks, more art shows. We want to do a show in December to give people the opportunity to buy unique gifts. We want to do more festivals and events. We want to see how we can get much more engaged and offer a greater variety.”
After moving to Naples 18 years ago, Craig Price became heavily involved in The Naples Players as a volunteer, leaning into his passion for improv and acting. 7 years ago, he became director of community education and wellness, integrating this passion for theater and improv with meeting the unique needs of neurodivergent students and aging adults with dementia. The wellness component of TNP continues to grow and expand, thanks to Craig’s leadership, along with the support of his family.
Tell us about yourself and your children. What makes your family unique?
I am married to Cheri and have two children. My son, Antonio, is a freshman at Naples High School, and my daughter, Angelina, is in eighth grade at Gulfview Middle School.
My wife moved to Naples 25 years ago, and I moved here 18 years ago. We both desired to be closer to our families. My dad and stepmom had relocated to Southwest Florida, and my wife’s parents and grandparents, along with her brothers and sister, were here as well.
Cheri and I met online; when I moved to Naples, I knew no one. I wasn’t really into the bar scene. I don’t drink. I didn’t know how to meet anyone; the whole online dating thing had just started. Her profile said that she had lived in Los Angeles and worked in the film industry in postproduction and had done improv there. She had traveled around the world, grew up in Pennsylvania as a competitive ice skater and loved hockey. I thought, “Oh my gosh, I’m going to marry this girl.” It took a lot of convincing but eventually we met for
coffee, and the rest is history.
We stayed here in town; we had kids here. Family is so important to us – our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. We wanted our kids to grow up having meaningful, growing relationships with their family members. That’s why my wife and I both moved here initially, and that’s why we’ve stayed.
Almost immediately after I moved here, someone suggested I check out the theater – The Naples Players. I immediately started auditioning for shows and eventually began teaching classes. I became the education director seven years ago after Bryce Alexander became the director.
My love was improv since high school and college. I knew improv was going to be my thing. I knew that this was what I wanted to do the rest of my life.
What does your position as director of community education and wellness entail? When I started doing improv, something shifted – I knew I felt better after. Improv improves our ability to communicate with each other. It helps kids feel more confident; it helps people. As we continued on in this process of community education, Bryce asked me, “What do you want to do differently here? Yes, we teach theater, acting, and improv to kids and adults. How can you grow this?” I immediately turned to the process of equipping people with unique abilities. My kids were both born with sensory processing disorders and benefited from occupational therapy. I responded to Bryce: “There’s got to be a way to help kids with autism communicate through theater and improv.” Bryce came from a theater that supported and equipped people with physical and developmental disabilities. He was so supportive of starting a wellness division.
It started with one class – teaching improv to kids with autism. Now I go all over the community and teach theater with a wellness component. Adults with Alzheimer’s and their care partners benefit greatly from these classes. It turns out that the way communication happens for kids with autism, as well as adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and is very close to the way we communicate with improv.
Once Bryce and I started this department, it immediately grew. We started looking around the country and recognized that our program here in Naples is unique. We want to codify it, create curriculum, and train other theaters and teachers around the country. This wellness division is the fastest growing area of our theater.
What do you envision for The Naples Players in terms of community involvement? I envision growth in the entire community in terms of wellness and communication; I want to show others how they can help. The Naples Players creates community through theater experience and education. I want everyone to understand that even watching a performance will help you physically and regulate you; imagine what consistent class participation and regular involvement can do!
Do your kids think you’re a rad dad? I told my daughter about this interview and showed her a copy of Neapolitan Family She responded with, “Oh no!” So, I asked
her, “Do you think I’m a rad dad?” She said, “You’re a different dad.”
Antonio and Angelina both tried theater. Even though they’re now on to other things, theater gave them confidence to do whatever they want. Angelina does figure skating at Hertz Arena, where Antonio plays ice hockey. They both joined the debate team at Gulfview Middle School. They are both musical and heavily involved with scouts. We’re not necessarily creating Broadway actors at The Naples Players, but we’re giving kids confidence to go out accomplish their goals and pursue their dreams.
What advice would you give other dads about maintaining a healthy worklife balance? My family is my priority, and I have the freedom to maintain a healthy balance in my role at The Naples Players. I have been able to spend more time with my family on the weekends than I ever have because so much of my work is during the school day. I teach classes after school. I’ve been able to get home and have dinner with my kids. We always make it a priority to sit down and eat together – no phones, no headphones. We force our kids to talk to us.
My wife has been incredibly support-
ive. She has pushed me and helped me and encouraged me in my career. “You’ve been put on this earth to help people, so keep doing it,” she just kept saying. It’s only been at The Naples Players that I’ve been able to find my true calling. She has been so helpful and encouraging to me – and to our kids.
How can other Naples families become more engaged with the arts? With The Naples Players? As simple and basic as it sounds, get on our website: Naplesplayers.org. We have such a huge offering this year. The types of classes we offer for kids to adults have grown. Now, we’re offering meditation classes, classes in Spanish, and classes for very little children/infants and their parents, to teach 0 to 4-year-olds the value of play: singing, dancing, and pretending.
It’s amazing how theater seems to universally help everyone on all levels. I’d encourage everyone to take a class, especially if you’re a little nervous. We offer a free improv class to adults every month. I offer an online improv class – for free – for adults once a month. You’ll feel better, more regulated, more confident, better able to communicate. That’s the power of theater.
take home. After the show, families will enjoy a 90-minute cruise. Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.
X OWL-O-WEEN
GORE NATURE CENTER EDUCATION CENTER
239-597-1900 • www.artisnaples.org
4261 40TH AVE. S.E., NAPLES
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.
X WONDERWEEN THE WONDER GARDENS OF BONITA SPRINGS
239-308-0281 • WWW.MYBRIDGETONATURE.COM
Stories, activities, costume contest, and nature hike. Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
X HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR SOUTH REGIONAL LIBRARY
27180 OLD 41 ROAD, BONITA SPRINGS
239-992-2591 • WWW.WONDERGARDENS.ORG
Artis-Naples, home of the Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, is dedicated to making the arts a part of every local child’s life. With familyfriendly concerts, field trips, Make-and-Take Workshops in The Baker Museum, free Community Days, ArtSmart and Music Makers summer camps, and more, our thriving student education and enrichment programs are central to our multidisciplinary mission. For advanced student musicians, the Naples Philharmonic provides youth ensembles: orchestra, jazz orchestra, symphonia, and chorus
Raffle prizes, Halloween-themed games, costume contest, raffle prizes, and more. Sunday, Oct. 30, 12-2 p.m.
239-495-8989 • www.artcenterbonita.org
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.
Arts Bonita, formerly known as Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, provides resources and mentoring for developing young minds to further their interests in the visual and performing arts. We are the center for kids with a creative passion – the ones who color outside the lines, who crush sidewalk chalk and make their own paint, who build cardboard cities, the kids who are drawn to music and dance, and can’t wait to act it all out on stage. We are here to help unleash their creativity and watch their love for the arts grow. Arts Bonita really has it all – from animation, drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography to music, dance, film, and theater. Our classes connect students to hands-on projects and experienced faculty members who are passionate about our mission – Arts for All!
X HALLOWEEN TRAIN RIDES
NAPLES LIONEL TRAN MUSEUM, 401 10TH ST. S., NAPLES
239-262-1766 • WWW.NAPLESTRAINMUSEUM.ORG
239-566-3535 • frontdesk@bdanaples.com • www.bdanaples.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.
Backstage Dance Academy offers a professional dance education for girls and boys ages 2-18. Students can stretch their imaginations in our Children’s Division or nurture their skill and artistry in our Upper Level Division. Whether you’re enrolled in a ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, or lyrical class, our professional instructors will teach a challenging and engaging class designed to inspire and transform each dancer. If you are interested in joining our dedicated dance family centered on a common love of dance, stop by and visit our friendly staff, or call us for more information on how you can bring the joy of dance into your child’s life. We look forward to meeting you.
X SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE
NAPLES LIBRARY
650 CENTRAL AVE., NAPLES
239-252-5135 • WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG
Hotel Transylvania 3, rated PG. Registration not required. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m.
X PRESCHOOL NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY
SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY
21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO
239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY
Spooktacular stories, songs, and crafts. Wear your costume for a parade inside the library. Ages 3-5. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
X 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.
X PRE-READERS SPOOKY DANCE PARTY
BONITA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
10560 REYNOLDS STREET, BONITA SPRINGS
239-533-4860 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY
AGES 2-18
239-278-4422 • www.broadwaypalm.com
Broadway Palm’s Children’s Theatre is fun for everybody. After each show, the cast stays on stage to answer questions from the audience. The 2023-24 season productions in include: Grace for President (Oct. 2-26), Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. (Nov. 28-Dec. 24), Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Mar. 8-April 5, 2024), Tilly the Trickster (April 25-May 24, 2024), and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile (July 11-Aug. 22, 2024). Plus, many of our Main Theatre shows such as Elf (Nov. 10-Dec. 25), and Mary Poppins (June 28-Aug. 10), are fun for all ages.
239-571-3305 • tpoorman@childrenforthearts.com • www.childrenforthearts.com
Children for the Arts Theatre, located at the Pulte Family Center at St. John’s Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, will hold three productions during the 2023-24 school year for children ages 6-17, including 101 Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, and Aladdin, Jr. Acting, improv, and vocal classes also are offered, as well as a backstage program for teens interested in working behind the scenes of a production. We encourage individual expression and creativity, and promote learning the fundamentals of acting, stage presence, working alongside peers, and the development of self-confidence. Children achieve skills that apply not only to the theater but to public speaking and leadership.
239-213-3020 • www.naplesgov.com
The City of Naples offers a variety of activities for everyone from prekindergarten to adults. Programs and specialty summer camps (for prekindergarten to teens) include visual arts, dance, writing, theater, and more.
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.
239-252-4000 • www.collierparks.com
The Collier County Parks & Recreation Division offers a variety of programs involving the arts at several different locations throughout Collier County. Music, art, and dance classes are offered at our community centers at affordable prices. We provide year-round programming for all ages and abilities.
239-513-6999 • admin@naplesdancearts.com • www.naplesdancearts.com
Dance Arts by Maria Inc. teaches a love and appreciation for the art of dance to all ages and levels of students. Dancers between the ages of 2-18 can learn ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical. New this season: Mommy and Me and Toddler Tumble classes. In addition to recreational classes, the studio offers multiple performance team opportunities and an award-winning competitive team. The studio participates in charitable events throughout Naples, so keep an eye out for our dancers.
239-261-7529 • www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Gulfshore Playhouse Education serves SWFL through a wide variety of unique educational opportunities. The playhouse’s educational programming provides people from the diverse community accessibility to the art of theater. Program offerings for youth grades pre-K to 12 range from STAR (Student Theatre Artist in Residence) theater classes, summer camps, and productions to ThinkTheatre in-school and classroom programs. Gulfshore Playhouse also provides a variety of educational opportunities for adults, from Synergy Series audience enrichment programs to professional internships.
239-434-7340, ext. 136 • www.NaplesPlayers.org
The Naples Players KidzAct program is dedicated to creating a welcoming, family-friendly, and supportive environment to nurture the next generation of performing artists. Our classes and programs are open to ages 4-17 and include both skills-based and performance-focused curriculum. We also offer an extensive range of wellness programming for children and teens with disabilities, anxiety, and more.
MARCO ISLAND DANCE ACADEMY
239-399-0551 • info@marcoislanddanceacademy.com • www.MarcoIslandDanceAcademy.com
Mermaid Tails Dance offers classes for kids ages 1 year and older. Our goal is to bring the joy of movement and dance to Marco Island. Classes offered: ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, cheer, aerial, acro, tumbling, competition, and Mommy & Me We have two beautiful studio rooms to hold multiple classes and cater to different skill levels and styles. The studios feature top-of-the-line equipment and flooring used by advanced professional studios.
NAPLES ART INSTITUTE
239-262-6517 • info@naplesart.org • www.NaplesArt.org
A strong arts education is part of the foundation for a successful future. Youth who participate in the popular ARTScool summer education program delve into their creative sides. Special studio or art classes for children are offered throughout the year, including classes specifically designed for homeschool students. Collier County high school art students have opportunities to earn scholarships to pursue artistic studies at the collegiate level.
NAPLES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
239-325-8789 • info@naplesperformingartscenter.com • http://NaplesPerformingArtsCenter.com
NPAC is a one stop shop for the performing arts. We offer dance classes for ages 2 and up, private lessons for vocal, instrumental, and acting students, and musical theater opportunities for students 6 and up. Our I’m a STAR program is a one-of-a-kind program where anyone with any mental or physical challenges can join and learn to sing, dance, and act. We also offer masterclasses and workshops taught by Broadway guest artists throughout the year and have a variety of camps in the summer. Call or email for more information about our programs.
516-314-7404 • NaplesIrishDance@gmail.com
• www.facebook.com/DanceIrishNaples
The Naples School of Irish Dance teaches both competitive and performance based Irish dance. Our performance group (The Naples Irish Dance Company) has performed at events throughout SWFL. The school is also affiliated with the Drake School of Irish Dance, an internationally renowned competitive dance school, which has been a great opportunity for our competitor dancers, as our teachers are all champion dancers and have competed in Florida and internationally. Our school is a place where our dancers work hard, have fun, make friends, and build confidence and self-esteem. We accept boys and girls ages 4+.
Here are some first day of school photos sent in by our readers. We could only print a few, but we loved them all! Check out more on our Facebook page. Here’s to a great year!
The all-new Second Edition is the perfect guide for visitors, local families, classrooms, homeschool groups and libraries. Twice as many colorful photos and illustrations...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.
For the first time in our 50-year history, Naples Zoo is welcoming orangutans. Four of these red-haired, great apes will make their debut in fall of 2023.
