SWFL Parent & Child July 2019

S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M

J U LY 2 0 1 9

Sick Child?

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Color the PPC Pals, then bring them into your doctor’s office where we will display them, or use to decorate in your own home.

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www.ppcswfl.com | 239.275.5522 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 3

4 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

contents »

swfl

parent&child

29

Features

20

In Every Issue

29 mending minds

11 all the moms

He was bullied and had violent outbursts but has since found a delicate peace

31 the beard lady This single mom creates a community at her unusual Naples barbershop

Don’t let summer heat get you down; we have 13 great solutions

47 travel Explore the frozen frontier of Alaska

20 in the kitchen

50 around town Best bets on local events for families

23 dining out

On the Cover

56 voices

Tino’s Southwest Kitchen in south Fort Myers

Layla Elise, 5, of Cape Coral, enjoys Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in North Naples.

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

Tips for boating with kids

Tips to keep road trip eating healthy

Here’s what you need to know before the first day of class

.COM

41 safety corner

How a Naples group is helping children with diabetes get insulin and supplies

39 school’s coming

ENTCHILD

Lorenzo Walker is more than a tech school

19 ask the expert

33 keep your cool

S W F L PA R

27 teens

Robin Williams’ grandson, Jessica Biel’s stance on vaccines and STEM toys

A trip to Africa changes one family’s perspective on life

25 kid stuff Learning in nature with the Free Forest School J U LY 2 0 1 9

Other Departments 7 8 9 10 13

editor’s note our contributors online letters me time

15 16 42 51 58

5 Things fyi family album calendar last look

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 5

C A M P

I M A G

June 3 - August 9 Register today online at:

www.theIMAG.org

CAMP IMAG Where Learning Is Fun! CAMP IMAG offers students an exciting, integrated curriculum blending science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with history and the arts in new themed weekly sessions for rising 1st - 8th graders. © IMAG 2019

Junior Camp Assistant Training Program is available for rising 9th - 12th grade students.

Active IMAG members receive a $50 discount per week.

IMAG History and Science Center

6 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

|

2000 Cranford Avenue

|

Fort Myers, FL 33916

|

239.243.0043

editor's note »

parent &child

swfl

S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M

Volume 20, Issue 7 Dedicated to serving the families of Lee and Collier counties 2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33901 swflparentchild.com President & Publisher William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel

Editorial Contributors Tami Balavage, Debbie Campbell, Esther Copeland, Frank Gluck, Randy Kambic, Jean Le Boeuf, Heather O’Brien, Andrea Stetson, Jennifer Thomas Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.com Advertising Account Executive Nicole Holey (239) 281-6455 nholey@fortmyer.gannett.com

Distribution (239) 335-0211 Southwest Florida Parent & Child is a FREE publication distributed at more than 500 locations throughout Southwest Florida by The News-Press Media Group. All rights reserved. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions of the magazine or publisher.

Chill with us I don’t know why I tried. I went to the website for The Old Farmer’s Almanac to see the weather outlook for Southwest Florida this summer. Maybe I was hoping they’d say significantly cooler than normal. (They did say cooler, but only by 1 degree.) As a resident of southern Florida for more than 20 years, I can predict the summer weather here as well as anyone: Very hot, very humid and brief thunderstorms every afternoon (except there’s usually a week or so mid-summer when there are no storms). Oh, and a chance of tropical storm or hurricane. This is the time of year we all stay inside or submerge ourselves in water. To help you and your kids keep cool and have fun, we put together a list of 13 cool things to do starting on page 33.

July is also a good time of year for families to start getting ready for going back to school. The first day of school here is typically earlier than a lot of communities up north. This year, we start the second full week of August.

And the sales tax holiday is the first weekend. So it helps to start planning now. Maybe even start some school shopping to beat the August rush. Find out what you need to know now in our feature on page 39.

It’s also a good month to curl up in the AC with us. This month, we feature an interesting mom who started a barbershop in Naples that’s gaining popularity among dads and their kids, Beard & Brews (page 31). Continue with the Mending Minds series with a feature on Caleb Caldwell, a boy who is finding success with his struggles (page 29). Or see what great reads we picked out for kids in 5 Things (page 15). No matter what you do, stay safe and enjoy the summer.

PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ

Part of the USA TODAY Network

Member of

Pamela Smith Hayford, Editor Contact us: We enjoy hearing from you. Send your photos, letters or comments to: pamela@swflparentchild.com. Or visit us online:

swflparentchild.com

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 7

» our contributors

JULY 4

Meet the contributors to this month’s issue of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine.

Tami Balavage • Ask the Expert • Tami Balavage is president of the Help a Diabetic Child Foundation, helpadiabeticchild.org, based in Naples. The organization provides life-saving supplies and services for children in need.

HOME GAMES JULY 4 - JULY 11 THURSDAY - 7 PM • Independence Day Fireworks • Patriotic Jersey Auction - Benefiting Charity

FRIDAY - 7 PM • Parrothead Night - Wear Your Hawaiian Shirt & Enjoy Margarita Specials • Post-Game Fireworks

SATURDAY - 6 PM • Fortnite Night - Themed Concessions & Specials • Dog Days - Bring Your Pups to the Park • Duffel Bag Giveaway - First 500 Fans

SUNDAY - 1 PM • Willy Wonka Day - Golden Ticket Giveaway • Kids Run The Bases Post-Game

MONDAY - 7 PM • Dollar Dog Mondays - Hot Dogs for $1

TUESDAY - 7 PM • Two for 1 Tuesdays - Tacos, Sodas and Beer

WEDNESDAY - 12 PM • Big Splash Day - A Special Pre-Game Water Park for Participating Summer Camps

www.MiracleBaseball.com 8 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Debbie Campbell • Voices • Debbie

Campbell is a wife, mother and co-owner of TheHomeMag, a direct mail and digital home improvement publication. She and her husband, Sean, and their 13-year-old son, Colin, live in Cape Coral.

Esther Copeland • Spotlight • Esther

Copeland is a writer and educator living in Lee County with her daughter. She especially enjoys writing about the people of Southwest Florida and single parenting.

Frank Gluck • Mending Minds • Frank

Gluck reports on health care issues for The News-Press, the Naples Daily News and The USA TODAY Network in Florida. He covers Southwest Florida’s hospitals, health care policy, mental health, medical trends and issues related to medical marijuana.

Randy Kambic • 13 Ways to Keep

Cool • Contributing writer Randy Kambic covers a variety of topics, including travel. He was a writer and a public relations executive in the New York area for about 25 years before moving here in 2007. He has written for Gulfshore Life, Gulfshore Business, Times of the Islands magazines, Natural Awakenings magazine and The NewsPress. He enjoys tennis, the outdoors and the people of Southwest Florida.

Leigha Messner • In the Kitchen • Leigha Messner, RD, is a clinical dietitian with Lee Health. She can be reached through media@leehealth.org or by calling 239-4243120.

Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out • Jean Le

Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by The News-Press and Naples Daily News. Follow the critic at facebook.com/jeanleboeufswfl or @JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.

online »

swflparentchild.com Get the latest event information and family news every day at swflparentchild.com.

Miss an issue?

SWFL Parent & Child magazine is available in its entirety online along with back issues, too. Did you miss our summer bucket list of 50 great things to do in Southwest Florida?

It’s online — look for the June issue. Our list of 10 great hikes for kids in the March issue? It’s online.

Looking for our list of Where Kids Eat Free from the November issue? It’s online, too (and it just might contain some summer deal updates).

Just visit swflparentchild. com and scroll to the bottom of the page.

You’ll also find past stories individually.

Help Your Child Learn AN EYE ON THE FUTURE Make an appointment today.

Your future suddenly became a whole lot clearer.

A child’s learning disabilities can be caused by vision related problems, even if the child has 20/20 vision.

Visit EyeDocks.com to watch a video about Vision Therapy.

Eye Care Services

• Comprehensive Eye Examinations • Contact Lens Fitting • Glaucoma Evaluations • Cataract Evaluation & Post-Op Care • Genetic Testing for Macular Degeneration • Visual Fields • Opto-Maps

Insurance Accepted The knowledgeable staff at Fort Myers Eye Associates PA is experienced in working with vision insurance providers. We will work directly with you and your vision insurer. We accept sever types of vision insurance.

8801 College Pkwy, Fort Myers (239) 437-2004 EyeDocks.com

Summer camps

Find summer camp information on our website at swflparentchild.com. It’ll be under the “Things to Do” tab.

More family events

Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Visit swflparentchild.com for the latest events for all ages, from tots to teens, and maybe even some date nights.

Get SWFL Parent & Child anywhere at any time LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/ swflparentchild

READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 9

» letters

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INDEPENDENCE DAY SIDEWALK SALE Thursday, July 4 thru Sunday, July 7 Stars, stripes and savings! Enjoy additional savings on already low factory outlet prices.

SUMMER GIVEAWAY SERIES Fridays, July 12 & July 26 6:30 p.m. at Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Wine Bar Tricky trivia questions test even the most-knowledgeable music buffs as they compete for concert or show tickets.

SCIENCE SATURDAY Saturday, July 13 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PLAYLAND in From slime to the solar system, kids learn by doing interactive science and engineering projects.

MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, July 17 10 a.m. to noon PLAYLAND in Treat yourself! Moms, enjoy a free goodie from le macaron french pastries when your children attend Kids Crafts.

FAMILY YOGA WITH KATHRYN Saturday, July 20 PLAYLAND 10 a.m. in A FREE 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring your own mat.

Dr. Berget bids adieu

F

orty-six years ago, I graduated from medical school and started exclusively caring for infants, children, adolescents and young adults. It truly has been a wonderful life, and I am so grateful to all the families who allowed me to share in their unique adventure from newborn to adulthood. There have been smiles, tears, laughs, trials, challenges, triumphs and profound losses we have witnessed together. These events are locked in my memory forever.

I am humbled by the trust and honor you have placed on me in caring for the most precious people in your life for one, two or even three generations between Chicagoland and Southwest Florida.

It is now time for me to spend a little more time with my four granddaughters living in Maryland and Massachusetts. Margie and I still plan to be permanent Southwest Florida residents, and hopefully I will see many of you at the supermarket and shopping malls. I will always be eager to hear about your kids and their lives.

I want to assure you that your family will be expertly, compassionately and devotedly cared for by my partners at Physicians’ Primary Care Pediatrics in my absence. We truly believe in our motto “Let Our Family Take Care of Your Family,” and we have always sought to keep PPC a warm, friendly and caring medical practice serving the needs of your family.

Many of you may ask about Dawn Sanford, my “right hand” for many years. Dawn is needed to help manage her father’s successful business in Northwest Florida, so she will be leaving simultaneously with my retirement July 1.

I wish all of you wonderful kids and families happiness, prosperity and good health.

See you around.

Bruce H. Berget, M.D., F.A.A.P.

SUNDAE FUNDAY SUMMER SERIES Sunday, July 21 Noon to 2 p.m.

PLAYLAND in Sundae decorating, entertainment and the chance to receive a FREE Miromar Outlets gift card.

KIDS DAY Saturday, July 27 10 a.m. to noon PLAYLAND in Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive a free slice of pizza, ice cream sandwich and other goodies.

FREE KIDS CRAFTS Every Wednesday 10 a.m. to noon PLAYLAND in Our new Kids Crafts Reward Card is good for a $10 Miromar Outlets gift card after your fifth visit.

BABY BOOT CAMP Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday PLAYLAND 9 a.m. in Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, postnatal and ultra-fit moms.

FITNESS CAMP Tuesday, Thursday & Friday PLAYLAND 6:30 a.m. in 60-minute boot camp-styled class designed specifically for women.

ROCK CLIMBING FUNWALLS AND AMAZING THINGS 5-D MOTION THEATER Party packages available at MiromarOutlets.com/Play

Visit MiromarOutlets.com for more details.

BEST FACTORY OUTLET MALL, BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AND BEST PLACE TO BUY SHOES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA VOTED THE

EDITOR’S NOTE: We wish you a happy retirement, Dr. Berget.

Miromar Outlets Gift Cards* are valid at all Outlet Stores and our wide array of Restaurants and can be purchased at MiromarOutlets.com, the Mall Office or Visitor Information Kiosk.

Comment

(239) 948-3766 • MiromarOutlets.com • I-75, Exit 123, Corkscrew Road, in Estero, between Naples & Fort Myers

10 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

0719-1602

*Subject to monthly maintenance fee. Terms and Conditions of the Card Agreement are set forth at MiromarOutlets.com. Copyright © 2019, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation.

Share your comments and suggestions with SW FL Parent & Child by emailing editor Pamela Hayford at pamela@swflparentchild. com with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line.

all the moms »

All the

Moms

SW FL Parent & Child is part of the USA Today Network, home to All the Moms, a place on the web where you’ll find parenting advice, celebrity parent news and more. Here’s what you missed in June:

Jessica Biel clarifies vaccine stance Jessica Biel is clarifying why she traveled to Sacramento in June to meet with lawmakers as the California state house reviewed a new bill that has been opposed by anti-vaccine advocates. Biel appeared alongside vaccination skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who shared a thank-you and photos of her visit on social media.

20 STEM toys to banish summer

BRAIN DRAIN Just because kids are out of the classroom doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Keep brain drain at bay with our favorite coding games, plus some toys and kits that are sure to keep the minds of your little scientists, engineers, artists and mathematicians sharp right through the summer. Best of all, they’ll be having so much fun they won’t even know they’re learning. Here are the Top 5:

1. Star Wars Jakku Scavenger Metal Detector 2. Dry Branch Sports Design Catch and Release Beach Aquarium Kit 3. Root-Vue Farm

Following criticism of Biel’s appearance with Kennedy, the 37-year-old actress shared an Instagram post clarifying her stance on vaccines, writing, “I am not against vaccinations — I support children getting vaccinations and I also support families having the right to make educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians.”

Biel wrote she was lobbying against the bill due to its handling of medical exemptions, which she views as harmful.

4. Djubi Junior 5. Sunprint Kit

Djubi Junior

See each review and the remaining 15 items at allthemoms.com.

Robin Williams’ son Zak names first baby in honor of late father Zak Williams, the oldest son of Robin Williams, has welcomed his first child. And the baby’s name is a tribute to Zak’s late father.

Williams’ fiancee, Olivia June,

shared photos taken by his sister, Zelda, on Instagram after the couple revealed to People magazine the day before that they had welcomed McLaurin Clement Williams on May 22.

“Introducing you to my little family!” June captioned the series of photos. “We are beyond thrilled he chose us to be his parents, and obviously think he’s the best, smartest,

and cutest baby ever!!”

The baby’s first name is a nod to Robin Williams, whose middle name was McLaurin.

Mom later hinted that his nickname will be “Mickey.”

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 11

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me time »

Fringe

Express yourself We’ve said it a million times: Accessories make the outfit. Arm candy is brought to a new level with the Circle Seed Bead fringe cuff bracelet. $34.90 at express.com.

BENEFITS Fringe is everywhere this summer. Whether you want to up your wardrobe game or accessorize, these pieces are trendy and fun.

Elegant in summer An ornamental edge adds a touch of elegance to the traditional straw bag in this Sam stripe tote at Kate Spade New York. And you can fit all your must-haves into its spacious interior. $298 at katespade.com.

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Humor is an aphrodisiac. Comedian Brian Regan is sure to supply plenty of it when he performs Friday, July 26 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in south Fort Myers. You might know him from the sketch comedy show he created with Jerry Seinfeld, “Stand Up and Away! with Brian Regan” on Netflix or from his many latenight appearances. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $48. Get details at bbmannpah.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 13

5 things »

Series-ly.

It’s halfway through summer and your kid hasn’t read a word. (They’re not the only one.) These five books can get them started. Each begins a fun series, so if your little reader gets hooked, there’s always more.

Madcap capers Hazy Bloom is a third-grader who starts to get brief visions of the future in this comical chapter book. But seeing is not understanding, and that leads to some hot mess situations. “Hazy Bloom and the Tomorrow Paper” by children’s television writer Jennifer Hamburg draws comparison to Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby. $6.99, Macmillan Publishers, macmillan.com.

Changing stripes These guys are tired of always being the villains. They want to be heroes. But will Mr. Wolf, Mr. Shark, Mr. Snake and Mr. Piranha get the moniker they seek? Find out in “The Bad Guys,” written and illustrated by Aaron Blabey, the first in a series of 10. $5.95, Scholastic, scholastic.com. AR Level: 2.4

AR Level: 4.8

Serving up justice

Whodunit There’s been a hippo homicide at the zoo and 12-year-old Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt Fitzroy is on the case in “Belly Up”

by Stuart Gibbs.

Other books in the FunJungle series include “Poached,” “Big Game,” “Pandamonium” and “Lion Down.” $18.99, Simon & Schuster, simonandschuster. com. AR

Level: 5.6

Lunch lady by day, server of justice after school, the Lunch Lady series tackles whatever danger is ahead. “Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute”

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the first of 10 easy reads. $6.99 paperback, Penguin Random House, penguinrandomhouse.com. AR Level: 2.2

Historical hilarity This summer read combines funny illustrations and graphic novel-style sections for an entertaining read that pairs the Benjamin Franklin with a 21st century 10-year-old and his little sister. “Ben Franklin’s in My Bathroom!” by Candace Fleming, illustrations by Mark Fearing, is from the History Pals series. It’s also on the 2019-20 Sunshine State Young Readers Award list. $13.99 hard cover, Penguin Random House, penguinrandomhouse.com. AR Level: 3.9

Free reading log Keep track of your child’s summer reads for when school starts again and AR tests begin. Get a free printable reading log at swflparentchild.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 15

« fyi

Free stuff !

This year must be the Summer of Free Stuff. We’re getting notifications about all sorts of freebies for kids and families. Like these (if we hear of more, we’ll add them online): » Free events at Miromar Outlets: The shopping center holds free kids’ events every month all year long, like Science Saturdays, crafts, yoga. For summer, the Outlets has added the Sundae FunDay Summer Series. Kids decorate an ice cream sundae and dance and sing to tunes spun by DJ MAF. The next one is noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21.

» Free food: Agave in Naples launched a new kids’ menu with Family Fiesta nights and free kids’ meals every Monday through summer (and they have half-price “Ritas in the Rain” for the grown-ups; when it rains and the umbrella goes up at the bar, silver and gold margaritas are half price).

Agave’s new kids’ menu even has special options for babies and toddlers. » Free admission at the Garden: The Naples

Botanical Garden offers free general admission to families with a Collier County Public Library card on select dates.

One was in June. Another is later in the summer, August 31 through September 2.

16 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

#momtruths: CAT & NAT ARE COMING TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

No topic is off the table for these two moms: how to avoid post-partum sex, nipple piercings…

We’d go on, but, well, this is a family magazine. Being a mom gets messy, though, and Cat and Nat — Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer — tackle it head on. Now with their new book “Mom Truths” out, they’re coming to Florida this fall, after a trip to Vegas, of course. “Cat and Nat: #MOMTRUTHS Live” comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in south Fort Myers at 7 p.m. October 20. Tickets start at $29.50 and are on sale now (bbmannpah.com or 239-481-4849).

New IMAG exhibit The IMAG History & Science Center has a new interactive exhibit: an augmented reality sandbox. Called “Shaping SWFL Watersheds,” this sandbox uses AR to superimpose images onto the real world, in this case, the sandbox. As you shift and shape the sand, you create your own watershed with hills and valleys and whatever else you dream up. The technology then generates waterflow simulations, showing you how rain water would flow over your newly created landscape. You can even make it rain, virtually. Also new at IMAG, the museum is offering a big discount for families in need. Those receiving food assistance get $3 admission per person for up to four people with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer card as part of the Museums for All program.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMAG

» Free at the Estates: The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers offers free admission for children 12 and younger June 1 through September 2. The deal is one free child admission per one paid adult self-guided audio tour ticket. The Estates is now one of nine museums in the nation to have a Smithsonian Spark!Lab, which is geared toward kids.

Kid to Kid opens in Southwest Florida Kid to Kid Fort Myers, a shop that buys and sells gently used kids’ clothes, toys, equipment, books and other stuff, held its grand opening June 6. The store pays cash “on the spot” when you bring your stuff in. It’s in The Forum at 3242 Forum Blvd., Fort Myers. Learn more at kidtokid.com/florida/ fortmyers.

Jay Barnett to speak at young women's seminar Actor, former pro-football player and motivational speaker Jay Barnett is the keynote speaker of the Young Women on the Rise seminar August 30. The seminar by Our Mother's Home of Southwest Florida helps women build confidence, gain career advice and learn about personal safety, early childhood learning, financial literacy and family health. Jay is author of “Letters to a Young Queen,” a collection of letters and poems to inspire girls. The event is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Keiser University, 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Fort Myers.

Admission is free, but registration is required.

Children's Hospital launches kids' health magazine The Golisano Children’s Hospital has a new magazine addressing health issues for children and families called Kids First. Its advice comes from the hospital’s team of physicians and healthcare providers, and it’s published in partnership with TOTI Media, producers of Times of the Islands, Gulf & Main, RSW Living, Bonita & Estero and Cape Coral magazines.

Kids First can be found online at leehealth.org/childrenshealth/kids-life.

Updated edition of 'College UnMazed' released Amanda Sterk, the author of “College UnMazed” and local expert in college admissions, undated her resource book for college prep and career planning. She started out as a school counselor trying to help her students get into college, and it turned into a step-by-step guidebook of tips and info for parents and teens aiming to go to college in Florida. Retail price is $32.99 at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Details available at unmaze.me.

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Tami Balavage is president of the Help a Diabetic Child Foundation. To learn more about how you can help, visit helpadiabeticchild.org.

ask the expert » TA MI BA L AVAGE

RISING INSULIN PRICES PUT SWFL FAMILIES AT RISK Naples-based Help a Diabetic Child Foundation works to lend support.

M

ore than 30 million Americans have diabetes and one quarter of them rely on lifesustaining insulin, yet a surprisingly large number are using less insulin than prescribed due to the rising cost of the drug.

Insulin is a matter of life or death.

There is no alternative medication that can be substituted for insulin.

Currently, 7.4 million Americans use insulin to treat their diabetes. At minimum, these patients use one vial of insulin each month. However, some patients require multiple vials of insulin or use multiple types of insulins, which necessitates multiple vials.

The issue isn’t a matter of shortage of insulin but rather the rising cost of insulin and diabetes supplies.

According to an American Diabetes Association survey, 27 percent of respondents stated that insulin costs have affected their purchase or use of insulin.

The ADA survey further estimated that 34 percent of families with children on insulin were impacted. Those affected by rising costs were more likely to experience adverse health effects and negative emotions, like stress and anxiety.

Finding a solution to this crisis is one of the primary goals of the Help a Diabetic Child Foundation. The Help a Diabetic Child Foundation was established after our son was diagnosed with

If you go SOUTHWEST FLORIDA DIABETES & WELLNESS CONFERENCE When: November 3 Where: Florida SouthWestern State

College, Collier Campus, 7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples Details: fldiabetes.com

Type 1 diabetes. We quickly learned that individuals who have diabetes were struggling to get this life-saving medication because of the rising cost of insulin. The price of insulin has more than tripled in the past decade.

Statistics show that the number of Americans being diagnosed with diabetes continues to rise at alarming rates. The ADA reports that almost 10% of the population has diabetes, while another 8 million are undiagnosed.

Current estimates project that diabetes is the most expensive chronic illness in the United States at a total of more than $327 billion per year, including $15 billion for insulin.

The cost of insulin can be very difficult to afford and complicates many lives.

Individuals who have diabetes are cutting back on their insulin doses, withholding food or not using their insulin at all, which puts them at a much higher risk for health complications that can happen early in life. Without regular glucose testing and daily insulin

injections, individuals with Type 1 diabetes are at risk for eye disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, stroke, heart disease, coma and even death.

To assist local children in need, the Help a Diabetic Child Foundation has purchased hundreds of thousands of glucose test strips, lancets, meters, syringes, pen needles and other diabetes medical supplies along with thousands of units of insulin. Our aim is to continue to do all that we can to do our part in helping those children who, through no fault of their own, are left behind.

We also strive to educate the public via our annual Southwest Florida Diabetes & Wellness Conference. Now entering its fifth year, this event is a collaboration of the Help A Diabetic Child Foundation and the National Wellness Institute, bringing together doctors, researchers, medical experts, patients, caregivers and parents whose lives have been affected by diabetes. Experts provide an educational and professional forum to further public knowledge on diabetes education, wellness, prevention and research.

This year’s event takes place Sunday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Florida SouthWestern State College – Collier Campus, 7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples. A similar event is being planned for Lee County in March 2020.

For registration and sponsorship information, visit fldiabetes.com.

ASK THE EXPERT We welcome questions from readers. Ask us anything. We’ll find the answer. Send your question to editor@swflparentchild.com with “Ask the Expert” in the subject line.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 19

« in the kitchen LEIGH A MESSNER

Navigating

FOOD

I

A little planning helps families eat healthy even in vacation mode.

20 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

t might seem counterintuitive to bring a lot of food on a road trip, but a little planning can make a big difference for your health and your wallet. Proper nutrition gives you sustained energy to keep you awake while driving. It keeps you fuller for longer, cutting cravings and binge eating and keeping pit stops to a minimum. It also helps you save money by avoiding the need to purchase multiple meals throughout the day. For those on a budget, it also allows you to spend more on meals that matter, like a nice dinner with family and friends.

Leigha Messner, RD, is a clinical dietitian with Lee Health.

So how do we prep snacks?

Start with some quick pack-and-go items. These can include healthful snack bars with between 150 and 200 calories, at least 5 grams of protein and fewer than 10 grams of added sugar. You can also make snack items like trail mix or cereal-based muffins in pre-measured portions. This will keep you from mindlessly snacking during a long ride.

Instead of stopping at restaurants, consider packing picnic-style lunches in a cooler. These meals should include: » Produce, which is easy to prep ahead of time. » Lean proteins like packets of tuna or salmon are great because they don’t need to be refrigerated. » Whole grain bread, crackers or grain-based salads. » Flavorful fats like nuts, seeds, olives or avocados.

For drinks, avoid sugary beverages and instead pack infused waters, unsweetened iced tea and coconut water.

Vitamin packs that you stir into water or effervescent tablets are also a great idea to ensure you’re getting all your nutrients.

We’re not always able to pack ahead of time for a long road trip. If you need to stop to grab lunch or a snack, I recommend looking for smaller portions to cut down on fat and calories. This includes sauces as well, which can often add hundreds of calories. I also suggest going for grilled options over fried and selecting oil and vinegarbased dressings over their creamy counterparts.

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For rest-stop snacking, I recommend looking for: » Fresh fruits » Greek yogurt-based items » Protein bars with fewer than 10 grams of added sugar » Deli sandwiches or salads

With a little planning, discipline and creativity, we can avoid putting our wellness goals in the rearview when we hit the road this summer.

Recipe on page 22

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« in the kitchen (continued) Protein Power Muffins This quick, easy recipe is a great option for road trip snacks or a healthy breakfast during the week.

Makes: 8-10 muffins | Total time: 15-20 minutes INGREDIENTS

» » » » » »

½ cup quick oats ¾ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 /8 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon or to taste » 2-3 over-ripe bananas » One can white beans (drained and rinsed, without liquid) » ¼ cup nut butter of choice » 1/3 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit » ¼ cup sweetener of choice: maple syrup, honey, pureed dates or sugar substitute

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Prep muffin pan. You can use paper or foil liners or spray with a nonstick cooking spray.

3. Place all ingredients in a food processor, blend, and pour into the muffin pan, leaving room for the muffins to rise. If you have any muffin cups left empty pour a little water into those to prevent your pan from warping.

4. Bake 17-20 minutes and let cool.

5. Store in refrigerator 3-5 days or freeze.

Nutrition per serving: 120 calories, 5 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, less than 10 grams of sugar

22 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

dining out »

Jean Le Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by The News-Press and Naples Daily News. Follow the critic at facebook.com/jeanleboeufswfl or @ JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.

JUST WOW That’s how local food critic Jean Le Boeuf sums up Tino’s Southwest Kitchen in south Fort Myers.

E

very now and then I just know I’m going to love a place.

Walking into Tino’s Southwest Kitchen and perusing its unique Tex-Mex fusion menu, I could feel it in my gut.

I mean, chili Colorado with winebraised short ribs, quesadillas crafted from house chorizo, sautéed mushrooms and blistered corn — what’s not to love?

It helps that Tino’s owners, Alison and Blaine Dry, also own another of my favorite restaurants, Cip’s Place on Sanibel. It helps that the decor of this formerly humble taqueria is now sleek, cool and desert-chic, lined with cacti, white-brick wallpaper and a long banquette wrapped in faux snake skin.

Tino’s makes a great first impression.

Its second, third and fourth ones are even better.

The Drys opened Tino’s in late January, taking over the short-lived and very different Tino’s space in this narrow, center unit of the Publix-anchored plaza at the corner of Summerlin and Winkler roads in south Fort Myers.

My first food impression of this new Tino’s involved a bowl of ceviche piled with thick bits of shrimp and fat scallops in a marinade bright with lime and jalapeno. It came with a side of chips still warm from the fryer.

“We make the tortillas ourselves,” the server told me.

My heart fluttered even faster.

Tino’s Southwest Kitchen

» Location: 15880 Summerlin Road, No. 108, south Fort Myers » Price: under $10 to $15 » Phone: 239-313-5521 » Online: tinossouthwestkitchen.com » Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday » Noise level: Low » Etc.: Beer and wine served, takeout available

Like those chips, Tino’s salsa comes out warm and thrumming with smoky chipotles. Its guacamole is simple, velvety and unmistakably fresh. Much of this menu is filled with Tex-Mex standards, simple-sounding stuff like chimichangas, tacos and chicken tortilla soup.

But simple isn’t in Tino’s lexicon.

I mean, that soup. When’s the last time anyone’s been excited by chicken tortilla soup? I’ve eaten plenty, and at most it’s elicited a slight smile. But Tino’s tortilla soup, rich yet light and tingling with the happiest amount of spice, had me raving. So much so, the neighboring table took note. I offered them a bite. They ordered a bowl of their own.

Tino’s tacos come on the springy house-made tortillas my server had so rightly bragged about. My “pineapple pork” ones ate like the heartiest, homiest, most soulful version of al pastor I’d had in years. It wasn’t taqueria-style al pastor, it was chunkier and more

nuanced. It was Tino’s al pastor — and, man, now I’m craving it again.

Tino’s makes vegetarian tacos, housesmoked brisket tacos, grilled-snapper tacos thick with sweet fillets of fish and avocado crema. I could eat nothing but tacos here for a year and be happy.

But there’s so much more to this little place.

The quinoa-kale salad is a marvel of flavors and textures: radish, cucumber, sweet peppers, orange segments, pickled onions, candied walnuts, all tossed with ribbons of tender kale and nutty grains of quinoa in a citrus vinaigrette that I’m still trying to work out in my head (Was that honey? Kumquat?).

What are we up to, my eighth or ninth great impression?

I’ve got another one, that chili Colorado, the most impressive dish yet. The red-wine braise on these short ribs and the slow caramelization of the onions are two classically French techniques.

Yet the chilies, the queso blanco, the crumbly cotija — all thoroughly Mexican. The result is something I’d never tasted before; a joining of two disparate worlds in a way that so deliciously made sense.

I could go on, about the Grand Marnier-infused flan, the cumin-scented black beans, the efficiency of this kitchen, the fact no entree is more than $14.

But I think you get the picture.

Every now and then I just know I’m going to love a place. And, every now and then, I am so, so right.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 23

Conserve & Discover. Engage & Inspire.

239.643.7275

24 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

kid stuff »

FREE FOREST SCHOOL

T

It’s exactly what it sounds like: a gathering of kids free of cost and full of free play in the woods. BY ANDREA STETSON

he children pick up sticks, climb trees, watch ducks paddle on the river and run around in the woods.

There are no toys, cell phones or organized activities. These gatherings are all about exploring nature without boundaries.

Each week children and their parents meet in Bonita Springs and North Fort Myers to be part of Free Forest School of Southwest Florida.

“I just love getting my kids into nature,” says Courtney Silva, who recently explored the trails at Bonita Nature Place in Bonita Springs with her sons, Isaac, 3, and Ezra, 6 weeks.

“The concept is great. I like telling the kids, ‘Go run and play’ — no cell phones, no toys — and they get to be outside. There is too much technology.

Here they can just go run and play.”

The first Free Forest School was founded in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, in 2015 by Executive Director Anna Sharratt.

It has grown to more than 60 groups throughout North America.

The organization

stresses child-directed learning and unstructured, play-based learning in nature. Locally a group meets every Monday at the Bonita Nature Place in Bonita Springs and every Thursday at Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve in North Fort Myers.

“We go every single week, and we love it,” says Allison Vincent, who goes to Bonita Nature Place with her son, Peter Beitmen, 3. “It is to get kids out into nature and have free, open play for a few hours. This is the one activity I return to every single week. We just go out into the woods. You are in the forest. It is rejuvenating, and the kids love it because they are given so much space.”

The morning begins with a healthy picnic under the shady trees. Then the group goes on a 30-minute hike past the Imperial River, through the woods, up a hill, through some more woods and back to the field where they have a group activity.

“I think people need to know how open it is,” Allison says.

“There is so much to do there.

You can come one week or every single week.”

Becky Boyd comes with

her children, Noah, 4, and Eleanor, 2.

She helped organize both Southwest Florida groups.

“I love the kids getting together and just being kids without the confinements of the everyday rules,” she says.

It’s a learning experience, Becky says, for both children and their parents.

“We learn about insects. We learn about the native flora and fauna,” Becky says. “We learn as the children learn.”

Before the hike at the Bonita Nature Place, Noah told the group something he learned.

Families walk in the woods during Free Forest School at Bonita Nature Place in Bonita Springs.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 25

« kid stuff (continued)

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IF YOU GO The Free Forest School of Southwest Florida meets Mondays and Thursdays at different wilderness areas in Southwest Florida.

Details: facebook.

com/groups/FreeForest SchoolSouthwestFL

To contact: Message local directors Becky Boyd, Briana Marino and Courtney Silva via Facebook, or email ffssouthwestfl@gmail. com if you have additional questions.

Peter Beitmen, 3, loves exploring during the Free Forest School events.

“If you see a snake, stop and slowly back away,” Noah said.

Briana Marino says the group has sparked positive changes in her daughter Blake, 2.

“I love just the freedom of it for the kids and myself,” says Briana, who also hikes with Hayden, 10 months. “She (Blake) has totally changed. She used to be really cautious and wanted to hold my hand, and now she doesn’t want to hold my hand and she wants to climb higher on the trees. It gives kids that free play like we used to get when we were kids. At Free Forest School, kids can do what they want to do. We don’t lead them in any formal activity. It allows children to develop creativity and a lot of self-confidence. It’s fun to watch our kids experience that.”

Kristin Losh watches her daughter Kassidy, 6, climb trees while Brian, 4, picks up sticks along the path.

“I like throwing the sticks in the water,” Brian says.

Since the hike is unstructured, the children and parents move at their own pace. Some race ahead and complete the hike quickly, while other children stop to climb trees, sit by the river and explore nature.

Tiffany Lord and her daughter Kennah, 4, took a long break to watch ducks paddle along the Imperial River.

“It is so neat that they do these things and get the kids out of the house,” Tiffany says.

On this outing, Peter Beitmen, 3, preferred being the leader, hiking quickly through the woods.

“I like to pick up sticks and clean the trails of sticks,” Peter said.

Courtney would like to see more local chapters of Free Forest School in Southwest Florida.

“If we can get more people interested, I would be happy to help people do that,” she says.

teens »

THE REAL LORENZO WALKER

S

Tech school prepares students for career and college in highly competitive environment. BY ANDREA STETSON

am Keller is a bright, collegebound student, so when she chose Lorenzo Walker Technical High School, it surprised me. “Does she want to repair air conditioners or cars,” I thought. Not at all. Sam has planned a program of honors classes, dual enrollment and a path that will lead her to a good college.

“I definitely see that misconception,” says Jeff Rexford, principal of Lorenzo Walker Technical High School.

The name “technical high school” often conjures images of students working on cars instead of calculus. While its students can learn auto mechanics and air conditioning repair, Lorenzo Walker is much more. Students take honors classes in school and Advanced Placement classes online. Many do dual enrollment, take part in an entrepreneur program and head off to top universities.

Even Sam’s mother, who is a middle school teacher, thought Lorenzo Walker was simply a technical school.

“That’s what I thought, too,” Gina Keller says. “I always have to explain it when I tell people where she is going.”

Leo Gutierrez graduated in May and plans to study engineering at the University of South Florida on a full scholarship.

He also received his associate degree through dual enrollment. Leo loved the opportunities at Lorenzo Walker. He took a computer design class with a focus on architecture and got to use a 3D printer.

“One of the students printed out a functioning Ferris wheel,” he says. “A

few years back, someone printed a drone.

There are also all kinds of internships. I got to intern with the school board in the facilities department.”

Leo says he likes the personal attention he got at Lorenzo Walker.

“The thing that got me personally is the atmosphere of the school, the smaller class sizes,” he says. “I can walk into any office and they will know me by name.

And the small class size helps unify us.

You get that intimate learning.”

Carl Veus just finished his junior year and is highly involved in the school’s entrepreneur program. He created a vegan bakery business and is making a profit while still in high school.

“We learn how to start a business and how to grow the business,” Carl explains.

“We learn how business works, financing,

licensing and all the regulations. Then we apply it to our business.”

Dani Morris finished her sophomore year taking seven classes at Lorenzo Walker and two dual enrollment classes at Florida SouthWestern State College.

Other high schools usually don’t allow dual enrollment until junior year.

“Other schools define their students by their grades, and here they help you define the path you want to get on,” says Dani, who hopes to one day become a cardiac surgeon.

Samantha Zimmer finished her freshman year and is looking forward to following Dani’s path with dual enrollment.

“I chose it for the programs they offer and the dual enrollment,” Samantha says.

“I probably want to do something with veterinary medicine.”

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 27

« teens (continued) That was another reason Samantha chose Lorenzo Walker.

When she is a junior, she can be part of the school’s vet assistant program. Lorenzo Walker has an accelerated program with career dual enrollment opportunities at Lorenzo Walker Technical College next door. High school students can study a variety of fields, including vet assisting, nursing, culinary, dental assistant, pharmacy tech, programming, automotive, aviation, HVAC and more.

“For junior and senior year, we take our technical classes, and they are weighted as much as an AP class,” Sam Keller says.

“For their junior and senior year, the students get to spend half of their day at the college in a field of their choice and the other half at the high school,” Jeff explains.

Even dual enrollment students who don’t earn an associate degree graduate with credit in a long list of college courses.

“Almost half our students take dual enrollment at FSW,” Jeff says. “A vast majority of them want to continue on to post-secondary.”

It’s these opportunities and the high academic standards that Jeff wants students and parents to know about. He wants to end the misconception that Lorenzo Walker is a technical school for students who struggle in a more traditional setting.

“I go to all the middle schools and let them know about the opportunities at Lorenzo Walker,” Jeff says. “I have seen the perception change a little bit throughout the years.”

Gina realized how competitive Lorenzo Walker was when she heard of the admission statistics. Last year 880 students applied for the 150 spots available.

Another advantage that Jeff stresses is the smaller school environment. There are 600 students in the school, far fewer than other local schools that can have more than 2,000. That is what originally attracted Sam Keller to Lorenzo Walker.

“It’s really small compared to Gulf Coast or Barron, and all the kids are focused on what they want to learn, and none of the kids are slacking off,” Sam says.

It is also a place for a fresh start, Jeff says.

“They come to a school where very few people know about their past. They can reinvent themselves,” he says.

“There it’s a no-judgment zone.”

Students say another misconception is that they miss out on sports, clubs and activities. That is also not true. Students may participate at their zoned school.

“I do sports at Palmetto Ridge. I do cheer and basketball.

We get the same opportunities as anyone else,” Samantha Zimmer says.

Lorenzo Walker also has its own activities.

“I have been one of the cheerleaders for the Powder Puff games,” Leo says. “We have just as much spirit as the other schools.”

Gina says best of all her daughter just loves school.

“She has perfect attendance, and she had straight A’s all year,” Gina says. “It’s been a really good experience for Samantha (Sam), and I think the district needs more schools like this.”

28 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

PHOTO BY ANDREA MELENDEZ

teens »

Caleb Caldwell, a 19-year-old from Naples, takes medications to treat symptoms of his bipolar disorder and Asperger’s syndrome.

Finally making progress He was bullied. He had violent outbursts at home and school. He regularly threatened suicide. After regular Baker Act committals, a treatment program in Naples makes the difference. BY FRANK GLUCK

EDITOR’S NOTE: Caleb’s story is part of an occasional series by The News-Press and Naples Daily News on children’s mental health in Southwest Florida. The journalists’ investigations reveal a crisis in our region — possibly the worst in the nation — with numbers of children needing help on the rise. See the full Mending Minds project at mendingminds.newspress.com as the team continues coverage of the issue and explores solutions. The journalists also welcome families to share their own stories to highlight the importance of this topic.

C

aleb Caldwell’s delicate peace with himself wavered earlier this year when a violent outburst nearly led to a mental health evaluation under Florida’s Baker Act — yet again.

The 19-year-old from Naples had skipped some of the medications he takes to treat symptoms of his bipolar disorder and got into an argument with his mother and brother.

“He was being very violent. And he did put his hands on me,” says his mother, Mellisa Caldwell. “He just gets really out of

hand. He does. And he’s a big guy.”

But given the troubles of Caleb’s life, the fact this lapse was not worse is something of a victory.

Caleb, an otherwise soft-spoken young man who finally landed a paying job and hopes to work in sports medicine, spent most of his early and mid-adolescence in and out of mental health crisis units.

It was before his condition had been fully diagnosed, and his prescribed medication was wanting.

He was bullied. He had violent outbursts at home and at school. He regularly threatened suicide. And at one point,

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 29

« teens (continued) he was getting committed under the Baker Act nearly every other week.

The boy’s troubling behavior, his later mood swings and propensity to violence — seemingly without remorse — even prompted one psychiatrist to tell the Naples family that the boy had “sociopathic criminal potential.”

So much happened, and so much of it seems like a blur to Caleb.

“A lot of this has been going on for so long that I don’t remember a lot,” Caleb says.

Then, when he was 16, after one of his threats to kill himself and another Baker Act evaluation at the David Lawrence Center in East Naples, real progress: a new diagnosis and treatment plan that seemed to better address his behavior problems.

It turns out that Caleb, now 19, was on

the autism spectrum, something multiple mental health professionals he encountered failed to notice, according to his family.

He got different medications and found a mental health counselor who is helping him control his impulses.

He soon got an internship with the NCH Baker Downtown Hospital as part of the Project SEARCH program, which helps find jobs for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities.

Before his last behavioral lapse — the first serious one in years — Caleb said he hoped those days were behind him.

“There are times when I have some issues, but it doesn’t get to that point anymore,” he said.

But the family knows there will never be a treatment silver bullet. Caleb’s problems will never just go away.

They consider themselves lucky because of the help from the David Lawrence Center and that they have the means to aggressively work to find him treatment. But they worry about Caleb’s future.

He is transitioning into the working world. He still lives with his parents, but if he is committed under the Baker Act again, now as an adult, law enforcement officers would not be required to contact them.

Mellisa Caldwell is trying to establish legal guardianship of him into adulthood. Caleb isn’t quite sure what he thinks about that.

“I feel like there are times that I need it,” he says. “But I think there are times when I need my own space and think I’m fine on my own. But I do think there are times — like when I get Baker Acted — what would I have done if she wasn’t there?”

Share your story If you or a child you love has been affected by mental illness, reach out to the journalists of the Mending Minds project at http://bit.ly/2Q8uRdh.

30 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

spotlight »

The beard lady

B

lack. Single. Woman. Barber.

No matter how much we have diversified in our country and how our stereotypes have changed over our very accepting years, I’m sure for most of us that combination is not one we see often.

A single mom, Lindsey Dulin-Pervez moved to Lee County from Washington, D.C., in 2004. Her grandmother had retired to Southwest Florida, and Lindsey wanted to be close to her as well as have a change of pace. She started working at Walmart. Her original plan was to go into law. However, with two kids, she quickly realized she would need a career a little sooner than law school would allow.

Instead, Lindsey went to cosmetology school, graduated in 2006, and started with Sport Clips. After eight years there, she had become quite popular, both with customers and management as she helped the shop turn around and make a profit. The management track opened for her. Eventually, however, she hit a point where she couldn’t advance her career in the company without a lot of travel. And that wasn’t something she wanted to do.

So Lindsey left.

She and her best friend, Briana Gavin, also a Sport Clips stylist, wanted to open their own shop, but with a twist. The idea came when Lindsey and Briana considered how many female salons offer drinks and a friendly home vibe. Lindsey thought she should offer the same to men. Beards & Brews on Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples was born.

PHOTO BY TRACY HOUSTON/LET ME BE CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY

A shave, a haircut and community, Lindsey Dulin-Pervez’s Beards & Brews has become a father-child tradition in Naples. BY ESTHER COPELAND

She and Briana rented space in a local establishment meant for stylists to open their own small shops. She didn’t know how she would make it her first few months. She had $1,500 to her name, and even the weekly rent felt like it would be a problem to keep up.

Lindsey not only maintained the rent, but the shop grew so rapidly it outgrew the location.

After a falling out with management over too many children — they had become popular with families — and seeing that they didn’t have the space to accommodate the shop’s growth, they decided to

do something scary and novel.

“We had no idea what we were doing,” Lindsey says with a smile.

Because they weren’t prepared financially, nor did they have a traditional business plan, they had to do much of the work themselves. Ultimately, Lindsey didn’t want to take loans. She and her friends and family did most of the work.

From pouring concrete to painting, they did it all.

“It was all about hustle and grit,” Lindsey says.

Lindsey’s grandmother raised her for much of her life. Her mom died when

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 31

« spotlight (continued)

Lindsey was 11 years old. Both women instilled in her the benefits of hard work.

Furthermore, she was told to always do the right thing for the right reasons. Her grandma was such an instrumental part of her life, and although she passed away a few years ago, Lindsey holds on tightly to her advice.

After finding the perfect spot for the salon, through an interesting mix of coincidences that Lindsey says could only be God-orchestrated, she brought back her clients and found new ones. Word passed quickly about Beards & Brews, and she was soon seeing clients on a regular basis.

Now married with two more children, Lindsey’s supportive in-laws help her get everything done. Her in-laws were so excited to help her fulfill her dreams that they sold their business to take care of the kids. She quickly admits that she is very fortunate; her family — her husband, the

32 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

kids, the in-laws — is helping her achieve her ultimate visions and one day she hopes to return the favor.

The idea of Beards & Brews is to make her visitors comfortable as if she were entertaining in her own home. Her clients are visitors in her space, and she wants to treat them hospitably. She and Briana offer them a drink while they wait or while they get their hair cut or beard trimmed.

“When someone comes to your house, you welcome them, you offer them a beer,” Lindsey says.

The homey treatment resonates with customers, who have made their visits a bonding experience with the kids. Dad drinks a craft beer while junior kicks back with a root beer or juice box. The setting is cozy and comfortable, like visiting a friend.

Many of her clients started out as little boys having their first cuts, and she wants

to be there one day to trim their beards.

Staying in Naples is the best decision for her, Lindsey says. She has been around this city and the clientele for about a decade. Her clients are like family, and she wants to keep that closeness in her business. August marks three years of Beards & Brews.

When asked what advice she would give to moms and business owners, she says, “No one knows what you’re capable of. People will try to discourage you — even family may deter you. They may not want to see you at the top or doing better than they. No matter what people say, as long as you are good about where you are, that’s what matters.”

Lindsey preaches on the importance of putting your head down and getting to work, staying focused, and she says, whatever you want, if you stick with it, you will get it.

cover story »

Layla Elise, 5, of Cape Coral, enjoys Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in North Naples.

WAYS T O KEEP YOUR

COOL

There this sum are plenty o f fun w me ays rounde r in Southwe st Flori for the whole d up so d fa me old ies-but a. We found s mily to beat -goodie th o s. Mix t me new activ e heat h it em up

BY R A N DY K to satis ies and also AMBI f y every C one!

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 33

« cover story (continued)

No. Italian ice and more frozen de-

1

Treat everyone to ice cream,

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

liciousness at the likes of Zirilli’s Chilly Treats (zirillisice.com) in Cape Coral; Pelican’s SnoBalls (pelicanssnoballs.com) near Fort Myers Beach, in North Fort Myers, Port Charlotte and Lehigh Acres, where mini-golf is also offered; Love Boat (loveboaticecream.com) in south Fort Myers, and Royal Scoop (royalscoop.com) in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach and Naples. Great Licks Ice Cream (239-2822802) on Matlacha serves Queenie’s Ice Cream, which is made locally and served at numerous locations.

No.

3

Keep cool while learning something new at a museum. All the cool cats are going to the Marco Island History Museum (239-252-1440, colliermuseums.com), where the Key Marco Cat, discovered by Frank Hamilton Cushing on the island in 1896 and on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, and other rare pre-Columbian artifacts are on display. In Fort Myers, the IMAG History & Science Center’s (239-243-0043, theimag.org) exhibits, stingray feedings, marine touch tank, virtual reality and more will keep you busy all day. The Science Saturday edition on July 6 delves into fireworks. Along with its permanent interactive exhibits that promote learning, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (239-514-0084, cmon.org) is currently showcasing a Harley-Davidson traveling national exhibit through September 8. An ancient, 1-foot-long, 10-inch-wide woolly mammoth bone fossil uncovered last year during a local utility excavation is a must-see at the Cape Coral Historical Society & Museum (239-772-7037, capecoralhistoricalmuseum.org).

Zirilli’s

No.

2

Play inside games at the new Dave & Buster’s in south Fort Myers (239-264-3000, daveandbusters.com). It opened in April. There, families can shoot baskets, play air hockey, bowl, “ride” motorcycles and much more without breaking a sweat. You can also find some of the same games indoors at Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park (239574-4386, greenwellsfamilyfunpark.com) in Cape Coral, if taking swings in the outdoor batting cages or experiencing the amusement park area are deemed too hot. Other indoor arcades can be found at Game Time at Gulf Coast Town Center (gametimeplayers.com) and at Zoomers (zoomersfun.com) near Fort Myers Beach.

34 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

No.

4

Splash into Southwest Florida’s waterful recreation centers.

Most people know about the water parks: Sun Splash Family Waterpark

(239-574-0558, sunsplashwaterpark.com) in Cape Coral and Sun-N-Fun Lagoon (239-2524021, napleswaterpark.com) in Naples. But you can also find waterslides and other splash amenities at places like the Fort Myers Aquatic Center (239-321-7553) in the Sam Fleishman Regional Sports Complex and the Sanibel Recreation Center and Sanibel School Complex (239-472-0345, mysanibel.com). Public pools also abound, including the recently refurbished North Fort Myers Community Pool, which now has two additional swimming lanes, more umbrellas and other amenities. Most facilities also offer summer swimming lessons and junior lifeguard programs.

And admission is usually just a few dollars. (leeparks.org, colliercountyfl.gov)

No.

Rediscover the indoor mall. There’s plenty to see with 125-plus retail and specialty businesses and restaurants under air conditioning at the Edison Mall in Fort Myers, our region’s original indoor mall in its 54th year of operation (239939-1933, shopedisonmall.com).

There’s a back-to-school party 3 to 5 p.m. July 27. In Naples, try the Coastland Center mall (coastlandcenter.com), which has a carousel kids love.

5

Beau Elkins gets a push down the waterside from his sister Kaliana at Sun Splash.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 35

« cover story (continued)

No.

6

Score a poolside cabana and lounge at a local resort (or enjoy some great waterslides) via booking site resortpass.com.

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa (239-444-1234, hyatt.com) offers three acres of water attractions, including five waterslides and a lazy river plus spa passes for the sauna, indoor mineral soaking pool and discounts on treatments. The Lazy River Cabana package includes up to six day passes, a shaded cabana with a sectional and two lounge chairs, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, towels, bottled water and more. During both the July Fourth and Labor Day holiday weekends, the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa (239-466-4000, sanibelmarriott.com) offers special room rates and arts and crafts plus magic shows for kids to augment their indoor game and arcade room.

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

No.

7

Glide on the ice during public skating times at Hertz Arena (239-948-7825, hertzarena.com) in Estero and Fort Myers Skatium (239-321-7510, fmskatium. org), or don roller skates at Spinz Skating & Entertainment (239-482-7789, spinzskates.com), formerly Bamboozles, in south Fort Myers. Spinz continues to offer free kids’ passes (kidsskatefree.com/spinz).

36 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

screens offer No. Big big family savings

9

Capt. J.P.

on the water. According to Evelyn Stewart, one of the owners of No. Cruise Adventures in Paradise (239-472-8443, adventureinparadiseinc.com), based

8

at Port Sanibel Marina in south Fort Myers, it’s usually about 10 degrees cooler out on the water. They offer a variety of cruises including the Sea Life Encounter Excursion, which provides an up-close study of marine life both near islands and in deeper waters. On the Capt. J.P. (239-334-7474, jccruises. com) paddlewheel boat that plies the Caloosahatchee River, two passenger sections are air conditioned and the top deck includes a canopy; so Mark Twain, eat your heart out.

Water taxis that connect Pine Island with barrier islands Useppa, North Captiva, Cayo Costa and Boca Grande — like Island Girl Charters (239-633-8142, islandgirlcharters. com) and Emmy Girl Charters (239-462-4073) — put families in the northwesternmost reaches of Lee County, often a few degrees cooler.

No.

10

over the summer.

Kids can enjoy the first children’s movie on Thursday mornings for $7 instead of the regular $15.55 ticket at Silverspot Cinema (239-592-0300, silverspot.net) in the Mercato in North Naples. Regal (regmovies.com) locations at the Bell Tower Shops in south Fort Myers, on Hollywood Drive in Naples, and Gulf Coast Town Center (IMAX) in San Carlos Park offer $1 kids’ tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings into early August. Tickets for everyone for all showings on Tuesdays at Marquee Cinemas’ (239-458-2543, marqueecinemas.com) 10-screen facility in Cape Coral, which underwent major renovations recently including the addition of power leather recliners, are $8.75. AMC Stubs members (enroll at amctheatres.com) can get discounts on Tuesdays at AMC Merchants Crossing 16 in North Fort Myers.

Not just for books. In addition to reading a cool book, graphic novel or periodical, many public libraries harbor children’s sections and put on special programs and events. They even have prizes for young readers who sign up for the summer reading program. For locations in Lee and Collier counties, visit leegov.com/library and collierlibrary.org.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 37

« cover story (continued)

No.

11

As we relish the air conditioning in our cars, take in a visit to see some indoor vintage vehicles. A 1916 Ford Model T and a Ford “Chuck Truck” are showcased in the orientation building and Smithsonian gallery, respectively, which also includes the Spark!Lab children’s interactive stations, at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates (239-334-7419, edisonfordwinterestates.org) in Fort Myers. Kids 12 and younger are admitted free with paying adults through August. (Several other historic cars are on display on the outdoor grounds.) The Edison Ford Shoppe (239-433-0054) in the Bell Tower Shops has a 1919 Ford Model T. Auto aficionados will also rev-up their interests at the Muscle Car City Museum (941-575-5959, musclecarcity.net) in Punta Gorda.

No.

12 Sip local coffee while doing yoga as the kids are supervised in a playroom, all indoors.

This can be enjoyed at the recently opened InPlay

Family Fun

1916 Ford Model T

No.

13

(239-9639716, inplayfamilyfun@ gmail.com, inplayfamilyfun.com) in Naples. The indoor play center offers birthday parties, other special events plus kids’ science and technology camps into August.

Want to just stay home? Try some simple, fun activities you can find online, such as putting a small toy in a water balloon, filling it with water, freezing and then letting your little archeologists chisel out the toy. Cut an orange in quarters, freeze, and then let the kids gnaw on them as they thaw. And of course, take some time to relax and talk about the fun you had all summer.

38 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

back to school »

YOUR

Q&A

Why must you think about school in July? Because that big day will be here before you know it, and some important dates could easily sneak up on you, like the sales tax holiday or the open house at your child’s school. We know this from experience. So we rounded up the big questions and posed them to the appropriate experts in the community to get you answers.

When is the first day of school? » Monday, August 12 for public schools in Lee and Charlotte counties » Tuesday, August 13 for public schools in Collier County » Private schools vary by school.

When is tax-free shopping?

In Florida, all families can buy back-to-school clothes, shoes and supplies — including computers — and pay no sales tax August 2-6. The state’s 2019 sales tax holiday applies to clothing, shoes, wallets and bags (handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags) that cost $60 or less per item and supplies that cost $15 or less per item. Supplies are things like pens, pencils, notebooks, glue, protractors, calculators. The sales tax holiday also includes computers and accessories of $1,000 or less per item. That includes book readers, laptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, personal digital assistants, monitors, routers and nonrecreational software. On a $1,000 computer, that’s a savings of $60. Find details as the sales tax holiday nears at floridarevenue.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 39

« back to school (continued) What supplies do we need? Each school, even each class, differs. Here in Southwest Florida, most schools post their supply lists on their websites. In Lee County, you might encounter a few public schools that don’t. In that case, look on the district site, leeschools.net, under “Our School.”

You can also usually get supply lists at meet-the-teacher events and school open houses.

When is open house? The open house, or meet-the-

teacher event as some schools call them, is an opportunity for kids to see their school, find their classroom and meet the teacher before the big day.

You can usually drop off your child’s supplies at their classroom, too — a big help in elementary school when supply lists are long. In Lee County, most open houses will be August 5-11. Get exact dates and times from you school’s website or the district site at leeschools.net/calendars/open_houses.

Collier County Public Schools compiles a list of meet-the-teacher events and student orientations in mid-July. Look for it at collierschools.com.

We’re new. How do we sign up? For Lee County Public Schools, students new to the district who aren’t already signed up must enroll in person at the Student Enrollment Office, 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, which is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday (closed Fridays).

Bring a photo ID, birth certificate, proof of physical, proof of immunizations, proof of address, name and address of last school attended and copy of last report card (if available). If the child is not living with both natural parents, bring proof of custody. If the child has an Individual Education Plan, bring that, too. Get details at leeschools.net/our_district/departments/academic_ services/student_enrollment. Or email studentenrollment@leeschools.net.

In Collier County, the public-school registration process starts online. Visit collierschools.com/registration to start pre-registration and get a list of required documents (similar to Lee County’s list above). Then you’ll visit one of three registration locations: Naples, Immokalee or Everglades City.

Do my kids have to wear a uniform? Some

public schools require uniforms, some don’t. In Lee County, there are more than 30 public schools that require uniforms and more than 50 schools that are called dress code schools (they’ve added requirements to the district-wide dress code). You can find a list of them and their requirements at leeschools. net under “Our District.” Or check your school’s website. Collier County recommends parents visit their child’s school website for dress code information.

Where’s the bus?

Bus stops can change from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to make sure you know where your child’s bus stop is and when your child gets picked up before the first day of school.

In Lee County, routes will be available in late July or early August. They’ll be posted online (leeschools.net/our_district/departments/ operations/transportation_services/bus_ routes) and at each school’s open house. If you have moved, you must report the new address to your child’s school by July 17 to receive a correct route by the first day of school. If you move after that date, your school might be able to provide a pass for your child to ride the new bus route. If there is no bus stop nearby, you’ll need to submit a bus stop request and one will be assigned on or after August 29. The district freezes routes in July so that drivers can bid for their routes and learn them, and to see how many kids are actually riding the bus after classes begin.

In Collier County, bus route information will be available in early August. Families can find their child’s bus stop at that time by going to bus.collierschools.com. You’ll need your child’s student ID and birth date.

Schools in both counties are now using the WheresTheBus app to track school buses in real time. Sign-up is free. Go to wheresthebus.com in the “Parents” section of the screen and click on “Set up account.”

Choose your county, then enter your student information. Once your information is validated, you’ll get an email with instructions.

Yikes! My pediatrician is booked, but my child needs immunizations to start school. What do I do?

Pediatricians do get booked up quickly before school starts. Florida requires students get certain immunizations before attending school, preschool and day care. One that parents often forget is the Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis, or Tdap, booster required before entering the seventh grade. One option is your local health department clinic, where immunizations are free in both Lee and Collier counties.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (239-332-9501, lee. floridahealth.gov) hosts back-to-school walk-in clinics at 3920 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers: » July 29-August 2: 8

a.m. to 4 p.m. » August 3: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. » August 5-9 and 1213: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

collier.floridahealth. gov) provides free immunizations for all children from birth to age 18 at two locations:

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (239-252-8595,

» In Naples: Building H, 3339 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

40 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Monday-Friday » In Immokalee: 419, N. First St., Immokalee; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday-Friday Appointments are not necessary, but the two

weeks before school starts are very busy. To avoid long lines, go as soon as possible. That’s probably also why the department suggests trying to schedule with your pediatrician first.

safety corner » HE AT HER O'BR IEN

10 tips for boating with kids

S

ummer is here and with that family boating season. The nonprofit Sea Tow Foundation provides these 10 tips to keep youngsters safe and happy on the water and make wonderful memories as a family this summer.

as the boat operator so that everyone stays hydrated and safe.

1.

5.

Life jackets save lives. Be sure all kids wear a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard requires all children younger than 13 wear a Coast Guardapproved life jacket while the vessel is moving, and it is important to know that life jackets come in different sizes based on the body weight and size of the wearer. If a friend joins the kids for the day, you can borrow an extra life jacket from the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program, which now boasts over 550 life jacket loaner stations across the country. Find one near you at boatingsafety.com/map.

2.

Safety starts ashore. Get the kids in the habit of putting on sunscreen, a hat and their life jackets while still in the parking lot. That way, the kids will be protected if they accidentally tumble off the dock into the water.

3.

Sober skippers are a must.

When the lives of your family are in your hands, it is crucial to ensure that the boat operator is sober and able to operate the boat safely. Pack plenty of water, juice and other nonalcoholic drinks in the cooler for the kids as well

4.

Clear the decks. Have everyone

stow their gear and any loose water toys away as well as loose lines and fishing gear before leaving the dock.

One hand for yourself and one for the boat. It is important that

kids understand that they can’t run on the boat deck, they should never walk around while the boat is moving, and they should always maintain three points of contact with the boat to avoid falling when rocked by the wake of a passing boat.

6.

Ahoy, mate. Kids get a bigger kick out of a boat trip when you make them your first mate and let them help. The Sea Tow Foundation has developed a First Mate Checklist to help the kids and parents with some ideas.

7.

Check the radio. Be sure everyone knows how to operate the boat’s VHF radio in case of an emergency. The free Sea Tow’s Automated Radio Check service shows the kids how to key the microphone and talk over the VHF, and it lets you know if the radio is in good working order.

To find the Automated Radio Check VHF channel in your boating area, visit seatow.com/arc.

8.

Towing sports require a watchful eye. When you tow kids

Heather O'Brien is the owner and general manager of Sea Tow Fort Myers, seatow.com. The nonprofit Sea Tow Foundation, boatingsafety.com, was established in 2007 by Sea Tow founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer to educate boaters and raise awareness about boating safety.

behind the boat on inflatable water toys, water skis or a wakeboard, be sure to designate an adult to be the official watcher, keeping his or her eyes on the towed rider at all times and communicating to the boat captain. Teach the kids hand signals they can use to tell you to speed up, go slower or stop.

9.

Where the fish are biting.

Angling is another fun family pastime, and it’s even more fun on a boat. Teach kids to be careful with hooks and not to throw used fishing line overboard. Have them fish from opposite sides of the boat so they don’t tangle their lines. And, remember, kids have a shorter attention span, so make time for play or knock off early and go swimming.

10.

Places, please. Give the kids

assigned seats on the boat while docking, so that they don’t block the operator’s view. And have them keep their fingers and toes inside during this process.

These basic guidelines will help you ensure everyone stays safe on board.

But the most important tip for your family boating adventure is this: Have fun. Feel free to call your local Sea Tow office at 239-945-4820 if you need extra jackets. We can help you find a stand locally.

With the Fourth of July approaching, don’t forget to designate a Sober Skipper.

Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 41

HORSE CAMP » Clockwise from top: Giada DiSarro, 9, left, and Vivienne Chid, 8, place a saddle on Jackson during a summer horse camp hosted by Track to Trail Thoroughbreds at the Pine Ridge Equestrian OTTB Training Facility and Education Center in North Naples. • Lilly Mendenhall, 8, rides Jackson. • Giada DiSarro, 9, puts a saddle on Jackson. Photos by Jon Austria

42 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

family album »

Summer smiles!

Board Certified Orthodontist Braces & Invisalign® Affordable payment plans Most insurances accepted

Call to schedule your complimentary consultation!

239-260-2100 |

2017

NP-0000967208

TAKE STOCK INDUCTEES » The Immokalee Foundation

welcomed 34 students into the Take Stock in Children scholarship program, which provides deserving students from low-income families a chance to obtain a post-secondary education in exchange for following program standards. Since 2001, The Immokalee Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships. Here: Marie Sanon. Photo by Brian Szeliga

NATURAL ARTISTS »

Ed Anderson paints with the students at Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida.

The mural experience was part of his eight-week artist-inresidence program at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child

Excellent academics rooted and grounded in God's word.

• PreK-3 through 8th Grade • VPK Provider • A unique and caring community • Ideal class sizes • outstanding curriculum • Excellent, prolessional teaching stall TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR OF OUR SCHOOL CALL US TODAY

239-482-7007

SUMMIT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 9065 Ligon Court. Fort Myers. FL 33908 Near the corner of Summerlin and Bass

www.summitchristianschool.org SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 43

HEY, ELLEN » Clockwise from top: Joey Munroe, left, Melissa Becker, Olivia Curcione and Brady Castellano take the ice bucket challenge June 9 at Cape Coral High School. More than 200 people took the challenge in an effort to raise awareness for ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease and get the attention of Ellen DeGeneres. Cre8 Salon & Spa hosted the event in honor of Hilde Heard, a longtime client of the salon, who has ALS. • Linda Flore, Melissa Becker and Rick Williams. • Wayne Heard, Jeff Sagorac, Connie Ramos-Williams, Marcy Sagorac and (front) Hilde Heard. • Cape Coral firemen helping out with the ice bucket challenge.

Photos by Kinfay Moroti

44 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

family album »

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REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER COOKING CAMPS! • Young chefs will learn what it’s like to cook as chef in a commercial kitchen • Local chefs stop by to show us their skills.

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LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON » Chris Urbanski,

left, and Christopher Urbanski, 10, right, pose for a portrait after winning a father and son look-alike contest at Miromar Outlets in Estero on June 15. Christopher wore temporary tattoos to mimic his dad’s real ones, but the father and son pair said they already owned their matching outfits.

Send Us Your Snapshots Send your images with a brief description and names of the people in them to editor@swflparentchild.com

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 45

FOURTH OF JULY

« family album

Celebrate 4th of July with a bang! $5 off wristbands means you and your friends get to enjoy go-karts, rides, and mini golf for less.

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH - AUGUST 16

Ring in the new school year the right way with $15 wristbands for unlimited go-karts, mini golf, and rides. Enjoy music from B103.9 on site and take your chances with hourly prize drawings.

ZOOMERSFUN.COM

17455 Summerlin Rd., Fort Myers, FL (239) 481 - ZOOM

DROP SAVERS » Bonita Springs Utilities Inc. announced the winners of the 2019 “Drop Savers” water conservation poster contest May 23. The winners are, from left, Suri Rodrigues, a Spring Creek Elementary fourth-grader, Ashley Lopez-Sanchez, a second-grader at Spring Creek, and Maribel Mendoza, a ninth-grader at Bonita Springs High School.

Special to SW FL Parent & Child

Fourth of July promo only valid on July 4, 2019, and Back to School Bash promo only valid on August 16, 2019. Cannot be combined with any other offers and wristbands must be purchased at regular price. Additional restrictions may apply.

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46 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

COMCAST SCHOLARS » Comcast awarded $27,750 in college scholarships to 11 Southwest Florida high school seniors as part of its annual Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program. The company awarded $236,000 to 90 students throughout Florida. Clockwsie from top left: Rachel Brener of Barron Collier High School in Naples. • Karsen Williams of North Fort Myers High School. • Hanhee Yang of Cape Coral High School. • Stephanie Saintyl of Immokalee High School. • Torie Shellenberger of Palmetto Ridge High School in Naples. • Not shown: Alexis Moody of Saint John Neumann High School; Brhyde Camrom of Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers; Daisy Govea of Dunbar High in Fort Myers; Madison Smith of Mariner High in Cape Coral; Alyssa Toth of Port Charlotte High, and Amy Schlosser of Avon Park High. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child

travel »

Our Alaska

ADVENTURE Florida’s polar opposite provides quite a memorable family getaway. STORY AND PHOTOS BY JENNIFER THOMAS

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 47

« travel (continued)

W

e have a few vacation spots we love to return to; however, after being inspired by family friends’ experience of working at a fishing resort in Alaska, we knew it was time to put this journey into motion.

For our first voyage to this mountainous wildlife paradise, we opted for an Alaska cruise to get an overview of the cities and the different experiences available. Now after traveling to Alaska, I can without reservation say we will go again, but our next trip will be a landbased one to further dive into Alaska culture.

“Alaska has a little something for every member of the family,” says Sarah Leonard, president and CEO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association.

“With plenty of outdoor activities like wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, glacier trekking, fishing and more, every region in Alaska can be an adventure and makes for an ideal multigenerational travel getaway.”

Planning vacation experiences gives everyone something to look forward to and the anticipation is something that builds up until departure day. Going to someplace completely new with a completely different climate required planning — traveling to Alaska is not as easy as having a beach day.

In advance of our trip, I fully vetted out other friends’ experiences and gathered their advice (i.e., dress in layers; in July you will not need winter gear, but a rain jacket is essential; save up for the excursions that are unique to Alaska and not available here, and sample the local cuisine). My biggest tip for your Alaska trip: Bring binoculars. The wildlife viewing, even from a distance is spectacular.

“We would advise parents traveling with kids to Alaska: Plan ahead. Alaska is the largest state in the United States and offers an extensive amount of activ-

48 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Writer Jennifer Thomas, middle right seat in the photo at top, traveled to Alaska with her family and their friends, the Zollers, of Cape Coral.

Her daughter, Kylie, above, especially loved the fly fishing.

ities great for all ages,” Sarah suggests.

“It is also helpful to talk with experts at a visitors’ center or tourism office for ideas on planning a meaningful travel experience, especially to experience the state’s rich culture and history. Families can also order a free official Alaska state vacation planner on TravelAlaska.com that is filled with resources to help with planning.”

Opting for a round trip cruise out of Seattle, our ports of call included Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan, and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia.

When researching the excursion

opportunities, we got together with the family we were traveling with to allow the kids and adults to select what each wanted to do.

Our first stop was Juneau, and here is where my husband, Bill, realized one of his bucket list dreams. It was also something that I personally wanted to experience. Salmon fishing in the middle of a river in Alaska where we landed in our float plane. The flight was just as mesmerizing as the fishing to see this countryside via air. The salmon were running, and many different species were caught. The experience was heightened by our personal wildlife

for the family.

“Most tours include first-hand stories from competitive mushers and ample time spent snuggling pups-in-training,” Sarah says.

The next day was the reason I personally was so excited for what we were about to witness. We sailed into Glacier Bay National Park where a park ranger boarded our ship and provided some great education into this wonder. Sailing into Glacier Bay and witnessing this striking beauty for me personally summed up Alaska.

Pure pristine beauty and wonder. The ship rotated around in the bay to ensure all sides of the ship had up-front views. I can’t even explain what is was like to hear the ice calving into the freezing waters.

After this experience, I could have called my trip complete, but we were just halfway done with our Alaska adventure.

Next was a stop in Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World. We all agreed upon an outdoor activity — Jeep tour with canoeing. The views were spectacular. I could have just sat in the middle of the lake soaking up this natural beauty. At our “base camp,” we enjoyed cider, hot chocolate and salmon chowder, and we explored the area with a small nature hike.

Our final port of call was Victoria, British Columbia, and I have to say this was one of the most beautiful cities. The flowers are bountiful and the waterfront wharf area with the floating colorful houses was delightful. You could really see the British influence on this capital city, and the Victorian architecture was stunning. We also walked to Victoria’s China Town and ventured into a Chinese restaurant for a tasty experience.

A day at sea returning to Seattle concluded our Alaska journey but not our vacation as we spent the day doing the famous Seattle attractions, including Pike Place Fish Market (complete with the throwing of the fish) and the Space Needle.

This is one bucket list trip that goes to the top of our family journeys. Now the questions are: When do we go back? And where do we go next?

City of Fort Myers Recreation “Bringing Our Community Together”

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encounter with a family of brown bears.

Funny story about the float plane: Since this was a semi-private tour, it was just my family and two other fishermen with the pilot, and all six of us were from Florida.

“The salmon fishing trip was one of my favorite things we did on our vacation,” My daughter, Kylie, now 14, recalls. “Fly fishing was something I had never tried before, but with the help of my dad I got the hang of it and loved wading out in the waters. The first fish I reeled in is something I’ll always treasure. Oh, and the bear family was so cool to see in their natural habitat.”

While we were fishing, our traveling companions ventured on a whale-watching tour that did not disappoint. Cape Coral resident Louise Zoller says she loved watching these marine creatures breach the water and do their dance.

An activity that’s especially memorable for families to experience together is looking for wildlife, Sarah says. “Wildlife is found in all areas of the state and each region makes for very different viewing opportunities — from bears to birds, marine wildlife, moose, Dall sheep, migrating caribou, herds of musk ox and more.”

In fact, viewing wildlife is one of the most popular excursions among families visiting Alaska. According to the Alaska Visitors Statistics Program, three quarters of visitors who fly and or drive to the state participate in wildlife viewing activities.

Alaska certainly made an impressive first impression on us. And the 49th state, which celebrates 60 years of statehood this year, did not disappoint in any port.

We docked the next day in Skagway, and this was the girls’ selection. Louise’s daughter, Hannah, who is also 14, and Kylie chose the summer dog sledding experience where we all rode in a sled led by a pack of dogs training for the infamous Iditarod race, and it concluded with dog sled puppy time. The dogs continue to train throughout the summer on dry land to prepare for their winter races and sledding jobs.

Sarah also recommends dog sledding

• Athletics & Outdoor Sports 239-321-7514

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 49

« around town

PAW Patrol Live saves the day The heroic pups of PAW Patrol return to Southwest Florida on July 30 and 31 when they take the stage in “Race to the Rescue” at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in south Fort Myers. Shows are 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 31. Tickets start at $21. Get details at bbmannpah.com or 239-481-4849.

Get ready for the big day The first day of school is just around the corner.

That means big back-to-school events. One of the biggest is the 20th annual Big Backpack Event hosted by the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at the Fort Myers Skatium. The event gives kids in need supplies to start the new school year and entertainment for all.

(Arrive early; the line for free supplies often starts around 7 a.m.) Other back-to-school events include A Mom’s Helping Hand of Southwest Florida’s Back to School Backpack & Supplies Event at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 27 at Cape Coral High School (registration required at amomshelpinghandofswfl. com) and the indoor Back to School Bash at Gulf Coast Town Center, 9 a.m. to noon August 3, where backpacks will be given away to the first 250 children.

50 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Run for fun Sometimes you just need to run as hard as you can as fast as you can, especially when you’re a kid. Here’s an opportunity to do that with other kids for super cool bragging rights. The Gulf Coast Runners group is holding its annual Summer Run for Fun from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays through July 22 at the Naples High School track.

There are sprints, longer runs and field events for ages 6-14 and a 50-yard dash for siblings ages 4-5.

T-shirts are awarded to kids who participate in at least three of the weeks. Get details at gcrunner.org.

calendar »

PRESCHOOL & VPK

Monday, July 1 Summer Run for Fun » Mondays through July 22, 5:30 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Naples High School, 1100 Golden Eagle Circle, Naples. The Gulf Coast Runners host running events for kids every Monday through July 22 for ages 6-14. There’s also a 50yard dash for siblings ages 4-5. gcrunner.org

Tuesday, July 2

Wednesday, July 3 “Beauty and the Beast” » Through August 10. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers. The main stage show features Disney’s classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast.” $20$70. Shows run Wednesday-Sunday, generally with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. plus select matinees. broadwaypalm.com

DANCE E ST RE FIRSS F A CL

“Mamma Mia!” » Through July 28. The Naples Players, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. In this family-friendly, feel-good musical, ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. The tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

Tickets start at $45. naplesplayers.org

Celebrating Since 1951

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No matter how big we get, we will always be “the Studio that CARES for its families”

Summer Lessons Schedule • Monday through Thursday • Classes Start June 17th • June 25th • July 8th • July 15th • July 23rd • Classes run from 4pm - 8pm Summer Registration Now OPEN Spend The Summer With Us!

Jazz • Tap • Ballet • Lyrical • Hip Hop • Contemporary

Competition Team Auditions June 5th Toddler Song & Dance Combo classes for our younger dancers

NEW TO OUR CLASS SCHEDULE:

Thursday, July 4

TECHNIQUE AND CONDITIONING CLASSES, YOGA, ADULT BALLET

July 4th Celebration at Fishermen’s Village » Noon-9 p.m.

Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda.

Live music, kids’ crafts and other festivities begin at noon.

Freedom Swim begins at 2 p.m. Fireworks show is at 9 p.m. over Charlotte Harbor. fishville.com

Royal Palm Square 1400 Colonial Blvd. • Suites 14 & 74 • Ft. Myers

No Registration Fee! Pro-Rated Tuition 20% Family Discount

Affordable tuition is our goal at G-Force

239.288.6188 www.G-ForceDance.com

Fireworks: For a full list of where to see fireworks, visit swflparentchild.com.

Online payment now available through PayPal for your convenience

RESALE & CONSIGNMENT

MUSIC LESSONS

Gulf Coast MusiC suMMer strinGs CaMp July 8-12, 2019

Violin, Viola, Cello

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Chamber Music Program

239-590-0059

gulfcoastmusic.org

NP-0000921286

NP-0000971190

Since 1988

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 51

« calendar Kids Free Fridays » 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Kids ages 12 and younger get free admission every Friday over summer, and each week features a different theme with exhibits, crafts, stories, science lab, presentation and a feature film 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The center is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Adult admission is $5. rookerybay.org

Friday, July 5 Fireworks Friday with the Fort Myers Miracle » 7 p.m.

Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers. Fireworks follow the game on select Fridays, July 5 and 26 and August 9 and 30. Tickets start at $8.50.

Logiscool Parent Night Out » 6-10 p.m. Logiscool Davis, 1715 Heritage Trail, Suite 203, Naples. an evening of activities for children from kindergarten through 14 years old. Led by the school’s instructors, kids enjoy activities that include coding and programming. A pizza dinner is always included.

239-673-0051.

“Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.” » July 5-7. The Naples Players, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. $20. Take a journey out of the zoo and onto the stage with your favorite cracka-lackin’ friends from the blockbuster DreamWorks film “Madagascar.” A production of the Naples Players’ youth performing arts program KidzAct! Show times: 6:30 p.m. July 5-7, plus a matinee at 2 p.m. July 6. naplesplayers.org/kidzact

Saturday, July 6 Summertime Science Saturdays » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through August. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free for ages 12 and younger, $5 for adults.

Hands-on discovery labs for all ages. Adults and kids alike can discover science with an educator including examining live organisms under microscopes, behind-the-scenes experiences in working laboratories, hands-on marine critter connections and more. rookerybay.org

Sunday, July 7 Real Pro Wrestling presents Road to Destiny » 6-9:30 p.m. Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave., Fort Myers. Real Pro Wrestling returns to the Millennial Brewing Co. in Fort Myers. Check out the unpredictable world of pro wrestling at this family-friendly show. Food trucks available outside. Card TBA. Card subject to change. Announced stars include Nick Abrams, Jason Dugan, Zack Monstar, Dravin Frost, Lena Taylor, Johnny Knockout, Hunter Law, Leo Knox, Victor Vences, Ragan Fire, Chuckles, Alex Todd, Gabe Lacey and Dann Lydon. $10. realprowrestlingfortmyers@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 9 Little Explorers: All the Way to the Ocean » 10 a.m.

July 9 and 11. Conservancy Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Learn about how two best friends make a difference in what travels to the ocean and how we can all reduce waste. Ideal for ages 18 months to 5 years.

52 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

July 23 and 25: Oopsie Otter. August 6 and 8: Way Down Deep. August 20 and 22: Oozey Octopus. Included with admission, $15.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids, free for ages 2 and younger. The center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MondaySaturday and features special programming for all ages daily in summer: Be a Biologist at 11:15 a.m., Scales and Tails at 12:15 p.m. and Ocean Discoveries at 1:15 p.m. conservancy. org/littleexplorers “Mamma Mia!” Sensory-Friendly Performance » 7:30 p.m. The Naples Players, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. In this family-friendly, feel-good musical, ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sensory-friendly production gives families with special needs an opportunity to enjoy the show. $20 for adults, $10 for students. naplesplayers.org

Thursday, July 11 Get Nutty! Hazelnutty! With New M&M’s Hazelnut Spread Candies » 2 p.m. Walmart, 5420 Juliet Blvd., Naples. Meet Blue and play a game with him. There will be activities, a photo op with Blue and samples of the new M&M’s Hazelnut Spread candies.

Hot Summer Nights » 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, July 11-25.

Frank E. Mackle Community Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office hosts these family fun nights every Thursday at different locations. Enjoy free hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, rock wall, bounce house, music, games and more. Free for all Collier County students and families. On July 18, the fun is at McLeod Park, 208 S. Copeland Ave., Everglades City. On July 25, it’s at Max Hasse Park, 3390 Golden Gate Blvd., Naples. 239-2520144. colliersheriff.org “The Wolves” » July 11-14. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers. “The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe focuses on the experiences of teenage girls as they warm up for their Saturday soccer games. Recommended for ages 14 and older. The Wolves contains mature language and explores sensitive topics. $10 for students, $28 for general admission. laboratorytheaterflorida.com

Friday, July 12 Sea Turtle Talk » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger to learn about the life cycle and journeys of the marine turtles that visit Lovers Key each summer. Reservations required. Included with regular admission, which is $4 for a vehicle with one occupant, $8 for 2-8 occupants and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. 239-463-4588.

calendar » Get Nutty! Hazelnutty! With New M&M’s Hazelnut Spread Candies » 2 p.m. Walmart, 545 Pine Island Road, North Fort Myers. Meet Blue and play a game with him. There will be activities, a photo op with Blue and samples of the new M&M’s Hazelnut Spread candies.

International Culture Fest » July 12-13. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. A celebration of cultural food, performances, displays, vendors and more with the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida. Live music 5-9 p.m. July 12 featuring The Bird Tribe. Festivities are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 13 with music, exhibits, food and live music. fishville.com

Saturday, July 13 Eco-Friendly Vendor Fair » 10 a.m.-2 p.m. North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples. See ecofriendly vendors and businesses. Free face painting and activities for children. Raffles and prizes.

MangoMania » 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 13-14. GermanAmerican Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. A family event that’s all about the mango: cooking contests, hat contests, tasting table, arts and crafts, plant sales and the Mango Queen. $6 for adults, free for children younger than 10. mangomaniafl.net Saturday Slide Night » 5-8:30 p.m. Sun Splash Family Waterpark, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. Sun Splash stays open late and 105.5 The Beat spins some tunes. The next Slide Night is July 27. After 5 p.m. on Slide Nights, admission is $10.95 for ages 2-12 and $12.95 for ages 13-59 (Cape Coral residents; add $2 for nonresidents).

Science Saturday » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. From slime to the solar system, kids learn by doing interactive science and engineering projects.

Free. In WINK Playland. miromaroutlets.com

Monday, July 15 Vacation Bible School » 9 a.m.-noon July 15-19. Christ United Methodist Church, 1430 Homestead Road N., Lehigh Acres. $1 registration fee. Registration recommended.

Registration forms can be picked up at the church 10 a.m.4 p.m. Monday-Thursday or request via email at admin@ christumclehigh.org. 239-369-1433. christumclehigh.org

Tuesday, July 16 Fishing Clinic » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park naturalist to learn a variety of tackle and fresh bait rigs, find out the best places to drop a line and learn about the rules and regulations that pertain to game fishing in Southwest Florida. You might even learn a few of the “secrets” of local fishermen. Reservations required. Included with regular admission, which is $4 for a vehicle with one occupant, $8 for 2-8 occupants and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. 239-463-4588.

Wednesday, July 17 Budget Clinic » 3 p.m. Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services, 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers. Learn

how to better manage your money. Participants receive a UF/ IFAS Extension Money Management Calendar. Free. Next one is 5:30 p.m. July 31.

Cirque du Soleil: “Corteo” » July 17-21. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. “Corteo,” which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. Shows are 7:30 p.m. July 17-19, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. July 20 and 1 and 5 p.m. July 21. cirquedusoleil.com/corteo Moms Appreciation Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Moms receive a free goodie from le macaron french pastries while the kids do crafts.

Free. miromaroutlets.com

Thursday, July 18 “Getting to Know You” Club Tour & Lunch » Noon every Thursday. Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, 7500 Davis Blvd., Naples. Learn more about how the club’s programs help Collier County youth and teens do well in school, choose healthy lifestyles and become great leaders. Free lunch provided by The Blue CanTEEN, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County’s food truck. RSVP via Eventbrite or email Heidi Overman at hoverman@bgccc.com.

Friday, July 19 “The Enchanted Bookshop” » July 19-21. Firehouse Community Theatre, 241 N. Bridge St., Labelle. During the day, A Likely Story may look like any other used bookstore.

But at night, it’s a place where magic happens. That’s when the characters inside the books come alive. Six of those characters — Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi and Tom Sawyer — long to help Margie, the scatterbrained owner, save her struggling store. But they’re not allowed to leave the building or be seen by human eyes.

So when a pair of smugglers comes looking for a stolen necklace hidden inside one of the books, the characters are torn. Should they warn Margie and risk disappearing forever? Or can they find a way to defeat the crooks without being seen? Shows are 7 p.m. July 19-20 and 2 p.m. July 21, $14. 863-675-3066. firehousecommunitytheatre.com Walk on the Wild Side » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger for a guided hike along Black Island Trail. Reservations required. Included with regular admission, which is $4 for a vehicle with one occupant, $8 for 2-8 occupants and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. 239-463-4588.

Saturday, July 20 Dream Big Teen Summit » 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Center, 2990 Edison Ave., Fort Myers. A free event for ages 14-18. There’ll be guest speakers, music, games, food, prizes and more. Registration required. 239-332-4651.

Family Fun Farm Tours » 9:30-11:30 a.m. ECHO Global Farm, 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers. Certified docents who specialize in sharing ECHO’s mission with ages 5-12 lead the tours. Plus, enjoy special activities. Tickets are $30 per family (applies to parents and children younger than 18), or $12.50 per adult, $8 per student and $6 per

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 53

« calendar child ages 6-12. Kids younger than 6 are free. Registration required; email Russ Luther at rluther@echonet.org or call 239-567-3316.

Family Yoga with Kathryn » 10 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Free 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring a mat. miromaroutlets.com Open House for New Pediatric Dentistry Location » 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, 1035 Piper Blvd., Suite 103, Naples. Pediatric Dentistry of Florida is celebrating the opening of its new Naples office with a special open house event. The interior promises to be just as fun as the Fort Myers location, and the special event will have face painting, balloon twisters, character appearances and tours of the new facility. drverwest.com S.A.F.E. Girls » 10 a.m. Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. You are your own best defense. This class introduces a few basic self-defense moves that every woman, no matter her age, should know. The mother-daughter classes focus on the various situations a young lady may find herself in while developing her independence. For ages 13 and older; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

239-258-3280 or CommunityRelations@ SheriffLeeFL.org.

Tuesday, July 23 Cloverbud Day » 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Collier County Fair & Exhibition, 751 39th Ave. N.E., Naples. For ages 5-7. In 4-H, they’re called “Cloverbuds.” This fun day of learning is an opportunity for kids to learn about 4-H. Bring lunch and a water bottle. Snacks provided. Contact: Tish Roland, troland@ ufl.edu.

Wednesday, July 24 A Universe of Animals » 11 a.m.-noon. North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 N. Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers. Explore the universe of amazing creatures with the Naples Zoo and Lee County Library System. For grades K-5.

239-533-4320. leegov.com/library Animals Alive: Up Close with Animals » 3-4 p.m. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples. See live animals and learn how the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve takes care of exotic, endangered and domestic animals. For students entering grades 1-5. Registration required. 239-2527542. collierlibrary.org

Thursday, July 25 A Universe of Animals » 10-11 a.m. Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, south Fort Myers. Explore the universe of amazing creatures with the Naples Zoo. For grades K-5. 239533-4000. Registration requested. leegov.com/library

Sunday, July 21

A Universe of Animals » 3-4 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library, 2421 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers. Explore the universe of amazing creatures with the Naples Zoo. For grades K-5. 239533-4370. Registration requested. leegov.com/library

Sundae FunDay » Noon-2 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero.

Kids decorate a free ice cream sundae, sing and dance with DJ MAF and shake hands with the Amazing Things robot. Free.

In WINK Playland. miromaroutlets.com

Harry Potter Extravaganza » 2-4 p.m. Cape Coral Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral. For grades 6-12. Play Quidditch, make Felix Felicis, craft a dragon egg and more. Registration requested.

Monday, July 22 VBS Day Camp » 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 22-26. Faith Presbyterian Church, Cape Coral. Each daily theme invites campers to think about peace and peace-making from a different perspective. With an overall traveling theme, each day campers explore a word and what it means in the kingdom of God. There’ll be campfire singing, nature exploration, water days, crafts and bible study. For students from kindergarten to fifth grade. $60 for the week, plus $25 for early drop-off. Registration required. fpcfl.org/ childrenandyouthprograms

54 » JULY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Planet Earth » 2-3 p.m. Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples. Explore the Earth with Mrs. Tish from the University of Florida 4-H Extension office through activities and experiments, plus get a special treat. For ages 8-12.

Registration required. 239-252-7542. collierlibrary.org

Friday, July 26 Fireworks Friday with the Fort Myers Miracle » 7 p.m.

Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers. Fireworks follow the game on select Fridays, plus tonight is Happy Gilmore Night, a fundraiser for the Junior League of Fort Myers. Additional fireworks nights are August 9 and 30. Tickets start at $8.50.

Saturday, July 27 Back to School Event with Disney’s “Descendants 3” » 1-3 p.m. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. A family-fun event based on Disney’s “Descendants 3” in the play area near Dillard’s. Make and take arts and crafts, custom photo booth backdrop with props, tattoos and stickers, face painting, prize giveaways with a raffle, snacks and more.

Back to School Backpack & Supplies Event » 9 a.m. Cape

calendar » Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. An event to help families in need get school supplies for the new school year.

Registration required. amomshelpinghandofswfl.com Kids Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive a free slice of pizza, ice cream sandwich and other goodies. Free. miromaroutlets.com Kids Summer Science Cruises » 10-11:30 a.m. Pure Florida, Naples, Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. An educational science cruise for children as part of Pure Florida’s Kids Cruise Free program offered at 10 a.m. every Saturday. All ages enjoy Glen Beitmen of Super Science & Amazing Art as he uses humor and hands-on science experiments and demonstrations to entertain and educate children about the properties of water, environmental science and the marine wildlife that live in and around Southwest Florida’s waterways. Every Saturday at 10 a.m. kids cruise free when accompanied by a full-fare paid adult. $39 for adults, $19.50 for additional children. Reservations required. 239-263-4949. purefl. com Sunflower Summer Fest » 2-8 p.m. Sunflower Discount Market, 1001 Palm Ave., North Fort Myers. Live music, vendors, food, beer and body and face painting for kids and adults. Family-friendly.

Free. 239-333-9267.

Sunday, July 28 Big Backpack Event » 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fort Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers. The event provides support for families in need. More than 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies will be given to students ages 5-12. Plus, vendors will provide free eye exams, haircuts, face painting, balloons and entertainment. multicultural-centre.org

Myers. To honor Henry Ford, the automobile icon, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates will celebrate his 156th birthday on July 30. The day will start off with a free presentation about Ford at 11:30 a.m. on the museum porch. Admission to tour the entire site is $25. Cookies and lemonade will be served. Both guided and self-guided tours are available.

Paw Patrol Live: “Race to the Rescue” » July 3031. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. The heroic pups from the animated TV series take the stage. Shows are 6 p.m. July 30 and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 31. Tickets start at $21. 239-481-4849. bbmannpah.com

Friday, Aug. 2 “A Tale of Life” » 6 p.m. Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers. The Quality Life Center’s big end-of-summer-camp show.

“Mamma Mia! Teen” » August 2-4. The Naples Players, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. $20. Enjoy the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs in this production of the Naples Players’ youth performing arts program KidzAct! Show times: 7:30 p.m. August 2-3, 2 p.m.

August 3-4. naplesplayers.org/kidzact

Saturday, Aug. 3 Back to School Bash » 9 a.m.-noon. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers. A fun event to celebrate the new school year. Backpacks will be given away to the first 250 children.

Saturday, Aug. 17 Youth Theatre Auditions: “Pippin” and “Children of Eden Jr.” » 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Casting call for “Pippin” and “Children of Eden Jr.” Registration required. Callbacks for “Pippen” are August 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Callbacks for “Children of Eden, Jr.” are August 24, 2-4 p.m. Rehearsals will be most Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Mondays 6-9 p.m.

“Pippin” is open to performers in grades 10-12.

Shows are November 16-24. “Children of Eden, Jr.” is open to grades 4-9. Shows are December 6-8. Details at artinlee.org.

Tuesday, July 30

Visit swflparentchild.com for more events.

Henry Ford’s 156th Birthday Celebration » 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 55

« voices

GUEST COLUMNIST

OUR BUSHCAMP EXPERIENCE Trip to Africa gives two Southwest Florida families new perspective.

L

ast summer, our family of three left behind our high-tech, modern lifestyle in Southwest Florida for the bushcamp experience of a lifetime in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

After flying across the world, we arrived with the exciting realization that we had parachuted into the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuary, a rare and precious place that is both authentic and charming.

I took a moment to catch my breath as our Bushcamp Company safari experience began. While I was born nearby in Zambia, I had not seen this part of the world since leaving as a young child. While I consider our family to be seasoned travelers, I believe this was among the most epic of adventures our family has experienced.

My husband, Sean, and our 13-year-old son, Colin, agreed.

Our journey began at the awardwinning Mfuwe Lodge, set in the most prolific game area of the South Luangwa. Giraffe, hippos, buffalo and antelope roam the property, and local elephants regularly wander through

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the open-air lobby. And while the surroundings are as natural and breathtaking as you can imagine, they are not without the creature comforts of a luxury vacation setting. My husband and I both enjoyed the award-winning Bush Spa, while the kids enjoyed the pool.

Another Southwest Florida couple and their daughter, Olivia, a Canterbury classmate of Colin’s, joined us on our journey. And while one might often find teens with their focus on phones and games, these two kept their eyes and ears on the sights and sounds, as countless wildlife can be seen and

heard throughout the park. In fact, the South Luangwa National Park has gained an international reputation as being one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries with its variety of animal species, diverse habitats and stunning scenery. We learned that more than 100 species of mammal and around 470 species of bird have been recorded on the property, a beautiful riverine woodland set around tranquil oxbow lagoons.

After our stay in the Mfuwe Lodge, we were off to the nearby camps. During our 10day stay, we visited a new camp every few days, each with its own amazing views. The Bushcamp accommodations are elegant, comfortable, and most importantly, small and intimate, located in the remote southern part of the park.

That feeling of seclusion and exclusivity greatly enhanced the whole bush experience.

Beyond the amazing setting and superb amenities, we were equally impressed with the personalized service and top-quality guiding. Throughout our stay, we found ourselves in the very capable hands of our professional guide,

Debbie Campbell is a wife, mother and coowner of TheHomeMag, a direct mail and digital home improvement publication. She and her husband, Sean, and their 13-yearold son, Colin, live in Cape Coral.

Summer Arts Camps Music, Theatre, Visual Arts & More!

June 17th - July 19th ~ 9am - 4pm. @ Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

(centrally located, just south of Colonial Blvd. off Six Mile Cypress)

Scholarships available!

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Calvin, who took great care of us, making sure that our experience was enjoyed by everyone. We could not, and did not, walk around without him by our side. During our twice daily safaris, he pointed out footprints and tracks along the way, expertly identifying animals and noting whether we were approaching predator territory. We listened and learned the distinctive calls of the wildlife and inhaled the wonderful scents of the wild jasmine.

The best sensory experiences were the meals when we returned to camp. Every meal was expertly made from scratch and equally delicious. Following our openair dinner experience, we enjoyed drinks on the deck with our friends as we swapped safari stories around the campfire under the starlit night sky. We were thankful for restful nights after our busy, adventure-filled days.

Reflecting on our trip, one of our greatest memories was our visit to one of the nearby villages where the Bushcamp Company has deeply invested in supporting the people. They have established dozens of boreholes to supply clean water. They are involved in building schools, providing meals, offering training and employment opportunities to school graduates. Their educational campaigns encourage tree planting and teach the children about the importance of conservation. Watching Colin and Olivia interact with the children and pumping water for the village residents was a moment that we will never forget. The local children cheered and shouted with joy and thanks, knowing the visitors to the bushcamp help make their lives better. I could tell by the look in their eyes that Colin and Olivia were keenly aware of the stark contrast between the lives of these children and their own.

From the village visit to walking safaris to the day and night game drives, every experience was unique and filled with surprises. Spoiler alert: Pop-up gourmet meals in the bush setting were enjoyed by all. At every turn, our senses were heightened. Colin was mesmerized by a chameleon he found on a tree, a very cool moment for my boy. And all of us watched in fascination as the young male giraffes sparred with their necks, a test of strength and dominance that is a normal yet brutal behavior of these beautiful animals.

Colin described it as “always something exciting happening,” and he exclaimed it was the best experience of his life. His father and I would agree.

NOTE: If you want to learn more about The Bushcamp Company, visit bushcampcompany.com or call 804-767-8770.

KNOWN. NURTURED. LOVED.

239.275.0057

www.music-foundation.org

Offering music and arts programs to the young people of SW Florida since 1991 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JULY 2019 » 57

» last look

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Tanglewood Elementary School students, Ilinara Santiago and Christian Maloney participate in a water gun fight on the last day of school May 30. When the tradition started in 2002 by former teacher Cindy Reynolds, teachers sprayed water on students on their last day.

Reynolds died in 2005, and the school continues the tradition as a way of honoring her.

PHOTO BY ANDREW WEST

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HEALTHY LIFE CENTER—COCONUT POINT

FAMILY EVENTS

CALENDAR

July 2019 Tuesday, July 2 Family Nutrition Series: Healthy Snacks 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP Saturday, July 6 Friends & Family CPR 1-3 p.m. RSVP Tuesday, July 9 Family Nutrition Series: Getting Active Together 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP

Friday, July 12 Toddler Time 10 a.m.-noon RSVP Moms and children ages 12 months to 4 years

Saturday, July 20 Safe Sitter Course 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RSVP To register, visit leehealth.org/classes.asp

Saturday, July 13 Car Seat Safety Check 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Call 239-468-0050 to schedule an appointment

Tuesday, July 23 Family Nutrition Series: Healthy Eating on the Go 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP

Family Yoga 9-10 a.m. RSVP

Thursday, July 11 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m.

Moms and children younger than 1 year

Tuesday, July 16 Family Nutrition Series: Weekly Meal Planning 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP

Thursday, July 25 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m.

Moms and children younger than 1 year

Healthy Life Center—Coconut Point 239-468-0050

©2019 Lee Health • 3400.193 • 5-19