SWFL Parent & Child Magazine - May 2018

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

M AY 2 0 1 8

Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Healthy Families

www.ppcswfl.com | 239.275.5522

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 » MAY 2018 » 3

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contents »

swfl

parent&child

47

33

Features 31 space odyssey Students at Allen Park Elementary School embark on a project with astronauts

33 inspiring moms Meet three women making an impact on Southwest Florida while raising children

In Every Issue 9

On the cover LadyCakes Bakery founder Bess Charles, of Cape Coral, is photographed in the bakery with her two children, Tyler, 12, and Katelyne, 9.

S W F L PA R

ENTCHILD

.COM

27 kid stuff

Isn’t it time we stop feeding into the teen stereotype?

Virtual reality tours enhance IMAG offerings

17 ask the expert

29 teens

Two simple ways to maintain your mental health

19 single parenting

Graphic novels are winning over teens in a big way

40 safety corner

Don’t give up on the safety of our public schools

57 more summer camps Our list of summer camps continues in this month’s issue

a mother’s view

Simple steps for bicycle safety

20 in the kitchen

47 travel

A Mother’s Day brunch so simple the kids can make It

See what’s new at Disney and Universal this summer

23 dining out

50 around town

Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria in Naples

Best bets on local events for families

25 youth sports

58 a father’s view

How to survive youth sports with your sanity

Food might be the glue that binds us

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

M AY 2 0 1 8

Other Departments 7 8 11 13

editor’s note online me time 5 things

14 41 51

fyi family album calendar

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parent &child

editor's note »

swfl

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

Part of the USA TODAY Network

Volume 19, Issue 5 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 Stacey Brown, Cathy Chestnut, Echo Copeland, Jim Dwyer, Randy Kambic, Kira Lewis, Janis B. Meredith, Francine Wolfe Schwartz, Andrea Stetson, Leigh Tahirovic, Jennifer Thomas, Jodi Walborn 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.

I’m no mother of the year Mom-shamers have nothing on the critic inside my head. “Other moms manage to do more.” “I’m no mother of the year.” Based on the numerous self-deprecating statements I hear from other moms, I am not alone. The truth is that we’re more likely to feel that way when we’re sleep deprived, not eating healthy foods and not giving our mind some quiet time to recharge. After 16 years of parenting and 47 years on this planet, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that you must take care of yourself to be a good parent. Get as much sleep as you can. Eat your vegetables. Quiet your mind occasionally, or at least give it a few quiet moments, even if it continues to race. Take care of your own mental health. And not just because it’s Mental Health Awareness Month or Mother’s Day. But every day.

One of the region’s most renowned mental health professionals in Southwest Florida explains how we can improve or maintain our mental health with something as simple as yoga or meditation (or just a few minutes of doing nothing but breathing), starting on page 17.

Rather than compare ourselves to each other, let’s learn from each other. Let’s inspire each other. The three women featured in this month’s issue are all raising children here in Southwest Florida and following their passions (starting on page 33). Bess Charles, the mom on the cover, started LadyCakes Bakery in Cape Coral, quickly becoming a favorite for families and even a few celebrities. Elizabeth Dosoretz saw a need for mental health services, so she started a therapy center — and she made sure to take all insurance. Sarah Baeckler Davis studied chimpanzees for years and recently took the helm of Humane Society Naples.

Yes, these moms might manage to do more than I do. But with my mind rested, fed and strong, I don’t feel less than because of them. I feel inspired by them. Inspired to do my best, follow my passions and enjoy my life and loved ones.

Have a beautiful Mother’s Day.

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 » MAY 2018 » 7

» online

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

What do you really want Mother’s Day is a time to honor the mother figures in our lives. And well, a lot of readers of this magazine are moms, so share with us… What’s the perfect gift you could receive?

Would you like a day when Dad or Grandma takes the kids off your hands? Or maybe you’d like breakfast in bed? Or a morning of kayaking? Tell us about your ideal Mother’s Day or ideal gift at swflparentchild.com or any of the social media sites on this page. You just might get what you really want.

More family events We highlight

the best weekend events for you every week on swflparentchild.com, part of the news-press.com family of websites. You’ll never be bored again.

8 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

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Kira Lewis of Cape Coral is mom to two children, a writer and founder of calmandchaosmama.com and sunshineandhurricanes.com.

a mother’s view »

K IR A LE WIS

Terrible teens

Our obsession with teens being entitled, lazy, whiny Tide Pod-eaters is downright cliché.

I

n recent months, there’s been a lot of focus on teenagers as a result of the National School Walkout. Setting the politics of that particular issue aside, a secondary issue that was brought to light really deserves some discussion and attention.

Whether you have teenagers, or you have younger children who will someday be teenagers, as parents we really need to be thinking about why we have such a negative opinion of teens.

The things that many people were saying about our young people in response to the National School Walkout were incredibly disheartening, but also amazingly cliché.

If you think that this is the first group of adolescents whose elders have looked down on them and proclaimed them entitled, lazy and whiny — you’d be wrong. This has been a pattern for hundreds of years.

Generation after generation, teens have been criticized for everything from how they dress and the music they like to boundaries they push and the causes they champion.

Isn’t it time we finally let go of some of the tired teen stereotypes that we recycle over and over again?

Teenagers have always been caught in a strange middle place in our society. Depending on what we as adults want or expect of them, we often oscillate between telling them

to act and be more responsible, like adults, and then simultaneously treating them like children.

The reality is that teens lie somewhere in between. While they can absolutely be impulsive, disrespectful and self-involved, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be equally compassionate, driven and informed. This is part of what makes them so infuriating, but it is also why they can be such a powerful force.

History has proven teenagers can play a significant role in accelerating and helping to bring about positive social change in our country and even our world.

Teens in this country were crucial in helping to end segregation and to passing both the Civil Rights Act and the 26th Amendment (the right to vote at age 18). In other countries, teens were at the heart of helping to end apartheid, toppling the communist government of Czechoslovakia and in lessening the grip of many oppressive regimes in the Middle East.

And there is probably no better example of the kind of change even one teenager can affect than that of Malala Yousafzai. She has singlehandedly made huge inroads for women’s rights internationally and at only 17 was the youngest person to ever be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.

These are dramatic examples, but every day, there are teenagers making huge contributions to our society in

far less high-profile ways. Teenagers volunteer hundreds of hours each year in their communities doing everything from serving meals to the homeless to building homes for Habitat for Humanity. We’re also seeing teenagers using today’s technology to invent solutions to both local and global problems and to launch profitable businesses doing everything from designing apps to running multi-million dollar-earning YouTube channels.

And as questionable as teenage decision-making can sometimes be, the current generation of teens seems to be making better ones than their parents did at the same age. Rates of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, teenage sex and teenage pregnancy are down dramatically among today’s teens when compared to teens of the ’90s.

No, our teens are not yet adults, and they do still need our guidance and oversight. But they also need us to give them a little more credit. Let’s stop underestimating the potential of their abilities and doubting the strength of their convictions and start believing in these amazing kids we’re raising.

None of us really know for sure what they can or will achieve, but they deserve more than the low expectations set by a false teenage narrative.

It’s time to finally close the last chapter on that book and let our young people write their own stories.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 9

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me time »

World’s best Mother’s Day gifts What does Mom really want for Mother’s Day? How about a gift that makes her life easier! As moms, we have a few ideas.

Get someone else to meal prep The hardest part about making dinner day in and day out is the planning, prepping and grocery shopping. Eliminate all that with a gift card from HelloFresh. Mom will receive a box of pre-measured, fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipes without a commitment to join. Get details at hellofresh.com.

A Stitch saves time

Introduce her to Alice

Relax at the Shangri-La A day at The Spa at Shangri-La Springs Resort in Bonita Springs will have Mom feeling refreshed and recharged. The Spa offers Bemer technology that transfers electromagnetic energy to the body through a mat, increasing oxygen to the organs and helping cells self-regulate and heal. Sessions are $25 for one or $200 for a package of 10. The package deal also gives her access to the Eucalyptus Steam Room and Infrared Sauna Room.

For details or to schedule an appointment, call 239-676-7334 or visit shangrilasprings.com/spa.

DATE

DAY

MOM

When a woman becomes a mom, shopping for clothes often becomes more chore than fun. Stitch Fix puts a personal stylist at her fingertips. Mom tells them about her style, and they send her some highquality selections.

She can buy what she likes and ship the rest back (free shipping). Get gift cards at stitchfix. com/gifts.

Give Mom a little cash to hire Alice. Alice is an on-demand family assistant service that started here in Southwest Florida. It’s like having a nanny on call. You can have an Alice do your laundry or cook dinner while you play with the kids, or have her get your children to soccer practice when you’re working late. Most services cost $7 per 15 minutes. “Alices” undergo background checks and must maintain certifications such as CPR. Interviews with the families help everyone get to know each other, so you’re not calling on a stranger. Get details at aliceondemand.com.

Want to give her a day she’ll cherish? Treat her to brunch at Barbatella in Naples. On Mother’s Day, the Italian restaurant offers a delectable three-course menu with complimentary bottomless mimosas for Mom. All for $29.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 11

t n

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5 things »

Hit the sand and surf ready for fun and comfort.

Creative caps

Beach time!

Protect kids’ hair from harsh sun (and pool chemicals) with a Fishy swimming cap from the Sunnykids Collection by Sunnylife. Designed for ages 3-9. $13 at sunnylife.com.

Cutie patootie Indestructible shades Keeping those little peepers protected from the sun’s harmful rays is important, but kids can be really hard on their sunglasses. These shades by Ro-sham-bo Baby, created by a San Diego family who knows the beach drill, are made in Italy of materials that are safe, durable, flexible and chewable. Starting at $20 on roshambobaby.com.

Wrap ’em up Like a warm hug, this hooded towel from the Martha Stewart Collection at Macy’s helps take off any chill your little ones might get after playing in the water all day. Comes in bright colors, stripes or flamingo print on white. $40 at macys.com.

Your little one will be the cutest on the beach with these sweet swimsuits from RuffleButts. Plus, they’re UPF 50+. There are a number of options; this two-piece set with hat is $44 at nordstrom.com.

Unleash your inner sculptor One of the best things about the beach is playing in the sand — a moldable “toy” that’s only limited by your imagination.

Give your imagination some cool tools with the NextWave Jumbo Beach Basket by Amloid. The collapsible folding case makes clean-up a breeze.

Set includes 15 pieces. For ages 2 and older. $14.99 at Sam’s Club.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 13

« fyi

Get ready for PAW Patrol and Moscow Ballet Two beloved family shows are coming to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College in south Fort Myers, and tickets are now on sale. » PAW Patrol Live! brings “The Great Pirate Adventure” to Fort Myers with shows on July 31 and August 1. Tickets are $22, $26 and $37 with a limited number of $53 Gold Circle and $127 VIPs. » The Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” is a family tradition around the holidays. The “Dove of Peace Tour” production will have two shows at Mann Hall on December 28. Get details at moscowballet.com.

Details for both shows are available at bbmannpah.com.

Amazing Things opens at Miromar Outlets This new attraction at Miromar Outlets promises some amazing things. Called Amazing Things, it boasts a first-of-its-kind attraction for Southwest Florida: A “5D” movie theater that lets people watch short 3D movies of adrenaline-pumping spectacles like an insane roller-coaster ride or a jetpack adventure. All while sitting in motorized seats that move with every swerve, bump and explosion on-screen.

Special effects inside the room simulate snow, lightning, fire, bubbles and more.

The store specializes in pop-culture, historical and sports memorabilia — everything from Michael Jackson’s Florsheim dance shoes to an ashtray from Air Force One. If you go, it’s in Suite 323 in the Restaurant Piazza of Miromar Outlets.

Kids Tag Art raises money for art programs

Valerie’s House has a new home

Every year, Lee County fifthgraders break out the art supplies and create artwork for front-end decorative license plates that are then sold at leetc.com to provide money for art programs at 49 participating schools. This design shown here by a student at Gulf Coast Elementary School won an Award of Distinction. The plates will continue to be sold for $20 plus $7.50 shipping and handling through May 31. Or you can buy the artwork on a mug or mousepad.

Valerie’s House Inc., a Southwest Florida nonprofit that helps grieving children work through the loss of a loved one, has relocated to a home in downtown Fort Myers. The previous Valerie’s House was listed for sale by the owner, forcing the nonprofit to find another location. “The new house brings the same homey feel of our original location yet has allowed us stability,” says founder and CEO Angela Melvin. The new Valerie’s House Fort Myers location is at 1762 Fowler St.

14 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

MIROMAR OUTLETS

®

Teens needed for Youth Conservation Corps

VOTED THE BEST SHOPPING MALL AND BEST FACTORY OUTLET MALL IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is hiring three high school students ages 15-18 for its Youth Conservation Corps summer program. The students will help with maintenance or visitor services June 11 through August 3. Deadline to apply is May 10. For application and details, visit fws.gov/refuge/JN_Ding_Darling/YCC.html.aspx.

ROCK CLIMBING FUNWALLS NOW OPEN Call Mall Office for more info (239) 948-3766

New program caters to teens who love nature The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium recently started a program called the Young Naturalist Program for ages 13-18.

Each Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the students explore a different element of ecology. The program is $35 per child. For details or to register, call 239-275-3435 or email education@calusanature.org.

New preschool coming to downtown Fort Myers

DOG DAZE AT MIROMAR Thursday, May 3 6 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza Pet-friendly specials and entertainment FAMILY YOGA WITH KATHRYN Saturday, May 19 FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES 10 a.m. in PLAYLAND Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m.

FREE 45-minute beginners’ class for in the Restaurant Piazza families and toddlers to tweens May 4: Silver Sneakers May 11: Brittany Russell Band MEMORIAL DAY May 18: Ex-Bachelors SIDEWALK SALE May 25: Electric Lipstick Friday, May 25 thru Monday, May 28 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Additional savings on already Saturdays from 1 to 7 p.m. low factory outlet prices Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy free live music KIDS DAY every weekend Saturday, May 26 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION in PLAYLAND Saturday, May 5 Activities and free food for 6 to 9 p.m. toddlers to 12 year olds in the Restaurant Piazza Live entertainment, contests FREE KIDS CRAFTS and a margarita crawl at Every Wednesday La Bamba Mexican restaurant 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in PLAYLAND CAR CRUISE-IN For toddlers to 12 year olds Sunday, May 6 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BABY BOOT CAMP near PLAYLAND Monday, Wednesday, Classic, exotic and custom cars Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. in PLAYLAND MOTHER/DAUGHTER/ Exercise classes for pregnant, GRANDDAUGHTER postnatal and ultra-fit moms LOOKALIKE CONTEST Saturday, May 12 FITNESS CAMP 11 a.m. near Bloomingdale’s Tuesday, Thursday & Friday The Outlet Store 6:30 a.m.

Prizes for winners in this annual event in PLAYLAND 60-minute fitness class designed SCIENCE SATURDAY for women Saturday, May 12 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit MiromarOutlets.com in PLAYLAND Interactive science projects for more details.

SAVE UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES! Miromar Outlets Gift Cards* are valid at all Outlet Stores and Restaurants and can be purchased at MiromarOutlets.com, the Mall Office or Visitor Information Kiosk.

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There’s a new preschool being built from the ground up in the downtown Fort Myers area. The First Christian Church of Fort Myers razed a building on its property and is constructing a new facility with a capacity for about 100 children.

Connection Point Early Learning Center is expected to open in August to children ages 1-5 (including VPK), adding infants later. An open house where parents can tour the building and meet some of the teachers is held each month. Details are available on the school’s website, cpointelc.com.

MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, May 16 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in PLAYLAND Freebies from le macaron french pastries while kids attend FREE Kids Crafts

*Subject to monthly maintenance fee. Terms and Conditions of the Card Agreement are set forth at MiromarOutlets.com.

Copyright © 2018, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 15

« fyi

(continued)

Stamp Out er Hunrsgwill pick upt

Bonita Springs gets its first Blue Zones school

left a carrie Letter hable food May is , r nonpe xes Saturday ith o b ip rsh w mail partne ay. in , 2 1 W United

Bonita Springs Charter School was named the first Blue Zones Project– approved school in Bonita Springs in March. The Blue Zones Project is a community-by-community initiative designed to improve well-being based on the lifestyles found in Blue Zones, areas of the world where people live longer with less chronic disease and a higher quality of life. The charter school serves students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Some of the actions the school took toward getting the Blue Zones designation included encouraging students to drink more water, installing Brita Hydration Water Stations and encouraging the kids to bring reusable water bottles.

Gulf Coast Medical Center gets BabyFriendly designation Baby-Friendly USA Inc. declared Gulf Coast Medical Center as a baby-friendly birth facility in March. The international award recognizes facilities that offer mothers information and skills that allow them to successfully breastfeed their babies.

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16 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Stacey Brown is a licensed mental health therapist, a registered yoga teacher and ayurvedic yoga specialist in private practice in Fort Myers. staceybrowncounseling.com

ask the expert »

GETTY IMAGES

STACE Y BROW N

Mental maintenance

Our mental health deeply affects our families, and it’s something we must actively maintain. Here’s how you can keep yours tuned and ready for whatever comes your way.

M

ay is for moms — and mental health.

While this is a time to honor our moms with Mother’s Day plans, it’s also Mental Health Awareness Month. Sadly, it’s often moms who end up neglecting their own mental health and physical wellness because of all the other duties and responsibilities associated with being a mom, a working mom, a single mom, or however the role of mothering plays out in your life.

Nurturing others, coordinating calendars, working both in and outside of the home, dealing with relationships, aging parents, social obligations and remembering the tremendous list of things we have to do all combine to deplete our energy reserves. This can, if left unattended, become a serious imbalance that can result in mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

Find peace of mind There are several apps, online resources and local studios that can help you find your Zen. APPS » Breathe » Calm » Headspace » Insight Timer » Daily Om » Daily Water » Yoga Glow » Gaia » Second Meditation ONLINE YOGA » Yoga with

Adrienne (YouTube) » Daily Om » Yoga International » Gaia » Other yoga videos on YouTube LOCAL YOGA STUDIOS There are a lot, but a few in our area are » Yoga Bird

» Joyful Yoga » Thrive Yoga MEDITATION The Samudrabadra Kadampa Buddhist Center offers meditation classes.

(You don’t have to be Buddhist.)

Information is available at meditationin fortmyers.org.

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 » MAY 2018 » 17

« ask the expert (continued) Our own nutrition, sleep, exercise and peace of mind suffer if we aren’t staying in touch with the messages that our own bodies and intuition offer.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all committed to taking care of ourselves first? It’s like the stewardess on the airplane tells us: When the pressure in the cabin gets intense, we need to put our own mask on first before we can help others. We know what happens when we don’t take care of ourselves, so let’s not do that anymore.

When we are so busy taking care of external duties and needs, our internal life is neglected. Slow down and be willing to hear yourself. It’s time for change and self-care.

Consider using yoga, mindfulness practice and meditation to change your life.

Yoga is often thought of as exercise. While it’s true that you can tone your muscles and improve cardio functioning with yoga, it’s not the primary benefit. Yoga enhances our spiritual connection, the connection with our own mind and body, and our ability to be truly present (rather than emotionally reacting), and it calms our central nervous system (that fight-or-flight response), among other things. When you are practicing yoga, you have to be one-minded so you can feel the sensations in your body and stay balanced in the poses. It’s a wonderful metaphor for life. If you are on your yoga mat, and you are thinking of all the items on your to-do list, you won’t be able to focus and balance and be calm. The same is true for juggling too many things at once in your life. We are often out of balance and can’t maintain our roles well. Practicing yoga helps us to literally train our brains to be present and focus on one thing at a time. Practicing yoga helps to create new neural pathways in our brain so we default toward calm, loving detachment.

Meditation is an additional part of yoga. Being able to sit still is a skill that can be learned. Being able to sit still with a quiet mind can also be learned. One of the myths about meditation is that your mind needs to be blank while you are meditating. This, unfortunately, causes people to avoid trying meditation, because they assume that they can’t clear their minds. Clearing your mind is not necessary for successful meditation. The practice of meditation is to simply sit with all the thoughts you have and gradually train your brain to find peaceful surrender to it all. A simple breathing meditation can completely change your energy and focus. Even sitting still and focusing on your breath for just 10 minutes a day will make a huge difference for your emotional and mental health.

As moms, we often think that we are too busy to meditate or do yoga. Well, that’s exactly why we need to do it. Taking time for yoga and meditation will actually help you become more productive, more centered, more grounded, more focused, more peaceful and generally better able to deal with life. We all can find a few minutes each day to take care of ourselves in this way.

The benefits of yoga, meditation and mindfulness are immense and fully supported by neuroscience and mental health research. Let’s all take a pledge to work toward mental and physical wellness moving forward.

18 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

single parenting »

Echo Copeland is a single mom who lives in Southwest Florida.

ECHO COPEL A ND

DON’T GIVE UP ON

I

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

can hear the collective breath sighing. For parents, particularly in Florida, that sigh is of relief. Soon, school will be over for the 2017-18 year. I know how you feel. I have a child, too.

I remember a couple of months ago, parents feeling dread and wondering what alternatives were available other than public school.

We all had the very real fear, albeit slight, that our children could become victim to a shooting.

I am certain the rate of families contemplating home schooling rose that month. Again I understand, but I want to alleviate the fear that has risen in so many of us parents.

I still believe that school is the best place and safest place for our children to be. Truly none of us has absolute control of our children’s safety no matter where they are.

No one can keep our kiddos safe but God. I have to tout the benefits of schools. As an educator in our public schools, I have to say that they truly offer so much for so lit-

tle. When thinking of the welfare of your child, I encourage you to take everything into consideration.

Last month, when I had the chance to interview Superintendent of Lee County Public Schools Greg Adkins, I noticed something.

Knowledge gives comfort. As he reassured us and explained how our schools are keeping our children safe, I felt a sense of relief. We will not be defeated. We will not allow our schools to fail because of fear. We will do everything in our power to help those students or neighbors’ children who may need our help. We will look out for each other, and that includes our single parent friends who need extra help.

Don’t let fear drive you out of allowing your children the freedom to live, even if it is in a scary world that seems almost foreign to you. Children cannot be sheltered to the point of being cut off from the world. Even families who successfully home-school their

children know the importance of their children being involved in the community and with other children. Don’t let fear lead to isolation. We see in the media what happens when parents keep their children away from society for long periods of time. It’s harder to help the child who no one ever sees, who is ostracized from the world. I would caution all parents to take a deep breath and ask God for guidance. And stay involved.

On somewhat of a side note, I have been offered a once-in-a-bluemoon opportunity later this month.

As an educator and writer, and of course a single parent, it is rare for something to come along that is perfectly suited to all parts of my life. I have been given an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles for a conference that will change my career life. What do I mean? I will get the opportunity to expand my writing and my teaching to areas I’ve never imagined — especially in education. Have a great summer!

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 19

in the kitchen »

FR A NCINE WOLFE SCH WA RTZ

EASY BRUNCH FOR Kids can pull off the entire meal with this simple plan and minimal adult help.

20 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

GETTY IMAGES

S

urprising mom with brunch on Mother’s Day gets a whole lot easier with a breakfast casserole.

The recipe I’m including here is so easy to make that even small children can help prepare the ingredients. Once assembled, cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover and, with a little help from an adult, slide it into the oven to bake.

Breakfast casseroles are the perfect choice to serve at a brunch for any occasion, whether a holiday or a party. Instead of dirtying pans, bowls, dishes for eggs and toast, all the ingredients are poured into a casserole dish to bake.

The casseroles can be sweet or savory. The ingredients can be varied to include breads of all kinds sliced, cubed or torn into pieces (called a strata), different kinds of cheeses, meats (sausages, ham), vegetables and berries.

On the following pages, you’ll find a Mother’s Day brunch plan that’s super simple. For variations, use your imagination or google “breakfast casserole” or “breakfast strata.”

Francine Wolfe Schwartz is a food and consumer product consultant in Southwest Florida.

THE MENU » Fresh fruit salad with honey vanilla yogurt » Layered brunch casserole » Easy cinnamon streusel coffee cake (or bakery purchased coffee cake) » Coffee, juice and milk

THE GAME PLAN 2 TO 3 DAYS AHEAD » Plan menu. » Grocery shop.

DAY BEFORE » Prepare casserole, cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. » Prepare and bake coffee cake, cool thoroughly and cover with foil. (Do not refrigerate.) » Organize dishes, glasses and flatware for setting the table.

SUNDAY MORNING » Slide the uncovered casserole into the oven. » While the casserole bakes, prepare the fruit salad, brew coffee, pour juice and milk, and set the table with flowers and a homemade card for Mom and the other ladies in your life invited to your brunch.

TIPS FOR A PERFECT CASSEROLE 1. Use a nonmetal dish, such as a glass or ceramic dish, because eggs can react with some metals.

2. For a strata, use dayold bread, because it will better absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a sturdy casserole that will hold a cut edge. Fresh bread may be used, but the casserole will be softer, moister and looser.

3. Be sure to follow the proportions of bread, milk and eggs called for in the recipe. Too much

bread can make the casserole dry, while too much of the egg-milk mixture can make the casserole soggy.

4. If using frozen vegetables, make sure they are completely thawed and well drained; otherwise, the additional liquid can make your breakfast casserole soggy.

Sautéing a vegetable first will insure that the liquid is removed.

SOURCE: bhg.com (Better Homes & Gardens)

Find recipes on page 22 »

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 21

« in the kitchen (continued) FRESH FRUIT WITH HONEY VANILLA YOGURT

THE SMARTEST CHOICE YOU CAN MAKE THIS SUMMER

Makes 4 to 6 servings INGREDIENTS » 2 cups plain yogurt » 2 tablespoons honey » 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract » 1/2 orange, juiced or 1/2 cup fresh orange juice » 1 banana, sliced » 1 cup fresh blueberries

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» 1 cup fresh raspberries » 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and cut in half (about 1 pint) » 1 bunch seedless green grapes, halved (about 2 cups) DIRECTIONS Combine the yogurt, honey

and vanilla extract in a bowl and set aside. Combine the orange juice and banana slices in a separate large bowl. Add the berries and grapes and gently mix the fruit together.

Spoon the fruit into serving bowls and top with the yogurt.

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Makes 8 servings INGREDIENTS » Cooking spray » 21/2 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed » 6 slices Swiss cheese » 11/2 cups chopped lean ham (8 ounces) » 6 slices American cheese

» 8 large eggs » 11/2 cups nonfat milk » 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard » 1 tablespoon dried minced onions (optional) » 11/2 cups crushed corn flakes » 1/4 cup butter, melted (optional)

DIRECTIONS 1. Spray a 3-quart casserole with cooking spray; set aside.

2. Layer half of the potatoes, Swiss cheese, ham and American cheese in prepared casserole. Repeat layers.

3. Blend remaining ingredients

except corn flakes and butter, until combined.

4. Pour over ingredients in casserole. Refrigerate covered, several hours or overnight.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover casserole and sprinkle with corn flakes. Drizzle with

melted butter, if desired.

6. Bake casserole 50 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.

SOURCE: incredibleegg.org (The site has more breakfast casseroles and other brunch and egg recipe ideas.)

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LAYERED BRUNCH CASSEROLE

22 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Easy Coffee Cake » 2 cups Original Bisquick mix » 2/ 3 cup milk or water » 2 tablespoons granulated sugar » 1 egg

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease bottom and side of 9-inch round pan with shortening or cooking spray.

2. In small bowl, mix 1/3 cup Bisquick mix, the brown sugar and cinnamon.

3. Cut in butter, using fork or pastry blender, until mixture is crumbly; set

aside.

4. In medium bowl, stir all coffee cake ingredients until blended. Spread in pan. Sprinkle with topping.

5. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve warm or cool.

6. Optional: Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt SOURCE: bettycrocker.com

M

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dining out »

Felipe’s in Naples serves up kid favorites on its main menu. BY ANDREA STETSON The burrito was so fresh that it rolled tightly, never letting the insides spill out. It was the first time I ate an entire burrito without it breaking apart and all the meat, beans, rice and cheese spilling onto the plate. Fresh Mexican food served quickly is a top feature at Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria in Naples. And while the restaurant doesn’t have a kids’ menu, it does offer quite a few kid favorites on the regular menu.

Behind the colorful sign, inside, Spanish/Southwest décor covers the walls. But the most interesting feature is the glass garage doors that open to the outside patio.

With each meal, you pick an entrée, choose a meat and add all the extras. I had the Super Burrito ($8.25) stuffed with pork, cheese, rice, beans, tomato, corn and olives. My husband chose the tostadas ($6), while my daughter munched on the rice and bean bowl ($7.75).

“I love the fresh corn inside,” my daughter, Kristyn, commented.

There’s a variety of meats to select from: Tinga chicken breast, grilled chicken, pulled pork, steak, fish, shrimp, chorizo. Kristyn chose al pastor as her meat. It’s caramelized pork, pineapple, cinnamon and guajillo marinade. She

AGES 6-13

ABOVE: The corn is a yummy touch to many of the meals at Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria. • LEFT: Felipe’s has large glass garage doors that open to an outdoor seating area.

wasn’t sure if it would be too spicy, so the server let her taste some before she ordered.

The restaurant also serves soups, nachos, chips and dip, appetizers and desserts. We shared cinnamon churros for dessert. It was a treat we hadn’t had since our trip last summer to Spain, and it was almost like the food we got overseas.

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Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday » Price range: $5.50-$10 » Kids’ menu: Felipe’s does not have a children’s menu, but you’ll find kid favorites like tacos ($5.50 for two), nachos ($9.50) or a cheese quesadilla ($7.75) on the menu.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 23

parks »

Skate park revived

Eagle Skate Park doubles attendance after Cape Coral renovates park with an urban feel. BY STACEY HENSON Whips, bar spins and 360s withstanding, Eagle Skate Park has a decidedly urban feel after a nearly $400,000 renovation. The 27,000-square-foot park has half-pipes, a bowl and features that mimic big-city parks such as benches, stairs, barriers and curbs.

Catering to skateboarders, BMX riders, inline skaters and scooter fans, the Cape Coral park is peaking in popularity. Admission has doubled and food and gear sales have increased, too.

The features are solid steel with no transitions that leave gaps.

“It’s a smoother ride,” says Mark Cagle, manager of youth services with Cape Coral Parks and Recreation. The powder-coated and galvanized fasteners are welded under the feature. “You can follow up, down, over. You can go into the bowl and out of the bowl.”

A hundred or so people now gather on Friday and Saturday nights.

Austin O’Brien, 21, started going to the park when he was 11. Now he is one of the five employees at the park, and he served on the committee to design the park. He says American Ramp nailed it with its first template.

“Any day I have off from hanging out with my girlfriend, I am out here skating,” he says.

He was the first person to test the new bowl — think the 1960s empty swimming pools that started the vert skateboarding phenomenon — and demonstrates it in a 30-second commercial on the park’s Facebook page.

The park also offers a summer camp, where participants can ride, take field trips, make crafts and learn from the pros. Cost is $129 per week, June 4 to August 3. The spots fill up fast, with a limit of 13 kids per week.

If you go

What: The Eagle Skate Park recently completed a nearly $400,000 renovation that includes urban features with a bowl, halfpipes, rails and ramps for skateboarders, BMX riders and scooter fans.

When: 3:45-8:45 p.m.

Monday to Thursday; 3:459:45 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 8:45 p.m. Sunday.

Where: 315 S.W. Second Ave., Cape Coral.

Cost: $5 per session; most days offer two sessions.

Information: capecoral. net or facebook.com/ Cape-Coral-Eagle-SkatePark-205729099794836

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Also visit us online at:

youth sports »

Janis B. Meredith, a coach’s wife for 29 years and sports mom for 22 years, lives in Alva, where she writes about character in youth sports on JBMThinks.com.

JA NIS B. MER EDIT H

Busy, busy

BEE

How to survive a busy sports parenting schedule

A

s a sports parent, do you often count the days until the season ends and you will get a break? Or maybe you won’t, because your child is immediately moving into another season and you desperately wish you had at least a week or two off the craziness.

If there is no end in sight to your busy schedule and you wonder when you will have time to catch up on everything you need to do, I have a few thoughts that might help you make it through the busyness with a little less stress.

Re-evaluate your schedule. Is there something you can

eliminate? When I was in the busy seasons, I would try to never say yes to something unless I said no

to something else. It’s OK to weed out things that are not as important to you or your family.

Don’t “should” on yourself.

It’s easy for sports parents to feel guilted into doing things that will add stress to their lives. “I should be doing this or that” is not a good reason to do something.

Lower personal expectations.

Let me say this: It’s OK if your house is a little messy, the laundry is not done every day or that backyard project is neglected for a few months. Those tasks will always be there. Focus on what is truly important in your lives in this season — your kiddos. Give yourself permission not to be supermom or dad. Your kids are not going to care when they grow up that the house was always clean or that the yard was never overgrown. They

will remember that Mom and Dad were present.

Plan to plan. One of the best ways to help alleviate stress is to plan. Plan meals for the week.

Plan the practice pickup schedule for the month. Keep a detailed family calendar on the wall or fridge so everyone knows what’s coming.

The moments you take to plan ahead are never a waste of time.

Fifteen or 30 minutes of planning can save you hours of worrying and stress.

I understand that busyness is not always what you intend; it usually sneaks up on sports parents. As you wade through this busy season, try to always keep chasing the joy that this brings you and your kids. Save the dirty dishes for another day.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 25

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26 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

kid stuff »

IMAG DIVES INTO

VIRTUAL REALITY

The history and science center takes visitors on tours of significant moments and places. BY ANDREA STETSON

R

eading signs in front of a display at a museum no longer keeps young visitors engaged, says Matt Johnson, executive director of the IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers.

That’s why he’s taking the museum to a whole new level with virtual reality that puts visitors right into the action.

With special goggles, guests can walk around an historic fort in Fort Myers or they can choose to be part of the Battle of Fort Myers, where they get to light the cannon and do other actions.

“Technology is an important tool to teach, especially youth,” Matt says. “This generation is the first generation to grow up with a screen in front of their face. It was important for us to adopt new technologies.”

Matt says that when the National Museum of Natural History

added its iconic taxidermy elephant in 1959, kids were amazed at its size and realism. Now they can see that on Google. It’s the same thing at IMAG, a merging of the Imaginarium Science Center and the Southwest Florida Museum of History. A diorama used to be the standard for showing historical scenes. Now it isn’t. “(Virtual reality) is very interactive, and that is one of the amazing things — the power to immerse people in the experience and grasp it in a way that reading it on a page would not do,” says Kelly Palmer, director of marketing and development. “This is really cutting edge.”

It also allows the museum to recreate an experience that doesn’t exist in the real world, like the original fort of Fort Myers.

“We don’t have a fort to visit like St. Augustine,” Matt says.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 27

« kid stuff (continued) “To get that experience without a fort here, we created a virtual reality. People can walk around and visit the fort.”

That’s what Kiera Kelley, 11, did recently.

“This is so cool,” she said as she virtually walked through the fort. “I turned around, and there were chickens. That is crazy.”

Kiera says her favorite part was when she was on the dock and could drop items into the water.

“That was the coolest thing ever,” she says.

She also learned history from the experience.

“They didn’t have any roads, so they used water and docks,” she says.

Kailey Hackett, 15, chose to engage in the Battle of Fort Myers.

“It was pretty cool,” she » What: IMAG says.

“I like the one part where Virtual Reality you could light the cannon.” » Where: IMAG Each experience lasts four History & Science to five minutes but seems Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort longer when you’re engaged in Myers the action. » When: IMAG is IMAG also has augmented open 10 a.m. to reality where guests can 5 p.m. Tuesdaydownload an app and then Saturday and noon point their cell phone at certain to 5 p.m. Sunday. things in the museum and Virtual Reality experiences are at have virtual creations pop 11:15 a.m., 12:15 out. For example, pointing at p.m., 1:15 p.m., the dinosaur mouth gives you 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 an augmented virtual reality p.m. vision of an entire T. rex. The » Cost: IMAG museum also sells cardboard admission is $14 virtual reality goggles for $20 for adults, $12 for that can be used to take an ages 55 and older, $10 for children and augmented virtual reality dive students, free for onto the USS Mohawk. ages 2 and younger.

Matt says this is just the A year-long family beginning. membership for “It is very experimental,” two adults and their children is $100 a he says. “We are just at the tip year. of virtual reality. It’s a chal» Details: lenge, because they advance so 239-243-0043 or rapidly. By the time you roll theimag.org one out, you have to look to the next one.”

He has plans to use augmented virtual reality to enhance artifacts that must stay behind protective glass.

“There really is no limit to what you can do,” he says. “There will be more virtual reality. There will be more augmented. It is still very new. Museums across the country are looking at how to adopt this technology.”

If you go

28 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

teens »

S K O

BO

Graphic novels are so popular at Southwest Florida libraries that kids are on waiting lists to get the best titles.

BY ANDREA STETSON

H T I W

E

ntire bookcases of graphic novels fill local libraries, and librarians keep ordering more as the latest phenomenon in reading material soars to new records.

Just a few years ago, families had barely heard of this type of book. Now there are waiting lists for some of the more popular titles. Created like a comic book, with panels of artwork and minimal text, these books tackle all sorts of teenage and childhood issues and storylines.

“They have a very broad appeal,” says Diane Lettieri, youth collection development librarian for the Lee County Library System.

“For some, they are drawn to the covers and the illustrations and the art work. It is great for those that have a little bit of a challenge when reading, because they have all these visual clues. They look from one pane to the next and follow them along, and you see the expressions of the characters. They have that fun quality to them.”

The Lee County Library System now has 6,100 graphic novel titles for teens. With multiple copies of many of them, that’s 19,837 actual books on the shelves at the

13 branches. For children, there are 2,300 titles and 10,700 books total. The Collier County Public Library has 3,703 teen graphic novels and 10,229 for children with 2,118 different titles.

“They relate to them, because it is what is happening at school and various issues they find in their own life,” Diane says.

For children, popular graphic novels series include Babymouse, Lunch Lady, Disney Fairies, Hello Kitty, Big Nate, Pokémon Adventures, Geronimo Stilton, Thea Stilton and My Little Pony, Diane says.

What is losing in popularity are book titles that were favorites years ago, such as those by authors Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl or Laura Ingalls Wilder.

“Unless there is a movie. Then it will definitely have an impact,” Diane says. “When Roald Dahl’s ‘BFG’ came out, the kids came in asking for that.”

For teens, Diane says the Thor, Captain America and Marvel hero series are flying off the shelves. Teens also like manga, a stylistic genre from Japan.

“Teens just really enjoy the art work,” she says. “Many times, they have themes of high school students and the typical issues

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 29

« teens (continued)

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of being teenagers — boys liking girls or getting a girl to pay attention to you. They will cover some bullying issues.

A lot of times it is a character against the world, and they relate to that kind of idea.”

Graphic novels have also spread into nonfiction. Ones featuring Muhammad Ali, Helen Keller and the Titanic have been quite popular, Diane says.

The trend also influences the programs offered at the libraries. “It has been so popular that we hired a graphic book illustrator to do a Saturday program,” says Rose LaBarge, senior librarian for Collier County libraries. “We had no idea what the turnout would be, and we were surprised at the turnout.”

Rose has personally seen the power of the graphic novel.

They helped her daughter become a better reader.

“I see it as becoming a stepping stone,” Rose says. “It entices you to get to the next level.”

“Maus” by Art Spiegelman, about the Holocaust, won a Pulitzer Prize in 1992.

“It was the first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer,” Rose says. “Normally people looked down at comic books. When ‘Maus’ came out, people stopped looking down at it.”

The Babymouse and Bone series came out in 2005. But it wasn’t until the last few years that graphic novels became popular. “It started with one or two series, and it just picked up dramatically to the point where we have thousands of items,” Diane says.

Rose says changing times have altered the way teens and children read. “The situations for children might be different,” she says. “Our heroes of yesterday might not be the heroes of today. Laura Ingalls Wilder — I loved that — but if you live in the suburbs today, you might not be able to relate to it. Children go to what they relate to. With gaming, there are so many visual stimulus, and they like the visual stimulus. The medium is changing.”

Rose says the trend has a huge benefit for libraries.

“It gives us a readership for a really tough age group,” she says. “It is kind of helping out teens. That is a tough age group. Some are driving. They have a lot on their plate, so the library might not be on the top of the list, so having the graphic novels is a win for us.”

Tadge Ryzenman, 12, says his favorite books are those in the anime style and the Naruto graphic novels. He also reads ones about superheroes, such as Batman and The Flash.

“It is cool to see what the author wants you to see,” Tadge says. “You don’t have to imagine what it is like.”

Maybe they do limit the reader’s imagination, but library experts say it’s not what the kids read, but that they read.

“I like the fact that they have an appeal for those that might feel challenged to read a story, because I am all about reading and fostering the love of reading for everybody,” Diane says. “They need and want the visual clues that come with the dialogue. And it gives them a sense of fulfillment.

They may not be reading a 200-page book with the page filled totally with words, but they are getting the story.”

spotlight »

AIMING HIGH Allen Park students are preparing to talk with astronauts next fall.

W

hen fifth-grade teacher Courtney L. Black has her students lined up, she claps her hands three times.

“Dream big,” she calls out.

“Dream bigger,” the students reply in unison.

“Aim high,” she says.

“Aim higher,” they reply. Then just one, punctuated word in perfect unison: “Space!”

“They added that part,” she says.

All spring, students at Allen Park Elementary School in Fort Myers have been preparing for a space odyssey. Thanks to Black’s love of space, CenturyLink and a group of local amateur radio enthusiasts, a select group of students will talk directly to astronauts on the International Space Station via ham radio this fall as the station passes more than a million feet above the school.

Allen Park is the first in Lee Coun-

BY PAMELA HAYFORD

Nick Bloomston, center, picks tomatoes grown in a class experiment. Half the seeds spent time at the International Space Station while the other half stayed here on Earth. Other students in the photo are Jackie Slobodzian, Pia Cinalli, Zioanny Quinones and Maddon McDonald.

ty and one of 14 chosen nationwide for this year’s Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, Black says.

The exact day and time of this epic conversation is still to be determined, estimated to take pace in October.

But for the Allen Park students, this isn’t just a quick conversation.

Black took this opportunity to create the Year in Space learning program.

Her fifth-graders have been busy exploring science, technology, engineering and math through numerous projects. They’ve counted steps as part of the NASA Train Like an Astronaut—Walk to the Moon challenge where the goal is to reach the

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 31

« spotlight (continued)

« kid stuff (continued)

In April, Allen Park fifthgraders harvested tomatoes in an experiment to see what effect space has on seeds.

Facing the camera, from left, are Nick Bloomston, Bryce Ware, Maddon McDonald, Sara Hernandez, Bency Abraham, Bradyn Metzger and Giovanni Patel.

478 million steps it would take to walk to the moon. They also planted “space tomatoes” in the school garden, created a time capsule and formed a STEM club (science, technology, engineering and math).

In March, students in the STEM Club learned computer coding basics before school. Tim Bennett with the Cape Coral Utilities and the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club taught the kids simple commands to control Sphero robots. It tied into how the Mars Rover works.

In April, the kids harvested their space tomatoes. Half the seeds they planted had been on board the space station. The other half were control seeds; they stayed on Earth. The kids’ data will be analyzed by Tomatosphere, a program that uses the excitement of space exploration to teach kids the skills and processes of scientific experimentation and inquiry.

Was there a difference? Yes, Black says enthusiastically, but she won’t tell; she doesn’t want to spoil the outcome for any other classes that might want to do the same thing.

“I love relating space back to every subject,” Black says. The steps challenge alone pulls in lessons in physical education, math and science. “It’s fun for me and it excites the kids.”

Black is a self-described space nerd and has been since childhood. When

32 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

she was 12, she says, she attended a space camp in Siberia. She wanted to become an aeronautical engineer.

But freshman geometry derailed that dream. Her sights eventually turned to law, and she earned her law degree.

Then she fell in love with teaching, and that’s been her passion for more than a decade. But she still has her passion for space.

Black is a member of the Space Foundation in Colorado. She’s always wanted to do an ARISS contact, but her school lacked the necessary equipment, which is expensive.

Then out of the blue, last fall, CenturyLink called the school saying they had an amateur radio club and were looking for just the right teacher to partner with to do an ARISS call.

With the help of the school and community partners, Black submitted the application. And she developed the Year in Space.

“Not everybody is as passionate about space as I am,” she says, literally just hours after getting home from the Space Symposium in Colorado, an invitation-only event. This was her second time attending.

Selection of the 16 students to participate in the ARISS call is open to all Lee County students. Black sent a Google form to science teachers.

Others can email her for information (CourtneyLBl@LeeSchools.net).

It’s not just Black making this opportunity possible. CenturyLink is providing the ham radio connection needed to communicate with the ISS crew. Florida Gulf Coast University is providing STEM educational support.

And the university committed to provide telescopes for students to see the space station as it orbits overhead.

All of it together is inspiring Black’s students immensely.

When I sit at a table of three students in her class, they immediately tell me they’re the “talkative group.”

I ask them about the space program.

“It’s awesome,” exclaims Nick Bloomston.

“It’s cool,” says Maddon McDonald. “I watched the launch of the Falcon Heavy.”

All three talk so excitedly and quickly that my semi-shorthand notetaking can’t keep up.

Every table I talk with is excited.

“It can help the world a lot,” says Bency Abraham.

“If you can make a little thing in space, it can change the whole perspective of something,” adds Zioanny Quinones.

And the students are just as excited about their teacher, who also has two children at the school.

“Miss Black is such an inspiration,” says Pia Cinalli.

cover story »

MORE THAN

PHOTO BY DEEN VAN MEER

In honor of all moms, and in commemoration of Mother’s Day, this month we spotlight three mothers who are making an impact on Southwest Florida and finding success. One woman started a bakery that’s won acclaim from celebrities and caught the attention of the Food Network. Another made her mark in the study of chimpanzees before leading a top nonprofit and raising two boys here in Southwest Florida.

And another escaped the fog of post-partum depression to found one of the most successful therapy services in the region. Let us introduce you…

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 33

« cover story (continued)

OF CAKES Bess Charles, of Cape Coral, serves up success and tasty life lessons with LadyCakes Bakery.

W

hen entering LadyCakes Bakery in Cape Coral, one is bathed in the sweet aroma of baking and fresh-made treats. Photos of cakes and numerous awards adorn the walls. But like the gourmet cupcakes behind the case glass, there’s more here than meets the eye. Founder and co-owner Bess Charles has developed a recipe for success and giving back to the community while also raising two children with husband and co-owner Jeff Charles.

Amidst ever-more custom cake orders for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions, 2018 has seen the bakery’s icing spread to more community causes and another new accolade.

In February, it was named one of the Top 10 cake shops on Best Things Florida, bestthingsfl.com, by national market research consultancy AmericanTowns Media. In March, Bess and her staff donated lavish cakes to make major fundraising events for the Cape Coral Animal Shelter and Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife even more memorable.

“It was huge, magnificent!” Bess exclaims of the latter project, estimating that the designing and creating took 16 to 17 hours. The extent of the time involved is not lost in passing along tangible values to her two children — son, Tyler, 12, and daughter, Katelyne, 9.

“One of the lessons for them is hard work,” Bess says. “They know that

Mom and Dad work long hours. They see the payoff in what we can provide for them.”

Underlying her personal approach and service with customers is expressing everyone’s uniqueness and individual interests via her craft, especially in birthday cakes.

“Parents often bring in their children. We talk with them. They have ideas, we draw pictures until we get it the way they want it. Our customers don’t choose cakes from a book.”

Designs of characters, from Disney to Daniel Tiger, are particularly requested. “Kids aren’t so interested in size [of cakes], but a character that they particularly like. Making it recognizable is what’s important for children.”

Delicious depictions of a favorite sport or hobby, like part of a soccer ball or a roller skate, imbedded in multitiered cakes are mainstays as well.

Bess was gratified with fulfilling a particularly novel request recently.

A young girl wanted a dream catcher symbol with several circles. “We incorporated a lot of colors for that one!”

The catalyst for becoming a professional baker was functional; she wanted to save money by making treats for her kids instead of buying them.

“I was bad at it at first,” she says.

“I’ve always been slightly creative.

Through practice, lots of mistakes, more failures, I learned.”

She created her first cake in April 2006.

STORY BY RANDY K AMBIC | PHOTOS BY AMANDA INSCORE

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The cherry on top

Bess Charles, with her children (at left) Tyler and Katelyne, at LadyCakes Bakery in Cape Coral.

Bess says her children are empowered by seeing how she taught herself and improved. An entrepreneurial effect is already evident; Tyler recently made special holders in notebooks for his classmates.

“He’s learning you can be creative and still be successful,” Bess says.

From a small home kitchen to a commercial space to establishing a store four years ago, Bess has overseen steady growth in creating custom cakes, from 500 in 2014 to more than 4,500 last year, some via tie-ins with several local resorts.

LadyCakes is now a preferred vendor in wedding packages and for all other occasions at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa. “She’s fabulous,” says Catering Manager Courtney Kraft. “She is extremely creative; she isn’t cookie cutter in her designs. Many of our events are destinations, and she works by email or

phone and even meets with guests. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. And the quality of her cakes is amazing.”

LadyCakes has also donated cakes to nonprofit organizations such as Icing Smiles, The Mighty Mikey Foundation and The Wounded Warrior Project.

Her hard work is paying off. Bess has had several discussions with the Food Network since early 2017, one about her potentially hosting a new show and others involving invitations to be part of an upcoming baking challenge.

LadyCakes has been featured in national publications and has worked with several celebrities, such as actor and comedian Kevin Nealon and country singer Lee Greenwood.

In the Cape Coral storefront, Bess and her staff offer more than 25 cupcake flavors with tantalizing names like Creamsicle and Country Girl (both featuring vanilla cake with unique

Some of the awards that Bess Charles and the LadyCakes Bakery have received: » The Elaine G. McLaughlin Award for Outstanding Hospitality and Customer Service in Southwest Florida in the restaurants category » SWFL’s Elite Wedding Industry Partners’ Best of B&B 2017 – Best Wedding Cake Bakery, » One of the Top 5 Best Bakeries and Best of Weddings

by The Knot Magazine in 2017 » Winner of WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Awards, 2015 through 2017 » Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor in 2016 and 2017.

special ingredients) and The Doozie (chocolate cake filled with peanut butter buttercream, topped with caramel buttercream and caramel drizzle) — the flavors change each day.

Some regular customers call ahead to reserve their favorites, she notes. The bakery also makes special order cookies and ready-to-go cakes.

Before the bakery, Bess and Jeff were property and restaurant managers, respectively. The skills they used before “correlate directly to what we do now,” she says brightly. She also relishes that they’ve recently introduced crumb buns, a staple of the New York/New Jersey area where the couple grew up and first met. Full-time or seasonal residents from the duo’s old stomping grounds say the treats taste like home.

EDITOR’S NOTE: You can find LadyCakes Bakery at 2924 Del Prado Blvd. S., Unit 7, Cape Coral; 239-549-2253, iloveladycakes.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 35

« cover story (continued)

ON A PATH TO BOLSTER A struggle with post-partum depression led Elizabeth Dosoretz to found a mental health resource for families throughout Southwest Florida.

I

f you’ve recovered from a serious physical injury or have suffered from mental illness, you have likely uttered that old saying, “I didn’t know how bad I felt until I felt good again.”

It happened to Elizabeth Dosoretz when she sank into a deep post-partum depression following the birth of her first child. At the urging of her husband and family, Elizabeth sought help and embarked on a year-and-half journey to “feel good again.”

It was a wake-up call for Elizabeth, a licensed clinical social worker who interned in a New York hospital that had an integrated psychiatric unit.

“I had no idea how bad it felt to feel so bad from the patient side,” she recalls of the experience 11 years ago.

“It was a really daunting experience.”

When “the veil lifted and fog went away,” her volunteer involvement with underserved children and personal experience merged into an epiphany: to provide affordable, readily accessible mental health treatment for children in Southwest Florida.

“There were very few places that would accept insurance and provide mental health services,” says Elizabeth, 38. “I felt it was my obligation to create a system that would serve everyone.”

Today, her company, Elite DNA Therapy Services, provides psychiatric evaluations and prescription maintenance, as well as psychotherapy (traditional talk counseling) in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Port Charlotte, Venice and Clewiston. It also provides specialized treatment for children with autism, including Applied Behavior Analysis and speech and occupational therapies in its Fort Myers office, and in-home in Collier County and Cape Coral.

The focus on children’s services quickly expanded to adults within the first year of the first office’s opening in October 2013. In April, plans were underway for Elite DNA Therapy to open a substance abuse clinic in Fort Myers at Winkler Avenue and Metro Parkway, a diagnostic and stepdown clinic able to address all types of addictions. One of Elizabeth’s goals is to help families manage psychological, emotional and behavioral issues before a family member has hit rock-bottom.

“My wish, goal and dream is to intervene early enough so they don’t have to go through any of this,” she says.

In five short years, Elite DNA became one of the largest mental health providers in Southwest Florida, particularly for children. Elizabeth says that’s because it offers comprehensive

services under one roof and accepts all insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid. The types of state, federal and commercial insurances accepted is in the hundreds, estimates Elite DNA Therapy Director of Business Development and Operations Philip Cirrone. It also accepts uninsured clients on a sliding-fee scale and received state funding to treat uninsured children.

Lack of insurance is the biggest obstacle facing families who need professional help, Elizabeth says.

For those on Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, a federal program for military families, “it’s very, very difficult to find someone who takes insurance, sometimes impossible,” Philip says. In Collier County, for instance, there are only two pediatric psychiatric resources for children on Medicaid: the nonprofit David Lawrence Center and Elite DNA Therapy.

Back to her roots Elizabeth’s family moved to Fort Myers when she was an infant. Her husband, Jason Moon, was born and raised here. They met in middle school at Canterbury, he a year older.

After graduating, Moon, a lawyer today, headed off to American Uni-

STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT | PHOTO BY ANDREW WEST

36 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Elizabeth Dosoretz, CEO and owner of Elite DNA Terapy Services.

versity in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth followed closely behind to obtain her dual undergraduate degrees in psychology and English at George Washington University.

She earned a master’s in clinical social work at Columbia University in New York City. There they remained until she became pregnant with their first son, Dylan, and returned to Florida to be near family.

In Fort Myers, Elizabeth volunteered on the board of the nonprofit Quality Life Center and began hearing about behavioral issues some of the children enrolled in its educational and enrichment programs were facing. But there was nowhere for them to turn.

“There weren’t many places to send

kids who couldn’t pay cash. Or it was very fragmented, with psychiatry in one place but not family counseling or behavior modification for autism. I felt there was something missing here. I knew systems that worked really well,” she says.

Jason works alongside Elizabeth as the president of Elite DNA Therapy, reviewing contracts and overseeing operations. The company is named with the first initial of their three sons’ names: Dylan, 11, Noah, 9, and Asher, 6.

Elizabeth regularly considers ways to reach more patients. For instance, her family is originally from Argentina, so she is anxious to open a Spanish-speaking office in Immokalee.

More than 80 percent of the compa-

ny’s clients undergoing psychiatric treatment are also enrolled in traditional counseling.

“That’s super important. Everyone wants a magic pill, but there is no magic pill,” she says, adding it’s critical to keep up with patients in case there are situational changes in their lives.

For adolescents, early intervention is critical.

And if an evaluation doesn’t detect anything serious, so be it, she says. “We need to see them before it escalates into a crisis.

Or maybe they just end up talking about regular teen things for an hour, which isn’t so bad.”

The burden of tackling mental illness — or bolstering mental health — begins in the home and in the family. That’s one thing Elizabeth knows first-hand.

“I didn’t start to ‘see’ until I got better [from post-partum depression]. It was like putting on a pair of glasses and you’re like, ‘Wow, I can see the grass is really green or that flower is more pink in the middle,’” she says.

She praises her own support network — her family and husband.

“Having someone who shares the same goals in work and life-wise has been the biggest help,” she says. “My whole dream was being a mom and becoming a mom helped me find myself.

The universe conspired to make me feel an obligation and lead me on the way.”

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 37

« cover story (continued)

CHIMPS, KIDS, Studying chimpanzees helped prepare Sarah Baeckler Davis for her roles leading Humane Society Naples and parenting two active boys.

S

he wears just two types of shoes, but both represent the diversity in her life. By day, Sarah Baeckler Davis dons smart, professional shoes for her role as executive director of Humane Society Naples. By night, it’s a pair of flip-flops — or nothing at all — as she parents two boys who live for outdoor adventures.

“I love being outside. I feel more in-tune with the world when I’m outside,” says Sarah, a step-mom to 14-year-old Ryan and mom to 7-yearold Van. “I always tell Van that how dirty his feet are is a sign of how good the day was. When he has dirty feet, that means we had a really good day, because we got messy and had adventures,” she adds.

Serving as executive director for Humane Society Naples is a new adventure for Sarah, who took the helm last October. But don’t doubt her expertise in animal behavior.

It’s a skill she has honed since first working at a veterinary clinic in her hometown of Hopewell, New Jersey.

“I’ve always been an animal lover,” she says.

That passion led her to study chimpanzees for nearly 20 years. She

earned a graduate degree in primatology and is a non-practicing attorney specializing in animal law. Sarah also ran several nonprofit chimp sanctuaries during her career and even worked with world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall.

“Much of my career path involved chimpanzees,” she explains.

“I was highly specialized.”

Because humans are primates, too, her background is advantageous while parenting Ryan and Van. “I am super tuned in to behavior in general. I am constantly looking for nonverbal cues, like posture, to reveal secrets,” Sarah says. “I use that a lot with kids, to help them see a different path.”

But don’t expect her to be a referee. No, they have to work out disputes between themselves — that’s her litigation and mediation training kicking in.

While the demands of running a successful nonprofit are high, Sarah somehow finds the right balance between her career and home life. She gives husband Jamie Davis a lot of credit, calling him super supportive.

“I don’t know how the balance works, but I am very fulfilled by both hats: motherhood and being a professional,” Sarah says.

But every night, she races home as soon as she can.

“I struggle with the guilt of not being there constantly, even though they are older and don’t need me as much,” she says, recognizing that the turmoil is an internal one. “It kills me on those days when I don’t see them before they go to bed at night.”

Another battle Sarah faces is carving out time for herself.

“My indulgence is spending time by myself. I try to steal 30 minutes of time when nobody needs me and nobody is talking to me,” she says.

That time is usually spent walking one of her three dogs or gardening.

“It’s pure quiet.”

Now that season is over and the days are longer, Sarah looks forward to exploring Naples. She just relocated here from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but is familiar with other parts of Southwest Florida after spending summers in Sarasota and Venice as a child.

“I grew up by reverse snowbirding,” she explains. “We would spend all of our spare time here in Florida.”

Those fond experiences prompted Sarah to be a “heat-seeker,” trading in a snow shovel for flip-flops.

“I never want to be near snow again!”

STORY BY BY LEIGH TAHIROVIC | PHOTO BY LUKE FRANK

38 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Sarah Baeckler Davis, executive director of the Humane Society Naples, with Ryan, 14, and Van, 7, plus Edward, an American bulldog mix, at the Humane Society Naples.

From chimps to Chihuahuas Sarah advocated to end medical research on chimpanzees and co-founded two chimpanzee sanctuaries. Her most recent efforts were with Project Chimps, which provides lifetime care to former research chimpanzees on its 236-acre sanctuary in northern Georgia.

“I really believed in the project … It was an opportunity to get 300 chimps out of medical research,” she says of the experience. But her family lived five hours away in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and she was making the trip back and forth, sometimes bringing Van, who

was then just 4 years old. The commute was unsustainable. “The disconnection with my kids, family, husband and dogs in general. It just didn’t work.”

Last summer, she finally decided to leave Project Chimps and make the switch to dogs and cats.

“I had a lazy momma summer and did not work. I was home with kids and dogs and was figuring out what we all wanted next,” she says. That’s when she found the job posting for the Humane Society Naples. “It was a good fit for our family. The weather could not be beat…

Naples had good schools … [and] there were opportunities for my husband.”

At Humane Society Naples, she loves the match-making dance that occurs when someone comes in to adopt.

“Our staff works to suss out what is the right fit and help steer them in whatever direction that is with either cats or dogs,” she says. “I feel super lucky I get to oversee it all.”

Even Ryan and Van are eager to get involved. Both boys love spending time with the animals when they visit the adoption center on Airport-Pulling Road in Naples.

“Ryan is old enough now to volunteer, so I expect that to happen soon, and Van comes every chance he gets.”

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 39

« safety corner

GETTY IMAGES

JODI WA LBOR N

Bike by example How to teach your kids to ride bicycles safely.

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iding a bike is a rite of growing up. It is often a child’s first taste of freedom as the rush of the wind increases with every pedal stroke. As parents, we want our children to experience these wonderful feelings, but we also want to keep them safe. Bikes are more than just toys or sources of recreation. They are classified as vehicles and come with all the rights and responsibilities of every other vehicle on the road. Children do what they see, so here are some ways to lead by example: 1. Be aware. Always look and listen to what is going on around you. Watch the traffic, listen for warnings. That

means putting down the electronics and taking out the earbuds. Earbuds and headphones are illegal to wear while riding a bike.

2. Ride on the right. If you choose to ride on the road, ride as far right as is safe WITH the flow of traffic, in the bike lane if there is one. Riding against traffic is the No. 1 cyclist error causing accidents, injuries and death.

3. If you choose to ride on sidewalks or paths, you must grant pedes-

trians the right of way, announce when you will pass pedestrians, and stop and look for traffic at all driveways and cross streets.

4. Follow all the rules of the road.

Jodi Walborn is community educator, Region 2, for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

40 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Stop at stop signs. Signal before turning or stopping.

5. Lights on all the time. The law says to have a white light on the front and a red light on the back of the bike from sundown to sunrise. Increase your visibility by having lights on every time you ride, day or night, and dress in light, bright, reflective clothing.

6. Wear a helmet. A bicycle rider under the age of 16 must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet. Kids also follow the example set by their parents.

If you wear your helmet, they are more likely to wear theirs.

For more information, visit floridabicycle.org/bicycle-traffic-law.

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

family album »

RED SOX FOR KIDS

While in Southwest Florida for spring training, the Red Sox players and staff performed community service for two nonprofit agencies in Lee County: the African Caribbean American Center and the Family Initiative. Photos special to SWFL Parent & Child

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 41

« family album

Welcome to the world »

Move over Cinderella, there’s a new princess in town. Little miss Gabriella Urgelles was born in Naples on April 4, 2018. Her mommy, daddy and big brother can’t get enough of her. Here’s big brother, Landon Moreland, 7, before stepping up to bat for Naples Cal Ripken at Veterans Park in North Naples. Photos special to SWFL Parent & Child

42 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Glow Style 2018 » The Spring

Bling Glow Style 2018 was held March 24 for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida patients and their families in the Cohen Family Garden. Dancing, arts and crafts, face painting, lawn games and golf were among the activities. Photos courtesy of Lee Health

Send Us Your Snapshots

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

Exploring history »

The Boy Scouts Troop 110, of North Fort Myers, toured Fort De Soto in Pinellas County on March 31. Photo special to SWFL Parent & Child

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 43

« family album

Tutor Corps picnic » Immokalee High

School juniors and seniors in the Guadalupe Center’s Tutor Corps, a college preparatory program that matches teens with mentors, spent the afternoon of March 3 with their mentors at the beach on Marco Island.

They kayaked, played volleyball, enjoyed a cookout and informal conversation. Clockwise from top: Rich Monaghan and Christian Soriano Reyes • Zayda Saucedo and Joan Gorman • Kevin Bellande • Yesenia Villegas, Rebecca Shopay and Berenice Villanueva. Photos special to SWFL Parent & Child

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Young scientists » Three

Lee County School District students placed at the 63rd annual State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida STEM Competition.

Clockwise from far left: Fort Myers High School Junior Dahlia Dry won first place in mathematics and computational sciences and three special awards for her exoplanet candidate detection project. She now advances to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh in May. • Michael Cherbini, an eighth-grader at Paul Lawrence Dunbar Middle School, won a third place award for his project in behavioral and social sciences. • Pavan Patel, also an eighth-grader at Dunbar Middle earned a second place award for his chemistry experiment. Photos courtesy of Lee County Public Schools

Leaving a big impression »

Alvin Tepehan, 4, Ezekiel Schon, 4, Allyssa Menedez, 5, Caydence Page, 4, and Zoe Podolak, 5, stole the show with their performance at the Big Impressions by Little Artists fundraiser March 9. The luncheon raised more than $150,000 for Collier Child Care Resources Inc. Photo courtesy of CCCR

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 45

« family album

Madisen’s Match » The

10th annual Madisen’s Match raised $300,000 for cancer treatment programs March 18 and 19. Nearly 250 people attended a gala on March 18. More than 2,000 people attended the match March 19 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College. Here: Ed Bolter, Pzazz Performer, Riley Bolter and Laura Bolter. Photo special to SWFL Parent & Child

Parade Royalty » At the Fort Myers

Beach Shrimp Festival parade are Miss Preteen Legacy US Taylor Stuart, Ms. Florida Legacy US Lindsay Sullivan and Little Miss Georgia Legacy US Jaida Desimone. Photo by Suzi Hosfeld/Miss Legacy US/Miss Global United States

Grande Dames Tea » The PACE Harmony

Choir — Kiara, Jazmin, Ceelerra, Alize, Kathy, Savannah, Jackie, Yarelys and Iris — perform March 13 at The Grande Dames Tea at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers. The tea is a fundraiser for the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County. Photo special to SWFL Parent & Child

46 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT & WALT DISNEY WORLD

travel »

1.

1.

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WHAT’S NEW AT DISNEY AND UNIVERSAL This summer’s new adventures include the opening of Toy Story Land and the Fast & Furious ride.

2.

3.

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1. At Universal Orlando Resort, guests can celebrate their Hogwarts house pride during The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, which debuted January 31 and runs on select nights throughout 2018. 2. Hogsmeade 3. Voodoo Doughnut debuted this spring at Universal CityWalk, Universal Orlando Resort’s entertainment and dining complex. Loved for its sinfully delicious creations, Voodoo Doughnut features signature originals and one-of-a-kind delectables such as the Dirt Doughnut, the Bacon Maple Bar, Grape Ape and, of course, Voodoo Doll doughnuts. 4. Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort opens June 30. Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new 11-acre land makes guests feel like they have shrunk to the size of a toy in the setting of Andy’s backyard.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 47

» travel (continued)

T

STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS

hink you have done all that Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort have to offer? Think again. These masters of theme parks continually innovate and re-invent, adding new experiences to keep their guests anticipating what is next. The classics are important, too, as often when travelers venture to these attractions, they hope to pass along a tradition to family members. Do you remember the first time you saw the Cinderella Castle or rode Space Mountain? What about the first time your child was tall enough to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster or the first enchantment with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

This summer will not disappoint as new features are being unveiled at both Disney — primarily the anticipated opening of Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios on June 30 — and at Universal with the recent opening of its newest ride Fast & Furious – Supercharged.

“The opening of Toy Story Land is a big milestone for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We hope everyone has a really fun time in this new land, and see what it’s like to be the size of a toy,” says Walt Disney World Resort Public Relations Manager Michelle Baumann.

The Slinky Dog Dash family-friendly roller coaster is a centerpiece of the new Toy Story Land. The coaster runs nearly the entire 11-acre site, according to Dave Minichiello, executive creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering.

“At the heart of this — what our imagineers are trying to do with obviously a magnificent story of ‘Toy Story’ — is to make sure the families can truly feel like they are truly immersed in one of those favorite memories when they were kids having the chance to experience ‘Toy Story’ for the first time,” says Phil Holmes, vice president of Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney Imagineering builds on the company’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment, Michelle says.

“Because disruptive thinking is the

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The Incredible Hulk Coaster

cornerstone of innovative companies, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts embraces change and the types of smart risk-taking that cause us to constantly evaluate our industry and our own methods of design,” she explains. “We are always looking at new ways to surprise and delight our guests and to create new experiences to enhance their vacations and create magical memories.”

Building on the excitement of Toy Story, Disney is also unveiling new Disney H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park on select dates starting June 21 through August 11 where

“Toy Story” characters will make special appearances. According to a Disney release, “Rex and his ‘Toy Story’ pals will transform Typhoon Lagoon like never before by throwing a glow party in the surf pool and throughout the park. Rex, aka Partysaurus Rex, will serve as host and invite guests of all ages to join the festivities.”

Disney’s “Incredible Summer” festivities start Memorial Day weekend.

My family is planning to take in as many of the debuting items as we can, including UP! A Great Bird Adventure in Animal Kingdom, which is celebrat-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Fast & Furious – Supercharged opened in the spring and brings the energy, excitement and high-octane adventures of the blockbuster “Fast & Furious” films to life.

ing its 20th anniversary this year. “The show features Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug, from the Disney•Pixar animated film ‘UP!,’ as they discover bird species from around the world,” according a Disney release. Also new at Animal Kingdom is the debut of Donald’s Dino-Bash!, an after-dark dance party opening Memorial Day weekend.

We always try to do at least one thing “new” during our repeat visits to Disney — from staying at a new Disney resort, dining at a new establishment in a theme park or at Disney Springs, or even a new character experience. This builds some anticipation, but the true magic is now having my 12-year-old daughter, Kylie, map out our park itinerary and identify the experiences she wants to revisit.

Spokesperson for Universal Orlando Resort Kristen Clark explains that Universal is actually three theme parks (Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay) complete with five, soon to be six, hotels and Universal CityWalk, which features unforgettable entertainment and delicious cuisine for every member of the family. Guests are also able to experience attractions that place them

into the heart of some of pop culture’s most powerful stories and adventures — from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to “Transformers” and “Despicable Me.” On a recent trip to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with Kylie and several of her gymnastics team members and their families, we experienced a few new items and things we ran out of time to do on our last trip a few years ago. We also relived some of the memorable attractions that we can’t stop talking about. The first look at Diagon Alley and Hogwarts castle will forever be in our minds.

A new attraction for Kylie and me and many of her teammates was the King Kong immersion — Skull Island: Reign of Kong. The life-size Kong was great to experience, but the moving truck for our expedition really added to the ride.

Another fresh thrill that had the kids (and parents) screaming was a not-sonew ride — Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, where we were hurled up 185 feet and then immediately dropped without expecting it. I am not sure who screamed louder, the kids or us.

A favorite of Kylie’s this go-around was at Universal CityWalk immediately

between the two main theme park entrances — The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

This was truly watching a kid in a candy shop, only with milkshakes that were beyond delicious. Kylie selected the Chocolate X5 — complete chocolate overload with chocolate ice cream, chocolate chunks, strawberries, chocolate sauce, fresh whipped cream and chocolate spirals. She did manage to share a few sips with me.

When planning your visit to Universal this summer, be sure to check out times for The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, as this hit from the holidays is continuing throughout the year.

Of course, for both parks FastPasses and Express Passes ensure the quickest way to experience the maximum amount of attractions while minimizing your wait time. My other top recommendation is to make at least one dining reservation, so you can recharge before round two.

Once you explore the new and classic attractions this summer, be sure to mark your calendar for 2019 as something in the galaxy is preparing to reveal itself — Star Wars land opens in Hollywood Studios next year.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 49

« around town

Celebrate

MOM Numerous places around town are holding special events and deals to celebrate the mother figures in our lives. Here are just a couple that moms might enjoy:

GETTY IMAGES

Movies & Mimosas: The mimosas are for Mom, obviously. But everyone will love the brunch and movies that follow. Silverspot Cinema at the Mercado in North Naples offers a threecourse brunch for $30 per adult and $12 per child, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 13. There’s a special menu just for kids. Reservations are highly recommended; call 239-592-0300. To purchase movie tickets for after brunch, visit silverspot.net.

Crazy for Key lime?

Get your fill of everything Key lime at the sixth annual Key Lime Festival on Saturday, May 12 at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. There’ll be vendors, Key lime specialties, live music, face painting and Jeff the Juggler. Fishermen’s Village is at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda.

Get details at fishville.com.

50 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Mother’s Day Luncheon: On Saturday, May 12 guest speakers will talk about “Reflections on Motherhood” while guests enjoy a luncheon by Mimi’s Bakery Café, Ada’s Natural Market and Fresh Market. There will also be $2,000 in raffle and door prizes.

Make reservations at facebook. com/fortmyersvillas. Advance tickets are $7 for members, $10 for nonmembers, and $10 and $15 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Fort Myers Villas Educational, Literacy and Charitable Foundation Inc.

Calling talented teens The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Junior Board is holding its second annual Teen Talent Night on Friday, May 18 for ages 13-17. Teens can enter visual art, dance, film, music or theater categories for a chance to win cash prizes up to $600. There will also be food, music and raffles. It’s free to enter the contest, $5 to be in the audience. The event is 6-10 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. Get details at sbdac.com/event/teen-talent-night-2018 or call 239-333-1933.

Family-friend arts events aly t your fingert ips

Artis-Nap le to highlig s has a new web page desi ht gned center, su family-friendly e vents at ch as Fre the arts e Comm 5, the Na unity Day p on May concert o les Philharmonic M n May 26 and-take and the W agic Carpet worksh ord A at artisna op on May 30. C rt makeheck it o ples.org/p ut rograms/ family.

Friday, May 4 Digital Lee Opening Night » 6-10 p.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. See art from Lee County students in middle, high and post-secondary schools. Free to attend. sbdac.com

calendar » Fort Myers. The Fort Myers Mural Society hosts this free art celebration for all ages. Features local art, music and performances, vendors, nonprofits, food, Teen Art Walk, live mural painting and a sidewalk chalk contest. Pets welcome, too. facebook.com/events/136907703800547 Community Day » Noon-4 p.m. Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. A free event to explore everything Artis–Naples.

Art and activities for all ages. Live music, bilingual folktales, portrait sketch artist, traditional Mexican crafts and access to the galleries. Plus concerts by the Youth Chorus, Symphonia and jazz orchestra. The Youth Chorus is the last to perform, at 4 p.m. artisnaples.org/events/community-day-050518 Darci Lynne & Friends Live » 7 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers.

Ventriloquist Darci Lynne is one of the youngest contestants to ever win NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” At 13, she is inspiring the next generation of ventriloquists. Tickets are $31.41-$52.61.

VIP tickets include meet-and-greet. 239-481-4849. bbmannpah. com or darcilynne.com Four Freedoms Park Open House » 10 a.m.-noon. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. Free. Four Freedoms Park offers many programs throughout the year.

A variety of classes and special activities are provided for participants from infants to adults. At the open house, tour the facility and inquire about the preschool (including VPK), adolescent and adult programs.

Hurricane Survivor Celebration » Noon-2 p.m. Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Free admission, tacos, popcorn, water and a commemorative Project H.O.P.E. lunch bag (while supplies last). Reservations not required.

“Llama Llama Loves to Read” Storytime » 11 a.m. Three Barnes & Noble location: Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero; 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers, and Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. Llama Llama is becoming a reader and can’t wait to show his mother everything he’s learned. Activities too.

Pine Ridge Middle School Book Fair » 9 a.m. Barnes & Noble at Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. To support Pine Ridge Middle School.

Fort Myers Miracle & Fireworks » 7 p.m. Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers.

Fireworks follow Fort Myers Miracle home baseball games on select Fridays: May 4 and 18, June 8 and 29, July 4 and 20 and August 3 and 17. Games start at 7 p.m. General admission tickets on fireworks nights start at $8.50 in advance, $10 game day. Add an additional $1 on July 4. 239-768-4210. miraclebaseball.com May Four Freedoms Park Be With You » 6-8 p.m. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. Come dressed in your favorite galactic costume. Be ready to play games, participate in a lightsaber training session and have fun. Can never be too young to join the Jedi force. Each participant receives a gift. Registration required. 239-574-0804.

Saturday, May 5 Cinco de Stumble » 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 2443 First St., downtown

Science Saturday » 11 a.m. IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Included in admission.

Science Saturday occurs on the first Saturday of every month.

History Saturday occurs on the third Saturday. Enjoy interactive experiences above and beyond IMAG’s 60+ exhibits from 11a.m. to 2p.m.

The Naples Players KidzAct presents “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” » 7:30-9:30 p.m. May 7, 8, 14 and 15. Blackburn Hall, 701 Fifth Ave. South, Naples. $20 for adults, $10 for students and educators. The Naples Players KidzAct presents this production (ages 13-18). 239-263-7990. naplesplayers.org Water Safety Day » 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach Pavilion, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. Free.

Enjoy activities and learn about safety. See a CPR and fire boat demo and a kayak self-rescue demo. Life jacket safety and fittings. Win free swim lessons. Plus, vendors, door prizes and poster contests. Food and refreshments available. 239-5740806.

Young Naturalist Program » 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. $35. For ages 12-18. Explore ecology, nature and leadership in this SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 51

« calendar educational program every Saturday. Wear clothing suitable for the outdoors and bring water. A change of clothes and shoes is recommended.

Sunday, May 6 Car Cruise-in » 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Near WINK Playland. See favorite makes and models of classic, exotic and custom cars.

SUNDAY, JUNE 10 1pm Musical Discovery Zone • 2pm Concert Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW

1pm Come dressed as your favorite animal and explore orchestra instruments as part of our Musical Discovery Zone. At 2pm hear Prokofiev’s Peter & the Wolf and Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals with dancers from Gulfshore Ballet.

Sponsored in Part by: Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida

ALL TICKETS $10, GENERAL ADMISSION

239.481.4849 • GulfCoastSymphony.org

Friday, May 11 International Migratory Bird Day BOGO » 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Rookery Bay NERR and Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger. In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day, the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center offers buy-one, get-one free admission. Higher price prevails. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Mystery Walk » 6-8 p.m. Fort Myers River District, 1400 Jackson St., Fort Myers. A mystery scavenger hunt every second Friday of the month to explore the historic River District.

Saturday, May 12 13th Annual Turtle Trot and Family Fun Day » 7 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. The Turtle Trot 5K is one of the most popular runs in Southwest Florida, and this year The Friends of Lovers Key are encouraging the whole family to participate.

5th Annual Dentistry from the Heart » 6 a.m.-5 p.m.

Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, 690 Goodlette Frank Road, Naples. First 200 patients are guaranteed to be seen. Choice of filling, extraction or cleaning will be performed for those 18 years or older who can’t get dental care elsewhere.

Part Time & Full Time Options

• Infant (0-18 months) $1,250/monthly • Toddler (18-36 months) $460 - $1,055/monthly • Preschool & Kindergarden (3-6 years) $450 - $990/monthly

Enrichment Classes Offered

• Music Together • Piano • Suzuki Violin • Yoga Gardening & Fruit Picking • Redirecting Children’s Behavior Parent

Accredited by:

Quality Award:

DCF License C20LE0122

To Learn More Visit Us At www.msfortmyers.com or call 239.308.0042 2151 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33907 (In the Villas, near College Blvd. & US41)

52 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Andy Offutt Irwin: Storytelling Performance » 7 p.m. Joy, Health & Wellness Center: Dr. Joel Ying, MD, 2335 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. An evening of family-friendly storytelling.

What distinguishes award-winning Andy Offut Irwin as a storyteller is his characters, flesh and blood people born of great imagination. The most famous of these is Marguerite Van Camp, Andy’s 85-year-old newly minted-physician aunt. Andy takes on the voice, the mannerisms, the perspective of Aunt Marguerite. This 6-foot-4 man becomes Aunt Marguerite. 239267-6480. joelying.com/office Free Volleyball Clinic » 9 a.m.-noon and 5-8 p.m. Fort Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers. Free clinic for youth and juniors. Registration required. adrenalineusavolleyball.com Florida Automotive and Motorsports Expo (FAME) » 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 12-13. Top Rocker Field, 9510 Thunder Road, Fort Myers. $12 for one day, $20 for both days. Free for children younger than 12. One of the largest recreational and show vehicle expositions in Southwest Florida. A Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday morning benefits Eva’s Closet and Foundation. Enter a raffle to win a custom 1957 Chevrolet Suburban. Eva’s Closet raffle tickets are $25 each, and all proceeds go directly to the foundation. Additional raffles from other sponsors and vendors will be hosted throughout the event for $5 per ticket. 239-980-5674. visitfame.com Key Lime Festival » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Live music, Key lime specialties, vendors, face painting and Jeff the Juggler. fishville.com

calendar » Largest Human Pink Ribbon » 9 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Due to Hurricane Irma, Partners for Breast Cancer Care rescheduled its attempt to break the record for largest Human Pink Ribbon to May 12. Each person holds a pink umbrella to form the ribbon. $20 donation allows you to keep the umbrella; registration is $10 if you bring one from last year. A Pinktastic VIP Breakfast is 9-10 a.m. at Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar ($20). At 10:45 a.m., everyone gathers for a group photo. 239-454-8583. pfbcc.org Mother/Daughter/Granddaughter Look-alike Contest » 11 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero.

Near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store. Mothers, daughters and granddaughters compete together for prizes in this annual family event.

Mother’s Day Luncheon » 11 a.m. Fort Myers Villas ELCI, 2316 Sunrise Blvd., Fort Myers. Advance tickets are $7 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Door prices are $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers (subject to availability). All proceeds benefit Fort Myers Villas ELCI. A special luncheon for all women with menu provided by Mimi’s Bakery Cafe, Ada’s Natural Market and Fresh Market, featuring “Reflections on Motherhood” and $2,000 worth of raffle and door prizes.

Reserve tickets at facebook.com/fortmyersvillas.

Mother’s Day Storytime featuring “I’ve Loved You Since Forever” and “Everything Is Mama” » 11 a.m. Three Barnes & Noble location: Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero; 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers, and Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. A special Mother’s Day story time featuring books by bestselling authors Hoda Kotb and Jimmy Fallon. Activities to follow.

Mother’s Day Tea Party » 10:30 a.m.-noon. Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Blvd., Naples. Celebrate Mom! Put on your party dress and enjoy refreshments, snacks and Mother’s Day Activities along with entertainment.

Science Saturday » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland. Join Mr. Glen and his Science and Engineering team for interactive science projects.

Weekend Childbirth Education »10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 12-13.

The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Learn about stages of labor, pain coping practices, moving beyond your birth worries and more. Breastfeeding class included. 239-594-0400. For fee info and to register, click on “classes” at naplesbirthcenter.com or email FBCNaples@ gmail.com.

Sunday, May 13 Movies & Mimosas » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Silverspot Cinema at Mercado, 9118 Strada Place, North Naples. Enjoy a three-course brunch, mimosas and movies with the whole family. Brunch with mimosa or Bloody Mary is $30 for adults, $12 for children, which includes a Kids Menu entree, soft drink and dessert.

Make reservations at 239-592-0300. To purchase movie tickets in advance, visit silverspot.net.

Monday, May 14 Shattering the Stigma » 11:30 a.m. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. $45 with lunch, $60 with CEUs for mental health professionals. Mental health expert Dr. Radu V. Saveanu of the University of Miami talks about the latest advances in mental health treatment at this luncheon hosted

by SalusCare. Registration begins at 11 a.m. 239-791-1575. shatteringthestigma.org

Tuesday, May 15 Breastfeeding Class » 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Learn how to successfully breastfeed your newborn baby, use breast pumps and transition to returning to work while breastfeeding. 239594-0400. For fee info and to register, click on “classes” at naplesbirthcenter.com or email FBCNaples@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 16 Food Preservation 101 » 3:30 p.m. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples. Join the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County team to learn about the different ways to preserve your fresh produce, home-cooked meals and more.

Topics include hands-on demonstrations with water bath canning, pressure canning, dehydrating, freezing, seasonal eating and food safety.

Nutrition Class » 7-8:30 p.m. The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Nutrition for pregnancy, lactation, postpartum and family. 239-594-0400.

Register by emailing FBCNaples@gmail.com.

Moms Appreciation Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland. Moms receive a coupon for a free drink and treat when bringing the kids to do free crafts.

Thursday, May 17 PalmArt Playshop: Orchid Nests for Mom » 6-8 p.m.

Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. On the third Thursday of each month, learn how to make beautiful, useful and durable stuff using natural and recycled materials that might be in your own backyard. This month, make orchid nests for Mom using royal palm fronds. On June 21, make coasters or six-pack containers for Dad using locally harvested wood and recycled pallets. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. 239-939-2787. artinlee.org United for Prevention Family Celebration » 5-7 p.m. Tice Elementary School, 4524 Tice St., Fort Myers. Free. Prizes. All ages welcome. Prevention Information from the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida, Operation Medicine Cabinet - Lee County, Derrek’s Mission Foundation, WellCare Health Plans and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. executivedir@drugfreeswfl.org

Friday, May 18 “Mary Poppins Jr.” » May 18-20. Centers for the Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs. $15 for general admission, $20 for reserved seating. Shows are 7 p.m. May 18 and 19 and 2 p.m. May 19 and 20. The CFABS Youth Players present “Mary Poppins Jr.” Mother / Son Night of Fun » 6-9 p.m. Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. An enchanting evening for boys and moms with music, dancing, door prizes, catered hot and cold appetizers, refreshments and a photo by a professional photographer. Registration required.

239-574-0804.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 53

« calendar

Barbra J. Reed, D.M.D., M.S., P.A. Specialist in Orthodontics • Braces for Children & Adults

• New and Transfer Patients Welcome • Low Monthly Payments • Most Insurance Plans Accepted

(239) 596-2255

Teen Talent Night » 6-10 p.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. Young artists and performers ages 13-17 are invited to enter visual art, dance, film, music or theater categories for cash prizes up to $600. Plus, contestants and attendees can enjoy food, music, raffles and more. Free to enter, $5 to attend. 239-333-1933. Sign up at sbdac.com/event/teentalent-night-2018.

Saturday, May 19 Family Yoga with Kathryn » 10 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland. Free beginners’ yoga class for families with kids from toddlers to tweens. Bring a mat.

“Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century” Storytime » 11 a.m. Three Barnes & Noble location: Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero; 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers, and Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. Story and activities in celebration of the Royal Wedding. In this book about weddings big and small, Fancy Nancy helps the bride and attends a fabulous party.

2550 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. Suite 100, Naples FL 34119

Sunday, May 20

East of I-75 off Immokalee Road, Exit #111 Next to Bob Evans

FMDG Palm City Punishers vs. Bradentucky Bombers » 6-8 p.m. Fort Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers. The Fort Myers Derby Girls take on the Bradentucky Bombers in the only Sunday game this season. Expect to see hard hits, fancy footwork and fast-paced jams. For all ages, family-friendly. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bout starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door for adults; $5 for age 5-10, free for children younger than 5. fortmyersderbygirls.com

DISCLAIMER: FLORIDA LAW REQUIRES THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL APPOINTMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATIONS, OR TREATMENT.

Family Fun Day in the Park » 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jaycee Park, 4125 S.E. 20th Place, Cape Coral. Free admission. Playgrounds, children’s games, potato sack races, Hula Hoop contests, craft activities, dodgeball, vendors, food trucks, crafts, live entertainment and more. Friendly dogs welcome. m.facebook.com/localladiessouthflorida

Monday, May 21 Parenting Information » 3 p.m. Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services, 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers.

Depending on how you were raised, your culture and your belief system, we all have different viewpoints of how to parent. This class will provide parenting tips and recommendations. All parents working with a Human & Veteran Services case manager receive free giveaways for their active participation in group discussion.

The agency requests no children attend.

Visit Authentic Florida » 6:30 p.m. Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers. Pack your suitcase and climb aboard the Authentic Florida travel tour as native writer and blogger Robin Draper takes you on an “off the beaten path” journey. Draper’s lifelong passion has been discovering Florida’s real adventures that are “simple and affordable.” She shares her favorite destinations throughout Florida with a focus on travel within Southwest Florida.

Sarasota native Robin Draper is the owner of AuthenticFlorida. com, a travel and lifestyle blog. Free but registration required.

Friday, May 25 Red Carpet Cabaret Fundraiser » 8 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. A fundraiser supporting the Alliance Youth Theatre. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for refreshments in the gallery and a chance to support the Alliance Youth Theatre 54 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

SERVING ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.

calendar » by bidding on items in a silent auction. At 8 p.m. student artists take the stage to dazzle audiences with a range of creative and musical entertainment.

Saturday, May 26 “An Elephant & Piggie Biggie!” Storytime » 11 a.m. Three Barnes & Noble location: Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero; 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers, and Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. Elephant and Piggie are back to celebrate 10 years of friendship in this special collection featuring five classic Elephant and Piggie stories. Activities to follow.

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Kids Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland. Kids from toddlers to age 12 participate in fun activities and receive a free slice of pizza from Luna Pizza, a free kids’ cone from Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, and a special offer to Mr. Pretzels, while supplies last.

Magic Carpet Family Concert » 10 a.m. Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. $8. A concert featuring the woodwinds of the Naples Philharmonic. Designed for age 3-9. Children get to see the instruments up close. artisnaples.org/programs/magiccarpet-052618

Wednesday, May 30 Free Parent Conference on Home Schooling » May 30June 1. Summit Church, 19601 Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, Estero.

Free. Veteran home educators lead three days of training to inform and encourage parents who are home schooling. The theme of the conference is “Unlocking Language: The Art of Grammar.” While parents learn, the kids can, too. Camps are available for children at $42 per child. 239-450-7699. parentpracticum.com Word Art Make-and-Take » 2 p.m. Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Free. Children and adults learn about a featured museum exhibition and then create their own artwork.

May’s workshop is Word Art. 239-597-1900. artisnaples.org/ programs/make-and-take-053018

Saturday, June 2 “Everything Comes Alive” » 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. aranatha School of Dance & the Arts in Cape Coral presents three recital performances on June 2. The evening show is based on the book “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis. 239-772-3309. Tickets for recitals at 10 and 1 are $12.50 in advance, $14 at the door.

Tickets for 6:30 recital are $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door.

Island Coast High School, 2125 DeNavarra Parkway, Cape Coral. maranathadance.com/recital2018

Ocean Magic Happens Here At Sanibel Sea School, each day is filled with moments of wonder in the water. We offer day classes, camps and experiences for kids, families, and grown-ups, so come with us and be amazed.

For more information, visit sanibelseaschool.org or call (239) 472-8585.

A nonprofit organization.

PRESCHOOL

Naples Pride » 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cambier Park, 755 Eighth St. South, Naples. $5 donation. Naples Pride celebrates diversity and unity, educates the community on LGBTQ issues and promotes equal rights for all. This all-inclusive, family-friendly event will combine entertainers, speakers, musicians, performers vendors, exhibitors, kids’ activities, food and beer for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality. info@naplespride.org.

Find more events on swflparentchild.com SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 55

PRESCHOOL

Welcome

2018 SUMMER CAMP

June 4th - August 9th • 8:30am - 4:00pm • Structured Program • Created by PGA Professionals for the Academy at Alico Family Golf Center • Instruction, Practice, Coaching, Fitness & FUN, FUN atmosphere Through our supportive team and environment our students will develop qualities and goal setting.

It’s our hope at the Academy to find the perfect balance for each individual student. Our plan and promise is to develop golfers for competition and for life!

JOIN US THIS SUMMER! Contact Information Lee@alicofamilygolf.com Phone: 239. 334. 4653

DANCE

Celebrating Since 1951

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All Ages

Classical Ballet Pointe Modern Tap Jazz Hip Hop Acrobatics Children’s Work

(239)334-3274 www.dancebochette.com NEWBORN CARE

Call to schedule your complimentary consultation!

239-260-2100 |

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2017

FREE PRESCHOOL Early Learning Coalition of SWFL can help your family with Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten

If you live in Florida & your child turns 4 YEARS OLD by September 1, your child is eligible for the VPK program.

Some 5 year olds are also eligible.

For more information & to register your child: FamilyServicesFloridaEarlyLearning.com

www.elcofswfl.org Serving Collier, Glades, Hendry & Lee Counties | (239) 935-6100 56 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

RESALE & CONSIGNMENT

camps »

MORE

summer camps In March, we highlighted 15 fun summer camps.

Last month, we brought you details on a few more. And this month, here are even more summer camp programs:

BIG ARTS Summer Arts Camp »

Registration is now open for the BIG ARTS Summer Arts Camp, which offers visual and performing arts for students in grades 1-5. Each week begins a new session with a new theme. Throughout the week, campers create art projects that correspond with that week’s theme, as well as participate in music and theater classes. Each weekly session concludes with a short program that includes a display of campers’ artwork and a performance of what they’ve learned in their music and theater classes. 239-3950900. bigarts.org Camp HSR » This two-week summer camp for ages 4-12 starts with a week of field trip experiences, including multiple animal encounters, fire and water day, and tons of hands-on excitement during Week One (Destination: Adventure).

During Week Two (Body Explorers), kids learn about awesome anatomy, including a dissection, physical education, cooking and an escape room. Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. camphsr.com

Cape Coral Art League Summer Camp » Weekly camps begin June 19

and end the week of August 6 (no camp July 2-6). Campers ages 7-13 work on painting, acrylic pouring, drawing, paper crafting, book making, macramé and poly clay. All art supplies provided. Bring lunch, snacks and beverages. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $60 per student. Location: 516 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-7725657. capecoralartleague.org

C’mon Summer Camps » The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples hosts 16 summer camps for children entering grades K-6. The camps integrate STEAM, science, technology, engineering, art and math. cmon.org

Free To Be Me Yoga & Music Camp

» Children, ages 4-10, stretch, strengthen and explore their rhythmic side while creatively energizing their bodies and minds. Takes place at Bodhi Tree Yoga, 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 215 (2nd floor, above Saigon Paris Bistro), Fort Myers. 610-256-2180. freetobemeyoga. com/summer-camps-2018

Kidz Art Naples » Kidz Art provides

various summer camps, including Tie Dye Camp, Creative Art Camp, Paper Mache, Birds of a Feather, Getting to Know Our Animal Friends, Card Sharks, Old Fashioned Fun and Archery. Located in the Norris Center and various parks in Collier County. 239-691-4170. kidzartnaples.com

Summer Shootout Basketball Camps » Skills-based camps for boys

and girls entering grades K-9 of all skill levels that focuses on character building and fun. Held at Evangelical Christian School. 239-839-4999. summershootout. org

USTA National Campus Summer Camps » Called “Home of American

Tennis,” the year-old Orlando campus attracts players ages 5-17 from near and far to the organization’s summer day camps. (They have adult tennis camps, too.) Out-of-town families can book lodging at ustatravel.com. Nine weekly sessions run June 4 to August 10. ustanationalcampus.com

ADD YOUR CAMP If you have a camp you’d like added to this list, email the information in the following format to editor@swflparentchild.com: Name of Camp. One sentence description.

Location. Phone number and website where readers can get more information.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 57

» a father’s view

Jim Dwyer is a Southwest Florida father of three boys.

JIM DW Y ER

W

Potluck

hen I was 23 years old, I left the Chicago area where I grew up to move to Florida. I went to work for my dad and thought I would be in the state for a year or maybe two, and then I would head back to Chicago with a little more money in my pocket and a lot more business experience. I was young and single and had nothing tying me down, and so I left. I jumped in my car and headed south. Here I am 36 years later, and I am still in Florida, but nearly everything else has changed.

A funny thing happened. After being in Florida for less than a year, one of my brothers moved down and stayed with me. I was suddenly struck by how much I had missed my siblings and was happy to have him there. My plan for a “year or two” slid into three, and then another brother moved down.

Slowly over the next few years, my sisters joined the brothers and even my mother eventually moved. I started to have roots, both at my job and in the community. And so I stayed.

The really great part of all of this is that my children have grown up with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all in town. My boys have cousins who are nearly the same age,

58 » MAY 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

and they would get together to just hang out, watch a movie, go ice skating or take any other number of chances to see each other. They grew up with these cousins, aunts and uncles, and they are all close.

As my sons got older, they got involved in sports and school activities.

Those random events with their cousins kind of slowed down. Of course, we are busy, too, between getting them where they need to be and wanting to be present at their events. All of this led to a kind of disconnect with my siblings and nieces and nephews.

We still get together for birthdays and holidays, but we really don’t get to just hang out for no reason at all. That was what I missed when I left my siblings in Chicago and what I gained when they started to move to Florida. My

wife and I decided to do something about it.

In January, we started hosting a monthly potluck. We stopped worrying about if the house was a bit “lived in” or if the paint was pealing on the patio ceiling.

We decided to simply invite the family for a potluck with almost no rules. We usually throw out a theme, but there is no organization around who is bringing what or who will be there. People come or don’t and bring what they will.

A wonderful thing has happened.

With no “reason” for these potlucks, the whole family seems to make every one. We have yet to have 14 pasta dishes, as the menu kind of takes care of itself. These casual meals can turn into playing cards, or a movie night, or just telling stories. My kids look forward to it as much as we do.

As the food winds down and we slowly move into whatever the evening will become, the cousins are off hanging out together. The older ones taking care of the younger ones, the younger ones happy for the attention from their cousins. Just like when we were young, my brothers and sisters are all together, laughing and living life. I am thrilled to have this time with them, but even more so that my kids can see a happy family sharing good times together.

FEBRUARY 17- JUNE 3

2018

Take a trip back in time to discover what these creatures were all about! Discover 10 life-size animatronic dinosaurs on display, uncover your inner-paleontologist at the fossil dig, and snap a pic at the dinosaur photo station.

Roaring Daily! 9am-5pm February 17 - June 3, 2018 Regular Garden admission 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL / 239.643.7275

NAPLESGARDEN.ORG PRESENTING SPONSOR:

SUPPORTING SPONSOR:

MEDIA SPONSOR:

NP-0000958285

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2018 » 59

your world. our priority.

Golisano Children’s Hospital provides your family the quality health care your children deserve - close to home.

Conveniently located on the grounds of HealthPark Medical Center, our state-of-the-art children’s hospital serves families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.

- Diagnostic and MRI suite with pediatric sedation center - More than 70 pediatric specialists and 400 specially trained pediatric nurses - One of the top ranked Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Centers in Florida - Pediatric emergency department OPEN 24/7

9981 S. HealthPark Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33908

Call 239-343-KIDS (5437) For more information please visit us at GolisanoChildrensFlorida.org

SUNNY

SPARKLE