S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
JUNE 2019
Sick Child? Same day sick appointments available FORT MYERS � � �- �� CAPE CORAL � � ��-���� LEHIGH ACRES � � �- ��
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www.ppcswfl.com | 239.275.5522 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 3
4 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
contents »
swfl
parent&child
27
Features
49
In Every Issue
27 mending minds Lizandra shares her struggle with mental illness to help others
11 all the moms
30 watch dads These fathers are making a difference in schools across Southwest Florida
42 kids in space
STEM getaways make learning fun
21 dining out
52 around town
Newk’s Eatery in North Naples
Best bets on local events for families
23 kid stuff
See how you can celebrate Apollo 11’s 50th anniversary.
.COM
49 travel
Tips for keeping kids engaged over summer
We’re getting the fun started with 50 things to do or places to see
ENTCHILD
Know how to protect your young athlete from heat stroke
19 ask the expert
33 summer bucket list
S W F L PA R
44 safety
Popular baby names, a cheeky birthday post and dissin’ on motherhood
57 voices
Free water safety lessons help prevent drowning
Teenager’s project helps young patients via cookies
25 teens JUNE 201 9
Students explore career options In Gargiulo program
GETTY IMAGES
Other Departments 7 8 9 13
editor’s note our contributors online me time
15 16 45 53
5 Things fyi family album calendar
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 5
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editor's note »
parent &child
swfl
S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
Volume 20, Issue 6 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 Jean Le Boeuf, Laurie Giordano, Summer Kates, Danielle Lee, Andrea Stetson, Leigh Tahirovic, Jennifer Thomas, Janine Zeitlin 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.
Sweet summer Popsicles melting on the tongue. Heat so heavy it physically slows your pace. Family vacations. Laughter on the beach. Summer has a very distinctive feel. It’s a time to recharge and reinvigorate. The demands of school take a break. The busy tourist season wanes. Schedules are a little looser, even if summer camps fill your days. For many families, this is a time to reconnect. And to have fun. We’ve gathered a summer bucket list just for Southwest Florida families with 50 things to do or places to see over summer near and far (well, Orlando far). It starts on page 33. One big event this summer is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. That’s the one that took Neil Armstrong and friends to the moon for the first time. When I was a kid — and even now as an adult — space caught my attention and ignited my imagination. Anything could be out there. I’d spend hours on summer nights watching the stars and tracking the moon in my telescope. It showed me Mars and the rings of Saturn. Amazing how a simple tube and a couple pieces of glass can bring another world into view. Find events celebrating the Apollo 11 on page 42. This month we also celebrate dads. And the dads of Watch D.O.G.S. are out of this world. Joe Mitchell started out just wanting to be involved in his kids’ school. One thing led to another and he formed a local chapter of Watch D.O.G.S. It’s now blossomed into a program that spans more than a dozen schools and involves lots of dads, granddads and other father figures. It’s not just at elementary schools, either. Middle and high schools are benefiting from the program, too. (Story on page 30.) So dive into summer, make your kid-friendly bucket list and give dad a Father’s Day he’ll remember. PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ
Part of the USA TODAY Network
Member of
Pamela Smith Hayford, Editor Contact us: We enjoy hearing from you. Send your photos, letters or comments to: pamela@swflparentchild.com. Or visit us online:
swflparentchild.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 7
» our contributors
MIROMAR OUTLETS
®
BEST FACTORY OUTLET MALL, BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AND BEST PLACE TO BUY SHOES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA VOTED THE
Meet the contributors to this month’s issue of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine. Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out • Jean Le
FREE FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza June 7: Brylcream June 14: Collaboration Band June 21: Echo Band June 28: The Silver Sneakers
MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, June 19 10 a.m. to noon PLAYLAND in Free treats for moms while their children have fun at Kids Crafts.
SCIENCE SATURDAY Saturday, June 8 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PLAYLAND in
MIROMAR HAS TALENT Saturday, June 22 Southwest Florida’s talented youth compete for the grand prize! *Visit miromaroutlets.com for updates.
TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY Saturday, June 8 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Teachers receive additional savings and a chance to win prizes by checking in at the Mall Office, Suite 199, by 11 a.m. for scavenger hunt clues.
KIDS DAY Saturday, June 29 10 a.m. to noon PLAYLAND in Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive free pizza, ice cream and other goodies.
FAMILY YOGA Saturday, June 15 PLAYLAND 10 a.m. in A FREE 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring your own mat.
FREE KIDS CRAFTS Every Wednesday 10 a.m. to noon PLAYLAND in Our new Kids Crafts Reward Card is good for a $10 Miromar Outlets gift card after your fifth visit.
FATHER/SON/GRANDSON LOOKALIKE CONTEST Saturday, June 15 11 a.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store Fathers, sons, and grandsons compete together for prizes in this annual family event. FATHER’S DAY CAR CRUISE-IN Sunday, June 16 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. PLAYLAND near Classic, exotic and custom cars on display.
Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by The News-Press. Follow the critic at facebook.com/jeanleboeufswfl or @JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.
Summer Kates • Voices: Sweet
Triumph • Summer Kates, 14, is a sophomore at Fort Myers High School. When she was 10, she was hit by a car and taken to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Out of her experience, she created Summer’s Project to help others.
Danielle Lee • Ask the Expert • Danielle Lee, a first-grade teacher in Lee County, is the proud mom of a 24-week NICU survivor and an advocate for children with autism. She lives in Southwest Florida with her husband and two children. Andrea Stetson • Kid Stuff, Teens,
Spotlight • Andrea Stetson writes for SW FL Parent & Child, Grandeur Magazine, The News-Press, Naples Daily News and The Banner. She has also been a news producer and writer at television stations in Fort Myers, Miami and Scranton. Andrea lives in North Naples with her husband, daughter, dog and eight bunnies. Her son is a student at Georgia Tech. She enjoys traveling, swimming, boating, pickleball and being with family.
BABY BOOT CAMP Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday PLAYLAND 9 a.m. in Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, postnatal and ultra-fit moms.
Jennifer Thomas • 50 Ways to Spend Your Summer and STEM Travel • Jennifer Thomas is a freelance travel writer who has extensively explored the U.S. and destinations abroad. A journalism graduate from Bowling Green State University and an Air Force veteran, she is the owner of the FSR Ventures public relations firm and Beauty Results PR. Jennifer lives in Fort Myers with husband Bill, daughter Kylie, and golden retriever Rosebud.
FITNESS CAMP Tuesday, Thursday & Friday PLAYLAND 6:30 a.m. in 60-minute boot camp-styled class designed specifically for women.
Visit MiromarOutlets.com for more details. Play at our newest attractions: The Rock Climbing FunWalls and Amazing Things 5-D Motion Theater. Party Packages available at MiromarOutlets.com/play.
OVER 140 DESIGNER AND BRAND NAME OUTLETS
Janine Zeitlin • Mending Minds •
SAVE UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES!
Miromar Outlets Gift Cards* are valid at all Outlet Stores and our wide array of Restaurants and can be purchased at MiromarOutlets.com, the Mall Office or Visitor Information Kiosk.
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(239) 948-3766 • MiromarOutlets.com • I-75, Exit 123, Corkscrew Road, in Estero, between Naples & Fort Myers
*Subject to monthly maintenance fee. Terms and Conditions of the Card Agreement are set forth at MiromarOutlets.com. Copyright © 2019, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation.
8 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Janine Zeitlin is an award-winning Southwest Florida journalist and a storyteller for The News-Press. She’s the mom of two girls.
online »
swflparentchild.com Get the latest event information and family news every day at swflparentchild.com.
Mending minds
The journalists at The News-Press and Naples Daily News recently published the beginning of their project Mending Minds, a look at mental health issues for families in Southwest Florida. What they found was staggering. The numbers indicate our region is among the worst in the nation in terms of serving children and teens who need mental health services. See the initial report on our website along with links to the full project.
HOME GAME HIGHLIGHTS FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
• Schools Out Party - All Kids Are FREE When They Show Their Report Card! • Teddy Bear Toss Night - Donated to Golisano Children's Hospital • Post-Game Fireworks
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 - 6:00 PM 6:00 PM
• Food Truck Night • Post-Game Fireworks • Hawaiian T-shirt Giveaway - First 500 Fans
FRIDAY, JUNE 28 - 7:00 PM
Summer camps
7:00 PM
Find summer camp information on our website at swflparentchild.com/summer-camps
More family events
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Visit swflparentchild.com for the latest events for all ages, from tots to teens, and maybe even some date nights.
• Appearance by The Office’s Stanley, Actor Leslie David Baker • Post-Game Fireworks
SATURDAY, JUNE 29 - 6:00 PM 6:00 PM
• Taylor Grzelakowski Bobblehead Giveaway - First 1,000 Fans • Bark in the Park - Bring Your Pups!
VOTED BEST FAMILY FUN ACTIVITY
Get SWFL Parent & Child anywhere at any time LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/ swflparentchild
READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild
MiracleBaseball.com SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 9
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
10 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
all the moms »
All the
Moms
SW FL Parent & Child is part of the USA Today Network, home to All the Moms, a place on the web where you’ll find parenting advice, celebrity parent news and more. Here’s what you missed in May:
Gwyneth celebrates Apple’s birthday with cheeky post Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday that Gwyneth Paltrow introduced her daughter Apple to the world? Well, “yesterday” is now 15 years ago (they grow up so fast). Paltrow took to Instagram to celebrate her eldest daughter’s 15th birthday, sharing a photo of her daughter posing with a pink rose hanging out of her mouth. “Happy 15th to my angel,” the 46-year-old mom wrote in the caption of her Instagram post. “I will never be able to put into words how much I love you.” Paltrow, who co-parents Apple with ex-husband and Coldplay rocker Chris Martin, gushed about all the things she loves about her teenage daughter. The Goop guru also included a hilarious text message exchange with her daughter in her Instagram post. “Also here are some options of apple approved birthday posts,” Apple says in the screenshot of the messages. “Oh why thank you,” Paltrow responds, adding, “Don’t need to break the old Internet again, now do we?” “Yeah let’s not,” Apple replies.
Everybody loves Liam and Emma
The Social Security Administration announced the top 10 baby names of 2018 because, according to them, they’re “with you since day one.” Kind of creepy if you ask us, but OK. Since most people get a social security card at birth, the SSA is one of the best sources for measuring a name’s popularity. The top three baby names for both boys and girls remained unchanged from 2017, and many of the same names made the top 10 lists again. New for the boys is Lucas, while Jacob got knocked out of the top 10. New for the girls is Harper, knocking out Abigail. Here are the Top 10 names of 2018:
Popular boy names
Popular girl names
1. Liam
1. Emma
2. Noah
2. Olivia
3. William
3. Ava
4. James
4. Isabella
5. Oliver
5. Sophia
6. Benjamin
6. Charlotte
7. Elijah
7. Mia
8. Lucas
8. Amelia
9. Mason
9. Harper
10. Logan
10. Evelyn
Motherhood is trash, surveyed moms say, except for one thing A survey asked 6,457 millennial moms about their thoughts on the state of motherhood in the United States and the results were mostly dismal — except for a few wins. According to the survey conducted by motherhood publication Motherly, 85% of women felt that society did not do a good job of supporting and understanding mothers. Half said that stronger government policies like paid family leave and child care credits would make the biggest impact, while 22% wanted more understanding from employers such as flexible hours or part-time work schedules. To sum up the survey: • Moms still struggle in the workplace • Moms are still doing most of the household chores • Moms are having sex after giving birth before they are ready • The good news: breastfeeding policies might be improving.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 11
Help Your Child Learn AN EYE ON THE FUTURE Make an appointment today. Your future suddenly became a whole lot clearer. A child’s learning disabilities can be caused by vision related problems, even if the child has 20/20 vision. Visit EyeDocks.com to watch a video about Vision Therapy.
Eye Care Services
• Comprehensive Eye Examinations • Contact Lens Fitting • Glaucoma Evaluations • Cataract Evaluation & Post-Op Care • Genetic Testing for Macular Degeneration • Visual Fields • Opto-Maps
Insurance Accepted The knowledgeable staff at Fort Myers Eye Associates PA is experienced in working with vision insurance providers. We will work directly with you and your vision insurer. We accept sever types of vision insurance.
8801 College Pkwy, Fort Myers (239) 437-2004 EyeDocks.com
BEST SUMMER CAMP AROUND XAIR Classes:
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Birthday Parties and Special Events
Contact Us At: 239.466.3547 www.xairgym.com | Email: extremeairco@gmail.com 17312 Alico Center Road, Fort Myers, Florida 33967 Gym Hours: Monday – Thursday 3-9pm | Friday 3-10pm | Saturday & Sunday By Appointment 12 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
me time »
NEW DAD
GEAR Wondering what to get the new father in your life? Or maybe you are the new dad. Either way, you’ll love these finds.
BOB knows strollers The features and specs for the Revolution Flex 3.0 jogging stroller by BOB will make any dad’s heart skip a beat. It’s got mountain bike-style suspension, adjustable 9-position handlebar, cargo pockets galore, UPF 50+ canopy shield and more. $359.99 at Amazon. Also available through Walmart, Target and Kohl’s.
Tough enough
DATE
NIGHT
BabyBjorn not man enough? Tactical Baby Gear has you covered with a baby carrier made with military-like efficiency and ruggedness. $99 at tacticalbabygear.com. For an additional $4.99, add the TBG Emergency Blowout Kit, an MRE-style (that’s Meal Ready to Eat in military lingo) package containing diaper, wipes, changing pad and trash bag that fits in your pocket. Hoo-ah.
Cheek to chest No, dad’s not nursing the baby. This shirt has a flap that allows dads to engage in skin-to-skin bonding with their newborn. It’s a practice that’s been lauded by experts for years. For one, it helps dad and baby stay calm. The Original Bondaroo, $36.99, is available at mydadware.com.
How to dad The baby instruction book you’ve been waiting for is here. Jordan Watson, the hilarious New Zealand man behind the “How to Dad” channel on YouTube, wrote a book. You might know him for his take on “How to Hold a Baby” or “How to Get a Baby to Clean the House.” The book’s list price is $15.95, and it’s available on Amazon. Check out the YouTube channel via bit.ly/SubtoHowtoDAD.
Our local Minor League Baseball team’s season is well underway. While the games are a great family outing, they’re also a nice date night just the two of you. Catch a Fort Myers Miracle game and afterward, let the fireworks fly. (No, really, there’s fireworks after Friday night games on June 7 and 28 and July 5 and 26.) SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 13
Excellent academics rooted and grounded in God's word. • PreK-3 through 8th Grade • VPK Provider • A unique and caring community • Ideal class sizes • outstanding curriculum • Excellent, prolessional teaching stall TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR OF OUR SCHOOL CALL US TODAY
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SUMMIT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 9065 Ligon Court. Fort Myers. FL 33908 Near the corner of Summerlin and Bass
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Now Enrolling! Preschool and VPK options for 3 and 4 year olds.
A Hands-On, Interactive Learning Environment Highly Qualified Staff Open Year Round
FORZAvpk.org 239-64-FORZA
Available at these locations:
239-643-6792
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oakcreekcharter.org 28011 Performance Lane Bonita Springs, 34135
gccas.org 215 Airport-Pulling Rd. N. Naples, 34104
5 things »
world
OUT OF THIS
Encourage young imaginations to take off and explore the mysteries of space with these great finds in honor of the moon mission’s 50th anniversary.
Blast off a STEM career Explore space and NASA careers with the Lego Ideas Women of NASA set. It features minifigs of four pioneering women of NASA and three builds that illustrate their areas of expertise. Includes a booklet about the women. Recommended for ages 10 and older. $24.99 at lego.com.
Launch is a go Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with the Plus-Plus Saturn V Rocket mini maker tube. The kit includes three new colors: metallic gold, metallic silver and glow in the dark. This compact kit is also great for travel. Recommended for ages 5-12. $14.99 at Amazon.com.
Get to know Earth’s bestie In this adorable children’s book by Stacy McAnulty, the moon tells the story of how she came to be from her perspective. $17.99 list price. Recommended for ages 4-8. Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers.
Explore the solar system No celebration of space is complete without a telescope. The Thames & Kosmos TK1 telescope and astronomy science kit allows Earth-bound explorers to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter (including its stripes), Saturn, even Uranus. List price: $169.99. We found it on Amazon for $83.99.
One giant leap Practice splashdowns in this NASA swimsuit with UPF 50+ sun protection. $15.99 at target.com. In addition to girls’ NASA suits, Target also has NASA boys’ swim trunks.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 15
« fyi
Calendar winners announced Estero High School senior Chrisdeana Schneider won the cover spot for the 30th annual Keep Lee County Beautiful “Leave the Scene Clean” calendar contest. The 2020 calendar will feature Chrisdeana’s artwork and that of 12 other Lee County students. It will be for sale for $3 each, and the artwork will be unveiled at a special ceremony this fall. The first place winners are Evan Humble, first grade, Bayshore Elementary; Leila Tucker, second grade, St. Francis Xavier; Mariia Matiushyna, third grade, Harns Marsh Elementary; Kayla Rathur, fourth grade, St. Francis Xavier; Nishini Fernando, fifth grade, Allen Park Elementary; Jonathan Goodman, sixth grade, Lexington Middle; Amneris Azcona, seventh grade, Gateway Intermediate; Abigail Petro, eighth grade, North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts; Kaitlyn Logue, freshman, Cypress Lake High School; Emma Roth, sophomore, Estero High School; Kimberly Sarabia, junior, Estero High School, and Brianna Johnson, senior, Cypress Lake High School.
Free meals address child hunger in summer
For many children in Sou thwest Florida, school is their main source for To make sure no child goe a nutritious meal. s hungry over the long summer break, the sch Lee and Collier countie ool districts of s are participating in the USDA summer food ser provide nutritious meals vice program to to all children younger than 18. The meals are no income requirement free, and there’s and no need to registe r. To find a school or loc meals, visit the Summe ation offering free r BreakSpot website at summerbreakspot.fresh text FoodFL to 877-877 fromflorida.com or or dial 211. The School District of Lee County is start of the program wit kicking off the h a special event, Picnic s in the Park, with gam 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monda es and activities y, June 3 at Paul Sanbor n Park, 2310 S.E. Third St., Cape Coral.
Free admission deals for veterans’ families Several big attractions offer free admission to veterans and their families. • Busch Gardens and SeaWorld invite U.S. veterans and up to three guests to enjoy free admission through July 15. • IMAG History & Science Center joins museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums program to give free admission to
16 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
active duty personnel and up to five family members over summer. • Naples Botanical Garden participates in the same Blue Star Museums program. For more participating locations, visit arts. gov/national-initiatives/ blue-star-museums.
Keep kids learning over break Need some ideas to engage kids’ brains over summer? All families, not just public-school students, can check out this online resource from Collier County Public Schools: “Keep Learning Alive: Summer 2019 Learning and Resource Guide.” It has suggested books for students in all grades, ideas for writing projects, ways to practice math and more. Download the PDF at collierschools.com/Page/10479. Plus, PBS Kids relaunched its new PBS Kids for Parents website to help bridge the summer learning gap with thousands of activities. Check it out at pbs.org/parents.
SUMMER ARTS CAMP GRADES 1 - 6
ENROLL NOW
Applebee's honors two local teachers Two Southwest Florida teachers are among 11 educators honored by Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar’s annual Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest. The teachers won $500 toward teaching supplies, and their students received an end–of–year party. The local winners are Ben Uphoff, of Diplomat Middle School in Cape Coral, and Suzanne Kyre, of Community Christian School.
• ArtInLee.org 239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers
New preschool coming to Cape Coral Kid’s World Preschool is opening a second location in Cape Coral. The new 10,000-square-foot building is designed by Art Catellanos of Castellanos + Tramonte Architects. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
Wellfit Girls expands with two new programs Girls in Collier County have new options to help them gain confidence and fitness through two programs by Wellfit Girls. One is a three-week summer camp for incoming eighth- and ninth-grade students to help with the transition to high school. The camp ends with a five-day expedition to Cloudland Canyon State Park in northern Georgia. The other program, Leaders in Fitness Training, or LIFT, is an eight-month fitness and wellness program for ninth-grade girls at Palmetto Ridge High School. That one ends with a 7-day adventure to the Appalachian Trail over spring break in March. Get details at wellfitgirls.org.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 17
THE ONLY CHOICE
Robin Dawn Dance Academy
Est. 1975
Summer Dance Camp July 8th - 12th Movie Madness July 15th - 19th Circus Camp July 22nd - 26th Broadway Bound
Highly Experienced and Skilled Instructors Only $140/week.
VOTED CAPE CORAL’S BEST DANCE ACADEMY Come Join Our Family of Dancers
Tap • Jazz • HipHop • Lyrical • Ballet • Pointe • MusicalTheater • Acrobatics • Contortion • Circus Equipment
932 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral
239.549.0827
www.RobinDawnAcademy.com
NP-0000970674
Vicky C. and David Byron Smith Children’s Garden
239.643.7275 18 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Danielle Lee is a first-grade teacher, mom of a 24-week NICU survivor and an advocate for children with autism. She lives in Southwest Florida with her husband and two children.
ask the expert »
DA NIELLE LEE
SCHOOL’S OUT. NOW WHAT?
I
First-grade teacher and mom Danielle Lee offers tips to keep kids learning over summer.
t’s officially summer. The kids are happy to be out of school and ready for a well-deserved break from getting up early, doing homework and studying for tests. They look forward to sleeping in, relaxing, having fun and staying up late. As working parents, this is when the stress level easily increases, because sooner or later we all know that we will eventually begin hearing how they are “bored” and constantly “hungry.” Another challenge many parents face is figuring out who is going to take care of the children while they are at work and how expensive the summer is going to be. If you are a parent who is interested in putting your child in a summer camp, there are Kylie several options. Some camps are offered at schools. If you have multiple children who attend the same school, a discount might be available. If your children are involved in sports, there are camps for that, too. Summers can feel even longer to parents and children if they are not active and involved with their peers.
There are summer camps that are enticing to the many interests a child might have, including children with special needs, such as swimming, creative arts or 4-H camps. To find the best camp for your child, you may need to do a little research. Check with places your child
already loves. With camps that are new to you, call or stop by the facility to see if it’s something you and your child are interested in and feel comfortable with. Summer camps can be expensive, so check to see if the camp you are researching offers part-time options or scholarships. As a mother of two and a first-grade teacher in Lee County, I know how important it is to keep your children as active as possible during the summer. It is important for them to have downtime and enjoy their summers; however, too much downtime eventually turns into boredom. Once that happens, they tend to spend an excessive amount of time watching TV or playing on various electronics. Not every parent is able to send their child to camp for many reasons. It could be that summer camp is just not in the budget, there could be transportation issues, or in my case, you may have a child that is too young and does not meet the age requirement for camps. If that’s you, getting your kids involved in sports on the weekend or having playdates for your
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 » JUNE 2019 » 19
« ask the expert (continued)
Summer smiles! Board Certified Orthodontist Braces & Invisalign® Affordable payment plans Most insurances accepted
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20 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
2017
children may be an option to help pass the time in the summer. It gives the children something to look forward to, and it allows socializing opportunities for the children and the parents as well. My 4-year-old daughter, Kylie, is very active and has a ton of energy. She got involved in sports at a very young age. Kylie began taking dance classes at 2 years old and started taking gymnastics classes last summer. She and I also attended a family music class so that she can develop her creative side through music and movement. Even though I am home during the summer, I find it very important for her to be able to socialize and be around her peers as much as possible. With all her activities, I have noticed Kylie’s personality blossom from being around her peers inside and outside of school, dance and gymnastics class. She has definitely become a little social butterfly, always eager to play and meet with her friends. One thing that I find equally important is finding the right balance in teaching her that playdates are not an everyday thing. Kylie had to learn that there will be times when we aren’t going anywhere and that staying home, playing with her toys alone, without friends, is OK as well. As I stated before, Kylie is very busy and wants to be engaged often. Those are the days when it gets a little tough, especially when I have to run errands or I’m cleaning, cooking, and/or doing laundry. This is when the iPad comes out. As a teacher, it is pretty much embedded in me to have academic engagement as much as possible throughout the summer. There are several websites that engage a child without them even realizing that they are “learning” while having fun. A great source is your child’s school website under “student links.” Here are a few more websites your child might love: » sfskids.org » seussville.com » pbskids.org » crayola.com/kids-playzone.aspx » starfall.com » ecokids.com » nationalgeographic.com » scholastic.com » abcya.com » duckduckmoose.com » getepic.com » storylineonline.net Lastly, if you are unsure about what to help your child with academically over the summer, you can always get reading and math workbooks in the grade level that they just completed. Or if your child needs to be challenged, get a practice workbook on the grade that they will be entering the upcoming school year.
dining out »
Jean Le Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by The News-Press. Jean Le Boeuf recommends this restaurant for families. Follow the critic at facebook.com/ jeanleboeufswfl or @JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.
FAST-CASUAL THAT’S A STEP ABOVE Newk’s Eatery is a slightly more elevated version of Panera, McAlister’s or a Jason’s Deli.
T
he national chain debuted its first Southwest Florida location in early March at the new strip mall off Naples Boulevard in front of the Hollywood 20 movie theater. Local franchisees Rebecca Fuller and her husband, Jeff Verbois, fell in love with the brand’s scratch-made, Southerninspired recipes, and so far seemed to have found a market for it in North Naples. The fast-casual restaurant has been pretty busy during my visits. At lunch, women dressed business casual fetch their online orders from a shelf near the door. In the evenings, families crowd around one of the big corner booths, children plucking at little pepperoni pizzas. Diners place orders at one of two counters at Newk’s, and employees quickly deliver meals on a tray to the table. At the center of the room is a “gourmet” table with complimentary vats of sweet pickles, garlicky housemade croutons and roasted garlic. The centerpiece of the place, though, is the expansive, open-concept kitchen. Newk’s prides itself on made-fresh ingredients. Chicken and other meats for the restaurant’s personal-sized pizzas, salads and sandwiches are shipped
Newk’s Eatery
» Location: 6340 Naples Blvd., North Naples » Price: under $10 to $15 » Phone: 239-230-2310 » Online: newks.com » Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday » Noise level: Low » Etc.: Online ordering and pick-up available
raw, marinated on site and grilled to order. Food isn’t fried, microwaved or warmed in a quick-zap oven. My guess is that it’s all an effort to buck the cookie-cutter sameness of most franchised delis. But, if I’m being honest, it’s hard to set it apart from the others that have come before it. If I had to sum up Newk’s in a few words, I’d call it a slightly elevated version of a McAlister’s Deli or Panera Bread or Jason’s Deli. It makes a little more sense once you realize that the family who started Newk’s in 2004, is the same one who started McAlister’s. Everything is good. Fine. Alright. A turkey avocado sandwich is pretty ho-hum, with avocado that tastes a little stale and plastic-y. Its chicken salad is pocked with sliced grapes, pecans and red onion. The sandwich bread, though, is nicely crusted on the outside and
earthen and soft on the inside, a satisfying busted crease down its middle. Newk’s personal-sized pizzas are made with semolina flour and pressed thin. The crusts bubble up nicely in the oven till blistered with just a little char. One of its signature pies is the Newk’s Q, topped with sliced, flame-grilled chicken breast echoing with a hint of smoke, crumbled bacon, tomatoes and jalapeno rounds. A creamy smear of white barbecue sauce underneath binds it all together, along with a mass of melted mozzarella and provolone. Priced around $8 or $9, it’s not a bad way to go. The salads are massive. I enjoyed the black and bleu, with its shavings of petit tenderloin steak grilled till just mediumrare, a buttery smooth chew with each crunch of green. It’s also tossed with nutty Gorgonzola, pecans, grape tomatoes and red onion. Newk’s staff is friendly but still new and working through the kinks. I nearly befuddled one employee when I wanted to order a salad that wasn’t on the “pick two” list, but still wanted a cup of gumbo soup. And with such an open kitchen, the kinks are put on full display here. I overheard at least one shrill reminder from the kitchen to “Wash your hands!” (Yes, please do that.)
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 21
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kid stuff »
LEARNING
GETTYIMAGES.COM
TO
SWIM
Free water safety lessons aim to help prevent child drownings. BY ANDREA STETSON
very hour of every day, more than 40 people lose their lives to drowning, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 10 people die a day from unintentional drowning — two being children ages 14 or younger. Florida, with all its swimming pools and coastline, leads the nation. Drowning is the leading cause of death
among children ages 1-4 in Florida — and in Lee and Collier counties — according to the Florida Department of Health. The statistics are sobering, but the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition wants to change that with its Swim Central program, which gives free swim lessons to preschool children in low-income areas. The two-week class, five days a week, 30 minutes a day, is aimed at giving these youngsters enough information to save themselves from drowning. The classes are organized through preschools, but any individual child with special needs can also get the free swim safety classes.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 23
« kid stuff (continued)
The coalition’s executive director, Paula DiGrigoli, says the classes have six main goals, to teach children: » Never swim alone (and the “Call for help; throw, don’t go” philosophy) » How to enter the water by jumping in » Forward progressive arm stroke » Back float for three seconds » Jump in, turn around and kick or stroke to the wall » Exit water using the ladder, steps or side. Since the program began in Collier County in March 2012, more than 6,300 children ages 3-6 have participated. A $45,240 grant from the Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, pays for the lessons and transportation from the preschools to the pools. Children with special needs come with their parents, who need to provide their own transportation. All classes are taught by certified water safety instructors and lifeguards. “We pay for the buses, and the teachers come with the children,” Paula says. “It costs nothing for the families or the schools.” To find out if your Preschoolers are taught in a child’s preschool small group setting. Children with qualifies for the special needs get one-to-one instrucswim program or tion. to sign up a child On a recent morning, 56 with special needs, contact NCH Safe & preschoolers from the Child Healthy Children’s Development Center at Gulf Coast Coalition Executive Charter Academy South arrived at Director Paula the River Park pool. Misty Doyle, DiGrigoli at 239director of the center, says it is a 624-4033. much-needed experience for her students. “The area we live in, there is water everywhere,” Misty says. “We need them to know what to do when they are around water. The majority of them did not know how to swim when they came here. We have some that have never been to the pool before, never been to the beach. Many of them have parents that are afraid of the water. So this is helpful for both the parent and the child.” The program stresses water safety, Paula explains. She says most of the children do learn to swim to the wall and get themselves out of the water. For the few who don’t, she says at least they learn the importance of never going in the water without an adult. “They are not going to be Michael Phelps, but they will hopefully understand the concept,” Paula says.
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24 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
teens »
EXPLORING CHOICES
T
Program at the Gargiulo center shows teens and tweens career possibilities. BY ANDREA STETSON
here are many future opportunities for the teenagers and preteens who spend their afternoons at the Gargiulo Education Center in North Naples, but most of them had no idea. Until recent years, the center focused solely on homework help for the children of migrant workers, along with some enrichment education. Then Mary Asta came along. “I found that they are not exposed to any elements of trades besides field work or factory work,” the executive director says. “And their confidence level was low. I want them to have confidence.” She started with the simple
things, like teaching them how to politely greet people. She moved on to making them comfortable with things beyond their experience. “They didn’t know what a dishwasher was,” Mary says. When she invited a group of students to her home to prepare a turkey dinner, she was surprised to discover they had never seen a dishwasher. The first time they tried to clean up, they piled the dishes one on top of the other. “I showed them how to load a dishwasher,” Mary describes. “They said they will never have one, and I said, ‘Yes you will.’ These are simple things, just to make them feel comfortable in all environments.” Now Mary aims to show them
future job opportunities. She has taken students to the Cypress Woods County Club to learn about hospitality. They are working with a chef at Juniper Village at Naples to learn about food services. They visited The Ritz-Carlton to learn about being a pastry chef. “I have taken them to the recycling plant and the landfill, so they learned about recycling as well as the jobs there and what is entailed to get the jobs,” she says. “I want them to see what business is about and how much money you can make and what it takes to do each job.” The students met the activities director of Juniper Village to learn about her job, too.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 25
« teens (continued)
Summer Arts Camps Music, Theatre, Visual Arts & More!
June 17th - July 19th ~ 9am - 4pm. @ Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School
(centrally located, just south of Colonial Blvd. off Six Mile Cypress)
NP-0000971188
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www.music-foundation.org
Offering music and arts programs to the young people of SW Florida since 1991
26 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
“I want them to see you can do whatever you want to do,” Donna Silva says. “There are so many opportunities out there. When you go home, you know each day you made an impact on someone’s life.” Recently Mary took the students to Florida Gulf Coast University. “We had a tour of the school, and we learned the buildings and the departments and the careers,” says Evelyn Martinez, 15. “They were just telling us what is expected in college and how life is in college.” Evelyn says all these real-life tours and trainings have helped broaden her outlook of the future. “I think it will help us, because it will give us an idea of what we might want to do,” she says. Yuliana Cruz, 15, wants to be a dentist, so Mary plans to arrange a tour and informational session with a local dentist. “We get to learn new things and that can give us ideas of what we would like to do in the future,” Yuliana says. The teens are also getting a taste of the working world. They are part of an entrepreneur apprenticeship program that prepares students for careers. “They had to go through a very strenuous application process, drug testing and training,” Mary says. Now several of the students have after-school jobs at the migrant education center where they earn $10.50 an hour. Mary is also giving life experiences to the preteens. “I started the junior committee,” Mary says. “It was initially started when I saw four girls, who were incredibly bright, getting into mischief. I wanted to turn it into a positive. So I started a committee.” The committee at Gargiulo organizes events such as a Mother’s Day luncheon, end of school year celebration, field trips and other activities. “They planned a massive Mother’s Day party,” Mary says. “From start to finish, they budgeted, came up with ideas, had to raise the money, request food from Mediterra. They planned all the decorations, Googled everything to find out what everything cost, did comparative shopping. The junior committee is tremendously committed.” The older teens, like Elver Alonso, 15, help run the committee. “I help with the voting of who will be on the committee,” he says. “I look for people who work hard.” Mary has more grand ideas for future adventures to showcase different careers. She plans to work with the Young Eagles, a program by the U.S. Experimental Aircraft Association, to show the students careers in aviation. She just started working with Everglades Wonder Gardens to explore careers in animal and plant care, and she is always looking for more ways to show her students the possibilities for the future. “We want them to know they are deserving and they have choices, and there are a lot of choices,” Mary says.
mending minds »
After suicide attempt, teen finds help and fairy-tale ending
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
‘Do you know the rose in the ‘Beauty and the Beast’? It’s like that.’ STORY BY JANINE ZEITLIN
Lizandra gives her presentation on why she should be selected for PACE Day at the Capitol at PACE Center for Girls in Fort Myers. Lizandra has become a leader and mentor to younger students since coming to PACE.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Lizandra’s story is part of an occasional series by The News-Press and Naples Daily News on children’s mental health in Southwest Florida. The journalists’ investigations reveal a crisis in our region — possibly the worst in the nation — with numbers of children needing help on the rise. See the full Mending Minds project at mendingminds.news-press.com as the team continues coverage of the issue and explores solutions. The journalists also welcome families to share their own stories to highlight the importance of this topic.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 27
« mending minds (continued)
izandra studied the paper on her desk, but her mind was not on freshman math. She was thinking of ways to commit suicide. Maybe she could use scissors. A pencil. A knife. Later she searched online for information on the antidepressant she was taking; she has forgotten the name, there were so many. She read that suicidal thoughts could be a side effect and wondered, Why would they give me this? At her next appointment at SalusCare, Lee County’s safety net mental health provider, she mentioned the thoughts. The provider switched her medication, she says, and gave her another that made her feel drugged up. “I didn’t feel like myself,” says Lizandra, now 18. “They made me take so many different ones.” Since middle school, the North Fort Myers teen had taken medication and received counseling a few times a month. Yet, she didn’t start healing until arriving at the PACE Center for Girls in Lee County, an academic and counseling program where she thrived. “I actually have dreams and inspiration, and I never had that,” Lizandra says. PACE requested her last name not be used because of the mental health information she provided. For years, Lizandra was bullied in middle school. She blamed herself for her parents’ split. She struggled with a learning disability. A physician referred her to SalusCare, where she was put on medication. “When I went to SalusCare, the vibe was so not good. I didn’t like it because I felt like I was a nutcase because all the people there. This one dude, he was trying to get close to me, and I was like, 'I
28 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Lizandra went to the PACE Center for Girls after struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.
“I actually have dreams and inspiration, and I never had that." — LIZANDRA
feel very uncomfortable right now.’” She saw a counselor a few times a month but then stopped. “It wasn’t really helping. Then she had to move,” she says. “They put me with this other person … and I was like, ‘No, I’m not talking to this person. I don’t feel comfortable.’” Her depression deepened during her first year at Island Coast High School in Cape Coral. At one point, she asked to see a freshman counselor and was sent to find another counselor at lunch only to talk to that counselor a few minutes. She ended up calling her grandfather to pick her up from school. That year, she began drinking, smoking and skipping school. At one point, she took ibuprofen to try to kill herself. “I went to sleep, and I woke up and was like, ‘Damn, I’m still here.’”
An Island Coast official suggested PACE; she began attending in 2017. Early on, Lizandra told a PACE counselor she wanted to ease off medication. “We would never really advise someone to get off medication, but she felt like she was getting enough support that ultimately that was an OK choice for her,” says Kendra Pugh, Lee PACE’s social services coordinator. Outside PACE, Lizandra felt the focus was on medicating rather than healing. “They kept medicating her, but they could not get to anywhere close in the counseling to come to the core of the issues she was having to deal with and the trauma,” says Meg Geltner, Lee PACE’s executive director. “And that’s very typical. We see that a lot here.” “All the time,” Pugh adds.
PHOTOS BY AMANDA INSCORE
Lizandra and her classmates at the PACE Center for Girls do a spokenword performance at the Grande Dames Tea at Broadway Palm dinner theater in Fort Myers.
“All the time,” Geltner repeats. With limited mental health providers accepting insurance and Medicaid, access to quality and intensive outpatient treatment can be difficult. “Access to care is the biggest gap that we have. That can be too long of wait lists at one agency; it can be lack of transportation,” Pugh says. “I’ve heard of families having to wait months for an appointment, and then the car breaks down on the way to the appointment, and then they’ve lost that appointment for another three to four months.” “We’re not knocking any other agency. I think it’s just what the state of it is there’s a lot of people who need the services and there’s very few options for services.” At PACE, girls are assigned an onsite counselor. If girls request to see their counselor, they’ll likely see that counselor
the same day or they can talk to another counselor on staff, PACE officials say. “We allocate the time needed to address the things that need to be addressed,” Pugh says. “It’s not rare to see a girl multiple times a week.” Lizandra quickly warmed to PACE, where counseling helped get to the root of her depression. She took a long break from social media, cut toxic friendships from her life, and focused on herself. Her attendance is more than 85 percent, she has A’s and B’s, and a part-time job at a dollar store. She’s thinking about a career as a pediatric oncology nurse. “I felt like a wilted rose before,” Lizandra says. Now she feels strong and beautiful; it’s a fairy-tale ending. “Do you know the rose in the ‘Beauty and the Beast’? It’s like that.”
Share your story If you or a child you love has been affected by mental illness, reach out to the journalists of the Mending Minds project at http:// bit.ly/2Q8uRdh.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 29
» spotlight
LEADING THE PACK Dad Joe Mitchell and the Watch D.O.G.S. are having a big impact by volunteering at numerous Southwest Florida schools. BY ANDREA STETSON
PHOTO BY ANDREA STETSON
30 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
P
arent Teacher you are with the kids, the better Organization role models they will become.” meetings are For Joe, in Lee County, it usually attended started with a quest to help his by moms. Many son. elementary classrooms have “It was purely out of wora designated classroom rying about our kids going mom. They are there for into a big school after leaving field trips, lunch and voluna little religious preschool up teering. Yet dads can be just the road,” he says. “We saw as active. how big it was and thought we The perception that would be there for our kids.” school volunteering is just When his children moved for moms is something Fort to Cypress Lake Middle School, Myers dad Joe Mitchell is he added the program there. trying to change. Jose Perez, right, enjoys helping at Highlands Elementary “When I first started at School in Immokalee where his grandchildren attend school. In 2010, when his oldest Heights, the principal there child started school, he foundsaid she had 900 students and half ed a Watch D.O.G.S. chapter at Heights tion have launched local programs. of them don’t have a dad in their life, Elementary School. Since then he’s Watch D.O.G.S. aren’t just dads. which totally floored me,” Joe says. helped create Watch D.O.G.S. groups at They are grandfathers, uncles, stepfaSoon he had 120 dads sign up to 14 schools in Lee County. And it’s not thers and other father figures who give help at Heights Elementary, becoming just elementary schools. He helped fostheir time to volunteer in schools and role models for all the children there. ter the program at three middle schools mentor children and teenagers. “People started talking about Watch and one high school. In Collier County, Jose Perez is D.O.G.S., and I got contacted by other “My goal is to have it in all the part of Watch D.O.G.S. at Highlands schools,” he explains. schools,” Joe says. Elementary School, where his grandNow the program is at Heights, The acronym D.O.G.S. stands for children attend. Treeline, Allen Park, Edison Park, San Dads of Great Students. It is one of the “Me working all the time when my Carlos Park, Cape, Pelican, Tanglenation’s largest school-based, family and kids were young, I never had the opwood, Rayma C. Page and Gulf elcommunity engagement organizations portunity to do this,” Jose says. “Now I ementary schools, Cypress Lake, Varsity in the country. Since it began in 1998, do. We are role modeling the togetherLakes and Lexington middle schools more than 6,450 schools around the na- ness of the family. The more in touch and South Fort Myers High School.
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
» saftey (continued)
Joe Mitchell with daughter Finley and son Stellen.
Joe says it helped that he is on the board of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and was able to convince the chamber to pay the $400 to $500 startup costs. The one-time fee pays for a kit that includes a training video, calendar, T-shirts and other materials.
“The chamber offered to pay for it, and I offered to go to the schools to start it up and then find a couple of dads to take it on,” Joe says. “We have been pretty successful.” Joe also campaigned for the program to move into middle and high schools. “Everybody in elementary said this is
great, but it will never go further than elementary,” Joe says. “But it continued. We filled the library and filled the cafeteria with dads.” The chores might be different at the middle and high schools, but the idea is the same: being there for kids who need a father figure.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 31
Joe recalls helping a boy get his first A by encouraging him to learn map skills. He remembers helping an angry middle school student who was in detention learn that there was more to life than watching YouTube, and the boy joined the track team. “Some of the teachers have grabbed me and put me in the detention room because the kids will talk to me when they won’t talk to the administrators there,” Joe says. “I just talk to the kids. We talk about what do you do on the weekend, how to get along with other kids, how to get kids to like them, how to get girls to like them and all the things they need and don’t have dads there to help them. The things they talk to you about are priceless. “It is nice to have the kids ask me questions and open up to me. I am not the administration, and I am not their parent. I became a sounding board for what is going on in their middle school transition. We are here for all the kids.” Kelly Maniscalco, principal at Cypress Lake Middle School, loves having Watch D.O.G.S. at her school. “They come at a drop of a notice,” she says. “The biggest thing is just their presence. He (Joe) is the best dad I ever had at this school.” Laura Mendicino, principal of Highlands Elementary School in Immokalee, also appreciates the program. She has nine Watch D.O.G.S. at her school. “It’s about providing a male role model for the whole school,” she says. “It just increases the parent involvement and awareness of the social environment of their student. Those habits translate to the home. The parents are actually playing and having fun with their kids. They are not on their devices. We just want to connect them, so they have conversations. That male role model piece is a big part of growing up.” At Highlands, the dads commit to
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PHOTO BY ANDREA STETSON
» spotlight (continued)
Joe Mitchell eats lunch at Cypress Lake Middle School with his children, Finley, right, and Stellen, and Stellen’s friend Alivia Mehalik.
spending one full day at the school and then to volunteering at events such as field day, before-school activities and in classrooms. “Making those relationships beyond their dad is so important,” Laura says. “It is for all the boys to connect with another role model.” “I have been trying to help as much as I can,” says Jorge Ramirez, a Watch D.O.G.S. member at Highlands. “It’s just for them to see a parent there. I know when I was in school my parents were laborers, so it was very hard for them to be around school and go to any activities. Knowing that, I try to help my daughter. I try to be there.” “This is a support system,” adds David Castro, who is also a Watch D.O.G.S member at Highlands. “It is just being here to show up and support the kids. The point of being a Watch D.O.G.S. is you see the kids light up when they see a parent in school. It helps the other kids when they see someone caring about the kids.” Noah Smith, 11, a fifth-grader, at Highlands agrees. “They show up, and just the fact that they are here and they play with the kids is great,” he says. “They support the
kids.” Even the children of Watch D.O.G.S. enjoy having their dads on campus. Stellen and Finley Mitchell have grown up with their dad volunteering at their schools. “It makes me feel safer,” Stellen, an eighth-grader, says. “I like being able to see him help other kids and interact with other people. I also like that he helps other kids that don’t have the same opportunities to be parented.” “I like it because it makes you feel safer,” Finley, a sixth-grader, adds. “It makes you feel more comfortable. It’s nice to have parents help.” That’s why Joe wants this program in all the schools. “When they see you here, they know this is important,” Joe explains. Joe is the incoming chairman of the education foundation at the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and wants to use this position to expand the program. “I was asked what my mission will be when I become chairman in July,” he says. “I want to move this program to every school in the district. This is the easiest job ever. All you have to do is show up.”
cover story »
50
Hop on the bus, Gus. Make a new plan, Stan. And get yourself free. We’ve got a vacation bucket list of thrills and activities to keep you hopping all summer long — and they’re all just a short drive away. BY JENNIFER THOMAS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 33
« cover story (continued)
s you map out your family’s summer explorations, we’ve got 50 options to put you all in vacation mode. From thrill to chill, Orlando to Naples and Tampa to Miami, there are nearly endless options to keep the summer sun from setting on your fun. Our list starts in Orlando and ends on a high note.
1.
Slide into summer.
Aquatica Orlando recently unveiled KareKare Curl, a two-person highadrenaline, weightless adventure slide. Just last summer, the park added its family thrill slide Ray Rush. Not to mention there are 47 slides to select from during your visit to this water wonderland. • Online: aquatica.com/orlando • Address: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando
2.
New Harry Potter thrills. Join Hagrid as you fly far beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opens June 13 at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Guests come face-to-face with Hagrid on their journey as his hyper-realistic animated figure tries to contain his beloved Blast-Ended Skrewt. The gentle half-giant guides guests through their adventure into the Forbidden Forest as they encounter some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures. • Online: universalorlando.com • Address: 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando
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3.
Stroll down Sesame Street. Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando features an award-winning parade, wet and dry play areas, rides and an interactive neighborhood. Play and learn with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby and all their furry friends. This new attraction even features Big Bird’s nest. Coinciding with Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to take a stroll down Sesame Street. • Online: seaworld. com/orlando • Address: 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
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Ka-chow! Start your engines. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. This new show experience invites guests into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” films as they become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen. • Online: disneyworld. disney.go.com/hollywood-studios • Address: 351 S. Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista
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It’s time to rock! At Orlando’s newest dinner show experience, enjoy performances from tribute artists as they channel the likes of Katy Perry, Prince and the King himself – Elvis! • Online: orlando-forum.com • Address: 6362 International Drive, Orlando
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Strike! Always a summer favorite is the Kids Bowl Free program, where all break long, kids can bowl two free games daily at participating locations (including HeadPinz in Naples, Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Beach Bowl & Billiards at Fort Myers Beach, Lehigh Lanes in Lehigh Acres and Bowland in Cape Coral). Before you go, check the individual venue for hours and age restrictions. Register at kidsbowlfree. com.
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Go outside. Studies say being outside improves mental health. Explore the Everglades National Park via boat to spot wildlife, including turtles, herons and alligators, and visit the mangrove estuary of the Ten Thousand Islands. No need to go all the way to Miami. The national park’s Gulf Coast Visitor Center is in Everglades City. • Online: nps.gov • Address: 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City
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Have paddleboard, will survive. How much of Sanibel have you explored? Teens adventure to the lesser-known places of the island by paddleboard in this Sanibel Sea School summer camp. The teens learn basic paddleboarding and survival skills in tire changing races, firestarting contests and shelter-building competitions. The group will also learn basic first aid and figure out how to find food and water in the wilderness. On Thursday night, they paddle to Picnic Island to put their new skills to the test — the conditions will be primitive, the bugs will be many, and the memories will be fantastic. For ages 13-18. Takes place June 10-14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an overnight camping trip on Thursday. Other camps are offered, including ones in the Keys and Belize. • Online: sanibelseaschool.org • Phone: 239-472-8585
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Soar through the trees. Visit The Canyons in Ocala for a nighttime zipline adventure. The moonlight adds to the experience. The express tour includes five zip lines and one rope bridge. Limited availability. • Online: zipthecanyons.com • Phone: 352-351-9477 • Address: 8045 N.W. Gainesville Road, Ocala
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Animal babies at Naples Zoo. Endangered clouded leopard kittens have made their public debut at the Naples Zoo. Jean and Janet were born February 22. The zoo is also celebrating the birth of a critically endangered eastern bongo calf named Bakari. • Online: napleszoo.org • Phone: 239-262-5409 • Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples
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Take me to the circus. Cirque du Soleil’s fan favorite “Corteo” makes its Southwest Florida debut July 17 at the Hertz Arena for a limited engagement though July 21. Corteo is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. Acts include Bouncing Beds, Chandeliers, Toumik, Duo-Straps and more. • Online: cirquedusoleil.com/corteo • Address: 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
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Camp in the Nature Park. In the Shell Factory & Nature Park’s Snores & Roars camping adventure, families get to stay the night in the nature park surrounded by animals and enjoy different activities. $39 per person (includes pizza, snacks and continental breakfast). Registration required. • Online: shellfactory.com • Phone: 239-995-2141 ext. 110 • Address: 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers
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Little nature explorers.
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Dance with wolves. Make your appointment to visit the Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center, which provides sanctuary and rehabilitation to unreleasable wild and captive-bred exotic animals, including wolves and wolfdogs. The Naples facility provides a permanent home to over 60 exotic residents and sometimes as many as 70 animals. • Online: shywolfsanctuary.org • Phone: 855749-9653
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On select Tuesdays and Thursdays, children from 18 months to 5 years old explore nature through handson activities in the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Little Explorers program. The kids enjoy activities, stories and crafts and get to interact with the Conservancy’s animal ambassadors. Any day the center is open, kids can play in the Little Explorer Play Zone inside the Ferguson Learning Lab, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Online: conservancy.org/littleexplorers • Phone: 239-262-0304 • Address: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples
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Resort day style. Through Resortpass.com, you can select from many resorts in Florida, including The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, for a day pass, allowing you access to the facilities for the day. Some offer a cabana pass, allowing more guests to join in on the fun. • Online: resortpass.com
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Beat the heat with a movie day. There is no shortage of big-screen entertainment for families with the premiers of “Aladdin,” “Toy Story 4,” “The Secret Life of Pets 2” and “The Lion King.” And we know how kids love to re-watch their favorite movies over and over to the point they can deliver the script verbatim. However, there’s nothing like watching on a large screen, and some local theaters are stepping up with free movies, including Paragon Theaters in Naples (10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 11 to August 8). Also watch for Regal’s $1 summer movie deal. • Online: paragontheaters. com/promotions and regmovies.com/static/en/ us/promotions/summermovie-express
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Fee. Fi. Fo. Fum. We smell a musical for everyone. Broadway Palm children’s theater presents “Jack and the Beanstalk” on select dates through June 14. This splendid spin on the classic tale tells the story of a young boy, Jack, who goes into town to sell his cow for money but instead trades the cow for magic beans. He plants the beans, and to his surprise, they grow a tall stalk. See what Jack discovers at the top of this giant beanstalk. All performances begin with a buffet at noon, and the show is at 1 p.m. Tickets are $19 for all ages and include buffet and show. • Online: broadwaypalm.com • Phone: 239-278-4422 • Address: 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers
monthly teen book club and summer movies, including “Black Panther,” “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” Several programs are available, including the Super Summer Science Show at the Naples Regional Branch Library on June 20. Collier’s program runs June 1 to August 9. • Lee libraries: leegov.com/library/ summer-reading-program • Collier libraries: collierlibrary.org
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“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...”
The big show this summer at the Broadway Palm is a “tale as old as time,” Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” June 20 through August 10. The Beast, Belle, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, Lumiere and more grace the stage with astonishing sets and costumes, and a spectacular score. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. There’s a summer special for ages 18 and younger: $20 tickets include show and buffet. Adult tickets are $45 to $70. • Online: broadwaypalm.com • Phone: 239-278-4422 • Address: 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers
The Gulf Coast Symphony is getting in on the Star Wars action, too, with its Star Wars: Summer Family Concert on June 23 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in south Fort Myers. It’s a great opportunity to introduce kids to a full orchestra performance. At 1 p.m. in the lobby, kids can try the instruments of the orchestra and meet the musicians in the Musical Discovery Zone, then at 2 p.m. it’s showtime for a concert featuring music from the Star Wars franchise. Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars characters. $15 for reserved orchestra-level seating, $10 open balcony seating. • Online: gulfcoastsymphony.org • Phone: 239-481-4849 • Address: 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers
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Be our guest.
Explore the galaxy. Lee and Collier county public libraries offer freebies and special events over summer to help kids of all ages learn and dive into other worlds through books. This year’s theme: A Universe of Stories. Lee County Library System’s program runs May 28 to August 10 (registration recommended for special events) and offers a free book to each participant. Collier County libraries feature a
May the Force be with you. Attend Jedi Training Day at the Immokalee Branch Library on June 20. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and train to be a Jedi: Complete padawan training, fight off stormtroopers, and if you make it, take a picture with Darth Vader or another favorite character. • Online: collierlibrary.org • Phone: 239-6572882
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Find a pearl of a getaway. Splurge on a stay at the Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach. From s’mores over beachside fire pits to ringing the sunset bell, pool movies and endless gulf views, this resort is a dream beach escape. It’s a beloved family hotspot with an educational kids’ club, Camp Ridley, where kids engage in activities, scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts that educate them about Florida wildlife and attractions. Families can enjoy programs together, too, like the resort’s kids’ yoga class where the whole family is invited to join and a to-go “Picnic in Paradise” experience where the chefs at the oceanfront Caretta on the Gulf prepare gourmet picnic baskets that can be taken to nearby parks, the beach or on a boat. Florida residents enjoy savings of up to 25% off. • Online: sandpearl.com • Phone: 866-384-2995 • Address: 500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach
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Winter and Hope. While in Clearwater, be sure to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rescue and rehabilitation center for marine animals such as dolphins, turtles and otters. It’s home to the stars of Warner Bros.’ “Dolphin Tale” and “Dolphin Tale 2.” Guests staying at the Sandpearl can select partner packages with the aquarium. There’s a kayaking eco-tour, sea life safari boat tour, stand-up paddleboard eco-tour, dolphin exploration tour, sunset celebration cruise and a dolphin trainer shadow experience. The resort also offers a Winter the Dolphin package that donates proceeds to the aquarium. Fun fact: Families might even get to see marine animals being released back to their marine home as it happens right on Sandpearl’s beach. • Online: seewinter.com • Phone: 727-441-1790 • Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater
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« cover story (continued)
24. Celebrate the Fourth with a bang. Fishermen’s Village, with its restaurants, boutiques, resort and marina, hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration. Admission and parking are free. The always popular Freedom Swim begins at 2 p.m. (start location to be determined) and ends at Harpoon Harry’s (call 941-661-5622 for more Freedom Swim details). Other festivities include live music starting at noon, kids’ crafts, face painting and food and drink specials. The fireworks display over Charlotte Harbor begins at 9 p.m. The King Fisher Fleet offers a fireworks cruise that departs at 7:30 p.m. and returns at 9:30. (For more places to see fireworks, visit swflparentchild.com.) • Online: fishville.com • Phone: 941-639-0969 for King Fisher Fleet reservations • Address: 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
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Run for patriotism. The Fourth of July also brings out several 5K and kids’ races. Check out the Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com) Freedom 5K and Kids’ Fun Run in Cape Coral (freedom5kcc.com). Elite Events has the USA Independence Day 5K at Hertz Arena (runeliteevents.com) and Gulf Coast Runners hosts Moe’s Firecracker 5K (gcrunner.org).
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Study the stars. Older kids and parents can learn about the features of the night sky, and then observe the moon and planets at the East County Regional Library on July 9 at 6 p.m. Presented by the Southwest Florida Astronomical Society. • Online: leegov.com/library/summerreading-program • Address: 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres.
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In search of art.
Natural beauty.
Unlike a museum, there’s spontaneity in coming across public art. For kids, murals and pop-up style art have become an Instagram fad for selfies. Several sculptures can be found around downtown Fort Myers, and in Sarasota, there’s the 26-foot tall “Unconditional Surrender” statue, also known as “The Kiss,” on the city’s bay front. Earlier this year, #MeToo was scrawled up one leg, making national headlines. While the graffiti has since been scrubbed from the statue, this piece of art lends an opportunity to learn about history and discuss current events.
A stroll through Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, an urban, bayfront oasis that showcases a living collection of rare and tropical plants, is breathtaking for all ages. Kids might particularly enjoy Ann Goldstein’s Children’s Rainforest Garden, one of the only outdoor, elevated rainforest displays in the world. It gives visitors a taste of what it must feel like to live in a tree canopy. Also, through June 30, there is the “Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise” exhibit, which features 10 of Paul Gauguin’s original dramatic woodcut prints and wood engravings, photographs showcasing Tahiti during the time of his travels, historic maps as well as visual materials that shaped his work. • Online: selby.org • Phone: 941-366-5731 • Address: 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota
28. Get away to Sarasota.
So close but feels so far away. Staying at the Gulf-front Lido Beach Resort, families can enjoy 300 feet of white sand with two Gulf-front pools (one for families and one for just mom and dad). Nearby, St. Armands Circle has shopping and dining. Guests also have access to a sailing excursion and scuba diving lessons. Ask about the resort’s Florida resident rate. • Online: lidobeachresort.com • Phone: 941388-2161 • Address: 700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota
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Find natural wonder in Naples, too. The Naples Botanical Garden offers a striking display of blooms and greenery. Its W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden program helps families explore the gardens with lessons and creative activities. It’s included with regular admission and begins at 10:30 a.m. daily. The theme changes each month.
cover story (continued) » In June, the focus is solar power. In July, it’s floating flora. Children will also enjoy the Vicky C. and David Byron Smith Children’s Garden, where kids can play on a splash pad, explore the Hidden Garden, see butterflies and climb through an elaborate tree house. • Online: naplesgarden.org • Phone: 239-643-7275 • Address: 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples
an arcade, bumper boats and more. • Online: zoomersfun.com • Address: 17455 Summerlin Road, south Fort Myers
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Summer snow?
Immerse yourself in marine life. The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium features more than 100 species of marine life, two touch tanks, a 135,000-gallon shark habitat, and throughout the summer, Mote hosts special events including World Oceans Day Family Festival (June 8), the Sarasota Lionfish Derby (July 1214) and Shark Days (August 4-10). Mote also offers summer camps, both onsite for campers entering grades K-8 and a Florida Keys overnight camp for campers entering grades 6-12. Kids ages 2-5, with an adult, can also join in on the ocean fun with the Shark Pups & Grownups program. • Online: mote.org • Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota • Phone: 941-388-4441
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Go car crazy. Do you have a car lover in your family? Visit the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and view an impressive variety of classic, exotic, European and muscle cars all on display side by side. More than 75 automobiles are there, including the world’s foremost automobile manufacturers, such as Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, DeLorean, Edsel and Ferrari. • Online: sarasotacarmuseum.org • Phone: 941-355-6228 • Address: 5500 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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The perfect summer getaway. The definition of summer just might be South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. From the Caribbean laidback atmosphere to vibrant sunsets, parasailing and dockside fishing to the new nightly s’mores offerings at fire pits at Harbourside Bar & Grill and Sunset Beach, this destination just sums up summer. • Online: southseas.com • Phone: 239-4725111 • Address: 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva
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Are you the next American Ninja Warrior?
At Zoomers, kids can get behind the wheel and zip around the track all day long. There are also kiddie amusement rides, two dining options, mini golf,
Lee County is home to American Ninja Warrior finalist and teacher Morgan “Moose” Wright. Junior obstacle warriors can put their skills to the test at Sky Zone on its new Ninja Warrior
Get behind the wheel.
Course testing strength, speed and agility. Complete with Warped Wall and other challenges, it’s time to take a favorite show to task. • Online: skyzone.com/fortmyers • Phone: 239-313-5448 • Address: 14181 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 140, south Fort Myers
Summer is not complete without an ice cold treat. Try one of the hundreds of flavors, including hidden menu items, at Pelican’s Snoballs. This tasty ball of snow is a smooth, creamy, flavorful concoction. A few favorites? Unicorn, Shark Attack, Butterfly Kiss, Butterbeer, Creamsicle, Carmel Apple, or if you’re brave, try Dill Pickle, Toothpaste or add the super sour to your desired flavor. • Online: pelicanssnoballs.com • Locations: 17260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; 4150 Hancock Bridge Parkway, Unit 32, North Fort Myers; 601 Williams Ave., Lehigh Acres, and 4045 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte.
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The mini golf classic. Southwest Florida is home to numerous miniature golf courses. Make it a goal to see how many you can play in one summer. One of the newest ones, Tropical Breeze Fun Park in Cape Coral claims to have the longest golf hole in the world and boasts an outdoor laser tag course. • Online: tropicalbreezefunpark.com • Phone: 239-574-3939 • Address: 234 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral
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Slide into fun. Southwest Florida is home to two water parks: Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral and SunN-Fun Lagoon in North Naples. New at Sun Splash this year: adults can enjoy up to two alcoholic beverages. At Sun-N-Fun, summer started with
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« cover story (continued) one of its slides closed, but that still leaves four fun options, like one that goes into the lazy river. • Sun Splash: sunsplashwaterpark.com • Sun-NFun: napleswaterpark.com
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A family staycation favorite. Staying at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, even if just for one night, is a favorite for its proximity to the beach and its water fun. There’s a lazy river, an adventure pool and four waterslides (there are height requirements). Recommended for families is the Bay Suite, spacious family accommodations that feature a king bedroom with sofa bed, living room with sofa bed, dining area, wet bar, two 65-inch smart TVs, two bathrooms, plus multiple balconies with sliding glass doors to take in the views of the coastline and golf course. Florida resident rates available with code CPFLR. • Online: hyattregencycoconutpoint.com • Phone: 239-444-1234 • Address: 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs
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Can you escape? Try your sleuth skills at Escape Room Adventures. Themes differ, so even if you have succeeded before, this adventure might be different. One of the rooms is Treasure of the Seven Keys. While the captain and crew are out scouting a nearby island, you and your team sneak on board a pirate ship in search of treasure. Can you solve the mystery and escape with the gold coins in less than 60 minutes? (Find additional escape rooms at swflparentchild.com.) • Online: escaperoomadventures.com/ fortmyers/#3 • Phone: 239-689-6979 • Address: 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 217, south Fort Myers
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Nature’s ghost and gems. Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary journeys into the heart of the Everglades ecosystem. Visitors
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can walk along Corkscrew’s 2.5-mile boardwalk through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, around a marsh, and finally into the largest old growth bald cypress forest in North America. You might even be able to see alligators, otters, white-tailed deer, red-bellied turtles and a variety of birds, including the wood stork. If you are lucky, you might also sight the elusive “ghost orchid.” Typical blooming months are June and July. • Online: corkscrew. audubon.org • Address: 375 Sanctuary Road W., Naples
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Play and learn. At the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, aka C’mon, kids learn all sorts of cool stuff while playing. This summer, kids are getting Hands-On Harley Davidson, an exhibit that explores engineering, acceleration, speed, friction and gravity. There’s even a first-person riding experience. Vrroom! • Online: cmon.org • Phone: 239-514-0084 • Address: 15080 Livingston Road, North Naples.
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Play in Paradise. The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort recently completed an extensive $320 million renovation and is ideally situated along the Gulf of Mexico on a 3-mile stretch of pristine sands. For those wishing to skip the sand, the multiple resort
pools serve as a refreshing oasis, including a main resort pool and a Tiki Fantasy kids’ pool complete with waterslide and waterfall. In the Tiki Tribe Discovery Day Camp, ages 5-12 learn about the natural ecosystem of the Ten Thousand Islands. The Sailing & Shelling experience (for ages 5 and older) provides a chance to spot American white pelicans, bald eagles, dolphins, manatees and other creatures. Older children and adults can enjoy the fast-paced 1½–hour guided WaveRunner adventure tour (for ages 15 and older) through the mangrove islands. New for kids, the resort recently debuted a complimentary “Empower! Kids and Teens” yoga program (ages 4 and older). Select teen yoga classes are held inside the spa’s yoga studio. • Online: jwmarco.com • Phone: 239394-2511 • Address: 400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
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Beach day. You live in Florida. Act like it. Take a day, or half a day, and go enjoy the beach. If your kids like finding shells, try Sanibel Island, especially near the lighthouse. If you like making sandcastles, try Fort Myers Beach. If you want some good ice cream and a beautiful sunset, go to Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva Island. For a natural experience, visit Lovers Key State Park. In Collier County, try Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
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Brush up on your history. Koreshan State Park in Estero, just south of Fort Myers, has an interesting past. It was home to the Koreshans, who believed that we do not live on the surface of Earth but rather in the center. Some of the buildings are still there — and the park is beautiful. On select dates, see a working engine from the time and taste Koreshan foods. Plus, you can rent kayaks and canoes for a reasonable rate. • Online: floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/koreshan-state-park • Phone: 239-992-0311 • Address: 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero
46. Learn how to cook. Kids can take a single session or a full summer camp at Little Chefs in Training in Fort Myers. It’s a fun way to learn an important life skill. • Online: littlechefsntraining. com • Phone: 239-362-2115 • Address: 10970 S. Cleveland Ave., Unit 103, Fort Myers
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Get on board. Housed in the restored 1927 Seaboard Air Line Railway depot, the Naples Depot Museum features a 1909 caboose and restored 1947 Budd Tavern observation car that you can climb into and explore. Photographs of trains from around the world will be on display through July 31. And it’s free. • Online: colliermuseums.org • Phone: 239261-6525 • Address: 1051 Fifth Ave. S., Naples
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Go wild in Miami. City of Fort Myers Recreation
Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoo in Florida. It’s so big that families often rent Safari Cycles to explore it all. Animals include African and Asian elephants, lions, camels, chimpanzee, the greater one-horned rhinoceros, zebras and more. The Summer Savings Pass gives you unlimited visits through September 30 and includes three other attractions. • Online: zoomiami.org • Address: 12400 S.W. 152nd St., Miami
“Bringing Our Community Together”
Fort Myers Skatium
• Learn to Skate Classes • Public Skating • Youth / Adult Hockey Leagues • Youth / Adult Indoor Sports
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A Universe of Magic: A Harry Potter Celebration. Leave your muggles behind and celebrate the end of summer in magical style July 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cape Coral Lee County Public Library in Southwest Cape. Spend some time in this fictional universe through crafts, games and other activities, including sorting, wandmaking and potions. Registration requested as space is limited. All activities are while supplies last. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Public Library. • Online: leegov.com/library/summerreading-program • Address: 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral.
Aquatic Center
• • • •
Private Swim Lessons Two Pools Open Year Round New lower prices Heated Pools
Athletics & Outdoor Sports
• Outdoor Sports • Co-Ed Youth / Adult Soccer • Women’s Soccer • Volleyball Rental League • Coed 7v7 Soccer
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• Women’s 7v7 Soccer
End summer on a high note.
• 9+ Sand Volleyball Leagues • Softball Leagues • Field Rentals
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened Tigris, a triple-launch steel roller coaster, just in time for summer fun. Tigris catapults riders through an exhilarating array of looping twists with forward and backward motion, breathtaking drops, a 150-foot skyward surge and an inverted heartline roll, reaching a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour. Tigris takes claim as the tallest launch coaster in Florida. • Online: buschgardens.com/tampa • Address: 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa
For more information on all activities contact us at: • Fort Myers Skatium (239) 321-7509 • Aquatic Center (239) 321-7556 NP-0000965591
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• Athletics & Outdoor Sports 239-321-7514
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« things to do
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To the moon! At 9:32 a.m. July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launched for its historic mission to the moon.
Who all went? The Apollo 11 astronauts:
Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins
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ou’re likely to hear a lot about space this summer. There’s a big 50th anniversary coming up: the first time humans set foot on the moon. To celebrate the Apollo 11 mission’s golden anniversary, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and other organizations are celebrating big. There’s a lot to celebrate; after all, the center is expected to send astronauts into space again very soon, like this year.
Chase the moon in SWFL
The Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, or MOSI as it’s more commonly known, is celebrating Apollo’s 50th with a new exhibit called One Small Step, The Exhibition. Get details at mosi.org.
The Next Giant Leap The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex near Cocoa Beach is celebrating with lots of big events:
JUNE 8: “Picturing Apollo 11: Rare Views and Undiscovered Moments” book signing event JULY 15: KSCVC unveils renovations to its Apollo/Saturn V Center. This part of the complex explores the Apollo program from the first launch to the landings on the moon. JULY 16: At exactly 9:32 a.m., relive the excitement of watching Apollo 11 lift off through the launch sequence replayed in real time. JULY 20: The visitor complex honors man’s first steps on the moon with a special event.
JULY 24: The Apollo astronauts returned with a
splash into the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. The KSC Visitor Complex hosts “Splashdown” in the Rocket Garden on July 24, 2019. Plus, there are several community events this summer celebrating the anniversary, including an Astronaut Parade & Street Party on July 13 in Cocoa Beach. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. The street party is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You probably know that commercial companies have been carting cargo to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Center for a while now. But did you know that SpaceX is gearing up to send people? The first mission to launch astronauts from U.S. soil since the shuttle program was shut down in 2011 is expected soon. The March 2019 splashdown of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon was one step in getting ready for this. The manned mission date is to be determined. In the meantime, here’s what is on the launch schedule:
JUNE 22: The SpaceX Falcon Heavy goes on a mission for the U.S. Department of Defense. AUGUST 2019: The United
Launch Alliance plans to send the Boeing Starliner aboard an Atlas V rocket in test flight without a crew. This launch is in preparation of human spaceflight returning to Florida.
How far is that? The Kennedy Space Center is about 200 miles from downtown Fort Myers. That’s about a 3-hour, 35-minute drive (taking U.S. 17 to I-4). Add another 10-15 minutes if you take I-75 to I-4, or considerably more time on launch days. If you’re going to the moon, that’s farther yet: about 240,000 miles.
It’s a go Get details at kennedyspacecenter. com/landing-pages/apollo-50th.
Take off at C’mon
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
MOSI launches new exhibit
Are there any launches during the celebration? — Neil Armstrong as he lowered onto the surface of the moon, July 20, 1969.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, WGCU is presenting a screening of Ready Jet Go! “One Small Step” for the smallest space explorers. Watch the new program, then Florida Gulf Coast University professor Derek Buzasi, who is a fan of stars, the solar system and the cosmos, will provide a fun presentation for the kids. The screening is in Room 214 of FGCU’s Cohen Center from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22. Seating is limited; reserve a spot at wgcu.org/events. Also, a new app features Jet and friends and lets kids explore the cosmos as well. Go to pbskids.org/readyjetgo.
kUp o o L # ennedy
The K enter C Space mplex r Co oice Visito of ch g a t h has
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples celebrates Apollo 11 on July 20 with science experiments, space travel challenges and lunar lingo. Get details at cmon.org.
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» safety corner L AUR IE GIOR DA NO
Heat kills
I
Make sure you and your child’s school know how to treat heat stroke. It’s vital to saving lives.
t was June 29, and the heat and humidity that descends on Southwest Florida had intensified, making it muggy and hot, even early in the morning. I drove my 16-year-old son Zach to the football workout at his high school and made sure he had the gallon water jug he was known for carrying every day at school and practice. I said, “Love you!” He said, “Love you, too,” and he was gone. His long legs carried his 6-foot, 4-inch, 300-pound frame down the sidewalk and into the locker room entrance in just a handful of steps. When I returned to pick him up, I waited in my car for about 10 minutes, then a player knocked on my window saying, “Zach’s down. We can’t get him up.” Figuring he had a leg cramp, I headed toward the field, a little amused by the thought of me trying to get my giant son to the car. Then I saw him. The chaotic noise disappeared, and time slowed to a crawl. Zach was not just down; he was dying right in front of me. By the time the ambulance arrived, I was terrified and angry, still not knowing what caused my strong, healthy son to become completely
helpless and unresponsive. An ER doctor informed me and my husband that our son had suffered Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS), the deadliest version of Exertional Heat Illness (EHI). He fought so hard to survive, but the injuries to his organs were too severe. Zach died 10 days later. Through my grief, I learned EHI usually occurs in warm, humid temperatures and can lead to muscle cramps, fainting, vomiting and severe dehydration. EHS happens when a person’s core body temperature passes 104 degrees from physical activity that lasts too long without a break or is too intense. The brain loses the ability to regulate core temperature and it gets too hot, which can lead to multiple organ failure and death. EHS is the third leading cause of sudden death for high school athletes. A 2019 survey of Florida high schools by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability suggests EHI occurs hundreds of times per year. Fortunately, prevention and treatment of EHI is easy to learn and low cost with cold-water immersion. Use of this treatment results in 100% victim
Laurie Giordano is president of the Zach Martin Memorial Foundation & Heat Stroke Prevention, and mom to the nonprofit’s namesake.
44 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
survival of EHS, but it was not used to treat Zach’s heat stroke, even though a cold-water immersion tub and ice maker were a hundred feet away in the school’s locker room. This information simultaneously broke my heart and lit an inferno of frustration and anger. Zach’s death was preventable, but there were no mandatory heat safety policies for prevention or treatment of EHS. Efforts by us, combined with state and local committees to mandate safety in Florida high schools has been voted down the last two years, leaving them as “strongly suggested.” Zach’s nature was to protect others. Had he lived, Zach would certainly be an advocate for heat safety to prevent EHS deaths. Our family established the Zach Martin Memorial Foundation to do exactly that. However, parents must also insist schools adhere to heat safety best practices. To learn about heat safety and to see a 10-minute video demonstrating how to use cold-water immersion for EHS, please visit zachmartinfoundation.com to discover how you can be part of Zach’s legacy of protecting others.
Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org.
family album »
CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2019 » CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: South Fort Myers High School student Malcolm Ramsay celebrates graduating May 18 with principal Ed Mathews. • Brandon Lawrence laughs with principal Emily Pigott after their handshake at Southwest Florida Christian Academy’s graduation ceremony. • Fort Myers High School senior Ta’riahaya Fuller arrives for graduation on May 19. • Riverdale High School senior Travian Black celebrates as he walks across the stage at graduation May 19. • Gateway Charter High School’s Savanah Angel, center, celebrates graduating May 19. • Dunbar High School student Alexus Felton graduates May 18. • Gateway Charter High School’s Kevin Fuentes Cruz, right, celebrates graduating May 19. Photos by The News–Press photographers
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 45
« family album
RUN FOR BACKPACKS » Participants get ready for the Lipman Family Farms’ 5K Run for Backpacks on May 11 at Immokalee High
School. The event raises money for the Lipman Family Farms Backpack Giveaway and Back to School Event on August 3 at the high school.
EARTH DAY » Students at the Community School of Naples celebrated Earth Day all week long with projects. For example, on Monday, the Upper School Environmental Club brought the whole school together for the groundbreaking of the new butterfly garden. Photos provided by Community School of Naples 46 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
SAFE KIDS DAY » Families learned
about safety through fun activities at Safe Kids Day on April 27 at Page Field. Kids received free helmets, played games, got their faces painted and enjoyed food and music. At one point, all the mascots in attendance, including McGruff the Crime Dog, Smokey Bear, Stewie the Duck, and Sunny and Sparkle from the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, performed the “Baby Shark Dance” song with the Cape Coral Sharks cheerleaders.
THEY’RE GRRREAT » Students
meet Tony the Tiger at the Breakfast of Champions, where more than a dozen world-class champion athletes spoke words of encouragement to hundreds of Southwest Florida children April 26 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The Breakfast of Champions event was part of a series of fundraisers for Blessings in a Backpack SWFL, which provides food for students every weekend during the school year to supplement the free and reduced-price meals they receive at school during the week. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child
TAKE A BITE OUT OF HUNGER » While the kids had fun, Pediatric Dentistry of Florida collected 1,138 pounds of food for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida during the third annual touch-a-truck event April 27. This equates to 900 additional meals the food bank will be able to serve the Southwest Florida community. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 47
READY, SET, SMILE.
« family album
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MEETING THE DRAGON » Owen Pelegrino, right, meets Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat at the Fort Myers Miracle game April 20. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child Ft. Myers Cape Coral Naples
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DANCING CLASSROOMS » Students from eight Lee County elementary schools perform April 27 in Colors of the Rainbow, the finale event of the Dancing Classrooms program at the Miromar Design Center in Estero. Dancing Classrooms provides an opportunity for fifth-grade students to compete in various ballroom dance routines. Participating schools received 10 weeks of training from certified dance instructors. The event is presented by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. Photo by Kinfay Moroti
PHOTO SPECIAL TO SW FL PARENT & CHILD
travel »
A microgravity simulator at the Kennedy Space Center
Explorers WANTED STEM-based travel helps bridge the summer learning gap. STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS
T
here’s an adage that travel stirs the soul, but can it also stir the brain? “Learn to travel. Travel to learn,” says Robin Esrock, the travel writer, speaker and TV host who literally wrote the book on bucket lists (several, actually). While Robin’s quote is on point, kids who have been in school since August might desire carefree summer days and nights absent of school-day lessons. However, we as parents have heard of the “summer slide” — not one of the slides at a waterpark but that phenomena where kids’ academic skills often slide backward over summer break.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 49
« travel (continued)
As parents, we can entice our kids to learn while simultaneously having fun during break through STEM travel. There are several locations in Florida within a day’s drive — some in our own community — that focus on STEM learning. One of these places stimulates learning about technology and agriculture: the ECHO Global Farm in North Fort Myers.
Tech + agriculture = ECHO ECHO focuses on STEM education, because providing food, water and shelter is part of its global mission. “Activating the minds and hearts of children and students in Southwest Florida encourages a growth and development mindset to address challenges in our communities and around the world,” says ECHO spokesperson Danielle Flood. “On our tours, we want visitors to see what life is like for hundreds of millions across the globe and to challenge them to consider getting involved. Using what they are learning in their STEM classes, students can participate in resolving some of the challenges that make life difficult for our global neighbors.” ECHO tours highlight creative gardening techniques and simple technologies that improve lives around the world. “Appropriate technology (that’s a term for tech that’s small-scale and simple enough that anyone can do it) is specifically connected to STEM subjects, because creators use each of these subjects together to invent, test, evaluate and design solutions to current problems in our everyday lives, both here and around the world,” Danielle explains. “For example, each gallon of water weighs a little over 8 pounds. If a family of five needs at least 2 gallons per person per day for drinking and cooking, that’s 10 gallons of water per
50 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Ryder Hutto learns the mechanics of moving water at ECHO.
day. Now if we think about the weight of each of those gallons, 8 times 10 is 80 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to carry from a water source to a home each day.” Using STEM subjects, the staff at ECHO devises techniques to move water efficiently, reducing the burden on families to transport water for basic needs. “Visitors to ECHO will be immersed in similar real-world situations that allow families to learn, discuss and brainstorm ways to take action in our communities,” Danielle says.
Legoland ‘edutains’ with STEM There are several places in Florida where families can experience summer thrills with a STEM twist. Legoland Florida is one such place. In particular, the Imagination Zone is a creative space filled with engaging, hands-on Lego activities that, as they say, are #BuiltForKids. “Kids and adults alike can ignite their creative forces while building Lego cars, buildings and flying machines,” says Legoland spokesperson Shawn Mikus.
travel (continued) »
“There’s also a video game room complete with the latest Lego video games, a digital aquarium where guests can build Lego animals and display them on the virtual wall.” Legoland offers a variety of STEM activities for kids. One of the most popular is Mindstorms. “The Mindstorms incorporate the joy of building and creating with Lego bricks with modern technology and programming to help ‘edutain’ our young guests,” Shawn says. Legoland also works with schools in arranging STEM-based field trips to the park. “We love entertaining school groups that are interested in using Lego and Legoland to help introduce STEM fundamentals in a fun, positive environment,” Shawn adds. “Also, all Florida teachers are available to receive one free annual pass to explore the many different STEM-related offerings and activities available at Legoland Florida Resort.”
Space, the final frontier Less than a two-hour drive from Legoland, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex emphasizes STEM education, and kids are thrilled to visit and learn about space. “The activities in all of our education programs are designed to incorporate one or more of the STEM areas as they relate to the space program and the NASA story,” says education manager Dee Maynard. “Our Overnight Adventures and Salute to Science each have a hands-on engineering design challenge, and our multi-day camps include several engineering challenges.” The Astronaut Training Experi-
ence, or ATX, is new this year, along with the companion program Mars Base 1, which brings guests as close to training, living and working on the Red Planet as possible without leaving Earth. Programs range from 30- and 45-minute experiences to a few hours to two-, three- and five-day camps that provide an opportunity to participate based on interest level and specific educational needs. It’s recommended for ages 10 and older. When designing activities, Dee says the Kennedy Space Center aligns with national standards in science, technology and math. “Our focus in informal education is learning through experience,” she says. “Activities are designed to be fun so even kids who don’t like STEM in school can be inspired to explore these subjects further.” Dee advises kids to explore as many exhibits and shows as they can, since every exhibit is about space-related STEM. “We also have the Space Chase app with STEM quizzes for before, during and after the trip,” she says. To incorporate STEM learning over the summer, Cape Coral resident Madelyn Kish has traveled to the Kennedy Space Center many times with her husband and son Jared, 14. Madelyn says there’s a lot of hands-on learning at the center as well as talks with astronauts and videos of their time in space. “Atlantis is really cool. You get to see the space ship, and in the exhibit, there is so much to explore including a space shuttle simulator ride. That is probably Jared’s favorite thing to do,” she recalls. “Also included in admis-
sion is a ticket to the Astronaut Hall of Fame. So much history and all about any astronaut that went to space.” Jared attended the summer day camp, too, where the activities were hands-on. Madelyn recommends visitors try to plan a trip around a rocket launch, if possible. “Jared was very lucky and got to see it at the camp from the launch pad viewing,” Madelyn says. “We were staying in Cocoa Beach, and I swear it was just like we were right there. Definitely an experience I will never forget.” Another must-do for kids is the simulator ride. “It is so much fun and feels like a space shuttle into space,” she says. “A first-time visitor should not rush through it in one day. As small as it is, there is so much to see and do and experience. You can never see and do it all in one day.” This summer marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s historic mission to the moon in July 1969. “On July 16th, to commemorate the anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch, we are participating in an attempt to break the world record for air rocket launches. This activity can be done by anyone anywhere, and there are several different ways to build and launch an air rocket. The sign-up for the event is at www.rocketcenter.com/ worldlaunch,” Dee states. There are numerous other STEMrelated travel destinations to visit this summer. As historian Miriam Beard has said, “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” Take time and go explore!
Resources
• ECHO Global Farm, 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers; echonet.org; 239-543-3246 • Legoland, One Legoland Way, Winter Haven; legoland.com • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island; kennedyspacecenter.com; 855-433-4210
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 51
« around town
Deals for dad Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day often comes with special deals for the parent of honor. Pure Florida in Naples and Fort Myers, for example, offers dads a free cruise when sailing with a child. In Naples, regular adult admission is $39, and children’s admission is $19.50. In Fort Myers, it’s $32.50 and $16.25. For reservations, call 239-919-2965 in Fort Myers or 239-263-4949 in Naples. We’ll post more dad deals as we learn about them, online at swflparentchild.com.
Tap your toes at the Bluegrass Festival
'Beauty and the Beast' arrives for summer
Kids can’t help but tap their toes to bluegrass. Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda is holding its third annual Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, June 15. Families can enjoy food, games, prizes and children’s activities. The lineup: Southwind Bluegrass Band, Kindred Spirit, Florida Mountain Men and the Bugtussle Ramblers. Plus, there’s Jeff the Juggler and face painting by MaryRose. Get details at fishville.com or call 941-639-8721.
The big stage show this summer at the Broadway Palm dinner theater captivates hearts of all ages: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The show runs Wednesday through Sunday starting June 20 and wrapping up August 10. For ages 18 and younger, tickets are $20 and include show and buffet. Adult tickets are $45 to $70. Get details at broadwaypalm.com.
KIDS FREE FRIDAYS ARE BACK Every summer, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Environmental Learning Center in Naples gives kids free admission on Fridays. This year, it starts June 14 and runs through August. 2. Each week features a different theme, exhibits, crafts, stories, science lab, presentation and a feature film. Adult admission is $5 (free for members). Registration is encouraged. Get details at rookerybay.org.
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calendar »
PRESCHOOL & VPK
Saturday, June 1 Fishing Derby » 9 a.m. Naples Pier, 25 12th Ave. S., Naples. Free Scouting event sponsored by Rotary Club of Naples-Collier.
Naples Pride Festival » 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Celebrate diversity and unity in this all-inclusive, family-friendly event with entertainers, speakers, musicians, performers, vendors, exhibitors, kids’ activities, food and drinks. Headliner is Eureka O’Hara from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” $5 donation. 941-281-4817. naplespride.org “Peter Pan” Ballet Production » 2-4 p.m. North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts, 1856 Arts Way, North Fort Myers. Turning Pointe Dance Academy’s ballet troupe transforms this classic on stage. $15 for adults, $8 for ages 5-11, free for ages 4 and younger. turningpointedancetheatre.com
DANCE E ST RE FIRSS F A CL
Maranatha School of Dance & the Arts Recitals » 9:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Island Coast High School, 2125 De Navarra Parkway, Cape Coral. With an overall theme of “The Maker,” the evening show is a dance story recital featuring a retelling of “Pinocchio.” The three matinees showcase the studio’s younger students. Matinee show times: 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Evening dance story recital, 7 p.m. Tickets: $6-$20 available online. 239-7723309. maranathadance.com
Celebrating Since 1951
All Ages
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Summer Lessons Schedule • Monday through Thursday • Classes Start June 17th • June 25th • July 8th • July 15th • July 23rd • Classes run from 4pm - 8pm Summer Registration Now OPEN Spend The Summer With Us!
Jazz • Tap • Ballet • Lyrical • Hip Hop • Contemporary
Competition Team Auditions June 5th Toddler Song & Dance Combo classes for our younger dancers
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Sunday, June 2
TECHNIQUE AND CONDITIONING CLASSES, YOGA, ADULT BALLET
Baby & Me Storytime Featuring “Alphaprints: Colors” » 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers. Introducing the new Baby & Me Storytime for caregivers and ages 0-24 months, with stories and activities.
No Registration Fee! Pro-Rated Tuition 20% Family Discount
“Jack and the Beanstalk” » June 2, 6, 7, 8 and 14. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Noon lunch, 1 p.m. show June 2, 6-8 and 14. $19 all ages, includes lunch. 239-278-4422. broadwaypalm.com
Affordable tuition is our goal at G-Force
Royal Palm Square 1400 Colonial Blvd. • Suites 14 & 74 • Ft. Myers
239.288.6188 www.G-ForceDance.com
Online payment now available through PayPal for your convenience
Monday, June 3
RESALE & CONSIGNMENT
Gulf Coast MusiC suMMer strinGs CaMp
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party » 1-3 p.m. Cape Coral Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral. This is Cape’s kick-off to its summer reading program. Kids make a craft, take home a balloon creation and get a free book for signing up for the reading program. See websites for full calendar of kick-off events. leelibrary. librarymarket.com and collierlibrary.org
July 8-12, 2019
Violin, Viola, Cello
Beginners - Advanced Teens
Introduction to Violin Class for 4-5 yr olds
Chamber Music Program
Tuesday, June 4 Free Parent Conference to Focus on Homeschooling » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 4-6. Faith Lutheran Church, 4150 Goodlette Road N., Naples. Veteran home educators lead three days of training designed to inform and encourage parents who are homeschooling or are interested in homeschooling. The free conference is hosted by Classical Conversations, a classical education resource for Christian home-schoolers. The theme of the conference is “Returning to Roots and Reason: The Art of Mathematics.” While parents learn, their children can learn, too. Day camps are available for children of attendees. parentpracticum.com
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2019 » 53
« calendar Wednesday, June 5
Saturday, June 8
Awesome Astronomy for Families » 5:30-6:30 p.m. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples. All ages welcome. Registration required. 239-252-7542. collierlibrary.org
Naples Wear Orange » 9-10:30 a.m. Lowdermilk Park, 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. At the North Gazebo. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America hosts this event to show support of survivors and raise awareness of gun violence. There will be speakers, refreshments and a film project on the beach; the message will be spelled out and filmed by an overhead drone camera. Participants are encouraged to wear orange. RSVP to http://bit.ly/naples-wo. Also, donations of gently used car seats and strollers, diapers and toiletry items will be accepted for The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. wearorange.org
Manatee Program » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Manatee Talk Meet with a park naturalist. Reservations required. 239-463-4588. Reading in the Refuge Free Program » 10-11 a.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. Attendees of each free 45-minute reading-andcrafts session learn about a refuge animal and make a take-home craft related to it. Meet in the Visitor & Education Center classroom.
Thursday, June 6 Indigo Trail Walk Free Program » 10-11 a.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive Sanibel. Join refuge naturalists as they lead a free one-hour tour to the Wildlife Education Board to identify and discuss the ecosystem’s plants, mammals, birds and reptiles. For adults and children alike. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor & Education Center.
Friday, June 7 Family Beach Walk Free Program » 9-10 a.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. The one-hour free program convenes at Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island to explore the refuge’s gulf-front Perry Tract. City parking fees apply. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. Fireworks Friday with the Fort Myers Miracle » 7 p.m. Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers. Fireworks follow the game on select Fridays, June 7 and 28, July 5 and 26 and August 9 and 30. Tickets start at $8.50.
Snores & Roars » 6 p.m.-9 a.m. Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. Camp out in the nature park. $39 per person includes pizza, snack and continental breakfast, guided tour of the park with close animal encounters, and tents and chairs provided. Registration required. 239-995-2141 ext. 110 or slynch. shellfactory@gmail.com. shellfactory.com Southwest Florida Attractions Association Showcase » 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. See all there is to do in Southwest Florida. The Southwest Florida Attractions Association will feature more than 20 local attractions and hotels to show guests the fun the region has to offer, from family outings to romantic getaways. There will also be games, prize drawings and live music. Free admission, free parking. 941-639-8721. fishville.com SWFL SpaceCon » 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Araba Shrine Temple, 2010 Hanson St., Fort Myers. For all ages. Meet some of the actors from Power Rangers, Walking Dead and more. Plus meet guests from the comic book industry. There will be costume contests, table top gaming, Cosplay Lipsynching Battle, video game demos, game tournaments, vendors, celebrity Q&A’s and more. $15 for adults, $12 for those in costume or wearing an official SWFL SpaceCon shirt. swflspacecon.com Storytime and Activities Featuring “Moon’s First Friends: One Giant Leap for Friendship” » 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers. From high up in the sky, the Moon has spent her whole life watching Earth and hoping for someone to visit. When is it her turn? Join in for a story and activities and get a coupon from the Cafe for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4 (Cafe stores only). Check other Barnes & Noble locations for additional story times. Wildlife Wonders Free Program » 11-11:30 a.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. Refuge education staff lead this free 30-minute indoor program about the mysteries of manatees, alligators, crocodiles, horseshoe crabs, and birds in the Visitor & Education Center auditorium.
Sunday, June 9 Sea Turtles » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger to learn about the marine turtles that visit Lovers Key each summer. Reservations required. Included with regular admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. 239-463-4588.
54 » JUNE 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Baby & Me Storytime Featuring “Alphaprints: Sea Life” » 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers. A new Baby & Me Storytime for caregivers and ages 0-24 months, with stories and activities. World Oceans Day Celebration » 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.
calendar » Celebrate the world’s oceans with games and activities. Free with admission, $8 per vehicle of 2-8 people, $4 for singleoccupant vehicle, $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Monday, June 10
Road, Placida. Up to six participants board the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves’ 25-foot Triumph Windsorcraft vessel, take a short ride to the snorkel site, then don masks and snorkels to see firsthand the seagrass beds and other habitats marine creatures call home. Tickets are $30, parking is $5. fchap.org/events
Edison Ford Butterfly Count » 10 a.m.-noon. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is participating in the North American Butterfly Association’s Annual Butterfly Count. Volunteers are needed to help complete the survey. No butterfly experience necessary. Spotting groups will be a mix of beginners and advanced butterfly enthusiasts, and those with less experience can help by recording data or taking photos. Consider joining the local butterfly identification group to help practice your skills before the big day. Registration required before June 7 by calling 239-334-7419 and leaving a message for Britta. edisonford.org
Kids Free Fridays » Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Kids get free admission every Friday over summer, and each week features a different theme with exhibits, crafts, stories, science lab, presentation and a feature film. Adult admission is $5. rookerybay.org
Tuesday, June 11
Saturday, June 15
S.A.F.E. Girls » 6-8 p.m. Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. You are your own best defense. This class introduces a few basic self-defense moves that every woman, no matter her age, should know. The mother-daughter classes focus on the various situations a young lady may find herself in while developing her independence. For ages 13 and older; minors must be accompanied by an adult. 239-258-3280 or CommunityRelations@SheriffLeeFL.org. Western Night » 5-7 p.m. Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero. The new seasonal summer menu is going western. Enjoy a night of western fun with face painting and Too Tall Torrie. Also meet Henry the Holstein cow from Southern Fresh Farms.
Wednesday, June 12 Ask the Curator: Was Edison a gamer? » 11:30 a.m.-noon. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Join Exhibit Designer Megan Kissinger as she highlights some of the eras most popular board games, including Edison’s favorite. Included with admission. edisonfordwinterestates.org Budget Clinic » 3 p.m. Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services, 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers. Learn how to better manage your money. Participants receive a UF/IFAS Extension Money Management Calendar. Free. Next one is 5:30 p.m. June 26.
Thursday, June 13 CCCR’s Summer Networking Event: “Ready, Set, Grow” » 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Players Club and Spa at Lely Resort, 8060 Grand Lely Drive, Naples. Collier Child Care Resources welcomes the public to their summer networking event. $10. Includes two complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a raffle. Proceeds from the raffle benefit CCCR. collierchildcare.org/ network.
Friday, June 14 Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves’ Snorkeling Tour Ecoventure » 11 a.m. Gasparilla Marina, 15001 Gasparilla
Walk on the Wild Side » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger for a guided hike along Black Island Trail. Reservations required. Included with regular admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. 239-463-4588.
Bluegrass Festival » 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Live bluegrass, food, games, prizes and children’s activities. Free admission, free parking. 941-639-8721. fishville.com
Sunday, June 16 Festival of the Dance » 1 p.m. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Dance Bochette and Gulfcoast Dance hold their annual performance of student dancers and professional guest artists. 239-826-0346 for tickets, 239-3343274 for information. gulfcoastdance.org or dancebochette.com Free Father’s Day Cruise » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pure Florida in Naples and Fort Myers: In Naples at Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. So., Naples. In Fort Myers at the Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 W. First St., Fort Myers. Dads cruise free with a paid child admission. Naples cruises are regularly $39 for adults, $19.50 for children (cruises depart at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.). In Fort Myers, cruises are $32.50 for adults, $16.25 for children (cruises depart at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.). 239-919-2965 in Fort Myers, 239-263-4949 in Naples. purefl.com
Tuesday, June 18 Fishing Clinic » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park naturalist to learn a variety of tackle and fresh bait rigs, find out the best places to drop a line, and learn about the rules and regulations that pertain to game fishing in Southwest Florida. It’s designed for adults, but older kids might enjoy the clinic, too. You might even learn a few of the “secrets” our local fishermen swear by. Reservations required. Included with regular admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. 239-463-4588.
Wednesday, June 19 Sea Turtle Program » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger to learn about the marine turtles that visit Lovers Key each summer.
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« calendar Reservations required. Included with regular admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. 239-463-4588.
Thursday, June 20
Monday, July 1 Christmas in July » July 1-31. Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. Visit with Santa (free) on select dates and shop the summer Christmas deals. 239995-2141 or 239-335-3999. shellfactory.com
“Beauty and the Beast” » June 20-August 10. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers. The main stage show features Disney’s classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast.” $20$70. Shows run Wednesday-Sunday. broadwaypalm.com
Friday, June 21 Gopher Tortoise Talk » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger on a leisurely walk along one of the island trails. Look for and learn about the protected species. Reservations required. Included with regular admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. 239-463-4588.
Sunday, June 23 Gulf Coast Symphony: Star Wars Summer Family Concert » 2 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. Lobby opens at 1 p.m. for the Musical Discover Zone. Show is at 2. Kids are encouraged to dress as Star Wars characters. $15 for reserved seating, $10 for open balcony. Oma’s Heart Ladies Tea » 1-4 p.m. Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. Enjoy an authentic afternoon tea, vendors, games, raffles and speakers. The Golden Teacups will be awarded to the ladies with the most beautiful and unique hats. $25. Benefits Oma’s Heart, which provides families gifts in times of need.
Monday, June 24 Birding Beach Walk » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Explore prime birding areas in Lovers Key State Park with a park naturalist and learn how to identify the birds you see. Feel free to bring binoculars or camera. There are also a limited number of binoculars available to borrow. Reservations required. Included with regular admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. 239463-4588.
Saturday, June 29 SummerJazz on the Gulf » 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples. The first of the resort’s summer Gulf-side concerts, great for a date night or family outing. June 29: Alter Eagles recreate the music of The Eagles. July 20: Late Night Brass. August 17: Pocket Change. September 14: Ari & The Alibis. Free. Hotel guests park free. Otherwise, there’s parking at Lowdermilk Park with a free trolley service to the resort. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. No outside food or drinks. 239-261-2222. naplesbeachhotel.com
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Thursday, July 4 July 4th Fireworks Cruise » 7:30-9:30 p.m. Adventures in Paradise, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers. See the Sanibel Island Fourth of July fireworks from the water. Complimentary soft drinks, bottle water and snacks. $65 per person. 239-472-8443 or info@adventuresinparadise.com. adventuresinparadise.com Fireworks at Fishermen’s Village » 9 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplande, Punta Gorda. Freedom Swim begins at 2 p.m. Live music, kids’ crafts and other festivities begin at noon. Fireworks show is at 9 p.m. over Charlotte Harbor. fishville.com
MORE FIREWORKS: We’ll have the latest at swflparentchild.com
Friday, July 5 Logiscool Parent Night Out » 6-10 p.m. Logiscool Davis, 1715 Heritage Trail, Suite 203, Naples. an evening of activities for children from kindergarten through 14 years old. Led by the school’s instructors, kids enjoy activities that include coding and programming. A pizza dinner is always included. 239-673-0051.
Saturday, July 13 MangoMania » 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 13-14. German-American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. A family event that’s all about the mango: cooking contests, hat contests, tasting table, arts and crafts, plant sales and the Mango Queen. $6 for adults, free for children younger than 10. mangomaniafl.net
voices »
Summer Kates, 14, is a sophomore at Fort Myers High School. When she was 10, she was hit by a car and taken to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Out of her experience, she created Summer’s Project to help others.
GUEST COLUMNIST
Sweet triumph Hit by a car in 2015, this Fort Myers teen now raises thousands of dollars for Golisano Children’s Hospital — with cookies.
I
lay there motionless on the cold pavement, astonished at how the new year could not have started any worse. I lay there in shock, not realizing that I was just hit by a car. I remember to this day pinching myself, trying to wake up from the nightmare I found myself in as they began to scoop me off the road with the stretcher. Now, I am not here to talk about this devastating memory. I am here to talk about the positive outcome that arose from the experience. One would say getting hit by a car is such a negative experience, however from the time medical help reached me to the moment I was discharged from the hospital, the amount of support and care I received was outstanding. The Child Life Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida especially made an impact on my recovery and was the inspiration behind the creation of Summer’s Project. The Child Life team went above and beyond and did everything in their power to make sure I was comfortable, having fun; they explained procedures, were there to talk to, but most importantly they provided me with an outlet that took my mind off why I was there, which was key for my recovery. Before even having time to think or plan, I knew that I wanted to help make an impact on the lives of other
kids. I wanted to ensure every kid could just feel like a kid during their stay. No one enjoys being in the hospital, but it can be especially hard for kids as they can even develop PTSD from traumatic experiences such as being admitted to a hospital. First, I held a small bake sale on my front yard, which raised around $75. It was exciting to have raised money; however I wanted to continue and see just how much I could raise. My second bake sale I raised $900, and I knew right then that it would grow into something special. What started as just a simple bake sale, quickly turned into my now famous Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies that everyone hasn’t stopped talking about. The cookies and my cause continued to gain recognition fast and I decided to turn it into Summer’s Project. Summer’s Project donates 100% of the proceeds from every cookie sold to the Child Life Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Summer’s Project has become my passion. I have had amazing year-overyear growth, as well as community awareness. In 2018 I was able to donate close to $5,000, and I’m hoping to double that in 2019. Innovation has taken Summer’s Project from a small table on our front yard to electronic order forms being passed through businesses and communities. Not only is this a great
cause, but I also have the best jumbo chocolate chip cookies. If you have not been able to experience my cookies, you need to try one and help a great cause. A lot of people may be wondering how this accident has affected my life. Due to the amazing support I had while in the hospital from the Child Life Team, and my ability to stay positive, I have had a full recovery. The accident gave me a whole new perspective on life, and I have had straight A’s ever since. I also keep myself very busy playing competitive soccer for my club and school. I have had so many great influences, from the Child Life Team to my high school soccer coaches who continue to support me, as well as push and motivate me to be even better. Laying on the pavement four years ago, I thought the worst. Now I think about the last four years and how far I have come. I have looked up to so many great influences that really shaped my recovery and who I am today. Now I want to do the same, by not only giving back to help kids during their stay at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, but also by inspiring others. Life will always throw curve balls, and I want to inspire all to see the positive side in even the worst outcomes. I also want to empower others to continue to help others. Everyone can make a difference; kids can, too!
How to follow Summer’s Project • Facebook.com/Summersproject • Instagram @Summersprojectgives • Gofundme.com/Summersproject • Venmo @Summersproject • #Summersproject #ChildLife #KidsHelpingKids #BeALeader • Summersprojectgives@gmail.com
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» last look
THE JOY OF COMPETITION
Shea Warner, center, of Lehigh Senior High School, cheers as he is pushed into the lead by Austin Long in the wheelchair race April 26 at the Unified Track Meet at North Fort Myers High School. Ilse Jose of Estero, right, who was pushed by Jade Hehl, finished second.
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
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