SWFL Parent & Child June 2020 by SWFL Parent & Child Magazine

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

JUNE 2020

CARING FOR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY Now and Through COVID-19 CALL US FIRST Before Going to the ER/Urgent Care

BY PHONE

BY TELEMEDICINE

BY APPOINTMENT

Please do your part to protect your family and our community.

Practice social distancing. Wash your hands often. Stay home whenever possible. OFFICES THROUGHOUT LEE COUNTY

(239) 275-5522 www.ppcswfl.com NP-0000974982

Physician-Owned. Patient-Centered

Let OUR Family Take Care of YOUR Family SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 3

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contents »

swfl

parent&child

Features

In Every Issue

31 doc ford kids

16 health

Randy Wayne White talks about his first novel for kids, “Fins”

27 teens

Is it safe to take a child to their annual checkup?

34 not-so-perfect beach

Tips for buying that first car

30 bike safety

18 ask the expert

Weather expert explains how to navigate safety hazards along the shore

20 in the kitchen

36 when you finally go out

44 safety corner

Hydrating can be fun with treats like watermelon

Fun things to do over summer as Southwest Florida reopens

23 dining out In keeping with social distancing guidelines, photographer Amanda Inscore photographed her son at home. Here, Parker Whittamore rules the skateboard. TCHILD.COM

Leave fireworks to the professionals

48 travel

These restaurants transport diners to exotic locales

On the cover

S W F L PA R E N

With the popularity of bicycles booming, it’s important to stay safe

Healthy Start helps families get basics like diapers

25 kid stuff Local artists share project ideas families can do at home

Even just planning a trip to Iceland helps one feel a few degrees cooler

56 voices Mom Babble founder, a SWFL mom, shares an excerpt from her new book

JUNE 2020

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

Other Departments 7 8 9 11 13

editor’s note our contributors online me time 5 things

14 45 52 53 58

fyi family album around town calendar last look

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 5

Build Your Kingdom! June - August, 2020

15080 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109 (239) 514-0084 Visit cmon.org for Museum reopen dates.

THINK. LEARN. BECOME. Combining academic essentials with the

To enroll now call or visit us online

enrichment of the arts, The Discovery Method™

DiscoveryDayAcademy.com

opens the minds of

BONITA SPRINGS CAMPUS Infants–8th Grade P 239-498-5826

students through projectbased learning methods from Infants–Grade 8.

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editor's note »

swfl

Part of the USA TODAY Network

Volume 21, 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 Regional VP, Sales 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 Mary Katherine “MK” Backstrom, Ed Brotak, Jody Van Cooney, Christi R. Kulwicki, Jean Le Boeuf, Leigha Messner, Charles Runnells, Andrea Stetson, Jennifer Thomas, Dr. Stanley Wiggins, Healthy Start Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.com

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

his is not your typical summer. Yes, we’ll celebrate the end of school. Perhaps more than normal. It’s not easy being parent and teacher, or at least teacher’s aide, especially when trying to juggle Zoom staff meetings with your co-workers and focus on your own work. Some of our favorite summer camps are still closed, and the ones that are open have greater limits on how many kids can attend. This summer also isn’t typical because some of our favorite summer haunts are still closed, and the ones that are open have limits on hours, capacity and requirements to wear face masks. You will get through this. You’re a parent. Parents must juggle multiple tasks at once. Parents brave hardships and learn to make a dollar stretch more than their nonparent counterparts can imagine. Parents learn how to cope with boredom every time they say “yes” to another game of Chutes and Ladders. See? You’ve been training for this. You got this. And you have us. We pulled together a healthy list of things to do this summer, from a virtual trip to Buckingham Palace to local resorts that are sure to help you feel like you’re getting away from it all. We call it our Summer Wish List and you’re sure to find some bright spots for your summer in its pages, which begin on page 36. We’ve also got tips for avoiding hazards at the beach, an interview with Randy Wayne White about his first book for kids, gift ideas for graduates, creative hydration ideas, art projects, tips for buying that first car and more. So lock yourself in the bathroom and pour through our pages. We hope we’re a bright spot in your summer. PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ

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

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.

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 2020 » 7

HOT BRANDS COOL

» our contributors

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

PRICES

Mary Katherine “MK” Backstrom • Voices: Talk to your kid

about being a weirdo • Mary Katherine “MK” Backstrom is an essayist, viral blogger and founder of Mom Babble. The Southwest Florida mom has been on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and received “The Today Show” Iris Award. She lives with her college sweetheart, Ian, and their son, daughter and golden retrievers. Follow her at facebook.com/mombabble. .

Ed Brotak • Beware beach hazards

• Ed Brotak is a retired college professor of meteorology turned freelance writer. His Ph.D. is in biometeorology, meaning he’s both a meteorologist and biologist. Although he lives with his family in North Carolina, the Brotaks have been visiting Southwest Florida for years.

Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out •

C O M P A N Y

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

S T O R E

Leigha Messner • In the Kitchen • Leigha Messner, a registered dietician and mom, is a clinical dietitian with Lee Health. She can be reached through media@ leehealth.org or by calling 239-424-3120.

MIROMAR OUTLETS

Charles Runnells • Spotlight:

Randy Wayne White • Charles Runnells is the arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press, a part of the USA Today Network. He has worked at the newspaper since 1998.

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Jennifer Thomas • Summer Wish List • 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.

online »

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Easy cooking with kids

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With virtual learning the status quo of education this spring, the kitchen has become a delicious math and science lab in some homes. Besides learning measurements and the effects of temperature on solids, fats and liquids, kids are learning a fundamental skill: how to cook and feed themselves. Like many restaurateurs, Chef Jeff Mitchell temporarily closed his kitchen at The Local in North Naples due to state-imposed coronavirus restrictions. However, his kitchen at home became quite active, especially with his two sons, 10-year-old Luke and 8-year-old Truman. Before reopening The Local in May, the chef shared his tips — and some easy recipes — with writer Gina Birch. See the full story at swflparenchild.com.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/ swflparentchild READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild

MISS AN ISSUE? SWFL Parent & Child magazine is available in its entirety online along with back issues, too. Did you miss our birthday party issue in February? It’s online. Or wish you could find that list of where kids eat free (or nearly free) from the November issue? It’s online, too. Even our list of 10 great hikes for kids in last year’s March issue is online. Just visit swflparentchild.com and scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll also find past stories individually on the site. S W F L PA

RENTCH

ILD.CO

M M AY 2 0 20

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO? Our website has plenty of ideas. There’s our calendar and list of attractions, but we also have lists of ways kids can continue to learn at home and features about local organizations hosting online events and activities.

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me time »

ENJOY HOME A LITTLE MORE

Let’s face it, even as Florida begins to reopen, we’re still spending more time at home than we used to. Here are a few items recommended by our friends at Reviewed.com to make the best of our solitude.

Easy gardening Whether you have space for a garden or not, you can grow all sorts of fresh herbs indoors with the self-sustaining AeroGarden Sprout. It has three pods — Genovese basil, curly parsley and dill — and all you do is pop them in the base. Comes with an LED grow light and self-watering system. $76.99 at The Home Depot.

Paint a masterpiece

NIGHT

DATE

Even if you’re not an artist, you can paint a striking image with this paint-by-number kit. Yes, that’s paint-by-numbers. The kit provides a canvas, brushes, paint and hooks for the finished product. Reviewers say it takes a long time to complete, but it’s worth it. The DIY Paint by Numbers for Adults is $28.99 on Amazon.com.

Gather ‘round the fire

Ditch the TV and build a s’moremaking fire (as long as fire alerts have been lifted). This deep, portable fire pit works well on a deck, patio or in the yard. The Hampton Bay Whitlock cast iron fire pit measures 36 inches. $169 at The Home Depot.

Baker’s magic Breadmaking has become a popular pastime. If you want to get in on the fun, learn the ropes with “Bread Baking for Beginners” by Bonnie Ohara. This cookbook really is geared toward the beginner, and it’s full of great tips. You’ll have a sourdough starter in no time. $15.95 at Books-AMillion, available at all major book retailers.

Breweries are allowed to reopen taprooms at 50% capacity if food trucks are onsite. Look up your favorite brewery to see who they’re partnering with and enjoy a welldeserved date night. Momentum Brewhouse in Bonita Springs opened a bit with H-Anger Management food truck. In Cape Coral, Scotty’s Bierwerks reopened with the help of MUNCH. And in Fort Myers, Millennial Brewing opened with JP’s Hot Fish. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 11

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5 things »

GRADUATE GIFTS Celebrate the pinnacle of 13 years of school with a few gifts your young grad will adore.

Sleep on it

Sleep is essential for a successful college student. Like a dog’s thunder shirt, a weighted blanket helps soothe a body’s stress and slip into sweet slumber. Reviewed.com recommends the Gravity Blanket, which has a soft, velvety exterior and provides just the right amount of pressure. $189 at Gravity, gravityblankets.com.

Sound advice

Reviewed.com, part of the USA Today Network, tests lots of headphones, and yet its reviewers still rank Apple’s AirPods among their favorites. In fact, they say AirPods are the best true wireless earbuds they’ve ever tested. And now AirPods Pro provide noise cancellation and a customizable fit. Grads will love them. $159 for AirPods, $249 for AirPods Pro at apple.com/airpods.

Cool cup Yeti anything gets top marks among the college-bound. What graduate wouldn’t like a Yeti Rambler cup with their college logo? There are more than 240 to choose from, including Florida State and University of Florida. $39.99 for 20-ounce tumbler at yeti.com/ en_US/yeti-college.html.

Homesick cure

Many new graduates are starting new adventures away from home. And homesickness is a normal part of that, even for those excited to go. These handpoured soy wax candles offer a remedy: a scent from home no matter where they go. The Florida candle features citrus, bergamot, vanilla and amber musk. $30 at uncommongoods.com.

Ramen king

College kids live on ramen. With the Rapid Ramen Cooker — you might have seen it on “Shark Tank” — one can cook a block of ramen in 3½ minutes in the microwave. No need to boil water. $9.99 at rapidbrandsinc.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 13

« fyi

Cape students win state PSA contest If only a fairy godmother would magically help us understand when a new driver is allowed to get behind the wheel. Voila! Poof! A group of Cape Coral High School students are on the job. Their PSA video about the limitations on a Florida graduated driver license is the winner of the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition’s 2019-2020 Graduated Driver Licensing Contest, earning the school $1,000 from AAA-The Auto Club Group. See the video at flteensafedriver.org/2020gdl-psa-winner and get more information on teen driving at teendriving.aaa.com.

Rude awakening for teens and adults Teen artists might want to check out Love Your Rebellion’s Issue 13. Titled “Rude Awakening,” it’s part literary arts journal and part therapeutic arts workbook. There’s nonfiction, poetry and art inside, along with activities developed by artists, a musician and a family therapist. Each activity helps the reader explore a rude awakening through color, sound and language.

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Ready for life after high school? Is your teen ready for life after high school? Champions For Learning created a resource page online that’s regularly updated with new information to help students navigate college prep steps, like filling out the FAFSA and getting financial aid, and college and career checklists for students in grades 8-12. Explore the resources at championsforlearning.org/resources.

PBS Kids launches engineering app for preschoolers Kids can explore engineering and STEM concepts with PBS Kids’ new Play & Learn Engineering app. It’s designed for parents and kids ages 3 and 4 to explore together. They can design and test roller coasters, navigate an obstacle course, build clever contraptions to feed animals and more. The app is available in the Amazon App Store, iOS App Store, Google Play Store and at pbskids.org.

Three Lee schools get top arts designation Three Lee County schools have been named 2020-2023 Florida Arts Model Schools: Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School in Fort Myers, the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts and Cypress Lake High School in south Fort Myers. Edison Park and North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts were chosen as Arts Model Schools in all four disciplines — dance, music, theater and visual arts — and earned the highest distinction of Arts Achieve Schools. Only one other school in the entire state earned the Arts Achieve Schools designation. Cypress Lake was selected for its dance and visual arts programs.

Kids book targets fear Ruth Soukup, a mom blogger from Southwest Florida who is now a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Living Well Spending Less and Do It Scared, released her first children’s book in May: “How Big is Your Brave?” The story about a bunny who wants to be an astronaut aims to show kids how to move past fear, uncertainty and disappointment to reach their goals. Get details at doitscared. com/kids. List price: $17.99 ($4.99 for Kindle), available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Christian Book and Indie Bound.

Spanish-language radio show launches for parents Spanish-speaking parents have a new resource with the May launch of “Nuestros Niños,” a Spanish-language radio program on Solmart Media stations throughout Southwest Florida: La Zeta 105.3 FM and La Número Uno 99.1 FM and 1280 AM. The weekly half-hour program covers education and focuses on the needs of Spanish-speaking parents. It airs at 11:30 a.m. on Mondays. The first guest was from RCMA in Immokalee. “We wanted to do something to help Spanish-speaking families who feel lost dealing with so many issues around COVID-19,” co-producer Geri Chaffee says in a news release. “We are hoping to bring them resources, knowledge and tips that will empower them to help their children succeed now and into the future as they go back to school and hopefully, to college and rewarding careers.”

Food services continue into summer Collier County Public Schools announced May 19 that it will continue distributing free, healthy meals to children over summer through Summer BreakSpot, a national program that both Lee and Collier counties have participated in each summer. To find sites throughout the region, visit summerbreakspot.freshfromflorida.com. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 15

» ask the expert

DR . STA NLE Y WIG GINS

Is it safe to visit the pediatrician? Dr. Stanley Wiggins talks sports physicals, school vaccines and well-child visits amid the COVID-19 crisis.

My child is due for an annual checkup. Is it safe to visit the doctor’s office?

Parents are understandably concerned about protecting their children from COVID-19 exposure. But skipping routine preventative care and recommended vaccines puts your child’s health at risk. With so many children feeling isolated due to school closures, little ones confused over why they can’t hug their grandparents, and older teens grieving the loss of milestones like prom and graduation, kids and their families are experiencing a new level of disruption and stress. Now more than ever, the annual checkup provides time to discuss behavioral changes and concerns over emotional health. Before your appointment, you can call and discuss any safety concerns you have about your upcoming visit. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended guidelines to protect your child and limit COVID-19 exposure. Our offices maintain separate times of the day for well visits, so you won’t encounter sick children. Nurses and providers wear masks, and rooms are disinfected between patients. Waiting in the car until receiving a text or phone call is a convenient and safe way

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GETTY IMAGES

to protect you and your child. Here are a few reasons why routine checkups are necessary for your child’s long-term health: » A well-child exam is a head-to-toe examination that allows your physician to detect subtle findings, such as unusual moles, hernias, high blood

pressure, abnormal heart murmurs and scoliosis. » Height and weight are evaluated to ensure that children are growing appropriately. This is a good time for parents to ask questions about diet and nutrition. Children starting school receive a hearing and vision screening.

Dr. Stanley Wiggins is a board-certified pediatrician with Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida in the Lehigh Acres office (239-481-5437) and in the Cape Coral office (239-573-7337).

» Important laboratory studies help ensure your child is screened for certain illnesses. A finger-stick hemoglobin screens for anemia. A urinalysis may be ordered to evaluate kidney function and test for diabetes. Pediatricians begin checking your child’s cholesterol at age 9. » Time is allowed and designated to assess school performance, behavioral issues and social concerns. During the well-child visit, your physician can share helpful resources on dealing with problems at school or home. For adolescents, there are mental health screenings as well as time to talk about sexuality and highrisk behaviors such as drug use or vaping. Many times this advice and these discussions can’t be crammed into a visit when your child is sick. » Doctors discuss important child safety precautions. Children hear their pediatrician share the importance of using a seat belt, wearing a bike helmet, brushing their teeth, getting exercise. These are just a few of the topics that would be difficult to discuss during a visit when your child is not feeling well. » Vaccines are done at appropriate ages. Before starting school, children need four vaccines. The DTaP vaccine immunizes against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus. The IPV immunizes against polio. The MMR vaccine is needed for measles, mumps and rubella immunization. The VZV protects children from contracting the chicken pox. Some of these vaccines may be combined to reduce the amount of shots your child receives. Be sure to ask your physician if they have combined vaccines. At age 11 and before seventh grade, students need a TdaP vaccine, which is a combined tetanus and pertussis booster. The meningococcal vaccine is also recommended at this age. It protects your child from contracting meningococcal diseases such as meningitis, a life-threatening infection of the brain and spinal cord that is commonly contracted among students living in close quarters. Most colleges will require this vaccine for entry. The recommended HPV vaccine protects children against forms of malignancy caused by the human papilloma virus such as cervical, anal and penile cancers. Under-immunizing and skipping annual checkups put your child at even greater risk. Whether it is the COVID-19 pandemic or another viral illness, maintaining regular preventative care gives your child the best defense.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 17

« ask the expert

HE A LT H Y STA RT COA LITION OF SOU T H W EST FLOR IDA

HERE TO HELP Healthy Start assists pregnant women and families with children 3 and younger to meet basic needs like diapers.

ave you ever been terrified that you would not be able to provide basics like food and diapers to your baby? Well, for many Southwest Florida families that fear has become their reality. Families who were once financially stable are now experiencing extreme hardship due to job losses caused by COVID-19. Suddenly, everything changed — parents are home without income; children are home without school or day care; businesses have

closed or changed their operations to meet social distancing requirements; government assistance systems are overwhelmed, and many families have received no stimulus or unemployment payments. Nonprofit agencies went on full alert; how do we serve our community while following social distancing measures and the requirements of our donors and funders? Food banks quickly mobilized and found new, no-contact methods for distributing food to families; school buses delivered breakfasts and lunches to

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.

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Written by Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida staff: Community Engagement Specialist Amanda Brunson, Associate Executive Director Melanie Black Amato, and Executive Director Susan Beauvois. (healthystartbaby.org)

students throughout the area; countless individuals and companies began making masks and personal protective equipment; neighborhoods and civic clubs connected with restaurants to send prepared dinners to first responders. But, who was helping our babies? The Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida has served pregnant women and infants up to age 3 in Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties since 1992. Our mission is to reduce premature and low birth weight babies and to improve health and developmental outcomes. We do this by providing home visiting services to pregnant women and infants who are at-risk for poor outcomes. Our home visiting services include ensuring access to prenatal and pediatric medical care, education and support for childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting and screenings for depression, domestic violence and developmental milestones. Much of our funding comes from state and federal grants. However, those dollars are strictly regulated and may not be used for baby supplies such as diapers and formula. Still, we could not find another agency that was stepping in and we decided that no baby who is

hungry, wet or soiled can have a “healthy start.” We were going to have to expand our mission — and very quickly. It meant serving our current clients with additional items that are necessary for a healthy baby. It also meant serving those newly needy families with diapers, wipes (when we could find them) and baby formula. The average baby should get 6 to 10 diaper changes a day and eat every two to three hours. The cost can easily exceed $150 per month, in addition to the risks of shopping in multiple stores just to find the products. We were very lucky. Just prior to the onset of COVID-19, Healthy Start and Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida had formed a partnership to donate diapers to our existing high-risk clients. By mid-March, we had received and were distributing over 70,000 diapers to our clients. Little did we know that just a few weeks later we would hear of many more families all around us in dire need. Our neighbors, our family members, our friends. Thus, we made preliminary plans for supply lines and distribution, then

reached out to our local funders to see if they could help. First Horizon Foundation, United Way, Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and HE Hill Foundation immediately responded and enthusiastically backed our plan. This is where teamwork really comes in. Our staff recognized that we did not have the physical capability to serve every baby who needed supplies in Southwest Florida, so we reached out to our local community partners to assist. Calling on Harry Chapin Food Bank, Children’s Network, Lutheran Services, Camelot Community Care, local churches, Florida Department of Children and Families, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Eva’s Closet & Foundation, Lee Health, NCH Healthcare System, county health departments, pediatricians and United Way, we set out on a mission to distribute as many resources as quickly as we could. Healthy Start has provided items to hospitals, food banks, clients and many new families. This all goes back to our mission that every baby deserves a healthy start. If you identify a baby in need, please contact us at 239-425-6930 or email us at info@healthystartswfl.com. We are here to help.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 19

« in the kitchen

SUMMER-IZE

HYDRATION Tasty foods like watermelon can play an important role in keeping kids hydrated.

am thirsty. This thought has crossed my mind numerous times throughout the pandemic. It typically comes at a perceived inconvenient time when in the middle of a virtual conference, playing with my daughter, or keeping up with house chores. The abandonment of my previous routine has admittedly left some of my own healthful habits struggling to stay afloat. Summer is upon us in Southwest Florida and the temperatures will continue to climb, increasing risk of dehydration and heat illnesses. With immature cooling systems, kids are more likely than adults to become dehydrated. Busy minds at work and play make it easy to ignore signs of thirst and forget to drink water. Fortunately, it is easy for caregivers to help our children develop healthy hydration habits.

1. Make a mandatory 15-minute hydration break in the shade. Children may have var-

ied fluid needs from day to day depending on various factors such as weather, size and activity. A rule of thumb is to offer healthy beverages at each meal and snack time and hydrate before and after physical activity. Remember that hydration is important whether playing sports or just playing in the backyard. 2. Teach your kids how to identify dehydration with the color of their urine. Urine that

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has a slight tinge of color shows a healthy level of hydration, like that of lemonade. Yellow or darker urine is a sign your child needs to drink more to restore water balance. Of note, other signs of dehydration include headache, nausea, fatigue and lightheadedness. 3. Involve kids with picking out their own water bottle or offer water in colorful cups with silly straws. Children

may be more likely to engage if they are able to be a part of the decision-making process.

Leigha Messner is a registered dietitian nutritionist who is a clinical dietitian at Lee Health.

content. Also, infusing water with different fruits and/or herbs is a great way to jazz up the flavor of plain water. Try cucumber and melon, berries and mint, or a citrus blend based on your family’s preferences. Studies have shown that flavored beverages are routinely preferred compared to plain water and children will drink up to 90% more when it is offered to them in this way. 5. Limit beverages high in sugar and caffeine, such as fruit juices and energy and sports drinks.

FIND A OR RECIPE F ELON WATERM PIZZA ON PAGE 22

The personalization with a special Disney character, sports team or favorite color may encourage increased consumption. 4. Recognize types of fluids.

Many fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of water as well as being a nutritious snack. Watermelon, berries, cucumber, celery and tomatoes are some options that rank highest in water

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting routine ingestion of these products due to increased risk of obesity, dental erosion and the potential health risk of stimulants. Sports drinks in particular can have a place during prolonged, vigorous physical activity in combination with water; however, they’re rarely necessary with normal play. In addition, a 1-1 ratio of water and fruit juice can potentially be an option for activity periods longer than three hours. Overall, it’s best practice to reserve these options for special occasions. Taking advantage of these simple and effective steps this summer will be sure to keep the fun flowing while feeling more confident that the whole family is practicing hydration safety.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 21

« in the kitchen (continued)

Summer smiles! Voted Best Orthodontist for 5 years in a row! Board Certified Orthodontist Braces & Invisalign® Affordable payment plans Most insurances accepted

With watermelon being about 90% water it is an excellent source of hydration. The best part is that it’s in season during the hot summer months. Not only will it help quench your thirst, it is also considered a healthful snack loaded with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene.

Call to schedule your complimentary consultation! 239-260-2100|

2017

LEARNING IN MOTION PRIVATE TUTORING SUMMER TUTORING SESSIONS

INDIVIDUALIZED TUTORING PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO: • Reinforce all subject areas/ all grade levels • Ensure academic readiness for upcoming school year • Prepare for ACT/ SAT exams

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS INCLUDE: • Staggered daily scheduling • Only students allowed in center • Daily sanitizing of desks, computers and materials • Parent commitment to all LIM safety precautions

Cammie McKenzie, M Ed, MBA

GETTY IMAGES

6360 Presidential Court, Suite 5 B, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Watermelon Pizza

• Prep time: 15 minutes • Total Time: 15 minutes • Serving size: 8 “slices”

INGREDIENTS

» 1 watermelon Optional toppings of your choice: » 1 cup seasonal berries (like strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries) » 1 cup yogurt (your choice of milk or milk substitute) » Honey or maple syrup » Dried fruit » Coconut » Basil

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DIRECTIONS 1. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch thick rounds. 2. Spread yogurt around the watermelon round. 3. Layer toppings of your choice. Fresh fruit, basil, coconut, etc. 4. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a little extra sweetness. 5. Cut into 8 “pizza slices” for serving.

dining out »

TRAVEL WITH FOOD These six SWFL restaurants transport diners to faraway locales.

oronavirus. Just the word makes me angry. I’m tired of hearing it and sick of thinking about it. Sometimes you just want to get away, you know? Jump in a car, head to an airport, board a ship and wave bon voyage to the world you’re leaving behind. But all my trips and adventures have been canceled or delayed due to — you guessed it — coronavirus. On a serious note, I get it. These restrictions are protecting our communities, our health care workers and our first responders. Whatever it takes to eliminate this disease, I’m more than happy to comply. Even though I can’t walk along the Seine at dawn or catch a lucha libre match on a muggy May evening in Mexico City, I can enjoy food that will transport me to far-off destinations. Here are six Southwest Florida restaurants to ease your wanderlust.

Ginger Bistro This Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurant reopened, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. There’s nothing like a steamy dumpling or chewy-crisp scallion pancake to help you forget about a pandemic for a bite or two. Tack on some duck noodle soup, some shumai, some glutinous rice and it’s a party. Coronavirus who? (4650 S. Cleveland Ave. No. 8, Fort Myers; 239-689-3113; and 2366 Surfside Blvd. C-101, Cape Coral; 239-558-8865; gingerbistrousa.com)

India’s Grill

Restaurant Bonjour

India’s Grill lost its chef to a competing restaurant last year. I worried this might change things, and I believe it has — for the better. Chef-owner Suman Chaniyil has returned to India’s kitchen, keeping these curries and masalas as soothing (and as optionally fiery) as ever. This is a cuisine that does well as takeout and it’s one I love through good times and bad.

This quaint bistro sits in a small strip mall off Pine Ridge Road. Its menu includes French classics such as poitrine de poule cordon bleu, coq au vin de Bourgogne, and tender escargot swimming in garlic-butter sauce. Is there anything more decadent to make a normal Thursday feel like a Parisian get away? I think not. Each order comes with a warm baguette, good butter and dessert.

(724 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers; 239-931-6751; indiasgrillfortmyers.com)

(2099 Pine Ridge Road, Naples; 239-566-2275; restaurantbonjournaplesfla.com)

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« dining out (continued) Gaucho Inca I’ve learned a few things while social distancing, including how shockingly good El Gaucho Inca’s ceviche is as takeout. The platter arrived jumbled but refreshingly cold. The slivers of fish and curls of shrimp were tender and tangy, bright with lime and salt. El Gaucho’s picanha traveled well, too, as did its arroz chaufa. It was a Peruvian-Argentinean feast, minus the long trip south.

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO SW FL PARENT & CHILD

(4383 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers; 239-275-7504; elgauchoinca. com)

Maria’s never fails to impress me. The restaurant has a location off Old 41 in Bonita Springs that serves a wide range of entrees, and another smaller taqueria off U.S. 41 in North Naples. Both serve glorious Mexican food that transports the taste buds. Just the thought of Maria’s chorizo tacos, dripping with smoky, orange grease and topped with simple cilantro and onions, is enough to make my mouth water. Then there’s Maria’s chicken enchiladas, smothered in sour cream, cheese and halfmoon sliced white onions. The enchiladas come with a spicy red sauce or a mild, lime-y green sauce. Both are good, but the latter takes me to another plane of existence, one where I’m walking the streets of Mexico City as the sun sets over the tiled rooftops in the distance. (27080 Old U.S. 41, Bonita Springs; 239-495-1868; mariasrestaurantbonita.com)

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PHOTOS SPECIAL TO SWFL PARENT & CHILD

Maria’s Mexican Restaurant

Straight from New York Bagels New York City is one of my favorite places in the world, and I’m missing it more than ever during this crisis. If I can’t fly to the Big Apple for bagels and schmear, I’m heading to Straight from New York Bagels. This shop serves breakfast and lunch, with a host of pastries and bagels — I tend to navigate toward the French toast and Asiago bagels — and classic New York deli sandwiches piled high with pastrami and dressed with tangy mustard. Coronavirus? Fuggedahboudit. (4550 Executive Drive, Naples; 239-596-9933; www.straightfromny.com)

NT & CHILD

This fish puppet was created with an envelope.

kid stuff »

ECIAL TO PHOTOS SP

SWFL PARE

SIMPLE CREATIVE

Local artists share easy art project ideas for kids to do at home. BY ANDREA STETSON

T Molly Bogen, 7, shows off the stained-glass chalk art project she made on a backyard fence.

oilet paper tubes become a cardboard zoo. An envelope transforms into a puppet. Tape and chalk create a stained-glass look on a backyard fence. As parents continue to look for creative things to do with their children, we set out to find art projects that can be made with common household or backyard items. Bronia Ichel, a Naples artist and retired elementary school art teacher, recently started creating videos on YouTube to help parents and children delve into the arts. “These are specifically using materials that children already have at home, so parents don’t have to run out and get stuff because parents are not going out,” Bronia says in late April. Her videos include simple projects, such as how to fold paper and how to make a cup. She is also giving easy painting and drawing lessons. “I am also teaching about world-famous artists,” Bronia says. “I am reading stories about artists. I am introducing techniques that children can use. For the younger children, it is wonderful for them to learn cutting skills and shapes and how to draw shapes. I do a cityscape and they use a lot of shapes to draw buildings.” She does origami since paper is something almost everyone has at home. She also offers step-by-step drawing instructions. One day in late April, the project was a blossoming tree. “It was how to paint or draw a tree,” Bronia says. “In it I give children choices. You can make a tree of any season.

Margaret Mankiewicz, an art teacher at Sea Gate Elementary School in Naples, has one project that involves cutting boxes into small shapes and piecing them together to make a mosaic. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 25

« kid stuff

(continued)

I read a book to them. The story goes through all the seasons and how the tree changes through all the seasons. It is a wonderful way to teach children through art. It is a lot of wonderful skills, and children are learning while they are having fun drawing and painting.” The whole thing started when Bronia began creating projects with her three grandsons, ages 4, 5 and 8. “They looked forward to it every day,” Bronia says. “Their neighbors started asking if they could join into my lessons, so I decided to make a video and spread it to the other children. All of these videos are free to anyone. I am not advertising anything. I am just doing this to help. I want to help the parents and help the children through this challenging time.” In the videos she goes by Mrs. B, and her puppy Pablo often makes an appearance. “With the school closure, I really wanted children to stay engaged with learning,” Bronia says. “It is very important to stay engaged in learning and not to focus on the pandemic. Art is really something that is scientifically proven to be good for the soul. It is a great stress relief. Art can heal many emotional feelings. We want to have positive and uplifting experiences right now while we are home. I am going to continue creating these videos until we can all go back to our normal schedule.” Margaret Mankiewicz, an art teacher at Sea Gate Elementary School in Naples, transitioned to teaching online during the coronavirus pandemic. She also started doing art projects with her 7-year-old granddaughter. “One thing is we made a toilet paper zoo out of empty toilet paper rolls,” she says. “It was just painting them and adding ears and things like that. I know everybody probably has toilet paper.” She uses old cereal boxes to cut out shapes that become a mosaic. Another favorite is placing masking tape in a

Margaret Mankiewicz, an art teacher at Sea Gate Elementary School in Naples, turned empty toilet paper rolls into a cardboard zoo with simple cuts and paint.

design on a surface and using chalk or paint to color in the spaces between the tape. When the tape is pulled up, the result looks like a stained-glass window. She made fish out of empty water bottles. “You can make puppets out of envelopes,” Margaret says. “You take an envelope, cut off the back, for where you put your hand in, then make the mouth of the fish and the fins.” Sarah Severson, an art teacher at Gateway Elementary in Fort Myers, also keeps it simple. “So many of these kids don’t have any art supplies at home,” she explains. “This is a really good time for some of the older kids to do origami projects. There is an endless amount of videos, and they can start with something small and get more complicated, and all they need is paper.” Sarah likes combining a book and a project. She recently read the book “If You Give a Dog a Donut” and then had children draw the sweet round pastry. “I like to bring in literature, so they are getting a story to go with it,” she says. Nora Beyrent, the new vice president of the art district in Naples and owner of Art Lab, has suggestions for simple art projects. “I know there are a lot of people that do the kits and order fancy things. I think the simple things are more important,” she says. Her top choice is paint pouring. She takes an acrylic paint and mixes it with water to thin it out. Then she pours it

on a piece of canvas or paper and moves it around to make a design of colors. “It’s super fun,” Nora says. “Even adults love to do it. There are so many different ways to do it. There is creativity to it, mixing the colors and knowing when to stop moving it around.” “Paint coconuts,” Nora continues. “That seems to be fun for kids to do. And the boots of the sable palm are also fun to paint. People do animals out of them. You can use your imagination.” Another project Nora recommends is taking shapes, putting them on a piece of paper and spray painting the paper. When the shapes are lifted, the design is seen. Crayola recently announced it is posting art projects online for children called “At Home with Crayola Experience.” “Almost all of our activities are things that you can use everyday household items or things that you already have in your house,” says Connie Walker, the communications manager. “We have a ton of stuff there already. We are highlighting one of them each day. We are regularly updating and adding more activities.” The activities are designed for ages 3 to 12. Some incorporate games. “Some of the ideas are for sidewalk chalk, which is very popular right now,” she says. “We outline some games they can play, like drawing your board game outside and then playing the game. The experiments are fun to do, too. They have to do with color. It is not just sitting down and coloring all day.”

ONLINE ART LESSONS Art lesson videos for kids by Bronia Ichel: www.youtube.com/channel/ UCEpDf3bYkXuqp7w3Acyk9Sw • At Home with Crayola Experience: crayolaexperience.com/creativity-at-home 26 » JUNE 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

teens »

BUYING THAT

FIRST CAR

No matter what your budget, reliability, safety, insurance and education all play a role in buying a car for a teen to drive. BY ANDREA STETSON

hat some parents or teens might think is a dream car could turn out to be a nightmare on wheels. Buying a teen a car is a big milestone and investment. There’s a draw to wanting to buy something inexpensive for a young driver’s first vehicle, but experts say that could become an expensive investment and one that is not safe. We talked to experts from a local repair shop, a national auto safety organization and an insurance company to get advice on finding a balance between budget and benefits of vehicles.

Reliability Chris Miller, owner of Tuffy Tire & Auto Service in Bonita Springs, says finding a reliable car should be one of the top items to look for. “You don’t want to buy the cheapest thing possible,” Chris says. “They are new drivers, and you don’t want the car breaking down on them. You want something reliable because they are going to be out driving by themselves. You don’t want it breaking down on the way to visit friends or on the way to school.” Chris suggests having a mechanic examine the vehicle before the purchase.

“You want to make sure the technician looks at it to make sure it is not an up-north car that is eaten with rust,” Chris says. “Down here I do see a lot of the cars look nice from the outside, but once you get them in the air and see them from underneath, they are a rotten mess.” Things such as brake lines and fuel lines can’t be initially seen without a thorough examination, and if they are rotting, it’s a safety issue and expensive to repair, Chris says. “You don’t want to end up buying a $1,500 car and find out a week or month later that it needs extensive repairs,” he says.

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« teens (continued) “You don’t want to buy a car that has bald tires, bad breaks, leaks. You want something reliable.”

Safety The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety compiles a list of affordable used vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers. Prices range from less than $4,000 to nearly $20,000, giving parents and teens lots of options for various budgets. Prices on the Best Choice list range from a Volvo XC90 from 2005 or newer for as little as $3,700 up to a Buick LaCrosse from 2017 and newer for $19,800. The list includes cars, SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks. There’s also a Good Choice list that ranges from the Volkswagen Jetta 2009-2014 for about $3,800 to the Ford Explorer from 2011 and newer for about $9,900. “We always try to create a range there and create some options,” says Jessica Cicchino, vice president of research. Jessica stresses that parents should not only look at the price, but also

FUN FACT:

vehicle safety. “The most important thing to think about is look for a car that is big, boring and slow,” she says. “New drivers like to take risks, and we don’t want to tempt them with a car that is very powerful. The big heavier cars are safer if a teen is involved in a crash.” Jessica says the most important safety feature to look for is electronic stability control. That gives the driver better control if they do speed or drive on wet roads. All cars on the list have that feature. “The newer the car, the more safety features,” Jessica says. “We wanted to look at a balance of cars that were affordable and have as many of these safety features as possible.” Jessica wants parents to think big. “One thing we found is most parents tend to give their kids small cars because they are cheaper and they think it is easier to control, so we try to steer parents away from the smaller cars to something bigger and still affordable,” she says. “It is not just a financial decision; we want them to keep safety in mind as well.” Statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show teen drivers have crash rates nearly four times greater than drivers 20 and older per mile driven. Their report states that immaturity leads to speeding and other risky habits, and inexperience means teen drivers often don’t recognize or know how to respond to hazards.

The research also shows that teenagers often don’t drive the safest vehicles. A large majority (83%) of purchased vehicles for teens were used, and the median cost of purchased vehicles was $5,300. The survey also found that many teenagers were driving older vehicles, which are less likely than newer models to be equipped with key safety features, or minicars or small cars, which provide less protection in a crash than larger vehicles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety put together this checklist to help with vehicle buying: » Young drivers should stay away from high-horsepower models, which could encourage them to speed. » Bigger, heavier vehicles provide better protection in a crash than smaller, lighter vehicles, so there are no minicars or small cars on the recommended list. » Electronic stability control, often referred to as ESC, is a must. It substantially reduces fatal crash risk due to loss of control of the vehicle. » Vehicles should have the best crash test ratings possible. At a minimum, the recommended vehicles on the IIHS list have a good rating in the Institute’s moderate overlap front, side and head restraint tests.

Insurance Insurance is also a factor when selecting a car for a teenager. There are insurance discounts for safety features, so older vehicles don’t usually get those reductions. There are discounts for everything from anti-lock brakes and power steering to the more recent safety features of lane control and automatic breaking when a vehicle gets too close to the car in front of it. Bobby Pittman, a local State Farm insurance agent, says many insurance companies give discounts for students with a B average or higher. He also

South Dakota allows teens at age 14 years and 90 days to drive unsupervised, with restrictions. New Mexico and South Carolina allow teens to drive at 15½ years old. In all other states, teenagers must be at least 16 years old to drive unsupervised.

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BEST C AR FOR TE S ENS The Insu ranc

e Insti Safety c ompiles tute for Highw ay a list of used ve affo hic safety c les that meet im rdable riteria fo portant r the full list at iih teen drivers. Se e s.org/ra tings/sa vehicles fe-for-tee ns.

gives discounts for students who take driver’s education. Bobby recommends trying to get as many of these discounts as possible because insuring a young driver is expensive. “The cost of the insurance will be the highest when they are young,” he says. “That 16 to 21 age is the highcost time. Male youthful drivers are the highest rate, because for some reason they have the most accidents. They take the most chances.” The more expensive the car is, the more it costs to insure. Sports cars also bring the rates up. Bobby suggests making sure the insurance policy has good coverage for liability because the parents are liable if their child gets into an accident. “The parents need to understand they are at risk, so they need the liability that they need,” Bobby says. “Cars are the easiest things to insure. It is the liability and medical payments that all come into play.”

Preparation Preparing a teen for car ownership is another important element that Chris stresses. “With my son I went through where you check the oil and washer fluid. I had him practice putting a spare tire on, so if you are on the road, this is what you have to do,” Chris says. Some older cars don’t have lights that come on when an oil change is needed or when it’s time for maintenance. Even with cars that have that feature, it’s sometimes ignored by those who don’t understand its importance, Chris says. New drivers must also understand the importance of checking the oil, rotating the tires and doing other routine maintenance. “Honestly I see a lot of parents just give them the keys and say, ‘Have a good day,’ and they don’t know what it means when the light goes on, on the dashboard, so they keep driving until it needs a major repair that could have been a minor repair if they had it looked at when the light went on. I believe a parent should go through what routine maintenance should be on a car.”

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 29

« safety

JODY VA N COONE Y

Jody Van Cooney volunteers for several nonprofit organizations, including the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition where she serves as secretary. Although she grew up in the Midwest, she’s made Fort Myers her home for the past 27 years.

HOW TO BIKE SAFELY Bicycling is gaining popularity. Know how to do it in the safest way possible.

icycling is more essential to our lives than ever, according to the League of American Bicyclists. Their guiding principle is “When more people ride bicycles, life is better for everyone.” Their approach is to integrate bicycling into as many aspects of our daily lives as possible, from going to the grocery store to riding to the park. The Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition, in partnership with other nonprofit organizations, promotes safety in all walks of life. In May, its members teamed up with the League of American Bicyclists to help prevent The Pilot Club of Fort Myers distributes bicycle accidents. They offer these tips bicycle helmets at various events during the year. Pictured above is member Joy to keep kids — and adults — safe:

GETTY IMAGES

Bicyclists must follow rules Bicyclists need to know and follow laws that are intended to keep them safe. Some of these laws include: » Ride only on the right side of the road and bike lanes going the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. » Stop at all stop signs and red traffic lights. » Never use earbuds or headphones when riding bicycles. » Don’t talk on cellphones when riding bicycles. » Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians when on paths, and bicyclists riding side by side must allow room for other bicyclists to pass. » Bicyclists must use a headlight

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Augustine fitting a helmet to a child. Helmets must be fitted to each person and cannot just be handed out.

and taillight when riding at night, dusk to dawn, rain or fog.

Bicyclists must make themselves known Bicyclists need to ride defensively; don’t assume that motorists see you and will give you the right of way even when you have it. Bicyclists also need to be respectful of motorists. Use a bell or horn to alert pedestrians that you will be passing; indicate vocally a comment, such as “passing on your left.” Using a headlight and taillight during the day on flash mode will help

motorists know that you are there. Note: Pedestrians should walk facing motor traffic so that they can tell when a vehicle is approaching.

Brain injury or bad hairdo? Would you rather have a messedup hairdo or brain damage? Many bicyclists think that just because they’re biking in their own community it’s not necessary to wear a helmet. But accidents happen there just as often as if you were on a long ride. It’s important, not only that you wear a helmet but also that the helmet is fitted properly. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital recommends the following five steps in the proper procedure for fitting and wearing a bicycle helmet: » The helmet should be level on the head. » You should be able to place one or two fingers on the forehead between the bottom of the helmet and the eyebrow. » The front and back straps should be equally tight and meet a “V” just below the ears. » You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the chin and the chin strap. » A proper-fitting helmet will not move on your head. For more safety information, visit the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition at leecountyinjuryprevention. org.

spotlight »

ADVENTURE ON

SANIBEL Randy Wayne White talks about his first YA novel ‘Fins,’ sharks and why he won’t swim parts of the Caloosahatchee.

Z PHOTO BY BRIAN TIET

BY CHARLES RUNNELLS andy Wayne White sails into uncharted waters with his latest novel, “Fins.” It’s his first young adult book — something the bestselling author says he’s wanted to do for years. Randy remembers how much books meant to him as a kid. Now he hopes to bring some of that joy to today’s children, too. “Growing up in rural areas, I came to fall in love with books,” he says. “And I came to think, hope or wish that if I could write a book, maybe I could become a part of the magic that I found in books. “But particularly at that age — the middle-grade age, young adult reading age — those books really struck a chord.”

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« spotlight

(continued)

As a boy, the Sanibel Island resident devoured books such as “A Wrinkle in Time,” “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and August Derleth’s Steve and Sim Mystery Series — all inspirations for “Fins.” “I still have some of those books,” he says. “And they still make me smile when I think of them.” Just don’t expect a lot of Doc Ford — Randy’s most famous character — in this new novel. The marine biologist is there. And so is fishing guide Hannah Smith. But those characters aren’t the stars. Instead, it’s three kids who help Doc Ford tag sharks in the waters around Sanibel Island. Things turn dangerous, though, when they stumble on a shark poaching camp and barely escape. Then the poachers learn their identities and show up one day in a black van with tinted windows. “Fins” hit bookstores and online retailers March 31, although the coronavirus outbreak derailed plans for a book tour. It’s the first in Randy’s planned Sharks Incorporated series. The novel has racked up some strong reviews. Goodreads calls it “a high-stakes, masterfully plotted story of courage, friendship ... and sharks!” Kirkus Reviews offers similar praise: “This well-paced, exciting series opener will keep readers on their toes.” The story follows Hannah Smith’s nephew Luke, who gets struck by lightning and develops a photographic memory and an acute sense of perception he calls his “lightning eye.” He meets Cuban sisters Sabina and Maribel, and together they start tagging blacktip sharks for a research program. Hannah jokingly calls the trio “Sharks Incorporated.” The book’s main characters draw heavily from Randy’s own life and experiences. Like Luke, Randy also grew up in rural Ohio, took part in 4-H and was

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struck by lightning (well, almost). And like Luke, Randy has a rare neurological condition called synesthesia, where one of your five senses (such as hearing) is simultaneously experienced along with another (such as sight). So music and other sounds might have an accompanying taste. Or words might have a specific color or even a gender. “I think this is the first time I’ve ever told anyone this, outside my family,” Randy says. “But I simply took it on faith as a child, growing up, and well into adulthood that everybody heard numbers and names in different colors. I always have, and I just thought it was commonplace." Then Randy came across the word “synesthesia” and looked it up. And he discovered the rarity of his condition. “I’ve been that way my entire life,” he says. “You can say any word, and I’ll tell you what kind of color comes to my mind. Every day of the week has a different color — and several shades. It’s always been that way.” The two Cuban characters, Sabina and Maribel, were inspired by Randy’s involvement in the mass emigration of Cubans known as the Mariel boatlift in 1980.

“I ran a 55-foot boat down from Fort Myers Beach to Key West, picked up two Cuban-American friends,” the former fishing guide says. “We went across to Mariel Harbor, spent 11 days in Mariel Harbor. It was insanity. We came back with 147 people jammed together on this 55-foot boat.” He soon became aware of two young girls who were all by themselves without any apparent adult supervision. “They were so attentive to one another and so caring,” Randy says. “And the younger sister was a fireball. If some adult pressed in too close, she would yell at them and swear at them in Spanish. “I can still picture them in my mind.” Randy first introduced the three characters in his recent Doc Ford novel “Salt River.” “I was well aware that they would come back in a book of their own,” he says. That book, “Fins,” is set in the same old-Sanibel universe as Randy’s bestselling Doc Ford and Hannah Smith novels. It’s a place Randy enjoys visiting. “I like the Doc Ford Universe,” Randy says. “It’s the old Tarpon Bay Marina where I was a fishing guide.

“I loved that world, and I miss it. I really do. I miss that small fishing community.” In addition to entertaining people, Randy also hopes to educate them: about sharks, about poaching, and even about boating safety. “Fins” is packed with safety tips and shark facts — although Randy says he was careful not to come off as preachy. “I wish every boating adult was forced to read this book, because there are some basic tenets of safety in there that very few people apparently know,” he says and laughs. “I did more than 3,000 charters, and some of those lessons I learned the hard way.” He also hopes to inspire a feeling of wonder about Florida’s waters and the creatures that live there. “It’s to relate the joy I got and still get out of being on the water, looking through the water, and trying to figure out what is alive and moving around on the bottom,” he says. “I hope it strikes a chord with people, not just kids.” Like the stars of “Fins,” Randy used to volunteer tagging sharks for the National Marine Fisheries Service. “It was just so fun and exciting,” he says. “And man, we got some

monster sharks in this area! Big bull sharks. “I’ll tell you what: I wouldn’t swim across the mouth of the Caloosahatchee. There are some monsters in there.” One thing he didn’t want to do with “Fins”: Talk down to his young readers. “We forget that, as children, we are actually, in a way, the adults we will become,” he says. “There is an unexpected, unappreciated maturity in children that I am aware of and tried to respect in this book. “So I really didn’t set out to write a child’s book. I set out to write the best book I could write using techniques and sentence patterns that would be more easily attainable to younger readers and also adults.” And if you love “Fins,” there’s good news. Randy says he’s already working on the second Sharks Incorporated book. He says he’s proud of “Fins” and wants to continue exploring that world. “I love the characters,” he says. “It’s one of my favorite books.” BONUS: Get free “Fins” downloadable activity sheets at randywaynewhite.com.

“

We forget that, as children, we are actually, in a way, the adults we will become. There is an unexpected, unappreciated maturity in children that I am aware of and tried to respect in this book.”

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« weather

BEWARE BEACH

HAZARDS

GETTY IMAGES

Knowing how to navigate shoreline dangers will help you keep your family safe. BY ED BROTAK

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lorida families take precautions against numerous weather hazards, things like high heat, excessive sun, violent thunderstorms and hurricanes. Even on a beautiful day, Floridians must also be aware of conditions at the beach. Many media outlets give a beach forecast that contains these weather elements, and it often comes from the official National Weather Service “Surf Zone Forecast” available at weather.gov. For their forecast,

the NWS considers the “surf zone” to extend from the high tide level on the beach out to the seaward side of the breaking waves, typically the area beachgoers will be in. Besides the weather, the beach forecast often includes water conditions such as wave heights, tide information and water temperature. If needed, the NWS may also issue a high surf advisory or warning. Officially, an advisory means “breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone.” Actual criteria for issuance may vary by region. A warning denotes a “heightened threat to life and property within the surf zone.”

Nearly 100 people die every year in the U.S. due to rip currents despite the fact that lifeguards typically save thousands of people from rip currents each year. One of the greatest concerns at the beach is the occurrence of rip currents. Waves wash up on shore and then the water washes back into the ocean or gulf. When this return flow gets concentrated, rip currents occur. Typically, they are stronger when waves are higher and coming in more frequently. Rip currents vary in width from as narrow as 10 feet to several hundred feet across. They extend out from the beach past where the waves are breaking, anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand feet off the beach where they will dissipate. The speed of even a moderate rip current is faster than most people can swim. Nearly 100 people die every year in the U.S. due to rip currents despite the fact that lifeguards typically save thousands of people from rip currents each year. With its miles of beaches and favorable climate, Florida leads the country in rip current fatalities, averaging more than 20 drownings per year. Conditions are more dangerous on the east coast, but even Southwest Florida is not immune. When describing water conditions, the beach forecast always highlights the rip current threat. The Rip Current Risk forecast is given as low (unlikely), moderate (possible) or high (life-threatening rip currents likely in the surf zone). Beaches with patrols or lifeguards post warning signs if rip currents are present. Several beaches in Southwest Florida don’t have lifeguards or patrols, so be aware. Familiarize yourself with them and check forecasts before going to the beach. Rip currents may show themselves with a water color that is decidedly different from its surroundings or an area where things floating in the water are quickly swept out to sea. But there also may not be any readily visible sign. For safety, it’s best to swim at beaches that have lifeguards on duty. Never swim alone. If you get caught in a rip current, the main thing is to not panic. Don’t try swimming back to shore against the current; it’s too strong. You will tire yourself out and get in real trouble. Swim parallel to the beach. Most rip currents aren’t very wide, and you could get out of it. Or let it take you out beyond the breakers where it will end and then swim back. Certainly call for help; lifeguards know how to deal with this situation. If someone else is in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. People have drowned trying to save someone else. Again, you must remain calm and try to communicate with the person in trouble, telling them what to do. If you must act,

get a flotation device and remember what you need to do. One beach hazard that cannot be specifically forecast is the “sneaker wave.” Among the typical waves at the beach, there are occasionally larger ones. This is normal, and they usually just get you wetter than usual. But sometimes, there are much larger waves. In the open ocean, they’re called “rogue waves” but near shore they’re called “sneaker waves.” Large ones can even sweep people walking on the beach into the water and out to sea. Always keep an eye out for incoming waves. Those colored flags you see at many beaches — particularly on the east coast — depict water conditions and possible hazards. Green means it’s safe to swim. A yellow flag indicates moderate surf and/or currents. Even good swimmers need to be cautious and weak swimmers should use a personal floatation device or stay out of the water. Dangerous high surf or currents are shown by a red flag. Swimming is not forbidden but certainly discouraged. A double red flag (or a sign showing a swimmer with a line through them) means the beach is closed. If dangerous marine life is present (jelly fish, stingrays, sea snakes or other dangerous fish), a purple flag will be flown. Shark sightings would prompt a red or double red flag. Sometimes the condition of the water itself can be problematic. It may be a pollutant in the water. Or it may be what is officially called a harmful algal bloom, or HAB. Southwest Florida gets one of the most noxious of the HABs, the so-called “red tide.” The Karenia brevis algae associated with red tide is always present in the Gulf of Mexico. For reasons not fully understood, there are times when the seasonal bloom explodes. The water may become so saturated with this algae that it appears reddish brown. Most importantly, K. brevis emits a toxin. This toxin can kill marine life: fish, sea birds, sea turtles and manatees. Crashing waves can put toxin particles into the air. It produces an unpleasant odor. Worse yet, it can induce respiratory stress including coughing and breathing difficulties. A couple of good websites to check on a beach’s red tide status are tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/hab/gomx. html and myfwc.com/redtidestatus. A beach advisory in these cases advises people that they go into the water at their own risk. If conditions warrant, a beach closure may be ordered for public safety.

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R U O

er m m u s r o f s a e d i 8 s 3 n a l p e r u t u f d n a fun

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GETTY IMAGES

T S I L H S I W

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BY JENNIFER THOMAS

GETTY IMAGES

reaming of travel is now a popular pastime for many of us, since the coronavirus isolated Floridians at home in March and April and even now as the state gradually reopens. Many families canceled spring break plans, and early summer getaways got pushed to future dates or turned into mock-style travel-at-home virtual experiences. We’ve been doing some daydreaming ourselves. And this is the result: our wish list of things we want to do this summer, including some backyard favorites and virtual explorations. Most of the venues listed here are open or planning to open soon, but considering how quickly things can change, we recommend checking a venue’s website before venturing out, not only to make sure it’s open but to know what to expect when you get there. For example, some venues require visitors to wear face masks and many have limited hours.

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Marine aquarium journey

Teatime toast for summer Both educational and architecturally stunning, even with social distancing, a visit across the pond to tour Buckingham Palace is now possible. With each room’s 3-D virtual visit, a description and other information is available. Tour the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase and the White Drawing Room. If summer travel is fortunate enough for an in-person visit to London, tours are slated to be available July 25 through October 4, where each of the state rooms are open to visitors. To complete a London-style day at home, create your own tea party or make a reservation with The Wisteria Tea Room & Café — I highly recommend the Royal Wedding Blend. • Online: royal.uk/virtualtours-buckingham-palace and wisteriatearoom.com • Address: The Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe, 2512 Second St., Fort Myers

Beach day The sand, surf and shells are calling your name. When beaches were closed, this is something many craved and missed. Take a day, or half a day, and enjoy one of Southwest Florida’s beaches, from shark tooth hunting on Englewood Beach to shelling at Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island. For strolling along white sand and perfect sunset views, try Fort Myers Beach. For nature, visit Barefoot Beach Preserve in Naples; it offers a calm preserve and its own learning center and nature trail. One of the most popular beaches on Marco Island is Tigertail Beach, where tidal pools are filled with fish and sea life and you can wade out to Sand Dollar Island, which used to be an offshore sandbar.

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Sail into summer Learn to sail online or in person with lessons from the Offshore Sailing School. Through June 30, you can take a free online sailing course. To get the code for the free course, sign up for the school’s e-newsletter and type in the text box “request Online Learn to Sail Course code.” You have 90 days to complete the online course after registering with the free code. This course offers great preparation for an on-water certification course, and it’s a great refresher for experienced sailors, too. For those craving to sail on open water, a new KidsSail program just launched for private parties of up to five kids ages 7 to 17 per lesson at the Fort Myers Beach location (in the Pink Shell Beach Resort marina). A morning and afternoon 3-hour private session for a minimum of two kids, with reservations, is $95 per child. For three to five kids, the private session costs $295. • Online: offshoresailing.com/ newsletter-signup • Phone: Cheryl Jones, 239-9857530 • Address: The organization is based at 16731 McGregor Blvd., Suite 110, Fort Myers, and the four sailing school locations are on Captiva, Cape Coral, Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands and Fort Myers Beach)

All aboard A change in scenery and fresh mountain air might be good — even if it’s virtually. Take a tour to the top of Pike’s Peak in Colorado in a matter of minutes aboard North America’s highest train.

• Online: youtube.com/ watch?v=cK9DzhMJvo0

Plan a drive to Sanibel to tour the new aquarium at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. The expansion, which first opened to the public in early March, consists of 11 aquarium exhibits that range in size from 100 to 900 gallons and feature gastropods, octopuses, nudibranchs, giant clams and nautiluses. Two touch tanks get visitors up close to the world of mollusks. In addition to the aquarium, the museum boasts interactive crafts and more than 30 permanent and touring exhibits. Learn about shells from around the world to discover how to identify the beautiful shells found on Sanibel and Captiva islands.

• Online: shellmuseum.org • Address: 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel

Polly want a cracker? In guided tours, Bird Gardens of Naples offers guests the opportunity to interact with its macaw residents — even holding the parrots — and to learn about its more than 100 birds from origins around the world. Reservations are required.

• Online: birdgardensofnaples. org

• Phone: 813-841-1911 • Address: 1060 Purple Martin Drive, Naples

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Welcome the zoo babies The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens experienced its biggest baby boom in 2019 and it has continued in 2020 with the arrival of a critically endangered slender-horned gazelle, which was born on exhibit. Also debuting for 2020 is a new critically endangered eastern bongo calf. New for visitors since last summer: three lion cubs named Karoo, Ruaha and Chobe, after three national parks in South Africa, and selected from the community naming contest. The cubs were born at the zoo and recently celebrated their first birthday. Note: The zoo reopened May 22 with timed tickets that are sold online, temporary discounted pricing and adjusted hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Online: napleszoo.org • Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples

Unwind with beachfront luxury Imagine poolside fun with a rented cabana and the kids sliding down a 100-foot twisting waterslide. Naples Grande Beach Resort is a barefoot family destination. Both adults and youth can take advantage of improving their golf or tennis game with lessons. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course and 15 tournament-grade tennis courts. Sitting on 3 miles of pristine beachfront sand, guests can arrange for watersports such as sailing, personal watercrafting, deep sea fishing, parasailing and more. Ecotours via kayak or canoe are available in the adjoining 200-acre mangrove preserve and estuary. Florida resident rates through 2020 offer 20% off plus breakfast for two and free self-parking for one vehicle, subject to availability. Other special offers available.

• Online: naplesgrande.com • Address: 475 Seagate Drive, Naples

Connect with nature Cruise along Wildlife Drive at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island for a nature break and watch for more than 245 bird species and other animals, including endangered species. You might see wood storks, snowy egrets, little blue herons, manatees and alligators.

• Online: fws.gov/refuge/ jn_ding_darling

• Address: 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel

Summer reading adventure Lee and Collier county public libraries offer freebies and special events every summer to help kids of all ages learn and dive into other worlds through books. This year’s theme: Imagine Your Story. Lee County’s program runs June 1 to August 1 and includes a wide range of online activities and challenges that can earn participants prizes. There are weekly missions, games, activity books for download, online story times, even challenges for adults. Collier’s program, which also offers online programming, runs June 1 to August 15. Both library systems offer curbside pickup and an online library, and in-person browsing may be available soon. • Lee libraries: leelibrary.net/ summer • Collier libraries: collierlibrary. org/kids-teens

Start your engines and your zip lines Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park reopened for adventure in May. The park features go-karts, a zip line, aerial park, mini golf, an arcade, batting cages, a bungee jump and other attractions.

• Online: gatormikes.com • Address: 35 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral.

* Note: Wondering about Zoomers? In late May, managers at the fun park in south Fort Myers did not have a reopening date planned. Check for updates at zoomersfun.com.

Snowball fight… er, treat Pelican’s SnoBalls must be experienced (and touched) — ask to touch the “snow” for the full sensation. This fluffy, frozen treat is a great way to beat the Florida heat. Indulge in more than

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100 flavors of this New Orleansstyle shaved ice. How about a Shark Attack or a Hurricane?

• 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; 4045 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, and 9030 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs.

Harvest time Nothing tastes better than fresh fruits and vegetables — especially those from your own picking. Visit 31 Produce & Mining Co. to harvest your bounty of produce, from strawberries to tomatoes and more. After picking, enjoy the petting farm area and panning for gems and fossils.

Enjoy summer staycation traditions Experience serenity as you walk along 4 miles of white sand beach or lounge in the rooftop pool at the all-suite Marco Beach Ocean Resort. A few resort traditions: daily 3 p.m. smoothies served on the beach or poolside, a “turtle turndown” for the kids in honor of the loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the beach during summer months (includes a brief description of the yearly occurrence and a stuffed turtle keepsake) and the captain’s bell at sunset.

Interactive learning with kids

The hills are alive

Fort Myers

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com and napleswaterpark.com • Addresses: Sun Splash, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, 15000 Livingston Road, North Naples

Marco Island

31, Alva

• Online: broadwaypalm.com • Phone: 239-278-4422 • Address: 1380 Colonial Blvd.,

• Online: sunsplashwaterpark.

• Online: marcoresort.com • Address: 480 S. Collier Blvd.,

• Online: 31produce.com • Address: 18672 State Road

The show must go on, and this summer the Broadway Palm dinner theater is producing a family classic — “The Sound of Music” — complete with “Climb Every Mountain” and “Edelweiss” favorites. Performances are scheduled from June 24 to August 8 at 50% capacity with social distancing and plated entrees rather than a buffet. Tickets for dinner and show are $30 for ages 12 and younger and $70-$80 for adults; show-only prices are $55 and $26 for adults and children respectively.

mph. Or at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, be brave and conquer the high dive or experience one of the five waterslides.

Cool off with water thrills Relax while floating along the lazy river at Sun Splash Family Waterpark, which the city expects to open at 50% capacity in Phase 2 of Florida’s reopening plan. Or if you prefer more adventure, tackle the X-celerator — the steepest, fastest and most extreme speed slide in the park. Guests drop down five stories up to 40 feet per second and 30

At the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, aka C’mon, 18 stand-alone exhibits, from the traveling Castle Builder to the Inventioneer’s Lab (which opened in February 2020; a grand opening is planned for July), allow kids to learn in a creative, interactive environment. While learning about art, climate, environment, animals, produce and agriculture, kids don’t even realize they’re not “just playing.” Until the museum opens, families can enjoy C’mon projects and educational videos through the Play & Learn program on the museum’s website and social media channels.

• Online: cmon.org • Phone: 239-514-0084 • Address: 15080 Livingston Road, North Naples

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Longing for beach views? If you missed a spring break trip, experience paradise with Gulf of Mexico views at one of our local resorts. One staycation favorite: South Seas Island Resort, where manatees and dolphins are often regular guests. This local paradise offers its own 2½ mile pristine beach, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, paddleboarding, parasailing, personal watercraft, nature walks, waterslides and more. Our favorite indulgence is Scoops & Slices, where we give into our sweet tooth. Florida resident rates are offered.

• Online: southseas.com • Address: 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva Island

The cycle of life Dive into a summer science session and learn about the lives of butterflies at The Butterfly Estates, which features a glass butterfly conservatory. Witness the daily butterfly releases at 10:30 a.m.

in Naples, Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Beach Bowl & Billiards near Fort Myers Beach, Lehigh Lanes in Lehigh Acres and Bowland in Cape Coral and Port Charlotte). Family passes are available for a package rate, too. Before you go, check the individual venue for hours and age restrictions. Register at kidsbowlfree.com.

Alligators and panthers, oh my! Explore the Big Cypress National Preserve, part of our National Park System, either in-person or through one of its virtual tours. From birdwatching to wildlife viewing, or hiking or bicycling, be sure to plan your trip with weather in mind. Some trails can end up being waist deep in mud. Or perhaps opt for one of the two scenic drives. Be warned: Last we checked, the visitor center and restrooms were closed until further notice.

• Online: nps.gov/bicy/index.htm • Address: 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee

• Address: 1815 Fowler St.,

History, heritage and culture

Game on

Get a glimpse into Southwest Florida’s past and discover archaeological finds, saber cats, long-vanished civilizations, cattle ranches, railways and more at the five Collier County Museums when they eventually reopen. There’s the Collier Museum at Government Center in Naples, Museum of the Everglades in Everglades City, Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, Naples Depot Museum and the Marco Island Historical Museum. Admission is free. Check online for reopening information and visit the museums’ Facebook pages for virtual tours.

• Online: thebutterflyestates. com

Fort Myers

With the summer Kids Bowl Free program, kids can bowl two free games daily at participating locations (including HeadPinz

• Online: colliermuseums.com/ locations

More than shells At the Shell Factory & Nature Center, families can test their bravery by scaling the Climbing Pole, attempt the Climbing Wall or glide across the water in the Soaring Eagle Zip Line. If this is too much adrenaline, perhaps the carousel might be a bit more your speed. Or walk through the nature park and visit the on-site animals or sign up for the sloth encounter.

• Online: shellfactory.com • Address: 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers

Movie time While many families have been streaming new releases at home, there is something about a large theater and fresh popped popcorn in person. A few blockbusters slated to debut during summer break include the highly anticipated Disney live action “Mulan” film (at publication, the release date was July 24), “SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” (August 7) and “Wonder Woman 1984” (August 14). These dates can change, though. Check websites for schedules.

• Online: paragontheaters. com, regmovies.com and marqueecinemas.com

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Bike day During the height of COVID-19, bicycles became a hot commodity. Hit one of your favorite bike trails in Southwest Florida or elect for a guided tour with Naples Bicycle Tours, where bikers can cycle the Everglades, bike through Old Naples or explore the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands on Marco Island, where a stop at the unique Caxambas area is featured to learn the intriguing history of the fierce Calusa. Custom tours are available.

• Online: naplesbicycletours.com

Escape for a day This is sort of a try before you buy opportunity. Resortpass.com allows you to spend the day at many local resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples Grande Resort, Vanderbilt Beach Resort and the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, allowing you access to the facilities for the day. Some offer a cabana pass, allowing more guests to join in on the fun. Or if you are planning a day trip to Tampa, Miami or Sarasota, several properties are featured.

• Online: resortpass.com

Shelling on Sanibel There’s nothing better than shelling along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline, except perhaps waking up to the beautiful views at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, which offers spacious family accommodations from studios to three-bedrooms and dining venues that include the Shima Japanese Steakhouse, Sundial’s newest onsite dining experience, and Slice of Paradice a poolside pizza parlor and ice cream shop. The resort features an on-property opportunity for kids to participate

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in one of Sanibel Sea School’s programs or view the observation aquariums. Florida residents save 15% and receive complimentary breakfast for two. Other packages offered.

• Online: sundialresort.com • Address: 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel

Run virtually or together Running is not canceled. Elite Events plans to host the USA Independence Day 5K on July 4 at Florida Gulf Coast University (runeliteevents.com), and Gulf Coast Runners hosts the Moe’s Firecracker 5K (gcrunner.org), part of the organization’s virtual summer series, which starts with a run June 3-7.

Mystery night virtually or in-person Go head to head in neighboring escape rooms as you try to unarm a bomb in the Secret of the Silent Spy room. Perhaps kids versus parents? Or try to discover who possibly murdered McGregor the Magnificent. Want an extreme challenge? What about aliens? Try to join the ranks of the 15% who have escaped Area 52. During the COVID-19 crisis, Escape Room Adventures added a new virtual option, too, complete with a game helper.

• Online: escaperoom

adventures.com/fortmyers/#3 • Phone: 239-689-6979 • Address: 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 217, south Fort Myers

Celebrate the Fourth of July Red White & Boom? Canceled. The Fourth fireworks at Fishermen’s Village? Canceled. Even if the coronavirus leads to the cancelation of all our great fireworks displays, you can still celebrate your patriotism with a bang. Grill up some burgers and hot dogs, play some backyard games like badminton, horseshoes and croquet and fire up your laptop. The Disney Magic Moments blog shares a viewing of the entire “Happily Ever After” fireworks show over Cinderella Castle. If there are any in-person fireworks shows still on tap for the Fourth of July, we’ll share them at swflparentchild.com. If you live in Fort Myers, just look up. The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team is set to fly over the city in their World War II aircrafts. • Find the video online at disneyparks.disney. go.com/blog/2020/04/ disneymagicmoments-virtualviewing-of-happily-everafter-at-walt-disney-worldresort.

Beachfront retreat For several weeks, the beach was closed. Time to make the most of living in paradise and stay at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. After awing at the expansive water views, tackle kayaking or paddleboarding — both included in the resort fee. After a colorful sunset, families can rent a fire pit on the beach and make s’mores. The resort offers a fourth night free through September 30, in addition to its 15% off for Florida residents.

• Online: pinkshell.com • Address: 275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

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Old MacDonald had a…

Swamp buggy time

Farm adventures delight kids at Springtime Farms in North Fort Myers. There’s a petting zoo, baby chickens to hold, a butterfly aviary and hens to catch. In addition to baby goats, cows, donkeys, baby sheep, potbelly pigs and other animals, there’s a 70-foot long “jumping pillow,” a playground and other activities.

Take a wildlife tour at Babcock Ranch and traverse through Florida eco-systems, travel through a working cattle ranch on a 90-minute guided Swamp Buggy Eco Tour, or embark on the Ecotour Trail and trek along the wet flatwoods habitat and palmetto prairie.

• Online: babcockranchecotours.

• Online: springtimeplantfarm. com

• Address: 10761 Aqua Vista Lane, North Fort Myers

Hole in one What is summer without hitting the mini golf links or a driving range? Southwest Florida is home to numerous miniature golf courses, full-size courses and driving ranges, many of them open for fun. Offering a full golf experience is Alico Family Golf where adults and kids can take a swing on the golf range (70 bays), try their skills on the short course (9 holes) or go full-out family competition on the 18-hole miniature golf course complete with water features and ADA compliance.

com

Alligators and ducks, oh my!

• Online: leegov.com/parks/ parks/sixmilecypress

• Address: 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers

Seclusion awaits

Step back into history Even if you have toured the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, it’s worth a repeat visit to the historic homes, 20 acres of gardens, the original Edison laboratory and a museum complete with exhibit, galleries, inventions and an interactive Smithsonian Spark!Lab kids’ area. Have you seen the pool on the grounds? he grounds are open Friday through Monday through June.

Spend time at the coastal Palm Island Resort where you take a car ferry across the Intracoastal Waterway to this tropical island retreat in Charlotte County. Featuring 160 vacation villas, complete with full kitchens, this property offers five heated pools, watersports and golf cart rentals, basketball and tennis courts, two kids’ playgrounds and two miles of private beach. Home to Redbeard the Pirate, kids are immediately swept away with his high sea tales.

• Online: edisonford.org • Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd,

• Online: palmisland.com • Address: 7092 Placida Road,

Fort Myers

Punta Gorda

Take a hike to Gator Lake along the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve’s elevated, accessible boardwalk to get up close to wildlife. You might even encounter the shy wood duck or an otter. The entire trail is 1.2 miles, while the lower loop is 3/4 mile. Tour on your own or with a free guided nature walk. The nature center was closed in May; check online for updates.

• Online: alicofamilygolf.com • Address: 16300 Lee Road, south Fort Myers

• Address: 8502 State Road 31,

Sunset celebration for summer We don’t really have to say goodbye to summer living in Southwest Florida; however, to send the season off in a celebratory way, take a ride to the Sanibel Causeway and bring a picnic to soak in the views and remember the joy of living in this paradise.

Cape Haze

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« safety corner CHR ISTI R . K ULWICK I

Faulty fireworks Leave the show to the professionals.

ndependence Day is an exciting time, filled with recognizing patriotic heroism and reflecting on being part of this great nation, the United States of America. We get together with loved ones, eat scrumptious meals and watch beautiful fireworks light up the sky like magic. It all sounds perfect until one of our precious children or teenagers become a statistic. Nearly one third of injuries significant enough to be taken to a local emergency room in 2017 happened to people age 20 and younger, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Let’s admit we all enjoy the colorful magic in the sky celebrating our great nation, but it’s important we leave the fireworks to the professionals and view them at a distance. All fireworks are faulty when in the wrong hands. Not often is a vote unanimous, but all safety organizations from the American Red Cross to the National Safety Council voted: The best practice is to not allow fireworks at home. Let’s not only read the statistics collected and published from these safety-focused organizations, but also align our actions with their best prac-

tices and keep our loved ones safe. It’s only a sparkler, you might say. Literally hands-on, they seem controllable, and it’s fun to let the little ones participate in the special holiday, but it’s at their own vulnerable expense. We caregivers are fully responsible for the risk and dangers we put our children in when we hand them a lit sparkler. Would you hand your child any other item as it burns at 2,000 degrees? That is exactly how hot a sparkler can get. According to the National Safety Council, for children younger than 5, sparklers account for almost half the injuries taken to the emergency room. Adults didn’t fare much better, with sparklers accounting for 25% of all injuries seen at the emergency room in 2017. The risk of bodily injury isn’t the only reason to avoid doing your own fireworks. Personal property is also at risk every firework season. The National Safety Council states 18,500 fires started in 2017 due to fireworks, and the Fourth of July is the worthiest noted date of the year for fires. What obligation do we have to ourselves or to our neighbors to prevent a car, a house or a business from a firework-borne fire and possibly financial ruin or hardship for another family? Not to mention it’s a terrible

Christi R. Kulwicki is fire inspector and public education officer for the North Fort Myers Fire Control District.

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use of resources when prevention is easy and encouraged by so many safety organizations in the U.S. Fireworks also impact the environment. Can we agree pollution is bad? And that we should guard ourselves and the environment from the improper use of hazardous materials? Fireworks today are made of gunpowder, also known as black powder (charcoal, potassium nitrate, sulfur and carbon). It can be toxic to the person shooting or lighting the firework. The substances that make up fireworks can cause acute health effects, specifically respiratory distress. Let us not forget about the hazardous materials that fireworks put into the ozone or wash into our waterways, lakes and oceans. Again, let’s leave fireworks to the professionals. They understand the importance of the safety garments needed, such as mask, gloves and goggles when displaying fireworks. Let’s align with the safety organizations and enjoy a beautiful, nostalgic firework show at a distance. By watching a professional display, rather than creating one in the backyard or in the street, we — as a community — can prevent unnecessary mishaps.

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

family album »

Forever family »

Family, friends, law enforcement and emergency officials drive past the home of Alva resident Lawson “IJ” Glenn, 4, to celebrate his adoption day with his family on April 29. The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on a party at his home, but the car parade definitely made an impression. Photo by Andrew West

Kids Tag Art » Fifth-graders from across Lee County were recognized as Award of Distinction winners for their license plate designs in the fifth annual Kids Tag Art contest February 25 by the Lee County Tax Collector and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child

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Horse parade »

More than 100 cars of people paraded through the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center to show their support for the facility, its horses and its staff. The center also currently has a matching gift challenge of $50,000 from The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, which is matching donations made prior to October 31. Photos courtesy Naples Therapeutic Riding Center

Send Us Your Snapshots

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

Fun money scholarships »

Dr. Massoud Eghrari and Mrs. Tayebeh Eghrari awarded “fun money” scholarships to firstyear college students from The Immokalee Foundation. Photo courtesy The Immokalee Foundation

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family album »

GeoBee » Water wonders » To find a child who wouldn’t mind posing in cold water for our March cover, we put a call out for water-loving kids on our Facebook and Instagram pages. The photos we received were so fun, we just have to share a few. Clockwise from top: Anna, 11, and Asha, 9 • Patrick, 7 • Noah, 8

The National Geographic Society named Maxwell Dockweiler, a fifth-grader at Community School of Naples, as a semifinalist eligible to compete in the 2020 National Geographic GeoBee State Competition. Photo courtesy Community School of Naples

Celebrate graduates »

The staff of Village School of Naples makes a special delivery to graduating senior Lucy Tarpley (left) and Lauren Tayon (right). The staff celebrated the Class of 2020, its first ever graduating class of seniors, by delivering caps and gowns to each senior at their homes. With the caps and gowns, staff also delivered gift baskets that contained gift cards, a travel tumbler, logo cookies and candies. The school’s graduation ceremony, originally scheduled for May 30, was rescheduled to June 20.

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One of the prettiest places in Iceland is Jökulsárlón. It’s a glacial lagoon with deep blue water dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. BOTTOM RIGHT: The Blue Lagoon is the most famous site in Iceland. The milky-blue water comes from the minerals in the power plant runoff.

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travel »

‘WE ALL WANT TO GO BACK’ Escape the Florida heat by planning a trip to Iceland, where it’s 50 degrees in June and glaciers, geysers, waterfalls and lava fields create a stunning contrast to our tropical home.

here are lagoons with milky-blue water about 100 degrees and turquoise icebergs with streaks of black and white floating and tipping in the water beside glaciers. There are lava fields that stretch for miles, geysers, waterfalls, bubbling pots of steam, mountains, grassy and snowy fields, beaches with stone or golden or black sand. There are fishing villages with colorful homes, stinky shark dishes and words that are nearly impossible to pronounce. Iceland is a tremendous contrast to Southwest Florida, making it the perfect place to visit for a huge menu of experiences you can’t get anywhere else. And when it’s 94 degrees here, it’s only about 50 degrees there. Wearing jeans and a sweatshirt in June and feeling cool crisp air is a welcome break from the stifling heat here. Sue Soulard took 10 students from Gulf Coast High School to Iceland in March. “It was my favorite location we have ever been to,” she says Sue, who teaches AP Human Geography, has traveled all over Europe with students in the past and says in many countries they see a lot of churches and castles, but in Iceland the sites were varied and unusual. “Everything was very extreme,” she says. “The cold was extreme, the landscape was extreme, and it was things we could never have seen here.”

The sights Iceland is very easy to navigate. The Ring Road encircles the entire country traversing more than 800 miles. It could be driven in less than 24 hours, but travelers need at least a week to see everything along the way. My husband, Greg, and I and our two children, Kristyn and Alexander, did the trip in two weeks, taking time for not only sightseeing along the Ring Road, but many of its offshoots. The terrain

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« travel (continued)

along the road is quite varied. In just one 30-minute period, we drove by lava fields, marshland and farms. We also saw sheer cliffs going down to the water. Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world and the largest city in Iceland. Reykjavik means “bay of smokes” and got its name because the first Viking settlers saw steam from geothermal vents when they first arrived. It’s a walkable town with pedestrian streets and a natural harbor. The biggest site is Hallgrimskirkja, a modern cathedral with a huge tower that has an elevator to the top where one can take in panoramic views of the city. The Perlan, a large dome-shaped building, has a free observation deck. The dome is made of mirrors that reflect the views. One interesting thing we learned: While most European cities charge to use public toilets, Iceland has free “water closets,” or WCs, little round green bathrooms that self-clean after each use. Not far from the capital is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa that’s Iceland’s most visited attraction. We arrived when it opened so there were few people, and it was quite relaxing, but by the time we left, the tour buses were pulling up and the place was packed. The 99-degree, milky-blue water in the 2-acre lagoon is so picturesque that many movies have been filmed there. The geothermal spa gets its color from high concentrates of silica, from the water that passes through a geothermal power plant. “The Blue Lagoon was so relaxing,” says GCHS student Nicole Cadieu, 17. “It was different from the rest of the trip.” Geysir was the first geyser described in a printed source and the origin of the word geyser. The best thing is this geyser erupts every 8 to 15 minutes, so you never have to wait long to see the water shoot at least 30 feet into the air. There are other geysers in the same area, some erupting as quickly as every six minutes. It starts with the water forming a giant bubble and then exploding into the air. You don’t travel far between sites.

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Steam vents melted the snow and sent plumes into the air. Here at Hverir there were steam vents all over the place. Facing page top to bottom: These houses were built into the hills. This was a museum showcasing traditional homes, a school and a church.• Humongous fields of lava stretch as far as we could see.

Just six miles from Geysir is Gullfoss Gullfoss, a huge double waterfall. All along the Ring Road are places to pull off and see waterfalls. Some are smaller, and others are big and popular. Seljalandsfoss is one that you can walk behind. Skogafoss is a high waterfall with hundreds of steps leading to the top. “The waterfalls were my favorites,” says GCHS student Ethan Upson, 18. After numerous waterfalls, my family’s next stop was the Skaftareldahraun lava field, the largest lava flow in recorded history, which stretched for 232 square miles like a barren moonscape. Talking to residents always adds to our trips. We were walking on the lava field looking at a monument to a farmer who had lost his home in the flow when we met a local who told us about a small dirt road that leads to a glacier near Svinafellsjokull. There we saw icebergs and a massive glacier that’s the largest one outside of Antarctica. Sue and the students loved hiking on a glacier, seeing the icebergs, riding Icelandic ponies and being in the snow. “We did do the whole ring (road),” she says. “One day we hiked up a crater. “They thought that was pretty neat. They loved the glacier lagoon with the icebergs. We walked through some of the ice caves. We all want to go back.” My favorite place in Iceland was Jökulsárlón. It’s a glacial lagoon with deep blue water dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. The turquoise, white and streaks of black on each iceberg create an amazing picturesque scene. We took

a boat ride in the lagoon, where we learned that the black is from volcanic ash, the white is the weathered color and the blue is the core when the iceberg breaks apart or flips. Walking along the side of a volcano is also something quite unusual. There are several where you can hike to the top and walk near the rim. Icelandic ponies are the only ones in the world that do the tolt. It’s a gait between the trot and the canter. In the town of Egilsstaðir, my family and I took an hour pony ride past lakes and mountains and experienced the unusual tolt. Iceland is full of fjords with one scenic lookout after another. There are jagged cliffs, black sand beaches, rock formations, movuntains with snow, and green fields, snowy fields and more. “Most everything was covered in snow and I don’t see snow often so that was pretty cool,” Ethan says. Nature is unique and wild in the northern part of Iceland. Lake Myvatn is an unusual area of steaming pits, mud pots, craters and eerie terrain. Hverir, a hot-springs area, was filled with boiling mud pots and fumaroles, which emit sulfuric gas. We hiked along old lava flows in Dimmuborgir and along the top of a volcano in Skutustadir. In Husavik we went on a whale watching boat. Our three-hour journey began at 5 p.m. With the sun never setting in June, you can tour late into the night. We saw puffins, harbor porpoise, whited nosed dolphin, minke whales and humpback whales.

travel (continued) » The O’Co n a multige nor family plans neration al trip every summer. road

Want to go to Iceland now? Tour the country via virtual excursions, like those found at iceland360vr.com or travelandleisure.com. A quick Google search brings up lots of resources.

Each day we traveled for hours but were never in the car more than 30 minutes. Sometimes the stops were five minutes apart. “We were able to just drive and see something cool on the side of the road and we could get out and take pictures,” Ethan says. “The people there were the nicest in the world.” As my family and I headed south, we stopped at Goðafoss, a very powerful three section waterfall. In Holar we saw old homes built under the grass. The rooms were made of wood and stone. Grass covered the roof and two sides of the buildings were set into the hill. We left the main road several times to explore fjords and peninsulas. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula has volcanic craters, lava fields, a glacier, waterfalls, fjords, hot springs, black and golden sand beaches, lush meadows and fishing villages with colorful houses. We stopped in Bjarnarhofn at a farm that is the region’s leading producer of hákarl, which is shark meat that’s been cured with a fermentation process that involves hanging the shark meat to dry for four or five months. It’s a traditional

Icelandic dish, and an acquired taste. There is a shark museum, racks of smelly shark hanging outside to dry and a place to taste the hákarl. My children and I tried it; my husband did not. It tastes like a stinky sponge. “I did not try it. I was not brave enough,” Sue admits. In Djúpalónssandur, we walked between huge cliffs to a beach. Black and gray smooth stones on the beach and tall black rocks in the water contrasted with the turquoise and deep blue water and the thick white foam of the crashing waves. Thingvellir National Park is an historic site, home to Iceland’s parliament from the 10th to the 18th centuries. There are ruins of old stone shelters and a lookout where you can see where the American and European tectonic plates come together. After a day of sightseeing, there are lots of places to relax. Almost every town in Iceland has a community pool that’s heated geothermally. Most are very kid-friendly with waterslides, kiddie pools and other attractions. We did not get to see the northern lights since the sun never set in June, but the Gulf Coast students went in March and got that experience. “Seeing the northern lights was really amazing, seeing them dance across the sky,” Nicole describes. “It was so so cold, but it was worth it.”

Cutting costs Iceland is expensive. Fishing and thermal energy are the only native commodities. Almost everything else is imported. Most hotels have rooms that accommodate only two people, so families with children would need at least two rooms. Food is also costly. But there is a way to see Iceland inexpensively.

We filled one suitcase with a tent and sleeping bags and camped all over the country. Not only did we spend no more than $10 a night, we also had the amazing experiences of camping near Geysir, beside a deep blue lake, near lagoons and other beautiful scenery. We brought a soft-sided cooler and in each town filled it with cereal, bread, peanut butter and jelly, Nutella and fruit. We ate our breakfasts and lunches along the road and dinners at a restaurant. We also traveled in June as soon as school let out. Prices are cheaper before the tourist season in July and August.

The language My son got a T-shirt that reads “What part of Eyjafjallajökull don’t you understand?” (Eyjafjallajökull is an ice cap in Iceland.) Towns and street signs have words that look, to us, like a scrambled mess. Can you say Klofalækjarkjaftur, Gullberastaðaselsbringur, Fimmálnaspottalækur or Svalbarðsstrandarhreppur? They’re all towns in Iceland. But Iceland is easy to navigate even if the words aren’t. It’s also a place of extensive beauty and a wide variety of scenery and experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. “It was one of my favorites,” Sue says. “I can’t wait to go back. Hopefully we can travel soon.” Note: Many flights are suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the past, the best way to fly to Iceland from Southwest Florida was from the Southwest Florida International Airport to the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and on to Reykjavik. There was also a nonstop flight from Orlando to Reykjavik. Those flights did not exist in May, but I did find one from Fort Myers to Boston to Reykjavik for $880. Other flights go from Fort Myers to Orlando to Munich to Reykjavik or from Fort Myers to Dallas to Munich to Reykjavik for $911.

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« around town

THE ESTATES ARE BLOOMING

Getting out into nature lifts the spirit. And now you have one more place to do that. One more beautiful place. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers announced a May 29 reopening date. “The plants and trees have been blooming like crazy and are just waiting for visitors to come see them,” says Debbie Hughes, the horticulture director. “The gardens feature hundreds of plants and trees from all around the world.” The plan is to open the botanical gardens and riverside of the property to visitors Friday through Monday throughout June. The museum and laboratory will stay closed. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for teens, $5 for children, free for ages 5 and younger. Get details at edisonford.org.

Explore nature again

IMAG opens with fun on tap

Even social distancing doesn’t require you to be indoors all the time. Friends of Rookery Bay provides naturalist-led, private, small-group kayak and boat tours every day at 9 a.m. Kayak rentals are also available at various locations. And Collier and Lee county residents get 10% off through September 1. Get details at rookerybay.org and book by calling 239-530-5972. Also at Rookery Bay Research Reserve, state-owned uplands, Shell Island Road, the boat ramp and the kayak launch are open (the learning center was closed as of May 19).

As the state of Florida reopens, we’re now at the stage where you can go spend some quality time at the IMAG. The IMAG History and Science Center in Fort Myers reopened May 23 with hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center provides sanitation stations, enhanced hourly cleaning and disinfection, plus deep cleanings twice a day. The center started out with hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. On June 9, the center begins summer hours of noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays. Group visits and field trips will be scheduled in the mornings. For details, visit theimag.org or call 239-243-0043.

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things to do »

PRESCHOOL & VPK

IN-PERSON Public libraries You can now browse books at some libraries in Lee and Collier counties. Both counties set a reopening date of May 26 for some of their larger regional libraries. Collier County set to reopen three regional libraries with limited hours and limited services at 25% occupancy: Headquarters Library at 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, the Naples Regional Library at 650 Central Ave. and the South Regional Library at 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway in Naples. Hours started at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Limited curbside pickup continues and computer access is limited to two computers, one hour per person. Other libraries with curbside pickup: Golden Gate Branch, Immokalee Branch and the Marco Island Branch. Updates will be posted at collierlibrary.org. Lee County’s four regional libraries to reopen are its locations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Northwest Cape Coral and South County. Lakes Regional Library will not reopen along with the other regional libraries due to ongoing construction. “We’re going to keep the Lakes Library closed so we can expedite construction and hopefully reopen somewhere in the middle of June,” Assistant County Manager Christine Brady told The News-Press in May. “People will be able to continue to place material on hold at all libraries, regional as well as county libraries, and continue to drop off materials.”

DANCE

Celebrating Since 1951

All Ages

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

(239)334-3274 www.dancebochette.com

Theme parks Universal Orlando and Legoland proposed reopening June 5 and 1, respectively, with precautions due to the coronavirus. Both parks plan to check visitors’ temperatures and not allow entry to anyone with a reading above 100.4. At Legoland, face masks are encouraged but not required. At Universal, masks are required. At both parks, masks will be available if you don’t have your own. Legoland will limit admission to 50% capacity. Universal is limiting, too, but did not have a figure as of May 21. Legoland asks that guests book online when possible to help better manage capacity.

SUMMER CAMPS

The following summer camps recently shared with us their plans: Woodland Nature Montessori School starts weekly summer camp programs for ages 3-6 on June 8. The last camp of summer is August 3-7. The camps focus on nature and science and include activities such as “water day,” planetarium shows, animal shows and crafts. The camps run 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and extended care is

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« things to do (continued)

available 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The camps are $50 for one day or $225 for the week. The Woodland Nature Montessori School is located on the grounds of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers. woodlandnaturemontessorischool.com Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium emailed families that summer camps will be offered for nine weeks this summer, from June 8 to August 7, for various age groups, grades 1-9. Camp sessions are limited to nine campers, and participants must bring hand sanitizer and a mask each day. Cost is $175 per week for members, $200 per week for nonmembers. Get details at calusanature.org or 239-275-3435. The city of Cape Coral plans to start summer camps June 15 with a 9-to-1 ratio of campers to counselors. They’ll begin at four locations and could be broadened. For details, visit capecoral.net.

ONLINE Virtual Kids Cooking Camp Kids of all ages can learn how to follow a recipe, measure ingredients, use a stove safely and other kitchen skills in the Virtual Kids Cooking Camp at 4 p.m. every Monday in June. This series by Lee Health’s Healthy Life Centers can be a parent-child activity for the littles or an enrichment experience for independent learners. Each week features a different recipe with healthy ingredients. Make reservations by calling 239-468-0050. Get details at facebook.com/events/705186876895413.

World Oceans Day World Oceans Day is June 8 and the folks at Keep Lee County Beautiful are marking the occasion with a virtual screening and discussion of “The Story of Plastic.” The film dives into the issue of plastic pollution and the effect it’s having on our planet and the people who live on it. Register for the viewing and discussion at https://bit. ly/35QW0cK. There’ll be a question-and-answer discussion with Maia McGuire of the Florida Microplastics Awareness Project at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 8. Participants who register receive a link to stream the film 48 to 72 hours prior to the discussion.

Stay at Home Storytime

series for grades 1-6. The classes will be hosted on Zoom starting at 10 a.m. Prices range from $12 to $50. Get details at artinlee.org/classes.

Hodges University Virtual Summer Camps Tweens and teens ages 10-14 learn how to create games and apps in this online summer camp by Hodges University. The camps take place 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Cost is $175. Campers need a computer or laptop, Zoom and Google Chrome. The software to build the games and apps is free. The camps on June 8-12 and July 6-10 focus on creating games. Those on June 15-19 and July 13-17 create apps. Register at visit hodgesconnect.catalog.instructure.com/browse/ technology/summer-camps. Get details by calling 239938-7747.

#DingAtHome Sanibel’s famous wildlife refuge, the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge host an array of educational experiences for all ages at dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/ ding-at-home. There are downloadable activity books and coloring pages, virtual story times, an outdoor scavenger hunt, yoga, crafts and at-home experiments. “Learning about nature is always important for kids and adults alike,” says supervisory refuge ranger Toni Westland in a news release. “During this challenging climate of social distancing and self-isolation, it becomes crucial that we nourish our souls with the beauty and wonder of wildlife and its habitat.”

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Families and schools often turn to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to learn about natuvre and how to protect the local environment. The nature center staff takes that mission online with lesson plans, hands-on activities, videos, scavenger hunts, guided virtual walks and resources at conservancy.org/virtual-learning.

C’mon

Kids can catch a new story, favorite rhymes and songs at 10 a.m. every Wednesday on the Lee County Library System’s YouTube channel. Notifications for Stay at Home Storytime are also posted on Facebook.

The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples created Play & Learn, a free online program to help families continue to learn and have fun while the museum is temporarily closed. You can access it through C’mon’s YouTube channel, Facebook page, Instagram TV and the museum’s website, cmon.org.

Alliance for the Arts

Naples Zoo

The Lee County Alliance for the Arts has a lineup of online youth classes for June, including visual arts, theater, magic and dance. There’s even a STEAM series and a circus

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The Naples Zoo was one of the first attractions to offer free online learning options. Staff takes viewers on

things to do (continued) »

virtual tours of the Naples Zoo and provides numerous educational videos and activities. Access them via the zoo’s Facebook page or YouTube channel. Learn more at napleszoo.org.

Sanibel Sea School The Sanibel Sea School is sending out educational e-newsletters three times a week. Each Nature Near You email provides a different lesson, ways to explore nature in your own backyard and additional resources. Plus, on Tuesdays, the school offers a Creature Feature and, on Thursdays at noon, its educators host a live session on Facebook and Instagram. See the archives and sign up for future newsletters at sanibelseaschool.org/nature-nearyou.

Love Your Rebellion Poets, here’s your outlet. Love Your Rebellion developed Poetry for the People, a free virtual workshop that refines poetry skills and connects poets, perfect for teens. It’s led by LYR founder Angela Page. While the workshops were hosted on Zoom every Thursday from April 9 to May 7, the 60-minute sessions were recorded and uploaded to LYR’s social media channels. While they are free, donations are appreciated for this nonprofit arts program. Learn more at loveyourrebellion.org/poetry-for-the-people.

Marco Island Historical Society Explore historical artifacts and learn about local history through the Marco Island Historical Society’s History at Home web page. There are coloring pages and other printables, activities you can do at home and an open “door” to the museum’s 19,000 objects, photos and artwork through an online database. Visit virtually at themihs.org.

IMAG History & Science Center Kids can enjoy the fun, educational lessons found at the IMAG History & Science Center online through the IMAG@HOME program. It’s focused on STEM education and local history, and it’s free to all ages. Find lessons, meet-the-keeper live animal encounters, shows, DIY activities and more on the center’s Facebook page. Learn more at theimag.org.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates The Edison and Ford Winter Estates launched a video series called “Edison Ford Goes Viral.” It’s full of history and science. Find it on the Estates’ Facebook page, @EdisonFordFL.

Naples Botanical Garden The Naples Botanical Garden has been posting educational materials to its website at naplesgarden.org. Read about the different plants in the gardens, find fun activities and tasty recipes, or ask a gardener your plant questions.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Busch Gardens and Sea World are sharing their educational resources, including classroom activities, teacher’s guides and videos for parents, students and teachers to access online at seaworld.org and at x.m.seaworld.com/ats/msg.aspx?sg1=44b61b0871f76421 5e703c4bc4f78385.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Florida Space Coast icon the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is sharing daily Facebook Live video experiences and at-home activities that relate to all sorts of space topics. Presentations are at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday for younger children and 1 p.m. for young adults. Each presentation is followed by a question-andanswer period. You can also find downloadable activities at kennedyspacecenter.com/camps-and-education/ educator-resources.

PBS Kids PBS Kids created a free daily email newsletter with educational activities for parents of young children. Today's newsletter can be found at pbs.org and parents can sign up for the newsletter at public.pbs.org/ PBSKIDSDaily. In addition to the newsletter, PBS Kids has other resources, too, such as tips for how parents and children can de-stress during times of uncertainty and tips on how to talk with children about COVID-19.

American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club and the AKC Museum of the Dog created free printable activities and coloring pages for kids to use while at home during the quarantine plus helpful articles for families with dogs. Find them at akc.org.

Embry-Riddle Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ramped up free online course offerings for students in grades K-12. Topics range from aeronautics and meteorology to computer applications and history. Courses include “Aviation is Your Future,” “Introduction to Aviation,” “Introduction to Computers & Applications,” “Foundations of Biology” and “Introduction to Sociology.”

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« voices

GUEST COLUMN

Talk to your kid about being a weirdo An excerpt from “Mom Babble,” a new book by Southwest Florida mom and blogger Mary Katherine Backstrom

irst day of kindergarten was show-and-tell day at Blossomwood Elementary school, a sort of “get to know your class” activity. Letters went home to parents at the end of the summer, and kids returned to school carrying the most fascinating things. Turtles, dried-out beehives, summer camp T-shirts . . . every child had an object and every object had a story. That is, until a browneyed girl marched up to the front of the classroom empty-handed. The teacher seemed unsure, but the child smiled with excitement, so she shooed her along. Little feet stomped up cement block stairs to the center of the makeshift stage. She turned to face the classroom. And that is when five-year-old Mary Katherine pulled her hands out of her pockets and pointed straight down at her girly-parts. “Theeeeeeeese are my private parts!” (Then, pointing to the class) “Yooooooou cannot touch them!” (Hands now on hips) “If you do, I will scream. And then I will dial 9-1-

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1. … Thank you.” And with a curtsy, I hopped off the stage and headed back to my desk, beaming with satisfaction. The teacher handled things well, all things considered. After settling the classroom, she headed to the office and called my mother, laughing. “Let’s just say MK is not like her sister. She’s definitely . . . different.” Different. A label that stuck for the next twenty-five years.

In kindergarten I didn’t mind it

so much. All a kid really cares about at that age is pizza and playgrounds. But some time, right around sixth grade, that label started to hurt. I didn’t want to be different. I wanted to have shiny hair, an L.L.Bean jacket, and Express flare-cut jeans. I wanted to look and act like the popular girls in school. I wanted to blend in. To fit in. Because by the ripe old age of twelve, I had already discovered that sometimes being a standout means being a stand-alone. And standing alone can get pretty lonely. Well, my family couldn’t afford designer brands. So off to middle school I went, wearing combat boots and hand-medown clothes. I walked through the double doors, whispering my mantra to the universe: Different is cool. Different is cool. Different is cool.

By eighth grade, I had discovered pom-poms and popularity. I borrowed fancy clothes, rolled my hair, and smeared iridescent blue eyeshadow all over my eyelids. I was voted Best Dressed. I got myself a boyfriend. And at the pinnacle of it all, I managed to nab a lead role in the high school play.

Mary Katherine “MK” Backstrom is an essayist, viral blogger and founder of Mom Babble. The Southwest Florida mom has been on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and received “The Today Show” Iris Award. She lives with her college sweetheart, Ian, and their son, daughter and golden retrievers. Follow her at facebook.com/mombabble.

Every night before the curtains rose, I felt sick. My stomach knotted up and I just kept thinking, “Nobody is going to buy this. I’m not this role. I’m not this person.” But each night I managed to get to curtain calls. Delivering the right lines. Feigning the right emotions. Applause, curtains, rehearsal, repeat.

When the play was finally over, I was so relieved. I resumed my normal life. Applause, curtains, rehearsal, repeat. You see, even though the play was behind me, my show still had to go on. I curled my hair, grabbed my pom-poms, and took on the role I had been assigned. I was cool. I was popular. I was miserable. Let me tell you, friends. That’s no way to live.

But how many of us have wasted entire seasons of our lives walking in the shoes of a stranger? Scared to be ourselves for fear of being isolated? It’s true that standing out can mean standing alone. But when it comes down to it, is there anything lonelier than being a stranger to yourself? Let me answer that from experience: NO! I finally quit my career as an actress. It just didn’t suit me. Not as a person and certainly not as a parent. You see, I learned that even though it is hard, it is okay to be a stand-alone. It’s okay to let your freak flag fly. And even though

they might struggle in the process, I want my children to know the same feeling. I want them to know they are one-in-a-million . . . not part of the crowd.

I want them to stomp out onto that makeshift stage of life with confidence and announce to the world that different is okay. Not only that, but different is awesome. Time is a finite resource. And I wasted a whole lot of it being someone I didn’t want to be. If I can save my children even one minute of an inauthentic existence, I will breathe a sigh of relief. And you know what? I bet God will, too. I mean, what do we think he’s up there doing? Sitting on a throne with six cookie-cutter molds, punching out humans and sending us down to earth to be exactly like one another? I don’t think so. We were made to shine. To surprise the heck out of each other. To freak one another out. We were made to be weird. And I will tell my babies to do just that. Yes, we should encourage our kids to be different. Even if that means other parents will talk. Even if that means that some of their teachers will stare. God made those babies exactly the way they are, quirks and all. So you just smile, Mama, pat their butts, and whisper: “It’s okay if they stare, baby. That means they are watching.”

Yes, we should encourage our kids to be different. Even if that means other parents will talk. Even if that means that some of their teachers will stare. God made those babies exactly the way they are, quirks and all. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 57

» last look

GRADUATING Lehigh Senior High School graduate Quinton Desamours reacts to staff, including counselor Saneik Buchanan, left, as he goes through a line at the school to receive his cap and gown and yard sign and to drop off items like his Chromebook on May 18. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way graduations are being held this year. The school will have a virtual graduation and if things go according to plan, a walk–through graduation in July.

PHOTO BY ANDREW WEST

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Camp IMAG

June 8 to August 7 REGISTER ONLINE TODAY AT

theIMAG.org

When School Is Out, Camp Is In!

Camp IMAG offers children a fun, exciting, and educational curriculum blending Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) with History and Art in new themed weekly sessions with hands-on activities, games, crafts, exhibit explorations, and more to inspire the imagination and encourage a love of learning! Camps are designed for rising K - 8th grade students and are divided into rising K - 1st graders, rising 2nd - 3rd graders, rising 4th - 5th graders, and rising 6th - 8th graders. The IMAG also offers a Junior Camp Assistant Training Program for rising 9th - 12th grade students.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2020 » 59

Your heart care heroes.

Dedicated to saving little lives every day. leehealth.org/pediatric-cardiology

Because every child is special.

SWFL Parent & Child June 2020

Articles inside

travel

voices

safety corner

when you finally go out

not-so-perfect beach

dining out

bike safety

in the kitchen

teens

doc ford kids

kid stuff

ask the expert

health