SWFL Parent & Child May 2019 by SWFL Parent & Child Magazine

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

M AY 2 0 1 9

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contents »

swfl

parent&child

Features

In Every Issue

29 saving the kids These parents want you to learn from their water safety tragedies

33 dangerous weather How to protect your family against the hazards of Florida summer.

36 strong moms Taking on tough sports while raising kids is no easy feat. Meet the strong moms of Southwest Florida.

Dr. Tasha Wallace, of Fort Myers, has completed three Ironman triathlons. On the cover, she’s with her son, Preston, 11, and her daughter, Olivia, 14.

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

ENTCHILD

.COM

11 all the moms

27 teens

Why parents are going gaga for Disney+

A Naples teen becomes the state champ in blitz chess

19 ask the expert

44 safety

How to help kids learn to fish

Water safety requires layers of protection

21 in the kitchen

49 travel

Two one-hit wonders, our Mother’s Day gift to you

St. George Island helps families get away from it all

23 dining out

On the cover

S W F L PA R

Backyard Beer Garden harnesses the power of the barbecue

52 around town Best bets on local events for families

24 kid stuff

57 voices

Naples water taxi provides inexpensive family entertainment

M AY 2 0 1 9

I got this… or do I? Becoming a mom over 40.

Other Departments 7 8 9 13

editor’s note our contributors online me time

15 16 45 53

5 Things fyi family album calendar

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 5

Help Your Child Learn AN EYE ON THE FUTURE Make an appointment today. Your future suddenly became a whole lot clearer. A child’s learning disabilities can be caused by vision related problems, even if the child has 20/20 vision. Visit EyeDocks.com to watch a video about Vision Therapy.

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6 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

parent &child

editor's note »

swfl

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

Part of the USA TODAY Network

2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 swflparentchild.com President & Publisher William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel

Editorial Contributors Ed Brotak, Lut Clarcq, Paula DiGrigoli, Jean Le Boeuf, Shelby Reynolds, Andrea Stetson, Leigh Tahirovic, Jennifer Thomas, Stephanie Vatalaro Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.com Advertising Account Executive Nicole Holey (239) 281-6455 nholey@fortmyer.gannett.com Anthony Enright (239) 478-3607 aenright@gannett.com

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

The next mailbox When I heard about Tasha Wallace, a mom, physician and athlete who completed three Ironmans — while raising two kids — I was in awe. I could never, I thought. That’s an accomplishment I could never reach. But as I sat at her dining room table and listened to her tell me about how it all started, I thought about my own running. How I started out jogging from one mailbox to another, and then eventually a mile (that was so exciting!) and now I’ve done two half marathons and aiming to run my first marathon next season. There was a time when I thought that was never possible for me. Running taught me I could do anything I put my mind to, and Tasha reminded me of that. I could do an Ironman, too, if that’s what I want to do and if I train for it. It was the same when talking with the moms on the Fort Myers Roller Derby team. They just do it. They ask for help from family and friends when they need it and then they lace up their skates one tug at a time. CrossFit’s 2014 Fittest Woman on Earth, Lauren Brooks Ring did the same on the road to her amazing athletic accomplishment and now she’s onto other goals. It’s not easy. They all put in a lot of work to do these things. But they do it. And they’re all still moms, raising their kids to be strong, too. And they all credit their sport with helping them on that journey. I hope you’ll read these strong moms’ stories and find inspiration in them as much as I have. If Tasha can complete an Ironman. If Lauren can finish in the Top 10 at CrossFit and start a business. If the women of the Palm City Punishers can take to the track every week and kick butt. Then maybe, just maybe, each one of us can take our next step. Be it toward some big accomplishment, or just the next mailbox. PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ

Volume 20, Issue 5 Dedicated to serving the families of Lee and Collier counties

Member of

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

swflparentchild.com

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 7

» our contributors

MIROMAR OUTLETS

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

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

Ed Brotak • Weather Woes • 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. FREE FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza May 3: Electric Lipstick May 10: Neon Summer May 17: Bill Colletti Music Group May 24: Rockin’ Horse May 31: The Silver Sneakers LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Saturdays from 1 to 7 p.m. & Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. Throughout the mall. CAR CRUISE-IN Sunday, May 5 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. PLAYLAND near Classic, exotic and custom cars on display. CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION Sunday, May 5 in the Restaurant Piazza Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Miromar Outlets and La Bamba Real Mexican Food Restaurant & Tequila Bar ALL DAY LONG for an exciting fiesta with live entertainment, food and drink specials. Starting at 3 p.m. join us for a margarita crawl, a chance to win a cruise for two to Cozumel, Mexico and more! MOTHER/DAUGHTER/ GRANDDAUGHTER LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST Saturday, May 11 11 a.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store Mothers, daughters and granddaughters compete for prizes in this annual family event. SCIENCE SATURDAY Saturday, May 11 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PLAYLAND in Kids learn by doing interactive science projects.

MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, May 15 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PLAYLAND in Free treats for moms while their children have fun at Kids Crafts.

Lut Clarcq

• Voices: I Got This … Or Do I? • Lut Clarcq is mom to Lena Paige, who just celebrated her first birthday. She writes about having a baby in her early 40s. Lut lives in Cape Coral with her husband and daughter.

FAMILY YOGA Saturday, May 18 PLAYLAND 10 a.m. in A FREE 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring your own mat.

Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out • Jean Le

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

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY Monday, May 20 6:30 p.m. on the lawn near Ford’s Garage Join us for this 21+ yoga class and enjoy a beer after class at Ford’s Garage.

Shelby Reynolds • In the Kitchen: One Hit Wonders • Shelby Reynolds writes about the latest food and beverage trends. At the end of March, she moved from Southwest Florida to Wichita, Kansas, to be near family. We will miss her!

MEMORIAL DAY SIDEWALK SALE Friday, May 24 thru Monday, May 27 Enjoy additional savings on already low factory outlet prices. KIDS DAY Saturday, May 25 PLAYLAND 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive free pizza, ice cream and other goodies.

Andrea Stetson • Kid Stuff, Teens,

How to Save on Lessons • Andrea Stetson writes for SW FL Parent & Child, Grandeur Magazine, The News-Press, Naples Daily News and The Banner. She has also been a news producer and writer at television stations in Fort Myers, Miami and Scranton. Andrea lives in North Naples with her husband, daughter, dog and eight bunnies. Her son is a student at Georgia Tech. She enjoys traveling, swimming, boating, pickleball and being with family.

FREE KIDS CRAFTS Every Wednesday PLAYLAND 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Our new Kids Crafts Reward Card is good for a $10 Miromar Outlets gift card after your fifth visit. BABY BOOT CAMP Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday PLAYLAND 9 a.m. in Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, postnatal and ultra-fit moms.

Leigh Tahirovic • Spotlight: Water

Safety • Leigh Tahirovic is a wife and mother who loves traveling and Civil War history. She moved to Naples in 2001 and began a career in journalism. She is a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers in the region.

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

Stephanie Vatalaro • Ask the

Visit MiromarOutlets.com for more details. Play at our newest attractions: The Rock Climbing FunWalls and Amazing Things 5-D Motion Theater. Party Packages available at MiromarOutlets.com/play.

SAVE UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES!

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

8 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Expert • Stephanie Vatalaro is vice president of communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing initiative where she works to introduce newcomers to the water and support aquatic conservation. The daughter of a fishing guide, Stephanie grew up in the Florida Keys. Outside work, you can find her fishing and boating with her family.

online »

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

Doing it scared Back in 2014, Ruth Soukup, of Punta Gorda, graced the cover of SW FL Parent & Child and shared her story in “The mommy blogger next door.” Since then, she’s managed to turn her blog into a $5 million company that teaches others how to succeed online, too. And it’s not just other bloggers. She’s tackling an even bigger issue by helping people around the world overcome the fears that are holding them back from being successful. We spoke with Ruth in April in anticipation of her new book, “Do It Scared,” in stores May 21. Get the full story at swflparentchild.com.

FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT FRIDAY, MAY 10 - 6:30 COLTON DIXON

Summer camps

It’s May and you still need to find a summer camp? Or two or three? No worries. We’re in the same boat. Visit our website and explore our summer camp information at swflparentchild. com. It’ll be under the “Things to Do” tab.

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

Join us for a night of faith, fellowship, post-game fireworks and award winning Christian artist & American Idol Alum, Colton Dixon!

AT THE PARK SAT., MAY 11 - 5:00 It's the biggest party of the year at Hammond Stadium as we celebrate country music at our special post-game concert!

READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild

DON’T MISS THE BEST GAME IN TOWN MiracleBaseball.com SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 9

Vicky C. and David Byron Smith Children’s Garden

239.643.7275

10 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

all the moms »

All the

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

Parents are losing their minds for Disney+ The life cycle of a movie for kids is short. They can watch a movie a gazillion times in a matter of weeks. Then, just like that, they’re done with it. So when Disney announced that it’s launching a steaming service, parents everywhere were like, “take all our money,” while wondering how they might manage screen time. The ad-free service is scheduled to be available November 12 and cost subscribers $6.99 per month, or $69.99 for the year. Here’s why parents are losing their minds.

ER visits due to swallowing small objects on rise The number of young children going to emergency rooms because they swallowed coins, batteries or other small objects has more than doubled in the U.S., according to a study in the Journal Pediatrics. The number jumped from 22,000 in 1995 to 43,000 in 2015. The increase “rang some alarms,” says Dr. Danielle Orsagh-Yentis, the lead author and a gastrointestinal physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The likely culprit: an increase in products using button-size batteries. The research team analyzed a nationwide database of non-fatal emergency room visits for children younger than age 6. Almost 800,000 children were treated during the study years after swallowing foreign objects. While 90% of treated children were sent home without hospitalization, severe internal injuries and deaths have been reported. Batteries and small high-powered magnets are among the most dangerous objects.

• It’ll have lots of kids’ favorite shows and movies. By the end

of year one, Disney+ promises to house more than 8,000 Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic movies and TV shows.

• Recent releases will be there, too. After their theatrical and pay-TV runs. The list will eventually include the much-anticipated “Frozen 2” and “Toy Story 4.” And let’s not forget “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers Endgame,” and “Star Wars: Episode IX” for the older kids. • There’s new content. Like “Forky Asks a Question” and “Lamp Life,” animated spinoffs from “Toy

Story 4,” and “Monsters at Work,” inspired by “Monsters, Inc.” with Billy Crystal and John Goodman. • Nothing on it will be rated R. The Disney+ streaming service

is family-friendly, so no R-rated programming is planned. Kids’ profiles will provide parental controls to help keep children away from more mature content.

• Everything can be downloaded. That means you can download “Frozen” for your kids to watch 100 times on that eighthour road trip, with no Internet connection needed. (Just a lot of storage space.)

Fisher-Price recalls 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play sleepers The Fisher-Price recall involves all models of the Rock ‘n Play sleepers, according to a notice posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website. “Since the 2009 product introduction, over 30 infant fatalities have occurred in Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, after the infants rolled over while unrestrained, or under other circumstances,” the recall notice says. According to the recall, consumers “should immediately stop using the product and contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher.” SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 11

12 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

me time »

Picnic in paradise

Whether your vision of a picnic includes a basket and red-and-white checkered blanket or beer and barbecue in the backyard, these great finds will come in handy.

Drinks all around It’s beautiful — and portable. The Kilner clip-top jar beverage dispenser features a super-tight seal, making it an easy option for transporting your favorite beverage to a potluck or picnic in the park. Holds 8.5 quarts. $59.95 at Williams Sonoma, williamssonoma.com.

Bugs are never welcome at a picnic. These collapsible mesh food tents help protect your spread, and they collapse for easy storage. $11.97 for a set of three at Cost Plus World Market, worldmarket. com.

Keep it contained

NIGHT

Transporting food to a potluck? Or got some leftovers from your backyard bonanza? These melamine bowls with tight-fitting lids help store and tote food with style. $29.99 for a set of three. We found them on sale at Kohl’s, kohls.com.

DATE

Shoo fly

More watermelon, please Never be discouraged about cutting watermelon again. Easily slice up the succulent fruit with the Kuhn Rikon watermelon slicer. Made of Japanese stainless steel, it produces perfectly even slices without having to deal with the rind. $19.95 at Williams Sonoma, williamssonoma.com.

For a night out just the two of you, let someone else organize the barbecue. The beautiful Naples Princess has a Brews, Blues and Barbecue Cruise at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. Guests enjoy craft beer and a menu of barbecue treats before a beautiful gulf sunset. $75 per person. Get details at naplesprincesscruises.com. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 13

READY, SET, SMILE. DENTAL CHECK-UPS $ 99 BRACES 25% OFF

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C A M P

I M A G

June 3 - August 9 Register today online at:

www.theIMAG.org

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

Junior Camp Assistant Training Program is available for rising 9th - 12th grade students. Active IMAG members receive a $50 discount per week. IMAG History and Science Center

14 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

2000 Cranford Avenue

Fort Myers, FL 33916

239.243.0043

5 things »

Stock your kid’s

hurricane go bag Experts recommend every family create a hurricane kit with enough supplies to get you through at least three days without electricity or grocery stores. Add a “go bag” for each child to empower them and entertain them.

Drink up The que Bottle was made for everyday adventures. It’s collapsible, lightweight and, yeah, fun. Plus, every bottle purchased helps the Rainforest Trust protect an acre of land in the Peruvian Amazon forest. We need that to help keep global warming and big bad storms at bay. Made of foodgrade silicone, it’s BPA-free and plasticfree. $19.95, quebottle.com.

Go bananas

Bring your silver lining Every go bag needs, well, a bag. And this one is super adorable and so apropos. The clear vinyl tote easily holds books and other essentials while the silver-colored drawstring bag inside keeps small items from spilling out. $14.99 at Target, target. com.

Bright idea Having your own light in times of darkness can be a comfort. Dinosaur fans will love this headlamp. Press DinoBryte’s jaw to turn on the light and hear it roar. Includes three AAA batteries. The head strap can even be adjusted to fit dad’s noggin. $24.25 at suncompany.net.

Include a game that’s super portable. In Bananagrams, players use 144 tiles to create words, and they all fit into a small yellow banana-shaped pouch. No pencil, paper or board required. And your whole bunch can play. Recommended for ages 7 and older. For younger kids, try My First Bananagrams in the green pouch. $14.99 each. Available at Target, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and Walmart.

Something to squish Whether you hunker down at home or evacuate, hurricanes can be pretty scary. A plush can help. We found these 8-inch Squishmallows at Five Below for $5 each. They’re soft, super squishy and come in seven sizes at squishmallows.com and numerous retailers. The bigger ones can also double as a pillow.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 15

« fyi

Win a vacation on Sanibel or Captiva While we might live in paradise, that doesn’t mean we’re living the paradise dream every day. We’ve got work, traffic, etc. Winning a five-day getaway to an island resort in our own community sure sounds good to us. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts is giving people that opportunity with its Choose Your Paradise sweepstakes, a year-long celebration of the vacation choices its four resorts offer. There’s Beachview Cottages, Castaways Cottages, ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa or West Wind Inn. Winners will be selected randomly three times throughout the year: May 31, August 31 and November 30. Get details and enter at sanibelcaptivabeachresorts.com/choose-your-paradise.

Free admission for educators The end of the school year is the perfect time to let your teachers know how much you appreciate their hard work. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is doing just that by offering free admission to all educators May 6-11, Teacher Appreciation Week. That’s free admission to all teachers, administrators and support staff with a valid school ID. The Conservancy is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and regular adult admission is $14.95. School employees also can buy an annual family membership for $35. Get details at conservancy. org or 239-262-0304.

16 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Cirque du Soleil returns this summer with 'Corteo' Cirque du Soleil is bringing its “Corteo” show to Southwest Florida this summer. Corteo is an Italian word that means cortege, or a procession, particularly a funeral precession. This is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. In a humorous, carnival atmosphere, the show explores the space between heaven and earth. The cast includes 52 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors from around the world. Shows are 7:30 p.m. July 17-19, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. July 20 and 1 and 5 p.m. July 21. Tickets are $49-$125; parking is $20. For details, visit cirquedusoleil.com/ corteo or hertzarena.com.

Get a grip on child behavior School psychologist and professor Ron Davis is coming to Southwest Florida to talk about child behavior, effective discipline, dealing with challenging behaviors and techniques for teaching good behaviors. He’s the featured speaker at the Collier County Child Care Resources’ early childhood education symposium, “The Challenges of Behavior: Is There No End?” on Saturday, May 18 at the Avow Ispiri Community Center, 1205 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. Cost is $30 person. The event is open to parents, teachers and administrators. To register, visit collierchildcare.org or call 239-643-3908.

& NATURE PARK CINCO DE MAYO May 5 • All Day Event!

Nat Paur re k

SNORES & ROARS Saturday, May 11 MOTHERS DAY Sunday, May 12 • All Day

New clinic saves money on pet vaccines and microchips It just got cheaper to vaccinate and microchip the family dog or cat in Collier County. Collier County Domestic Animal Services now offers vaccines for $10 each, de-wormer for $5 and microchips for $15 during clinics from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. Appointments are not necessary. The Naples shelter is located at 7610 Davis Blvd., Naples. Get details at collierpets.com or call 239-252-7387.

NATURE PARK FUNDRAISER Saturday, May 18 • 6 – 9pm PARTY LIKE THE ANIMALS! Let us host your next birthday! Call or visit our website for more information!

2787 N. Tamiami Trail (US 41), N. Fort Myers, FL 33903 (239) 995-2141 • shellfactory.com

Stamp out hunger The nation’s largest single-day food drive, Stamp Out Hunger, takes place Saturday, May 11. Families can put nonperishable food donations by their mailboxes and letter carriers will pick them up. All food collected locally benefits local food banks. Items especially in need include peanut butter, tuna, rice, beans, and canned meats, fruits, vegetables and soup.

PBS Kids launches new, free game app Kids design and create their own robot to travel through space in PBS Kids’ new game app Jet’s Bot Builder. It’s based on the STEM-inspired series “Ready Jet Go!” Recommended for ages 4-8, the game fosters engineering skills and helps kids learn problem-solving along the way. The game is available for mobile and tablet, iOS and Android in the App Store, Amazon and Google Play or at pbskids.org.

Ocean Magic Happens Here At Sanibel Sea School, each day is filled with moments of wonder in the water. We offer day classes, camps and experiences for kids, families, and grown-ups, so come with us and be amazed. For more information, visit sanibelseaschool.org or call (239) 472-8585. A nonprofit organization. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 17

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

Limited Spaces Available!

• Full and Part time camp • Children ages 7 to 16

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USSportsCamps.com | 1.800.NIKE.CAMP All Rights reserved. Nike and the Swoosh design are registered trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license. Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.

18 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Fort Myers Office 239-561-2258 14361 Metropolis Ave.

Estero Office 239-390-0289 21740 S. Tamiami Trail Suite 116

Stephanie Vatalaro is vice president of communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing initiative, where she introduces newcomers to the water and supports aquatic conservation.

ask the expert »

STEPH A NIE VATA L A RO

HOW TO HELP A CHILD LEARN TO FISH

Tips for planning a first-time family fishing adventure — even for parents who’ve never been.

f your kids are like mine, they’re probably counting down the days until summer vacation. But often, it seems like the moment the school year ends, the kids are already looking for something to do. When summer boredom sets in, coming up with family-friendly pastimes that don’t add screen time can be a challenge. One great way to switch things up, though, is to learn a new outdoor activity together. A family fishing adventure is one of my favorite antidotes to summer restlessness. Growing up in Florida, I developed a love for the water early on. Now that I’m a mom, I love getting to share the water with my daughter. Even if you’re a first-timer, it’s easy to get the kids outdoors with a family fishing trip. Here are some great ways to get started. » Visit a family fishing clinic: One of the easiest ways to learn how to fish is to attend a family fishing clinic together. Many state fish and wildlife agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, myfwc.com, offer these throughout the season. » Participate in a Free Fishing Day: Another fun way to “test the waters” is

Stephanie’s daughter Isla fishes from her grandpa’s dock.

by fishing on a Free Fishing Day. These are special days when states temporarily waive fishing license requirements. Florida has multiple Free Fishing Days

throughout the summer. The next one is June 8 and 9 for freshwater, June 1 and 2 for saltwater. » Use a tackle loaner or rental program: Tackle loaner programs make borrowing fishing equipment as easy as borrowing books from the library. Many of these programs let you rent out everything you’ll need to go fishing — rods, reels, even tackle boxes. If you prefer to chart your own course, learning the basics is easy. Here’s what you need to know to get started. » Choosing equipment: It’s important to supply your young angler with a child-friendly fishing rod. Kids’ rods are smaller and simpler than adult versions, making them easier for small hands. Some other essentials you’ll need include fishing line, hooks, bobbers, sinkers, bait and lures. Pro tip: To keep kids engaged, bring snacks and games to pull out during downtime. » Picking a location: Going fishing doesn’t mean you have to drive far away from home. Places to fish are closer than you think. Look for familyfriendly amenities like play areas, easy parking and picnic facilities, as well as safe water and boat access. » Practice safety: Before you head out, make sure everyone wears a life

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

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 19

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« ask the expert (continued)

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Isla’s first catch all on her own.

jacket if you’re planning to fish from a boat. If you’re fishing from shore, be sure to inspect the waterfront. And just in case, it’s always a good idea to have a first-aid kit on-hand. » Get a fishing license: Finally, unless you’re participating in a Free Fishing Day, the last thing you’ll need before you hit the water is a fishing license. In Florida, licenses can be purchased from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or even at some sporting goods stores. By purchasing a fishing license, you’re contributing to conservation programs that help preserve these natural habitats for future generations. [EDITOR’S NOTE: A fishing license is not required in Florida until age 16, but experts recommend you get one for your kids to get them into the practice. A youth fishing license is $17 and valid until the child’s 17th birthday.] To learn more fishing basics, visit our website takemefishing.org. The website has step-by-step instructions on how to tie a knot, how to cast a rod, how to reel in fish and more. There’s even a map of family-friendly fishing locations and a list of Free Fishing Days. Before you know it, you and your family will be reeling in your #FirstCatch.

in the kitchen »

SHELBY R E Y NOLDS

– ONE HIT

wonders Our Mother’s Day gift to you: Two easy recipes that employ one sheet pan or one pot. BY SHELBY REYNOLDS

aking time in the kitchen to prepare a family meal is a constant battle. And since this month we celebrate moms, we’re keeping it simple with one sheet pan or one pot to tackle hectic meal times. Clean up is super simple, and prep work is a minimum. Mom life doesn’t always have time for two saucepans and a cast-iron skillet (and all the clean-up that follows). Save time and energy by throwing all the ingredients into one pot or one pan and letting the oven or stove do all the work so you don’t have to.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 21

« in the kitchen (continued)

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Sheet-pan Eggplant Parmesan Bites These bite-sized eggplant Parmesan rounds are deceptively simple but win every time at the kids’ table. Once these little bites are smothered in sauce and cheese, the little ones will hardly notice that they’re eating a healthy vegetable. And on days when I’m craving carbs, I’ll toss some spaghetti with more marinara sauce and top with a handful of eggplant Parmesan bites for a true comfort meal. INGREDIENTS • 1 medium eggplant, cut into ¼-inch rounds • Kosher salt • 1/ cup all-purpose flour 3 • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 cup breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 jar marinara sauce • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese • ¼ cup grated Parmesan • 3 tablespoons basil, chopped DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant rounds with salt. 3. Line up three shallow dishes, filling one with flour, one with the beaten eggs and the other with breadcrumbs. One at a time, dip the eggplant slices in flour (tapping off excess), then dip in the egg and finally toss in breadcrumbs.

4. Drizzle a foil-lined sheet pan with the olive oil and spread. Place the breaded eggplant rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the undersides are crisp and browned, then flip and bake

for another 8-10 minutes. 5. Spoon sauce onto each slice and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Return to the oven and continue baking for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Top with chopped basil.

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One-pot Chicken Fajita Pasta This is often my clean-out-the-cabinet recipe. When I have a box of half-empty pasta or a packet of half-empty taco seasonings, I go straight for this one-pot chicken fajita pasta. Use whichever kind of beans you’d like, whichever pasta you’d like. Take away the corn. Use milk instead of chicken stock and sour cream. Add avocado. This is super adaptable, so make it work for you. INGREDIENTS • 3 tablespoons oil • 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces • 1 red bell pepper, sliced • ½ medium onion, sliced • 1 can black beans • 1 can corn, optional • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning • 3 cups chicken stock • 7 ounces pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti or whatever you have on hand) • ½ cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add chicken and cook, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from pot. 3. Add the bell peppers and onion to the pot and sauté about 6 minutes. Add black beans and corn and cook,

stirring, for another couple minutes. Add taco seasoning. 4. Add chicken stock and pasta, stirring frequently to prevent any pasta from sticking. Cook for about 20 minutes until pasta is cooked and the chicken stock has reduced. Use a lid to speed it up. 5. Add the sour cream and shredded cheese and stir until cheese has melted. 6. Serve and garnish with cilantro.

dining out »

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

DINNER, BEER AND JENGA Backyard Beer Garden gets the party started.

he moment I opened the menu, everything clicked. Ribs, canned beers, slices of watermelon soaked in booze — all served under strings of lights in canvas-cushioned lounge chairs made from wood pallets. Backyard Beer Garden is just that. And you can take the kids. There are giant Jenga sets, corn hole and a bocce court, cocktails infused with blueberries and mangoes, servers in jeans and tank tops. This young Cape Coral restaurant is a backyard party that never stops. It’s a concept so finely tuned that it takes a few visits to soak it all in (I just saw the basketball hoop). Chris Ilardi and Gabe Ferraro are the guys who brought this party to the old Two Amigos space on Cape Coral Parkway East, turning what was once a generically Tex-Mex joint into a place for cold beers and hot s’mores (more on those in a few). These two have worked in the industry for decades, opening hundreds of restaurants, from coffee shops to fine-dining spots, in airports across the country. But Backyard Beer Garden is the first place that’s all their own — and a

Backyard Beer Garden » Location: 1339 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral » Price: under $10 to $15 » Phone: 239-540-5454 » Online: bybgarden.com » Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday » Noise level: Moderate » Etc.: Full bar, outdoor seating, takeout available

place of your own is a different kind of beast. To their credit, they do so much so right. The sense-of-place they’ve created is remarkable, and it’s only reinforced by their menu, which is more of an homage to the backyard party than an exact replica of one. Spare ribs, for example, tug lightly from the bone. But they’re not smoky and covered in barbecue sauce; they’re juicy and slicked in a Korean-style chili sauce that’s spicy and faintly sweet. While there’s booze-soaked watermelon, there’s also the watermelon-infused Other Side of the Pillow cocktail, which classes the fruit up a bit with

vodka, cucumber and a hint of fresh mint. Rashers of thick-cut bacon dangling from a clothes line seem gimmicky, till you bite into that first sticky, salty-sweet slice. Ferraro pays tribute to his Philly roots with a fine cheesesteak and an even finer “The Cutlet,” a lightly breaded and fried chicken breast loaded on a sesame roll with sharp provolone and sautéed broccoli rabe that adds a bitter, verdant kick. Backyard’s missteps were slight. On a busy lunch, when a party of 20-some preceded me, food took forever — as did refills, the check and everything else. On a quieter dinner visit, food came out quickly and smoothly. Including that tray of campfire-style s’mores. The server lit the Sterno so it flamed blue and hot, then handed over skewers for the marshmallows. There were peanut-butter cups and chocolate bars, a pile of Graham crackers to be snapped in half at their perforated middles. I couldn’t stop smiling. There are kinks to be worked out here, sure. But I hope this Backyard party doesn’t stop any time soon.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 23

« kid stuff

See Naples from

THE WATER

Like a bus or taxi, the Naples Bay Water Shuttle takes passengers to numerous locations, only via waterways, and for less than the cost of a cruise or charter service. And kids love it. BY ANDREA STETSON

hen Evie Cooper’s grandchildren, friends or other family members come to visit, she loves to take them on a shuttle ride through Naples Bay. “I always take my family on this trip, and I always take my guests on this trip,” Evie says. “You see a different perspective. You see Naples from the water.” The Naples Bay Water Shuttle isn’t like any of the other charter boat tours that leave from various ports around Southwest Florida. This one is more like a bus service that transports people to restaurants, shops and hotels via the water. “It is also a great way to get to a restaurant,” Evie says. Andy Nottidge, owner and captain of the Blue Pelican, the 26-foot, 24-passenger vessel, says the trip is perfect for children. “You have the opportunity to hop on and hop off, plus it is only a 45-minute loop around, so if you have young kids, it is long enough to have a really nice boat ride, but not too long that they will get antsy,” Andy says. “They can hop off at places like Tin City and get an ice cream. It is nice for families to take their kids out to lunch this way. It is a different way than by going by car.” Guests on board the Blue Pelican almost always see dolphins swimming in the greenish-blue water. They get to see some huge luxury vessels parked at area docks, waterfront condos and some tiny canals off the main part of the bay. “In the course of 45 minutes, you can see dozens of dolphins,” Andy says. While many of the passengers are senior citizens and tourists, Andy says he does see lots of children, especially on weekends, holidays and the summer. “We get a fair share of kids out here, and most of them are with their grandparents,” Andy says. “There are a lot of kids that have never been on a boat before, so this is their first experience, and this is pretty neat because it is a mellow ride, so it will be a

24 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Naples Bay Water Shuttle Where: Travels between nine docks in Naples: City Dock, Wharf Tavern, Naples Bay Resort & Marina, Hyatt House Naples, Bayfront Inn, Bayfront Shops and Restaurants, Kelly’s Fish House, Boathouse Restaurant, The Dock restaurant. In April, service at Tin City was expected to re-open soon. When: See times online for each dock. During winter season, the shuttle runs

11:45 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 11:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Summer hours are more limited (usually that means there is no service Monday and Tuesday in the summer; full schedule will be available online).

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-10, free for children younger than 5. Details:

naplesbaywatershuttle.com or 239-206-0160

good experience because they won’t toss and turn. It makes going out to dinner a little more of an adventure. It’s cool.” The other cool thing that Andy and passengers stress is the price. Most charter boat trips cost at least $25, and that can get expensive for a family with multiple children. The Naples Bay Water Shuttle costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. “This is perfect because it is so reasonable,” Andy says. “The kids do enjoy it.” The water shuttle stops at the Naples City Dock where people can stroll down the pier and see pelicans and fishing fleets and walk to nearby restaurants. Then it goes to the Wharf Tavern restaurant. “If you want chowder and your cod sandwiches, lobster, clams and all that stuff, it is a great spot,” Andy tells passengers. It makes stops at the Naples Bay Resort & Marina, Hyatt House Naples and Bayfront Inn. Then it stops at the Bayfront Shops and Restaurants, where visitors see the colorful European architecture that’s characteristic of Olde Naples. There, you can rent boats, kayaks or bikes or take a Segway tour. Guests also hop off at Bayfront to munch on food at Tavern on the Bay, Shane’s Cabana Bar or EJ’s Bayfront Cafe. The shuttle moves on to Kelly’s Fish House, the oldest non-chain restaurant in Naples, established in 1953. Tin City is the next stop where guests can hop off and explore 32 boutiques and restaurants. It was closed in April, but the service was expected to quickly return. Tin City was originally a 1920s clam shelling and oyster processing plant and still has its rustic, colorful architecture. The shuttle continues with stops to the Boathouse Restaurant and The Dock restaurant before starting the loop again.

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teens »

CHESS CHAMP Tony Burrus, a Naples teen who teaches chess to kids at the regional library, won the state championship in blitz chess in March. He ranks among the top chess players in the U.S. BY ANDREA STETSON

a State Scholastic At the 2019 Florid Tony Burrus, 18, h, arc Championship in M cond in blitz chess and se s. came in first place in classical ches

ony Burrus used to make his moves on the basketball court and baseball field, but now he makes his top moves using only his fingers and his brain. The 18-year-old Naples teenager is a chess champion. In March, he won the Florida State Scholastic Championship for blitz chess and came in second in the classical chess category. In February, he triumphed at the 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship South. “I like to read a lot of magazines and books and watch a lot of YouTube videos of the top players,” Tony says when asked about his winning strategy. “And it is really important to keep up with the top players games and check out all the new opening moves nuances.” Tony didn’t set out to be a chess

champion. He played basketball, baseball and soccer. It was during a break at a basketball camp that Tony saw kids playing chess in the shade and went over to watch. “I didn’t know anything about the game, but I would gather around every board and check it out,” Tony says. He started playing the game when he was 8 years old and entered his first tournament at age 12. “He still loves sports, but he had two injuries,” says his mother, Coleen Flowers. “He had a toe injury from baseball, and then he had an ankle injury from basketball and he was off his ankle for months. He was already playing at the Southwest Florida Chess Club, and his coach said, ‘Well, you are not going to get hurt here.’” Tony began playing and studying chess three to four hours a day. As a home-schooled student he had a more

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 27

« teens (continued)

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flexible schedule for his sport. His dedication helped him move quickly through the ranks. Beginning chess players get a 600 United States Chess Federation rating. Players become a master champion at 2200. Tony is now rated at 2103. “It is quite an accomplishment,” says Greg Gordon, who was one of Tony’s first coaches at the Southwest Florida Chess Club. “He is in the top three percent of all chess players in the world. It is quite an achievement, and he just turned 18. He has to have an exceptional memory. Tony is a great kid, and I am very proud, and he should be very proud of his accomplishments.” Tony has had other chess accomplishments that don’t involve trophies. He started a chess club at the regional library in Collier County where he gives free chess lessons to children and teens once a month. He also enjoys playing chess blindfolded. He can play three games at once with a blindfold on and win every game. “I had the opportunity to work with the record holder, Timur Gareyev, who has the record for most simultaneous games blindfolded,” Tony says. “He taught me to create memory palaces. Whenever you hear a specific move, you relate it to a certain location or celebrity or animals or humans and use that to guide you along the way.” Chess might seem like an inexpensive sport, but Coleen says with tournament entry fees, hotels and travel it can be quite costly. That’s why Tony juggles chess and home-school lessons with work. He works at The RitzCarlton as a host in one of the restaurants. He graduates from his high school studies this month. “I am thinking about taking a gap year,” Tony says. “I would like to continue chess and continue to work and get some more life experience. Then I am thinking about going to a university.” He is considering Florida Gulf Coast University or the University of Central Florida and wants to study computer science and physics. He is also interested in studying business. For now, Tony wants to concentrate on becoming a master champion in chess. He practices on chess.com and travels to tournaments in Orlando and outside the state. He would love to attend a summer chess camp in Atlanta, if he can raise the money. He also dreams of going to Philadelphia for the chess World Open. “To become a grand master, you have to travel a lot, and the main thing is to play against other grand masters from other countries,” Tony explains. When he’s not playing chess, studying or working, Tony enjoys working out in the gym. “I like to keep my body in good physical shape,” he says. He also golfs and plays piano. Most of all, he enjoys chess. “I like the complications,” he says. “At first the game is simple, but it has the potential to turn into a complicated tactical battle. I want to play in a bunch more tournaments. And then my goal is to become a grand master.”

spotlight »

‘They would be alive today’ Drowning is the No. 1 cause of unintentional death in children 4 and younger. These parents are trying to change that. BY LEIGH TAHIROVIC

Paul DeMello

hree families share a common tragedy. All lost a child to drowning. They are not the only ones, by any means, but amidst their grief, these parents are forging forward for the children they lost and sending a message to legislators and policymakers that enough is enough. They say more must be done to prevent drowning. That same message is echoed to parents, grandparents and anyone who lives near water: Drowning is the No. 1 cause of unintentional death in children 4 and younger. These families are focusing on drowning prevention and the one aspect that would have saved their own child.

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

Pool fencing Paul DeMello’s twin sons, Joshua and Christian DeMello, were 13 months old when they lost their lives to drowning. Joshua, described as the risk-taker, was the first to try anything, Paul says, and Christian always followed. The Port Charlotte resident describes himself as a protective and controlling father, but in the end, he was powerless. On January 16, 2010, Joshua and Christian were visiting their maternal grandmother when they pushed through a plastic baby gate wedged between the sliding glass doors and fell into the pool. Joshua died that day while Christian lived for three more days.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 29

« spotlight (continued) Tips for parents Don’t be blasé with water safety. Children can drown within seconds, and a mere 1 inch of water is deep enough for an infant to drown. Because of their small size, young children can sink to the bottom of a pool and lose their life before you can finish loading the dishwasher. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these recommendations: » Never, even for a moment, leave young children alone or in the care of other children when near water. » Assess all possible drowning risks around your home, including canals, nearby pools and retention ponds, and take steps to protect your child. » Close, constant and attentive supervision must be maintained when children are in and around water. » Install a four-sided fence that separates the pool from the home. » Learn CPR and keep life-saving equipment nearby. » Learn to swim. Basic water survival skills are a must in life. » Small children and other nonswimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever they are near water. » Assign a “water watcher” who acts as the lifeguard and constantly observes children in or near the water. There are also alarms and other measures you can take. See Safe Kids Southwest Florida’s water safety column on page 44 or visit safekids.org.

For the boys Boys are twice as likely to drown than girls. Among ages 15 to 19, that rate spikes again with boys being 10 times more likely to drown than girls. Multiple reasons factor into that increase, including exaggeration of swim skills, underestimation of potential dangers, engaging in risky behaviors and using drugs or drinking alcohol.

30 » MAY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

If your child is missing, the water should be the first place you look. Shortly after the twins’ deaths, Paul formed the nonprofit Just Against Children Drowning Foundation to raise awareness that every home with a pool needs a barrier that completely surrounds it. “If fencing was in place, they would be alive today,” the grieving father says. The organization installs pool safety barriers for free in homes of families who experience a water accident. They also help families involved with the Florida Department of Children and Families by providing pool fences at no cost. “If there’s a child in a home with an open [DCF] case and there’s no pool fence… It was a no-brainer for me,” Paul says. The foundation also established the Pay-It-Forward program in which it offers competitive prices for pool fencing through Life Saver Pool Fence, a manufacturer. The proceeds pay for the nonprofit’s other programs. There’s also the Charity Bike Run on Sunday, May 5 in Port Charlotte to fund swimming lessons. “I wish nobody would have to go through what I went through. Unfortunately, there have been so many drownings since my boys,” Paul says. “Every child and every adult should learn to swim. Keep those little feet on solid ground.”

Florida law Another Florida twin lost his life

Joshua and Christian DeMello

one day before his third birthday on September 28, 2017. Like the DeMello twins, Kacen Howard was at a family friend’s home when he opened a sliding glass door undetected and pushed through a defective and weak fence surrounding the pool. Kacen told his twin, Kaedence, to stop and not follow him through the opening. He fell in as Kaedence watched her twin’s final moments of life. The twins’ mother, Brittany Howard, has vowed to educate her Oldsmar, Florida, community and the whole state of Florida on a subject she says isn’t taken seriously enough. She formed the nonprofit Kacen’s Cause in his honor. “My goal is to change the law,” Brittany explains. The current Resi-

dential Pool Safety Act, signed into law in 2000, provides that all new residential swimming pools, spas and hot tubs must have at least one pool safety feature. Brittany quickly points out that 90 percent of Florida homes were built before 2000 and no safety measures are required by law on those pools. “One barrier is not enough. My son was able to bypass the fence and ultimately drown,” she says. “Last year, out of the 88 children who died (in Florida), 36 of them would have survived if there was a second safety measure up.” Florida Sen. Ed Hooper lent support to her cause and filed a bill (CS/SB 724) to update the pool safety act. The bill, which would rename the legislation The Kacen’s Cause Act, expands the current law to require all existing residential pools have at least two pool safety features. It further stipulates that homeowners may not sell their property unless there are two pool safety features in place and outlines a noncriminal penalty for noncompliance. The Kacen’s Cause Act didn’t garner enough support in the Florida House of Representatives this session to move forward. But the senator says he will refile before the next legislative session. “I’m not giving up,” the freshman senator from Clearwater says. “The House sponsor (Rep. Jennifer Webb) and myself are committed to file it every year until we get it done.” Determined to make this change, Brittany’s next step is to secure bipartisan support for The Kacen’s Cause Act. “Next round, I’ve got to get somewhere in the House,” she says, stressing the need for others to reach out to their local legislators. “If I can prevent one family from being in my shoes, I don’t

want anyone else to experience this and live the nightmare (of child loss) that my family lives every single day.”

National policy Three-year-old Levi Hughes was on vacation from Tennessee when he fell into a pool and drowned. His mother, Nicole Hughes, had just split a brownie with the toddler and affectionally rubbed his brown hair before sending him off. They were inside the home where they were staying. She didn’t notice Levi open the heavy doors to the pool area and walk out. When Nicole pulled her son’s lifeless body from the pool, the brownie she shared with Levi was still in her mouth. She wants every parent to know drowning is silent and happens in seconds. She had no idea of those facts that fateful night June 10 in Fort Morgan, Alabama. Like most vacationers, Nicole had taken water safety very seriously when the family was swimming or near the Gulf of Mexico. Nearly every photo of Levi’s final day shows him wearing a puddle jumper or life jacket. Just six weeks before their annual summer beach trip, Nicole considered enrolling Levi in swim lessons but elected to wait after reading the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It recommended that a child begin swim lessons at age 4. Levi was 3. Nicole doesn’t fault the AAP for that recommendation. Levi’s death rests on her shoulders as his mother, she says. So, she wrote an open letter to the AAP asking the organization to update its policy on drowning prevention. As a physician’s wife, she knew first-hand

Online resources Get more information on ways to prevent drowning via the following online resources: • Kacen’s Cause: • Just Against • Healthy Children: kacenscause.com Children Drowning healthychildren.org Foundation: justagainst • Levi’s Legacy: • American Academy of childrendrowning.org Pediatrics: aap.org levislegacy.com

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 31

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that pediatricians would play a key role in effecting change and in educating parents. “When my husband found the statistics on drowning … it was validating in a way, but I was so angry that someone had this information and I didn’t know,” Nicole says. “Water safety is such background noise.” On March 15, just two days after what would have been Levi’s fourth birthday, Nicole spoke at the AAP’s Annual Leadership Forum in Chicago. She told them that she’d rather be hosting Levi’s birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese’s instead of speaking to them. It was also the same day the AAP released a new policy on drowning prevention. “I’m reaping the benefits of other moms who’ve lost a child,” Nicole says, referring to car seat safety, vaccines and SIDS. “All this was done by a parent who climbed out of their grief to fix this for other kids.”

Tips for all pool owners Residential pools pose the greatest risk. Most drownings in children ages 4 and younger occur in residential swimming pools. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission studied drowning among this age group in states where pool ownership is most common (Arizona, California and Florida), and here’s what they found:

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• Nearly 70 percent of those children lost their lives during nonswim times. They were last seen in the house and somehow slipped out unnoticed and were found unresponsive in a pool. • Over a quarter of those drownings (27 percent) happened when visiting a friend, relative or neighbor. Current Florida law requires only one safety measure on residential swimming pools. But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends multiple layers of protection to prevent drowning accidents. • Lock it: A pool cage is not enough. Curious kids can gain access to a neighbor’s pool quickly. By locking your enclosure’s door, homeowners can prevent children from entering their lanai. A small luggage-size

combination lock will still allow your service company access to your pool for maintenance. • Pool fence: Don’t let aesthetics dissuade you. All homes should have a 4-foot high mesh fence completely surrounding its pool. It also must have a self-closing, self-latching gate that opens only outwardly. • Learn CPR: Pool owners, parents, grandparents and caregivers should know CPR. Studies have proven that CPR has the greatest impact on survival of a drowning victim. Older children and adolescents should also learn CPR and other water safety skills. • Safety equipment: Life buoys, life jackets and a reach tool like a shepherd’s crook should be kept near the pool.

safety »

Weather

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STORY BY ED BROTAK

nce school is out for the summer, children and their parents have more time to enjoy outdoor activities. But in Southwest Florida, there are a number of weather issues to consider.

Heat & humidity

First, there is the heat itself. The combination of heat and humidity in summer can cause fatigue and even illness. The humidity is important because the body cools itself by evaporating sweat on the skin. High humidity slows this process significantly. And it gets very humid in Southwest Florida. Pay attention to the heat index. This is typically included in weather reports and forecasts in the summer. This combines the temperature and humidity effect into one number, a “feels like temperature.” A heat index of 105 or higher is considered the “Danger Zone” and is often reached in Southwest Florida during summer days. To avoid heat-related issues, stay out of the sun as much as possible. It can be 10 to 15 degrees hotter in full sunlight. Limit outdoor activities during the warmest part of the day, typically noon to 4 p.m. If you are active, take frequent breaks. Wear light-colored clothing. And always, drink plenty of fluids.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 33

» saftey (continued)

Summer sun

How to prepare your family for a hurricane Hurricane season is no joke. While most years might barely see a blip, any year can have that one powerful, life-threatening storm barreling down on your home. Preparation is key. We’ve compiled some tips to help you prepare your family. Make a plan: Actually talk about it and write it down. Think of the different scenarios you could face, and decide now, when you’re not panicked, what you will do. A website that’s great at helping families do this is ready.gov/hurricanes. There’s even a kids’ section. You can also visit fema.gov or download the FEMA App. The News-Press and Naples Daily News also have a Hurricane App that includes the latest news on a storm and preparation tips. Make a kit: Those websites have information on how much water, food and other supplies you should have on hand in case of a hurricane. As we learned through Hurricane Irma in 2017, it’s good to buy those things now, before a storm is announced and shelves go bare. Include a list of important phone numbers and some compact, non-electronic entertainment for the kids. Talk with your kids: Be honest and age appropriate. Let the kids help make plans and gather supplies. If they’ve been through a hurricane before and have some anxiety about it, ask them what worries them and listen. Practice deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to build up their self-soothing skills. Talk about the importance of following directions when there’s a storm, before the storm arrives. Enlist the help of age-appropriate books about weather and hurricanes. Talk with other families: Ask them what they’ve done in the past and what worked well for them. After Hurricane Irma, Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine asked parents for their stories from the storm — and what they learned from it. You can find that article on our website, swflparentchild.com.

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Those bright, sunny summer days may seem perfect for outdoor activities, but even then, you have to be careful. Sunlight contains ultraviolet, or UV, rays, which can be dangerous. Anything from a painful sunburn all the way to skin cancer later in life are possible. The greatest risk occurs when sunlight is at its strongest, typically the hours around noon. And summer is the worst time for this. With Southwest Florida being so far south, the risk is even greater. You can get UV rays even on days with a light cloud cover. To help explain this risk, meteorologists came up with the UV Index. This assigns a number to the sun exposure risk. Values of 6 or greater indicate increasing risk of skin damage. Values over 10 are extreme risk situations. And Southwest Florida in the summer often exceeds this. UV Index forecasts are routinely included in summer weather forecasts. To protect yourself and your children, avoid being in the sun during the middle of the day. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is the standard. But with sunscreen wearing or washing off and some of the chemicals in it being potentially harmful to the environment, a new alternative is sun protective clothing. With a UPF rating of 30 or greater, shirts and shorts or pants work well. A wide brim hat is also recommended, as are good sunglasses (sunlight can also injure your eyes).

Thunderstorms

Southwest Florida gets more thunderstorms than any place in the United States. Nearly 100 storms are recorded here each year. Although thunderstorms occur just about every day on summer afternoons and evenings, they can occur at any time and even in the winter. Before you head out, check the forecast for where and when thunderstorms are predicted. Keep track on weather radar (many apps are available). Storms show up vividly in red and you get exact location and movement. Many Southwest Florida parks and schools have lightning detectors that sound an alarm and turn on a strobe when lightning is near and then another sound when it’s all clear. While the alarms are helpful, you can’t always count on an alarm to be nearby. If you’re outside, listen for thunder. The old rule works: Start counting after you see lightning until you hear thunder. Every five seconds is a mile away. When a storm approaches, get inside. A substantial building or even a car will keep you safe. Meteorologists recommend the “30-30 Rule.” If you start counting when you see lightning and hear the thunder in less than 30 seconds, go inside. Then wait 30 minutes after the last thunder you hear before you go back out. If you can’t get inside, stay away from trees or other tall objects that lightning tends to hit. Crouching down and getting wet is better than getting hit.

Hurricanes

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Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30. Storms have occurred both before and after the “official season.” Typically, the peak of hurricane season occurs mid-August through September. Since these storms “feed” on warm water and the Gulf of Mexico stays warm into the fall, significant hurricanes have occurred in August, September and October. And although Southwest Florida is typically not a spot that hurricanes hit often, Irma in 2017 and Charley in 2004 were major storms that made landfall here. Lesser storms have also affected the region. Hurricanes are large storms, typically a few hundred miles across. They are easily tracked, and forecasts are usually pretty accurate. In hurricane season, keep track of the weather. The National Hurricane Center distributes pertinent information accessible to all media outlets. Usually, if a storm is threatening, you’ll know it days beforehand. Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that tropical storm or hurricane force winds might affect a given area within 48 hours. A warning is issued when tropical storm or hurricane force winds are expected somewhere within the given area in 36 hours or less. If an evacuation order is issued for your location, know your evacuation routes and follow the instructions of your local government.

CPOINTELC.COM

— 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.

Get supplies tax-free Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is a good time to save money on hurricane preparations. The Legislature was working on this year’s details as we went to press. In the bill sailing through committees, the 2019 sales tax holiday would be two weeks: June 1-14. The bill includes various items from batteries and flashlights to portable generators selling for less than $750 (at the high end, that saves you $45 in sales tax) and impact-resistant windows and door. The Florida Department of Revenue posts details at floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 35

MOTHERS

They tackle the Ironman, dominate CrossFit and rule roller derby — and they’re Southwest Florida moms. They manage to accomplish big goals while also taking care of their family. How do they do it? We talked with them to find out. Meet Ironman marvel Tasha Wallace, CrossFit’s 2014 Seventh Fittest Woman on Earth Lauren Brooks Ring and the women of Fort Myers Roller Derby’s Palm City Punishers. INTERVIEWS BY PAMELA HAYFORD

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PHOTO BY LOGAN NEWELL

cover story »

ast, gritty and competitive, roller derby is not for the faint of heart. So, really, it should be no surprise that five of the Palm City Punisher’s players are moms. There’s Rita Giddens, 34, of Bonita Springs — aka Wreck-it-Rita — in jersey No. 12; she’s mom to Madelynn, age 11, and works in client relations for a local IT company. Ashley Puckett, 36, of North Fort Myers — aka Slamazon — wears jersey No. 33; she’s an office manager for a construction company and mom to Gracelyn, 8, Emielya, 9, and Sopheya, 11. Brianne Lepa, 39, of Cape Coral —

aka Breakneck Brie — wears jersey No. 79. She’s a campaign specialist for Tegna (which in full disclosure, was once a part of Gannett, parent company of SW FL Parent & Child — but we didn’t know her until we met the team). Her son, Aidan is 2. Katrina Pickett-Rust, 34, of Fort Myers — aka Kategory 5 — has, of course, jersey No. 5. She’s a thirdgrade teacher and has three kids: Vicki, 11, Luca, 12, and Gabe, 17. Sara Goodfellow, 35, of Cape Coral — aka Pinkie Swears — sports jersey No. 69. She’s the newest mom. Her son, Sebastian, was just six weeks old when we met with the Palm City Punishers before practice one evening in April. She’s also traffic manager for

a car advertising agency. Another five women in training are also moms. Getting five women — and their children — together in the same place at the same time proved too difficult a task for our deadlines, so we also brought in one of the team’s freshies, a roller derby term for player-intraining. She lives close to the rink, and well, her kids were available for a photo. But she also kicks butt. Rose Neeld is 28, lives in Fort Myers and is now a Level 2 freshie. She’s also mom to Alexander Jr., 3, and Ivy Marie, 5 and niece Alyssa, 13. It takes months, sometimes years, to become a full-fledge, nickname-sportin’ team member.

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cover story (continued) »

P&C: How did you get involved in roller derby? Ashley: My husband plays hockey

Dani Henkel (a freshie): I didn’t know you went to a children’s skate. Rita: I did. And there was a little boy that kept passing me. And he was like, “You’re old. You’re big. You’re the only adult.” Brie: I’m actually one of the longest skating players. Back in 2007, before there was even a league, one of the girls who worked for a beer company found out PBR sponsored derby teams and there was one team in Tampa and one in Bradenton. And she saw my friends and I all roller skating and asked us if we wanted to start a league with her and it might be fun and it’s all downhill from there. P&C: What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had? Kat: I broke my ankle last year in

October doing this. No impressive hit or anything. I just fell wrong and broke my fibula in two spots. ... To have to sit out for weeks on weeks was very depressing. ... Rita: For me, luckily child care isn’t a huge obstacle because our work schedules are pretty accommodating now. I’m sure that’s different for other people.

PHOTOS BY LOGAN NEWELL

here at the facility three times a week, so we were here for a game and the derby girls were just getting set up, moving to this location after their other location was damaged by the hurricane. So I got to talking to Sara, and they were setting up the track, and I just thought it was awesome. … Sara: … I played sports since I was a little kid, all my life. There’s not a lot of sports for adult females for us to do that isn’t, you know, softball or [“rec ball” one of the women says, “or kickball” says another]. Yeah, or something like that. I’ve done horseback riding and cheerleading and things that are a little more physical and I’ve never liked anything where balls fly in my face, so [laughter]. I was a gymnast for a long time, so I was trying to see if there was some way to get back into that. And there’s nothing. You can teach, but you

can’t actually, physically go be a gymnast at my age. They don’t let you. Rita: I went and watched a match probably, oh my goodness, I don’t even know, maybe like 7 years ago, and I really wanted to do it at the time, but my daughter was really little and I knew it was a big commitment and it really didn’t work with our schedules. So fast forward a couple years, she read a book called “Roller Girl.” It’s a children’s book. It’s adorable. And she was really interested in it, and my husband and I kind of were reminded that there was a team and she was old enough to probably find the game interesting. So we were like, “OK, we’ll take you to one to watch” … She loved it and she was obsessed with all the jammers and wanted all their signatures after the game. And I was like, “I can do that! I can’t have this kid, idolizing other people. Like, you know, do that to me!” And she was older, so it was more doable to be away from her on a somewhat regular basis and not have that horrible mom guilt, so I came to a children’s skating class with her the following weekend. [giggles] And I was the only adult there. And um…

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

We all gathered in a small room in the Fort Myers Skatium, a few feet and a panel of glass from the rink where they dish out toughness every month.

The Fort Myers Roller Derby’s Palm City Punishers take on the Thunder City Derby Sirens on April 6 at the Fort Myers Skatium. The next home bout is May 4 against the Bradentucky Bombers. The June 1 bout is against the Fayetteville Roller Derby. A full schedule is available at fortmyersrollerderby.com.

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of other things. You prioritize stuff. This becomes your extended family and your social outlet. ... It’s less of a balancing act, because it checks a lot of boxes. Brie: One of the hardest things was after having a baby, my body wasn’t the same. My endurance wasn’t what it used to be before the baby. What I thought I could do before, it took me a whole year to get back to. P&C: What’s a valuable piece of parenting advice that you’ve gained? Rita: … Roller derby taught me that

PHOTOS BY LOGAN NEWELL

From back left, Brie, Ashley, Kat, Rita and Sara, holding Sebastian. At center is Rose, mom to Ivy Marie McDaniel and Alexander Paul McDaniel Jr.

That’s why I didn’t join initially. So it was an obstacle then. … The drive is a huge additional time commitment, but you do it because, I don’t know, we’re just all crazy committed to each other in this sport. You want to be here. ... Ashley: I have a very supportive husband who is here at every single game. He’s only missed one because of being out of town. So that helps. I don’t know that I would be doing it if I didn’t have that. I also have both grandparents local who come to all the games. I have my own little cheering section who want me to be doing it and doing well and love that I found something that I love. ... My kids think these girls are like superheroes. When Kat broke her leg, my kids were devastated. Rita has purple hair, they want purple hair. They

love these girls and they love getting to come to practice and to games, and at the end of our last practice they were out stretching with us and being on the floor. For me, having my whole family on board has been a big thing... P&C: How do you balance parenting? Brie: Family. That’s why I moved

down here. Family. Family’s a big support. My dad has Aiden sometimes and my husband has Aiden. They take turns. Rita: Kat and I don’t have any family down here. I have a husband but when I first met her, she was single mommin’ it, and she still is technically. I don’t know how she does it. Kat: Mmm, I don’t either. Rose: She’s super mom. Rita: You do say no, I think, to a lot

it was OK to have a part of my identity outside of being a wife and a mother. I wasn’t just something to other people. Although those things are lovely and very important to me, this was just mine. I mean, yes, my family supports me, and they’re super involved, but it’s definitely become a part of my identity as a woman that is outside of being a wife and a mom. It isn’t dependent on other people. You just learn so much about your mental resolve and how tough actually you are and how much you’re willing and not willing to put up with in all different sorts of situations. It’s very empowering. Dani: Just based on watching you guys and your momness, I would say that the opposite of what Rita said also holds true. ...It sounds like not only does it teach you to be yourself and to have something for yourself, but to rely on your family and your support system. That it’s OK to not be the super mom who does it all by herself and be the only one taking care of the kids but to rely on your husband or your parents or your family or your friends or whoever in order to let you have something for yourself. Kat: Rita mentioned having that support system and family. Our families are not in town. I have a boyfriend, but I’m divorced. Anytime I need something or need to rely on someone I have all of them. If I’m sick, she’s bringing me all my favorite snacks and goodies to my house. She’s pretty much like my sister here, but this whole league is like family. We can all depend on each other.

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cover story (continued) »

Lauren Brooks Ring | North Fort Myers | Age 32

P&C: Tell us briefly your story. What has been your journey to today?

I was an elementary, middle school, high school athlete, and I became a mom really young. And so, my whole course changed — completely. I always thought I’d go to college as an athlete, and when I got pregnant after high school, I had a really tough decision to make. And I chose to have the baby. So I went from completely athletic focus to career-base focus, and I started working and had my son. Over the course of the years that I had my son and my daughter, I went through a lot. in business, relationships, as a mom, as a person, ... and I found CrossFit. CrossFit gave me a confidence I had never had before. It showed me that I was capable of doing pretty much anything that I decided to do. And so now, I sold my gym, about a year and a half ago I think. And I’m retired from CrossFit. I don’t desire to compete anymore... I’ve moved on to a new chapter of life. I just got married and now my career is my kids and pretty much focusing on how I can change the world a different way... I took all the information that I had learned ... over the last 10 years and everything I had been through and I created a wellness program. ... I launched a website. I wrote a few training programs. And so my goal was to work with people on different levels on changing their life for the long-term.

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P&C: What would be an example?

It’s multifaceted. The wellness program locally for people means things like grocery shopping assistance. So I do a whole educational trip where we meet at the grocery store and I teach them better alternatives for the things that they already buy, and we go over reading ingredients, so that’s part of it. I do in-home cooking tutorials also and meal prep if people need it. I also do in-home personal training. The international version of the wellness program is a 12-week program for people that addresses their mindset, their menu and their movement, and it’s a very different approach. It’s not a diet plan. It’s more like life coaching. P&C: What’s been your biggest obstacle?

My biggest obstacle was myself — honestly — because you can’t really frame other people and circumstances as an obstacle for you, because you are your biggest obstacle. And if you’re not believing in yourself, using intuition to figure out where you’re supposed to be in life and what you’re supposed to do, then you are your biggest enemy. When I changed my thought processes and the way that I viewed myself, everything else started to unfold and change. P&C: You had an injury, was it after 2014?

I had a couple injuries. My initial

injury was a back injury that kind of started in 2012. I rehabbed my way back by 2014 and had a pretty decent scary episode before the games in 2014. I did really well at the games, no back pain, finished seventh. I definitely had some holes and things I could have worked on, but after the games, I was just over trained, over traveled, undernourished, underslept, and I ended up tearing a muscle in my groin area. That was a really huge setback... I had to make a decision. Was it going to be healthy for me to continue to try to push and compete? And the more I competed, the more I saw my kids needing me. They needed me, and I didn’t need to be a CrossFit competitor. I needed to be a mom. I achieved my goals. My goal was to make it to the CrossFit games. Never thought that would happen, because I’m not a gymnast. I’m not your stereotypical CrossFit athlete. And then when I qualified, I was like, “Uh, I want to make Top 10”... When I was in the Top 10, it sort of set me up with this mindset where once I figure out what I want to do, I can be the best that I want to be. It’s really about how you align yourself. P&C: When you hit that level, did you think ‘If I can do this, I can do anything’?

I had already accomplished those types of confidence levels when I started CrossFit, because as a mom I hadn’t

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

auren Brooks Ring became a local celebrity in 2014 when CrossFit ranked her the seventh fittest woman in the world. A mom of two — 13-year-old Grant and 9-year-old Teagan — she’s now a wellness coach and Monat market partner, teaching others how to be the fittest, healthiest version of themselves. We met up with her at her North Fort Myers home, where she’s settling into her new role as wife, having fun with the kids in their lush back yard and caring for her rescue pigs.

of people around me that were loyal to me and long-term and really understood who I was. And so when that all happened, I started listening to some life coaching stuff on YouTube and reading books and just really searching for something that I could grasp onto. And I came across some teachings and started listening to these recordings and I pretty much re-learned how to start my days. And so for me, when I was going through some of the hardest times in my life, whether it be with injury or personal or kids or financial, I started from the second my eyes opened in the morning, and I went from there. ... I’m not perfect. Anytime I start to slip and fall into those negative thought process habits, I know it’s got to start first thing in the morning. So that’s always where I go back to with clients and personally. P&C: How do you balance parenting?

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

I don’t. … I have a lot of things I want to do in this life. I want to continue on with the businesses that I started. I want to be top in my company. I want to breed my beautiful female dog. I want to exercise and be in better shape. And I also want to keep my house clean... But I realize that every day I can’t expect to be the best at all those. So as long as my family’s taken care of, I do income-producing activities, because I am career based. And I try to just make sure everyone’s just got clean clothes and food to eat. But really my family, meaning myself, my husband and my kids, we have to stay No. 1, always. P&C: What is a piece of parenting advice you value?

worked out for a year, my kids were 3 and a newborn, and I was not feeling athletic anymore. I started CrossFit not being able to do one pull-up. Not even one. … CrossFit really helped me to be, like, you know, “I’m worth more, I can achieve what I want to achieve,” and I don’t know that I would have learned that about myself without coming across the sport of CrossFit. So I have so much love for that sport and for the

business, and it taught me a lot about life, and I’m so grateful for it, but I’m also grateful to be where I’m at. P&C: How did you get through the harder times?

A lot of my personal growth happened when I reached my most desperate points. My relationship had fallen apart. My business was not doing well. I didn’t feel like I had cultivated a group

Let your kids see exactly who you are. I feel like a lot of parents pretend to be different around their kids ‘cause they’re trying to be better for their kids, when really they just end up making their kids, as they get older, feel like they’re being deceived. … I just try to be myself. My kids know that I’m crazy. My kids know that I say what’s on my mind. They know that I’m very unpredictable. But I feel like I’m giving them gifts by being honest with them about those things.

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cover story (continued) »

Tasha Bielby Wallace | Fort Myers | Age: 45, “soon to be 40-sexy”

P&C: How did you get into running and Ironman events?

About 10 years ago, a physician friend of mine ... says, “Hey, do you want to do this event in Naples called the Naples Fitness Challenge?” You run 3 miles, you ride a bike 9 miles, and you swim in the ocean 400 meters. … I was just running at the time, didn’t own a bike or anything. I say, “Sure.” I do it. And I tell you what … I finished, and I was like, “I am hooked.” … I signed up for another race a month later and another race a month later. I’m driving up to, like, Englewood at 5 in the morning, by myself, to do these races, because I just loved it. I loved the challenge. I loved the way they felt. There was just — oh, I don’t know — an adrenaline rush and a freedom that came with doing it. Like, I was Mom, and I was Dr. Wallace, and then this was something for myself. I did that for a few years and end up running into a high school friend ... and found out she was doing triathlon, too. … And so my races started to get a little bit longer. There’s a Sprint distance, then there’s an Olympic distance, which is a 1,500-yard swim, a 25-mile bike, and a 6.2-mile run afterward, or 10K… We’re talking 25 miles on a bike, which is a big deal. So Melanie started training me for the bike, and I just wasn’t that good, but once my feet hit the ground

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and I started running, I would pass everyone that passed me on the bike. And so before this big race that came up in 2011, she’s like, “You’re like the Tashanator, like they’re going to pass you on the bike and you just be like ‘I’ll be back.’ and then you’ll see every single one of them on the run,” and that name has stuck with me since 2011. Naturally the progression into the longer distances with triathlon evolved. ... In November 2013, I did my first Ironman distance triathlon in Panama City, Florida. … As that was evolving, I started joining running groups and started running marathons and half-marathons again, and I qualified for Boston Marathon and so I ran that in 2012. I just feel like it’s part of me. It’s what I do. … P&C: What’s been one of your biggest challenges?

Well, I wake up at 4 a.m. and I train 7 days a week. … My playtime is in the morning. And sometimes the alarm goes off and you just want to throw your phone across the wall and say not today. I realized, as I was training for my third Ironman [April 2018]... and the alarm went off to start training for that training block, and I was like, you know what, this is play time, this is me time. After 6:30 I have to be an adult for the rest day and I have to do something

for somebody else, not myself. So when the alarm went off in the morning, once I changed my thought process about what I had to do — it was for me and to reach my goals — and it was easier to get up in the morning. But I go to bed early, too. And my kids are awesome. They’re so supportive. My husband’s supportive and my kids, you know, everybody here goes to bed early [lights out by 9]. … I think one of the biggest challenges is not signing up for every race that I want to do and try to balance time with my family. … Not only do I have my schedule, my daughter has her horse competitive schedule. My husband is the coach of my son’s basketball team, and my son plays league basketball and then also sports at his school. … The secret is I was kind of injured and couldn’t race for two years. So I dove into my family and was trying to stay occupied with other things because when you’re going, going, going, racing, racing, racing and then you have to stop suddenly because you can’t even walk you’re in so much pain. I had a neck injury and two neck surgeries. From 2014 to 2016, I could do nothing. So it was like [gasps]. What do I do with my time, my thoughts, my, you know, my energy? … I became coupon mom and skating mom, and I was tak-

PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

he Ironman. To many, it’s considered the pinnacle of athletic endurance. It starts with a 2.4-mile swim then segues into a 112-mile bicycle race topped by a marathon, a 26.2-mile run. Total miles: 140.6. And Dr. Tasha Wallace has done it multiple times while maintaining her medical practice and raising two children, Olivia, 14, and Preston, 11. In her teen years, Tasha ran on Barron Collier High School’s cross-country team, which went to state her junior year, but Ironman is a whole other ballgame. We talked with Tasha in her Fort Myers home.

make sure they got up, got breakfast. There was a lot of guilt in the beginning with that. When my daughter was very young, like less than a year old, if she woke up on a Saturday before I left the house to run, I wouldn’t go. I just felt like I just needed to be there when she woke up, you know, so there was a time between having both kids that I, even though I did a marathon in 2003, she was born in 2004, there was, between her being born and Preston being born, I ran maybe a few times, maybe got in a couple half marathons, but nothing crazy. They were young. I was tired. I needed sleep. … Sleep was so important, and you’d have so many nights of interrupted sleep that you would choose parenting over the training when they were babies. … Now I know that they just want my time. So I try to be respectful of that and be home on Saturdays in a decent hour and not always be doing these long races where I have to be gone all day on Saturday. … And they understand. And they encourage when they participate. So when I would ride those long rides, doing those long-distance trainings, I would come back, and I would say, “OK Mommy’s going to be back around XYZ time and I have to run for 30 minutes afterward.” So they hop on their bikes and they run with me. We would do it together, and that makes it fun. … PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

P&C: What’s the best piece of parenting advice?

ing them to roller skating and ice skating and planning family trips... It was one of the most trying times of my life because of the level pain I was in, but I look back now at the blessing that it kind of brought me back to being grounded and being rooted in your family again. ...

P&C: How do you balance parenting with your sport?

When my kids were younger, my husband helped chip in a lot with watching them while I train, because they were too young to prepare their meals and they needed, you know, baths at bedtime. I did bath time. So that was my time. But in the morning, he would

Just doing something for yourself so that the children can see that you have set goals for yourself. It encourages them to set goals for themselves. … What works for me is doing something for myself in the morning, and then I have the mental capacity to do what I need to do for the rest of the day. … My evening time is my family time. .... That’s when we all come together, and we sit down at the table and we talk about our day and we help each other in the kitchen. I think that’s why I’m able to do what I do, because I do carve out that time in the morning for myself.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 43

safety corner » PAUL A DIGR IGOLI

Layers prevent drowning More young children drown in Florida than any other state. To prevent your child from being among the statistics, use multiple layers of protection.

LTHY OF NCH SAFE & HEA PHOTO COURTESY UNTY TION OF COLLIER CO CHILDREN’S COALI

t’s silent, happens quickly and is 100% preventable: Florida has the highest overall unintentional drowning death rate for children ages 1 to 4, three times the national average. Enough children drown each year in Florida to fill three to four preschool classrooms and it can happen to you or a loved one. Drowning does not discriminate. The NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition and the Safe Kids Southwest Florida coalition recognize that multiple layers of protection are necessary to prevent drowning. We stress that no single device or solution can prevent pediatric drownings. Parents, caregivers, aquatic facility owners, managers and operators should use layers of protection to provide a system of increased security to prevent unauthorized access to bodies of water. This means that multiple strategies or devices are used constantly and simultaneously. We strongly encourage families to use and share these layers of protection:

Supervise

Use barriers

Never take your eyes off children in and around water. There is no substitute for active supervision. Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use the Water Watcher card strategy, which designates an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. If a child is missing, check nearby pools and other waterbodies first.

Fences, self-closing and self-latching gates and secured doors with alarms can prevent young children from wandering into a pool, canal, lake or pond. Check for broken or missing drain covers.

Learn to swim To stay safer in the water, all family members should learn to swim well. Teach children to never swim alone, an adult must watch them in the pool, canal, lake or gulf. Young children and inexperienced swimmers need to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. There are 15 life jacket loaner stations around Collier County. Never leave a child alone around water. Remember, no one is drown-proof, no matter how well they swim. The American Association of Pediatrics says children can safely take swim lessons as early as age 1.

Paula DiGrigoli is the executive director of NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County

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Know how to respond Get training in basic water rescue skills, first aid and CPR. Have rescue equipment and a phone by the pool. For more information about swimming and CPR programs in Collier County, visit the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or safehealthychildren.org, call 239-624-4033 or email info@safehealthy children.org. In both Lee and Collier counties, contact Safe Kids Southwest Florida, safekidsswfl.org.

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

family album »

NOW HEAR THIS » Volunteer Merry Hovey helps Quincy Patton, 3, put on headphones to test his hearing at Grace Lutheran

Preschool in Naples on Friday, April 12. The Naples Lions Club, with the help of the Naples Nites Lions Club and the Marco Island Lions Club, screens vision and hearing for over 2,000 preschool children annually. Photo by Alex Driehaus

ONEMILLIONTH VISITOR »

MULLET TOSS » Nolan MacNeil, of Cape Coral, throws in the Fingerling Mullet Division for ages 6-10 at the 28th annual Mullet Toss in Matlacha on Saturday, March 16. MacNeil won with a throw of 71 feet, 11 inches. Photo by Amanda Inscore

The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, aka C’mon, celebrated its one-millionth visitor on March 30. The Elliott family from Rhode Island received an enthusiastic welcome from C’mon staff and a gift bag with assorted items from the C’mon Store. Photo courtesy of C’mon

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 45

MAKING SHMURAH MATZAH FOR PASSOVER » Rabbi Aron Rabin and Jaron Wasserman blow into a bowl to separate out wheat seeds to make Shmurah Matzah during the Model Matzah Bakery at the Chabad Jewish Center of Naples on April 10. Photo by Alex Driehaus

MADISEN’S MATCH » Kerry Feirman poses with Casey Crowther and family at the Golisano Children’s Hospital Pro Tennis Classic, a Madisen’s Match event. Nearly 2,000 people attended March 18 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in south Fort Myers. The exhibition game raised a record $317,000 for cancer treatment programs in Southwest Florida. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child

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LITTLE ARTISTS, BIG IMPRESSION » Nalin Isme, left, creates live art at Collier Child Care Resources’ signature fundraising event Big Impressions by Little Artists on March 28. All proceeds benefit CCCR and help provide early education tuition assistance for low-income, working families. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child

family album »

BUDDY DAY » More than 135 Immokalee second-graders participated in Guadalupe Center’s 27th annual Buddy Day, a nature-focused field trip on March 8 to Hideaway Beach on Marco Island. Photos by Tony Zollo/Special to SWFL Parent & Child

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

SCIENCE SATURDAY » Seacrest

Country Day School in Naples opened its campus for Science Saturday, an annual event partnering with science, nature, gardening and animal organizations to celebrate science. Priya Deonarine, sixth grade, studied baby fish raised by students in Seacrest’s ichthyology program. Photo by Seacrest Country Day School

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 47

« family album

PINWHEELS GARDEN » Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County staff, volunteers and members of the community plant pinwheels in sand at Naples Pier on April 13. The pinwheel garden was made in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest toy pinwheel display in the world and contained 4,435 pinwheels. Photo by Morgan Hornsby

TOP YOUNG SCIENTISTS » Clockwise from top left: Florida

SouthWestern State College High School student Morgan Barkhurst won first place in physics, senior division in the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida STEM Competition. • Canterbury School student Luke Long won first place in microbiology, senior division • Fort Myers High School senior Dahlia Dry won second place in the mathematics and computational sciences category • Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School seventh-grader Elsa Marcet won second place in the junior cellular/molecular biology and biochemistry category • Fort Myers High School senior Cynthia Sheng placed second in the senior cellular/ molecular biology and biochemistry category • Estero High School junior Mark Leone placed second in the earth and environmental sciences category. Photos courtesy of @edisonfairs

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PHOTO BY MAGGIE FULLER/ SPECIAL TO SW FL PARENT & CHILD

travel »

TRANQUIL

ISLAND LIFE

St. George Island’s unspoiled setting allows families to step back and reconnect. STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS

or those seeking a tranquil family beach vacation surrounded by nature, there are still a few spots in Florida that take you back to an unspoiled gulf setting, including St. George Island, a 28-mile barrier island in Northwest Florida. This serene setting is also known as a petfriendly location. “St. George Island is one of the last inhabited, yet unspoiled, barrier

islands of Florida, with miles of uncrowded beaches for sunning and shelling, clear gulf waters for swimming and excellent fishing, pristine marshes for wildlife viewing,” says John C. Solomon, executive director of the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. “Visitors can rent a quaint beach cottage, a multistory luxury beach home, or lodge at one of the four Island hotels or inns. The Island is also very pet-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are always welcome on our beaches and pets are allowed in many of the rental

homes.” Fort Myers resident Jennifer Caves, who is from the Tallahassee area, has fond memories of this destination. “St. George Island is a peaceful, tranquil island where families went to reconnect,” Jennifer recalls. “When I would vacation here, there were no high rises on the island, only unspoiled beach with houses you could rent and a preserve you could go to. Families would spend the days swimming, lounging around in the sun.”

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 49

St. George Island is extremely attractive for water enthusiasts, especially for those who like the hunt of the keeper. “If you like to fish, you’ll be in heaven on St. George Island, where even a novice fisherman can bring home a fanciful treat for the evening meal,” John says. While being on island time, a few attractions to visit include the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, St. George Island lighthouse and the lighthouse museum. Now located at the center of the

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island, the 79-foot tall Cape St. George Light, originally built in 1852, suffered a collapse in 2005 and was reconstructed. It features 92 wooden steps and an eight-rung ladder into the lantern room. The lighthouse keeper’s house hosts the museum and features historical insights to lighthouse and island maritime history. Like Sanibel Island’s lighthouse, it offers beach access with amenities. Not to mention, both lighthouses are iconic sights and landmarks for the islands. Jennifer also recommends visiting the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George

Island State Park to learn about the surrounding environment. Here, visitors can hike through the ecosystems and watch wildlife. Some areas were still closed in April due to Hurricane Michael; check floridastateparks.org for updates. “Truly reconnect with each other, hangout on the beach while swimming, relaxing and making sandcastles,” she suggests. “This island is a place to go to get away from the noise and reconnect with the family. It’s truly a place to rent a house, take books, play boardgames

travel (continued) »

St. George Island is known for its natural setting and lack of development. It’s a getaway location that allows families to unplug and reconnect with each other and nature. Here, the biggest manmade attraction is the Cape St. George Light, below.

and just truly spend that one-on-one time with your family. It’s time to rediscover the outdoors. It’s an unspoiled island, that doesn’t have a lot of builtup hotels or stores.” For families looking for a hotel, there’s the St. George Island Inn and the Buccaneer Inn. “However, the Island also offers an abundance of beach home rentals,” John says. Seafood lovers are in luck with dining opportunities.

“If you’ve made up your mind that you are truly on vacation and cooking is not on the agenda, St. George has a variety of eateries that serve only the freshest local seafood. Enjoy oysters surfside or dine on the bay watching the sunset,” John advises. “The Blue Parrot (Oceanfront Cafe) has the largest deck and tiki bar on the beach, complete with fresh seafood, salads, burgers and steaks.” For additional entertainment, the

Blue Parrot is home to the annual mullet toss June 8. The event benefits local charities. An island perfect for reconnecting and going back to basics, John suggests just reclining on the beach and watching the moonrise over the gulf or taking the kids to watch the sand crabs scramble from hole to hole. Jennifer agrees. “St. George Island is a place to go to get away from the daily grind.”

NOTE RE. HURRICANE: Sources report that since Hurricane Michael, St. George Island is nearly 100 percent back up and running.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 51

« around town

Celebrate the Key lime This tasty little citrus fruit gets center stage at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda during the seventh annual Key Lime Festival on Saturday, May 11. Entertainment includes live music, Jeff the Juggler, balloon twisting and a magic show. Meet Luna the screech owl and parrots from the Parrot Outreach Society. Greg and Vikki Winkler will be signing their book “Welcome to Florida,” and there will be live art demonstrations. Plus, play the Key lime limbo game. The Village’s restaurants and stores will feature Key lime specialties, too: dipping sauces, pie, tarts, salt scrub and more. Admission and parking are free. For details, call 800-6390020 or visit fishville.com.

Enter the motherdaughter look-alike contest Do the ladies in your family look alike? Test it out and have fun competing for prizes at the Miromar Outlets’ annual Mother/Daughter/Granddaughter Look-Alike Contest on Saturday, May 11. The contest begins at 11 a.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store at Miromar Outlets in Estero.

School House Rock meets Jack and the Beanstalk The Broadway Palm dinner theater has two children’s shows this month. “School House Rock” starts it out and runs through May 11. Then “Jack and the Beanstalk” hits the stage May 24 through June 14. Prices for kids’ shows are $19 for all ages, and that includes lunch and show. Older kids might also enjoy the main stage show “Little Shop of Horrors,” May 16 to June 15. Then get ready for the big summer production, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the Broadway musical. Get details at broadwaypalm.com or 239-278-4422.

Teens kick off summer with glow party Created by teens, for teens, this summer kick-off party features three teen DJs spinning hot tunes. The Finally Summer Teen Glow Party for ages 14 to 18 runs 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, May 24 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. Teens, come dressed to glow. Parents, rest assured it’s a fully staffed event. Tickets are $10 in advance. A valid student ID is required to enter. Hosted by DJ Tommy Giaime. Get details at sbdac.com or 239-333-1933.

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calendar »

PRESCHOOL & VPK

Friday, May 3 Art Walk: Digital Lee » 6-10 p.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. Lee County students show off their artistic abilities in this year-end exhibit. $1 entry donation. Awards ceremony is 6 p.m. May 10; free admission. Show closes May 29. First Friday Art Night » 7-9:30 p.m. Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Learn how to create a mosaic flower pot. Ages 8 and older. $35. Registration required. 239-213-3058.

“School House Rock” » May 2-11. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 10:30 a.m. lunch, 11:30 a.m. show May 2, 3, 8 and 10. Noon lunch, 1 p.m. show May 5 and 11. $19 all ages, includes lunch. 239-278-4422. broadwaypalm.com

Saturday, May 4 Free Family Fun Day in Naples » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Naples Area Board of Realtors, 1455 Pine Ridge Road. Free activities, entertainment and games. Prizes, giveaways, dunk tank, animals, face painting, bounce house and more. Global 6K for Water » 7:30-9 a.m. Cape Christian, 2110 Chiquita Blvd. S., Cape Coral. Walk, run or push a stroller at the World Vision Global 6K for Water. Join thousands of people around the globe on a mission to bring life-changing clean water to children in communities around the world. Each registration provides lasting clean water to a child, like the child on your race bib. Every step you take is one less a child must take in search of water. 239-772-5683. Kentucky Derby Party » 4:30-7:30 p.m. Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, 206 Ridge Drive, Naples. A fundraiser for the center, which provides therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs and physical challenges. Prizes for Best Hat (ladies) and Crazy Pants (gents). $75-$125. 239-596-2988. naplestherapeuticridingcenter. org

DANCE

Celebrating Since 1951

All Ages

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

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

E ST RE FIRSS F A CL

Friday Night Concert Series » 6 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Free concert every Friday night. May 3: Electric Lipstick. May 10: Neon Summer. May 17: The Bill Colletti Music Group. May 24: Rockin’ Horse. May 31: Silver Sneakers.

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

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

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

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

NEW TO OUR CLASS SCHEDULE:

TECHNIQUE AND CONDITIONING CLASSES, YOGA, ADULT BALLET

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

Affordable tuition is our goal at G-Force

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

239.288.6188 www.G-ForceDance.com

Online payment now available through PayPal for your convenience

Weekend Childbirth Education »10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4-5. The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Learn about stages of labor, pain coping practices, moving beyond your birth worries, and more. Breastfeeding Class included. 239-594-0400. Register at naplesbirthcenter.com or email FBCNaples@gmail.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 53

« calendar Sunday, May 5

Thursday, May 9

Adventures in Robotics: Complete the Mission » 1-3 p.m. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Edison Ford members, $15 per class; nonmembers, $25 per class. In this final class, students apply all they learned to accomplish as many Lego-based problems as possible by the end of the class. Registration required. 239334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org

Girl Scout Troop Formation Meeting » 5:30-6:30 p.m. InPlay! Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. RSVP to dawnp@gsgcf.org. gsgcf.org

Charity Bike Run for Drowning Prevention » 11 a.m. Port Charlotte Walmart Supercenter, 375 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. Last stop is Sharky’s Restaurant in Venice. $15 per bike, $5 for passengers. Benefits Just Against Drowning Foundation. 941-626-7106 or jacdinc@gmail. com.

Friday, May 10 Fireworks Friday with Fort Myers Miracle » Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers. Fireworks follow the baseball game on select Fridays: May 10 and 17, June 7 and 28, July 5 and 26 and August 9 and 30. Plus, the bigger Independence Day show launches July 4. Tickets for games on Fireworks Friday start at $8.50 in advance, $10 on game day. 239-768-4210. miraclebaseball. com

Monday, May 6 FineMark Women’s Pro Tennis Championship » May 6-12. Bonita Bay Club, 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs. A $100,000 Women’s USTA Pro Circuit Tournament. Prices start at $10 for qualifying matches, with early bird pricing for semis and finals at $56. Free admission for ages 12 and younger. Benefits New Horizons of Southwest Florida. bbcusta.net Holiday Youth Workshops » 10 a.m. Fleischmann Park Community Center, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. May 6: Grandma’s Goodies, for ages 18 months to 5 years. May 10: Mom’s the Best, 3-5 p.m. for grades K-5. $25. Registration required. 239-213-3020. Online Class: Birthing from Within » 8:30 p.m. Online from Mindful Birth Services and Doula Care in Fort Myers. Class is livestreamed via Zoom. You’ll receive a link to join and receive real-time access to the live class via video conference. 239-560-2403. mindfulbirthservices.com

Tuesday, May 7 Breastfeeding Class » 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Learn how to successfully breastfeed your newborn baby, use breast pumps and transition to returning to work while breastfeeding. 239-594-0400. Register at www. naplesbirthcenter.com or email FBCNaples@gmail.com. Teacher Appreciation Day » 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero. Teachers with ID get a free chicken biscuit before 10:30 a.m. or a free original chicken sandwich or 8-count nugget entree 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 8 Budget Clinic » 3 p.m. Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services, 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers. Learn how to better manage your money. Participants receive a UF/IFAS Extension Money Management Calendar. Free. Next one is 5:30 p.m. May 22. “Shrek the Musical” » 6:30 p.m. May 8-10. Seacrest Country Day School, 7100 Davis Blvd., Naples. Presented by the Seacrest Theater Department. 239-793-1986. seacrest. org

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Logiscool Parent Night Out » 6-10 p.m. Logiscool Davis, 1715 Heritage Trail, Suite 203, Naples. An evening of activities for kids from kindergarten to age 14. Includes coding and programming and a pizza dinner. 239-673-0051. logiscool.com

Saturday, May 11 Caloosahatchee Oxbow & Riverlore Cruise » 9-11:30 a.m. W.P. Franklin Lock,1660 S. Franklin Lock Road, Alva. Join the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation on an Oxbow and Riverlore Cruise to experience the historic Caloosahatchee. rawessel@sccf.org Gold Ribbon Classic Golf Tournament » 9 a.m. Bonita Bay Club East, 3700 Wildwood Blvd., Naples. Proceeds benefit children diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Entry fee is $150, includes 18 holes of golf with cart, range balls, goodie bag and buffet lunch. Register at candlelightersswfl.org Key Lime Festival » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Live music, Jeff the Juggler, balloon twisting and a magic show. Meet Luna the screech owl and parrots from the Parrot Outreach Society. Greg and Vikki Winkler sign their book “Welcome to Florida,” and there will be live art demonstrations. Plus, play the Key lime limbo game. Admission and parking are free. 800-6390020. fishville.com

calendar » Mother/Daughter/Granddaughter Look-Alike Contest » 11 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store. miromaroutlets.com Movie Under the Stars » 6-9:30 p.m. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch “A Wrinkle in Time.” Pets welcome. Movies begin at dusk. Free. Science Saturday » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland, kids learn doing interactive science projects. miromaroutlets.com Seminole Tribe of Florida 124th Anniversary Celebration » Noon. Junior Cypress Rodeo and Entertainment Complex on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Highway, Clewiston. $40 for tickets, $5 parking. The Seminole Tribe of Florida is hosting its 124th anniversary celebration with a concert, carnival, dancers and an alligator show. The concert headliner is country music singer Gary Allan, joined by country artists Jimmie Allen, High Valley, Corey Smith and John Conlee. Gates open at noon.

Sunday, May 12 Free Mother’s Day Cruise » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Mom cruises free when accompanied by a paying adult or child passenger. Regular adult admission is $39. Children’s admission is $19.50. In Fort Myers, the cruise departs from The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 W. First St., Fort Myers, and admission is $32.50 and $16.25. purefl.com Child Dedication Breakfast » 8:30 a.m. Summit Church, Gateway Campus, 12941 Express Court, Fort Myers. Breakfast and prayer in celebration of the dedication of your child. Childcare and breakfast provided for children in a separate room.

Monday, May 13

Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Road, Estero. $20. Join the delightful Tea Lady, Barbara Toth, for afternoon tea, scones and tea sandwiches. Mom, Nana and the kids are welcome. Reservations to 732-586-1619 or email blteas1@ yahoo.com.

Friday, May 17 Mother/Son Night of Fun » 6-9 p.m. Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. For ages 4 and older. An enchanting evening for moms and their boys. Music, dancing, door prizes, appetizers, refreshments and a photo. $50 for residents, $60 for nonresidents, $15/$18 each additional boy. 239-574-0804. “Willy Wonka Jr.” » May 17-19. Hinman Auditorium at the Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. $15 general admission, $20 reserved seating. Join the CFABS Youth Players as the delicious adventures of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory light up the stage in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Shows are 7 p.m. May 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. May 18 and 19. artcenterbonita.org

Saturday, May 18 Early Childhood Education Symposium: “The Challenges of Behavior»Is There No End!?” » 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Avow Ispiri Community Center, 1205 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. $30. Featured speaker is school psychologist and professor Ron Davis. 239-643-3908. collierchildcare.org Family Yoga » 10 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland, a free 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring a mat. miromaroutlets.com

Monday, May 20

Alcohol Awareness Parent Seminars » 6-7 p.m. Varsity Lakes Middle School, 801 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres. Parents learn what makes alcohol use so dangerous for teens, the consequences of underage drinking and how to prevent your child from using alcohol.

Family Night Craft Time » 7 p.m. Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero. Kids make their own ice cream cone bird feeder.

Wednesday, May 15

Choices and Chances: The Film » 5:30 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. When a high school student dies in a car crash, popular classmate Tiffany spirals into depression. She becomes the target of bullies until she learns the choices we make really are chance we take with the lives of those who love us most. This informative and gripping film covers teenager issues of texting while driving, bullying, drinking, drugs, abuse, survivor guilt and teen suicide.

Moms Appreciation Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland, free treats for moms while the kids make crafts. miromaroutlets.com Sensational Sharks » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger for an interesting and fun talk about sharks. Reservations required. 239-463-4588.

Thursday, May 16 Cracker Cowboy Cooking » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Join Stan and his group of cracker cowboys as they cook up samples of authentic cracker cowboy food. Included with regular park admission ($4 single occupant vehicle, $5 for 2-8 occupant vehicle, $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists). 239-992-0311. Mimi’s Tea Room » 1-3 p.m. Estero Historical Society Cottage,

Wednesday, May 22

Friday, May 24 Finally Summer Teen Glow Party » 7-11 p.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. $10. Three teen DJs spin tunes at this summer kick-off party for ages 1418. Valid student ID required to enter. 239-333-1933. sbdac. com “Jack and the Beanstalk” » May 24-June 14. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Noon lunch, 1 p.m. show May 24, 25, 29, 31 and June 2, 6-8 and 14. $19 all ages, includes lunch. 239-278-4422. broadwaypalm.com

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » MAY 2019 » 55

« calendar Saturday, May 25 Kids Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland, toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive free pizza, ice cream and other goodies. miromaroutlets.com

Sunday, May 26 Girl Scout Troop Formation Open House » 2-4 p.m. Girl Scout House at Cambier Park, 601 Park St., Naples. RSVP to dawnp@gsgcf.org. gsgcf.org

Monday, May 27 Vintage Car Club Car Show » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Vintage cars until 2 p.m. Singer Paul Roush, noon-4 p.m. fishville.com

Tuesday, May 28 Fun & Floats » 5 p.m. Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero. Kids make a craft and enjoy a root beer float or Icedream bar and maybe a surprise visit from the Chick-fil-A Cow.

Friday, May 31 2019 Youth Lip Sync Battle » 7:30 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Blessed and Gifted Kids Inc. in partnership with Alliance for the Arts presents the second annual Youth Lip Sync Battle. Ages 5-13 dance and lip sync to their favorite gospel, R&B, pop, old school and Christian hip-hop songs. $5. Doors open at 7 p.m. To sign up for the contest, contact Kasha Levatt at 239-878-0426 or by email at BlessedandGiftedKidsInc@gmail.com.

session learn about a refuge animal and make a take-home craft related to it. Meet in the Visitor & Education Center classroom.

Thursday, June 6 Indigo Trail Walk Free Program » 10-11 a.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive Sanibel. Join refuge naturalists as they lead a free one-hour tour to the Wildlife Education Board to identify and discuss the ecosystem’s plants, mammals, birds and reptiles. For adults and children alike. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor & Education Center.

Friday, June 7 Family Beach Walk Free Program » 9-10 a.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. The one-hour free program convenes at Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island to explore the refuge’s gulf-front Perry Tract. City parking fees apply. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.

Saturday, June 8 SWFL SpaceCon » 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Araba Shrine Temple, 2010 Hanson St., Fort Myers. For all ages. Meet some of the actors from Power Rangers, Walking Dead and more. Plus meet guests from the comic book industry. There will be costume contests, table top gaming, Cosplay Lipsynching Battle, video game demos, game tournaments, vendors, celebrity Q&A’s and more. $15 for adults, $12 for those in costume or wearing an official SWFL SpaceCon shirt. swflspacecon.com

Saturday, June 1 Fishing Derby » 9 a.m. Naples Pier, 25 12th Ave. S., Naples. Free Scouting event sponsored by Rotary Club of NaplesCollier. Maranatha School of Dance & the Arts Recitals » 9:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Island Coast High School, 2125 De Navarra Parkway, Cape Coral. With an overall theme of “The Maker,” the evening show is a dance story recital featuring a unique retelling of the beloved “Pinocchio.” The evening includes genres in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theater and acrobatics. The three matinees showcase the studio’s younger students along with their Momentum Company, who perform throughout the season at major children’s events in Southwest Florida. All shows are familyfriendly and open to the public. Matinee show times: 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Evening dance story recital, 7 p.m. Tickets: $6-$20 available online May 1. 239-772-3309. maranathadance.com

Wednesday, June 5 Reading in the Refuge Free Program » 10-11 a.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. Attendees of each free 45-minute reading-and-crafts

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Wildlife Wonders Free Program » 11-11:30 a.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. Refuge education staff lead this free 30-minute indoor program about the mysteries of manatees, alligators, crocodiles, horseshoe crabs, and birds in the Visitor & Education Center auditorium. YMCA Daddy Daughter Dance » 6:30-8:30 p.m. Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples. A night of music, dancing, snacks and refreshments for fathers (or male role models) and daughters ages 4-14. greaternaplesymca.org/give. html

Lut Clarcq is mom to Lena Paige, who just celebrated her first birthday. Lena, Lut and her husband live in Cape Coral.

voices »

GUEST COLUMNIST

I got this …

OR DO I? A

s a new mother, the reality differed from what I thought it would be. I am in my early 40s and thought, I got this. With all the acquired skills, patience and the mindset of “I got this,” the reality is, being a parent is hard work. Lena Paige was born April 6, 2018, and transitioning with a newborn was overwhelming. Her first month was a challenge. Lack of sleep and not knowing why or what was going on with her was scary. She was diagnosed with fungal infection and staph infection. We took her to the best dermatologist in town, who helped us control flair-ups, and we were able to control her skin break-outs. My husband and I are beyond blessed for having such a wonderful gift after trying so many years to have a child. We have gone through so much during pregnancy, diagnosing my unborn child with spina bifida and being high risk due to my age. It was significantly an emotional roller coaster. Now, we are continually feeling blessed and thankful, she is meeting all her milestones and she has been the light of our lives and fun to watch at every stage she goes through. She is a very healthy baby, intuitive, persistent with all her inquisitive explorations. As a new mother, I am beyond blessed and grateful for such a wonderful and beautiful child.

Lena Paige

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» last look

FOCUSED Students participated in a youth camp at the STARS Complex in Fort Myers on April 13 with Emmitt Williams, a Fort Myers native who played at Lehigh his freshman year and just finished his freshman season at LSU and declared for the NBA Draft in April. .

PHOTO BY ANDREA MELENDEZ

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Kid-sized emergency care designed with kids in mind.