SWFL Parent & Child September 2020 by SWFL Parent & Child Magazine

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

SEPTEMBER 2020

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 3

Dr. Podos Is Here for You Whenever and Wherever You Need a Pediatrician Andrew Podos, M.D. “MPG Connect”

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contents |

16 ask the expert: college prep Important university application deadlines are coming up

18 ask the expert: health What you need to know about fall sports and concussions

20 in the kitchen Find new ways to add delicious, crisp apples to your family menu

23 dining out I scream, you scream, let’s go for ice cream

25 kid stuff Numerous small history museums offer fun and learning

29 teens High school students can earn volunteer hours virtually

31 spotlight Inspired by current events, a group of children show their appreciation for law enforcement

33 showering support Healthy Start’s monthly baby showers for local moms become something more in COVID-19

35 cover story Experts from throughout Southwest Florida discuss child care in the age of COVID-19

ALSO INSIDE 7

editor’s note

our contributors

9 online 11

me time

5 things

fyi

48 around town 50 last look

43 travel RVs are growing in popularity for socially distanced getaways S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M

SEPTEMBER 2020

47 safety corner Tips for ensuring safe sleep for baby

49 voices The founder of the blog That’s Inappropriate

ON THE COVER

Nayeli Garza, 1, takes in the scene at Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center in Fort Myers. Nayeli attends the center through the LeeCARES Child Care Scholarship Program. | PHOTO BY KINFAY MOROTI, HOPEFUL IMAGES

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTMEBER 2020 » 5

& NATURE PARK

Nature Park

... DISCOVER THE CANTERBURY ADVANTAGE!

Learn more by visting our website or calling our admission office today! www.canterburyfortmyers.org • 8141 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919 • 239.415.8945 Independent PK3-12 College Prep School • Member of The National Association of Independent Schools • Accredited by The Florida Council of Independent Schools

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editor’s note |

parent &child Part of the USA TODAY Network

Volume 21, Issue 9 Dedicated to serving the families of Lee and Collier counties 2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 swflparentchild.com Regional VP, Sales William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel ldaywalt@gannett.com

Editorial Contributors Randy Kambic, Noel Konken, Jean Le Boeuf, Meredith Masony, Chris Mulvey, Amanda Sterk, Andrea Stetson, Jennifer Thomas Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Shawna Devlin Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.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 CHILD CARE

CHALLENGE U

ntil 2020, we took for granted that child care centers would always be there for us. When the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 spread throughout the world and nearly overwhelmed our state, suddenly we started paying attention. Parents who didn’t have a Plan B for child care quickly learned the importance of “Be prepared.” Legislators and business owners who count on parents to churn our economy forward quickly realized the importance of child care. Still, it’s left us all in sort of a flux. Some parents aren’t sure whether to send their children to day care. Some don’t have the money to do it. Some must send their children to day care but they’re not sure how to select a safe place for their child. We tried to take some of the unknown out of the situation. We spoke with experts from throughout Southwest Florida about child care in the age of COVID-19, including how to make it better in the years to come. It starts on page 35. Also in this month’s issue, you’ll learn about how Healthy Start is helping families with baby supplies and other services. You’ll meet a teenager who organized a group of kids who made banners and collected gifts to show their appreciation for law enforcement. You’ll find great baby gear, info on important college deadlines, some fantastic ice cream spots, history museums, virtual volunteer opportunities and more. Personally, I’m looking forward to cooler nights ahead, the comfort of pumpkin-flavored everything and the end of 2020. PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ

swfl

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

PAMELA SMITH HAYFORD, Editor

Member of

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 » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 7

| contributors

MIROMAR

OUTLETS

eet the contributors to this issue of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine.

Randy Kambic • Showering Support

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

Shop your favorite locally-made arts, crafts and handcrafted items every day!

Noël Konken • In the Kitchen • Noël Konken, a registered dietitian, is a clinical pediatric dietitian at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out • Jean Le

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

Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Meredith Masony • Voices • Meredith

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Chris Mulvey • Ask the Expert • Chris Mulvey, who has a doctorate in physical therapy, is president for company clinics at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers (fyzical. com), which has 405 locations in 45 states.

Amanda Sterk • Ask the Expert • Amanda Sterk is founder of the blog UnMaze. Me, author of “College UnMazed” and director of dual enrollment at Florida SouthWestern State College in south Fort Myers. She also has a doctorate in education.

GIFT CARDS MAKE THE

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Masony is a Florida mom of three children and the creator of the blog That’s Inappropriate, where she gets real about being a mom and has a community of followers 4 million strong. She’s been on Today, GoodMorningAmerica.com and more. Born in Port Charlotte, she now lives in Jacksonville.

online |

swflparentchild.com Get the latest event information and family news every day on our family-friendly site.

10 things to know when boating with kids Does social distancing and the coronavirus have you out on your boat more? Many families are turning to the water for some weekend fun and relaxation. It can be a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones in the great outdoors. But there are dangers, too. Before you hit the water with your kids, brush up on boating safety with “10 Tips for Boating with Kids,” found at swflparentchild.com/parenting/ 10-tips-for-boating-with-kids.

Get SWFL Parent & Child anywhere at any time LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/ swflparentchild READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild

Looking for something to do?

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AGES

Our website has plenty of ideas. There’s our calendar and list of attractions, but we also have lists of ways kids can continue to learn at home and features about local organizations hosting online events and activities. S W F L PA R E N T

Miss an issue?

CHILD.COM

AUGUST 202 0

SWFL Parent & Child magazine is available in its entirety online along with back issues. Did you miss the summer list of things to do in Southwest Florida from our June issue? It’s online. Or the birthday party issue in February? It’s online. Or maybe you wish you could find that list of where kids eat free (or nearly free) from the November issue? It’s online, too. Just visit swflparentchild.com and scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll also find past stories individually on the site.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 9

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me time |

PUT YOUR BEST FACE (MASK) FORWARD These four products solve the most uncomfortable things about wearing a mask. | FROM REVIEWED.COM, PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK SPRAY OF FRESH AIR

• Mask getting a little rank? May we introduce Face Mask Refreshing Spray from Way of Will. Spray it on the inside or outside of your mask to enjoy the relaxing effect of tea tree oil and lavender. $14.50 for 4.4 ounces at wayofwill.com.

PRETTY PRACTICAL

• This beaded mask strap by HappiBoxShop has hundreds of rave reviews on Etsy. Not only does it look like a pretty necklace, but it attaches securely to your mask so that when you remove it, you can simply let it hang around your neck. $16.99 at Etsy.com.

‘MASKNE’ BUSTER

• These mighty little patches can shrink a pimple in as little as six hours. Simply leave them on a patch of acne or a single pimple overnight (or all day while you WFH, or under your mask while you shop, or smack dab in the middle of your forehead in public because there are no rules and they are that translucent). The Mighty Patch Original hydrocolloid acne pimple patch spot treatment is $21.99 for a 72-pack on Amazon.com.

EAR SAVER • You were going to cover up that greasy third-

day hair with a headband anyway — may as well grab one that’ll save your ears, too. Featuring two buttons on each side, this bestselling headband comes in 36 styles and patterns, including tie dye, paisley and floral. Customers report these headbands have done wonders in easing discomfort throughout long shifts. $16 on Etsy.com.

DATE NIGHT

• Is it time for a movie night? In a theater? Many of Southwest Florida’s biggest movie theaters started reopening toward the end of August with measures to help audiences social distance. The movie chains opening include Regal and AMC. New in theaters, expect to see “The Personal History of David Copperfield” (release August 28) and Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” (September 3).

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 11

me time |

BABY BOOST

Make life with a little one a little easier with these five finds. EASY SWADDLING

• Families are loving sleep sacks to give baby a cozy, womb-like experience that helps them self-sooth. The Essentials Newborn Easy Swaddle Snug from Aden + Anais allows baby the option of sleeping with arms in or out. It’s certainly easier than keeping a flat blanket wrapped and tucked around your little one just so. $21 at adenandanais.com.

CHEW ON THIS •

Loulou Lollipop teethers are made of food grade silicone and feature nubby textures to sooth your little teething wonder’s sore gums. The built-in holder has a plastic clip to keep it from getting lost. Available in a variety of styles, like the Bacon & Egg Teether Set or the Ebi Teether Set, $26 at louloulollipop. com.

FIRST BOOKS •

QUICK CHANGE STATION

• The Jojo Plus just might be the ultimate diaper bag. Its changing pad (more like changing station with convenient pockets) is designed to fold out in an instant. Backpack straps allow easy portability, and it includes stroller straps. Plus this bag is made of recycled materials, so you can count yourself eco-friendly. Available in black and ocean blue. $159 at Paperclip.com.

You’re never too young to own a book. This brightly colored set of cloth books is sure to catch a little one’s eye. Use them to teach colors, animals and vegetables. Recommended for ages 3 months to 3 years. $19.99 for a set of 9 at babybibi.com.

BABY BANDANA

• Don’t let the drool rule. With a cotton front and polyester fleece back, these bandana bibs keep baby dry and stylish. $24.95 for a 4-pack at Copper Pearl, copperpearl.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 13

| fyi

SPIN, JUMP, STUDY Fun places offer study spots for online students

sually, your kids jump on trampolines or roller skate at these places. But now some attractions around Southwest Florida are offering themselves as a safe place for kids to do their online learning while mom and dad are at work. At Sky Zone in south Fort Myers, for example, kids in grades K-8 can attend their online classes in small groups at the trampoline park, with breaks to jump around. The kids are kept in groups of 10 or fewer and are led by either a Sky Zone Study Counselor or a parent. Info is at skyzone. com/fortmyers. Spinz roller skating rink in south Fort Myers offers a similar program for Lee Home Connect students with social distancing, counselors and skating breaks (spinzskates.com). Sales and Event

GREEK CHARTER SCHOOL OPENS IN FORT MYERS A new charter school gives children an opportunity to become multilingual. The Athenian Academy Charter School, which was founded in Clearwater in 2000 as the first Greek immersion school in the United States, held a ribbon cutting for its second location at 18851 Oak Center Drive in south Fort Myers in August. Its students, from kindergarten to eighth grade, learn in English, Greek and Spanish. While the Fort Myers school managed by Choice Charter School Services will start small, the two-story building has a maximum capacity of 1,060 students. Learn more at athenianacademy.org.

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Manager Nicole Sherrill came up with the idea when wondering how to juggle her daughter’s online schooling with work. Parents can get more info by emailing Nicole at nicole@spinzskates.com. At the Children’s Museum of Naples, kids in grades 3-5 can attend the C’mon Learning Annex (cmon.org). The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is enlisting the help of its summer camp staff to provide families a new Study Hall program, where kids in grades 3-8 can attend their online classes in groups of eight or fewer students (edisonfordwinterestates.org/ education/k-8-programs). “This is a great opportunity for parents that have to go to work but don’t feel comfortable sending their children back to school,” says Mike Cosden, Vice President of Interpretation. “Day to day, the Study Hall program will operate similarly to a summer camp, with parent pick up and drop off.”

YMCA OPENS NEW CHILD CARE CENTER The Bonita Springs YMCA opened a new child care center in August, the Suwyn Early Learning Center. Plans had been underway for a couple of years and a groundbreaking took place in December 2019. “The difference between the YMCA program and others is that we will able to offer swim lessons for ages 3 and above,” says Angel Cerritos, executive director of the Bonita Springs YMCA. The center also features an enclosed playground protected from sun and rain, and specialized software helps the center communicate with parents throughout the day. A camera and lock system help limit who gets into the center. The center also uses temperature checks, frequent sanitization and thorough daily cleaning as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The center serves children from age 6 weeks to 5 years.

fyi |

T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST TAPS KIDS’ CREATIVITY Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit that provides food on the weekends for elementary school children, and the Spartan Kids Foundation are holding a T-shirt design contest for ages 12 and younger. Simply download the design form (blessingsinabackpack.org/shirtdesign-contest), create your artwork and upload the final image. For every entry, Spartan Kids Foundation will donate $20 to Blessings in a Backpack, up to $25,000. Winners get their art and name on the organization’s national T-shirt, a $50 Amazon gift card and a free Spartan Kids Race code. Spartan Kids is a nonprofit that promotes health and fitness.

FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OFFERED TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS The Healthcare Network in Naples is offering free mental health support to anyone on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes teachers, school employees and their families, health care workers, first responders, grocery store workers and restaurant staff. With a grant from Direct Relief, the organization can offer up to three free visits, either in person or via telehealth, with a mental health provider. Anyone interested in making an appointment is encouraged to call 239-658-3185.

ONLINE STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR GRAB & GO MEALS Learning at home doesn’t have to mean missing out on free school breakfasts and lunches. Both Lee and Collier school districts offer grab-and-go options. The School District of Lee County is making Grab & Go meals available to students enrolled in Lee Home Connect. Once a week, families can pick up five breakfasts and five lunches, either on Tuesday or Thursday morning. In Collier County, Classroom Connect (Option 2) students can pick up grab-and-go meals at select schools throughout the county. A full list of locations and times is available on each district’s website.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 15

| ask the expert

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KNOW YOUR COLLEGE DEADLINES High school seniors are approaching critical dates for college admissions. | BY AMANDA STERK

his is the time of year when parents and students start gearing up for college admissions season. While it can be a confusing process under normal circumstances, this year with school closures it will be even more so. Unfortunately, not pay-

16 Âť SEPTEMBER 2020 Âť SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

ing attention to details throughout the process can have undesired consequences, such as being denied admissions or losing out on institutional scholarships. To help ease some of your frustrations, here are some commonly misunderstood areas in the college application process.

ask the expert |

Types of applications There are three main types of applications that Florida students will find when applying to colleges and universities: the Common Application, Coalition Application and Institutional Application. 1. The Common Application is a general application that is used by some 900 colleges and universities throughout the country. It allows students to submit one application for multiple schools. 2. The Coalition Application is similar to the Common Application FREE in that 140 colleges use the same application program and it allows you to COLLEGE submit to multiple schools. Typically, PREP colleges that use either of these applications have selective admissions, WEBINARS meaning they look at both a student’s Amanda Sterk hosts academic standing and their personal “College Virtual Connections” live attributes, usually requiring an essay webinars twice and letters of recommendation. a month with 3. Lastly, Institutional Applications college experts and are specific to a college or university. college admissions This could range from a simple 5- to representatives to answer parent and 10-minute application to a more student questions. To extensive process. sign up for this free Before tackling any application, be event and her blog, sure a student has completed a well visit www.unmaze.me. edited resume. This helps students hone in on what should be listed in their application and ensures there are no mistakes. Students can then simply copy and paste into each application type, saving time and reducing errors.

Application deadlines When to submit a student’s application can often be confusing, as many colleges offer different deadlines. There are some key differences in each deadline to which the student should pay careful attention to increase their chance for being accepted at their preferred college. 1. Early Decision: Early Decision allows students to

apply early, often as early as June. However, Early Decision is often a binding application and can only be done with one college. Using Early Decision means the college is your first choice and if given the opportunity to attend, you will. Many highly selective colleges offer this option to show you are committed to their college. 2. Early Action: While like Early Decision, it is not binding. You can apply to several colleges and will receive a response earlier. This is meant for students who are ready to submit their applications with their academic grades ready to go early into a student’s senior year. 3. Priority Deadline: The State University System, or SUS, of Florida likes to use the terminology Priority Deadline, typically November 1. While many schools may still have a Regular Decision deadline, applications received after November 1 are reviewed on space-available basis. For the most popular colleges, like University of Florida and Florida State University, not meeting these deadlines greatly diminishes a student’s acceptance. Students who meet this deadline are reviewed first for admissions and scholarships. 4. Regular Decision: Regular decision allows students to apply to the colleges of their choice within the specific time period required by admissions, typically September 1 to April 1. Using Regular Decision allows students to work on their grades, ACT and SAT scores, or extra-curricular activities. With Regular Decision, colleges often wait to send out their acceptance letters at one time. 5. Rolling Admissions: While similar to Regular Decision, Rolling Admissions allows a student to submit their application within the college’s application timeframe and be reviewed and sent out as applications come in. This allows students to submit when they are ready to be reviewed by a college for admissions. It is extremely important for students to find out what types of application deadlines each college is using and what is best for their admissions chances. That said, many of the institutional scholarships, honors programs and special admission programs require the November 1 deadline, particularly for SUS colleges. As of mid-August, the SUS system had not rolled back their deadlines despite COVID-19.

Amanda Sterk is the author of “College UnMazed,” a step-by-step college preparatory workbook for Florida families, and founder of UnMaze.Me, the online counterpart. She’s also the director of Accelerated Pathways at Florida SouthWestern State College and has a doctorate in education.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 17

| ask the expert

HEAD GAMES COVID-19 isn’t the only fall sports threat. With the return of football comes the risk of concussion. | BY CHRIS MULVEY

he return of high school football brings a sense of normalcy back to student athletes whose spring and summer seasons were cut short because of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the return of high school football also means the return of serious injuries, including potentially life-altering concussions. Despite safety enhancements to helmet designs and rulebook changes banning helmetto-helmet tackles, football still has the highest concussion rate among 20 high school sports monitored by the American Academy of Pediatrics. A generation ago, coaches, parents and teammates might have encouraged athletes to get back on their feet and on the field after taking a big hit. Now, we all know better. Concussions are traumatic brain injuries, and just like any serious injury, it takes time — and often rehabilitation — to recover. The fall sports season offers another opportunity to educate coaches, parents and athletes about concussions and brain injuries. Below are responses to some frequently asked questions:

What is a concussion? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.”

How do you know if you have a concussion? Common symptoms of a concussion include a headache, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, dizziness, double vision, sensitivity to light or noise, confusion and a general feeling of sluggishness.

Should you see a doctor? Yes. In fact, many state athletic associations now require medical clearance before an athlete can return to competition. Doctors may elect to perform a neurological exam, cognitive testing

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

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ask the expert | Performance Training - Speed & Agility - Physical Therapy - Sports Recovery

and imaging tests. The six-step “Return to Play Progression” used in many states requires a minimum of 24 hours to complete each step, and the form must be signed by a physician, coach, school administrator and the student before he or she can compete again.

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What if I have a concussion? For the first few days, rest is the best medicine. This includes both physical and mental rest. Studying for exams, using a computer, playing video games and even watching TV can make symptoms worse because those stimuli prevent a brain from recovering.

Are there long-term impacts? Generally, most sports-related concussions are considered “mild.” Symptoms can last a few days to a few weeks, gradually disappearing with adequate rest. Individuals who have experienced one concussion, however, are more likely to experience additional concussions, increasing the probability of long-term consequences like headaches, forgetfulness, mood swings, difficulty sleeping and dizziness. That’s why it is so important to let the brain fully heal before returning to competition.

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How can physical therapy help? After an initial period of rest, physical therapists can design strategies to improve brain functionality, reduce discomfort and alleviate painful symptoms. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, specific stretches and eye motion exercises are among the most common activities that help concussion patients recover.

What is baseline testing? Researchers and physical therapists can conduct baseline testing to assess how an athlete’s brain performs in a healthy state. Therapists measure balance, reaction time and additional areas. Later, if that individual is believed to have experienced a concussion, a trained medical professional can compare baseline results with subsequent findings. Football teaches the importance of teamwork, builds camaraderie among the student body, fosters competition between rival schools and brings families together on Friday nights. Understanding the risks and proper steps following a concussion can help set the tone for a safe season. Chris Mulvey, who has a doctorate in physical therapy, is president for company clinics at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers (fyzical. com), which has 405 locations in 45 states.

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 19

| in the kitchen

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM

APPLES? Savory or sweet, this nutritious fruit can be paired with just about anything. | BY NOËL KONKEN

pples may arguably be one of the most versatile fruits in the kitchen. With as many as 7,500 varieties worldwide, apples can be paired with just about anything. From sweet to savory. From red to green (or even golden). The options are endless. And let’s be honest, nothing quite says “Hello, fall” like the smell of apples baking in the oven paired with the warm aroma of cinnamon. Aside from their refreshing, thirst-quenching crunch and ability to satisfy a sweet tooth, apples are also associated with numerous health benefits that may indeed help keep the doctor away. There really are no bad apples here.

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in the kitchen |

APPLES & GI HEALTH Apples contain pectin and cellulose, which are considered soluble and insoluble fiber, respectively. Fiber, as many people know, is extremely important in preventing constipation. But fiber does so much more than promote regularity. Fiber can act as a prebiotic, meaning it helps promote good gut bacteria. One large apple contains close to 20% of the daily fiber recommendation for adults. An important disclosure: the bulk of fiber is contained in the apple’s skin. So, fresh, whole apples will provide you with the maximum fiber-associated benefits, which also includes: • Lower blood cholesterol levels • Promoting fullness, which can support weight management • Lower glycemic index, meaning apples are less likely to cause large spikes in blood sugar.

KEEPING APPLES FRESH Apples continue to ripen after they are harvested and emit a gas called ethylene. A cold environment slows the production of ethylene. Apples at room temperature can typically remain fresh for one to two weeks, whereas apples in the refrigerator have prolonged freshness for at least one to two months. Of note, apples’ ethylene emissions can adversely accelerate the ripening of other produce. It is best to store apples separately.

BEST APPLES TO EAT FRESH Nothing can compare to biting into an apple that has the perfect balance of sweet and sour with juiciness that explodes with the first crunch. To find the ideal apple, look for those

that feel heavy and firm in your hand. Here are some popular apples simply for snacking or on-the-go. Be sure to thoroughly wash every apple before taking a taste. • Ambrosia • Braeburn • Fuji • Gala • Honeycrisp

BEST APPLES FOR BAKING Texture is critical when choosing apples for baking. McIntosh apples will become extremely soft and cook down to an applesauce-like consistency. Starting with a firm, crisp apple is key. In terms of flavor, tart, mildly sweet apples tend to yield the best end product. • Golden Delicious • Granny Smith • Jonagold

UNIQUE USES FOR APPLES IN THE KITCHEN While apples are commonly associated with sweet and nutty treats such as apple cobbler and caramel apples, the possibilities don’t end here. Get creative! Apples pair just as deliciously with savory and salty flavors, too. Try some of these unique options this fall: • Grilled brie cheese sandwich with sliced apples and red onion • Cider-braised chicken with a side of sautéed apples • Apple, potato and onion hash topped with a poached egg • Autumn slaw with julienne apples and cranberries tossed with a poppyseed dressing.

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FIND A RECIPE FOR FARMER’S MARKET HASH ON PAGE 22. Noël Konken, a registered dietitian, is a clinical pediatric dietitian at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

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| in the kitchen

FARMER’S MARKET HASH Makes: 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

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• 2 sweet potatoes, diced • 2 apples, diced • 1 cup quartered Brussels sprouts • 1 yellow onion, diced • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 tablespoon olive oil • Salt • Pepper DIRECTIONS 1. Pierce the sweet potatoes multiple times with a fork. Cover and place in microwave on high for about 10 minutes or until tender.

Cool potatoes until you can handle them and dice. 2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the apples, onion and Brussels sprouts and cook about 5 minutes. 3. Add the garlic and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Brown the potatoes with the other ingredients about 5 more minutes. 4. Serve immediately topped with a poached egg. SOURCE: Created by Noël Konken

2017

22 » SEPTEMBER 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

dining out |

CHILL OUT

When will the heat finally go away? Who cares? We’ve got these Southwest Florida ice cream spots to keep us cool. | BY JEAN LE BOEUF

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream Sub Zero uses liquid nitrogen to freeze ice cream before your very eyes. The shop has an extensive toppings and flavors menu and can make almost any imaginable combination deliciously real. Cinnamon and bubble gum, why not? Chocolate chips, brownie pieces and pistachios wrapped in a marshmallow frozen yogurt? Done. Sub Zero offers cream bases for every dietary restriction or taste preference, including frozen yogurt, coconut-milk cream, custard and lactose-free ice cream. Flavors include amaretto, root beer, peach, maple and tiger’s blood along with classics such as vanilla and chocolate.

Royal Scoop Royal Scoop is a Southwest Florida classic with flavors you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere, such as the SpongeBob, a yellow vanilla ice cream packed with cookie dough pieces and rainbow sprinkles, and a pink Champagne sorbet. Royal Scoop also serves sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. (Multiple locations; royalscoop.com)

Zirilli’s Chilly Treats

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(2359 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; 239-260-5716; subzeroicecream.com)

This is one of my longtime favorites. Zirilli’s never fails to wow me, not with its finely shaved Philly-style water ices, not with its velvety hand-made ice creams, not even with the unique pretzel sticks that poke out of each cup and bowl. I recently had one of Zirilli’s frozen cannoli, an indulgent mix of housemade cannoli cream blended with house-made cannoli ice cream, then stuffed into a crisp cannoli shell. Again: wow. As they say: Wow me once good for you. Wow me a second, third, fourth and fifth time, and, well, wow. (814 SW Pine Island Road No. 308, Cape Coral; 239-573-1590; zirillisice.com)

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| dining out

Daddy Dee’s Ice Cream Parlor I’ve been going to Daddy Dee’s for decades, since I was a wee Le Boeuf who could barely see over the counter. Back then, the same model trains still choo-chooed around the ceilings; the same sundaes and splits were scooped with the same precision; the same thick shakes whirred behind the counter. There’s something to be said for change. But there’s something magical about a place that never needs to. (13161 N. Cleveland Ave. No. 1, North Fort Myers; 239-997-4021; daddydees.com)

Love Boat Ice Cream This 53-year-old scoop shop doesn’t need the fawning praise of some critic. It does just fine on its own. Even in a pandemic, when the flagship store shifted to a drive-thru model, it did nothing to deter Love Boat’s legions of devotees. But if writing about Love Boat means I get to eat more Love Boat, if it means one more hand-crafted scoop of buttery rum raisin or creamy coconut, well, so be it. (locations in Fort Myers, south Fort Myers and Sanibel; visit loveboaticecream. com for pandemic hours and procedures)

Cape Creamery A certain thrill fills me when I’m near this southwest Cape ice cream shop. It’s the thrill of something familiar but new, something comforting and creative. Cape Creamery’s housemade, small-batch ice creams reflect the seasons: blueberry cobbler filled with crunchy oat clusters for summer; warmly spiced eggnog for winter; honey-vanilla, Key lime pie, Nutella chip (and dozens more) for the rest of the year. It’s a good way to keep people coming back — just keep thrilling them. (1715 Cape Coral Parkway W., Cape Coral; 239-549-6900; facebook.com/capecreamery)

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

24 » SEPTEMBER 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

kid stuff |

MASTODONS CHAMBER POTS

What was Southwest Florida like before AC and cell phones? Kids find out at these somewhat hidden historic gems. | BY ANDREA STETSON

he pioneers of Southwest Florida lived in homes without air conditioning. The children attended little one- and two-room schoolhouses. Even rich Naples visitors used a chamber pot. People rode trains and as they traveled ate entire gourmet meals for less than $3. This is our local history. While the IMAG History & Science Center

in Fort Myers and the Koreshan State Park historic settlement in Estero are well-known among local families, there are also several historical societies and museums that are dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Lee and Collier counties. They welcome children, and most offer free admission, though some charge a small fee. Here’s a look at several of these places.

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| kid stuff

Southwest Florida Historical Society Rotating exhibits showcase various times in history. The most recent exhibit features sons of confederate veterans. There have been exhibits on Black history in Southwest Florida, the history of baseball spring training in Fort Myers, the cattle industry and more.

Bonita Springs Historical Society

Estero Historical Society

The McSwain Home built in 1915 is the oldest structure on Old US 41 Road in Bonita Springs. Inside guests can learn about the materials and gadgets used in houses a hundred years ago. There are hard pine floors and old pull weights in the windows. “We have an old ice box and some old furnishings, so they can see how the people would have lived in 1915,” says Bonnie Whittemore, president of the Bonita Springs Historical Society. “We have old furnishings in there and the story of the house.” All the landscaping consists of plants residents would have had in 1915.

A schoolhouse from 1904 and a cottage from 1907 are the featured buildings of the Estero Historical Society. “The little school house was used not only as a school, but as a church. It was even used for USO dances during World War II,” says Marlene Fernandez, a longtime volunteer with the Estero Historical Society. The cottage was the W. Stanley Hanson house and was last lived in by Calvin Collier and his family. Both the schoolhouse and cottage have artifacts from that era and the 1920s.

Hours: By appointment only • Cost: Free • Where: 27142 S. Riverside Drive, Bonita Springs • Phone: 239-992-6997 • Explore more:

bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org

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Hours: Closed due to COVID-19. Each month the board evaluates reopening plans.• Cost: Free • Where: Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero • Phone: 239-272-1911 • Explore more: esterohistoricalsociety.com

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Hours: 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays • Where: 10051 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, on the corner of McGregor and Colonial • Cost: Free • Phone: 239-939-4044 • Explore more: swflhistoricalsociety.org

Cape Coral Historical Museum Three buildings and two garden areas trace the history of Cape Coral from cattle ranches and farmlands to a vast modern city crisscrossed by canals: • Rosen Building: The original pro shop and snack bar at the Cape Coral Country Club in 1960. It features videos and timelines. • Gulf American Land Corp. Building: Features a replica of a

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kid stuff |

sales room showing the original developers’ marketing tactics. It also features information on the Calusa and Seminoles, original homesteaders, cracker house exhibits and archives. • Kelly Building: Chronicles the growth of the city’s businesses, government, schools, services and parks from the city’s incorporation date of 1970. The current exhibit, “Behind the Mask: Cape Coral Heroes,” features first responders and showcases the history of the Cape Coral Fire Department, Cape Coral Police Department and Cape Coral Hospital. “The nice thing about our property is we have a lot of different things for kids,” says Janel Trull, executive director. The museum has a scavenger hunt for children where they look for certain details and elements throughout the property. From September through May, they do a kids’ activity on the weekends. “The kids’ activities have been a craft and a story,” Janel says. “Each month has a theme. June was hurricanes. October is international archeology month, so we do something about archeology. September is Grandparents Day. Usually it is a hands-on craft and coloring. We try to get different age groups in here. I have a son who is 3, and he likes to do the crafts.” Outside is a certified butterfly garden with a trail featuring plants that attract butterflies or larvae. There is also a natural garden and rose garden. “There was a rose garden there from 1964 to 1970,” Janel explains. “This is our homage to that. It is a memorial garden.” Visitors can learn the early history of Native Americans and the first homesteaders and about the Rosen brothers, who developed Cape Coral.

“The Rosen brothers are the ones that built the canals and some of the homes,” Janel says. “We are in the midst of the 50th anniversary of our incorporation.” Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with tours on the hours; visitors may call, email or book online for tours. • Cost: $5 for adults and free for members, students with ID and children 17 and younger. • Where: 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral • Phone: 239-772-7037 • Explore more: capecoralhistoricalmuseum.org

Lee County Black History Society The Lee County Black History Society in Fort Myers features a variety of local exhibits in an historic schoolhouse that’s now the Williams Academy Black History Museum. The structure includes the 1942 addition to the original building and is one of the few early 20th century wood frame schoolhouses still standing in Lee County. The original Williams Academy built in 1912 was the county’s first governmentfunded school for Black students. The building is divided into two rooms. One room displays historical memorabilia of local Black citizens and exhibits history and culture of the Black community. The other room is an interactive classroom staged as a 1940s segregated Southern classroom for Black students. It provides a visual contrast to the facilities provided to white students. Hours: Closed due to COVID-19. Look for reopening information online. • Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 7-17 • Where: 1936 Henderson Ave., Fort Myers • Phone: 239-332-8778 • Explore more: leecountyblackhistory society.org

Calusa Heritage Trail Part of the Randell Research Center, the Calusa Heritage Trail gives visitors an outdoor history tour. It’s open daily for self-guided visits. “They will be walking on the site that was once the largest Calusa town,” says Cindy Bear, co-director of the center. “There are large interpretive panels that have illustrations of what it was like at the time. And the trail is over a mile long and 2,000 years long because they go through time. There are big tall mounds, that look out over the water, made of pottery and shells and fish bones. Archeologists study those mounds. It is a special area.” The center’s bathrooms and educational center are closed until October. Hours: Sunup to sundown every day • Cost: Requested donation is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children. • Where: 13810 Waterfront Drive, Pineland • Phone: 239-283-2062 • Explore more: floridamuseum.ufl.edu/rrc

Naples Historical Society The 3,500-square-foot Palm Cottage serves as the portal to Naples history. Built in 1895, it is Naples’ oldest house and is listed as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. After closing due to the pandemic, the cottage reopened in July using safety measures that include all docents wearing masks and limiting tours to five people at a time. Guests can visit with a guided tour or a self-guided tour. “If you want to learn how the city of Naples began,

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we are the place to go,” says John Telischak, the education manager. Unlike some other areas of Southwest Florida, Naples began as a resort. In 1888 a hotel opened, and people arrived by boat at the Naples Pier. “So the only street in Naples was 12th, known as Pier Street,” John explains. “The house was built in 1895 as an annex to the hotel. It is the only tabby mortar house still standing in Southwest Florida. It’s made out of shells and sand, very sturdy. It’s withstood hurricanes. If you live here in Naples this is where you are going to learn where the town began.” John says children love the artifacts. There is an old bell, telephones, a typewriter, vacuum and most intriguing to children: a chamber pot. There is a children’s room upstairs with period toys, and lots of photographs of kids in Naples in the past. “It is cool for kids to see how kids dressed in the past and what they did for fun,” John says. Hours: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday (new hours); no prebooking on Saturday, only on Wednesday. • Cost: $13 • Where: 137 12th Ave. S., Naples • Phone: 239-261-8164 • Explore more: napleshistoricalsociety.org

Naples Museums Naples has five free museums dedicated to showcasing the history of the area. A huge replica of a train catches one’s attention at the Naples Depot Museum. Set in Naples’ restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station, the museum features the railroading boom days of the Roaring ’20s and explains how generations

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| kid stuff

of Southwest Floridians used technology and transportation to conquer a vast and seemingly impenetrable frontier. There are Seminole dugout canoes, a mule wagon, antique swamp buggy, restored rail cars and interactive exhibits that tell the story of how this village of 300 people grew into the destination it is today. The Collier Museum at Government Center hosts replicas of prehistoric mastodons and exhibits that show a time when colossal sharks cruised the warm tropical seas that once covered Southwest Florida. There are ancient shell tools and ceremonial masks, and facts about the Calusa who flourished here centuries before European explorers first set foot on the Gulf Coast. There’s information on the first settlers — the cattlemen, clamdiggers, trailblazers, plume hunters, hermits, loggers, railroaders, rumrunners, Crackers and traders. Nestled on 5 acres, the museum captures a panorama of

local history. And that’s just two of the five museums. Be sure to also visit the Museum of the Everglades, Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch and the Marco Island Historical Museum. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday • Cost: Free for all five museums • Where: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (239-252-8419); Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (239-252-8476); Museum of the Everglades, 105 W. Broadway Ave., Everglades City (239-252-5026); Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee (239-252-2611), and Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island (239-252-1440) • Explore more: colliermuseums.com

teens |

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING

Teens find ways to volunteer without putting themselves or others at risk of getting the novel coronavirus. | BY ANDREA STETSON

tudents need 100 hours of community service for the top Bright Futures Scholarship. That’s a big problem this year, since most volunteer work involves being in contact with others. Gone is the ability to serve in a soup kitchen, mentor young children or volunteer with the elderly. Instead some creative teenagers are now turning to virtual volunteering.

Kiersten Downing, a senior at Gulf Coast High School in Naples, spent the past few summers volunteering in a summer school classroom for children with special needs. This summer she helped teachers with virtual summer school. “This summer I inventoried their supplies and did a check-in and check-out system, and then I did some learning boards,” Kiersten describes.

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| teens

She created virtual lesson boards to meet the needs of individual students. “One of them was an alphabet one where you matched upper- and lowercase letters or pictures that matched with that letter,” she explains. Kiersten says it was a way to continue to volunteer without putting her health or the health of others at risk. “It is nice to know that it is safer, because we don’t want any of the kids to get the virus,” she says. “We can still help them even though we can’t be there physically.” Her mother, Sheri Downing, agrees. “I think it’s still a great way to help, but I know she still misses being in the classroom,” she says. Sonja Samek, the Exceptional Student Education coordinator for Collier County Public Schools, says virtual volunteers are quite helpful. “We have the volunteer program as part of our extended school year. We wanted our students to still be able to participate,” she says. “We have seven volunteers that are working virtually. It is kind of neat because we want to use it as an experience.” Some volunteers did virtual story time or created materials for teachers, Sonja says. They hosted virtual dance parties and even went into teacher’s WebEx Canvas platforms to help with lessons. “It is kind of cool how this volunteer has ignited a passion,” Sonja says. “It is a seamless way for them to get the hours. We knew it would be a

struggle for them to get their volunteer hours elsewhere. Those students are really appreciated.” After graduating from Estero High School, Olivia McMaster was looking to volunteer over the summer before heading to the University of Florida. She found volunteer work online with From Houses to Homes. The organization provides health care and builds homes in Guatemala. “I was just looking for stuff I could do online during the summer and I found this,” Olivia says. “I make social media posts and email Rotary Clubs. My job is to fundraise for the organization.” Olivia, who is pursuing a major in nutritional science on a pre-med track, says she virtually volunteered about 12 hours a week during the summer. Students are also finding some nonvirtual, but socially isolated ways to get volunteer hours. Catherine Drake, a counselor at Cape Coral High School, says students there have been creative with their recent volunteering. “We have a couple of students that put together a plan to collect cards for a local nursing home,” Catherine describes. “A few of our students reached out to the staff at our school and first responders and wrote them cards as well. That was really nice.” Nicole Bishop, founder of Cards for Comfort, is a senior at Cape Coral High School. She gathered 52 students to help make cards for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities

and for workers at the Cape Coral Fire Department and Cape Coral post office. As of mid-July they had delivered more than 3,000 cards. “We are producing cards and we are bringing them to nursing homes,” Nicole explains. “They are not allowed to have visitors, so it is a way to brighten their day.” Nicole says the volunteer project grew quickly. “Personally I was going to make letters for nursing homes,” she says. “I kind of feel helpless in a way. It is hard when this stuff is going around us and we can’t do anything from home, and then my friends wanted the opportunity to do something to help the community and it just started to grow.” Catherine says another group of students has been making masks and donating them. Kristin Sullinger, of Naples, says her daughters also had to be creative with volunteering. “One of my daughters is going to be in a crunch,” she says about her daughter Grace, who is a senior at Naples High School and doesn’t have much time left to get all her hours. Kristin’s younger daughter, Ella, who is a sophomore, also needs to get hours. The two helped with summer school. “We did work putting together packets, tracing shapes and cutting stuff,” Grace says. “It was pretty simple stuff, but time consuming.” “We will probably look into online stuff, too,” Ella adds.

“It is kind of cool how this volunteer has ignited a passion. It is a seamless way for them to get the hours. We knew it would be a struggle for them to get their volunteer hours elsewhere. Those students are really appreciated.” — SONJA SAMEK 30 » SEPTEMBER 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

spotlight |

SHOWING THE LOVE Current events prompt Naples area kids to organize a show of support for local law enforcement. | BY ANDREA STETSON

Julio De Leon presents Community Service Deputy Sandy Garcia with flowers.

group of local migrant children were upset by images they saw of adversity against law enforcement. They knew of officers who were kind to them, who helped them with incentives to study and who gave them advice. So these youngsters set out to show their support.

For weeks the children and teenagers made huge banners, bracelets, pottery and trinkets. They used points earned at the Gargiulo Education Center in North Naples to buy things from the center’s store. Then they delivered the items to the local Collier County Sheriff ’s Office. Ashley Pimentel, 15, a sophomore at Gulf Coast High School, was one of the leaders in the effort.

PHOTO BY JON AUSTRIA

“It is good to support them, to show them we care what they do for us.” — Ashley Pimentel, 15, a sophomore at Gulf Coast High School, was one of the leaders in the effort to show law enforcement support.

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“I helped make the banners and helped finish up the cups and made a card for them,” she says. A bit of a perfectionist, Ashley also helped the younger children put together their creations. She wanted everything perfect for the presentation to the sheriff ’s deputies. “It’s a good thing to support them for all they have done for us especially at this hard moment that they are going through,” Ashley says. “It is good to support them, to show them we care what they do for us.” Local law enforcement officers sometimes visit with the children at the Gargiulo Education Center. They give them advice and encouragement. “The kids are very confused and scared about what is going on,” says Mary Asta, executive director of the Gargiulo Education Center. “They don’t understand why people are doing what they are doing. With the bad examples that are being set, I want to reiterate what the children have already learned about law enforcement to make sure they learn that they are their friends and they are to be respected.” The Gargiulo Education Center is an after-school and summer program for the children of migrant workers. The children receive homework help, a nourishing meal and lots of extra activities such as art, music, technology, STEAM and theater while also taking trips to learn about college and future careers. About 30 of the students worked on the project for the deputies. Some made bracelets with the words “sheriff ” or “love.” Others made clay figures depicting turtles, dogs and dinosaurs. They designed plastic cups with pictures of hearts or flowers. Agustin Carapia, 12, used the points he earned at the center to buy a bright green stuffed Angry Bird toy for the deputies.

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PHOTOS BY ANDREA STETSON

| spotlight

Children from the Gargiulo Education Center in North Naples present a banner they made to show support for local law enforcement.

Victor De Leon Jose presents Sgt. Thad Rhodes and Deputy John Madden with gifts the children made to show support of local law enforcement.

“I made bracelets, and I made a clay pot,” Fernanda De Leon, 9, says. “They work every day for us. I am thankful for them.” On a rainy afternoon, the children went to the sheriff ’s substation in North Naples and stood in an emergency vehicle hangar to deliver the gifts. “It means so much,” Community Service Deputy Sandy Garcia says. “We have worked with them for a long time. We try to guide them and be there for them. These are great kids.”

Sandy says the kids always have lots of questions. “They just want to know things like how many calls we get, the scariest calls, the funniest calls,” she describes. Sandy especially loves the giant banners that feature handprints and photos of the children and handwritten sayings of encouragement. “We love this,” Sandy says as she grasps the banner during the kids’ presentation to the deputies. “We are going to hang them in our substation inside.” One by one the children presented the officers with gifts and flowers. “It’s awesome,” says Sgt. Rich Jackson. “It means a lot. We really appreciate everything they have done for us. It is what we like to see in our youth.” “It’s good to see them starting out positive at such a young age,” says Jill Tracy, the administrative secretary. “Thank you for all the gifts you brought us today,” Sgt. Thad Rhodes tells the children. “During these difficult times, this is amazing.”

community |

SHOWERING SUPPORT Healthy Start’s monthly baby showers transform to meet moms’ needs during crisis. |BY RANDY KAMBIC

baby shower is a joyous, social and functional activity. Especially for families in need, the latter characteristic of such events is a major boost. Yet, the cost of preparing for them, including invitations, food, decorations and guest favors, can possibly negate the benefits. And now with the coronavirus pandemic restricting social gatherings on top of putting many people out Experts made themselves available to talk with expectant and new moms at Healthy Start's monthly community baby showers. When COVID-19 arrived, the of work, further strapping organization had to find other ways to get baby supplies and resources to the already tight budgets, such moms. full-fledged, life-enriching occasions have been a casualty. to 50 women, who can bring their children and a An area organization is responding, taking guest. A United Way grant pays for the events. In an all-hands-on-deck approach to help pregnant addition to providing a wide variety of key supwomen and new moms in need. Every month, the plies, the baby showers also feature presentations nonprofit Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest by experts, including those in car seat and water Florida Inc., with offices in Fort Myers and Naples, safety, expanding the scope of benefits to attendees. organizes and conducts community baby showers However, when the coronavirus pandemic hit, in Lee, Collier, Glades and Hendry counties. the organization had to rethink the baby showers. Held at a central location or an organization’s “We knew we needed to shift gears and also facility, the baby showers typically celebrate 25 have a long-term approach if we couldn’t do

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| community

outreach events for the foreseeable future, which became the case,” says Healthy Start Executive Director Susan Beauvois, who has been with the organization for 24 years. “We were well positioned to reach babies during this crisis. The supplies that new moms need are not luxury items; they are survival items for many.” Getting those supplies to families became the new challenge. “I’m impressed with how proactive they were early on,” says Jeanine Joy, executive director of the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee. “Susan talked with us about her ideas of shifting to a more personal and direct service. We’re all about partnerships and true collaborations, and they got to the core of fulfilling their mission.” “We realized this is an especially challenging time for those with growing families, and we needed to find other ways to get items to moms,” says Amanda Brunson, a Healthy Start community engagement specialist. Staffers personally began taking baby supplies to individuals’ homes or to agreed-upon meeting locations and to coalition partner organizations and entities for them to serve as distribution outlets or pickup points as “everyone became a delivery person.” In just the three-month period from March through May, Healthy Start gave out 111,214 diapers, 2,090 cans of baby formula, 500-plus pieces of clothing, 268 Halo SleepSacks, 200 books, 93 Graco and Evenflo pack and play sets, 54 baby car seats and $1,945 in gift cards, either directly or through other outlets including the Department of Children and Families, the Children’s Network, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Eva’s Closet, Lee Health, Healthcare Network, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Family Health Centers, the School District of Lee County, the Lee County Homeless Coalition, Operation PAR, the Lee County Housing Author-

ity and NCH Healthcare System. Such support is ongoing. Betsy and Hector Alicea, of Lehigh Acres, are thankful for several direct deliveries. Their son has a mitochondrial disease that requires virtually constant attention. They wrote to Healthy Start in June of their “appreciation for your generosity with the supplies needed such as diapers, wipes, shampoos, etc. You were of great help and what service to even bring them to my door. It’s organizations like yours that make a big difference. You were professional and so very kind.” Receiving support while caring for a new baby also provides an emotional boost for new moms, says Yeni Gonzalez, a licensed clinical social worker with Healthy Start who does home visits as well as Zoom consults. “They can feel alone and have anxiety, especially first-time moms,” she says. “The virus has made it even more uncertain, [they may be] more worried they may not be able to provide, a partner may be out of a job. We give them a mental boost. They know someone is ‘trying to help me.’” The organization now goes further in striving to help those in need. They plan to begin conducting drive-thru baby showers in which bags containing about 30 items will be given out at multiple locations. “It’ll be exciting, but contact-free,” Susan says. She expects such events to draw “100 or more cars at any one time, so we are currently actively looking for appropriate venues to host them.” Amanda noted that “because we have found there’s such a huge need for the sleep sacks, we are adding them to our bags that we’ll distribute.” Besides providing baby supplies, Healthy Start provides considerable other means of support that are primarily funded by the Florida Department of Health, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

Amanda wishes she had personally engaged the nurse-family partnership program, in which a specific practitioner visits new moms at their homes for the first two years to provide parenting advice, share resources and perform health checks. Before joining the organization, “my oldest son was born prematurely,” she recalls. “I was informed about it [this program], but I didn’t think I needed it. It could have helped me. It makes it even better for me now to help others use it and our other services.” Other initiatives include the Connect program in which intake specialists analyze referrals for screenings of pregnant women at risk and other factors; Help Me Grow includes screening and monitoring for potential depression, provides inter-conception counseling and the evidenced-based Ages and Stages tracking of achieving developmental infant milestones; and Focus seeks to prevent repeat teen pregnancies. Volunteers can help in several ways, including packing baby supply bags and staffing the upcoming drivethru events, plus Healthy Start accepts donations. “The only way we’ll get to the other side of this is through collaboration, encompassing and reaching out to organizations, making sure families are not forgotten, and Healthy Start is a perfect example of doing this,” Jeanine says. Similarly, the leadership of Healthy Start appreciates the help from the United Way and other organizations. “The assistance provided by the United Way and the cooperation by partners,” Susan says, “have been unbelievable.”

Learn more about Healthy Start at healthystartbaby.org. 34 » SEPTEMBER 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

cover story |

CHOOSING

CHILD CARE

IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 The novel coronavirus that became a worldwide pandemic put families who depend on child care into a difficult position. | BY PAMELA HAYFORD

Dowayne Richards, 4, awaits lunch recently at P.A. Geraci Child Development Center in Fort Myers.

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| cover story

hen 2020 started, life was humming along for Sharetha Davis. She was working full-time as a customer service rep for a nurse staffing company in Fort Myers. Her two children attended a big child care center, the 7-year-old after school and her little 1-year-old full time. Then COVID-19 hit. The big child care center became a concern. Would her children be safer in a smaller setting? She moved them into an in-home day care. “Which was a good idea at the moment, because it wasn’t as many kids, a little smaller,” Sharetha says. But the home setting wasn’t the best fit for her 7-yearold, and her office closed. For a month, she kept the children home with her. Then she was called back to work

PHOTOS BY KINFAY MOROTI, HOPEFUL IMAGES

at half the hours. At first, she brought the children to the office with her. Her oldest did great, but the baby needed more attention. “My daughter was tearing up my office,” Sharetha says. The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 upended the best child care plans of parents throughout Southwest Florida and the nation. Suddenly day cares closed, and work became unstable. People were laid off or put on furlough. Some saw hours and income cut. Even for parents who could work at home, having to juggle child care and work responsibilities often means putting in long hours late into the night. Families found themselves in a child care crisis. Solutions aren’t clear cut. We spoke with several experts, and all stressed that each family needs to make their own decision based on their own unique circumstances. Moms have perhaps suffered the most.

Nariyah Fosse, 7, takes to the sky recently at P.A. Geraci Child Development Center in Fort Myers.

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING CHILD CARE TODAY Selecting a child care provider is stressful in the best of times. During a widespread, global pandemic, it can be entirely overwhelming. While not an end-all-be-all list, these tips, gleaned from interviews with experts in the community, can help parents in their decision. Investigate a center’s inspections. Child

care experts have long recommended that parents look up the results of state inspections of any center they’re considering. This is even more important in the age of COVID-19, as the reports show a provider’s ability to follow guidelines. Find state inspections for the last three years at myflfamilies.com/serviceprograms/child-care.

Ask questions. What’s

the child-to-caregiver ratio? The smaller the better. How big are the rooms? The bigger the room, the better kids can spread out and, in effect, social distance (though don’t expect little ones to social distance completely). How do you handle illnesses among the kids? It used to be that sick kids in day cares were tolerated. But now CDC guidelines call for sick children to stay home. What are you doing from one day to the next? Are you wiping everything? Are employees wearing masks? What types of infectious disease precautions are you taking?

the parents need to see the facility,” she says. Depending on how open to that idea centers are, parents may have to take a leap of faith in this area.

Ask for recommendations.

“Many of our families rely very heavily on the recommendations of their friends and their family members who have had positive experiences with providers,” says Susan Block, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida.

Is the center in ELC’s School Readiness Program? The School

Readiness Program, administered by the Early Learning Coalition, provides child care tuition assistance for families with low and mid-range incomes. “If you know a provider is a School Readiness provider, you know that in addition to DCF oversight, they’re getting supports from the Early Learning Coalition. We’re working with those Shi'one Hitchman, 7, volunteers to solve a math problem recently at P.A. providers. We’re helping Geraci Child Development Center in Fort Myers. Shi'one attends the them with professional center through the LeeCARES Child Care Scholarship Program. development. We’re ensuring the children are healthy and safe in those Look for cleanliness. care. Instead, many now offer virtual programs,” Susan says. Keeping a child care center clean has visits. Those can be helpful in your search, always been important. But now it takes Contact the Early Learning but Dr. Piedade Silva, a pediatrician with on new significance. Centers should clean Coalition. The agency offers free services Lee Health, recommends that when frequently and disinfect often, following that can help parents locate a center you decide on a provider, insist on an CDC guidelines. with their preferred parameters, such as in-person tour. “As an initial tour, I would proximity to home and work and whether Tour the center. To limit exposure, say yes [to virtual tours], but once you they offer transportation to and from many child care centers are not offering say, ‘OK, I’m going to bring my child school. ELC-registered centers also have in-person tours, traditionally a key there,’ I now want to see the physical access to a consultant nurse. recommendation to parents seeking child place. I think with masks and protection,

Free guide: The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida provides a free guide to choosing quality child care, including a long list of questions to ask providers during your search. Download “A Family Guide for Selecting Quality Early Learning Programs” at elcofswfl.org/importance-of-school-readiness.

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In a collaboration between USA Today and The 19th, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom that reports on gender, politics and policy, the two organizations found that during the pandemic, mothers reduced their work hours four to five times more than fathers to care for children. The project declared America’s first female recession. For moms, hopes of climbing back out of this recession hinge on one question: What happens to child care? Early on, child care facilities closed by the thousands nationally. In Southwest Florida, 75% of child care providers that are registered with the Early Learning Coalition closed. Most reopened over summer with reduced capacity. As of July 31, 28 were closed, some because they operate in a public-school building and follow the school calendar, some because of COVID-19 exposure. Up to half of all child care slots nationally could be lost, according to a study by the Center for American Progress, a leftleaning think tank. The future availability of child care in Southwest Florida is a concern, too. “The providers who are open are reporting very, very low enrollment,” says Susan Block, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, during a Zoom call in August. Gladys Castro cares for Nayeli Garza, 1, bottom left, and Imani Primus-Church, 1, Child’s Path in Collier County closed its Sharetha Davis' daughter, at Joseph H. Messina Children's Center in Fort Myers. Nayeli four centers in March. Two stayed closed and Imani attend the center through the LeeCARES Child Care Scholarship Program. because they’re in public schools. The other two reopened within a month. But enrollment is still less than 50% at one and 75% at the other, according to Director of Education Heather Singleton. Even with smaller class sizes, there is no wait list at either center. “Normally we have enough to enroll a completely new center,” Heather says. The reasons for the low enrollment vary. Some parents worry about exposure to the novel coronavirus. Some lost jobs or hours, putting child care out of reach financially. Today’s low enrollment raises the question: How long can child care centers stay profitable — and open — in this climate? No one really knows the answer. “People are waiting to see how family choice plays out,” Susan says of the public-school options for families to have their schoolage children learn online or in person. She says we might see more school-age children at child care centers where they can get help – HEATHER SINGLETON with their online learning.

“It’s definitely changing the way we do everything. We have 4-yearolds wearing masks every day. I never thought I would have seen that.”

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Susan also points out that while the world focused on whether school-age children should go to in-person classes, day cares were operational. In April, the state offered money to keep providers open for first responders and health care workers. “And our providers stepped up and provided those services,” Susan says. Sharetha is grateful child care — and new funding — came when it did. A LeeCARES Child Care Scholarship helped her afford care for her children. “I tried to work from home, but kids don’t understand that you’re working and there are boundaries,” Sharetha says. Day care felt like her only option. “It is a risk that as a parent and having to work, we have to take,” Sharetha says.

have 4-year-olds wearing masks every day. I never thought I would have seen that,” Heather says. Social distancing is now part of the curriculum. Child’s Path teachers show the children how to give “make believe hugs” or “air hugs.” But the centers aren’t completely discouraging interactions. If a child falls and another child rushes over to console and offer a hug, they don’t want to scold the child for hugging. Heather says they want children to develop empathy and not get punished for displaying it. “I cannot guarantee to my parents that we’ll have 100% social distancing. But I can tell my parents we are consistently teaching the educational concepts,” Heather says.

The new child care center

One could argue risk in either decision: To send your child to day care or not. Having to manage child care and work responsibilities can be very stressful on parents. “That’s why it was important for us to relaunch in May,” says Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida, which has five early learning centers in Lee County. For some families, day care is a source of support in other ways, too. “For a lot of our children, nutrition and the nutrition that we provide is a big part of their healthy diet,” Chris says. Many of the children that CCSF centers serve qualify for tuition assistance from the state. While protocols vary, many pre-K and day care facilities now have additional health measures that include car dropoffs, fever checks, more frequent sanitation and disinfection

There’s no question that COVID-19 has changed child care. Care givers wear masks. Many of the kids wear masks. In-person tours, which played a big part in choosing a child care center in the past, are severely limited. Many centers are scrambling to offer virtual tours. When we spoke with Child’s Path in Collier County in August, staff was arranging a virtual tour where parents could see the center and ask question of teachers. Planned for the beginning of the school year, it will be available for replay. Depending on demand, the organization may offer additional live virtual tours later in the year. Parent conferences are likely to go online as well. “It’s definitely changing the way we do everything. We

Making the decision

PARENTS, DO YOUR PART For families who have children in a child care setting, it’s important to take extra precautions.

Get your flu shot.

Dr. Piedade Silva, a pediatrician with Lee Health, recommends that kids, parents and grandparents get their flu shot this year. “The flu can be serious,” she says. “And really if you have the flu, you’re already sick, your immune system is down, so it will make you at higher risk of getting another infection on top of that, and the outcome may be even worse.” Like many in health care, Dr. Silva says she’s worried about the upcoming flu season, but she’s also hopeful. “I’m hoping since the kids are all

wearing masks and hopefully doing good handwashing, we may actually see less flu,” she says. “That’s just my own opinion. Because they are taking more precautions. That would be nice. We have a flu vaccine, so we’ll be OK there, I’m hoping.”

If your child is sick, keep them home. Before COVID-19, parents could get away with bringing a sick child into a day care facility. The centers would often “take the kids with the runny noses,

otherwise they wouldn’t have anybody in day cares,” Dr. Silva says. “But now, to follow CDC guidelines, if they’re sick, they really need to stay out 10 days, even if we don’t test.” That includes your lowgrade fever, runny nose and cough.

Have a Plan B for child care. With child care centers not letting sick children attend, parents need to create a backup child care plan. Talk with friends and family to come up with an alternative solution, just in case your child becomes ill or their classroom is closed due to COVID-19 exposure.

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schedules and the wearing of masks or shields. Some facilities are turning to virtual tours instead of in-person visits and app-based fever and illness monitoring and updates. USA TODAY reached out to a range of parents across the country, and most expressed a desire to send their toddlers to school as long as safety was a priority and children could enjoy a modified pre-K experience. “A well-prepared facility may well be the safest place a child can be right now,” says Sylvia Acosta, CEO of YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region. “Everywhere else, from stores to barbecues, none of us can control when it comes to exposure to the virus. But here at our facility, we can have control over our environment.” Child’s Path changed the way it makes toys available for play, decreasing the options at any one time and rotating them in batches to ensure a clean supply. The organization also removed soft surfaces that can’t easily be disinfected.

The rugs have been replaced with a cushy rubber flooring that looks like wood and is easily disinfected. Child Care of Southwest Florida added similar cleaning routines, health questionnaires and temperature checks. Chris acknowledges providers might not be able to completely social distance kids, but with these measures, he’s not worried. He points to the success of Lee Health’s child care centers that operate for staff. Chris is also on the Lee Health board. “They never shut their child care centers down,” Chris says. “And you’re talking about people who are dealing with the sickest of the sick.” In July, a group of scientists and educators with the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recommended that young children and those with special needs attend school in person if possible due to the shortcomings of online learning for these groups.

Four-month-old Talia Schley takes an afternoon nap recently at P.A. Geraci Child Development Center in Fort Myers. Talia attends the center through the LeeCARES Child Care Scholarship Program.

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But as much as young children benefit from the socialization provided by day care and preschool settings, it’s a mistake to think they will be irreparably harmed by missing out temporarily, says San Francisco-based psychologist Madeline Levine, whose books include “Ready or Not: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World.” “Kids that young, ages 2, 3 and 4, are perfectly happy at home as long as parents can make them feel safe and secure,” says Levine, grandmother to a 2-year-old. “You can teach socialization and sharing in other ways, especially if they have a sibling. Is it optimal? Probably not. But I don’t think kids are going to be damaged by not going to preschool for a year.” For children younger than 2, not being in day care probably won’t take a toll on them. It’s the ages of 2 and 3, when socialization begins, that being isolated at home could have an impact, says Dr. Piedade Silva, a pediatrician with Lee Health. “In the old days, they used to stay home, play with the kids in the neighborhood. Now in these days, even if there’s kids in the neighborhood, nobody is playing because, you know, we stay isolated, so there is some social detriment,” Dr. Silva says, but the answer really varies by family and situation. “Each family is an individual family and has to make their decision on their own issues.”

Unexpected advantages There may be some bright spots in all this. For one, child care centers are more likely to be flexible and accommodate part-time students, at least for now. “We have some parents who have the ability to work from home and say, ‘I only need two days a week,’” Heather says. When Child’s Path had so much demand that they had wait lists for their centers, there wasn’t as much flexibility. But now that enrollment is down, there’s incentive for centers to work with families to accommodate parents’ new work schedules. The pandemic might also instill better habits among children, staff and families. “It may create nice habits,” Dr. Silva says. “Like I’m hoping the kids now really learn to wash their hands frequently. And not touch your face, especially when you’re sick. And not sharing food or drinks, especially adolescents, because they share drinks and things, and food, and that’s how we spread flu, just regular flu.”

CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE Parents who have lost income because of the pandemic can get financial help to pay for child care. From the federal CARES Act money that went to local governments, Lee County, with the help of United Way, created a scholarship of up to $2,500 per child at participating providers. By July, the program had 73 child care providers taking part in the program. The bar to get the money is relatively low and open to any parent or guardian who has had a reduction in wages. Official documentation is required, but any official documentation will do, says Madison Mitchell, community impact manager for United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee. “We wanted to make it accessible,” Madison says. “These families are going through enough right now.” Those applying must have work secured and must be a Lee County resident. The providers must also meet certain requirements. They must be Gold Seal accredited, have a composite score of 3.5 or above and be a United Way partner or a municipality. Before COVID-19, state and federal assistance for parents in need was administered through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, but it was limited. Many parents got relegated to the wait list. However, that system helped Lee County and United Way quickly know where to put the CARES Act dollars, as the participating centers must already meet set standards. The program also helped

Lee County tie additional requirements, like sanitization and decontamination standards, to the funding. “We already had cleaning standards required by the Department of Health,” says Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “We just had to add a few things.” The CCSF centers added a health questionnaire, temperature checks and a limit on who can enter the facilities. Collier County similarly allocated CARES Act money to help with child care. One program, using a pool of $5 million, offered grants to providers to help pay for COVID-19-related expenses, programming and supplies, such as facility changes to accommodate social distancing, additional personnel and sanitization and cleaning. The county also offered help through its $15 million pool of money for individual assistance, funds that could be used to help with past due rent, mortgage, child care or utility payments. Application deadlines were August 24 for the facilities grant and August 31 for the individual assistance. More information is available at collierflcares.com. To apply for the LeeCARES Child Care Scholarship Program, parents contact their preferred provider. Learn more at leeflcares.com. “As long as the funding is there and the need is there, we will be providing this service.” Madison says.

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Chris says the pandemic has also made parents “learn to become more informed shoppers” of child care. More parents seem to know about the services provided by the Early Learning Coalition. “It’s a great time to be a consumer of child care services because there has been a refinement of the quality available,” Chris says. But low enrollment could be an issue in the future.

The future ELC’s Susan Block expects low enrollment to be the norm at child care providers throughout the region. “At least initially, because we’re still seeing COVID spread and we really don’t know how it impacts young children,” she says. “At one point, there was a pretty big body of information that said, no, young children really aren’t impacted by COVID-19, but we’re finding that that’s not true.” Early studies indicated children weren’t at risk, while other studies brought this into question. “We really don’t know. And that seems to be a constant through all this,” Susan says. “The more we know, the more we don’t know. And it just leaves everybody in a place of not knowing exactly what to do.” One thing Susan is certain of is that the United States needs to put more public money toward ensuring early learning and quality child care for our youngest children. “In most countries, child care is given more of a priority ranking for funding and support,” she says. Most people who have children younger than 5 are at the beginning of their careers, often in entry level positions, Susan explains. “So it’s not unusual for a family to spend a quarter, a third, half of their income on child care, and in a civilized nation, in a democracy like the United States of America, it just doesn’t seem quite right,” she says. The pandemic shined a light on the instability of the child care industry and its impact on the economy, she says. “If the federal government hadn’t come out with funding to hold up our providers during this time, I think the whole system would have collapsed,” Susan says. She questions what will happen when public money goes away and day cares must rely once again on tuition payments from families. Will the families come back? If providers don’t have the children coming in, they don’t have the income. “If they’re not getting income, forget about high quality care. They’re going to barely be able to hang on to the basics,” Susan says. “The big story here is about the need for a systemic

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approach to high quality care,” she stresses. High quality child care has been proven to lead to better performance through grade school and translate to fewer dollars spent on social services, jails, etc. Parents have power in their voice. The more parents contact their government representatives, the more likely those representatives are to take child care as an economic issue seriously. “I think more than ever our families need to understand that those who are elected, all those folks that we see on television over and over and over again right now who are vying for our attention on November 3 to vote for them, that they are truly their representatives and not to be afraid of picking up the phone or sending an email or writing a letter,” Susan says. “… It's important that they hear from families.”

Happy ending? There are signs people in power are paying attention. National political platforms have begun to include child care. Closer to home, Lee County commissioners designated millions of dollars for a child care scholarship fund this summer and extended the deadline past its original August date. Families who suffered a financial setback because of the pandemic can receive up to $2,500 per child toward tuition at a participating child care provider. That’s double the original amount the commissioners set. “We have the funding. We want families to utilize it,” says Madison Mitchell, community impact manager for United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee. Lee County partnered with United Way to administer the scholarship program. When Sharetha heard about the scholarship, she signed up immediately. With the LeeCARES scholarship, she was able to enroll both of her children at Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center in Fort Myers, a Child Care of Southwest Florida center. She’s comfortable taking her children to Messina. They take temperature checks. Parents can’t go past the front desk. Everyone wears a mask. And her son had attended the center when he was little. She had been a teaching assistant there. She knows the center. Financially, the scholarship was a huge relief. “Sometimes these days it seems you just work for child care,” Sharetha says. The Fort Myers mom encourages other parents to apply for the scholarship, too. “I just want parents to know that it’s OK to ask for help, and don’t be ashamed to ask for help,” she says. “It’s there for a reason. They increased it for a reason: because they know we need it.”

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THE NEW

RV CRAZE

As coronavirus outbreaks span the nation, more families turn to RV vacations to get away while maintaining social distance. | BY JENNIFER THOMAS

reports that, according to the peer-to-peer rental company RVshare, RV rentals have increased by 1,600% since April. The trend is not slowing down. RVshare predicts high demand for RVs through the fall with Labor Day bookings up 50% and climbing. In RVshare’s August 2020 Travel Sentiment survey, more than half the participants said they feel more comfortable traveling now than they did three months ago, and over half said they would consider renting an RV.

GETTY IMAGES

hen I hear “RV travel,” I often conjurer up images of the late Robin Williams starring in the family comedy “RV” and think of the antics that ensued from the false premise of quality family time, the mistakes made (like not anchoring the wheels) and the vast territory the family could explore — all while the lead character was trying to get to a client meeting. However, since the pandemic started, traveling via RV has gained popularity, especially for families, as many travelers perceive it to be a safer means to escape and social distance together while on an adventure. In fact, USA Today

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Most travelers (69%) said coronavirus is their reason for delaying travel and avoiding public spaces is a top priority if and when they decide to hit the road. Three out of four said they want to avoid public restrooms, and 62% want to avoid restaurants when traveling. This makes getting away in an RV more appealing, since with an RV, you bring a kitchen and bathroom with you.

Still social distancing This summer, Fort Myers resident Nanette Warfel embarked on an RV journey to Lake Toxaway, North Carolina; Hardeeville, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia, and St. Augustine. “Our RV trip wasn’t part of our summer travel plans, but it came up due to COVID,” Nanette says. “We felt it was the safest way to travel during this uncertain time and also thought camping was a good way to travel because we could still social distance.” There were many other reasons, too. “Many things were appealing, but the top few would be bringing our own groceries and cooking versus going out to eat, using our RV restroom and facilities as well as our own RV beds versus staying at a hotel,” she explains. “We didn’t feel it was a good idea to fly anywhere. A big bonus is to be able to bring our dogs along.” Fort Myers mom Holly Boldrin and her family also discovered the perks of RV travel this summer. “We are active in Scouting, so we camp often, but this was the first RV experience. It’s been on our list for a while, but COVID-19 was the driving force behind our plans,” she says. “Initially, my husband and son were planning a 2-week Scout hike to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. They’d been training for more than a year, spent hundreds of dollars on new equipment, and my husband dropped 70 pounds. When the event was canceled, we decided to take our boat down to the Keys to fish, snorkel and dive. That was Plan B.

However, the weather was not in our favor for boating, so we decided to find a Plan C — the RV trip.” The RV experience ensured that Holly and her family could control their environment and exposure to people. “We didn’t have to stay in a hotel or dine out. We bought groceries and cooked off the grill and the RV’s stovetop,” she says. “There was plenty of space at the RV resort in between vehicles, and we had our own restroom, shower and amenities. The beaches are beautiful, very wide-open spaces, so it was easy to social distance.” COVID-19 precautions were taken at the RV resorts where Holly’s family stayed, as well as the destinations they visited. “The RV resorts required masks in any common areas outside of the assigned lot. The clubhouse, fitness center and outdoor pavilion were closed. There were signs with the CDC guidelines posted. The rangers and park staff wore masks,” she recalls. “Some of the group tours were canceled in St. Augustine. We stopped by the Fountain of Youth and walked through historic St. Augustine. Those areas were not crowded, and they followed CDC guidelines. Everyone wore masks and hand sanitizer stations were everywhere.”

Additional perks Another benefit of RV travel for Holly as well as Nanette was traveling with their dogs. “This was Lucky’s first vacation with us in many years, so that was the greatest treat for us,” Holly says. Nanette and her family also went on excursions. Two of her favorites were a ghost tour and the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. Her family also enjoyed a 3-hour canoe trip on the French Broad River in North Carolina. Owning their own RV, this wasn’t Nanette and her family’s first RV road trip. They did a trial run to Ocala in February for five days. “We thought it was a good idea to try somewhere closer to home before we took a long trip out of state,” she says.

“We are active in Scouting, so we camp often, but this was the first RV experience. It’s been on our list for a while, but COVID-19 was the driving force behind our plans.” — HOLLY BOLDRIN

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Nanette Warfel shares photos from her family's summer vacation in an RV. At left is an image from their visit to Rainbow and Turtleback Falls in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Top right, their motor home. Bottom right, the view from their campsite at Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort also at Lake Toxaway.

Nanette recommends allowing more driving time when traveling via RV, but you can make it worthwhile by spending a few days at different locations to break up the trip. “It’s a good idea to allow at least 10 days for the trip we did,” she advises. “Always do at least one trial camping trip close to home prior to planning an extended trip and make sure you do a lot of prepping ahead of time.” Holly did exactly what Nanette recommends since this was her family’s first RV trip — they stayed in Florida. “Since it was our first RV rental and given COVID-19, we decided to stay in Florida,” Holly says. “I’d never been to St. Augustine and we wanted dog-friendly beaches, so we planned our trip there. We stopped for a night in Fort White, Florida, so we could tube the Ichetucknee Springs. It was a welcome diversion from the heat and gave us a taste of Old Florida.” A traditional camping favorite topped Nanette’s list. “Roasting marshmallows to make s’mores over our almost nightly bonfires was probably one of our favorite things, but we also enjoyed just being outdoors in the cooler weather,” she says. “We also had fun playing card and board games, taking walks and being able to do some trails on our bikes around the campsites.”

The outdoor experiences topped Holly’s list, too. “Grilling out and sitting outside with a glass of our favorite wine. Just simply sharing time together, enjoying music by the fire pit and feeling grateful for our good health,” she recalls. “A bonus: It was a good 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Fort Myers.”

For school and work, too Families are also being creative with their newfound flexibility. As home schooling and remote work schedules continue into fall months, many are looking to use RVs beyond leisure trips. In RVshare’s survey, 30% of respondents said they would consider renting an RV to home-school from the road, while 42% said they would consider working remotely from an RV. “RV travel is a seasonal business and as we look towards the fall months, we usually see reservations drop off,” says RVshare CEO Jon Gray in a news release. “This year is different. In fact, we will continue to be up significantly in bookings for the rest of the year as travelers continue to opt for travel options that give them more control and consider RVs for more than just a vacation.”

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More photos from Nanette Warfel's summer vacation in an RV. The image at left is from Rainbow and Turtleback Falls in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. • Center, a boardwalk trail in the area where Juan Ponce de Leon first landed in St. Augustine. At right, Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. It's the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.

Holly rented the RV they traveled in through RVshare. “I reached out to the owner to see the RV before we committed to ensure it was large enough and clean. The owner was meticulous, and everything was spotless. He was very reassuring as the RV goes through a very thorough sanitation in between rentals,” she says. “Plus, they have a wait period in between users. It was just a year old and everything was in great condition. The owner gave us great instructions, both verbally and written, so we felt comfortable with operating the RV. He told us to enjoy it like it was our own.”

Do your research Holly cautions: Do your research as not all RVs are the same. “There are many types of RVs: trailers, a fifth-wheel trailer or a motor home. If you want to ‘detach’ and drive your vehicle around town, a trailer is a great option,” she says. “I think a smaller, manageable-sized trailer is a good first step. You need to have a truck and towing package that can accommodate the size and weight, so that’s something to research, too. “Also, you need to know the amps for power, so you book the right RV site for hooking up water and sewer lines. The best thing I did was to visit and view the trailer in advance, so I was comfortable with it in advance. It was pretty well stocked, but we brought along the extras, including our own

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towels, sheets and blankets for extra comfort.” Due to increased popularity of camping and RV travel, the resorts and other camping sites book up quickly. Holly found availability at Compass RV Resort in St. Augustine, and initially Ichetucknee sites were booked, but a cancellation happened, allowing them to secure a reservation. Fort Myers resident Jana Bailey has owned a Class A motor home for two years. She says there are many new RV resorts opening, especially with increased popularity due to the pandemic. “We tend to avoid campgrounds. RV resorts typically have larger, better quality sites, security and amenities,” Jana explains. “Many RV resorts will sell their sites where you can customize it and put it into their rental program.” She recommends a few RV resorts including: • Golden Palms Luxury Motorcoach Resort in Fort Myers • Bluewater Key RV resort near Key West • Margaritaville RV Resort at Lanier Islands in Buford, Georgia • Twin Creeks RV Resort in Winchester, Tennessee • Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort in South Carolina • Crossing Creeks RV Resort & Spa in Blairsville, Georgia.

“Traveling via an RV is like a mini version of your home on wheels, and you still feel like you are on vacation,” Nanette says. “We were pleasantly surprised how much we all enjoyed it. It was a great time to bond with family and great way to travel and experience places in our country.”

safety corner |

SWEET DREAMS, LITTLE ONE How to ensure your baby’s sleep is safe sleep. | BY JULIANA WHITAKER

y family recently welcomed a beautiful little girl into our lives. As I celebrate with my sister and new niece, I also find myself wanting to remind new families everywhere about Safe Sleep. A safe sleep environment is the No. 1 risk reducer for sudden infant death syndrome, commonly known as SIDS, and other sleep-related deaths. Safe sleep is as easy as ABCs.

sinet or cribette/play yard. Baby should not be placed in or left in swings, bouncy seats or car seats to sleep. Baby’s safe sleep space should be on a firm surface (no comfy pillow top mattress for baby). The mattress should be the appropriate size for the safe sleep space with a snug fitting sheet/cover. Cribs should be placed away from windows, blind cords and air vents.

A – Alone

Family members who use tobacco products — such as cigarettes, vape devices and pipes — should not use these products around baby. This includes in the home and in the vehicle. There are many resources available to help quit these products — a baby is a good reason to start that process. Now that you know your ABCs of safe sleep, don’t forget tummy time. Tummy time is for babies who are awake and supervised. Tummy time is important for growth and development. Remember “Back to Sleep and Tummy to Play.” For more information on safe sleep, visit these websites: safekids.org, safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov, cribsforkids.org, and healthychildren.org. Also reach out to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, aap.org.

Baby should always sleep alone. We encourage families to room share and keep baby close by, but not to bed share. Baby should be placed in their own safe sleep space after feedings, diaper changes and cuddles. Alone includes no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or toys. My sister thought I was crazy when I told her no blankets. Baby is kept nice and cozy with an appropriate sleep sack instead of a traditional blanket. A sleep sack is a wearable blanket; it looks like a night gown sewn across the bottom and zips up. Sleep sacks come in a variety of styles — long sleeves, short sleeves, lightweight cotton, soft fleece, — and some have Velcro swaddle wings attached. Just pick one (OK, several — so there are extras when the wash needs to be done) that fits your family and baby.

S – No smoking B – Back Always place baby on their back to sleep. Since 1997, the Safe to Sleep campaign, formerly the Back to Sleep campaign, has collected many studies and data on how the back is the safest and best positioning for baby to sleep (unless directed by your baby’s health care professional). The fear of baby choking is the most common reason that families are hesitant on this step for safe sleep. Even if baby spits up, baby will typically swallow what does not trickle out of their mouth. Swallowing is one of those things we all do without thinking.

C – Crib A safe sleep space for baby is an approved sleep device, such as a crib, bas-

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

Juliana Whitaker is a certified child care health consultant, child advocate with Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep ambassador.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 47

| around town

MOUND

HOUSE HOSTS OUTDOOR FAMILY ADVENTURE

Getting outside and into nature is a great way to enjoy some time out of the house that also allows for social distancing. The historic Mound House on Fort Myers Beach offers several fun options. Their Family Fun Kayak Tours for ages 6 and older take place on select Saturday mornings (registration required; $25 for ages 13 and older, $15 for ages 6-12). There’s also a free guided beach walk for all ages that promises to be different every time. It starts at 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Newton Beach Park, weather permitting. No reservations necessary. New this month, the Mound House hosts Family Adventures for ages 5 and older at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 12 and 19. A Mound House guide helps families explore the grounds. Face masks are required for all events. Sunscreen, shoes that can get wet, sunglasses and hat are strongly recommended. See more at moundhouse.org.

Virtual 5K to raise money for pregnant women with HG Hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG, is a severe form of morning sickness that can lead to dehydration and hospitalization. The HER Foundation (hyperemesis.org) aims to raise awareness, support and research to help expectant moms. To that end, the organization is holding the HER Foundation’s Virtual Walk, Run or Roll fundraiser to benefit the organization’s LED “Light Easing Darkness” Crisis Fund to provide moms with HG financial assistance. The virtual race takes place September 25 through October 5. It’s a good reason to strap on your sneakers and get outside.

Enjoy the last outdoor concert of summer On select dates, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates opens its grounds for an outdoor concert of live music, called Summer Nights at Edison Ford, timing it just as the sun sets over the Caloosahatchee River. It can be a relaxing evening for parents or an engaging outing for families. Walk the grounds and bring lawn chairs or a blanket to watch the sunset and take in the music. The event runs 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 for nonmembers, $15 for members. Details at edisonford.org.

Touch-a-truck event coming up The Cape Coral Touch A Truck 2020 make-up date is coming up October 3. Fingers crossed that we get to crawl all over those awesome vehicles. The event was originally scheduled for spring but was postponed due to the coronavirus. At the event, kids get to see vehicles up close from the fire department, police and other first responders. There are also motorcycles and swamp buggies. Admission is free. It takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Lafayette Street between Cape Coral Parkway and Vincennes Street.

48 » SEPTEMBER 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

voices |

ODE TO THE SNACK MOM

An excerpt from Meredith Masony’s new book, “Ask Me What’s for Dinner One More Time: Inappropriate Thoughts on Motherhood.” | BY MEREDITH MASONY

have never been the class mom. I am napkins with a hot, fresh side of spite. I was rarely on time to school events. I often dropping off my kids at day care one morning forget about them until the night bewhen a mom came in with the Halloween fore. I don’t bake. I can’t craft. I usually cupcakes for the class. I opened the door for opt out of the school fund-raiser if at all her and immediately felt shame as I held my possible. I’m like a fish out of water when it pack of napkins. She smiled at me and I said, comes to PTA meetings and school functions. “Nice cupcakes.” She smiled back and said that I was so uncomfortable at my kids’ school play she had been up all night because she burned a few years back that I considered getting up one batch and dropped another on the floor. and walking out. I hate interpretive dance, and She wanted to surprise her daughter with there was a scene in the play where this kid these cupcakes, but they had almost broken was turning into a butterfly, and I was ready her spirit. I was shocked. She wasn’t making to lose my s---. As a logical adult, I knew I the cupcakes to stick it to me. She was simply couldn’t get up and leave, but every fiber of my being the best mom that she could be. being wanted to run for the hills. I realize now that I was wrong to judge Back to my point. I am no June Cleaver. the moms who nailed it with their classroom “Ask Me What’s for Clearly. However, I want to thank all of the PTA volunteer hours and perfectly crafted nutriDinner One More Time: and crafty moms (the moms who truly love to tious and allergy-friendly treats. You gave me Inappropriate Thoughts on Motherhood” by Meredith create these magical items for their children’s the opportunity to be the mom who I am. I Masony is published classes, and aren’t the judgy Susans of the am Napkin Mom and I am really proud of by Gallery Books, an world who just want to stick it to us) out there that. I know it might seem like a small part to imprint of Simon & who sign up to bring the baked goods and play, but it is the part that I am best suited for. Schuster, available at make the papier-mâché dragons for the school Also, kids spill a ton of s--- and we need lots simonandschuster.com. play. You make it possible for me to sign up for of napkins to clean up their messes. We are the napkins and feel like I am making someall good at something, but if you’ve seen me what of a contribution, no matter how small. bake, clearly, I’m not good at everything. No We need you! Our kids need you! You are amazing and I truly one is. So why as moms do we assume we will be good at all want to say thank you! of the parts of motherhood? Because we play the comparison When I was in the trenches of parenting, when my kids game until we want to run away or hit Susan’s car with a bat. were much younger, I used to resent these moms. I would Luckily, I learned that being Napkin Mom is perfect for me. snicker as I saw them bring in the homemade cupcakes. I So, thank you to every mom who does what she is good at so would doubt myself and worry I wasn’t a good enough mom. Napkin Moms have a seat at the table. I would play that awful comparison game. The game you nevCopyright © 2020 by Inside the Bowl Productions, LLC. Reprinted er, ever win. I would sign up for napkins, but bring in those by permission of Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

The Book

Meredith Masony is a Florida mom of three children and the creator of the blog That’s Inappropriate, where she gets real about being a mom and has a community of followers 4 million strong. She’s been on Today, GoodMorningAmerica.com and more. Born in Port Charlotte, she now lives in Jacksonville.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 49

| last look

BACK TO SCHOOL Alex Gonzalez, a fourth grade teacher at Spring Creek Elementary, works on a board outside her classroom in Bonita Springs on August 18. It was teachers’ first day back in school, nine weekdays before the arrival of students in physical and virtual classrooms. As of August 24, around 400 out of about 660 students were expected to return to in-person classes at Spring Creek. PHOTO BY ALEX DRIEHAUS

50 » SEPTEMBER 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2020 » 51

Your heart care heroes.

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

Because every child is special.