S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
JUNE 2018
Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Healthy Families
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Color the PPC Pals, then bring them into your doctor’s office where we will display them, or use to decorate in your own home.
Physician-Owned. Patient-Centered
www.ppcswfl.com | 239.275.5522 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 3
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ROCK CLIMBING FUNWALLS NOW OPEN Call Mall Office for more info (239) 948-3766 Packages available for birthday parties, corporate team building events, fundraisers, school field trips, Greek life functions and more! SUMMER GIVEAWAY SERIES Fridays, June 1 & June 22 6:30 p.m. at Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Bar Shoppers compete for two concert tickets and a $100 Miromar Outlets Gift Card. SCIENCE SATURDAY Saturday, June 9 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in PLAYLAND Join Mr. Glen and his Science and Engineering team for interactive science projects. TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY Saturday, June 9 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Teachers receive additional savings and a chance to win prizes by checking in at the Mall Office, Suite 199, by 11 a.m. for scavenger hunt clues. MIROMAR HAS TALENT PRELIMINARIES Saturday, June 9 13 and Under, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 14 to 20, 2 to 4 p.m. The top participants from each age group advance to next week’s semifinals. FAMILY YOGA WITH KATHRYN Saturday, June 16 10 a.m. in PLAYLAND A FREE 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring your own mat. FATHER/SON/GRANDSON LOOKALIKE CONTEST Saturday, June 16 11 a.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store Fathers, sons and grandsons compete together for prizes in this annual family event.
MIROMAR HAS TALENT SEMIFINALS Saturday, June 16 13 and Under, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 14 to 20, 2 to 4 p.m. The top participants from each age group advance to the finals. MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, June 20 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in PLAYLAND Moms receive a coupon for a free drink and treat from le macaron french pastries while their children attend FREE Kids Crafts. MIROMAR HAS TALENT FINALS Saturday, June 23 13 and Under, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 14 to 20, 2 to 4 p.m. The top semifinalists from each age group compete for prizes.
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KIDS DAY Saturday, June 30 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in PLAYLAND Kids – from toddlers to 12 – participate in fun activities and receive a free slice of pizza from Luna Pizza, a free kids’ cone from Dairy Queen/ Orange Julius and a special offer at Mr. Pretzels, while supplies last. FREE KIDS CRAFTS Every Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in PLAYLAND Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities.
On-Site Swim Center. Private and Group Lessons Available
BABY BOOT CAMP Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. in PLAYLAND Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, postnatal and ultra-fit moms.
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FITNESS CAMP Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 6:30 a.m. in PLAYLAND This 60-minute fitness class is lead by a certified fitness professional and designed specifically for women.
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4 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
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contents »
swfl
parent&child
49
37
Features 31 role models Three Southwest Florida dads share how they purposely strive to be role models for their children
37 summer bucket list What will your family do over summer break? Check out our long list of ideas for inspiration
In Every Issue 9
S W F L PA R
25 kid stuff
Are school threats and fear the new normal?
Fun indoor places to escape the summer heat
17 ask the expert
29 teens
How to help your teen learn to drive
Blown away by the art of glassblowing
19 single parenting
44 safety corner
Your health is vital to your children
On the cover WINK News morning anchor Corey Lazar and his 7-year-old daughter Mackynzie hang out on the family trampoline.
a mother’s view
Parents play an active role in keeping kids safe at home and school
20 in the kitchen
49 travel
You don’t want to make this summer party foul
Where to find water park heaven in Florida
23 dining out ENTCHILD
57 voices
Kabob Village in Fort Myers
.COM
The values of Southwest Florida run deep
24 youth sports Why I’m glad my kids played organized sports
JUNE 201 8
58 a father’s view
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
The reluctant hockey lover
Other Departments 7 8 11 13
editor’s note online me time 5 things
14 45 52 53
fyi family album around town calendar
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 5
OPEN FOR SUMMER
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FREE VPK 2018 - 2019 Flexible Schedules
New Enrollment Only!
Certificates available at the office of Early Learning Coalition of SW FL, 2675 Winkler Ave., Ft. Myers
Please save your child’s space for
Summer Camp 2018
ages up to 12 years
Lehigh We are here! Regional * E. Point Dr. Medical Center Lee Blvd. Huntdale St. E Entrance behind CVS
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1491 East Point Drive Lehigh Acres entrance behind CVS
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6 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
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Full Summer Only $66 Per Week Register & Pay Online Also offered www.collierparks.com 239-252-4000
SPECIALTY CAMPS
Adaptive • Education • Art Robotics • Computer Design • Theater Sports • Water Sports RE T SECUSP O YOUR R TE IS G RE OW N
editor's note »
parent &child Importance of fathers
swfl
S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
Part of the USA TODAY Network
Volume 19, Issue 6 Dedicated to serving the families of Lee and Collier counties 2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 swflparentchild.com President & Publisher William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel
Editorial Contributors Jay Anderson, Echo Copeland, Jim Dwyer, Mary Fischer, Andy Kent, Kira Lewis, Janis B. Meredith, Ann M. O’Phelan, Francine Wolfe Schwartz, Andrea Stetson, Jennifer Tho Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.com Advertising Account Executive Nicole Holey (239) 281-6455 nholey@fortmyer.gannett.com
Distribution (239) 335-0211 Southwest Florida Parent & Child is a FREE publication distributed at more than 500 locations throughout Southwest Florida by The News-Press Media Group. All rights reserved. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions of the magazine or publisher.
I confess: I didn’t see the importance of dads when I was young. The way I saw it, way back then, my mom’s only real need for my dad was to help her physically create us. Even when we went on vacation, my mom did all the packing, loaded us into the family vehicle and then we picked up Dad at the office. Not that my father was a bad person. In fact, the opposite. He was great. He worked a lot, but he played a lot, too. He joked and smiled. He loved my mom very much. He loved me and my brothers very much. He was the only one who could talk me down from an adolescent premenstrual rage or make sandcastles on the beach. As I grew older and had my own kids, I realized that my dad was just as important as my mom. He modeled love and patience and tolerance and so much more. I’m not saying every child should have a traditional dad married to a traditional mom. Families don’t fit one mold. Two women can model a beautiful relationship just as well as a woman and man. A divorced couple can model respect and kindness. My husband, who works at home, models teamwork in the home. He models Paul Smith and his fussy daughter at the good communication and compas“happiest place on earth,” Walt Disney World. sion and, yes, proper sandcastle building. Dads are powerful role models, because they’re dads. They have a place in our inner most circle of influence. Whether a dad is highly involved or completely absent, he has an influence on his children. Father figures, too. Those are the men who have earned that coveted spot in the closest circle of influence. All dads of all types have tremendous impact on children and the next generation to come. This month, we asked three Southwest Florida dads to share how they purposely model behavior they want to see in their children, starting on page 31. We also have lots of ways for the entire family to connect and have fun this summer with our Summer Bucket List, starting on page 37. So, have a happy Father’s Day and enjoy the fun that summer brings.
Member of
Pamela Smith Hayford, Editor Contact us: We enjoy hearing from you. Send your photos, letters or comments to: pamela@swflparentchild.com. Or visit us online:
swflparentchild.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 7
» online
swflparentchild.com Get the latest event information and family news every day at swflparentchild.com.
Travel tips for families Going on a family road trip this summer? We’ve got some helpful tips to make your adventure run more smoothly, from the planning stages to the traveling stages. For those going to visit relatives or friends up north, there’s even a tip for helping your child get familiar with distant relatives before you arrive. Check it out on swflparentchild.com.
Risky play OK?
A local child care expert explains how and why risky play can be good for our kids.
8 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
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Easily find summer camps Still need to fill out some of your summer
with camps? Try our new searchable summer camp database. It features programs in Lee and Collier counties and is searchable by type of camp and city.
Kira Lewis of Cape Coral is mom to two children, a writer and founder of calmandchaosmama.com and sunshineandhurricanes.com.
I
a mother’s view »
K IR A LE WIS
Code yellow
t was like any other Monday morning. My house slowly awakened to the reality of a new week. Sleepy feet dragged across the floor, children were gently nudged out of deep slumber, even the dog didn’t want to leave his cozy bed to venture outside for his morning business. Frozen waffles were warmed in the toaster, school lunch was made, and I negotiated with my daughter like I do every morning about the number of books she could take to school. We loaded into the car and listened to our favorite radio station as I drove her to school. We waited in carline. When our turn came, she opened the door to climb out, and I said the routine, “I love you, Monkey, see you this afternoon.” I watched her walk away, loaded down by an overly full backpack that was clearly evidence of my lack of negotiation skills. I was only a few minutes away from the school when I got the text. An unverified out-of-state threat had been made toward my daughter’s elementary school. Police had been dispatched. The school was on a code yellow. I looked at the text, disbelieving at first. Not even really clear what I was reading. “Code yellow? What is code yellow?” I’m thinking. This is the new normal. Moments later, my husband forwards me the text. “Did you get this?” he asks. My phone rings, it’s another mom from my daughter’s class. “Are you going to get your daughter? I don’t know what
to do. I hate this is the world we are living in.” “I know,” I say, as I’m already turning my car around. “I’m heading back to the school, I’ll let you know what is going on.” I’m trying to think. Trying not to overact. Trying to not be “that” parent. Then I remember, I actually saw a police officer in full SWAT gear standing there on the sidewalk as I dropped off my daughter. Why didn’t I think that was strange? Why didn’t I ask one of the teachers in carline what was going on? But police at the school isn’t unusual anymore. This is the new normal. My phone rings again. It’s my husband. “What should I do? Do you want me to take her out of school?” I ask him. “I just don’t know,” he says. There is a long silence. “I’m headed back to the school,” I tell him. “I’m going to see how crazy it is there. I’ll let you know what I decide.” I see my call waiting light up. I see who is calling and I know I have to take the call. I hang up on my husband and answer the waiting call. Sobbing on the other end. “It’s OK,” I say. “They’re OK. Take a breath.” It’s a friend whose child also goes to the school. I know too well how she worries. This is her nightmare. “Why is this happening,” she cries. “Why didn’t they tell us sooner, so we could decide if we wanted to keep them home? Should I go get him?” “I’m headed to the school,” I tell her. “I’ll call you when I get there. It will be alright.” “Do you think they told the kids?” she
asks. “Do you think they’ve told them what is going on? Do you think they’re scared?” “I have no idea,” I say honestly. This is the new normal. As I approach the school, I see there’s already a news van parked across the street. I park, and I wait. I admit I expected parents to be storming the school. I expected chaos, but things look surprisingly calm. I’m trying to figure out if the school is releasing the kids. I see parents walking by my car; I see the looks of panic, concern and even anger. The anger is what I feel at this moment. I sit there a little longer trying to figure out what to do. Everything looks OK, but I don’t even know exactly what the “unverified threat” is — a bomb, a shooting, something else… I don’t want to make things worse. I don’t want to scare my daughter more by yanking her out of school when everything is fine. But is everything really fine? This is the new normal. I call back the friend. “I’m here, it all looks really calm,” I say to reassure her. As I’m talking to her I start to see kids being brought from their classrooms to their waiting parents a few at a time. “It looks like they are letting parents get their kids,” I tell my friend. “You should come get him. You’re only going to worry all day, go ahead and come get him. Better safe than sorry.” As the words come out of my mouth, I finally have my answer. I text my husband and the various other moms and let them know I’m getting my daughter. » Continued on page 56
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 9
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10 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
me time »
Gifts for dad Celebrate the great father figure in your life with Father’s Day gifts that make his life easier, or more fun or just plain sweeter.
Take him out to a ballgame
Get him cooking in style If the way to dad’s heart is through his stomach, try the Weber Spirit II E-210 gas grill. It has two burners, a built-in thermometer, porcelainenameled cast iron cooking grates, fuel gauge and side tables. Also available in black, ivory or sapphire. $399 at all Sunshine Ace Hardware locations. Free assembly and delivery available.
Help him track his stuff
OUT
DADS
DAY
Whether dad wants to track a laptop or a pacifier, Tile Sport does the job. It’s more rugged and powerful than previous iterations, and it’s waterproof. $35 for one (save with multipacks), available at thetileapp. com and major retailers such as Best Buy and Target.
Hot dogs, Cracker Jacks and a whole stadium cheering at once — a classic father-child experience. The Fort Myers Miracle season boasts family-friendly promotions and even fireworks. Singlegame tickets start at $7.50, season tickets at $305. Or choose a mini plan, like the Fireworks Friday Ticket Pack ($77-$99). Get details at 239-768-4210 or miraclebaseball.com.
Let him know he’s your dude This brilliant picture book tells a complex and humorous story using only one word: Dude. It’ll become dad’s bedtime favorite. “Dude,” written by Caldecott honor author Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Caldecott Medal author Dan Santat, lists for $17.99 (Roaring Brook Press). Recommended for ages 4-8 (and dads).
Celebrate Father’s Day with a night out just the two of you, dinner and a beautiful view from the patio at Matanzas on the Bay on Fort Myers Beach. Live music schedule is available online at matanzasonthebay.com. Make it a weekend with a stay at the Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort. It’s within walking distance to Times Square and the beach. When we checked in May (matanzas. com), rates started at about $124. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 11
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5 things »
Start a war Organizing a water balloon war has never been easier. Zuru’s Bunch O Balloons lets you fill and tie 100 water balloons in less than 60 seconds. The self-sealing balloons are biodegradable and recyclable. About $8 to $10 for an Avengers threepack at major retailers including Target, Walmart, Amazon and Family Dollar.
5 ways to keep
YOUR COOL
Summer heat hits hard in Southwest Florida. Make it a little more bearable with these refreshing finds.
Play late Anyone up for a game of glow ball after dark? The NightBall Collection by Tangle Creations have built-in motionactivated LEDs that let you play in the dark, when the temperatures are a little cooler and you’re not worried about UV rays. Choose from soccer ball, basketball, football or baseball and bat, $16 to $25 at Target and other major retailers.
Easy riding Let the Pedego electric bicycle do the work. Pedal assist and a throttle make family bike rides a snap. The 20-inch Trail Tracker, $2,495, is small enough for big kids, and the Pedego Stretch below, $3,595, has a long backseat that can hold two kids or an infant seat. Total capacity: 400 pounds. Or rent any of a variety of bikes for $20-$30 an hour or $75-$85 a day at the new Pedego store in downtown Fort Myers, 239-332-8080 or pedegofortmyers.com. (No rental drivers younger than 16.) For Pedego in Naples, visit pedegoelectricbikes.com/ dealers/naples.
Ginormous yard sprinkler You don’t need a pool to keep cool. All you need is a dinosaur in your yard. Or elephant. Or magical unicorn. These 6-foot-tall yard sprinklers from BigMouth Inc. bring ginormous fun (elephant is over 7 feet tall). Just inflate, hook up to a standard garden hose and voilà, instant relief. $79.99 suggested retail price. Available at major retailers, including Amazon, Dillard’s and Target.
Extend your AC’s reach Bring your car’s air conditioning to the backseat with Noggle. $45.99 for the standard 8-foot Noggle, $49.99 for the 10foot third row seating version at nogglenation.com. Also available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 13
« fyi
The Little Gym bounds into town A mother-daughter team is opening a Fort Myers location of The Little Gym, a national chain of children’s gyms operated by local owners. The gym holds classes for a variety of ages, from 4 months to 12 years old, and they use active play to teach children dance, karate, gymnastics, but also self-esteem, confidence and healthy ways to direct their energy. The grand opening is expected in August, but registrations are being accepted now. For details, call 239362-0335 or visit thelittlegym.com/ fortmyersfl. The Little Gym of Fort Myers is at 13211 McGregor Blvd., south Fort Myers.
KidpreneurLife Camp is coming to Southwest Florida Author and entrepreneur Jude Paul is holding two KidpreneurLife summer camps in Southwest Florida this summer, among other locations nationally. The one-week camp (June 4-8 in Naples and July 30-August 3 in Fort Myers) teaches kids how to run a business, financial literacy, marketing, sales, budgeting and more. Campers work with a guest Kidpreneur instructor who was featured on “Shark Tank” or another successful Kidpreneur. Get details at kidpreneurlife.com.
14 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Smile, kids! Your pearly whites could win you spending power
Pediatric Dentistry of Florida is holding an Instagram healthy teeth photo contest for kids now through August 1. Some parental assistance is required. To enter, parents follow @DrVerwest and submit a photo of the child brushing their teeth on Instagram with #CleanSmiles, plus tag @DrVerwest. The winner receives a $100 Target gift card. Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, was recently named one of America’s best dentists of 2018 by the National Consumer Advisory Board.
A doughnut for a book An 11-year tradition, Bennett’s Fresh Roast is giving doughnuts to kids who read over summer. Kids from kindergarten to fifth grade get a free doughnut every time they read a book at the downtown Fort Myers location (one per day, while supplies last). Don’t have a book? Bennett’s has a bookshelf full of options. Bennett’s downtown location is at 2011 Bayside Parkway.
SalusCare opens one-stop center Families asked for one family-friendly, supportive environment for their children’s behavioral healthcare needs and SalusCare responded with its new Center for Growth, says President and CEO Stacey Cook-Hawk. The center houses two full-time child psychiatrists, outpatient therapy for children and families, children’s case management, the Community Action Team and therapeutic behavioral on-site services. It’s located at 2789 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers.
Group aims to help grieving families impacted by drug abuse The opioid crisis is having a significant impact on Southwest Florida families. To better help those who have lost someone because of opioids, Valerie’s House — a nonprofit that helps children cope with the death of a loved one — started the Opioid Family Grief Support Group, which meets 2 to 4 p.m. every other Sunday at the house, 1762 Fowler St., Fort Myers. In June, the group meets June 10 and 24. The group is open to anyone who is raising a child after the loss of a loved one due to drug abuse. For details, call 239-841-9186 or email laura@valerieshouseswfl.org.
Scholarships for local architecture students Is your college student — or soon-to-be college student — studying to be an architect? The American Institute of Architects Florida Southwest Chapter is offering scholarships to four students in the five-county area. Applicants must be graduates of a Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry or Glades county public or charter high school and demonstrate financial need, outstanding talent and achievement in the field. Awards range from $500 to $2,500. Deadline is June 30. Applications and information are available at aiaflasw.org or by contacting a board member.
Camping for prizes Going camping this summer? You could win a prize. Join the National Wildlife Federation’s 14th annual Great American Campout for a chance to win camping-themed prizes. When 200,000 people have registered, NWF’s Trees for Wildlife program will donate 5,000 trees to youth groups committed to planting them. Get details at nwf.org/campout.
The only choice
Robin Dawn Dance Academy Est. 1975
Voted Cape Coral’s Best Dance Academy Come Join Our Family of Dancers
Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Lyrical • Ballet • Pointe Musical Theater • Acrobatics • Contortion • Circus Equipment
How much time off should new dads take? Most Americans support paid paternal leave for new fathers, according to a study by Ball State University sociology professor Richard Petts (54 percent). But few dads take parental leave, and of those who do, only 14 percent take more than two weeks. “Paternity leave is especially important to study, because it represents a version of family leave-taking that is rare in comparison to maternity leave, yet it offers substantial possibilities for alleviating work-family conflicts and encouraging increased father involvement, mothers’ well-being, and gender equity in the divisions of domestic and paid labor responsibilities,” Petts says. The study appears in an issue of Community, Work & Family.
Photo courtesy of Nocera Photographic
932 Country untry Club Blvd Blvd, Cape Coral 239 549.0827 • www.RobinDawnAcademy.com SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 15
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The Landings
SUMMER TENNIS CAMP 2018 We are pleased to announce a fun and exciting tennis camp this summer throughout five weekly sessions. Our daily curriculum will balance stroke production, footwork and movement with playing skills and sportsmanship. Camp Dates: June 18-22 June 25-29 July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27
OUR MESSAGE... “Our vision is to provide our junior players with experiences that make them want to continue in tennis, with the tools that will help them achieve their goals. We will offer the pathways, whether competitive, social, or recreational, to include young ladies and gentlemen in this game for life.”
Daily Schedule: 9-12pm
– Both pros are USPTA Certified and former collegiate players
Cost: $175/week Capacity: 24 players Ages: 8-16
– Tom Wallace has over 30 years of teaching experience at high profile Platinum Country Clubs. – Jeff Archer was a former assistant coach at Williams College. During his time there, both teams captured the DIII National Championship
The Landings Yacht Golf and Tennis 4420 Flagship Drive Fort Myers FL 33919 Tennis Shop 239.482.0515 NP-0000961191
16 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Jay Anderson is president of the Lee County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League, executive director of Stay Alive …. Just Drive!, a commercial driving school instructor and an instructor for the Florida Sheriff’s Association Teen Driver Challenge.
ask the expert » JAY A NDER SON
Teaching your teen to drive What every parent needs to know.
riving is a skill, and just like learning to play a sport or an instrument, it takes time and practice to gain the experience to become proficient and confident. Trust me when I say there is no substitute for experience. Whether your teen takes drivers education or not, the state of Florida requires 40 hours of daylight driving and 10 hours of night driving before being eligible to take the road test. Most of the time, the responsibility falls in dad or mom’s lap, so I’ll guide you through the process. Remember, you’ve made sure your child was properly restrained since the first ride home from the hospital. Hopefully you practice safe and lawabiding driving habits and are aware of how quickly a new driver
emulates their parents’ behavior. As experienced drivers, our brain does the work for us so often we often overlook the mechanics of driving when teaching our teens. The best place to start is in the engine compartment. Familiarize your novice driver with the battery location, show them how to check the oil and other fluids, go over tire pressure, location of the spare tire and the overall importance of vehicle maintenance. Now, take time when you place them in the driver’s seat and explain why you must make all necessary adjustments before moving. Adjust the seat and steering wheel, have them buckle up and adjust the seat belt to make sure it fits properly across the hips and clavicle. Mirror adjustment starts with the rear-view mirror, then the side-view mirrors. When seated in the driving position, you should never see
the side of the vehicle in your side-view mirrors. Now familiarize your teen with all additional controls and features. For the first driving experience, start in a safe location, like an empty parking lot. Have your teen practice applying gas and brakes, driving straight, turning and backing up. As you see your teen beginning to master these skills, take note and make the situation a little more complex next time. For example, instead of just stopping and starting, have your teen pull into and out of a parking spot. Don’t forget, it may take several sessions to figure out how much brake pressure to apply to stop or how to correctly move the steering wheel to turn. Remind your teen driver to pay attention to the surroundings. I refer to this as situational awareness; it’s how to be aware of what’s happening in front of you, behind you and to your sides.
ASK THE EXPERT We welcome questions from readers. Ask us anything. We’ll find the answer. Send your question to editor@swflparentchild.com with “Ask the Expert” in the subject line.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 17
« ask the expert (continued)
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Teach your teen that the only space they are in control of is the distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. I recommend keeping 3 seconds of space, 5 seconds for rain, fog, smoke or reduced visibility. When the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed object, start counting; you should pass the same object at 3 seconds. This also provides extra time to react to changing traffic conditions. If your teen is comfortable behind the wheel for the next several lessons, stick to roads that have slower speed limits (under 40 mph). Emphasize that the posted limit is only a guide for an acceptable speed in excellent conditions. Practice lane maintenance, speed management, smoothly stopping at stop signs and traffic signals along with anticipating cars exiting driveways or pulling into traffic at intersections. Vary the routes as you practice. Try to slowly expose them to a variety of scenarios. Work on turns, braking, accelerating smoothly, managing speeds, determining right-of-way, sharing the road, proper use of turn lanes, single lane and multi-lane roads and lane changes, to cover several. As your new driver starts to master these skills, drive at different times of day, levels of traffic and weather conditions on familiar roads. At this point, if you feel your teen has mastered the basics and is getting used to the road, move on to the next step. Driving on a multi-lane highway for the first time can be nerve-wracking. Start out by driving at quieter times of the day to practice yielding, merging, staying in the lane, higher speeds and safe following distances without the added stress of rush-hour traffic. Once you are both comfortable with that, gradually move on to busier traffic situations. Before heading out onto the highway, prepare your new driver for: skills a new driver needs to master while in high-speed, high traffic conditions, longer stopping distances, driving near large trucks, passing, scanning for stopped or slowing traffic ahead. Certain driving conditions are dangerous for all road users and are extremely hazardous for new drivers. When you feel confident with their ability to handle driving situations in daylight and good weather, make sure your teen has plenty of opportunities to drive each type of road at night and in rain and fog. Emphasize the fact that until both you and your teen driver are comfortable with driving in “other than normal” conditions, even if the law allows it, he or she shouldn’t do it. Plain and simple, it’s all about the ability to control their vehicle when driving. Most parents can’t keep their anxiety in check, and it turns the teaching experience into a tension-filled nightmare. Do your teen and yourself a favor and hand over the teacher’s role to a professional driving instructor who is trained for this important task. There are several driving schools in our area, plus high schools often offer courses. Stay Alive …. Just Drive! has partnered with the Stephen A. Emerson Driving School and provides 2-hour comprehensive behind-the-wheel lessons. For more information, call 239-340-8693 or visit fortmyersdrivingschool.com. Once your novice driver (15-19) is ready, consider enrolling them in the Florida Sheriffs Association Teen Driver Challenge: flsheriffs.org/law-enforcement-programs/our-programs/ teen-driver-challenge.
single parenting »
Echo Copeland is a single mom who lives in Southwest Florida.
ECHO COPEL A ND
SICK AND SINGLE We owe it to our kids to be as healthy as we can be.
M
aybe I was 12 or 13 at the time. I have to be frank; I don’t remember the exact minute I switched from being cute and chubby to being obese. I loved sports and being outdoors. Although it wasn’t that long ago, at least in my mind, we didn’t have electronics and had no choice but to spend our free time outside. My favorite pastime was playing hockey — yes, in Florida — but more often than not, I ended up being the goalie. I was ostracized because of my weight. I forged headfirst into my teens, where I discovered boys and found that the ones I liked would have preferred a more petite version of myself. Graduating at 16, I knew that when I went to college, I would have to make sure that I didn’t gain that “freshman 15.” So, I determined that I would work out and eat right religiously, and instead, even though I was away from home, I not only lost more than 15 pounds, my self-esteem and confidence soared. I was healthy, beautiful and could rule the world. Unfortunately, I have continued to battle my weight, only seriously working on losing any again when I was pregnant, due to complications my size would cause my baby. At the time, having a supportive husband who encouraged me to work out, even buying me a
treadmill as a gift, really helped me stay on track. When my daughter was born, I wanted to ensure that I would have the privilege of being there to see her grow, and I knew that being obese wasn’t a great way to accomplish that task. I have thought about losing weight for a decade now. I have to be honest. I haven’t done much to stick to a plan that would allow me a better quality of life. You already know that with obesity comes quite a few health issues. I’ve battled hypothyroidism (and won). My numbers (i.e. cholesterol, sugar, blood pressure) are excellent. One doctor compared them to the numbers of an athlete, but I have suffered with serious consequences to the negligence of my health. According to the CDC and my doctor, obesity is one of the greatest causes of osteoarthritis. This debilitating illness is life changing. I am constantly in pain from my neck, shoulders and back as well as radiating pain in my arm and difficulty gripping anything in my hands. A full 31 percent of obese individuals suffer from this condition, which I have had since my early 30s. Although it’s rare for someone in her 30s to get arthritis, obesity increases those risks exponentially. I know there is no cure for arthritis, but I can reduce much of my chronic pain with even a moderate loss of weight. It boils down to self-care. As
single parents, many of us are the primary source of care and training for our kiddos. We cannot afford to be sick. I already know I cannot afford to stay at this weight much longer. My joints have ached for the last 10 years, and I see my daughter growing up and I don’t wish this malady on her. Nothing is better than example, and no matter how many veggies I fill her up with, if she sees that I don’t eat them, her great healthy habits have less of a chance to last. I finally gave up soda for good. Because of my religious orientation, I have abstained from pork, most seafood and alcohol as well as drugs. I know this is the primary reason I don’t suffer from more ailments. So, I am finally ready. My mind is made up. I restart on a journey of better health not only for my child, but for myself. I need to have a better frame of mind, and I believe most people who fight with obesity will tell you the stereotype isn’t true. I will let you in on a secret: Most of us who are obese aren’t truly happy people. We feel self-conscious at times and lack the energy to do certain things. Oh, and our kids suffer, too. Single parents, let’s make a pact together. Let us change our lifestyles and become the healthiest we can be. We know what’s truly at stake. We owe it to ourselves to be strong in every way we can. Health is the key. God can help us. Ready. Set. Go.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 19
in the kitchen »
FR A NCINE WOLFE SCH WA RTZ
Florida summers can quickly turn a delicious dish into a health hazard, but we know how to cheat the heat.
20 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Francine Wolfe Schwartz is a food and consumer product consultant in Southwest Florida.
hen the calendar turns to June, it’s almost simultaneous — the oppressive summer heat and outdoor potluck parties. It’s always a dilemma what to bring that will taste delicious with food safety in mind. In just a matter of minutes, the intense afternoon or evening heat can turn a bowl of your famous potato salad or coleslaw into a food poisoning nightmare. It’s important to choose recipes that can be served at room temperature. Salads and appetizers prepared with vinegar-based dressings are a safe choice. Forget any cream-based desserts and opt for thirst-quenching, nutritious fresh fruits. A unique cold drink is a standout over the usual sodas and water. A nonalcoholic tropical fruit juice punch is more nutritious and can be enjoyed by children and adults. Transporting foods is another opportunity for a food safety disaster. Use a well-insulated cooler instead of a showy wicker picnic basket. Always seal foods in a container, and then bury it in ice (bottom, top and sides) or surround the container with “blue ice packs” or frozen water bottles. Maintain foods at 40 degrees or below and never transport a cooler in the trunk of your car. Once you’ve arrived at the party, you can pull out the picnic basket to carry the food from the cooler to the buffet table.
Quick and easy covered dish ideas » Buy several jars of assorted types of olives, pickles, pickled vegetables and roasted red peppers (or choose from your grocery store olive bar). » Basket of assorted crunchy breads and rolls served with small dishes of flavored olive oils. » Slice store-bought pound cake or angel food cake served with a bowlful of berries. » Pitchers of pink lemonade (homemade or purchased) and bring along a stack of tall disposable glasses, straws and an ice bucket of ice and tongs. » Platters of melon slices served with lime wedges. » Grilled or roasted vegetables with a light balsamic vinegar and olive oil drizzle.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 21
« in the kitchen (continued) If you are hosting the party, keep a watchful eye on the length of time foods sit out in the sweltering heat. Keep the serving time to no longer than an hour, and remove and discard all remaining foods except salty snacks and baked goods (or remove and discard when a dish begins to “wilt” and look unappetizing). Be a thoughtful guest and bring a serving dish and utensil. Dollar, grocery and party supply stores have very attractive and disposable plastic ware, so no worries about carrying home a dirty dish or, worse yet, forgetting your favorite serving bowl and spoon.
THE SMARTEST CHOICE YOU CAN MAKE THIS SUMMER
COWBOY CAVIAR
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Makes about 51/2 cups • Serves 8 to 12 as an appetizer
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INGREDIENTS For the vinaigrette: » 2 tablespoons olive oil » Finely grated zest of 1 medium lime » Juice of 1 medium lime » 1 teaspoon kosher salt » 1 teaspoon ground cumin » 1/4 teaspoon chili powder » 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano » 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper For the cowboy caviar: » 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed » 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed » 3 cloves garlic, minced » 2 medium Roma or plum tomatoes, seeded and diced » 1 medium orange bell pepper, seeded and diced small
» 1/2 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional) » 1/4 medium red onion, small dice » 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels » Chopped fresh cilantro
DIRECTIONS Make the vinaigrette: Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until wellcombined. Make the cowboy caviar: Add the black-eyed peas, black beans, garlic, tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion and corn to the bowl of dressing and toss until well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then toss again and garnish with cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips, on a salad, or in a tortilla. Recipe Notes: Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to one week. The vinaigrette can be made up to two days in advance and stored an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is cowboy caviar?
Whether you call it cowboy caviar, Texas caviar, or even Dixie caviar, this is your standard bean salsa upgraded. In the 1940s, Helen Corbitt, chef, cookbook author and Yankee transplant to Texas, was tasked with catering an event using only Texasgrown products. The result was Texas Caviar, a black-eyed pea salad tossed with light vinaigrette and named with a slight wink to Corbitt’s ambivalence to using the humble black-eyed pea. SOURCE: thekitchn.com
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DIRECTIONS 1. Add watermelon, honey and lemon juice to a blender and
process until smooth. 2. Strain puree through a fine sieve. 3. Fill 4 glasses with ice. 4. Evenly distribute the strained juice into each glass. 5. Top each glass with sparkling water and stir once. 6. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs. SOURCE: freshfromflorida.com
dining out »
Mediterranean deliciousness Kabob Village is family-friendly and fabulous. BY ANN M. O’PHELAN
In 2013, this wonderful Mediterranean restaurant, Kabob Village, opened in Fort Myers, and I’m so glad it did. The food is delicious — it’s made with family recipes — and the atmosphere friendly. It’s also very convenient. Kabob Village is centrally located on Cleveland Avenue, just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. The hours, too, are convenient. Whether you are in the mood for lunch, dinner or a late-night snack, this casual little place is open 10 a.m. until midnight every day, so you can enjoy a bite of the Middle East just about any time you want. At night, just look for the colorful neon signs. I have eaten at Kabob Village several times and have also ordered take-out — this type of food packs nicely and stays in-tact, by the way. Recently, my family and I stopped by for a late dinner after a movie at Bell Tower Shops. We ordered hummus and pita bread ($6.99), tabbouleh ($7.99) and a falafel special (six for $7.99). We ate it family-style, where we all tried a bit of everything, piled on top of pita bread, of course. Falafel can sometimes be greasy; however, this falafel dish was just the right amount of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without being greasy. Plus, the hummus and the tabbouleh were fantastic with just the right seasoning and the right textures. We also tried the unforgettable hibiscus tea that is a must-have ($3.99) and gets well-deserved rave reviews. If stopping by with a group, there are fam-
ily dishes, such as the Kabob Meals and the Shawarma Meals, that are offered in sizes for six to 12 people ($149.99-$299.99). There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, and desserts, such as baklava. (Those are good togo, too!) Considering that the owner, Amjad Kasem, is generally always at the restaurant, there is a lot of care and consideration that goes into everything from food preparation to table service. In Southwest Florida, we are seeing a more culturally diverse selection of great restaurants opening in the area — such as Thai, Cuban, Greek, Peruvian and Cajun — and this taste of the Mediterranean, Kabob Village, is yet another delicious addition.
Kabob Village » Location: 4805 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers » Phone: 239-335-2222 » Online: mykababvillage.com » Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight daily » Price range: $6.99-$18.99 » Kids’ menu: There isn’t a children’s menu, but dishes such as chicken and rice can be prepared for kids. Plus, platters and kabab skewers can easily be divided. » Tips: Highchairs available. Outdoor patio dining available. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 23
« youth sports
Janis B. Meredith, a parenting coach, was a coach’s wife for 29 years and sports mom for 22 years. She lives in Alva, where she writes about raising champions on JBMThinks.com.
JA NIS B. MER EDIT H
WHY I’M GLAD MY KIDS PLAYED SPORTS
Learning how to work with difficult teammates. They used to
face them on the team, now they face them in jobs. Learning to work under pressure. My daughter was a catcher, my
son was a quarterback, and my other daughter was a libero — all three positions provided plenty of opportunity to perform under pressure. The pressures they face now on the job may be different, but because of sports, they’ve got some experience in
24 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
GETTY IMAGES
O
ver 25 years ago, my oldest child began her adventure in sports. It began with gymnastics, moved on to softball, and over the years included several others sports. She played softball through four years of college. The story is similar for my other two. My son began T-ball at 4 and played sports all the way through college, where he played football. For my youngest daughter, the journey also began very early and ended in college volleyball. There was a lot of time, money, travel and emotional drama in those years of watching my kids take the youth sports journey. But I do not regret any of it. Oh, perhaps I regret some of my behaviors, but I learned from my mistakes and pressed on. I’m so grateful that my kids had the chance to learn some very valuable lessons as they played, lessons that are still bearing fruit in their young adult lives. Lessons like…
handling it.
dent communicators.
Learning to not give up on a goal, even when it feels hopeless.
Learning to be patient. In youth sports, they learned to help teammates who struggled. As adults, they know to encourage co-workers, friends or neighbors who are trying to keep up.
Since graduating from college, all three have faced challenges and suffered setbacks, but they persevere. Learning to ignore naysayers. If your kids learn to ignore the negative voices in sports, they will be ready to do the same in life. Learning how to understand their boss, the coach. All three of my
kids had coaches who they struggled to read. They learned the importance of seeking to understand and strive to practice it every day in their jobs. Learning to communicate what’s on their mind. We always encouraged
our kids to confront the coach when they had questions. Learning to express their concerns to a person of authority or to any adult has made them confi-
Learning to respect the strengths of others. The ability to
appreciate a teammate’s skills makes for a great team player, in the game, in the office and in the home. Learning they are defined by who they are, not by what they do.
When integrity, honesty and hard work become the true measure of a champion, and not just stats, trophies and accolades, then your kids won’t base their self-esteem on performance — in the game or in life — but on who they know themselves to be on the inside.
kid stuff »
Ice skating
It is always ice cold on the ice at Germain Arena and the Fort Myers Skatium. It’s a chance to bundle up in a coat and mittens in the middle of the hot Florida summer and slide across the ice. Push carts are available to help newcomers find their balance. “We’re going to be busy,” says Kandace Eckloff, skating director at Germain. “We’re going to be cold, and we would love to have the public come and see us.”
FUN THINGS TO DO INDOORS You don’t need to swelter to have fun during a Southwest Florida summer. The sun is scorching. High humidity makes it feel even more like the inside of an oven. Even the beach can be too hot on some sunny summer afternoons in Southwest Florida. Then there are the afternoon thunderstorms that add to the weather woes. But in Southwest Florida, there are a lot of ways to beat the heat. Here’s a look at some places for family fun out of the sun. BY ANDREA STETSON
GERMAIN ARENA » Location: 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero » Hours and prices: Public skating is available noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday for $7 plus $3 skate rental; 9 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, $5 admission includes skate rental; 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $7 plus $3 skate rental; 8:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, $8 admission includes skate rental, one slice of pizza and soda; 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, $5 includes skate rental. The rink might be closed for part of June for a rink repair; call ahead. » Details:
239-948-7825 or skateeverblades. com/public-skating
FORT MYERS SKATIUM » Location: 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers » Hours: Public skating in
the summer is usually 1 to 2:50 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 to 9:50 p.m. Friday, 1 to 2:50 and 7 to 8:50 p.m. Saturday and noon to 1:50 p.m. Sunday. Call before going. » Cost: Regular admission is $7 plus $3 skate rental. Family Night (Saturday evening) admission is $5 and includes skate rental. » Details: 239-321-7509 or fmskatium.org
Bounce! Bounce and jump on a variety of trampolines, including two indoor dodgeball courts and a slam dunk basketball area at Bounce Trampoline Sports. Tumble into a giant pit of foam or launch off the trampoline walls. There’s a separate section for ages 6 and younger. “It is a good place to keep the kids active and out of the sun,” says manager Nicole Hogue. “They still go home tired, but they go home without the sunburn.” » Location: 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples » Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Jump N Glow is 8 to 10 p.m. Saturdays. All hours subject to change, call ahead. » Cost: Open Bounce is $16 for 60 minutes, $21 for 90 minutes and $26 for 120 minutes. The Junior Bounce area for ages 6 and younger is $12 for 60 minutes, $18 for 90 minutes, $20 for 120 minutes. » Details: 239-302-3848 or bouncenaples.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 25
« kid stuff (continued)
Sky Zone Dodgeball and basketball hoops are super popular at the Sky Zone trampoline park, along with the foam pit. Children and their families enjoy jumping on the trampolines in the cool indoors. Plus, there are special events like the Glow Zone, Parents Night Out and Toddler Time. “We always have air conditioning,” says supervisor Deja Williams. “We always take care of the families. We have managers that walk around and make sure everyone is taken care of and having fun.” » Location: 14181 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 140, Fort Myers » Cost: $15.99 for an hour or $22.99 for two hours; Toddler Time is $12.99 per toddler. » Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. SundayThursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday. » Details: 239-313-5448 or skyzone. com/fortmyers
Movies There are free movies and $1 movies all summer in Southwest Florida. Titles include “Ice Age: Collision Course,” “Trolls,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” “Sing,” “Storks,” “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” and “The Lego Batman Movie.” The Regal Gulf Coast Stadium 16 and Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 show their movies at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday for $1 starting June 5. Paragon Theaters in Naples and Marquee Cinema Coralwood 10 in Cape Coral show their movies for free starting June 12. At Paragon, the movies begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. At Marquee, movies start at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. » Details: regmovies.com/movies/summer-movie-express, paragontheaters.com/ promotions and filmsxpress.com/userimages/62/files/CC.pdf
Conservancy of Southwest Florida Inside the Dalton Discovery Center, guests meander through a variety of native habitats from dry uplands to mangrove forest to beaches. There is a touch tank, baby alligators, a large aquarium tank, a special turtle and more. A few steps away is a toddler play area. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout the summer, there will be a toddler program at 10 a.m. The Conservancy also has a viewing area to take a peek at some of the creatures in the wildlife center. “We have a great variety hands-on activities for all ages to enjoy,” says Catherine Bergerson, marketing director. “You can do activities as a family together.” » Location: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples » Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday » Cost: $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for ages 3-11, free for ages 2 and younger and members » Details: 239-262-0304 or conservancy.org
Bowling Score! Children ages 15 and younger get two free games of bowling every day all summer in the Kids Bowl Free program. Bowling alleys around the country participate in this program, including several in Naples, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral. For an additional fee, you can buy a family pass good for two free games a day all summer for the adults. » Locations: Locally, Bowland Beacon and Bowland Woodside in Naples, HeadPinz in Fort Myers and Bowland in Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. Check the website for the latest on locations. » Details: Children must be registered for the program. Register online at kidsbowlfree.com.
26 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
C’mon
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, also known as C’mon, is a huge museum of hands-on indoor fun. Children can explore the swamps of the Everglades without ever leaving the air conditioning — and without the bugs. They can weave through a maze, climb a two-story banyan tree or pretend to go fishing. Children can imagine themselves as farmers, veterinarians or store clerks. They can also explore the four seasons, build things or go to the beach indoors. C’mon has a toddler area especially designed for ages 0-3. “It is always a great opportunity for families to play
and learn together and enjoy their visit in a learning environment together,” says Beth Housewert, director of play and learning. “This summer we have a new traveling exhibit. It is called ‘Future Park.’ It is an exhibit that brings technology and art together in a highly interactive experience.” » Location: 15080 Livingston Road, Naples » Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Wednesdays. » Cost: $10 for adults, $12 for children, free for age 1 and younger. » Details: 239-514-0084 or cmon.org
HeadPinz More than just bowling, this summer for the first time, there are three HeadPinz locations in Southwest Florida. The Fort Myers location features laser tag, escape rooms, rope courses, virtual reality and a game room. The glow-in-the-dark laser tag room features a snow-capped mountain rescue in a two-story laser tag area. Rope courses have safety harnesses. Naples has a one-story laser tag area with a space theme. It also has virtual reality and more than 40 games. Cape Coral has a large 40-plus game area. All have dining facilities, too. “There is just so much variety that you are not just stuck doing one thing,” says Mike Cannington, director of sales and marketing. “With Kids Bowl Free all summer and Groupon offers, it makes it affordable for families in the summertime.” » Locations: 14513 Global Parkway in Fort Myers, 1899 Del Prado Blvd. S. in Cape Coral and 8525 Radio Lane in Naples » Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday for Fort Myers and Cape Coral, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily in Naples » Cost: Varies by activity » Details: 239-302-2155 in Fort Myers, 239-574-3611 in Cape Coral, 239-455-3755 in Naples or headpinz.com
GameTime This indoor entertainment center has more than 120 games in its 22,000 square feet. These games span a wide variety of types from retro classics and arcade favorites to ride simulators. There are also six lanes of mini bowling along with restaurants and more than 65 televisions. » Location: 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers » Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. » Cost: Varies » Details: 239-204-5964 or gametimeplayers.com
IMAG History & Science Center Submerge yourself in a virtual reality experience and explore an old fort or enter the Battle of Fort Myers. There are also rooms full of hands-on science to explore. Move giant balls through a maze or solve puzzles and brain teasers. Meet a wide variety of creatures, from hissing cockroaches to alligators, iguanas, ball pythons, red rat snakes, frogs, Mexican axolotls and black-tailed prairie dogs. IMAG has a 32,000-gallon aquarium that was featured on Animal Planet’s show “Tank.” It has bamboo sharks, angel fish, yellow tailed snapper, grouper, black sea bass, blue striped grunts, zebra moray eels and more. » Location: 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers » Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (virtual reality experiences are at 11:15 a.m., 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m.) » Cost: $14 for adults, $12 for ages 55 and older, $10 for children and students, free for ages 2 and younger. An annual family membership for two adults and their children is $100 a year. » Details: 239-2430043 or theimag.org
Naples Train Museum A multi-level display has 10 model trains that often operate simultaneously. There’s an interactive display that lets children load blocks of ice, saw logs, run a mini train, turn on lights and sirens at a firehouse, sound a diesel horn, move an airplane, a tree swing and more. The trains run around a variety of scenes, including an amusement park, mountains and villages. There’s even a mini train ride outside. » Location: 401 10th St. S., Naples » Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays (call for updated times) » Cost: $7 for adults, $4 for ages 6-14, free for children younger than 6. Admission includes rides on the mini outdoor train. » Details: 239-262-1776 or naplestrainmuseum.org
Collier Museum Inside the free Collier Museum are exhibits and dioramas that capture the expanse of local history. “We have our main exhibit hall 10,000 B.C.-ish to the 1960s and 1970s,” says Ryan Davis, marketing, events and sales coordinator. “It covers all the Seminoles, the development, all the normal history exhibits.” There is also an outside area with an old logging locomotive, an original swamp buggy, a Calusa mound, Seminole chickees, a sugar cane grinder and a fort. » Location: 3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples » Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday » Cost: Free » Details: 239-252-8476 or colliermuseums.com
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« kid stuff (continued) Naples Depot Museum The Collier County Museums’ Naples Depot Museum is in the restored 1927 Seaboard Air Line Railway depot. The free museum features a 1909 caboose and newly restored 1947 Budd Tavern observation car that people can climb into and explore. There is also a depot area with an old ticket machine and lots of images of trains from years ago. Wall displays show the history of trains in Naples. Train service ended here in 1971. Windows around the room project the image and sound of a train coming into the station. Museum Manager Lisa Marciano says it’s a great place to beat the heat in summer. “It’s free,” she says. “Visitors can go back in time in our historic structure and visualize how residents in Naples/Collier County traveled around.” » Location: 1051 Fifth Ave. S., Naples » Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday » Cost: Free » Details: 239-261-6525 or colliermuseums.com
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium It’s always a cool starry night in the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. “We must maintain a cool 73 to 74 F temperature for the computers, the planetarium projector and the meteorites. For example, our 126-pound iron meteorite needs lower humidity or it rusts,” says Planetarium Director Heather Preston. “Besides, being able to see space and the night sky even when the sun is beating down outside is just cool.” » Location: 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers » Hours: The nature center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Daily planetarium shows are at noon (“To Mars!”), 2 p.m. (“Discovering Other Worlds: Searching for Planets Around Stars Beyond the Sun”) and 3 p.m. (“Summer Stargazing” or “Potluck”) » Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 3-12 » Details: 239-275-3435 or calusanature.org
Escape rooms
Solve mysteries and puzzles as you try to escape from a themed room. Guests are given a back story and an objective, which they are challenged to complete within one hour to escape. Here are seven escape rooms in Southwest Florida: » HeadPinz Entertainment Center, 14513 Global Parkway, south Fort Myers. $20. 239-302-2155. headpinz.com » Brainstorm Escape Room, 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 11, Bonita Springs. $30 (free for ages 8 and younger). 239-6768898. brainstormescape.com » Tropic Escape, 4061 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 203, Bonita Springs. $27. 239-319-5789. tropicescaperoom.com » Escape Tactics, 1528 Carson St., Fort Myers. $18-$28. 239-226-4442. escapetacticsflorida.com » Escape Room Fort Myers, 9280 College Parkway, south Fort Myers. $28.62. 239-461-7223. escaperoomftmyers.com » Escape the Cape, 728 S.W. Pine Island Road, Unit 16, Cape Coral. $28. 239-292-9431. escapethecapefl.com » Xtreme Escape Game, 909 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. $29.50. 239-272-3090. xtremeescapegame.com
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teens »
Shaping
YOUNG ARTISTS Bonita Springs couple teach teens and tweens the art of glassblowing. BY ANDREA STETSON
U
Adventures in Glass Blowing Where: 11368 Sunray Drive, Bonita Springs When: By appointment Cost: Workshop prices start at $60. Look for a Groupon that significantly cuts the price to $39 for a beadmaking class or $55 for pendantmaking. Details: 239601-6976 or adventuresin glassblowing.com
Cooper Noble, 8, creates a pendant with the help of Glenn Novotny during his first glassblowing lesson.
sing a blow torch, watching a slab of glass swirl with new colors and creating a marble, bead or pendant to take home are all the ingredients of this unusual activity for teens and tweens. Glenn and Jo Novotny run Adventures in Glass Blowing in Bonita Springs, where guests can make their own glass jewelry or a paperweight, animal and more. “We get a lot of moms and dads with their kids,” Jo says. “The kids like to make pendants and marbles. Marbles are the big ones.” Guests choose their colors and, with the help of Glenn, twirl the glass in a fire that reaches up to 2,500 degrees. Glenn helps shape the creation. “They pick the colors, they mix the colors in a flame, they do preliminary shaping, and then I finish shaping and arranging so it doesn’t look like it fell off a truck,” Glenn says. “It is a collaboration between two artists.”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 29
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« teens (continued) Cooper Noble, 8, was one of the youngest guests when he visited this spring. He made a blueish-silver pendant. “We can experience something new, and we can learn stuff. That is really fun,” Cooper says. His mother, Miriam, made a paperweight, but she really enjoyed watching her son have his first glassblowing experience. “Nothing is tactile anymore, and stepping away from the electronics is so important,” Miriam says. Cooper watched as the tiny slab of glass got its shape and then its colors swirled in. “Wow, it’s awesome!” he exclaimed. When the pieces are done, they’re put into a kiln to set, and customers can pick them up the following day. “We run out here every morning to see what we made; it is like Christmas under the tree,” Glenn says. Ashley Andraschko, 11, made pendants and her brother made a shark during their visit. She says it was exciting to make and to see the final product. “It is fun to make things, and when you find out how it looks, it is really beautiful,” Ashley says. Glenn got his first taste of art when he was 10 while working with his grandfather to make taxidermy pheasants and ducks. In the military, he was a steelworker and had two stints in Vietnam. Later he became a commercial fisherman, reptile importer/exporter and a salesman. When Glenn moved to Clearwater in 1989, he took up airbrushing, rice writing and finally glassblowing. He moved to Bonita Springs 16 years ago and set up a glassblowing room in his yard. While still usable, it was badly damaged during Hurricane Irma and will be replaced in July. Glenn is known to take extra time with his younger clients, sometimes upgrading them to more complex creations. He says it’s all about sharing the passion for creating something beautiful. “We do it because we like to,” Glenn says. “It’s about sharing the joy we get with other people,” Jo adds. “We feel joy when they are feeling joyful. You see a girl with a pendant that she just made and gets it out of the kiln and brings a chain and puts it around her neck, and there is so much joy.”
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Cooper Noble, 8, creates a pendant with the help of Glenn Novotny during his first glassblowing lesson.
cover story »
OUR GREAT Three Southwest Florida dads talk about how they purposely model the behavior they want to see in their children. BY ANDREA STETSON
f a dad talks on his cell phone while driving and then tells his teenager to keep two hands on the wheel, the youngster is getting mixed messages. If a child is told to be patient but sees his father getting upset in a long line, that can cause confusion. “Talk is cheap, so if we say, ‘Don’t lie,’ but then we go around lying, it creates an existential crisis for the kids,” says Stacey Brown, a license mental health counselor in private practice in Fort Myers. “If it is not being modeled in the home, they are confused. Then they don’t have the grounding to monitor their behavior. We all have a tremendous responsibility to walk the talk.” Dads are huge role models in their children’s lives. It shapes who they are and who they will become as adults. We talked to some super role model dads in Southwest Florida to see what they think is important to demonstrate for their children and how they do that.
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« cover story (continued)
“I want to show her that it is OK to try things and fail and try again and again until you get it right,” he explains. As a morning anchor, Corey gets off work at 11:30 a.m., so he’s the one who picks her up at school and models the things he wants her to see at home. “I clean the house. I clean the kitchen, sweep the floors, and I try to cook dinner every night,” Corey says. “So she sees that it is OK for a man to do all types of stuff that some people think are just for a woman.” Another thing he models is kindness toward people. PHOTOS BY AMANDA INSCORE
Corey Lazar is the morning anchor on WINK News and the father of 7-year old Mackynzie. “For me it is the everyday small things that really make a difference in her life,” Corey says. “She sees how we take on different situations and handle different aspects of daily life.” Corey explains that telling his daughter to keep trying something difficult is not enough; he believes it’s also important to model it for her. Mackynzie is very shy, and his role modeling helps her. “The funny thing is I am also kind of shy,” Corey admits. “I don’t like speaking in front of a lot of people. I kind of get anxieties. I tell her I am really nervous, and I tell her that I go through what you go through. And in the end, she is kind of blown away, because she feels the same things I feel. She sees that I did it and everything went well.” Telling Mackynzie to practice piano so she can improve isn’t enough. Corey says he also models trying things again and again until he succeeds.
“In today’s society, we think it is important to talk about how to treat people and always be nice to people,” he says. “We compliment people in front of her. I might say, ‘I love what you did with your house’ or ‘I love what you are wearing.’” By modeling that kindness, Corey hopes his daughter will learn those traits by seeing them in action.
“In today’s society, we think it is important to talk about how to treat people and always be nice to people. We compliment people in front of her. I might say, ‘I love what you did with your house’ or ‘I love what you are wearing.’” — COREY LAZAR 32 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Corey Lazar with daughter Mackynzie
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Austin Gomez with his three children: Carlos, 7, Evelyn, 5, and Christian, 1.
Austin Gomez is a music teacher at Laurel Oaks Elementary School in Naples and the father of Carlos, 7, Evelyn, 5, and Christian, 14 months. He has a long list of things he likes to model for his children. “I try to model patience, compassion, sharing, just a lot of those qualities you need to be a good citizen,” he says. “I try to show them determination, respect.” Austin recently had the opportunity to model some of these traits when he took his children to a local restau-
rant. When a woman in the play area was rude and confrontational to him, Austin showed respect and restraint. “I knew my children were judging me, so I apologized and I smiled, even though I knew with every bone of my body that I was correct,” he says. When Carlos began playing hockey, Austin decided to show him how hard work leads to success by learning the sport himself. “I have a lot of work to do to learn, so I am determined to play. I go out and skate with him when I can, and
we go out and play together,” he says. Three nights a week, Austin’s wife, Julie, has tutoring jobs, giving Austin another chance to be a good role model. “I make dinner with the kids,” he says. “I get them involved in the process. We also do a 10-minute pickup thing where we all pick up things and clean up things for 10 minutes.” Austin also enjoys having his children see him at work. “It is a great opportunity to role model what I am doing,” Austin says.
“I make dinner with the kids. I get them involved in the process. We also do a 10-minute pickup thing where we all pick up things and clean up things for 10 minutes.” — AUSTIN GOMEZ 34 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
cover story (continued) »
PHOTO BY LUKE FRANKE
Paul Beattie, owner of Beattie Development, is a role model for his children Reese, 11, and Ross, 8. “Especially in today’s world, it is important to have role models,” Paul says. “One of the things I am trying to instill is a hard work ethic.” Paul was raised by parents who had an Italian restaurant, and he helped out in the business at a young age. That taught him the value of hard work, and that is what he models for his children. “I bring them to work sometimes on Saturdays,” he says. “While they don’t work, they see how hard I work. They see Daddy works on Saturdays. That is how I provide for them. So they see what it takes to get them the luxuries that they have.” Paul wants Reese and Ross to value the importance of hard work. “Today, with technology, it is very hard to not lose sight of that,” he says. “We want them to understand and appreciate what they have.”
PHOTO BY RICARDO ROLON
Paul Beattie with Reese, 11, and Ross, 8
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« cover story (continued)
PHOTO BY RICARDO ROLON
Paul Beattie with his two children Ross and Reese
There are many other ways dads can be role models, too. “A real practical family example is if dad comes home from work and had a stressful or difficult day and then grouches at mom or the kids,” Stacey Brown says. “Everybody is human, and those things happen, so if that does occur, you acknowledge it right away. Take ownership and then do something corrective so then you are role modeling apologies. You are role modeling that life can be tricky. Those are all important skills for the grown-ups to model. Most grown-ups will talk about that with their kids and expect their kids to do that, but if the parents are not doing that, it sends mixed messages, and they are the primary role models.” Stacey agrees that it is important for
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men to show their children equality in the home with chores. “If you live in the house, you need to be contributing to the household chores,” she says. “Children pay attention to that. Children as young as 3 or 4 will tell you, ‘Daddy sits on the couch, and Mommy does everything.’ We are mammals, and mammals learn by imitation. If the children see dad contribute to household chores — vacuuming, cooking, doing the shopping, buying ballet shoes — it tends to lead to a healthier balance for the future generation.” Stacey adds that dads can model behavior in the community, too, such as volunteering and helping others. She says dads should model the importance of learning new things and the enjoy-
ment of reading. “Children as young as 1 year old will pick up a book and pretend to read a book if mom and dad are reading a book,” Stacey says. “The more engaged dad is in doing that and articulating why they are doing that, it will have a great impact on children’s brains.” They can also show their children how to have a healthy relationship. “The best gift a father can give to his children is to be kind to the mother,” Stacey says. (Same goes for mom’s behavior toward dad, of course.) “Dad’s attitude toward mom and the marriage and time spent with mom — the way dad treats mom, whether he is affectionate or bullying — all of these things matter for children. It will influence how they will have their relationships.”
spotlight »
Buckets
Fresh off the end-of-the-school-year madness, with its projects, exams, recitals, performances and other requirements, take a moment to be mindful of the relaxation and excitement summer promises. We certainly deserve a break. And we do live in a paradise that many tourists flock to year-round for our miles of white sand beaches, daily sunshine and numerous activities and excursions. Summer beckons us to come out and enjoy. I know my 13-year-old daughter, Kylie, has already prepared her summer bucket list, and many of her blissful desires appear among our top recommendations to explore during the kids’ break. STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS
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« spotlight cover story (continued) (continued)
4.
5.
Dive deeper into our local eco-system aboard the ecocruise on Rookery Bay. The
The summer reading contest is on. How many books can you
1. Set sail into summer. Learn to
navigate the scenic local waterways by taking a sailing lesson with the Offshore Sailing School, which has three resort locations in Southwest Florida: South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach and The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village and Tarpon Point Marina. You don’t have to be a resort guest to embark upon sailing lessons. Minimum age is 7 with an adult, and they teach a maximum of four students per course, unless you are a family party of up to five together. A 2-hour lesson with a minimum of two participants is $150 per person. • Phone: 239-4541700 • Online: offshoresailing.com
2.
Celebrate World Oceans Day Family Festival from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m. Saturday, June 2 at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium with games and crafts, educational booths and more. If you miss the festival, no problem. You can explore the oceans at Mote all summer with the aquarium’s permanent exhibits. Also, check out the limitedtime run of “Sea Debris: Awareness through Art,” which features recycled marine trash sculptures by Washed Ashore through June 15. In addition to the sculptures, visitors will find practical tips to help keep our waters clean. The family festival is free with regular paid admission, which is $22 for adults, $16 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger and for Mote members. • Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota • Online: mote.org/visit
3. Jump into summer from new heights. Try the high dive at Sun-N-
Fun Lagoon. The dive area boasts a high 3-meter dive and low 1-meter dive into a 14-foot pool well. • Address: 15000 Livingston Road, Naples • Online: napleswaterpark.com
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Conservancy of Southwest Florida welcomes nature-lovers aboard the Good Fortune II where guests are treated to a guided tour of Rookery Bay, one of only 29 national estuarine research reserves in the country. Rookery Bay’s 110,000 acres consists of bays, lagoons, streams, mangroves, marshes and upland habitats that are home to a vast array of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees and 150 species of birds. The two-hour eco-cruises depart at 10 a.m. from the Conservancy’s Rookery Bay location, south of Naples along Shell Island Road, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in June and July (weather permitting). The price for Conservancy members is $37 for adults and $15 for children. Nonmembers pay $47 for adults, $20 for children. • Phone: 239-2132500 • Online: conservancy.org/ goodfortune
challenge yourself and your kids to peruse this summer? With their Libraries Rock theme, Lee and Collier county public libraries are offering freebies and special events as incentives. Lee County Library System’s program runs May 29 to August 11 (advance registration recommended for special events) and offers a free book to each participant. One the events is the popular reptile program with John Storms on June 19 at the Bonita Springs Public Library. Collier County libraries even have an adult reading program. One of their fun events is the biotechnology event June 14 at the Headquarters Regional Library, where kids use plant-based products to create new things. Collier’s program runs June 4 to July 27. • Lee online: leegov.com/library/Pages/ summer-reading-program.aspx (get links here to local business’ summer reading incentives, too) • Collier online: collierlibrary.org
6. Monkey around at the Naples Zoo. New residents this year are three blackand-white colobus monkeys — a father and his boys. Nine-year-old Hasani weighs about 32 pounds. He’s the father of Mally, who is 4, and Kito, who is 3 years old. Get a good view aboard the Primate Expedition Cruise. Plus, dads get free admission Father’s Day weekend. • Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples • Phone: 239-262-5409 • Online: napleszoo.org
7.
10.
Learn about our local ecosystem and marine life by registering your child
(age 6-13) to attend a half-day or full-day Sanibel Sea School class at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. Many different classes are offered, including Dolphins: Flipping through Life on June 7 and 28. What’s not to love about dolphins? In this course, participants explore the underwater world and learn how differently dolphins “view” the ocean from the way we do. Enrich your understanding of their social nature, maybe you’ll encounter a playful pod in their natural environment. Advanced registration required. • Cost: $55 for half day course. • Address: 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel Island • Online: sanibelseaschool.org
8. Swimming from open to close is a favorite summertime memory.
There are many public pools to enjoy during the sweltering heat. Try the Pine Island Community Pool for a laid back, yet fun day complete with a waterslide. And it boasts the only saltwater pool in Lee County. While traveling on or off the island, stop, dine and shop in any of the boutique and local eateries. Perhaps a stop at Great Licks Ice Cream on Matlacha. Check with your local parks and recreation department for a pool near you. For the Pine Island pool: • Address: 5675 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia • Phone: 239-283-2220 • Online: leegov.com/parks/pools
Take in a zoo of a concert. The
scene will be positively zoo-like at the “Animals A to Z” Family Concert on Sunday, June 10 beginning at 1 p.m. with a musical discovery of instruments in the lobby at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at Florida SouthWestern State College in south Fort Myers followed by the performance at 2 p.m. The Gulf Coast Symphony performs Sergei Prokofiev’s symphonic fairytale for kids, “Peter & the Wolf,” and Camille Saint-Saëns’ 1886 suite “Carnival of the Animals” with dancers from Gulfshore Ballet. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite animal. One of the featured performers is Naples resident and 17-year-old pianist David Carlson, the 2017 Instrumental Music Winner of the Young Artists Awards and a rising senior at Barron Collier High School. Tickets are $10, and seating is general admission. • Phone: 239-481-4849 • Online: gulfcoastsymphony.org.
9. What is summer without ice cream? Treat yourself and the kids
to Southwest Florida’s iconic Love Boat Ice Cream. With more than 50 flavors, there’s a scoop for everyone. What is your favorite flavor? Apple pie? Chocolate peanut butter? Mint chocolate chip? Elvis? With three locations, make it a triple threat (or treat) this break. • Locations: 16475 San Carlos Blvd., south Fort Myers; 16229 San Carlos Blvd., south Fort Myers (the original location, still open with limited hours), and 1700 Periwinkle Way, Unit 9, Sanibel Island. • Online: loveboaticecream.com
11. Chill out with the family dog.
During the dog days of summer, take your favorite furry friend to Dog Beach, where dogs can run free on this beautiful stretch of sand. There’s even a canine shower facility to rinse your four-legged friend off before heading home. • Address: 8800 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach • Online: leegov.com/parks/ facility?fid=0036
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« spotlight cover story (continued) (continued)
12. Kids can read with dogs at participating Collier County libraries as part of the summer
reading program. At Pups ‘n’ Books, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 16 at the Headquarters Regional Library in Naples, kids can stop by to read to a dog or just to pet one. Dogs are provided by PAWS Assistance and Therapy Dogs. All ages. Registration is not required. • Online: collierlibrary.org
13.
Roll back to when we were kids with a disco light and music. Do you remember roller
skating every Friday night? Register your kids for free skating sessions at Bamboozles Skating & Event Center in south Fort Myers. Check with facility for times and days. • Address: 2095 Andrea Lane, south Fort Myers. •Phone: 239-482-7789 • Online: gobamboozles.com • Register: kidsskatefree.com
15. On the healthier side, put on your overalls and go blackberry picking at 31 Produce in June. Be sure to feed the animal residents in the petting zoo (goats, bunnies, donkeys and more). Kids can also pan for gems in the mining area. 31 Produce also has a fabulous on-site café, Cracker Shack Café, which offers breakfast and lunch. • Address: 18500 State Road 31, Alva. • Phone: 239-3138213 • Online: 31produce.com
16. Connect with nature on a hike and wildlife viewing
at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center just north of the Cape Coral city line. For guests stopping by for a day, a peaceful hike through the trails could allow a glimpse of a gopher tortoise, alligator, numerous birds, river otters and more. • Address: 10941 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda. • Online: checflorida.org
14. Learn about sea turtles with an up-close and personal Sanibel Sea School class at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. Register to attend “Sea Turtles: One in 3,000 Chance of Survival” on June 27 for ages 6-13. Southern beaches provide excellent nesting habitats for these amazing animals. In this class, the kids learn all about this local resident, and perhaps, based on the season, see the tracks from a nesting female and the nest she leaves behind. • Cost: $55 for half day class • Address: 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel Island • Online: sanibelseaschool.org
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17. Explore the future at C’mon.
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples welcomes a new traveling exhibit beginning June 2 called “Future Park: Art + Technology.” Created by teamLab Kids Inc., this exhibit is designed to encourage creative thinking, collaborative play and build an interest in technology. It’s a hands-on, digital playground sure to inspire the leaders, thinkers and creators of tomorrow. Enjoy the Light Ball Orchestra where a simple touch can create sound, experience an interactive hopscotch path in Hopscotch for Geniuses, create a living town limited only by the imagination in Sketch Town, turn your artwork into a 3D paper sculpture, and use building blocks to create a new city in Connecting! Block Town. • Address: 15080 Livingston Road, Naples • Phone: 239-260-1715 • Online: cmon.org
18. The Battle of the Cupcakes is on. Be there or be square:
3 p.m. June 28 at the Estates Branch Library in Naples. There will be cupcakes. There will be a theme. There will be judging. Let the battle begin! For ages 11-17. Registration required. • Address: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples • Phone: 239-455-8088 • Online: collierlibrary.org
19. It’s a “Strange” escape. As
part of the Libraries Rock summer reading program for teens, register for the “Stranger Things” Escape Room at the Cape Coral Public Library at 2 p.m. June 28. Will is missing again. Help Mike, Steve, Dustin, Lucas and Eleven find their friend by solving “Stranger Things” puzzles before it’s too late. Costumes are encouraged, but masks are not permitted. For grades 6-12. There’s no registration, but you might want to arrive early to get a spot. • Address: 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral • Phone: 239-5334500 • Online: leegov.com/library/ branches/cc
21. Catch a wave before school starts again with a mini getaway to the Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and experience its on-property FlowRider (similar to what you might have seen on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships). The FlowRider is a dual-sided wave simulator for a righteous surf-on-land experience. Available exclusively for property guests. Check with resort for height requirements and pricing. • Address: 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton • Phone: 561-447-3569 • Online: bocaresort.com
22. The sun will come out tomorrow! That
20. Test your creativity without the mess. Take on a craft project
at Aerie Lane, a DIY craft studio in Bonita Springs. They have everything you need for your creative venture, to have fun and create memories. No worries — you’re not crafting solo. The studio has professional crafters to help you make your inspiration a reality during one of their workshops. They also offer a fully stocked Craft Bar, where you can purchase a monthly themed craft kit to complete. • Address: 26251 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 15, Bonita Springs • Phone: 239-676-1022 • Online: swflorida.aerielane.com
is almost a guarantee in Southwest Florida but for sure when you treat yourself to the Broadway Palm performance of “Annie.” Do not miss the heartwarming story about everyone’s favorite orphan and her dog, Sandy, with performances June 28 through August 11. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. There’s a summer special for ages 18 and younger: $20 tickets include show and buffet. Adult ticket prices range from $45 to $70. • Address: 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers • Phone: 239-278-4422 • Online: broadwaypalm.com
23. A day of pampering for mom and daughter is exactly what the summer
doctor ordered. From mommy and daughter massages to manicures and pedicures, relax and let the serenity set in at Kay Casperson Spa & Salons. Located at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa and the South Seas Island Resort, after a day of pampering you’ll feel as though you were just on vacation. • Phone: 239-5791470 at South Seas, 239-395-6002 at Sundial • Addresses: South Seas, Chadwick’s Square, 14830 Captiva Drive, Captiva. Sundial, 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel • Online: kaycasperson.com
24. Cirque du Soleil on ice. Take in the thrill and spectacle of a Cirque du Soleil show as the breakthrough ice experience “Crystal” skates into Germain Arena with six shows July 12-15. • Cost: Tickets start at $48; parking is $20. • Address: 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero • Online: germainarena.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 41
« spotlight cover story (continued) (continued)
25. Fore! A summer classic that has
long been a tradition for tourists here is to take your shot at 18 — that is 18 holes of mini golf. There are numerous mini golf attractions, from the new Tropical Breeze Fun Park in Cape Coral to Castle Golf in south Fort Myers to Congo River Golf in Bonita Springs. There’s also mini golf, a driving range and a short-hole course at Alico Family Golf in south Fort Myers. Go for the hole-in-one!
26. Slide. Jump. Climb. Swing. Run. Get ready to road trip to
an inflatable water heaven about 40 miles north of Tampa and experience The Lift Adventure Park. You can learn to wakeboard, too. This Wibit Aqua Park is an inflatable playground on the water, which is a beautiful springfed lake. Must be at least 7 years old and 45 inches tall to play on the Aqua Park. Reservations recommended. • Cost: $15 for a 45-minute session on holidays and weekends • Address: 17362 Old Dixie Highway, Hudson • Phone: 727-569-6472 • Online: theliftadventurepark.com
27. Paddle along the Estero River in a canoe — the oldest style of paddling. It’s a great way to experience nature, and Estero River is a very easy paddle for kids. Estero River Outfitters offers rentals starting at $22.50 for a two-hour rental. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available. • Address: 20991 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero • Phone: 239-992-4050 • Online: esteroriveroutfitters.com
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28.
All paws on deck! Paw Patrol returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall with three shows on July 31 and August 1. Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group present PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure.” The pups from the animated preschool series “PAW Patrol” embark on a pirate-themed adventure to uncover hidden treasure during the live stage show. Tickets start at $22 and there are VIP packages available that include a meet-and-greet with the characters (see website for pricing). • Address: 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers • Phone: 800-440-7469 or 239-481-4849 • Online: bbmannpah.com
29. Sports hero and books. Teens can meet 2018 Super Bowl Champion Jaylen Watkins on July 17 at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center as part of the Libraries Rock summer reading program. Attendees learn about his new book club for teens and get a chance to speak with a professional NFL player. For grades 6-12. Free tickets available on a firstcome, first served basis at the North Fort Myers Public Library. • Online: leegov.com/library/events/event?e =230E304E378
30. Celebrate Harry Potter’s 20th anniversary in the U.S. at the
Muggles & Magic event July 24 at the Northwest Regional Library in Cape Coral. The kids will get sorted into houses and participate in Potter-related activities, including wand-making and Quidditch. Registration required; begins July 17. • Address: 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral • Phone: 239-533-4700 • Online: leegov.com/library/events/ event?e=230E234E763
31. Local shark week? July
25-28, celebrate some of the ocean’s coolest creatures during Shark Days at Mote: Real Sharks, Real Science. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has the nation’s only Center for Shark Research designated by the U.S. Congress, and Mote scientists have studied these amazing fishes since the lab opened in 1955. This year, Shark Days will dive into some of the latest science and conservation efforts with these incredible animals during a series of events and activities for the whole family, culminating with the Fins & Fun Family Festival on July 28. • Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota • Online: mote.org/sharkdays
32. Play in the trees and defy gravity. Visit TreeUmph!
Adventure Course in Bradenton and climb its multiple obstacles and rope courses and soar down its 650 feet of zipline. The course offers a less intense version for kids ages 7-11. • Address: 21805 E. State Road 70 Bradenton. • Phone: 941322-2130 • Online: treeumph.com/bradenton
33. Test your junior chef’s culinary skills. Try a cooking class. There are several options in Southwest Florida, including Little Chefs in Training in south Fort Myers, Sur la Table in Naples and any Williams Sonoma location, such as at Bell Tower Shops in south Fort Myers or Waterside Shops in Naples. Little Chefs caters to ages 5-16 and even has a parents’ night out option. Sur la Table offers a no-churn family ice cream class for ages 7 and older and more technique-based classes for ages 14 and older. Williams Sonoma offers Junior Chef Classes for ages 8-13 and most recently featured an American Girl cookbook, “Garden to Table,” class. Prices vary. • Online: littlechefsntraining.com, surlatable.com and williams-sonoma.com
34. Commit to a summer fitness goal and run a 5K as a family or sign up your kids for a fun run, which are
significantly shorter than a 5K, usually no more than a mile. One family fun run event is the Freedom 5K in Cape Coral on July 4. This event takes place at the base of the Cape Coral Bridge on Cape Coral Parkway. A portion of the proceeds from the 5K goes to Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation and the Special Operations Communicators Association. Register online or at the event starting at 6 a.m.; 5K run starts at 7 a.m. The fun run gives a ribbon and T-shirt for all participants and begins after the 5K is complete. • Cost: $20-$40 for adults, depending on how soon you sign up; fun run for kids younger than 12 is $10. • Online: freedom5kcc.com
35. As Elton John sings, “Don’t let the sun go down on me.” Southwest Florida’s splendid sunsets are daily reminders of the peace and joy that this destination we call home brings us. So before summer ends, gather up your kids and find the perfect sunset viewing spot, and as the sun prepares to dip into the Gulf of Mexico, reflect on your summer and favorite moments spent together. Some great spots: the Naples Pier, Times Square on Fort Myers Beach, the end of Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva Island.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 43
« safety corner M A RY FISCHER
An ounce of prevention
T
Parents have an active part to play in keeping students safe.
his is a critical time to address our children’s needs and to increase our prevention efforts in all areas of safety directly involving our schools, which house the captive audience every day. As a school board member, I can say safety is and has been a priority for Lee County Public Schools. We have participated in planning to increase the number of school resource officers and security specialists in our schools. Our law enforcement agencies are involved in ongoing communication with schools and other public venues to provide protection and support. Over the past year or two, we have been involved in ongoing community conversations regarding children’s behavioral/mental health to identify ways to create opportunities to combine school and community resources to better meet the needs of students. Our district’s School Health Advisory Committee, also called SHAC, consists of district staff and community agency representatives. They meet quarterly to share information to maximize our already existing partnerships with Lee Health, the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida, SalusCare, the Florida Department of Health and others. In 2017 we adopted a comprehensive health education policy here in Lee County, so we have many systems in place that can serve the purpose if we increase communitywide collaboration efforts. School health education programs can reduce health risk behaviors such as poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, as well as actions that increase stress and risk of injury and violence. Quality school health
education taught by trained and certified health educators provides the best opportunity to promote positive health behavior among children and adolescents. Our Student Services department staff, school counselors, social workers, nurses and psychologists are trained in identifying and removing barriers to learning and providing strategies and interventions designed to create safe learning environments. Implementing districtwide use through training and communication can make a positive difference. Several of our staff members have been actively involved in collaborating with community agencies, acquiring and delivering services to our students, families and community organizations. In collaboration with the United Way, the Drug Free-Coalition, health department, Lee Health and others, we provide education for kids and parents, such as: » TALK15: A marketing campaign that seeks to educate parents about teen alcohol and drug use, encouraging parents to take 15 minutes to talk with their kids about alcohol and drugs. » The Norm Project: A districtwide initiative that challenges misperceptions about Lee County students by presenting the facts. The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey asks questions of a sample of our student population each year and finds that the majority of Lee County students do not drink alcohol or do drugs. This shows that our students are making healthy choices and choosing a healthy lifestyle. » School Board Student Advisory Committee: This group meets monthly and provides critical information about their successes, concerns and ideas for the school environment. They provide critical
This month’s Safe Kids Southwest Florida column is written by Mary Fischer, Lee County School Board Member, District 1.
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insight and a valuable perspective. The school board is listening, and we do value their recommendations. Due to these efforts, Lee County has been named a Florida Healthy School District at the Gold level by the Florida Action for Healthy Kids. However, Safe Schools funding has dramatically decreased during the past decade. Florida ranks 50th in the nation in spending on education. I ask, why won’t Florida pay up front for prevention education? Lee County schools are diligently working to identify funding sources that will enable us to provide the most adequate safety and education experiences for our students. It is important for the members of the community to recognize that the future of our community depends on their support and encourage all to exercise both privilege and responsibility in being registered to vote and to use the powerful voice they have. We invite our students, parents, staff and our community members to join us in working to improving health and safety for all. There are many ways to get involved: » Parents, talk with your children about their school day. » Visit your school's website and attend events at the schools. » Contact your teachers or administration about volunteering at your child's school and joining PTO or SAC committees. » Go to leeschools.net to find out about district advisory committee opportunities. » Contact the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools to become a mentor (leeschoolfoundation.org). » Follow the news and contact your legislative representative to advocate for fair funding for public schools.
Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org.
family album »
Touch-a-truck » The Touch-A-Truck Fort Myers
event by Pediatric Dentistry of Florida collected 1,148 pounds of food donations for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. Photos courtesy of Pediatric Dentistry of Florida
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 45
« family album
Reeling for autism » (Top)
Tristan Trapp, right, participated in the Reeling for Autism fishing tournament and family event at Nervous Nellie’s on Fort Myers Beach in April. The fundraiser raised $8,000 to support Family Initiative Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children who have autism and strengthening their families. • Right: Emma Brown with the Big Dawg Charters fishing captain. Photos courtesy of Family Initiative Inc.
Apple Blossoms »
Three early childhood teachers received Teacher of the Year Awards at the annual Apple Blossom Awards on April 14. At left, nominee Keshia Parris is with her husband, Clifford Parris, and son Cekai Parris, 4. Below are the 18 nominees who were selected and observed in the classroom by members of the Apple Blossom Awards Committee. Photos courtesy of Collier Child Care Resources
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« family album
Honor Flight »
Two sophomores from the Community School of Naples, Ashley Cruz (above with veteran Glen Wurste) and Gargi Shukla, joined an Honor Flight as guardians May 5. Each student was paired with a veteran for a trip to Washington, D.C. Both students were members of the school’s Veteran Appreciation Club. The group was greeted by club members and other well-wishers. At top: Max LaTerra, Jerry Richmond and Tristan Wicka. Photos courtesy of Community School of Naples
Keeping Lee beautiful » Early on April
Summer fun »
Isabel Quaintance, 2, enjoys a creative fruit kabob at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral. She’s the little sister of December 2014 cover model, Christian Quaintance. Photo submitted by mom Carmen Quaintance
48 » JUNE 2018 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
21, 885 Lee County residents gathered at 36 locations to remove litter from the community as part of the 20th annual Great American Cleanup, also known as the Earth Day Trash Bash, with Keep Lee County Beautiful Inc. More than 2,369 hours were spent removing 18,635 pounds of litter and debris. Photo courtesy of Keep Lee County Beautiful Inc.
travel »
Water park heaven Florida is home to numerous wet and wild amusement parks. If you’re looking for a cool weekend getaway this summer, try coordinating it with one of these great attractions. BY JENNIFER THOMAS
K
eeping cool in the midst of a stifling hot Florida summer can be challenging to say the least. Just walking outside can make you look as though you stepped out of a shower. However, there’s a cure for kids and adults alike — water parks. Not only are there actual water parks in our backyard, such as Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in Naples and Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral, but resorts are adding high levels of water fun, too. Just think of the two H2Whoa! water slides at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island or the newly debuted water slides at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Estero.
1.
Lazy River at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO SW FL PARENT & CHILD
Honu at Volcano Bay by Universal Orlando Resort
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 49
» travel (continued)
Adventure Island’s new Vanish Point.
And these thrills are all within 30 minutes to an hour drive. There’s even more for families looking for a longer getaway. Luckily there is no shortage of contained water fun in Florida. Personally, our family loves hitting the water parks in Orlando in the summer, and we have the new Volcano Bay by Universal Orlando Resort on our summer bucket list this year. This new water theme park has incorporated the technology used for express passes at Universal’s other parks to give guests a hassle-free experience with virtual wait times for the thrill rides. “All guests who visit the park receive a TapuTapu wearable, designed exclusively for Volcano Bay that allows them to focus more on having fun together,” says Universal Orlando Resort spokesperson Kristen Clark. “With the TapuTapu, guests can virtually wait in line for an attraction while enjoying other areas of the park, unlock various TapTu play interactive experiences throughout the park, access their lockers and more — all with just a wave of the wrist.” The main focal point of this water theme park is its volcano and its Ko’okiri Body Plunge thriller. Honoring
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the volcano god, Vol, guests brave themselves for a 70-degree fall through a trap door and a 125-foot descent. “At Universal’s Volcano Bay, guests can expect to be transported to a tropical paradise filled with incredible thrills and perfected relaxation,” Kristen says. “It is a water theme park like no other that features more than 30 experiences, including 18 attractions that range from a multi-directional wave pool to speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below, more than 60 delicious South Pacific-inspired dishes and more.” We also try to stay at resorts that offer amazing water features for some extra fun during the trip. Just last month, we stayed at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, which recently unveiled Orlando’s only resort wave pool, holding more than 131,000 gallons of wave action on property as part of a $40 million expansion project that included adding 23,000 square feet of recreational and pool deck space as well. “Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers all the attractions, without all of the distractions, and we’re always looking for ways to en-
hance the guest experience,” says resort spokesperson Matt Smith. In addition to the wave pool, the resort also has large swimming pools, lazy rivers, water slides and whirlpools. We really enjoyed floating around the lazy river — always a favorite attraction. The resort has lush, tropical landscaped grounds, even around the pool. The zero-entry family pool is a nice feature, too, as it is reminiscent of entering the ocean, and the kids can enjoy the liquid playground, dancing under the water fountains and a 30-foot spilling water tower. This resort water paradise tempts guests to never leave the property. Additionally, we frequent Walt Disney World’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon regularly during summer months. We cannot wait to experience the new Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon. This new after-dark event debuts June 21 and runs on select nights through August 11 and features characters from “Toy Story.” A separate ticket is required for admission. “Rex and his ‘Toy Story’ pals will transform Typhoon Lagoon like never before by throwing a glow party in the
Disney World’s Blizzard Beach
Miss Adventure Falls at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
surf pool and throughout the park,” according to a Disney release. “Rex, a.k.a. Partysaurus Rex, will serve as host and invite guests of all ages to join the festivities. All attractions will be open for guest enjoyment and, as part of the fun, there will be special food and beverage offerings, ‘Toy Story’ character greetings, a DJ dance party on the beach and more.” A bit closer to us but another unique and wet adventure is in the Tampa area — Adventure Island, located across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa. This water park features the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages, says park spokesperson Rebecca Romzek. “Within a soothing Key West atmosphere, guests can experience high-thrill slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family attractions. Park guests can choose to race down rapids, dig their toes into the sand or relax all day in a private cabana,” Rebecca describes. “New this year, guests can take on Vanish Point, Adventure Island’s newest 70foot drop slide, which lets riders choose
between two skyboxes, each sending them through 425 feet of spiraling tubes.” This new slide is inspired by the point on a wave where water and gravity form a perfect partnership. The crest of this 70-foot tower challenges riders with two 425-foot wave paths, Rebecca says. “Guests step into one of two skyboxes and face their fears as the floor disappears beneath them.” Cape Coral resident Tahra Lehman recently visited Adventure Island with her husband, Scott, and her two kids, Maddie, 12, and Jake, 10. “I thought Adventure Island was a lot of fun for the entire family. It was not busy the day we visited. We barely had to wait for any slides and rented a cabana that added a private factor to the experience,” Tahra says. “The park was clean, and the staff were personable and answered any questions we had. I enjoyed the cabanas and felt safe letting the kids roam around and ride as they please.” While Tahra did not have to wait in long lines, new this season at Adventure Island, guests can also purchase Quick Queue to skip the lines at their favorite
attractions. Something different at Adventure Island from its counterparts is that its water park staples include a unique twist. “Our interactive Paradise Lagoon includes cliff diving from a 20-foot platform,” Rebecca says. The Key West Rapids tube slide features gushers to periodically propel guests through 700 feet of fun. Colossal Curl is a family raft ride with serious thrill. “The combination of the wave and funnel elements gives riders a feeling of weightlessness before ending with a big splash,” she says. This water slide was Tahra’s and her family’s favorite experience, too. “Colossal Curl is a 4-person tube ride that allowed us to experience the ride as a family. It was a lot of fun.” Tahra says she and her family enjoy visiting water parks throughout the year. “Water and sun are relaxing, especially after a busy work and school week,” she says. “It allows us all to have fun as a family and get some sun. Water parks are a bundle of fun contained in one place. Food, drinks, entertainment and excitement.”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 51
« around town
Get down with bluegrass
Let loose at the Picnic in Paradise Bluegrass Festival, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Kids will love the beat and the fun activities. There’ll be summertime food favorites, games, prizes and lots of bluegrass music. Fishermen’s Village is at 1200 W. Esplanade, Punta Gorda. For details, visit fishville.com.
Crazy for Seuss? Enjoy the whimsical 'Seussical' It’s like a Dr. Seuss library spilled out onto the stage. “Seussical” — running June 1-22 at the Broadway Palm dinner theater — features lots of favorite Seuss characters, including Horton, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz and Lazy Mayzie. Tickets are $19 for all ages and include lunch and show. Lunch begins at noon and show at 1 p.m. June 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 16 and 22. The theater’s main stage production of “Annie” starts June 28. Get tickets and details at broadwaypalm.com.
Tennis tour highlights young players The tennis world’s Emilio Sanchez-Vicario — an Olympic medalist who played professionally and won three Grand Slam doubles titles — is bringing the 2018 Casper Tour to Naples to let players ages 9 to 14 play in competitive matches. The tour is here June 13-15 and again in December at the Academia Sanchez-Casal World Wide Tennis Academies’ Naples location. The tour is named for an ASC student, Casper Fernandez, who died from cancer in 2017 at the age of 16; his last wish was to help other kids train and develop careers in tennis. Players may compete based on age and Universal Tennis Ratings. Registration information can be found at caspertour.asc-florida.com or by calling 239-263-1818.
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calendar »
PRESCHOOL
Week of June 2 “Sewing a Native Truth: Seminole Fashion and Culture” » Now through October 28. IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Over 20 Seminole dolls and clothing items are on loan from The Florida Museum of Natural History. Admission to IMAG is $14 for adults, $10 for children and students with ID, free for ages 2 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. theimag.org Fish36 » June 2-9. A week-long fishing scavenger hunt. Teams photograph their catch and exchange photos for raffle tickets. At the end, on June 9, at the Germain American Social Club of Cape Coral, 2101 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, the raffle is held, participants play games and enjoy lunch. Doors open at 7 a.m. Raffle begins at 10 a.m. Lunch is 11:30 a.m.-noon. This is a fundraiser for Entrepreneur by Choice Inc. fish36.org Summer Movie Express » 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Two Regal Cinemas locations: Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20, 13499 Bell Tower Drive, south Fort Myers, and Regal Gulf Coast Stadium 16, 10028 Gulf Center Drive, San Carlos Park. $1 per person. June 5-6: “The Iron Giant,” “Curious George.” June 12-13: “Despicable Me,” “Ice Age: Collision Course.” June 19-20: “Storks,” “Mr. Peabody & Sherman.” June 26-27: “Despicable Me 2,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2.” July 3-4: “The Lego Movie,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” July 10-11: “Sing,” “The Peanuts Movie.” regmovies.com/movies/summer-movie-express
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Friday, June 8 Fort Myers Miracle & Fireworks » 7 p.m. Hammond Stadium, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers. Fireworks follow Fort Myers Miracle home baseball games on select Fridays: June 8 and 29, July 4 and 20 and August 3 and 17. Games start at 7 p.m. General admission tickets on fireworks nights start at $8.50 in advance, $10 game day. Add an additional $1 on July 4. 239-7684210. miraclebaseball.com Sensational Sharks » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Free with park admission, $4 for a vehicle with one person, $8 for a vehicle of 2-8. Join a park ranger for a talk about sharks. Reservations required. 239-463-4588.
RESALE & CONSIGNMENT
Saturday, June 9 Hole-In-One Challenge » 2-9 p.m. Alico Family Golf, 16300 Lee Road, Fort Myers. A fundraiser for the Lee County Homeless Coalition with a chance to win $1 million. Advance tickets are $15 for ages 12 and younger, $25 for adults; day of is $20 and $30. Children younger than 3 get in free. Includes a free meal, minigolf, the short 9-hole course, driving range, S.N.A.G. (Start New At Golf) for beginners and those who are new to golf, and an open golf clinic by a PGA professional. Food will be served 2-6 p.m. “Incredibles 2: Sweet Dreams, Jack-Jack” Story Time & Activities »11 a.m. Three Barnes & Noble locations: Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero; 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers, and Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. The Incredibles are back navigating the heroics of everyday life when a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot that only The Incredibles can overcome together. Activities to follow. Miromar Has Talent Preliminaries » 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Ages 13 and younger compete 11 a.m.-1 p.m., ages 14-20 compete 2-4 p.m. The top participants from each age group advance to the semifinals.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 53
« calendar Sunday, June 10 Animals from A to Z Family Concert » 1 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. $10. A performance of “Peter and the Wolf” and a selection of Aesop’s Fables. “Peter and the Wolf” and “Carnival of the Animals” will be narrated by Lee Bennett Hopkins. At 1 p.m., come dressed as an animal and try the instruments in the Musical Discovery Zone. Concert is at 2 p.m. bbmannpah.com or gulfcoastsymphony.org
Tuesday, June 12 Breastfeeding Class » 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Learn how to successfully breastfeed your newborn baby and how to transition to work. 239-594-0400. For fee or to register, click on “classes” at naplesbirthcenter.com or email FBCNaples@gmail.com. Fishing Clinic » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Free with park admission, which is $4 for a vehicle with one person, $8 for a vehicle of 2-8 people, $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. Join a park ranger to learn about tackle and fresh bait rigs, find the best places to drop a line and learn the rules and regulations. Reservations required. 239-463-4588. Free Kids Movies » 10 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Paragon Theaters, Pavilion, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Enjoy a different free movie each week over summer. June 1214: “The Croods.” June 19-21: “How to Train Your Dragon 2.” June 26-28: “Captain Underpants.” July 10-12: “Trolls.” July 17-19: “Kung Fu Panda 3.” July 24-26: “Ferdinand.” 239-5960008. paragontheaters.com/promotions Free Summer Movies 2018 » 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Marquee Cinemas Coralwood 10, 2301 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. Choose from two free movies each week. June 12-13: “Despicable Me,” “The Boss Baby.” June 19-20: “Despicable Me 2,” “Smurfs: The Lost Village.” June 26-27: “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie,” “The Lego Batman Movie.” July 3-4: “The Angry Birds Movie,” “Despicable Me 3.” July 10-11: “The Emoji Movie,” “Minions.” July 17-18: “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” “Sing.” July 24-25: “Ferdinand,” “My Little Pony: The Movie.” July 31-August 1: “The Secret Life of Pets,” “Paddington 2.” 239-458-2543. filmsxpress.com/ userimages/62/files/CC.pdf
Thursday, June 14 “The Great American Talent Show” » June 14-17. Firehouse Community Theatre Inc., 241 Bridge St., Labelle. $10. From renowned playwright Joseph Robinette, this is a parody of TV talent shows. It’s the final night of the yearlong TV talent show to end all talent shows. Shows are 7 p.m. June 14-16 and 2 p.m. June 17. firehousecommunitytheatre.com
Friday, June 15 Kids Free Friday: Mammals » 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rookery Bay NERR and Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. $5 for adults. In celebration of the reserve’s 40th anniversary, this popular summer education program provides free admission with programming geared toward ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by an adult on Fridays through summer. A ratio of no more than three kids per adult is recommended to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. June 22 and July 20: Birds.
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June 29 and July 27: Reptiles. July 6 and August 3: Fish. July 13: Mammals. History Saturday » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Included in admission. History Saturday occurs on the third Saturday of every month. Science Saturday occurs on the first Saturday of every month. Enjoy interactive experiences above and beyond IMAG’s 60+ exhibits from 11a.m. to 2p.m.
Saturday, June 16 “Calvin Berger” » June 16-17. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. The Alliance for the Arts Youth Theatre presents “Calvin Berger,” a hip and hilarious play loosely based on “Cyrano de Bergerac.” “Calvin Berger” follows the story of four high school seniors and their insecurities and unrequited feelings. Tickets are $10-$20. Shows are 2 and 8 p.m. June 16 and 2 p.m. June 17. 239-939-2787. artinlee.org Father/Son/Grandson Lookalike Contest » 11 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store. Fathers, sons and grandsons compete for prizes in this annual family event. Father’s Day Story Time Featuring “With My Daddy: A Book of Love and Family” » 11 a.m. Three Barnes & Noble locations: Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero; 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers, and Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. A special Father’s Day story time with a book celebrating all that is great about dads. Activities to follow. Miromar Has Talent Semifinals » 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Ages 13 and younger compete 11 a.m.-1 p.m., ages 14-20 compete 2-4 p.m. The top participants from each age group advance to the finals. Picnic in Paradise Bluegrass Festival » Noon-4 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Enjoy bluegrass music and fun activities. 800-639-0020. fishville.com SWFL SpaceCon » 9 a.m.-8 p.m. June 16 and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. June 17. Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. $10 per day for adults, $5 for ages 12 and younger. Save $2 with costume or SWFL SpaceCon shirt. Parking is $5 per day. Features guests from the comic book, film and book industries, vendors, game demos, gaming, cosplay and entertainment. Marina Sirtis from “Star Trek” will be there, plus other actors and comic book artists.
Monday, June 18 Shipwrecked Vacation Bible School » 9:30 a.m.-noon June 18-22. Daniels Road Baptist Church, 5878 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers. Free. There will be games, snacks and crafts. Space Probe Vacation Bible School » 8:45 a.m.-noon June 18-22. Grace Baptist Church, 1300 Ceitus Terrace, Cape Coral. For children who have finished kindergarten up to sixth grade. Music, Bible stories, missions, snacks, Challenge teams and a Space Race Contest. 239-772-1400. truegraceofgod.org
Wednesday, June 20 Nutrition Class » 7-8:30 p.m. The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Nutrition for pregnancy, lactation, postpartum and family. 239-594-0400. Register by emailing FBCNaples@gmail.com.
calendar » Thursday, June 21
Saturday, June 30
PalmArt Playshop: Coasters or Six Pack Containers for Dad » 6 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Learn how to make beautiful, useful and durable stuff using natural and recycled materials that might be in your own backyard. Writer and teacher Shawn Holiday conducts monthly playshops for making baskets, bracelets, sun kissed coasters, kitchen tools and more. All the materials are provided but people are invited to bring their own supplies to incorporate into their creations. artinlee.org
Kids Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland, kids — from toddlers to 12 — participate in activities and receive a free slice of pizza, a free kids’ cone and a special offer at Mr. Pretzels.
Saturday, June 23 “Jurassic Park Little Golden Book” Story Time & Activities » 11 a.m. Three Barnes & Noble locations: Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero; 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers, and Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. Introduce little ones to the world of Jurassic Park. This action-packed (and age-appropriate) title is great for dinosaur lovers, new and old. Activities to follow. Miromar Has Talent Finals » 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Ages 13 and younger compete 11 a.m.-1 p.m., ages 14-20 compete 2-4 p.m. The top participants from each age group are crowned at the sixth annual talent competition. SummerJazz on the Gulf » 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. Free concert by Show Biz Kids on the Watkins Lawn overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Show Biz Kids is a 12-piece Steely Dan tribute band. Free SummerJazz on the Gulf concerts take place one Saturday each month through September. 239-261-2222. naplesbeachhotel.com
Sunday, June 24 Festival of Dance 2018 » Noon-3 p.m. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Dance Bochette’s annual performance celebrates the life of its founder, Jeanne Bochette. In addition to the studio’s dancers, performers also include professionals from the Gainesville-based Dance Alive National Ballet. Lunch begins at noon, show at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for children younger than 12. 239-278-4422 for tickets, 239-334-3274 for information. dancebochette.com/2018/05/2015-festival
Friday, June 29 Bike Tour of Lovers Key » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Included with park admission, which is $4 for a one-person vehicle, $8 for a vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. Join a Park Ranger for a leisurely biking adventure around Black Island Trail. Bring your own bike or rent one from the in-park concession. Reservations required. 239-463-4588. “The Monster in the Closet” » 7-9 p.m. June 29-30 and 2 p.m. July 1. Firehouse Community Theatre, Inc., 241 Bridge St., Labelle. $10. Emily has a big problem. Not only is she sent to bed just as she reaches the highest level of her new video game, but there’s a monster in her closet! It’s not just her imagination. Her friend Stephanie saw it, too. Suffering the teasing of her brother and his friends, Emily and Stephanie recruit some of their own friends to help capture the monster. What they don’t know is that Murray, the closet monster, doesn’t mean any harm; he only wants to play Emily’s new video game. firehousecommunitytheatre.com
“Pete the Kitty and the Groovy Playdate” Story Time & Activities » 11 a.m. Three Barnes & Noble locations: Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero; 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers, and Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples. Before he was the beloved Pete the Cat, he was Pete the Kitty. Join Pete on a cat-tastic playdate as he learns a lesson about sharing with his friend, Grumpy Toad. Activities to follow.
Wednesday, July 4 Fourth of July events can be found online at swflparentchild.com.
Friday, July 6 Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America » 5-8 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Hometown sports are more than just games — they shape our lives and unite us and celebrate who we are as Americans. This exhibit features sports-related objects, images, videos and personal stories from the Smithsonian’s cast collect and highlights memorabilia and stories collected from Southwest Florida. The free opening reception is 5-8 p.m. July 6. Exhibit runs June 30-August 11.
Monday, July 9 Free Vacation Bible School » 6-9 p.m. Destiny Church Naples, 6455 Hidden Oaks Lane, Naples. Get ready for an adventure to an uncharted island where kids are rescued by Jesus.
Thursday, July 12 Cirque du Soleil’s “Crystal” » July 12-15. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Cirque du Soleil’s first ice production combines gravity-defying acrobatics with ice skating. Six shows: 7:30 p.m. July 12 and 13, 4 and 7:30 p.m. July 14 and 1:30 and 5 p.m. July 15. Tickets start at $45. 877924-7783. cirquedusoleil.com/crystal or germainarena.com
Saturday, July 14 MangoMania » 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 14 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 15. German American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. $5 in advance, $6 at the gate. Free for ages 10 and younger. Celebrate the local tropical fruits of our area. Events include music, food, drinks, educational presentations, games for kids of all ages and cooking challenges. 239-283-0888. mangomaniafl.net
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 55
Come See Me Dance!
» a mother’s view (continued)
Festival of Dance 2018 Honoring our founder Jeanne Bochette June 24th, 2018 12:00 Brunch & 2:00 Matinee $35 Adults • $25 children under 12
At The Broadway Palm DANCE
1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907 For Tickets call (239) 278-4422
FEATURING Dance Bochette Dancers • Choreography by May O’Donnell • Guest Artist from Dance Alive National Ballet
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» Continued from page 9
I get out of my car and join the growing crowd of parents headed toward the school office. We’re being directed to the end of the line and instructed to get out our driver’s licenses. They’ll get to each of us as they can. A few are asking questions of the police, trying to get more information. Many are on cell phones, clearly trying to reassure anxious parents not there, not sure what is happening, not knowing what they should do. Children are coming down in small groups. You can see the confusion on their faces as they scan the crowd for their parents. This is the new normal. I take my place in line. I wait. I feel numb. Am I being ridiculous? But the images that have become all too frequent on the news and social media play in a loop in my mind. I see kids running from school followed by SWAT teams. I see parents with tears streaming down their faces as they embrace their children and know they are safe. I see the interviews with the students who survive and the ones with the parents of those who do not. I think back to this morning. “I love you, Monkey, see you this afternoon.” What if I didn’t see her this afternoon… This is the new normal. When I reach the front of the line, I hand over my driver’s license. They take my daughter’s name and classroom and point me to a waiting area. I stand there with the other waiting parents. We’re quiet. So quiet. No one is on their phones, not even looking at their phones, we’re all just staring in the direction of where our kids should come from. I see my daughter in the distance. And suddenly, there are tears — hot, fierce tears stinging the backs and corners of my eyes. I feel my throat catching. I feel all the tension I didn’t even know had been building. “No. No. No.” I’m thinking. “Not now. She can’t see this. I’m not going to upset her anymore.” I look down. I take a deep breath. I swallow hard. Then I look back up and put a smile on my face. The most real one I can manage. She walks up to me, and I can see the relief. “Hey, there, Monkey!” I say and take her hand so I can start leading her away. She glances back at the school, the waiting parents, the police in all their gear. “What must she be thinking,” I wonder. She looks up at me, searching my face, wanting me to make sense of all of this. “It’s OK, it’s all OK,” I lie as we walk past the reporters filming us leaving the school. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.
Andy Kent is a freelance journalist living in Boca Roton. He covered sports for the Naples Daily News (19992007), wrote for the Miami Dolphins (2007-14) and has been published in The New York Times, USA Today and numerous other publications.
voices »
GUEST COLUMN
Different side of Florida
An early childhood in Southwest Florida serves a boy very well.
I
t’s only 100 miles. How could they be so different, the Southwest Florida and Southeast Florida coasts? Sure, the blue of the Atlantic Ocean is deep and dark, and the blue of the Gulf of Mexico is more aqua and sparkly. But there’s something deeper, and it’s in the people. I’m talking about the salt-of-the-earth, quiet and humble Midwestern values prevalent in Southwest Florida compared to the — how should I put it — more boisterous and loud Northeastern values found here in Boca Raton and some of its neighboring cities. You see, my 14-year-old son was born in Naples back on a beautiful, sunny February afternoon in 2004, and as I watch this now young man prepare for his freshman year of high school, the impact of those formative years across Alligator Alley is palpable. “B” had just celebrated his third birthday when my wife’s new job brought about our move from our very first house in San Carlos Park over to Boca Raton, so I didn’t figure he had acquired enough memories or lessons to affect anything that would happen to him over the next 11 years.
Boy, was I wrong. Our neighborhood, or to better describe it, the village that helped raise our child, was one of those throwback neighborhoods to a bygone era. This was a place where literally everybody’s kids played together in the street while the parents set out lawn chairs in the driveway to watch. As soon as we brought our baby boy back from the hospital, one by one a different neighbor came by each day and knocked on the door to check on us, bringing over dinner or, in one case, offering to show us how to bathe him in the sink and properly swaddle him. When it was time for my wife, Amy, to go to back to work and for us to turn over our son’s daycare to an in-home nanny who operated out of her house, we found a hidden gem. Miss Sherie treated our boy like he was her own, and the young professional hockey players on the Florida Everblades welcomed “B” into the locker room when his daddy had to bring him along for his sports writing assignments. These “boys,” as all hockey players regardless of age are referred to, passed along their Midwestern values to my son, as did his
first preschool teacher, Miss Donna, in San Carlos Park. So by the time we did make that difficult move, unbeknownst to me, “B” already was armed with the humility and kindness necessary to excel at the many things he now is successful at — academics, athletics (yes, he’s a hockey player among other sports) and giving back to the community. In fact, the values he learned there were so strong that he has taken them to heart today and chooses to deflect recognition. For example, he is so humble he didn’t even want his name in this article, which is why I refer to him as “B” throughout. To this day, my son still misses the Naples/Fort Myers area even though he was so little when we left. It’s not that he doesn’t love it over here and hasn’t made great friends, some with whom he will remain friendly with throughout his life. But he has also seen a side of people that, as he describes it to his mother and me, we don’t ever recall seeing on the other coast. I guess one’s idea of paradise and the perfect beach can differ with a simple 100-mile drive.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 57
» a father’s view
Jim Dwyer is a Southwest Florida father of three boys.
JIM DW Y ER
Hockey lover
W
hen I was a young boy, our family moved from New York to Chicago as Dad’s company relocated. After a short time in Chicago, they decided they wanted him back in New York, but by then he had grown to enjoy life in the Midwest and decided it was time to break off on his own. He started the arduous task of building a small business from the ground up. Money was tight, but one luxury Dad allowed himself was two standing room only (SRO) tickets at the Chicago Stadium for the Blackhawks hockey team. This led to some great times in our family. Each game day he would grab me, or one of my siblings, and off to the game we would go. The SRO tickets were crazy and exciting and, school night or not, we would stay until the very end of the game before fighting the traffic home. Those games were some of my favorite moments from my early years with my dad, and I was hooked as a hockey fan ever since. I raised my kids on hockey and the Blackhawks and tried to share moments like I had with my dad early in life. The older two took to it like fish to water. At live Everblades games or watching the Blackhawks on TV, they
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were all in. Ryan, on the other hand, showed only mild interest. He always enjoyed an event, but hockey itself seemed an afterthought. That all changed when early in the hockey season I took him to a Blackhawks game in Sunrise, Florida. I can’t explain why it was different, but Ryan was mesmerized by the speed and excitement of the game. It was far from his first live game, but this time he was hooked. I could see how much he was enjoying it, but I had no idea it
would last. Over the course of this season, he has watched as many games as he could find on TV. He knows the key players on all the teams. He has learned the game deeper than I have ever known it, and he talks about it nonstop. The Blackhawks are his team, but he watched every bit of the playoffs, while the Blackhawks were done and all off playing golf. The local Everblades have also got him. He and his friends have attended several games this year and even went to stick and puck nights to play a bit themselves. As we were entering the summer, the Blades were winning their way through the playoffs. It is an exciting time to be an Everblades fan, and an even more exciting time to see my boy discover a sport I truly love. The culmination of his commitment to hockey came when he told me he was going to get a job this summer. How exciting! My boy is ready to step up and commit to the responsibility of a job, but why? It turns out that he wasn’t happy with his access to hockey and wants to buy a subscription from the NHL that will allow him to stream every Blackhawks game. For a dad and a lifelong Blackhawks fan, it kinda brings a tear to my eye. Mostly the getting a job part, but still …
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » JUNE 2018 » 59