S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
APRIL 2020
Sick Child? Same day sick appointments available Accepting New Patients FORT MYERS � � �- �� CAPE CORAL � � ��-���� LEHIGH ACRES � � �- ��
www.ppcsw.com
Let OUR Family Take Care of YOUR Family Physician-Owned. Patient-Centered
Ask a PPC Doctor OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN an epidemic that threatens our future health By Dr. R. Nathan Landefeld Compared to children from the 1960s, today’s children are more than three times as likely to be obese. Over one third of America’s children are currently considered overweight or obese. Being overweight can contribute to impaired self-esteem and limit a child’s athletic abilities. More importantly, if unchecked, obesity can also cause serious health issues such as high blood pressure, vascular disease, osteoarthritis, liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. The ďŹ rst step in dealing with an overweight child can be a visit to the child’s pediatrician. While metabolic and endocrine problems contribute to only a tiny percentage of overweight children, it’s important to rule them out. Your child’s doctor may request testing for diabetes and cholesterol problems. They can also help formulate a plan for weight loss. Here are a few lifestyle changes that can help: ďż˝ Rethink the proportions as you ďŹ ll your plates! Most of the plate should be covered with veggies and fruits. The carbs and protein
should be a much smaller fraction. Build meals based on salads, not a plate full of rice, pasta, or potatoes. Eat high ďŹ ber foods! Fiber ďŹ lls you up without being turned into calories and body fat. Buy high ďŹ ber cereals and breads, brown rice, and whole grain or bean-based pasta as your carbohydrate sources. ďż˝ Parents should be aware that many overweight children drink a large portion of their calories in the form of soda, whole milk, juices, sports drinks, and sweet tea. These can be substituted with water, unsweetened drinks, and skim milk. Eating meals together as a family is also important. Family meals are associated with children eating more fruits and vegetables, and less fa ening foods and soda. This can also help children learn appropriate portions, which are oďż˝en exaggerated in fast foods and many restaurants. Remember to support your child through your
own healthy eating habits – it’s diďŹƒcult for a child to eat a snack of apples when the rest of the family is eating ice cream! If you can’t resist, get it out of the house. Encourage your overweight child to become more physically active. This does not necessarily mean joining a health club or gym. One of the most important easy things to do is limiting TV, video game, and computer time. You are in charge – turn it o! Also, encourage children to join a sport team, go to a pool, ride bikes, or simply go for a brisk walk. Remember, the key to eective weight control is small changes over long periods of time, so keep activities fun and varied so as not to lose interest. Nathan R. Landefeld, M.D., is a pediatrician with Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida in the Fort Myers oďŹƒce at ďż˝ ďż˝ Camelot Dr. ďż˝ - ďż˝-ďż˝ ���, and in the Cape Coral oďŹƒces at ďż˝ ďż˝ Viscaya Parkway and ďż˝ Viscaya Parkway ďż˝ - ��-�����
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD Âť APRIL 2020 Âť 3
The City of Fort Myers invites you to enjoy Kids to Parks Day
E E FR
A Nation-Wide day of outdoor play organized by National Park Trust (NPT) in cooperation with a host of local and national collaborators. There will be food for kids of all ages.
GAMES and ACTIVITIES
Come out and Play! Bring the entire Family for a fun filled day at the Park!!! 4 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Potato sack race Dance Contest Basketball Street Hockey Bounce Houses Arts and crafts Prizes and much more!
APRIL 18
10AM - 2PM AT CENTENNIAL PARK
contents »
swfl
parent&child
28
48
Features 28 green scene
In Every Issue
A nature-based preschool, environmental after-school clubs — where kids can immerse in eco-education
17 ask the expert
32 energy of emily She excels at most everything she does, and she does most everything
18 in the kitchen
You’ve done group lessons, now what? Private lessons help kids hone their skills
21 dining out
42 safety corner The best tips for protecting kids from sports injuries
48 travel Ginnie Springs is a natural getaway for Florida families
Southern Style Kitchen in Naples
On the cover
Emily Feichthaler, 11, of Cape Coral, is photographed at the city’s Rotary Park. TCHILD.COM
Gulfshore Playhouse offers a Shakespearean field trip for teens
Eggs can be a glorious boost to your family’s nutrition
35 private lessons
S W F L PA R E N
25 teens
C.O.B.R.A. Defense Fort Myers owner shares tips for protecting kids
23 kid stuff
57 voices Mom talks about letting son set the pace with autism therapies
Meet the mom-and-sons team behind kindness rocks in Cape Coral
APRIL 2020
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
Other Departments 7 8 9 11 13
editor’s note our contributors online me time 5 things
14 43 52 53 58
fyi family album around town calendar last look
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 5
READY, SET, SMILE. DENTAL CHECK-UPS $ 99 BRACES 25% OFF
Dive into the world of Wild Kratts® to explore the seashore, shallow waters and the deep sea!
ONLY AT Ft. Myers Cape Coral Naples
239.567.9480 239.443.5988 239.963.1135
mainstreetsmiles.com *MUST MENTION THIS OFFER TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT. NEW PATIENTS ONLY. DOES NOT APPLY TO DOWN PAYMENT AND CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, INSURANCE, OR REDUCED-FEE PROGRAM. THE PATIENT & ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAM OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HRS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, REDUCED-FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. LIC#DN13483, LIC#DN18083, LIC#DN17541, LIC#DN20050, ADA 0150, 0272, 1120, 1208. DRS. MARVIN BECKER, D.D.S. AND DONALD A. GALLO, D.M.D. DOES NOT APPLY TO DOWN PAYMENT, CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH CERTAIN INSURANCE. **INCLUDES COMPLETE SET OF BRACES FOR KIDS & ADULTS, INITIAL EXAM, FOLLOW-UP VISITS, PATIENT RECORDS & RETAINERS. NOT VALID ON TREATMENT ALREADY BEGUN. INSURANCE PATIENT DISCOUNTS MAY VARY. SPECIALTY RETAINERS OR BRACKETS ADDITIONAL. FREE CONSULT INCLUDED. MAY NOT BE COMBINED W/ANY OTHER OFFER, DISCOUNT, INSURANCE OR REDUCED-FEE PROGRAM. FINANCING AVAILABLE ON APPROVED CREDIT. VALID AT PARTICIPATING OFFICES ONLY. PATIENT & ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAM OR TREATMENT PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF & WITHIN 72 HRS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, REDUCED-FEE SERVICE, EXAM OR TREATMENT. LIC DN#20050. ADA9310. OFFER EXPIRES 60 DAYS FROM RECEIPT.
6 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
editor's note »
THE RISING SUN parent &child Part of the USA TODAY Network
Volume 21, Issue 4 Dedicated to serving the families of Lee and Collier counties 2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 swflparentchild.com Regional VP, Sales William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel
Editorial Contributors Randy Kambic, Sally Kreuscher, Jean Le Boeuf, Leigha Messmer, Joseph Saitta, Andrea Stetson, Jennifer Thomas Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.com
I
remember the moment I fell in love with the piano. A teenage girl from Germany was staying with my family as part of the Rotary Club’s student exchange program. She played piano, but my family didn’t have one. I remember one day being in a muLuna sic store with her. I don’t remember if it was and at the mall and we just happened upon it or Cosmo if it was a purposeful move on my parents’ part, but there we were in a big store full of pianos — uprights, baby grands, shiny glossy curves and cool ivory keys. Tina sat down at one. She tinkered a bit. And then her fingers flew. “House of the Rising Sun” bellowed from the piano’s open soundboard. I was in awe. My parents ended up buying a used piano, so that Tina could keep up her practice. My brother and I got lessons. I took private lessons into high school, and piano led to six or so years playing in the school band, first in middle school, then the high school marching and concert bands. Playing music helped me make friends, helped soothe my stressed-out soul and simply gave me joy. I didn’t go on to be a famous rock star or an accomplished opera singer, but music filled me. It’s still a part of me. Every time I edit a story, I hear its rhythm in my head, and sometimes out loud as I whisper the words into my cupped hand. Music makes me a better writer and editor. Those lessons when I was a kid still ring true with me as an adult. Local performing artists and instructors talk about helping your child take their art to the next level with private one-on-one classes in our main feature this month. In this issue, you’ll also get to meet Emily Feichthaler, a talented young woman who you just might hear singing the national anthem at a ball game this summer. April is also the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and we take a look at some unusual “green learning” opportunities in Southwest Florida. There’s more. So much more. So sit back and enjoy. PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ
swfl
S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
Distribution (239) 335-0211 Southwest Florida Parent & Child is a FREE publication distributed at more than 500 locations throughout Southwest Florida by The News-Press Media Group. All rights reserved. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions of the magazine or publisher.
Member of
Pamela Smith Hayford, Editor Contact us: We enjoy hearing from you. Send your photos, letters or comments to: pamela@swflparentchild.com. Or visit us online:
swflparentchild.com
CORRECTION: In the February issue’s Awesome Birthdays article,
the “Simple, Sweet 16” section should have read that the balloon garland was from Bubbly & Company, bubblyandcompany.com.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 7
» our contributors
Meet the contributors to this month’s issue of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine. Randy Kambic • Green Learning •
Contributing writer Randy Kambic covers a variety of topics, including travel. He was a writer and a public relations executive in the New York area for about 25 years before moving here in 2007. He has written for Gulfshore Life, Gulfshore Business, Times of the Islands magazines, Natural Awakenings magazine and The NewsPress. He enjoys tennis, the outdoors and the people of Southwest Florida.
Sally Kreuscher • Safety Corner • Sally Kreuscher is the Child Advocacy Program coordinator and Safe Kids coordinator for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out •
Jean Le Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by The News-Press and Naples Daily News. Follow the critic at facebook.com/jeanleboeufswfl or @JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.
Leigha Messner • In the Kitchen • Leigha Messner, a registered dietician and new mom, is a clinical dietitian with Lee Health. She can be reached through media@leehealth.org or by calling 239424-3120. Joseph Saitta • 7 Ways to Protect
Your Child From Abduction • Joseph Saitta is the owner and head instructor of C.O.B.R.A. Defense Fort Myers, selfdefenseftmyers.com. He has more than 30 years of training and experience in safety and self-defense.
Andrea Stetson • Taking Your Art to the Next Level, Spotlight, Kid Stuff and Teens • Andrea Stetson writes for magazines and newspapers throughout Southwest Florida. She has also been a news producer and writer at television stations in Fort Myers, Miami and Scranton. Andrea lives in North Naples with her husband, daughter, dog and eight bunnies. Her son recently graduated from Georgia Tech.
8 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
online »
swflparentchild.com
Get SWFL Parent & Child anywhere at any time
Get the latest event information and family news every day on our family-friendly site.
FIND SUMMER CAMPS
Looking for a summer camp? We’re pulling together a list of individual programs coming up this summer in Lee and Collier counties. Just visit swflparentchild.com. And if you have a camp you’d like to add to our list, email the editor at pamela@swflparentchild.com.
MISS AN ISSUE?
SWFL Parent & Child magazine is available in its entirety online along with back issues, too. Did you miss our birthday party issue in February? It’s online. Or wish you could find that list of where kids eat free (or nearly free) from the November issue? It’s online, too. Even our list of 10 great hikes for kids in last year’s March issue is online. Just visit swflparentchild.com and scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll also find past stories individually on the site.
SWFL
PA R E
NTCH
ILD.C
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild
OM FEBR
UARY
2020
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/ swflparentchild READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 9
Come ready to learn & leave inspired!
239.643.7275
Open daily 8am – 5pm
Miguel Argumosa, DMD • Erin Taylor, DMD Nicole Eastham, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists
Three Locations To Serve You! BONITA SPRINGS
9510 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 101
239 333.2990
CAPE CORAL
PORT CHARLOTTE
1508 S.E. 12th Terrace
3872 Tamiami Trail, Unit D&E
239 322.5222
941 391.8090
Comprehensive dental care with state of the art facilities equipment for children and those with special healthcare needs All forms of sedation available: Nitrous, Oral, In office I.V. and Hospital Emergencies Welcome!
Fun and Interactive Environment
We Love Kids, Kids Love Us!
www.swfl-pediatricdentistry.com Most Insurance Accepted Se Habla Español
10 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
me time »
Hats on to you
Protect yourself from the sun in style with this packable Panama hat by Halogen. $29 at Nordstrom.
ISLAND TIME
Get ready to hit the beach with these great finds. USA TODAY NETWORK
Go swimmingly The beach is your runway. Make a fashionable appearance with this V-neck ruffle one-piece swimsuit from J.Crew. $110 at jcrew.com.
The bright spot Put some color in your life with the hot pick embroidered Nomadic Dreams dress. $168 at freepeople.com.
Step out in style
NIGHT
DATE
Summer isn’t summer without sandals. Dress up any outfit with these colorful Tory Burch Mignon Miller sandals. $228 at zappos.com.
Covid-19 got us thinking… how about a date night at home? Send the kids off to bed, set some mood lighting (a strand of white Christmas lights, a few candles) and make a romantic dinner together. After dinner, snuggle up and listen to some of your favorite music (vinyl LPs are super romantic), or take a blanket outside and watch for shooting stars.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 11
12 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
5 things »
THE POWER OF PETS Incorporating animals into our lives doesn’t have to come with allergies and messes. Kids will love these pet-themed toys.
Reading to the rescue Read a book and save a life. Part of every purchase of a Pet Rescue Club book by Simon & Schuster goes to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. List price, $5.99. Available at major retailers.
Unplug with a pug Create cute art with nothing but a sticky board and colorful yarn — no mess. This Pug Puppy Y’Art Craft Kit won the 2019 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids’ Arts & Crafts 7+ and the 2019 NAPPA Awards’ Best for Creative Fun. $14.99 at kahootz-llc.myshopify.com.
Super memory game With the Suuuper Size Memory Game by Banana Panda, kids work on their memory skills with their favorite pets and farm animals. Plus, the 6-by-6-inch, sturdy board pictures are great for teaching animal names and sounds to baby. Banana Panda products available at Classroom Plus in Naples. $22.95 at Target, target.com.
Shake it off Who knew washing the dog could be so much fun? In the Soggy Doggy Board Game by Spin Master Games, players try to make their way around the tub, but if Soggy Doggy shakes, wipe yourself off and go back to start. First one around the board wins. $19.99, available at most major retailers.
Save the day You won’t mind your child rescuing these strays. The Scruff-A-Luvs Families pack provides a ragged mom and her babies. Brush them to reveal if they’re cats or dogs. Rub their hearts to see if they’re boys or girls (hearts turn pink or blue). For ages 2 and older. $29.99 at Target, target. com.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 13
« fyi
New preschool opens in Bonita There’s a new preschool in Bonita Springs. The Pelican Colony Learning Center is now enrolling children from birth to age 5. And, yes, there’s a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program. For more information, call 239-676-7679 or visit pelicancolonylc.com.
Mommy-and-me fine dining comes to North Naples Named among reviewer Jean Le Boeuf’s Top 5 eats in North Naples, The Local is known for its delectable menu and locally harvested ingredients. Now this favorite spot is offering a Mommy and Me Hour after school from 3 to 5 p.m. “We know moms sometimes have a hard time finding healthy alternatives at home or in town for both them and their kids, so we have created a special after-school menu to satisfy those midday sweet and savory cravings,” says an email from spokesperson Claudio Dal Lago. To make reservations, call 239-596-3276 or visit thelocalnaples.com.
Coffee Chia Seed Pudding at The Local
Peppa Pig is looking for adventure in Southwest Florida The characters of “Peppa Pig” sing and dance as lifesize puppets and costume characters in “Peppa Pig’s Adventure!” May 21 at Hertz Arena in Estero. The show takes kids on a camping trip to the woods with Peppa, George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. Tickets start at $39.50; VIP also available. Parking is $10. For details, call the box office at 239-948-7825 or go online at peppapigliveus.com and hertzarena.com.
14 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
& NATURE PARK New Collier elementary school planned in Ave Maria They grow up so fast. Ave Maria, the “new town” in east Collier County, is to be the site of the newest public elementary school in Collier County. The school district is working with Ave Maria Development to design the school. The campus is expected to accommodate about 400 students in grades K-5. Anticipated opening date is August 2021.
CDC provides new channel for health info Families can now get reproductive, maternal and infant health information directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via Twitter. Through the handle @CDC_DRH, the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health will tweet about information to help moms have a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies.
Guadalupe Center announces plan to expand preschool in Immokalee During the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Monaghan Family Early Childhood Education Campus in February, the Guadalupe Center announced a campaign to raise more money to build more schools and hire additional staff: “Guadalupe Center: 2020 & Beyond.” The campaign will also allow the center to expand its after-school tutoring and summer enrichment programs.
Sunday, April 12
WITH US
Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 8:30 am to 10 am Reservations only,Factory call 239.995.2141 ext.110 Shell 2x5 Free Easter Egg Trail in the Nature Park 10 am to 12 pm Kids Fun Day Starts at 12 Noon Live Music | Special Easter Dinner Menu All Day Visit our Facebook page or website to find out more! 16554 N. Cleveland Avenue (US 41) N. Fort Myers, FL 33903 (239) 995-2141 • shellfactory.com
Ocean Magic Happens Here At Sanibel Sea School, each day is filled with moments of wonder in the water. We offer day classes, camps and experiences for kids, families, and grown-ups, so come with us and be amazed. For more information, visit sanibelseaschool.org or call (239) 472-8585. A nonprofit organization.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 15
« fyi
(continued)
Library to get makeover One of Lee County’s most popular libraries is in line for renovations that will mean improvements to the building, new equipment and larger restrooms. Lakes Regional Library, one of the biggest and busiest in the county system, will receive a makeover and service-oriented improvements in a $1.8 million project, much of it funded by a gift of more than $1 million from the estate of Frances Prigmore, of Fort Myers.
STAFF COUNSELORS NEEDED Looking for a Adirondack lakefront summer adventure near Lake Placid, NY? Do you like spending time with children in the outdoors? Then, come join our staff of counselors, activity instructors, maintenance helpers, cooks and RN’s for an exciting 6 week season. Staff children/grandchildren attend at no cost. Currently conducting interviews in the Ft. Myers area.
Holding interviews in Naples area in April
Mike at #518-521-7088 or eyancey@campregisapplejack.com
NP-0000976548
16 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Time capsule celebrates 50 years of art The Marco Island Center for the Arts is marking its 50th anniversary with an out-of-this-world idea. The center created a time capsule that’s a replica of the Friendship 7 capsule that first orbited the Earth in 1962. While the capsule collects stories and items from residents and visitors alike, it also serves as a permanent art installation. It will be sealed in 2021 and not opened again until 2070, when the center celebrates its 100th anniversary. What will the world think of us then?
Bonita Elementary earns Blue Zones designation Bonita Springs Elementary School is the first Lee County School District school to be designated both a Blue Zones Project School and a Blue Zones Project approved worksite. The Blue Zones Project is a community-wide initiative to help everyone in the region live a healthier life. “I am extremely proud of my staff and my students for all the hard work they’ve put in to earn two Blue Zone designations,” Principal Rob Cooper says in a news release. “We are healthier, working smarter and learning more because of the lifestyle changes we’ve made.”
Joseph Saitta is the owner and head instructor of C.O.B.R.A. Defense Fort Myers, selfdefenseftmyers. com. He has more than 30 years of training and experience in safety and self-defense.
ask the expert » JOSEPH SAIT TA
7 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM
ABDUCTION
While child abductions by a stranger are rare, we often hear concern from parents about how to protect their children. We asked C.O.B.R.A. Defense Fort Myers owner and instructor Joseph Saitta for some tips.
C
.O.B.R.A. was created by a former law enforcement officer in Pinellas County. What drew me to C.O.B.R.A. was the fact that they offer so many different self-defense programs. One of the most important programs is the child abduction prevention program. It teaches a child about being aware and, in the worst case, how to deal with a situation. While we teach children physical strategies to help them escape a fullgrown attacker, there are also some proactive measures parents can take to ensure a child’s safety. 1. Talk about strangers. Children need to know who is a stranger and more importantly to stay away from them. You don’t have to scare children into thinking every stranger is a threat. We all know that most strangers don’t pose a danger. But it’s helpful to teach children to be cautious about anyone they don’t know. 2. Reconsider code words. Some families use a secret code word that only the child and the person picking them up would know. We don’t en-
courage using code words to interview a possible stranger because we don’t want the child to get anywhere near any stranger. 3. Teach your child to pay attention to their surroundings. Always
teach your child to stay aware of what is going on around them, noting strangers, friends, exits and other information that might be helpful in an emergency. They need to know how to get to safety and know where that safe place may be. This is a skill that’s helpful not only with self-defense but also in the event of a fire, shooting or other emergency. 4. Teach your child how to call 911. Teach them not only how to
place the call but also that they should first get to a safe place to make the call. It’s also important that a child know how to describe a suspect’s appearance. Start with the head and go down the body (hair, facial features, glasses, beard, eye color, shirt color, pants or shorts, shoes, etc.) 5. Avoid identifiers. Never put your child’s name on the outside of their clothing, backpacks, coats, the back of your vehicle. Predators can
use this information to target your child and talk with your child in a way that makes the stranger seem like a family friend. 6. Make noise. If your child is ever approached by a stranger, they need to know to make noise and commotion. 7. Nothing beats supervision. In our CAP program for ages 5-12, we tell parents children should never be unsupervised or alone while waiting for their ride or attending an event. All these tips are to keep an abductor from getting their hands on your child. If the worst were to happen, there are anti-abduction anchor moves a child can do that make it extremely hard for someone to move a child. One simple one is the child drops and wraps their arms and legs around the abductor’s leg with their head tucked in tight against the leg. It’s not easy to walk around with a child attached to your leg. We also teach some techniques that make it difficult for an adult to get a child into a vehicle. And we encourage practicing at home. You can learn more at selfdefenseftmyers.com.
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 » APRIL 2020 » 17
« in the kitchen LEIGH A MESSNER
18 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Leigha Messner is a registered dietitian nutritionist who is a clinical dietitian at Lee Health.
ggs are a celebrated symbol for spring and Easter, but not so long ago they took a beating for their high cholesterol content. Recently, eggs have started to make a trendy comeback, yet many consumers are understandably having a hard time unscrambling the conflicting advice.
Our knowledge of cholesterol metabolism continues to evolve. Dietary cholesterol does not inevitably translate to higher blood cholesterol. In fact, the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans states cholesterol is “no longer a nutrient of concern” and instead recognizes saturated and trans fats playing a larger role in raising cholesterol in the blood. Higher levels of the “bad cholesterol,” lowdensity lipoprotein or LDL, may still suggest higher risk of heart disease, but it’s not the result of eating an egg. While it’s true eggs are a cholesterol-rich food, the egg white and yolk combine to make a nutrition powerhouse. At just 70 calories, eggs are comprised of 13 essential vitamins and minerals, high-quality protein, and anti-inflammatory fats that when consumed in place of saturated fats have been linked to actually helping protect against heart and other chronic diseases. Although eggs are easily accessible, choosing which to buy is not as straightforward as it used to be. There’s an entire industry devoted to catching your eye in the grocery aisle based on varied production practices, labeling and cost. If food price is important to you, a conventional egg is sufficient.
Reasons for choosing non-conventional eggs can range from concerns about the chicken’s welfare and farming practices to focusing on fortified nutrients. Grading of eggs is independent of their nutritional content, and when compared side-by-side, there is not a significant enough difference in nutritional value between the smallest egg and its jumbo counterpart. Additionally, the nutritional composition of an egg is the same regardless of its shell color. The different hues are simply unique to the hen laying the egg and should not play a role in an egg’s purchasing power. The bottom line is that whichever you choose, eggs make beneficial contributions to a healthy, balanced diet. In addition to their nutritional benefits, eggs remain one of the most versatile foods in the kitchen. On top of eating eggs by themselves, an egg’s cooking properties make it an important ingredient to help emulsify, leaven and thicken recipes. They can be consumed at any time of day via various cooking techniques, partnered with other foods, or independently as a snack. Such vast culinary capabilities make receiving an egg’s nutritional benefits even easier with various ways to please the palate and give the stigma on eggs a bit of a break.
FIND A RECIPE FOR EGG BITES ON PAGE 20
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 19
« in the kitchen (continued)
Egg bites
GETTY IM
AGES
2017
Loaded with color, flavor and texture, these bites are a healthful go-to for a quick meal or snack on-the-go. Stealing only 30 minutes of your time, they make for a perfect meal-prepping option to store and save for the busy week ahead, lasting in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for 3 months. Make it your way by interchanging veggies, cheeses or spices.
Serving size: 2 “bites” • Prep time: 10 minutes • Cooking time: 25 minutes INGREDIENTS
» 1 dozen large eggs » 1 medium bell pepper, chopped » 1 cup spinach, chopped » ½ red onion, finely diced » ½ cup mushrooms, chopped » ½ cup feta cheese, grated » Salt and pepper to taste » ¼ teaspoon garlic powder » Optional add-ins: • Add some heat with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper • Top with slice of avocado
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat muffin wells with cooking spray or line with muffin liners. 2. In a large bowl, whisk all the eggs until combined. Stir in bell pepper, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder or other spices. Mix in feta cheese. 3. Divide the mixture amongst the 12 prepped muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Use the “toothpick test” (toothpick should be dry after sticking in middle) to ensure bites are cooked through.
20 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
dining out »
Jean Le Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by The News-Press and Naples Daily News. Follow the critic at facebook.com/jeanleboeufswfl or @JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.
DEEP SOUTH DREAMS COME TRUE
S
The new, waterfront Southern Style Kitchen & Cocktails in Naples is a trendy, Deep South dream.
outhern Style Kitchen & Cocktails is the stuff of my Deep South dreams: crisply fried chicken, shrimp and grits, pimiento cheese, fried green tomatoes. When the restaurant opened in Naples’ Bayfront Shops in late December, those dreams became real. Southern Style is the latest themed restaurant from the owners of nearby K-Rico Mexican Grill and Stoney’s Steakhouse. Southern Style sits in the space that once held the old Stoney’s Stone Crab, another eatery from this group. They moved and re-themed Stoney’s in the fall, replacing it with Southern Style on December 28. That’s a lot of restaurants for one group. But I like this new addition. The walk up to Southern Style was almost as memorable as the food I encountered. The restaurant overlooks the Gordon River. As the sun sets, the streetlights cast a glow on the water and string lights illuminate the outdoor patio. Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood take turns crooning country hits through Southern’s speakers, their melodies as trendy as the food this kitchen serves.
Chicken and waffles ($16.95)
Southern Style Kitchen & Cocktails
Kiss My Shrimp and Grits ($21.95)
Location: 492 Bayfront Place, Naples Price: $10 and up Website: southernstylenaples.com Call: 239-331-4821 Hours: 3 -10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Noise level: Quiet Etc.: Milkshakes from Tipsy Cow Creamery, full bar
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 21
On my first visit, I sat with a friend and perused Southern Style’s dozen cocktails. They range from a banana Old Fashioned made with WhistlePig rye, Giffard banana liqueur and simple syrup, to the blue-collar Boilermaker, a bottle of Pabst Blue Ribbon, Shiner or Killian’s Red with a shot of 1792 bourbon or Redneck Riviera whiskey. The WhistleStop ($10.95) I opted for the “I Reckon Prohibition is Over,” a creamy concoction of Fireball, RumChata, Firefly apple pie and caramel moonshine, served straight up. This one was dangerous. The swirling cinnamon, caramel and apple flavors combined so smoothly, so warmly, like sipping on a cozy Southern campfire. Then came the appetizers. I let out a low whistle for Southern’s Whistle Stop, a row of fried green tomatoes paired with fresh slices of mozzarella, pimiento cheese and— wait for it — maple bacononion jam ranch. Here’s something to know about me: I. Love. Pimiento. Cheese. Can’t get enough of the stuff. When I saw these fried green tomatoes were one of only two menu options featuring
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO SW FL PARENT & CHILD
« dining out (continued)
pimiento, I jumped at the chance. Good choice, Le Boeuf. Another good choice: the Whooperjawed shrimp po’boy. Though this sandwich did not have pimiento, it had almost everything else: breaded shrimp on a bed of shredded lettuce and sliced tomato topped with dill pickles and red onions, drizzled with a spicy house sauce and tangy Cajun remoulade. It’s not the simple po’ boy you’d find on the streets of New Orleans, but it was delicious all the same. On another visit, I sampled the “Kiss My Shrimp and Grits.” Keep in mind, shrimp and grits was one of those dishes I dreamed of before setting foot in Southern Style. Its version did not disappoint.
Beautifully plated, as everything here has been, cheddar-laced grits serve as a bed for fat curls of uberfresh shrimp and smoky andouille lounging in a zesty Creole sauce. My only complaint about Southern Style is that it’s only open for dinner. I would kill to see what this kitchen could do with a brunch or lunch menu. After my last meal there, I went home smiling and satisfied. As I drifted off to sleep that night, my dreams remained consistent: crisply fried chicken, shrimp and grits, pimiento cheese, fried green tomatoes. I hope Southern Style sticks around. It’s always nice to have a place that makes dreams come true.
Sample menu APPETIZERS • Bayou shrimp and crab cakes, $14.95 • Pecan cornbread, $5.95 • Cooter brown clams, $14.95 ENTREES • Potlikker pulled pork sandwich, $12.95 • Signature fried chicken dinner, $18.95 • Memphis meatloaf, $16.95
22 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
kid stuff »
ROCKIN’ KINDNESS
A Cape Coral mom and her three sons started painting rocks to spread kindness; they’ve reached more than 10,000 people. BY ANDREA STETSON
T
GETTY IMAGES
he von Brueckwitz boys really rock. The Cape Coral brothers and their mother paint kindness rocks that they leave around town. They have been doing this for two years and have seen their rocks end up around the country and even overseas. Mom Lisa Brandt says she gets even more out of it. “I get to spend time with my boys,” Lisa says. “I get to see their imaginations.” Her sons, Sebastian, 8, Dominic, 6, and Benjamin, 3, enjoy rock painting. “Painting rocks is fun,” Sebastian says. “You get to paint something new that you never painted before. We hide them, and people get to find them.”
“My thing I like about painting rocks is because people like our rocks when we paint them, and people have to find them,” Dominic adds. It all began two years ago. “I took the boys to Dinosaur World in Lakeland and we were checking out the ducks when I saw this painted rock,” Lisa says. “I hadn’t ever heard of the painted rocks. I thought it was so beautiful. I took it home and two weeks later I heard about rock painting and I thought it was so cool.” So she and her sons started making kindness rocks. Lisa laid a red cloth on the kitchen table, got a basket full of acrylic paint and some brushes and bought some smooth white rocks. Then the boys started painting. On the back of each rock Lisa signs it, “Mom and Sons.”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 23
PHOTOS BY ANDREA STETSON
« kid stuff (continued)
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Benjamin von Brueckwitz, 3, paints a heart on a rock. • Dominic von Brueckwitz, 6, paints a snail on his rock. • Sebastian von Brueckwitz, 8, paints a candle on his rock. Sebastian and his two brothers paint kindness rocks that they leave around town.
She also adds a message asking the finder to go to the Cape Coral Rocks Facebook group and post where the rock is headed. She has heard of their rocks traveling to Wisconsin, Tennessee, Alabama, Oregon, New York, Delaware, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Colorado, Arizona, Canada and Germany. The Facebook group now has nearly 11,000 members. Most of the rocks she and her boys paint are left in Jaycee Park in Cape Coral or by Walmart. She also takes some with her when she travels to places such as Daytona or Italy. Lisa loves hearing stories about how the rocks end up with certain people. “One of my favorite stories is about Sebastian. He painted a rock a solid blue with a five on it,” Lisa relates. “We set it out at Four Freedoms Park and a few days later a lady and her friends posted and wrote, ‘We are going to be hiding all of these again except No. 5 because it is
24 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
special to us because we lost our 5-yearold son.’ They were taking No. 5 back home with them.” Lisa has also painted special rocks for the family of Layla Aiken who died last year at her school bus stop after being hit by a car. She painted another rock for the best friend of Alana Tamplin who was killed walking home from a school bus stop. Most of the rocks are painted and hidden as Lisa and her sons hope to spread kindness and see how far their rock will go. “When I go out on errands, I will put them out,” Lisa says. “A few weeks ago, I put one of Benjamin’s in a flowerpot right outside the door of Walmart, and it was posted that they were taking it to Germany.” Lisa and her sons also enjoy finding the
rocks that others leave. “We take them home and enjoy them for a few days and then set them back out somewhere,” Lisa says. On a recent morning, Sebastian was painting a candle, Dominic drew a snail and Benjamin painted a heart. Lisa takes photos of each boy’s artwork and then the family heads out to hide the rocks around town, hoping to brighten someone’s day. “It’s to make other people happy,” Dominic says.
GETTY IMAGES
teens »
SHAKING UP SHAKESPEARE Plays by Gulfshore Playhouse and Artis—Naples engage high school juniors in the arts. BY ANDREA STETSON
E
lementary and middle school children had been taking field trips to explore the arts for years. But there was little offered to students in high school. That changed when Gulfshore Playhouse and Artis—Naples partnered with the Collier County Public Schools to bring theater and music to all 11th grade students. Each year one of William Shakespeare’s plays is reconstructed to be about 40 minutes long. Music is added. Students are brought to the theater at Artis—Naples to see professionals from
Gulfshore Playhouse and musicians from the Naples Philharmonic perform the adaptation. “We find a lot that kids get to go on field trips in the early years,” says Skip Pardee, Collier County schools district coordinator for fine arts. “By the time they get to high school, they get so busy and they are preparing for college and they have all their advanced courses. There were trips for band, chorus or sports teams, but for a whole grade level it was not really happening.” Skip was excited that this partnership could give every 11th grade student the chance to see a live professional performance.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 25
REGISTER NOW FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM • Instructional and fun cooking and baking classes after school and on weekends • School break, Thanksgiving & Christmas camps
Limited Spaces Available!
• Birthday Parties • Children ages 7 to 16
239.362.2115 | www.littlechefsntraining.com
Let Us Straighten Your...
• FREE Initial Consultation Fort Myers Office 239-561-2258 • No Interest Financing Available 14361 Metropolis Ave. • Ceramic & Metal Braces • Invisalign Estero Office • Invisalign Teen 239-390-0289 • Digital Models 21740 S. Tamiami Trail • Suite 116
26 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
« teens (contintued) “The kids get to connect a live performance with something they are studying in school,” Skip explains. “The trick is they are not just learning about the text, they are seeing it being acted out. It is really impactful seeing it and hearing it, and having the music added to it is a really original take on it.” So far students have seen “Star Cross,” an adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Shipwreck,” an adaptation of “The Tempest.” The next show, scheduled for September, will be an adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Kristen Coury, Gulfshore Playhouse founder and producing artistic director, says it takes a lot of work, but it is worth it. “We are responsible for adapting a Shakespeare play and shortening it to about 40 minutes,” Kristen says. “We meet with Naples Philharmonic and choose music and where and when and how it will be instituted. Our team actually directs the show and casts the actors. We are responsible for rehearsing the actors and the blocking and then we meet with Artis two days before the performance for a tech rehearsal.” The performers are from the Actors’ Equity Association, the labor union that represents American actors and stage managers in theater. Kristen says many of their performers are actors from New York. After the show, students often get a chance to meet with the professionals. “The value of the arts in a child’s life is undeniable,” Kristen says. “There have been studies that underline that fact. These are things they read, and we are bringing it to life and making it relatable and enjoyable. Hearing a live orchestra on stage is something students very rarely have an opportunity to ever do. In some cases it becomes inspirational. In some cases a child can look at an actor or an instrumentalist and see it is a job. They see someone is doing it, and they can say, ‘I would like to do that job.’” Artis—Naples provides the venue, a study guide and the musicians from the Naples Philharmonic. “We have had a great relationship with Collier County Public Schools for decades,” says David Filner, executive vice president of artistic operations for Artis—Naples. “We were bringing in third, fourth, fifth and seventh grade classes to see performances with the Naples Philharmonic. We heard that the high school kids had really enjoyed coming to the Naples Phil as a child and missed it now that they were in high school.” David says 11th grade was the perfect match since most of them had read Shakespeare. “We looked at ways to meld music and drama together and we decided to do Shakespeare,” he says. The actors and musicians put on four shows over two days. David says the partnership was important to make the project successful. “We realized there is a big difference between the expectations of the younger grades and high school students,” David says. We realized we needed more diverse, cultural activities. So we started working with Gulfshore Playhouse.” “It is a true partnership,” Kristen says.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 27
green LEARNING 10 ways for kids to engage and learn about environmental ideas in Southwest Florida.
Tina Dashner reads to Forest Garuti during inside learning time.
28 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
environment »
I
STORY BY RANDY K AMBIC | PHOTOS BY ANDREA MELENDEZ
t’s never too early to set one’s child on the road to more sustainable and healthy living, whether it’s establishing an early appreciation for caring for the environment, becoming a young activist like Greta Thunberg or simply forming healthy life-long habits. Indeed, a recent University of Florida study of 1,351 college students showed them more likely to eat vegetables if they had gardened as children. In Southwest Florida, there are many options for children to experience green education and related activities, including a nature-based preschool.
In her third year as owner, director and lead teacher of the Woodland Nature Montessori School (239-896-3662, woodlandnaturemontessorischool.com) at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers, Karen Cichy sees the benefits of environmental learning in her young students, ages 3 to 6. “Kids from the previous year walk around and call out plant names to me,” she says. “They remembered them.” A key to forging such memories is focusing the intensive, hands-on curriculum on one native plant and animal per week for them to “see, touch, learn and write about.” “We also teach them empathy and compassion as all of the animals (including a raccoon, tortoise and skunk) have been rehabilitated. Bonding with animals provides a different demeanor, and plants connect them with the earth. They are also learning social and many other life skills,” she says. Karen, who has spent nearly all her 21 years of teaching in Southwest Florida with the Montessori method, also offers programs during school breaks and in the summer. Kids can attend by week or on a spot basis, and the many features of the entire facility are incorporated into the learning, including the planetarium. With this month marking the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Lee County Public Schools environmental education resource teacher Susie Hassett is providing materials and guidelines for specific faculty representatives at all schools,
K-12, that “emphasize how reductions in food waste can have a huge impact in reducing climate change.” During the week of April 20, students will experience Meatless Monday, receive tips on packing no-waste lunches with sustainable containers and spend more time outside than usual. “It helps them realize they are part of nature,” Susie says. She’s also the adult advisor of Sea Scouts (239-229-7189), a Cape Coralbased, co-ed program for ages 14 to 21 that studies water quality and the environment in “giving many opportunities to get out on the water that they may not have had before.” Activities include learning to operate sail and powerboats in collaboration with the Edison Sailing Center, Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society and the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron; diving in the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves to help the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with surveys of sea life in the harbor; and using nets while wading in shallow water at various Lee County beaches to monitor “diversity of marine life. We can compare and contrast year by year,” she says. Youngsters perform service projects for each organization and entity that helps facilitate their experiences, which “provides foundational value for them and complements scouting ideals,” she adds. School mascots take on green roles on many Collier County Public Schools campuses to add even more enthusiasm for related programs. Gulf Coast High School teacher Tammy Chabot takes marine science students to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park beach one weekend a month for observing and cleanups in the Sharks on the Beach program.
Hazel Garuti has fun with blue sprinkles at the Woodland Nature Montessori School, a nature-based preschool at the Calusa Nature Center in the Iona House.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 29
« environment (continued) Most county middle and high schools have environmental-related clubs, many named for school mascots like the Bio Bears of Palmetto Ridge High School. Having earned a Golden Shovel Award by the Florida Department of Agriculture last year, the Garden Club of Cape Coral (gardenclubofcapecoral. com) continues to work with Trafalgar Middle School to help maintain a 30,000-square-foot vegetable garden, two smaller vegetable and flower gardens, and a hydroponic and butterfly garden. About 300 children also have their own plant containers that they maintain at the school. Fruits and vegetables grown onsite are fixtures of the school’s lunch offerings, and extras are donated to local organizations. Students take fresh flowers they’ve grown to area nursing homes. The 100-plus-member garden club usually donates $200 to $300 annually to the school. Last August, the cafeteria installed an aeroponic (no soil) garden and another one earlier this year that’s transported to classrooms. The club also supports gardens at and provides annual scholarships for students at Cape Coral High School to continue horticultural and environmental studies and helps send youngsters
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Michelle Albelo and Rocco Reyes-Jobsky work on collages. • Cami Panetta makes a flower arrangement during inside learning time. • Henry Temkin loads up a wheel barrel. The Woodland Nature Montessori School is a nature-based preschool at the Calusa Nature Center in the Iona House.
30 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
each summer to the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs’ Wekiva Youth Camp in Apopka, as does the Estero Island Garden Club. During the school year, ECHO Global Farm (239-543-3246, echonet. org) docents, who are trained to help youngsters understand the farm’s mission in assisting growers worldwide to reduce hunger, lead school group tours at its complex in North Fort Myers. These same experts will be guides during two special Family Fun Farm Tours on June 20 and July 18, making “the experience particularly appealing to youngsters in obtaining a greater understanding with tailored, hands-on activities,” says Danielle Flood, public relations and communications manager. Touching on recycling do’s and don’ts in each session, the Rotary Park Environmental Center (239-549-4606, capeparks.com) in Cape Coral will host its annual Eco-Adventure Nature Camps this summer, encompassing nine separate, week-long experiences. Wizards & Wonder Week, June 15-19, will inform on growing one’s own food with native plants, and Wet & Wild, July 27-31, will include instilling appreciation for water quality. The city of Bonita Springs will part-
ner again with Bonita Springs YMCA for the annual Healthy Kids Day event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the YMCA facility. It’ll feature a poster contest for students in grades K-8, a tree-planting ceremony, Tree City USA flag raising and free milkweed for butterfly gardens. The U.S. Forest Service will give away free trees until they are gone. Other giveaways will include bookmarks, pencils and pins for the kids. (239-949-6262, cityofbonitasprings.org). The Conservancy of Southwest Florida (239-262-0304, conservancy. org) in Naples offers its Little Explorer Play Zone from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day that its Nature Center is open. Here, kids ages 18 months to 5 years can participate in multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories and crafts. They are exposed to topics that relate to the Conservancy’s mission of protecting our area’s water, land, wildlife and future. “Little Explorers” also meet ambassador animals and explore the greater campus. Special programs are conducted
environment (continued) » on select days beginning at 10 a.m. and no pre-registration is required. The Conservancy also offers summer day camps for children entering grades 1-10. For younger kids who have completed kindergarten, Seahorse Camps are available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All other camps are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with before- and after-care available. Students entering grades 8-10 can join the Junior Naturalist program, which offers hands-on activities and ecosystem exploration, and allows participants to complete 10 hours of community service. Weekly camps are June 8 through July 31; camp fees are discounted for Conservancy members. Everyone can get into the eco-mood Saturday, April 18 when the Conser-
vancy celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with live animal shows, food vendors and exhibitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for members, $10 for nonmembers and $5 for children 3 and older (2 and younger admitted free). Glen Beitmen will be there with his Super Science Show. While he marvels kids with an array of science and chemistry demonstrations, Glen Beitmen, president of Super Science & Amazing Art (239-682-2780, supersciencefl.com), also integrates environmental and sustainable elements into his wizardry in after-school programs, special events and summer camps. He helps maintain a hydroponic garden at The Village School of Naples, brings considerable environmental
focus to the Mound House on Estero Island, is developing water-related projects for youth programs at Fleischmann Park in Naples, and is expanding his presence to nearby Lowdermilk Park this year. “We might start with a biology activity and end up with the importance of clean water; use batteries but end up talking solar energy,” he says. The 12th edition of Super Science’s eight, week-long summer camps for ages 6 to 12 at Four Freedoms Park in Cape Coral will begin in early June. With so many opportunities to learn, how youngsters apply their green sensibilities are limitless. “Some will grow up to be environmentalists!” Karen enthuses.
Maxwell David enjoys climbing trees.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 31
NEVER
A DULL MOMENT 11-year-old Emily Feichthaler excels on and off the stage.
Emily Feichthaler, 11, is photographed at Rotary Park in Cape Coral.
Keith Raygor
32 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
spotlight »
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY AMANDA INSCORE
J
ust listening to Emily Feichthaler’s schedule is exhausting. When we caught up with her, the 11-year-old Cape Coral resident was rehearsing for a role in Disney’s “Peter Pan Jr.” at the Melody Lane Performing Arts Center in Cape Coral. She was also in rehearsals for “Seussical the Musical Jr.” at Oasis Middle School. On Wednesdays she takes private singing lessons. Thursdays it’s piano lessons. Three days a week she is in karate class. She expects to get her black belt in June. Another three days each week she has tennis lessons. She is secretary of the Builders Club at school, competes in Battle of the Books and goes to cotillion lessons. When she has any time off, Emily travels. She has been to all 50 states and all over Europe and Australia. She also attends Oasis Middle School and fits in time for homework, and piano and singing practice. “I’m kind of in the middle. I don’t like being that busy, but I don’t dislike it,” she says. “I sometimes do watch videos about singing, other times I just stay in bed because I am lazy.” Anyone who sees her schedule knows she is not lazy. She’s had this type of agenda almost all her life. Emily was just 5 years old when she became mesmerized by acting. “I saw my brothers perform in a play and I said, ‘I need to do this.’” At age 7, she got her chance with a role as an orphan in “Annie Jr.” at Oasis Elementary School. That was followed by roles in “Aladdin,” “Madagascar Jr.” and “Dear Edwina Jr.,” also at the elementary school. Her resume continues with roles in “Mary Poppins Jr.” and “Into the Woods Jr.” at the Melody Lane Performing Arts Center. Emily has been in the “Curious Kids” show on WGCU and in the City of Palms Youth Choir. She’s done these shows while also playing tennis, partaking in karate and even at one time playing on a traveling soccer team. “I do homework at night and sometimes in the morning because my schedule is so busy,” Emily says. “Today I had
to do it in class as it was due because I didn’t have time.” She also doesn’t have a lot of time for sleep. “I usually get seven and a half hours,” she says. “I only got six yesterday.” She practices piano every day except Wednesday. That is her busiest day. She goes from karate to voice lessons to rehearsals. “Piano lessons are Thursdays after karate, but I have to practice every day, but I don’t practice on Wednesday because I don’t get home until 9 p.m.,” Emily says. Her mother, Mary Feichthaler, embraces the busy schedule. “And that’s just her,” Mary explains. “I have four kids. I am a highly organized person with a spread sheet for each of my kids and everyone has to be on time, and they are because everyone enjoys their activities and wants to be there.” Eric, 15, and Tyler, 13, play tennis and golf. Lachlan, 8, does karate, acting and golf. “I have always been super scheduled, even as a child, so I am used to that, so I don’t know what to do with down time,” Mary says. “Everybody has been used to that since they were born.” The family also loves to travel. They have taken RV trips, car trips and airplane trips around the nation to visit all 50 states. They have also been to 24 countries. Emily says her favorite places are Germany, Australia and Japan. “Germany — I like all the history we learned, like when we were going to the Berlin Wall,” Emily explains. “Japan — it is how different every city is. There is something special about every place. In Australia, I liked all the animals. My favorite is definitely the wombat.” She also loves going to New York and seeing Broadway shows. “My favorite is ‘Hamilton,’” Emily says. “I like all the songs and the way they express it. It is like a super long rap song that is all history. It is all singing, and I like singing, so it makes me feel happy.” Carol Nabatoff is Emily’s private voice teacher. “I love Emily,” Carol begins. “Emily is a very impressive young person. She is very ambitious. Of course she is
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 33
« spotlight (continued)
talented and hard-working. She has so much energy. She is very charismatic. I think she is going to be a major player. She is going to succeed.” On the rare moments when she does have some down time, Emily enjoys reading. “I like to read any book I can find on my bed,” she says. Right now she is into mystery books with her favorite being “I Have a Bad Feeling About This” by Jeff Strand. Emily had to give up traveling soccer to fit everything else into her schedule. She also knows that once she gets to high school, she might have to pare down the activities. “I will probably keep doing karate, but if more opportunities for singing or acting open up, I might not do it anymore,” she says. “Sometimes I golf, too, when I have time, but I usually don’t have time.” Emily also does cotillion seven times a year. “We learn table manners and etiquette and how to behave all the time, except when you are asleep,” Emily says. “I think they are too fancy there because you have to eat a doughnut with a fork.” If she had to choose just one activity it would be singing. “I like singing best,” she says. “I just like how any song that you sing has a rhythm to it. It always sounds great. Even if you don’t like the song, there is a rhythm or a beat or something to like about it.” She recently got first place in a Turn It Around singing competition for her age group. There, she received a high platinum rating. “That is very, very rare,” Carol explains. “I don’t think there is anyone else in her age group that got anywhere near that score.” She’s also been invited to sing the national anthem for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels this season. Mary believes all this will help Emily make educated choices in the future. “It is nice because we want them to find what they truly enjoy so in high school they can do the activities they really enjoy, because they can’t keep up this in high school,” Mary says. “Whatever makes the most sense for them, which will be different for each of them.” For Emily that will be singing and acting. “So far my favorite show I have been in is ‘Into the Woods,’” she says. “I like that there is a bunch of characters and they all had a different story and they were all bright and fun and you could do what you wanted with it.” Emily wants to go far beyond school and local theater. She dreams of Broadway. If she could pick one show to be in it would be “Hamilton.” She says her busy schedule will help her get there. “There is never a dull moment, in a good way,” Mary says.
34 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
cover story »
TAKING YOUR
ART TO THE
NEXT LEVEL GETTY IMAGES
Southwest Florida performing artists and instructors talk about how students can hone their skills through individual instruction.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 35
« cover story (continued)
bby Ciabaton, 17, dreams of Broadway. On the road to that goal, the North Naples teenager strives for parts in local productions and plans auditions for college. It’s a highly competitive field, so Abby knows she needs all the help she can get to succeed. That’s why for the last few years she has gone beyond group lessons and theater camps and invested in private instruction.
“I think in the group lessons and group productions you really do learn a lot from all the people around you, but doing it privately is just a completely different experience because you just have one person working on exactly what you need to work on,” Abby explains. “If you have a specific audition coming up or you are struggling with a certain note in a song, it can help.” Each week Abby takes an hour of private dance instruction, an hour of acting lessons and 30 minutes of vocal lessons. “I work on the exact audition piece with my vocal coach and my acting coach, so I am really well prepared,” she says. “I am getting a professional opinion on my audition before I even audition.” College musical theater programs require prospective students to send a video of their work. “So having private coaching in all three categories really helps,” Abby says. “You can work with each person individually to get a separate audition video for singing, acting and dance, and you get the experience from people who know what they are looking for. My goal is just to have a successful career in musical theater.”
36 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Private lessons are costly, so Abby works to earn money for her instruction. “She got a job at Artis—Naples to help pay for her private lessons,” explains her mother, Dayanna Ciabaton. “She has been doing those now since the beginning of the school year. She wants to get ready for her auditions for college for musical theater programs, and she wants the experience and the guidance. She is very motivated.” Abby’s voice teacher, Carolann Sanita explains that lessons aren’t just about hitting the right note and singing on key; it’s about voice health and technique. “You can have a natural talent and a natural ability, but you can learn to take that talent and turn it into a skill,” Carolann says. “The only way you can do that is to learn the proper technique to use your voice. You have to learn how to sing properly in order to keep your voice. Those on Broadway sing eight times a week. Vocal fatigue is a huge factor in that. My technique is based in the classical background. It has helped in my career to know how to use my stamina. I never let them do anything that can have them hurt themselves. There is an actual technique and people
study for years to learn the proper technique.” Finding the right person means doing research to make sure a private teacher has the needed qualifications. Carolann has a master’s in opera from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She was in the first national Broadway tour of “The Music Man,” playing the lead role of Mary. She toured Europe and Asia playing the lead role of Maria in “West Side Story.” She is currently an adjunct voice professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, yet she says learning never stops. “I have been singing for a very long time. But I also go for a touch up,” she says. Carolann teaches her students to have a flexible voice singing both softly and belting out the lyrics. “If you can be flexible, then you can make money in the industry,” she says. “I feel with my classical background I am able to do all of that.” Emily Feichthaler, 11, of Cape Coral, takes voice lessons with Carol Nabatoff. She says it helped her get the highest platinum rating in a recent voice competition. Emily says her instructor not only helps her practice for auditions but also
helps her choose the right music. “If you are trying out for ‘Bring It On,’ it is a happy play, and if you sing a sad song not a bright song you won’t get a good part,” Emily says. “She helps pick songs and work on auditions.” Carol says for youngsters who are serious about singing, private lessons are a must. “I think it is imperative,” she says. “I have a lot of students involved in doing shows in schools that do musicals, but they are not getting the training in technique that they need. You need the guidance. You need the technique, which you can’t get in a class with 20 people. You need that individual training.” Carol started voice lessons when she was 5 years old. She has a master’s degree in musical theater and an undergraduate degree in opera. “I was an opera singer,” she says. “I did a lot of professional singing. I won tons of awards. I sung opera in Europe, in Germany, the Netherlands and England. You always need someone to listen to you and fine tune your voice. You need the tools.” Carol has seen her students succeed. “Jaclyn Neidenthal was in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ on Broadway,” Carol says of the former student. “She is also in the movie ‘School of Rock’ with Jack Black. Now she is living in New York City trying to get on Broadway again. Jaclyn was only 5 when her mother called me. When I heard her voice, I thought she was amazing. Hopefully my guidance helped.” Carol has been teaching in Cape Coral for 30 years. She admits that private lessons are expensive. Hers are about $64 an hour, though there are scholarships available. “A lot of people will sacrifice lessons because they want to be in a show,” she says. “There are so many places now that do musicals. I get it. It is fun. But it does not replace private lessons.” Many of the youngsters who take voice lessons with Carol also take private dance lessons with Robin Dawn. Robin has also seen her students succeed. Former student Alicia Charles was one of the princesses in the Broadway show “Aladdin.” “She started with me when she was about 12,” Robin says. “Kirk Ryder from Naples took lessons back in the ’80s and went to Juilliard and went to perform in ‘Guys and Dolls.’” Robin says it’s important to take lessons from lots of people.
You need the guidance. You need the technique, which you can’t get in a class with 20 people. You need that individual training.”
CAROL NABATOFF
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 37
« cover story (continued)
“It is about getting more exposure and getting more teachers to see you,” she explains. “Go study somewhere other than their own studio in the summer. It has to do with making connections. It helps a lot.” Besides giving private lessons, Robin brings experts from New York and Hollywood to her dance studio in Cape Coral to inspire her students. “I do a lot of stuff, so my kids get a lot of exposure,” she says as she begins listing some of her guest teachers. “Rachelle Rak has been in Broadway shows. We bring in people that made it. It’s a lot about exposure and educating.” Robin also teaches her students about the life of an actor/dancer. “Kids don’t understand how to take no,” Robin says. “They need to learn no. In this day and age, there is no score; there is a prize for everyone. I have a girl up there in New York audition for 68 shows and got only one this year. She is very good. She is very focused. You go to every audition because every audition is an experience.” Robin knows that private instruction is costly. She says these lessons can cost as little as $25 for 30 minutes or as much as $75. “It is not cheap,” she says. “It is an investment into your child’s future.” Robin also advises that students understand when and why to take a
private lesson. “You have to know why you need a private,” she stresses. “A private is to enhance what you already know. It is not to learn something you are already learning in class.” Kiana Pinder, teaching artist at Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers, says she takes each student’s objective and creates an individualized dance lesson just for them. “I just took on a new student that wants to work on ballet, turns and picking up routines faster,” she explains. “So I can prepare a lesson for that.” Kiana says she also incorporates health into her lessons, which cost $60 for one hour. “It has helped me in so many different ways,” says Macy Magas, 13, who takes private lessons with Kiana. “It helps with preparing for the conservatory shows. Taking the classes helped me up my game with those shows. My ultimate goal is I would love to be on Broadway.” Katie Cross, an actress and acting instructor with the Naples Players, says it’s important for students to take both group lessons and private instruction. “When you are in a group setting, the teacher is having to cater to all different levels,” Katie says. “We all have different strengths and weaknesses,
but with a private instructor you can hone in on what you need to work on. While group is important, a private helps you focus in on what you need to improve.” Her experience as a professional actress since 2013 gives her insight to what young actors need to know. She is both a theater and film coach, so she specializes in helping teenagers prepare their college audition video. “I have the equipment to film an audition for colleges,” she explains. “I have the understanding to make sure when you send it in, it is high quality and showcases you best, and that it is properly uploaded and labeled, too.” Nikki Attanasio, 18, says one of the most important things she learned from Katie was song selection. “She taught me how to pick a song that is right for my range and the part I was trying to go for,” Nikki says. Carolann adds one more important piece of advice for students. “Never letting anybody get you down,” she says. “There is so much rejection that it takes a special person to keep going. Keep your training going. Practice all the time. Go into an audition super prepared and just believe in yourself. If someone asked me to give advice, I would say, ‘Just believe in yourself.’ It will happen to you if you keep putting yourself out there.”
LOCAL RESOURCES
This story mentions several resources in Southwest Florida. To learn more about each: • Carolann Sanita: carolannsanita.com • Carol Nabatoff: nabbies.com • Robin Dawn: 239-549-0827, robindawnacademy.com • Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers: 239-332-4488, floridarep.org • The Naples Players KidzAct: 239-434-7340, naplesplayers.org/youth-classes
38 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
kid stuff »
THE ART OF VOTING Naples student designs ‘I Voted’ sticker for the Collier County Supervisor of Elections. BY RACHEL FRADETTE
W
hen Collier County citizens head to the polls this election cycle and take home an “I Voted” sticker, it will have a new look — courtesy of a Gulfview Middle School student who can’t even vote yet. Leslie Wu sat down at her desk to sketch her vision of democracy and within a matter of days she was done. Little did she know at the time that would lead to her artwork going home with every voter in Collier County this year. That vision was “voting should bring people together even if they have different opinions,” Leslie says. The 11-year-old entered her design into the Supervisor of Elections Art for Democracy contest. “When they see my sticker, they’ll (voters) realize how much they are contributing to voting,” she says. From Philadelphia to Macomb County, Michigan, election officials are opting for redesigns with many asking students to imagine new ones, like Collier. This will be the first time Collier’s sticker has undergone a significant makeover with a student artist at the helm, says Trish Robertson, a public relations officer in the supervisor of election’s office. “The concept of this was to really start a conversation not only with children, but we were hoping this would start a conversation between children and their parents,” Trish says. More than 220,000 stickers will be
Leslie Wu, a sixth-grader at Gulfview Middle, took on a new art project — designing Collier County’s voting sticker.
printed for early voting through the general election in November, according to the county’s elections office. But more could be ordered depending on voter turnout for each election. The contest, which started in 2015, branches out through art to reach voters, Trish says. The office merged their plan to revitalize the contest and get a new look for the county’s sticker, she explains. They put together a sized template for students, so the sticker’s dimensions would not differ from other years. Leslie says her art teacher, Laura Foht, encouraged her to create an illustration and enter the contest. Student perspectives bring an innocent message to what can be a divisive process, Laura says. “Often times the conversations around politics can become heated and aggressive even,” she says.
After beginning their projects, Laura says her class started to discuss and openly debate politics respectfully. For Leslie, her close-knit friend group and their ability to resolve conflict inspired her design. “The day’s better when I’m with them,” Leslie says. She explains their disagreements tend to end in quick forgiveness and shared laughter. The contest had more than 200 entries, the elections office’s highest turnout ever. Twelve student award winners were honored at a reception at the Naples Art Association where their artwork was displayed until February 23. The art is also featured in the county’s supervisor of elections calendar. High school senior winners are recipients of $500 scholarships while younger students receive $500 donations to their school’s art department.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 39
PHOTOS BY ANDREW WEST
« education
Abigail Mitchell, a sixth grader at Trafalgar Middle School asks a question of NASA astronaut Jessica Meir.
TO SPACE AND BACK Lee County students connect to the International Space Station. BY RACHEL FRADETTE
loud robot-like voice comes over the speakers in the Fort Myers High School auditorium. “This is NASA calling,” the voice says to nearly 1,000 students and community members packed into the auditorium on this late February day. They remain silent while a connection is made and the projector
40 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
screen loads. And then, she’s there. “Lee County, I have you loud and clear. Welcome to the International Space Station,” U.S. astronaut Jessica Meir says, popping up on screen through a video chat. Jessica Meir, 42, who is originally from Maine, studied biology at Brown University and has a doctorate in marine biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The in-flight interview in February
allowed 17 students to ask the astronaut questions related to her life in space, from future plans for samples of the moon to the greatest challenge she’s faced. “I started saying I wanted to be an astronaut when I was only 5 years old,” Jessica told them. “I always had this idea that I really wanted to be in space looking back at Earth feeling what that felt like.” Jessica, who was selected to be an astronaut by NASA in 2013, is aboard her
PHOTOS BY ANDREW WEST
lessons to commemorate the moon landing’s 50th anniversary last year. More than 20 Lee students were provided a similar opportunity to speak with an astronaut via radio system at Allen Park in October 2018. Courtney says what grew out of that first experience was priceless as students began to take space exploration more seriously. Students submitted applications to ask Jessica Meir a question. The application called for three question suggestions. Courtney then narrowed them down. “It’s been my privilege to work with them for the past four months,” she says. For 11-year-old Zaara Rahman, who wants to be an astrophysicist, talking to Jessica helped her realize that goal can be reached. “It’s really inspiring because I know a lot of people here want to have future jobs in space exploration,” Zaara, a fifthgrader at Allen Park Elementary, says. Zaara says talking to Jessica through a video call was “really cool.” She adds that Jessica’s presence is inspiring to her as a young girl. “Before it was just like how men were the smarter ones, the better ones, and now there’s women,” Zaara says. Zaara and 20 of her peers, Space fan Alice Nouri, a student from Fruitville Elementary School in wearing light Sarasota, listens to International Space Station astronaut, Jessica Meir. gray T-shirts, first spaceflight as part of Expeditions 61 and 62. On the monitor, she appeared weightless due to the station’s gravity levels — her microphone floated as it rotated through mid-air. It was NASA’s 300th down link video connection from space, and Lee County’s first. Allen Park Elementary School fifth grade science teacher Courtney Black started putting together the district’s chat with an astronaut last year. After a suggestion from Lee’s school district, she submitted a proposal in June and by October they had a scheduled date. “It’s a wonderful tool to use to help students realize that these are real people,” she says. “These are not robots. These are not gods. These are real people that are living and working in space.” Courtney says more than 50 schools in the district participated in space-related
guarded their half-sheets of paper with their questions typed in bold font. Jessica answered each question, one by one, including what her daily tasks are at the station. “We all get to do a little bit of everything,” Jessica said. “It’s impossible to get bored because you’re always doing something different.” In just the past few weeks before talking with the kids, Jessica had worked on space station repairs, performed space walks and fixed a station water system. When astronauts walked on the moon more than 50 years ago, Stephen Zoeller was sick in bed while watching on his television. He had worked on the Apollo 11 program as life support systems engineer and spent seven days a week for 11 weeks ahead of the launch at NASA, which he says led to him getting sick. “We put in many times 100 hours a week,” he says. He spoke at Lee’s program Thursday with hopes that by connecting NASA’s space programs and young people, a spark will be reignited for space exploration. “I pray that this re-energizes peoples’ interest in space technology,” Stephen says. “It’s what has changed so many things.” Through an interpreter, Allen Park fifth-graders Terry Linen and Betsalina Delva, who are deaf, asked if people who are deaf can become astronauts. NASA does not currently have any astronauts who are deaf, but anything is possible in the future, Jessica told them. “Things are changing and getting better all the time,” she said. “All of us at NASA really do realize that diversity and inclusion make a better team.”
“I pray that this re-energizes peoples’ interest in space technology. It’s what has changed so many things.” — STEPHEN ZOELLER
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 41
« safety corner BY SA LLY K R EUSCHER
How to play it safe Top tips to protect kids from sports injuries
K
ids win big social, emotional and physical benefits when they play youth sports. But, out of the millions of children who participate in team sports each year in the United States, nearly a third end up with injuries serious enough to make them miss practice or games. The most common sports injuries among kids are sprains, muscle strains, bone or growth plate injuries, repetitive motion injuries and heat-related illnesses. Avoiding sports-related injuries is a team effort. Most can be prevented with smart habits and good training for players, coaches and parents. To help keep young athletes from getting side-lined with an injury, follow these top tips for sports safety: 1. Plan ahead. Make sure your child receives a pre-participation physical exam. In case of an emergency, provide coaches with important contact and health information. 2. Warm up and stretch every time.
Proper warm ups and stretching before each game and practice releases muscle tension and helps prevent injuries. 3. Remember to hydrate. To help prevent dehydration, athletes should bring a water bottle to games and practices. Players should drink fluids 30 minutes before activity begins and every 15 to 20 minutes while playing. Sally Kreuscher is the Safe Kids coordinator at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
42 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
4. Wear appropriate sports gear. To help prevent or reduce the severity of injuries, use appropriate and properly fitted sports gear at practice and in games, including helmets, shinguards, mouthguards, ankle braces and shoes with rubber cleats. And don’t forget the sunscreen. 5. Watch out for concussions. An athlete with a suspected concussion must be removed from play until evaluated and cleared by a medical professional. A good rule of thumb: When in doubt, sit them out. 6. Make rest a priority. Athletes should take breaks during practices and games to help avoid overuse injury. Encourage athletes to tell coaches, parents or another adult right away about any pain, injury or illness they may have during or after any practices or games. 7. Be a prepared coach. Get certified in first aid and CPR and have a stocked first aid kit handy at all times. Establish safety guidelines for practice and games, such as proper warm-ups, hydration breaks, sitting players out if injured or a concussion is suspected, resting players who feel unwell and putting an end to dirty play and rule-breaking. 8. Be a supportive parent. Encourage good sportsmanship and model healthy habits in your athlete.
Safe Kids Day Safe Kids Southwest Florida and the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida celebrate Safe Kids Day with fun activities and safety information. This year, more than 400 motorcycles bring toys for patients at the hospital, and there’s an egg hunt, music, food, free bicycle helmets and more.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11 (egg hunts are at 12:30 p.m. for ages 3 and younger, 1 p.m. for ages 4-6 and 1:30 p.m. for ages 7 and older)
Where: Golisano
Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, 9981 S. HealthPark Drive, south Fort Myers
Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org.
family album »
Wish granted » Make-
A-Wish Southern Florida surprised Renel Calixte with a drum set during the Florida Gulf Coast University men’s basketball team’s halftime in the game against North Alabama on February 29. Renel loves playing the drums, but his set was broken. So when the 14-year-old Naples boy made his wish, he wished for a seven-piece drum set and a party to celebrate with family and friends. Make-A-Wish makes dreams come true for critically ill children. Renel has a blood disorder. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 43
Read Across America Day »
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida celebrated Read Across America Day on March 2 with story time and face painting in the Fort Myers office. From left: Andi Simpson • Garrett Parent • Maren Sauer • William and Jenny Stephens. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
44 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
family album »
SWFL Wine & Food Fest » The 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest raised more than $1.4 million for pediatric health care. Far left, Damien Wardein, Benedict Wardein and Stephanie Wardein take the stage for the Fund-ACause presentation. Left, Child Artist Ellie O’Neal celebrates with dad, Brendan O’Neal. Photos by Kinfay Moroti, special to SW FL Parent & Child
Send Us Your Snapshots Send your images with a brief description and names of the people in them to editor@ swflparentchild.com
Walking the runway in NYC »
Crock Pots of Hope »
Food pantry provider Meals of Hope held a healthy crock pot cooking event in February to arm 40 Immokalee families with the tools they need to prepare nutritious meals safely and easily in their own homes. Here: Andrea Zubia, Marley Ramirez, Jayden Balleza and Jazmine Balleza. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
Hannah Zoller, a 16-year-old model with Envy Models and Talent in Fort Myers, walks the runway at New York Fashion Week for Loki Designz, a Southwest Floridabased designer. She is also the reigning Miss Teen Gulf Shore Global United States and will compete for the Miss Teen Global United States this summer in Orlando. Photo by Getty Images
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 45
Red Sox scholars »
The Boston Red Sox and the Red Sox Foundation honored 13 high school seniors by presenting them each with a scholarship for $5,000 during a pre-game ceremony March 8. The recipients are Hank Yang of Cape Coral High, Abigail Plummer of Cypress Lake High, Gildardo Miguel of Dunbar High, Mayte Arocha of East Lee County High, Zoe Ritchotte of Estero High, Liza Francois of Fort Myers High, Jori Pineda of Ida Baker, Ryan Logan of Island Coast, Zahria Nelson of Lehigh Senior, Javier Orozco of Mariner, Ashley Tobon of North Fort Myers High, Paige Curley of Riverdale and Jamie Sukovich of South Fort Myers High School. Special to SW FL Parent & Child
BUG Chase 5K » Fort Myers Metro-
McGregor Kiwanis held the annual Calusa BUG Chase 5K on January 25 to benefit the club’s Bring Up Grades program and other youth service projects. More than 400 people participated, a record, and raised more than $9,000. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child
46 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
family album »
Writers Week »
The Community School of Naples held its annual Writers Week in February. The students participated in activities all week, including a parade, the Upper School Conch Storytelling Contest and talks by professional writers, such as Suzanne Lang, author of the New York Times bestselling “Grumpy Monkey.” Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 47
GETTY IMAGES
SOAK IN THE SPRINGS Ginnie Springs gets families to unplug and dive into nature with tubing and snorkeling the freshwater flows. BY JENNIFER THOMAS
48 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
travel »
Kayaking the Santa Fe River
s the hectic days of year-end school activities approach, the perfect stress cure lies not far from Southwest Florida, and it’s steeped in nature. It has been scientifically proven that spending time in the outdoors delivers numerous health benefits, including lower blood pressure, better sleeping, reduced inflammation, elevated Vitamin D levels, reduced stress levels and overall mental health improvement. Ginnie Springs is nature the whole family can appreciate. “Ginnie Springs has an unmatched natural beauty that is good for the soul,” says Elizabeth Reyes, spokesperson for Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, FL. The spring is along the Santa Fe River near Gainesville, and it offers a variety of activities that can make for a different experience every time your family visits. “The facilities are top notch, and it’s a beautiful place to spend the day,” Elizabeth says. “Families can kick back, have a picnic, and float the river a couple of times and enjoy nature sightings from fauna to flora.” According to the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count, the region also has one of the largest inland winter bird counts in North America, she adds.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 49
« travel (continued) Cave diving at Ginnie Springs
Fort Myers resident Mark Anderson has taken his family to a few springs in Florida, including Ginnie Springs in July 2019 and previously in 2017. “We love that this feels like Old Florida, just jumping in crystal clear water in each spring, then floating on the Suwannee River down to the next spring,” Mark says. “People don’t realize that there are 4 or 5 springs at Ginnie Springs connected by the Suwannee River and that the best way to explore the springs is by tubing down the river, from one to the next. A lot of people snorkel, and some people bring the scuba diving gear.” Once Mark and his family are at Ginnie Springs, he says they are all doing the same thing and there are no distractions. “The kids really are into it, and all have the same sense of adventure,” he says. There are seven freshwater springs, Elizabeth says. “Swimming and snorkeling in the
50 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
crystal clear 72-degree water is fun year-round,” she advises. “Masks, fins and snorkels can be rented at the Ginnie Springs Store. When the Santa Fe River clears (typically in the summer and early fall), snorkeling in the river may reward swimmers with glimpses of large gar, bass, mullet, catfish, turtles and many other critters. If you venture out in the river in snorkel gear, be sure to take a diver’s flag and float along.” Florida’s springs are known for their clarity and chill factor. “This is the clearest water I have ever seen,” Mark says. “You can open your eyes and see everything. It also feels very cold for Floridians that are used to 90 water, but the springs are around 70 degrees. I enjoy exploring the springs and the clear water, trying to go as deep as possible. Also, my wife and I enjoy the relaxing conversation as we drift down the Suwannee River. I bring my GoPro camera, shoot all day, then put together a video to remember the day.”
Through Ginnie Springs Outdoors, ginniespringsoutdoors.com, visitors can get dive training, from an introductory scuba course to full cave and nitrox. (There are caves in the area.) The main entrance to Ginnie Springs is in High Springs, known as the North Central Florida Gateway to the Springs. “Visitors to the High Springs area prize these waters for their recreational value for scuba diving, swimming, fishing, canoeing and tubing, as well as their natural beauty,” Elizabeth explains. “The springs are a slice of pure Florida, and admission is very affordable for families, as kids ages 6-12 pay only $3.73 for admission and children 5 and under have free admission. Ginnie Springs encompasses over 200 wooded acres and features spring-side tent sites and full electric and water hook-ups for RVs.” Families can camp or stay in an RV at the springs or opt for one of the several nearby hotels and bed-and-break-
travel (continued) » fast establishments, such as the Grady House Bed & Breakfast, the High Springs Country Inn, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Alachua, Quality Inn and others, according to Elizabeth. For travelers venturing to Ginnie Springs on April 12, there is both a water and a land egg hunt. For the water egg hunt, guests compete for more than 180 underwater eggs with prizes (maximum of three eggs per snorkeler). The land hunt boasts more than 7,000 eggs that contain toys and candy for different age groups. Outside of tubing or snorkeling the springs, Elizabeth recommends visiting downtown High Springs, which features a fantastic restaurant called the Great Outdoors Restaurant and great little shops to cool off at after a day of fun in the sun. “Additional outdoor activities could include a visit to the Mill Creek Retirement Home for Horses, or to The Santa Fe Canoe Outpost featuring guided day and night trips,” she continues. “Families could take a tour of the Swallowtail Bio-Organic Farm or participate in other outdoor activities.”
After Mark and his family drift down the springs, they cap off the day with a visit to Bob’s River Place, about 20 minutes away. It features rope swings and slides. “Bob’s River Place is an incredible hidden gem that few people know about,” Mark says. “It’s like a water park from the 1950s. No rules, no lifeguards, just lots of very high rope swings and water slides. No one is telling you how to jump and what’s allowed, it’s just wild fun. Our kids always talk about it, and our friends who see our videos ask to come with us the next time we go.” One piece of advice Mark offers for those traveling to Ginnie Springs is to plan to arrive early to beat the crowd. The springs can get crowded by afternoon or better yet, try to travel there during a weekday. Elizabeth also recommends to “plan ahead with sunscreen, proper attire for the weather and elements, bug spray, snacks and water, and take lots of photos. Don’t forget to share your adventure photos at #WhatsGoodAlachuaCounty and #WhyILoveGNV.”
“Visitors to the High Springs area prize these waters for their recreational value for scuba diving, swimming, fishing, canoeing and tubing, as well as their natural beauty.” – Elizabeth Reyes, spokesperson for Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, FL
Ginnie Springs
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 51
« around town
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
EARTH
DAY! To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is hosting a big event Saturday, April 18. The Earth Day Festival is packed with things to do: live animal shows, hands-on activities, crafts, exhibitors and food vendors. Glen Beitmen, aka Mr. Glen, will be there with his “Super Science Show.” The festival runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Conservancy Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Admission is free for members, $10 for nonmember adults, $5 for children ages 3 and older, free for ages 2 and younger. Get details at conservancy.org.
Trucks galore
Here comes Peter Cottontail! Easter falls on April 12 this year, and egg hunts and other special events abound. There are ones that get started a little early, like the Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Fort Myers, and there are events the weekend of Easter, such as STARS Easter Fest 2020 from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 12. After the Dunbar Easter Parade, the STARS Complex in Fort Myers hosts an egg hunt, food vendors, live music and family fun. Check the events calendar online at swflparentchild.com for more.
April is also the month for trucks. The fifth annual Cape Coral Touch-A-Truck event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 4 on Lafayette Street in downtown Cape Coral with a horn-free hour at 9 a.m. Then, on Saturday, April 25, Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD & Associates, presents its fourth annual TouchA-Truck Fort Myers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is an opportunity for kids to get up close and learn about various work vehicles in the community, from local businesses to emergency responders’ vehicles. Other activities at the April 25 event include train rides, pony rides and a petting zoo. Food trucks will be on site, and food donations will be accepted for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. Its horn-free hour starts at 11 a.m. The Pediatric Dentistry truck event takes place at Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, 8016 Summerlin Lakes Drive, south Fort Myers.
GETTY IMAGES
FILE PHOTO
Egg hunts
52 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
calendar »
PRESCHOOL & VPK
COVID-19 Note:
At press time, events in Southwest Florida were just starting to cancel due to COVID-19. We advise checking online updates for the latest event information.
Saturday, April 4 3rd Annual Sunshine Ace Hardware EGGfest » 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Riverside Park Bonita Springs, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Foodies share in their love for grilling on the Big Green Egg. Plus live music, food and fun for the whole family. Tickets start at $20. sunshineaceeggfest.com Cape Coral Touch A Truck 2020 » 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lafayette Street between Cape Coral Parkway and Vincennes Street in downtown Cape Coral. Kids of all ages explore vehicles from fire trucks to the Florida Forestry swamp buggy. Plus entertainment, health and safety exhibitors, and local vendors and sponsors. Admission is free. Tickets available for children’s activities, such as a duck pond, face painting and crafts, and for a charity basket raffle. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt » 10 a.m.-noon, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 4141 DeLeon St., Fort Myers. Free. A light breakfast will be served beginning at 10 a.m. followed by an egg hunt at 10:30. Children of all ages welcome. Free to attend, donations encouraged.
DANCE
Celebrating Since 1951
All Ages
Classical Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Hip Hop Modern Acrobatics Children’s Work
(239)334-3274 www.dancebochette.com NEWBORN CARE
Code Creators: Pythons and Pies » 1-3 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. In this six-part Saturday afternoon series, students are introduced to the Raspberry Pi, a tiny but powerful computer that will fuel their creative DIY projects. In this session, learn how to code on the Raspberry Pi using the software language of Python. $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Registration required. 239-334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org Dancing Through the Decades » 6-8:30 p.m. Legacy Church, 21115 Design Parc Lane, Estero. All ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite era, or come as you are. Features prizes, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, snacks and drinks. $30 for adults, $15 for ages 12 and younger in advance; $40 and $25 at the door. Benefits Graceworks Unlimited, which has been creating Blessings Pantries at local schools. graceworksunlimited.org
RESALE & CONSIGNMENT
Lessons in Manners for the Generations Etiquette Class » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. Kids learn proper introduction, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three-course meal. Classes are taught by Suzanne Willis, who teaches etiquette classes at The Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout the nation. $75 for Edison Ford members, $85 for nonmembers. Registration required at ecommerce.edisonfordwinterestates.org or 239-334-7419. Our Mother’s Home Family Fun Fishing Day » 7 a.m.5 p.m. Marlins Brewhouse, 5611 Six Mile Commercial Court, Fort Myers. This family-friendly fishing event features activities, prizes and raffle drawings for children of all ages. Following a day of fishing, there’s an after party at Marlins Brewhouse. ourmothershome.com Rock Autism » 7-10 p.m. Patio de Leon, downtown Fort Myers. Live music featuring Not Guilty, raffles, prizes and more. To benefit families impacted by autism spectrum disorder. fi-florida.org/rock-autism
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 53
« calendar Sunday, April 5 BBQ, Bands & Brew » 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., Fort Myers. Features Southwest Florida’s top pit masters competing for the title of “Best BBQ in Town,” as well as live music from local bands, numerous vendors, activities and games for all ages. $10 for teens and adults, free for ages 12 and younger. bbqbandsandbrew.com
Tuesday, April 7 Free Trolley Tours of Ave Maria » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Ave Maria Welcome Center, Ave Maria. This 45-minute tour explores the town of Ave Maria. Available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Plus, enjoy live music 1-4 p.m. every Thursday. Free. Reservations for tours encouraged. 239-352-3903.
Friday, April 10 Funny Bunny Easter Event » 6-8 p.m. North Collier Regional Park Soccer Complex, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples. An egg hunt hosted by Collier’s very own “Funny Bunny,” aka Shiro the Gator, the county’s park mascot. 239-252-4000. Gopher Tortoise Day » 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Join a park naturalist for a talk on gopher tortoises. There will be an opportunity to hold and see the shells of specimens that lived in Koreshan State Park. Included with park admission, $5 per vehicle with 2-8 occupants, $4 per single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Reservations requested. 239-9920311. floridastateparks.org Grampy’s Sporting Clays Tournament » 8 a.m. Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Clays, 3445 Rustic Road, Nokomis. Grampy’s Charities and Kids & Clays partnered for this fundraiser tournament benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Shotgun start at 10 a.m. rmhcswfl.org/events/grampys-sporting-clays School Break Camp: The Chemistry of Food » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Learn the science behind a root beer float and other culinary queries in this delicious day camp. $45 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Registration required. 239334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org. Walk on the Wild Side » 10-11 a.m., Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger for a guided hike along Black Island Trail. Included with park admission, $8 for vehicles of 2-8 people, $4 with one person, $2 for pedestrians or cyclists. Reservations required. 239-463-4588.
Saturday, April 11 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny » 9-10 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Breakfast in the Restaurant Piazza is for children only. Coffee available for adults. $5 per child. Reservations required. 239-948-3766. miromaroutlets.com Code Creators: Animate It » 1-3 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. In this six-part Saturday afternoon series, students are introduced to
54 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
the Raspberry Pi, a tiny but powerful computer that will fuel their creative DIY projects. In this session, use the Raspberry Pi and a tiny camera to make a big animation. $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Registration required. 239-334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org Discover Fun with Mira! » Noon-2 p.m. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. Discover Disney Junior’s newest series “Mira” with family fun activities, photo opportunities and more. Located in the children’s play area near Dillard’s. 239-992-9966. simon.com/mall/coconut-point/stream/ discover-fun-with-mira-6159954 Easter Egg Hunt Matlacha Island Style » 8:30-10:30 a.m., Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens, 4637 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. Free. Ages 10 and younger find more than 2,000 eggs. Lee County entertainment troupe the Hot Flashz leads kids in various fun dances. Free. Hook Kids on Fishing » 9-11 a.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Ages 5-15 are welcome with their parents, but children must register in advance. Each child receives a new fishing rod and tackle box thanks to fishfloridatag.org. The kids learn casting, safety, knot tying, catch-and-release tactics and more. Free. anglersforconservation.org/event/hook-kids-on-fishing-puntagorda-3 Photos with the Easter Bunny » 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Photos provided by Dick Parrish Photography. miromaroutlets.com Safe Kids Day » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, 9981 S. HealthPark Drive, south Fort Myers. Have fun and learn how to keep kids safe. There’ll be food and music, free bike helmets, face painting and other activities, plus the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt. Science Saturday » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In the WINK Playland, decorate an Easter treat. miromaroutlets.com Science Saturdays » 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Unleash your inner scientist with hands-on discoveries for all ages. April 4: Managing Marine Debris. April 11: So Much More than Seashells. April 18: World of Water. April 25: Skulls & Bones. $5 for adults, free for ages 12 and younger. Facility is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 239-530-5940. rookerybay.org Storytime and Activities Featuring “The Good Egg: The Great Eggscape!” » 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble at Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero. Join in for this book full of cracking-up family fun from the creators of “The Good Egg,” with activities after the reading. barnesandnoble.com Wellfit Girls 5th Annual Hop-to-the-Top Easter 5K and Fun Run » 7:30-9:30 a.m. North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples. Wellfit Girls and Gulf Coast Runners are team up for this 5K. All proceeds benefit local youth participating in Wellfit Girls and Gulf Coast Runners. Participants are encouraged to wear tutus and costumes. $10$30. wellfitgirls.org. Where All the Pieces Fit Community Autism Resource Fair » 11 a.m. Direct Access Counseling and Supportive Services LLC, 390 Pondella Road, Suite 9, North Fort Myers. Autism resources and community vendors, bounce house, sensory stations, play therapy stations, food, face painting and more. 239-652-0260.
calendar » Sunday, April 12 STARS Easter Fest 2020 » 2-8 p.m. STARS Complex, 2980 Edison Ave., Fort Myers. After the Dunbar Easter Parade, enjoy entertainment, an egg hunt, food vendors, live music and more. facebook.com/events/stars-complex/stars-easterfest-2020/194787128297109
Monday, April 13 Spring Break Camp: Geo-Challenge! » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. When school is out, the “Wild Wizard” is in to help to kids explore the topics of STEAM, science, technology, engineering, art and math. This session explores cartography and geography with a property-wide scavenger hunt. $45 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Registration required. 239-334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org
Wednesday, April 15 Art & Soul Night » 6-9 p.m. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Free. Shangri-La Springs hosts monthly Art & Soul Nights through April featuring live music, artisan market, free art demonstration and mini spa treatments, and delicious farm to table food at Harvest & Wisdom. The final event of the season on April 15 features fine art, music and performing arts from students at Bonita Springs area schools. shangrilasprings.com Fishing Clinic » 10-11 a.m., Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. A park naturalist talks tackle, bait rigs and more. Included with park admission, $8 for vehicles of 2-8 people, $4 with one person, $2 for pedestrians or cyclists. Reservations required. Next clinic is April 21. 239-463-4588. Moms Appreciation Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In the WINK Playland, moms get a treat from le macaron french pastries while kids make a craft. miromaroutlets.com The Price Is Right Live » 7:30 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. An interactive stage show that gives audience members the chance to “Come on down” and play classic games from the TV game show. $36.50-$56.50. bbmannpah.com
Thursday, April 16 Black Island Bike Tour » 10-11 a.m., Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Leisurely bike tour of Black Island Trail. Included with park admission, $8 for vehicles of 2-8 people, $4 with one person, $2 for pedestrians or cyclists. Reservations required. 239-463-4588.
Friday, April 17 Sensational Sharks » 10-11 a.m., Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger for a fun talk about sharks. Included with park admission, $8 for vehicles of 2-8 people, $4 with one person, $2 for pedestrians or cyclists. Reservations required. 239-463-4588. “Robin Hood the Musical” » April 17-May 15. Broadway
Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Follow the adventures of Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest. When his sweetheart Maid Marian is forced to marry the evil Prince John, it’s up to Robin to stop the marriage, defeat the mean sheriff and secure Nottingham. Lunch is at 10:30 and show at 11:30 a.m. April 17, 21, 24, 28, 30 and May 1, 7, 8 and 15. Lunch is at noon and show at 1 p.m. April 18 and 26 and May 2. $19 for lunch and show. 239-278-4422. broadwaypalm.com YA Book Club featuring “Most Likely” » 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble at Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero. One of these high school friends becomes the future U.S. president, but the best part of this coming-of-age story is that we don’t know until the end which one. barnesandnoble.com
Saturday, April 18 Best Buddies Friendship Walk » 7:30 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Raise awareness and money for this organization dedicated to supporting inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. near WINK Playland. miromaroutlets.com Code Creators: Play It » 1-3 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. In this six-part Saturday afternoon series, students are introduced to the Raspberry Pi, a tiny but powerful computer that will fuel their creative DIY projects. In this session, code simple video games. $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Registration required. 239-334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org Earth Day Festival » 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. The Conservancy celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day with live animal shows, food vendors, exhibitors, educational programs, children’s activities, crafts and interactive shows, including the “Super Science Show” with Glen Beitmen, aka Mr. Glen. Free for members, $10 for adults, $5 for ages 3 and older, free for ages 2 and younger. conservancy.org/events/earthday. Healthy Kids Day » 9 a.m.-noon. Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples. Free. Get ready for summer with healthy, fun activities for kids and adults. greaternaplesymca.org/hkd.html LEGO Trolls World Tour Event » 2 p.m. Barnes & Noble at Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero. Celebrate Trolls World Tour with a Lego build boombox. barnesandnoble.com Mermaid Fest » 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 16-18. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Observe artists from across the country pain in the park. A quick draw competition takes place Saturday. There will also be free activities for all ages, a mermaid contest, morning yoga, food trucks, information booths and a bake-off. daniellesblueribbonevents.com “Robin Hood the Musical” » April 17-May 15. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Follow the adventures of Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest. When his sweetheart Maid Marian is forced to marry the evil Prince John, it’s up to Robin to stop the marriage, defeat the mean sheriff and secure Nottingham. Lunch is at 10:30 and show at 11:30 a.m. April 17, 21, 24, 28, 30 and May 1, 7, 8 and 15. Lunch is at noon and show at 1 p.m. April 18 and 26 and May 2. $19 for lunch and show. 239-278-4422. broadwaypalm.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 55
« calendar Show Off! Youth Performance Showcase » 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Live performances, exhibit scavenger hunt and free art-making activities coincide the weekly GreenMarket. Free. artinlee.org/event/showoff Storytime and Activities Featuring “The Lorax” » 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble at Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero. Celebrate Earth Day with a reading of “The Lorax,” the classic tale from Dr. Seuss that speaks for the trees. Activities to follow. barnesandnoble.com
Monday, April 20 FSW Flute Choir Recital » 7 p.m. Florida SouthWestern State College, Lee Campus, 8099 College Parkway, south Fort Myers. The FSW Flute Choir performs a free concert in the Rush Atrium, Building J-117/118.
Wednesday, April 22 Earth Day BOGO » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Celebrate Earth Day with buy-one, get-one free admission. 239-530-5940. rookerybay.org
Friday, April 24 Child’s Play Cabaret » 6-8 p.m., Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs. The new Youth Players Cabaret series continues with a family-friendly night of song and sweets. The Youth Players, with help from talented area adults, present songs from Broadway that were written to be performed by kids, songs like “Hard Knock Life” from “Annie.” artcenterbonita.org
Saturday, April 25 Code Creators: Creative Computing » 1-3 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. In this six-part Saturday afternoon series, students are introduced to the Raspberry Pi, a tiny but powerful computer that will fuel their creative DIY projects. In this session, students fuse code with art from sticker design to birthday cards. $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Registration required. 239334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org Fairy Tea Party » 11 a.m.-noon. Rotary Park Environmental Center, 5505 Rose Garden Way, Cape Coral. Children ages 3-10 enjoy tea sandwiches, treats and punch. Fairy and butterfly wings welcome. Registration required. $15 per child. 239-549-4606. Family Art Labs » 10 a.m., Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. A free, hands-on program that invites kids and families to get creative the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until noon. Recommended for ages 5 and older, but all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Next date: May 23. artinlee.org Kids Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland. Toddlers to age 12 enjoy activities and free pizza, ice cream and face painting. miromaroutlets.com Movie Under the Stars » 6-9 p.m. Coconut Point, 23106
56 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Fashion Drive, Estero. Watch “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” from the lawn. Blankets, lawn chairs and pets welcome. Free. Storytime and Activities Featuring “Dear Boy” and “Dear Girl” » 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble at Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero. Sweet stories to promote selfconfidence along with fun activities for parents and little ones. barnesandnoble.com Touch-A-Truck Fort Myers » 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, 8016 Summerlin Lakes Drive, south Fort Myers. Children experience trucks up close, from rescue vehicles to work trucks. Plus, train rides, pony rides, face painting and costumed characters. Horn free hour 11 a.m.noon. Free; nonperishable food donation requested for Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. drverwest.com/touch-a-truck2020
Sunday, April 26 “Robin Hood the Musical” » April 17-May 15. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Follow the adventures of Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest. When his sweetheart Maid Marian is forced to marry the evil Prince John, it’s up to Robin to stop the marriage, defeat the mean sheriff and secure Nottingham. Lunch is at 10:30 and show at 11:30 a.m. April 17, 21, 24, 28, 30 and May 1, 7, 8 and 15. Lunch is at noon and show at 1 p.m. April 18 and 26 and May 2. $19 for lunch and show. 239-278-4422. broadwaypalm.com
Saturday, May 2 A Formula for Fun » 2 p.m. Barnes & Noble at Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive, Estero. Celebrate science and easy-to-do experiments with household products. barnesandnoble.com Apple Blossom Teacher of the Year Awards 2020 » 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Vineyards Country Club, 400 Vineyards Blvd., Naples. The Apple Blossom Awards honor early childhood teachers who educate and care for children from birth to age 5. Keynote address by Kamela Patton, superintendent of Collier County Public Schools. $40. 239-643-3908. collierchildcare.org Code Creators: Roving Robots » 1-3 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. In this sixpart Saturday afternoon series, students are introduced to the Raspberry Pi, a tiny but powerful computer that will fuel their creative DIY projects. In this session, students build a pi-bot. $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Registration required. 239-334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org
Sunday, May 3 “Alice in Wonderland” » 7 p.m. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Presented by Naples Ballet and the Naples Philharmonic. Based on the Lewis Carroll story set to music by Tchaikovsky. $19-$39. artisnaples.org
Visit swflparentchild.com for more events.
Mari Rubenstein is a mother to three boys, a committee member for STARabilty Foundation, and she’s the events and advancement manager for the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples.
voices »
GUEST COLUMN
The next horizon Shining light on ability
A
year ago I shared with SWFL Parent & Child readers my journey as a mother of a child diagnosed on the autism spectrum. A lot of things have changed since my article published: I am now a working, single mom. But the most important things have remained the same: my passion to advocate for causes dear to my heart and my love for my three sons, Sean, Jude and Matias. They are my everything. When Matias was diagnosed on the spectrum at just 16 months, my world came crashing down on me. Like with any life-changing situation, I allowed myself the time and space to grieve. My boss at the time shared with me the poem “Welcome to Holland,” which changed my perspective on the path I was embarking on. Since that day, I arrived in “Holland” and began to advocate for Matias. I found it key to establish the best team of therapists that I connected with around him, whose philosophy aligned with mine and who in time loved my son as if he was part of their family. After meeting with multiple therapists, I chose a play-based philosophy for all of Matias’ therapies, and to this day, I believe this was a key part of his early intervention program. A year ago I focused on sharing with readers the transition of accepting the diagnosis and not giving up, or as the poem would say, the flight to Holland. We have been living with the diagnosis for five years now and I could not be prouder of Matias’ accomplishments. He is graduating from Pre-K in just a few weeks and will begin kindergarten in the fall. Many of the questions I had for my therapists
Matias
in the last years have been answered at Matias’ pace. I recall the day I asked our neurologist if I would hear my son’s voice, and I remember her looking me in the eyes and saying, there are no “guarantees.” Truth is, there are no guarantees in life. Each day is a gift and we must live in the present. Matias is not only fully verbal now, but he is reading, communicating and playing with his peers. I could not have asked for more. The one thing I have learned about the spectrum is that every journey and every child is different, and our expectations as parents are high and require patience. Matias has proven to me that the rewards of the sleeplessness nights, financial investments, love, care and dedication all come together in the end. He has taught me to live every day at its pace, not just Matias’ pace, but also my pace and our pace together. If you are a parent embarking on this journey or know someone whose child was just diagnosed on the spectrum, please emphasize the importance of early intervention; it has been critical to Matias’ success. My honest advice to parents is to
leave no stone unturned when it comes to trying different therapies to see which works best for their child. Find the right connection provider to giver and stick with it, through the ups and the downs, and if fortunate enough to do so, never reduce therapies unless recommended by the providers. My second piece of advice is to find your support group. It is important to be able to feel supported and understood. My hopes are that Matias, at his own pace, with the continued support of his speech, occupational and horse-riding therapists, enters a typical classroom setting. Accepting that if this happens it will be at his pace gives me a sense of peace that I can’t express in words. What I can express in words is that the journey is challenging — draining at times. It has been a rollercoaster of tears, challenges, monumental milestones and most importantly the journey of learning and growing. I hang onto the hope given to me by mothers in our community who have traveled my same journey while also advocating for their children, paving the way of inclusion and shining light on ability, not disability — like those behind the STARabilty Foundation. I know that all our journeys are different in many ways, but at the end of the day we are all advocating out of the pure love that stems from motherhood and wanting to make the journey easier or supportive for others who follow. In the words of the late Kobe Bryant, “Walk until the darkness is a memory and you become the sun on the next traveler’s horizon.” Please become the sun, shine the light on ability, and advocate for yourself and your children. Together, we can help make a difference.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 57
» last look
A BOOST FOR BOOKS Ayla Richards, who is visiting her grandparents from Toronto, reads a book in the children’s area of the Lakes Regional Library on February 28 in Fort Myers. The children’s area is one of several places in the library that will be renovated through a donation from Frances S. Prigmore.
PHOTO BY ANDREW WEST
58 » APRIL 2020 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Camp IMAG
June 8 to August 7 REGISTER ONLINE TODAY AT
theIMAG.org
When School Is Out, Camp Is In!
Camp IMAG offers children a fun, exciting, and educational curriculum blending Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) with History and Art in new themed weekly sessions with hands-on activities, games, crafts, exhibit explorations, and more to inspire the imagination and encourage a love of learning! Camps are designed for rising K - 8th grade students and are divided into rising K - 1st graders, rising 2nd - 3rd graders, rising 4th - 5th graders, and rising 6th - 8th graders. The IMAG also offers a Junior Camp Assistant Training Program for rising 9th - 12th grade students.
HISTORY & SCIENCE CENTER 2000 Cranford Avenue | Fort Myers, FL 33916 | 239.243.0043 | theIMAG.org Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM | Sunday 12PM - 5PM | Closed Monday
© the IMAG 2020
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2020 » 59
Your heart care heroes.
Dedicated to saving little lives every day. leehealth.org/pediatric-cardiology
Because every child is special.