S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
APRIL 2019
Sick Child? Same day sick appointments available FORT MYERS � � �- �� CAPE CORAL � � ��-���� LEHIGH ACRES � � �- ��
www.ppcswfl.com
Let OUR Family Take Care of YOUR Family Physician-Owned. Patient-Centered
Color the PPC Pals, then bring them into your doctor’s office where we will display them, or use to decorate in your own home.
Physician-Owned. Patient-Centered
www.ppcswfl.com | 239.275.5522 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 3
C A M P
I M A G
June 3 - August 9 Register today online at:
www.theIMAG.org
CAMP IMAG Where Learning Is Fun! CAMP IMAG offers students an exciting, integrated curriculum blending science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with history and the arts in new themed weekly sessions for rising 1st - 8th graders. © IMAG 2019
Junior Camp Assistant Training Program is available for rising 9th - 12th grade students. Active IMAG members receive a $50 discount per week. IMAG History and Science Center
4 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
|
2000 Cranford Avenue
|
Fort Myers, FL 33916
|
239.243.0043
contents »
swfl
parent&child
29
Features
24
In Every Issue
29 talented teen Meet the young artist who started the kids’ coloring tent at art events in Naples
11 all the moms
31 loving ugly A Naples mom fights beauty standards for fruits and vegetables
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
.COM
49 travel
Gadgets that make your kitchen greener, plus a very green smoothie recipe
Day trip to Sarasota highlights The Ringling and more
52 around town
23 dining out
APRIL 20 19
Best bets on local events for families
The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen — because cheese
Kiahni Webber, 4, plays drums from Family Music Time. Her mom, Katie Webber, teaches music classes there. ENTCHILD
Safe Kids Day highlights ways to keep your little one injury-free
20 in the kitchen
How to make lessons affordable
S W F L PA R
43 safety
How to find great summer camps
37 arts scholarships
On the cover
Off-the-radar sports scholarships are worth exploring
19 ask the expert
33 musical creativity Why it helps to indulge your young musician; plus, where to find lessons
27 teens
Internet trolls beware; the danger of even one cigarette, and Barbie turns 60
57 voices SWFL mom talks about juggling special needs and sibling needs
24 kid stuff Kids are loving the “Washed Ashore” exhibit at the zoo
Other Departments 7 8 9 13
editor’s note our contributors online me time
15 16 44 53
5 Things fyi family album calendar
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 5
FREE PRESCHOOL Early Learning Coalition of SWFL can help your family with Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten If you live in Florida & your child turns 4 YEARS OLD by September 1, your child is eligible for the VPK program. Some 5 year olds are also eligible. For more information & to register your child: FamilyServicesFloridaEarlyLearning.com
www.elcofswfl.org Serving Collier, Glades, Hendry & Lee Counties | (239) 935-6100
6 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Help Your Child Learn AN EYE ON THE FUTURE Make an appointment today. Your future suddenly became a whole lot clearer. A child’s learning disabilities can be caused by vision related problems, even if the child has 20/20 vision. Visit EyeDocks.com to watch a video about Vision Therapy.
Eye Care Services
• Comprehensive Eye Examinations • Contact Lens Fitting • Glaucoma Evaluations • Cataract Evaluation & Post-Op Care • Genetic Testing for Macular Degeneration • Visual Fields • Opto-Maps
Insurance Accepted The knowledgeable staff at Fort Myers Eye Associates PA is experienced in working with vision insurance providers. We will work directly with you and your vision insurer. We accept sever types of vision insurance.
8801 College Pkwy, Fort Myers (239) 437-2004 EyeDocks.com
parent &child
editor's note »
swfl
S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
Volume 20, 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 President & Publisher William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel
Editorial Contributors Randy Kambic, Jean Le Boeuf, Danielle Lee, Shelby Reynolds, Andrea Stetson, Leigh Tahirovic Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.com Advertising Account Executive Nicole Holey (239) 281-6455 nholey@fortmyer.gannett.com Anthony Enright (239) 478-3607 aenright@gannett.com
Distribution (239) 335-0211 Southwest Florida Parent & Child is a FREE publication distributed at more than 500 locations throughout Southwest Florida by The News-Press Media Group. All rights reserved. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions of the magazine or publisher.
Art matters
It’s why we look at one thing and not another. It’s often why we buy one product over its competitors. It not only entertains, art communicates to us and guides us. It’s certainly something that’s important to us at SW FL Parent & Child magazine, where words and design come together as we aim to provide a valuable resource for parents in our region. In March, SW FL Parent & Child was honored with the Gold Award for General Excellence by the Parenting Media Association, an industry group of regional parenting publications across the country and internationally. The judges said, “This entry has everything, with energetic design throughout, terrific covers and a strong mix of stories.” The magazine was praised for its smart use of color and structure of stories and the variety of information in its pages. I tell you this not to “toot our own horn” for the sake of tooting but to give those who make this magazine possible the recognition they deserve. Everyone in the list on the left of this page has my thanks and adoration, from the writers to the publisher. Let’s especially give a round of applause to Art Director Lindi DaywaltFeazel, who also won a Gold Award for her cover illustration on the July 2018 issue, the staycation guide, and Bronze for Overall Design, and photographer, Amanda Inscore, who makes beautiful images for covers every month. So, when you read about how the arts benefit children and other arts-related stories in this month’s issue of SW FL Parent & Child, know that these measures when the kids are young could lead to not just hobbies but to jobs and careers. Indeed, the arts make our world go ’round. PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ
Part of the USA TODAY Network
Member of
Pamela Smith Hayford, Editor Contact us: We enjoy hearing from you. Send your photos, letters or comments to: pamela@swflparentchild.com. Or visit us online:
swflparentchild.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 7
MIROMAR OUTLETS
®
» our contributors Meet the contributors to this month’s issue of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine.
Voted the BEST FACTORY OUTLET MALL, BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE and BEST PLACE TO BUY SHOES in Southwest Florida
Randy Kambic • Travel: How to
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES
Join the Circus • 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 News-Press. He enjoys tennis, the outdoors and the people of Southwest Florida.
FAMILY YOGA
Saturday, April 20 10 a.m. in PLAYLAND
Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza April 5: Karibbean Groove April 12: Rockin’ Horse April 19: Electric Lipstick April 26: Neon Summer
BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Saturdays from 1 to 7 p.m. & Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.
DOG DAZE AT MIROMAR
Thursday, April 4 6 to 8 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza
BEST BUDDIES WALK
Saturday, April 6 Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. Walk begins at 9 a.m. Help raise awareness and funds to support inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
CAR CRUISE-IN
Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out • Jean Le
Saturday, April 20 10 a.m. in the Restaurant Piazza Please note breakfast is for children only, $5 per child. Coffee will be available for adults. Reservations required.
Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by The News-Press. Follow the critic at facebook.com/ jeanleboeufswfl or @JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.
PHOTOS WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
Saturday, April 20 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Suite 190, near
Danielle Lee • Voices: Autism and Siblings • Danielle Lee is the proud mom of a 24-week NICU survivor and an advocate for children with autism. She lives in Southwest Florida with her husband and two children.
PLAYLAND
EASTER COOKIE DECORATING
Saturday, April 20 12 to 2 p.m. in
PLAYLAND
Shelby Reynolds • In the Kitchen: A Primer on Strawberry Season • Shelby Reynolds writes about the latest food and beverage trends for Naples Daily News. She also compiles a weekly list of the top 5 things to do each weekend in Southwest Florida. Shelby joined the Naples Daily News in 2016.
DANCING CLASSROOM BLOCK PARTY
Friday, April 26 6 to 8 p.m. PLAYLAND Between Ford’s Garage & Naples Flatbread GULF COAST DREAM CRUISE Celebrate a good cause with Saturday, April 13 live entertainment, dancing, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. drinks and appetizers. Cruise for a cause, “Fill the Boot,” and visit with classic, exotic and custom cars KIDS DAY on display, for the 1st Annual Gulf Coast Saturday, April 27 Dream Cruise® 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in PLAYLAND SCIENCE SATURDAY Saturday, April 13 COLORS OF 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in PLAYLAND THE RAINBOW SINGLES MINGLE/LOCK & KEY Saturday, April 27 4 p.m. at Miromar Design Center Saturday, April 13 12-student Dancing 7 to 9 p.m. Classrooms dance teams Meet local singles through this social compete for top honors at gathering. There will be raffle prizes, Miromar Design Center. live entertainment, and food and drink specials all night. Sunday, April 7 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near
Tom Rosenberg • Ask the Expert:
How to Find the Best Summer Camp • Tom Rosenberg is president and CEO of the American Camp Association. Before his current role, he was executive director of Camp Judea in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and before that spent two decades with Blue Star Camps, also in North Carolina.
Andrea Stetson • Kid Stuff, Teens,
How to Save on Lessons • Andrea Stetson writes for SW FL Parent & Child, Grandeur Magazine, The News-Press, Naples Daily News and The Banner. She has also been a news producer and writer at television stations in Fort Myers, Miami and Scranton. Andrea lives in North Naples with her husband, daughter, dog and eight bunnies. Her son is a student at Georgia Tech. She enjoys traveling, swimming, boating, pickleball and being with family.
SWFL BIG BAND CONCERT
Sunday, April 14 3 to 5 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY
Monday, April 15 6:30 p.m. on the lawn near Ford’s Garage
MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, April 17 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Free treats for moms.
PLAYLAND
Visit MiromarOutlets.com for more details.
Leigh Tahirovic • Spotlight: Kaylee
SAVE UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES!
Miromar Outlets Gift Cards* are valid at all Outlet Stores and Restaurants and can be purchased at MiromarOutlets.com, the Mall Office or Visitor Information Kiosk.
*Subject to monthly maintenance fee. Terms and Conditions of the Card Agreement are set forth at MiromarOutlets.com. Copyright © 2019, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation. NP-0000966613
8 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
0419-0773
(239) 948-3766 • MiromarOutlets.com • I-75, Exit 123, Corkscrew Road, in Estero, between Naples & Fort Myers
Rouse • Leigh Tahirovic is a wife and mother who loves traveling and Civil War history. She moved to Naples in 2001 and began a career in journalism. She is a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers in the region.
online »
swflparentchild.com Get the latest event information and family news every day at swflparentchild.com.
How to pack a brain-boosting lunch As students complete state testing and prepare for final exams, you might want to consider what you’re packing in their school lunches. Dr. Pamela Hughes, founder of the Hughes Center for Functional Medicine, provides tips for creating lunches that pack a hearty boost for your child’s brain. You’ll find the full story on swflparentchild.com.
Summer camps
We ran into a few bumps in the road to getting our summer camp database up and running in March, but we’re hoping to have that available to you all by the time you see read this. Look for it at swflparentchild.com.
Get SWFL Parent & Child anywhere at any time LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/ swflparentchild
READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 9
BEST SUMMER CAMP AROUND $150 Weekly Full Day Session Starts June 1st
Summer Camp Programs
XAIR Classes:
astics Extreme Air Takes Gymn to a Higher Level with More Options and Greater Achievement tics Women’s Artistic Gymnas s Men’s Artistic Gymnastic Acrobatic Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling Aerial Silks Ninja-Kour
Camp American Ninja Warrior mp Trampoline & Tumbling Ca Camp Acrobatics & Aerial Arts
ecial Events
Birthday Parties and Sp
child will LOVE Extreme Air Parties - Your y Party at having an Extreme Birthda Extreme Air Sports!
ntal
Extreme Air Equipment Re se Inflatable Obstacle Cour Rock Wall Bungees
Contact Us At: 239.466.3547 www.xairgym.com | Email: extremeairco@gmail.com 17312 Alico Center Road, Fort Myers, Florida 33967 Gym Hours: Monday – Thursday 3-9pm | Friday 3-10pm | Saturday & Sunday By Appointment 10 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
all the moms »
All the
Moms SW FL Parent & Child is part of the USA Today Network, home to All the Moms, a place on the web where you’ll find parenting advice, celebrity parent news and more. Here’s what you missed in March:
One cigarette a day doubles risk of SIDS One cigarette. Researchers analyzed more than 20 million births, including over 19,000 unexpected baby deaths, and found that smoking just one cigarette a day during pregnancy can double the chance of sudden, unexpected death for infants. The findings of the study were published in March in the journal Pediatrics. Also, Dr. Rahul Gupta, chief medical and health officer at the March of Dimes, cautions against thinking that nicotine delivery devices are safer.
Trolls criticize family photo, and Pink snaps back This is getting old. Really old. This family is hella entertaining, photogenic and interesting. Nothing was going on but a family enjoying tacos. With a cute photo that Pink made sweet with her Instagram chatter. Still, some troll had to go and spoil it. And Pink snapped back.
Barbie turns 60: A look at the most popular versions of the famous doll No other doll in American history is more famous than Barbie, whose full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. To celebrate Barbie’s 60th, 24/7 Wall St. looks at her most popular versions, along with some groovy real estate. For example, the Original Barbie in Bathing Suit made its debut March 9, 1959, at a toy fair in New York City. She was 11 inches tall, had blond hair tied in a ponytail, and wore a black-and-white striped bathing suit. A brunette version was released later that year.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 11
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.
12 Âť APRIL 2019 Âť SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
me time »
Put spring in your step No matter what the temperature outside, stay cool and breezy in these summery fashions.
Made in the shade Be sun smart and stylish with this straw hat by H&M. Except for the band, it’s made entirely of paper straw. $7.99 at H&M.
Pineapples in paradise Slip on these lightweight flip-flops by Samba Sol. Made with eco-friendly, renewable materials. Designed in Miami. Made in Brazil. $36 at Amazon.com.
Hello, sunshine
DATE
NIGHT
Bright, light and oh so comfortable, this yellow gingham dress flatters and slims. $39.99 at Old Navy and oldnavy.com.
Got you covered You’ll feel breezy and comfortable in this striped wide-leg crop jumpsuit. Wear it to the beach or a balmy night at Art Walk. $79.50 at loft.com.
You can go to the movies anytime. You can’t always go to a film festival. The Fort Myers Film Festival brings independent shorts, documentaries and full-length features to Southwest Florida on April 10-14 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Opening night kicks off with a black-tie gala and the film “A Man and His Trumpet: The Leroy Jones Story,” directed by Cameron Washington. Opening night tickets are $25 for movie only, $150 for movie, gala and a chance to meet the stars; day passes are $30. Get the full schedule at sbdac.com/fort-myers-film-festival-2019.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 13
URE T N E V D SKY A
CAMP
Keep your kids busy this summer with our AMAZING camp program!
Ages 5-13 Play all day on our Ninja Warrior Course, Free Climb, Wipe Out & SO MUCH MORE! New themes every week include crafts, slime, pizza making contests and all the awesome, healthy fun of Sky Zone!
Full Day – Full Week Only $179.99! Half Day – Full Week Only $139.99! Drop In Days Available • 20% Sibling Discount Lunch Included in Full Day
SkyZone.com/FortMyers • 239.313.5448
14 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
5 things »
wonders Technological
Get in control This little cube pairs with your Wi-Fi to let you manage all the devices in your home. You can set time limits for certain apps, devices and websites, add age-appropriate filters and even give your kids rewards through Circle with Disney. $99 list price, available on Amazon.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy and Target.
Devices for kids that make parents happy, too.
Magic tracker We can’t chip our kids yet. But this GPS tracking watch might be the next best thing. The Wizard Watch lets you track your child’s whereabouts, send them messages and speak with them. You can set geofencing boundaries that alert you if your child strays too far. If the watch is removed, a sensor triggers an alert. It can even give your child step-by-step directions home. Plus, the company, iGPS, is based in Fort Myers. $119.95 on Amazon.com and igpswatch.com. Monthly cellular connection fee is $14.95.
Smarter than a phone This little device was made for parents who want to keep in contact with their kids but don’t want them glued to a screen. Relay lets kids talk with family and friends with the touch of a button. Plus, you can see where they’re at on a map. Channels add extra functions, like music, a daily joke and a translator feature. Plus, it’s durable and water resistant. $49.99 at relaygo.com.
Jukebox hero This little music player lets kids listen to Spotify playlists of your choosing, web radios or content you upload, like stories. Each character connects the Jooki to a different playlist that you arrange though the app. $199.99 on Amazon.com.
Your kid’s new BFF The Echo Dot isn’t just for grown-ups. With the kids’ edition, Alexa can play games, spin kid-friendly tunes, tell dad jokes, stories and more, plus she can help answer kids’ homework questions, like “Alexa, how do you spell ‘amazing.’” $69.99 list price on Amazon.com.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 15
« fyi
Get to know Harriet
Harriet the bald eagle is a celebrity in Southwest Florida. Thousands of people have watched her raise her family via the Eagle Cam in a nest perched high in a tree on the Pritchett family’s land in North Fort Myers. Like many families, there has been drama and celebration. Now there’s a children’s book. Virginia Pritchett McSpadden, co-founder of the Eagle Cam and mom to a young human son, brings Harriet’s story to kids in “A Day with Harriet” to help kids connect with nature. The book is available now for $14.98 at adaywithharriet.com. See the Eagle Cam at dickpritchettrealestate.com/eagle-feed.html.
Podcast gives parents a pep talk Safe Kids Worldwide started a podcast to help parents support each other, learn from each other and realize we’re not alone in this crazy thing they call parenting. Host Gary Karton is a dad, too, and was inspired to start the podcast after some frustrating times he had. When he asked his mom, “Is it always this hard,” she replied, “Only if you’re doing it right.” The podcast features experts, kids, parents and numerous topics. It’s available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify.
16 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Be an ambassador for Keep Lee Beautiful Keep Lee County Beautiful, a volunteer-based nonprofit that aims to end littering, improve recycling and beautify Lee County’s communities, is looking for ambassadors to be spokespeople for the team. Ambassadors emphasize the importance of preserving the environment at local events. Open to ages 16 and older without a parent, ages 12-15 with a parent. To sign up, call 239-334-3488 or email tisha@klcb.org.
Cookies, paintings and parties There’s a new party in town. You know how you can drink with your friends and handle a paint brush at the same time at Wine and Canvas Fort Myers? Now there’s a kid version: Cookies & Canvas. Themed birthday party packages for ages 6 and older start at $180 for a 2-hour party for eight guests. Get details at wineandcanvas.com or call 239-980-9138.
READY, SET, SMILE. DENTAL CHECK-UPS $ 99 BRACES 25% OFF
Child safety forms available year-round in Cape Coral You don’t have to wait for a special event to put together the information law enforcement would need in an emergency. The Dan McGuire Allstate Team in Cape Coral opened a year-round Operation Kidsafe Child Safety Center in its offices on Del Prado Boulevard North in February where parents can get Amber Alertready safety forms and safety tips Monday through Friday. The unit is also available to go to local events. The program is free.
Ft. Myers Cape Coral Naples
239.567.9480 239.443.5988 239.963.1135
mainstreetsmiles.com
Universal reveals details of new Harry Potter ride
*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.
Orlando Resort recently released new details about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a ride it calls its “most highly themed, immersive coaster yet.” Among the details: It will include an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees. Riders will fly deep into the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid as their guide. You’ll see a centaur, Cornish pixies and Fluffy the three-headed dog. You must be at least 48-inches tall to ride the “magical motorbikes.” It opens June 13 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Lee Health Convenient Care now accepts most Medicaid Families on Medicaid don’t always have to turn to hospital emergency departments for health care now. Lee Convenient Care urgent care clinics recently announced they accept 95 percent of Medicaid plans in the region, including Vivida Health. No appointment is necessary at the clinics. Locations include 16230 Summerlin Road, south Fort Myers; 4771 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers; 13340 Metro Parkway, south Fort Myers; 1682 NE Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, and Kids Urgent Care, in the Golisano| Nicklaus Children’s Health Center, 3361 Pine Ridge Road, Naples.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 17
« health & wellness
Do dollar store pregnancy tests actually work? USA TODAY NETWORK
A
m I pregnant? Finding out the answer to that life-changing question isn’t something women want to gamble with. But knowing which at-home pregnancy test to use is a quandary. Should you shell out $15-plus for a fancy one, or will a humble dollarstore pregnancy test be reliable? The answer might surprise you. First, here’s what you need to know about any home test. This applies to all tests, from the cheap ones to the fancy digital ones that count down, flash and even spell out the word “pregnant.” • The test is designed to pick up traces of the pregnancy hormone called
human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, in urine. This hormone enters a woman’s bloodstream and urine shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining and the placenta forms. • The best time to take the test is the day after the first missed period. This is assuming a regular cycle. • For the most accurate results, take the test when you wake up, before urine is diluted. • Whether a pregnancy test has words or a symbol, there is often a control indicator — a line or symbol in a window that shows it’s working. If it doesn’t show up, take another test. • Read the instructions. So are dollar store pregnancy tests accurate?
Vicky C. and David Byron Smith Children’s Garden
239.643.7275 18 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
The answer is yes. Yes, they are. The Food and Drug Administration regulates home pregnancy tests, meaning if it’s sold in the U.S, it’s the real deal. “I would only caution that it needs to be sold legally,” says Stephanie Caccomo, FDA spokeswoman. So, women asking the big question can rest assured that tests from both the drugstore and the dollar store are a safe bet. The more expensive versions may be easier to use or more sensitive (so you’ll know the answer sooner). But the bargain ones work and are accurate. If you’re still nervous, you can check the name of your home pregnancy kit on the FDA-approved home and lab tests site.
Tom Rosenberg is president and CEO of the American Camp Association. Before his current role, he was executive director of Camp Judea and before that spent two decades with Blue Star Camps, both in North Carolina.
ask the expert » TOM ROSENBERG
HOW TO FIND THE
BEST SUMMER CAMP
S
ummer camp experiences are more essential for children and teens today than ever before. Research suggests that the skills campers learn at camp last far beyond their camp experience and specifically help them in school, when they attend college and in their first jobs. Industry surveys show that camps are filling up earlier each year, and now is the perfect time to find the right camp. At the American Camp Association, we believe that there is a camp for every child. Here are some things to consider during your search. Include your child in the search process and gauge his or her interest in
different camps. How excited is your child? Explore camp options and examine the materials the camps provide together as a family. When children are better acquainted with the camp experience and more involved in the decisionmaking process, they will have less anxiety about going away to camp. Seek advice from a neighbor, friend or relative. Often the best
endorsement is from a family you know whose children already attend camp. Ask questions! Reach out to camp directors and ask questions about their camp. What is the director’s background? What training do counselors receive? If possible, visit the camp in person to visualize the camp experience. Ensure that your child’s camp is accredited by the American Camp As-
sociation. ACA accreditation means the camp voluntarily undergoes a thorough peer review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. ACA accreditation is a parent’s best evidence that a camp meets industry-accepted and government-recognized standards of staff training and development, camper supervision, healthcare, risk management, safety and program quality. If a camp is not accredited, ask why not. The ACA’s Find a Camp tool allows families to search for camps by activity, cost, location and other parameters. There are ACA-accredited camps that meet every interest, price range and schedule. Ask camps about scholarship and
financial assistance opportunities. Knowing your options, as well as your child’s personality, will help you identify programs that will benefit your child most. Camp provides children with the opportunity to connect with nature, to participate in humanpowered activities and to benefit from personal and primary relationships. At camp, children make memories and gain skills to last a lifetime. EDITOR’S NOTE: While the ACA Find a Camp tool is helpful in finding overnight camps, you’re not likely to find smaller day camps in our region on the list. That does not mean they aren’t good programs. It simply means you’ll have to rely on the other steps more. Learn more about ACA at acacamps.org.
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 2019 » 19
in the kitchen »
SHELBY R E Y NOLDS
green KITCHEN We found five affordable, eco-friendly gadgets to help reduce waste. BY SHELBY REYNOLDS
L
ike many of my peers, I resolved in 2019 to take steps toward a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. I’ve learned that it’s a switch that doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and patience. It takes breaking bad habits and having a new mindset. I’ve learned it’s best to take baby steps, to start with just one small adjustment until it becomes your new normal, before adding a new technique, a new product, a new way of thinking. In all areas of our lives, there are many methods to reduce waste. It could be as simple as finally recycling that pile of old magazines in the corner, or as complex as starting a compost pile in the backyard. I’m here to help tackle an area of our home in which we spend so much of our time: the kitchen. Here are five reusable household gizmos that I’ve started using to not only help reduce waste, but also save money and time. Prices for these items range from less than $10 to close to $50. But when you think about the long-lasting effects of making the switch, the value far outweighs the cost. These helpful alternatives get us one step closer to a greener planet.
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Sustainable FOOD WRAPS I’ve reached a point in my green journey where just about any singleuse plastic drives me up the wall. That includes Ziploc bags. I used to be a heavy user. Packing carrots in my lunch? Ziploc. Need to store half an onion I didn’t use? Ziploc. As an alternative, I may use leftover containers (glass is always preferable to plastic, of course). But when space is an issue (in the fridge or in the lunchbox), purchase a pack of sustainable food wraps. I like the ones from a company called
Bees Wrap, which are made from beeswax, organic cotton, organic jojoba oil and tree resin. The wraps seal and conform to the shape of whatever food you’re wrapping. Plus, they come in fun, colorful prints and a variety of sizes (buy the variety pack for $45 and get them all). When you’re finished, simply wash the wrap with cool water and a mild dish soap and let it air dry for the next use. Find at: beeswrap.com
The only choice
Mesh PRODUCE BAGS Have you ditched plastic sacks and committed to bringing reusable canvas bags to the grocery store? Good. Take it a step further and use reusable produce bags to cut out those single-use sacks that shoppers often load with fruits, vegetables and herbs. In many cases, you don’t even need them. Things like lemons and limes, onions and potatoes – food that we don’t bother to eat the skins of -- can just jostle around inside your cart and on the checkout belt. But for produce that we do eat the skins of (apples, cucumbers and bell peppers, for example), I’ve started using mesh produce bags I bought on Amazon.com. The brand is called Earthwise, and they come in a couple of different sizes. Nine of them cost $14. These are lightweight and see-through, so scanning them at check-out is no problem.
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Silicone BAKING MATS I used to be a big fan of using aluminum foil or parchment paper on my baking sheets to make clean-up easy. But then I realized how much of it just got thrown away in the garbage, and how many rolls of the stuff I was repeatedly buying at the grocery store. I turned to food-grade silicone baking mats. Silpat is the leading brand, which you can find at most major distributors, including at Bed Bath & Beyond, Sur La Table and Macy’s (and good ol‘ Amazon.com). Silpat sells the silicone cookie baking mat online for $25.99. These mats can be used in the oven, microwave and freezer, and the non-stick coating allows your food (savory or baked goods) to bake evenly and slip right off without the use of oils, butters or sprays. Use a soft sponge to wash your silicone mat to prevent damage. Find at: Major retailers and silpat.com
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» in the kitchen (continued)
Stainless-steel STRAWS There has been a big push recently to cut back on the use of single-use plastic straws. Many diners have decided to simply opt out, kindly asking restaurants and coffee shops to skip on the straw that comes with their drink. But if you’re like me and having a hard time giving up the straw, invest in a set of reusable ones. I like the stainless-steel straws, because they stay ice cold and are thin and long enough to fit in most any lid of a reusable cup (even Yetis!). I try to keep one or two in my purse and in my car for when I’m at a restaurant or pulling through a drive-thru. There is a set of eight straws from Samheng ($7.86 on Amazon.com) that also comes with two flexible wire brushes to get a thorough clean.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OH SHE GLOWS
Find at: Amazon.com
Reuseable K-CUPS Even our morning coffee ritual can be greener. You love your Keurig coffee maker, but you probably don’t realize how much plastic you’re tossing in the landfill when you use single-use K-Cups. A reusable version made of BPA-free materials and eco-friendly stainless-steel mesh allows you to brew your own ground coffee. Simply fill the basket with grounds, and after each use wash it in soapy water or load it in the dishwasher. The K-Cup replacements from iPartsPlusMore are available on Amazon.com for $10 for a four pack. These are compatible with all Keurig versions, and you don’t even need to replace the filter holder. Find at: Major retailers and Amazon.com
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‘Oh She Glows’ HAPPY DIGESTION SMOOTHIE Treating the planet with respect starts with respecting your own health and wellness. This green smoothie is packed with digestionenhancing and immune-boosting foods like pineapple, parsley, ginger and avocado.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 heaping cup frozen pineapple chunks • 1/2 large frozen banana • 1/2 cup water • 1/2 cup coconut water • 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves • 2 tablespoons avocado • 1 teaspoon packed fresh grated ginger • 1/4 teaspoon probiotic powder,
optional • Lemon or lime slice, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Add all ingredients into a blender and blend on the highest speed until smooth. 2. Garnish with lemon or lime slice. SOURCE: ohsheglows.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. Jean Le Boeuf recommends this restaurant for families. Follow the critic at facebook.com/ jeanleboeufswfl or @JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.
A place to make us all happy At The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, you give in to grilled cheese; the kids give in to Brussels sprouts.
I
t’s been a good five years since a Brussels sprout made my knees quiver. The little leaf balls have become ubiquitous on restaurant menus. All too often they’re overcooked and mushy or used merely as vehicles for bacon (not that I’m complaining). But The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen’s Brussels sprouts are a revelation. They’re fried till the insides go tender and the outer leaves become nutty and slightly charred with a tantalizing crunch. They’re slicked in maple syrup that’s been thinned with Meyer lemon juice and warmed by cayenne. They’re beautifully addicting, a reminder of what this trendy vegetable can be in the right hands. Those hands just happen to belong to a grilled-cheese place. The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen opened in mid-November next to Marlins Brewhouse off Six Mile Cypress Parkway in south Fort Myers. It’s the third location for the small chain, and the first outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. San Francisco to Fort Myers? Grilled cheese and Brussels sprouts? Stick with me. Franchisee Steven Brown-Cestero is the answer to the first question. A longtime restaurateur and businessman, he saw promise in TAGCK. He could have
Whole-grain bread adds an earthy crunch, helped by stone-ground mustard and a slick of rosemary butter. That’s a lot of components for one grilled cheese. But together they’re so, so good. » Location: 5611 Six Mile Commercial Court, south Fort Myers » Price: under Any serious grilled cheese place $10 to $15 » Online: tagck.com » must have a serious tomato soup, and Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondayTAGCK’s version — silky with a hint Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. of smoke and a finishing squiggle of to 10 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. creme fraiche — doesn’t disappoint. Its Sunday » Noise level: Moderate » Etc.: Beer and wine served, takeout available, salads have though, especially a sesamedelivery available through Bite Squad, kale one overwhelmed by vinaigrette. breakfast served till 11 a.m. on weekdays The thing with all these hand-crafted and 1 p.m. on weekends components is they don’t always last. The Piglet wasn’t available one day (no more apple spread), nor were the brought the concept anywhere, but he biscuits late one morning when the lived in Fort Myers, so he brought the breakfast menu (there’s that, too) was first one here. still being served. Chef and co-founder Heidi Gibson And those components aren’t cheap. answers the second question. She won Everything at TAGCK is served a la seven Grilled Cheese Invitational cham- carte. That means $11 gets you just pionships before opening the restaurant the Piglet, as glorious as it is, but no with partner Nathan Pollak in 2010. fries (those are $4.50 and shareable), She takes the classic grilled cheese to in- no pickle (that’s $1), and certainly not teresting places and then serves it with those damn-amazing Brussels sprouts fried Brussels sprouts that I seriously (they’re $6.50, or $8 if you like them can’t stop thinking about. with bacon). The beauty of TAGCK is in the Judging by the crowds, I may be the details — a dash of gochujang here, a only one raising an eyebrow over an $8 slathering of lavender-basil pesto there. plain grilled cheese. People clearly like For the Piglet, the kitchen teams this place — as do I. Or maybe we’ve Gouda and cheddar with ham and all become hopeless Brussels sprouts a smear of caramelized-apple spread addicts. Either way, I look forward to that hums sweetly in the background. going back.
The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 23
T
Part art, part ecology lesson, part scavenger hunt, kids are loving this exhibit. BY ANDREA STETSON
he children search for eight umbrella handles, flip-flops, a soccer ball, toothbrushes, a toilet seat and much more. It’s like an I Spy or Where’s Waldo game, only this one is aimed at educating people about the plastic that washes up on beaches. “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea” is on display through Sunday, April 21 at the Naples Zoo. There are 11 sculptures scattered around the zoo and one at the airport.
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The nonprofit behind the exhibit, also called Washed Ashore, aims to use the arts to educate people about plastic pollution in oceans and waterways and to encourage constructive changes in consumer habits. Angela Haseltine Pozzi, the founder and director, began the project in 2010. Since then thousands of pounds of debris have been removed from the beaches and made into more than 70 pieces of art that travel around the country to raise awareness about pollution in the world’s oceans.
At the Naples Zoo, there are sculptures of fish, a turtle, seal, whale, polar bear, octopus and others. Informational signs explain how this trash harms each creature. What kids seem to like most is the list of some of the plastic items to search for in each sculpture. “We found shoes, footballs, water bottles, gloves and bottle caps,” says Merritt Bell, 9, of Charlotte, North Carolina. “It teaches me not to litter.” “It’s very eye-opening,” adds her mother, Mandi Bell.
PHOTOS BY ANDREA STETSON / SOME PROVIDED BY NAPLES ZOO
I SPY ART
PHOTOS BY ANDREA STETSON / SOME PROVIDED BY NAPLES ZOO
kid stuff »
“It’s educational,” says Merritt’s grandmother Karen Bell. “It teaches us a lot about what we shouldn’t do. Every coastal city should have an exhibit like this.” Courtney Jolly, director of public relations and marketing at the zoo, says this type of education is important in this area. “It is such a perfect fit with our mission and our conservation goals,” Courtney says. “We are a beach community, so it is such an important topic for our community. It is such an important topic that we couldn’t pass it up.” Courtney likes seeing the children and their families hunt for items together while they learn. “The kids do it, but we also see the adults do it, too,” she says. “The kids are searching and searching, and then they step back, and they think maybe they can do something. Watching the kids, that is my favorite part of it.” Where: Naples Courtney says she found all the Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank items listed in each sign, so she can be Road, Naples knowledgeable about each sculpture. “The plastic corn on the cob is When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; hard to find on the parrot fish. It is in exhibit on display her mouth,” she reveals. “People are through Sunday, looking all over, and they can’t find it. April 21 My other favorite is the microwave on Cost: Included the octopus. It is crazy to think that a with regular microwave washed ashore.” zoo admission, Sarah Peterson, the zoo’s education which is $22.95 for ages 13 specialist, says the exhibit is appealing and older, to children because it is a hands-on $14.95 for ages display. 3-12, free for “They are not only allowed to children 2 and touch, but encouraged to touch,” she younger. A family membership for says. “Kids can move the fins and tail Collier County on the triggerfish.” residents is $99 All the waste seen in the exhibits per year, for noncomes from the beaches of Oregon. residents $198 “So you can imagine how much per year. more is out there,” Sarah says. Online: One of the favorite sculptures is napleszoo.org Grace the Humpback, mostly because of the toilet seat. “The toilet seat,” says Libby Roelle, 6, when asked about her favorite find. “The buoys,” adds her cousin Nash Haire, 5. Madison Haire, 9, says the sculpture was educational. “It shows you not to throw the plastic on the beach, because it can hurt the animals,” she says. Her mother, Debbie Haire, was amazed at what was put onto the sculptures. “There is a toilet seat, found in the ocean,” she says. “There are so many random things.”
Washed Ashore Exhibit
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teens »
YOU CAN GET
A SCHOLARSHIP
FOR
THAT
Football players aren’t the only ones getting sports scholarships. Think: golf, cross country or bowling, to name a few. BY ANDREA STETSON
E
very year there are those televised scenes of a top high school football or basketball player grabbing the cap of the college they will attend on scholarship. It can be a player’s dream to go to a university for free. Yet that rarely happens. Local athletic directors say many scholarships for athletes are a combination of sports and academic money, so top grades are just as important as top form on the field or court. “The vast majority of kids that you see signing to play are not receiving full scholarships to play,” says Justin Budmayr, athletic director at Riverdale High School in east Lee County. “Everybody associates football and everybody being on full scholarships. “That is why there is such a huge emphasis placed on academics. A lot of what I emphasize is just bringing it back to the core. It is to support academics. The premise of it is to get kids to stay involved and be involved and be with adults. That will make a positive impact on kids’ lives. It is a resume builder just to be participants. Being part of a team is just an important thing being part of our society.” Athletic directors also stress that scholarships aren’t just for football, basketball and soccer but for many lesser known sports, too. “Bowling — it is a possibility,” Justin says. “It de-
pends on where they are going to school. Last year we did have a girls’ cross-country student receive a scholarship. Chelsey Oliver went to University of North Florida. Last year we did have a lacrosse player get a scholarship. That is a kind of an under-the-radar sport in Florida. Wrestling is another way-under-the-radar sport that Riverdale excels at. We have both girls and boys competing.” Matt Kuk, athletic coordinator at Gulf Coast High School in Naples, has also seen students get scholarships for lesser known sports. “We’ve had several kids get golf scholarships, tennis scholarships, even some track scholarships,” Matt says. “We have had some kids get rugby scholarships. They are football kids that play rugby on the side. We have volleyball — that is a very popular one for girls.” Since universities must often balance the number of scholarships for boys and girls, and since football takes a large chunk of scholarships, that leaves opportunities for female students who play some of those under-theradar sports. “Some of the opportunities are more ample for girls,” Matt says. “We have had several tennis players get scholarships. Golf has also been popular. There always seems to be one or two for almost every sport we have.”
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« teens (continued)
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28 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Matt says it all depends on the university and the programs it offers. “It may not be Division I, but they can find them a place to play,” Matt explains. “A lot of our coaches really push it; if you can do it in the classroom, they will find money for you. Athletic money runs out before the academics, so if you have both, they will be all over you.” Remi Chartier, a senior at Gulf Coast High School, recently received a partial golf scholarship for East Tennessee State University. He says 60 percent of his expenses will be paid for with a combination of golf and academic scholarships. “I played multiple sports growing up,” Remi says. “I had a passion for all of them, but golf was the only individual sport I played. Having it all to myself was a good thing. I was also a little bit better at golf than other sports. I got the golf bug. I really have a passion for it.” Remi plans to use his scholarship to major in business and minor in communications. Cody Dunn, director of coaching for Cape Fear, says universities are starting to give scholarships for beach volleyball. “All D1 colleges are picking up beach volleyball, so you can pick up full rides,” he says. “You can’t beat that.” Florida Gulf Coast University’s assistant coach for beach volleyball Chris Sweat says the bigger schools offer beach volleyball in the NCAA. “One of the best things is it can be broken into pieces, so part can be given to one girl and part to another, which you can’t do with regular volleyball,” Chris says. “So if they can get an academic scholarship with a beach volleyball scholarship, they can get both. It is definitely one of the fastest growing sports in the country.” At FGCU, Chris says, beach volleyball athletes receive academic scholarships if they qualify. Those that don’t come from Florida can get out-of-state waivers. “We have a couple of girls from Texas, and they are on a scholarship and out-of-state waiver,” he says. Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers is one of the few local schools with a beach volleyball team. Kelly Corr, head coach, believes the sport will grow and continue to offer more opportunities. She has students receive scholarships for beach volleyball. “A lot of them do both, so they will do indoor volleyball and then beach,” she says. “I do have a girl that will only do beach. It really depends on the school. They definitely have more opportunities, and it just keeps growing now. In the next few years, we are going to see more girls playing beach, and they won’t have to be affiliated with indoors. Hopefully it will be a more sought-after sport.”
spotlight »
The joy of sharing Teen artist Kaylee Rouse finds joy in sharing art with others. One of her creative endeavors: the coloring tent for kids at Naples Art Association events. BY LEIGH TAHIROVIC
A
PHOTO BY ALEX DRIEHAUS
masterpiece of sorts hangs in their living room. The eye-catching drawing, created by then 2-year-old Kaylee Rouse, has ornate details and elaborate coloring. It’s a smiley face, but perfectly illustrates the budding artist’s talents even at a young age. Today, the almost 16-year-old Naples
native continues to show off a talent that rivals the masters, earning recognition and winning awards at every turn. “I find joy in making an art piece,” explains Kaylee of her artistic approach. “I want others to find the joy of looking at it.” She regularly takes classes at Naples Art Association and sells her
work at Art in the Park, an art show that features works by local artists the first Saturday of the month November to April in Cambier Park in Naples. But Kaylee wants people, especially children, to look and touch her art. She even encourages it when kids stop by her tent. The “handsoff ” rule doesn’t apply, Kaylee says.
Kaylee Rouse, 15, paints with coffee at Cambier Park in Naples.
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« spotlight (continued)
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Art in the Park PHOTOS BY ALEX DRIEHAUS
“If they break it, I’ll fix it.” One of her more elaborate pieces, “Ju-Ju” is a 3-demensional art sculpture made of recycled materials. It was raffled off to benefit Lighthouse of Collier, a local charity that provides programs and support to the visually impaired. She chose to donate the piece after participating in the Feel the Art Exhibition with the Naples Art Association last October. “It makes me happy to help others,” she says of her philanthropic work. Kaylee also created Popi, a purplewinged fairy princess, to raise money to support suicide awareness. The image was used to make temporary tattoos sold for $1 at art shows. “It’s wrong for someone to not feel [accepted] or different from someone else,” she says. Kaylee even helped start the Kids Coloring Tent that’s set up at larger NAA national art shows where wannabe artists and their parents can stop by to color their own masterpieces. Kaylee designed the coloring pages that are used in the tent. “It’s quite adorable to see the kids coloring,” Kaylee says. “And their parents, too.” Armed with a thick sketch pad and loads of pencils she stashes inside an oversized purse, Kaylee is a student in the Artis—Naples’ program Sketching Sights and Sounds. One of 10 participants (selected by application from eligible high-school age students), Kaylee attended a series of art sessions led by area artists and educators. She created a sensory art piece inspired by the experiences, which were often based on current art exhibits or watching a performance rehearsal. The finished sketches were displayed during Artis— Naples Community Day on March 9. This talented artist places no limitation on creativity and has no particular preference to an art medium. She finds inspiration in just about anything — even her dreams can become a work of art, she says. Kaylee does prefer natural materials like coffee and wine to acrylic
Kaylee Rouse, 15, paints with coffee at Cambier Park in Naples.
Kaylee Rouse, 15, talks to Mary Zeigler about her process as she paints with coffee at Cambier Park in Naples.
paint, calling herself a “big naturalist.” Don’t ask her to name a favorite artist either. She doesn’t bother with learning screen names on Instagram, but instead follows a medium of art. “A couple of people that I follow on Instagram, I like how they do things,” she says. A local gallery is showing an interest in displaying her artwork. And she had a gallery in Rhode Island contact her. But right now, Kaylee is concentrating on school work and art classes. “I want to do a little bit of everything,” says the high school sophomore who is a Florida Virtual School student. She dreams of attending the Savannah
• What: An art show featuring area artists • When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 6 • Where: Cambier Park, 755 Eight Ave. S. Naples
College of Art and Design and studying fine arts, illustrations and sequential arts (think comic books). Comic books are really where she first entered art (after that masterpiece at age 2). She showed an interest in developing a comic book, and her mom, Bejay Rouse, enrolled Kaylee in ArtsCool, a summer art program offered at NAA that has a full-range of classes each summer. “I was into animation and always had a story I was working on … I wanted to take that story and incorporate it into a comic book,” Kaylee says of what first inspired her to take art classes. “Perhaps because my spelling is terrible.”
spotlight »
PHOTOS BY MORGAN HORNSBY
Melissa Bazley is the owner of Krazy Krops, a Collier County-based business that sells unwanted produce to reduce food waste.
Loving THE
unloved Naples mom fights beauty standards for fruits, vegetables with subscription delivery service. BY SHELBY RENYOLDS
here is a misconception that unusual-looking produce is rotten, dirty, inedible. A twisty, curvy carrot. A two-headed mushroom. A heart-shaped potato with bulging, blemished flesh. Melissa Bazley would argue that even in the food industry, impossible-toreach beauty standards are unrealistic. “Your eye tends to go after the most beautiful thing,” says Melissa, 38. “So I’m going after all the uglies.” Late last year Melissa launched a business to give love to the unloved produce that so often gets thrown away because of USDA grading
standards that determine which fruits and vegetables can end up in our grocery stores and restaurants. Her subscription delivery service, krazykrops.com, allows customers to purchase boxes of primarily ugly and surplus produce sourced from farmers locally and from across the U.S., which are sorted in Immokalee and delivered to doorsteps across Collier County at
least once a week. It’s still a fledgling company — the first of its kind in Southwest Florida — with plans in the works to expand into Lee County and to offer weekly recipe videos online.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 31
« spotlight (continued) Ultimately, Melissa is biting off an ambitious goal: to help reduce food waste in a country that has a growing food waste problem. “If you’ve ever grown anything, you’ll know you can’t dictate how it grows,” she says. “Why not give that poor little ugly two-headed potato a chance? It’s true — there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Living no waste The ugly food movement started to gain momentum in the U.S. only a few years ago, but for Melissa mindfulness about waste has always been a way of life. A native of Peru, her parents divorced when she was young. After the separation, her mother learned to make ends meet to support four young children. She bought fresh bread daily from the local market and used every part of every piece of food to prepare family meals. “She made sure that she didn’t waste anything,” Melissa recalls. “She had to figure out how to feed us and in the process getting a job and balancing children. It’s hard.” It’s a struggle that Melissa says she experienced later in life. Melissa married in her 20s and moved to Naples in 2003 to settle down and raise three children. She was a stay-at-home mom when she went through a divorce with her thenhusband. “My life was my family,” she says. “So at 32 I tried to figure what I was going to do. I didn’t know.” Melissa continued to reinvent herself. She pursued a degree in nursing school, she earned a commercial real estate license and studied to become an esthetician, taking business classes online when she found time. “Trust me I have done anything and everything to figure out what would really make me happy, and this is going to sound so cliché, but almost to live with purpose,” she says. “Like when you get up in the morning and you’re like, ‘Oh my god, I love my job.’ I wanted that.”
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Through the struggles of raising kids and changing career paths, Melissa says she was reminded of the no-waste attitude that she learned growing up in South America. It’s a mindset that she says doesn’t really resonate with many Americans.
‘Mother Nature is a fickle lady’
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated in 2010 that between 30 and 40 percent of the nation’s food supply goes to waste. That’s about 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food. The concern, experts say, is that food waste hurts the environment, contributes to climate change, wastes money and disadvantages people who face hunger in our communities. Part of the problem, Melissa says, is that the USDA’s grading standards are too strict. These standards assign the condition of fruits and vegetables distributed across the country. For example, a No. 1 grade for a potato is the highest quality, meaning that it will sell for a higher price, while a No. 2 potato will sell for less because of its physical appearance. The reality, though, is that farmers often can’t take the financial risk of harvesting imperfect produce that won’t sell. When pickers go out to harvest tangerines at Martin Mason’s 40-acre citrus farm, they’re checking color, shape, texture and size. They pick the prettiest first, leaving behind the ones that have blemishes, nicks or scratches. “After harvest I still have a lot of fruit on the trees,” says Martin, who has operated Tropical Oakes Farm near the Lee-Hendry County line since 2011. “We do the best we can do, but Mother Nature is a fickle lady.” Mason might be able to harvest the leftovers for secondary markets in Immokalee, but whatever is left behind rots in the field. Some farms turn the unwanted produce into cattle feed. “Basically, it’s a loss of money,” he says. “I have to go back and remove it from the trees and it basically gets
thrown out.”
Fixing the beauty standard
Melissa learned about the issue of food waste in Immokalee while volunteering there after Hurricane Irma devastated the low-income community in September 2017. One day she watched a truck-load of unwanted produce leave a farmers market, while just blocks away hungry families gathered at a church to collect donated food. “Even though I knew they threw away food, I had no idea about the amount,” Melissa says. “That disconnect to me was ... I don’t know how to explain it.” So she set out on a mission to rescue the uglies. Using resources from the Culinary Accelerator of Immokalee, an incubator for food start-ups, and SCORE, a business mentorship program in Naples, Melissa developed a business plan and launched krazykrops.com last October. She buys up produce from a rotating list of about 10 suppliers. Some of those are large-scale distributors with a surplus, for example, of No. 2 apples in Michigan and Washington. Others are the more mom-and-pop locals who own a few acres in Southwest Florida but need to move unwanted product. Melissa and her team sort through the produce at the Culinary Accelerator facility, and package them into small, medium and large boxes that customers can custom-order online. Then, a delivery driver sends them out to about nine zip codes across Collier County. She hopes to expand into Lee County soon. The biggest challenge, she says, is getting people to understand the value of a strawberry that doesn’t have the perfect tear-drop shape, a bumpy jalapeño or a discolored tangerine. She often hears: “You’re trying to sell me something rotten.” And so Melissa’s new role has brought a new purpose to her life. “We should not be applying beauty standards to produce, and really to ourselves,” she says.
kids in the arts »
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STORY BY RANDY K AMBIC vidence of the benefits of early music playing is legion. Recent studies, including by the Children’s Music Workshop and the National Association for Music Education, report the activity helps foster spatial intelligence, creative thinking, verbal IQ and reasoning skills, short-term memory and planning, self-expression and -esteem, larger vocabularies, advanced reading, hand-eye coordination and motor skills, reduced inhibitions and more. Along with teaching how to read notes, instructional venues offer creative lessons, other outlets for expression, exposure to other cultures and ways for parents to join in. Family Music Time, directed by LouAnne Dunfee, has been providing early childhood programs from toddlers on up in Fort Myers since 2007. Weekly, group, 45-minute Rhythm Kids sessions — which emphasize djembe (African) drumming, plus singing, dancing and other movement often accompanied by music CDs for 4- to 5-year-olds with parents allowed to participate — began in 2016. The curriculum is furnished by Princeton, New Jersey-based Music Together, of which Family Music Time is an affiliate and licensed center. It helps foster “basic music competence and learning rhythm patterns toward private lessons later,” LouAnne says. Parents can also integrate music into everyday life through take-home CDs and music books. Janet DeMarco, a teacher at the facility since 2009, explains that each semester features an international theme. “Each country brings a different vibe,” she says. She began a recent session by leading warm-up drumming, including stretching hands and fingers followed by a “hello” song and mentioning the children’s names. Other elements included recognizing different drumming tones; doing movements modeled after various animals; walking around and through colorful hoops placed on the carpet to a
Japanese song about sparrows; using sticks and a song to simulate food preparation like stirring soup; Janet singing and strumming a guitar lullaby; drumming to a song about the coqui, a tree frog native to Puerto Rico; and a “goodbye” song. “We’re playing with the beat,” Janet called out at one point. A program for 6- to 8-year-olds will also be offered this spring. The experience is a tradition for many families. Bibiana Paez, of Fort Myers, noted her son Daniel, 12, attended when he was younger and now plays the piano. “He’s a great student, he concentrates well,” she says. Bibiana began taking her daughter Sarah, 5, to the studio several years ago.
Top right: Family Music Time teacher Janet DeMarco leads a drumming song as part of a Rhythm Kids class for 4- and 5-year-olds. • Bottom right: Family Music Time Director LouAnne Dunfee, left, and Janet have been together for 10 of the business’ 12 years.
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kids in the arts (continued) »
Lili Webber, 7, plays a wooden frog percussion instrument called a guiro rasp. It’s one of the instruments her mom, Katie Webber, uses when teaching classes at Family Music Time in south Fort Myers.
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« kids in the arts (continued)
Where to play There are many places in Southwest Florida where kids can learn and grow with music. Here we mentioned:
Tatum Costantini, 13, of North Naples, enjoys a piano lesson taught by Theresa Miller, owner and piano instructor of Miller’s Sheet Music & Studios in Bonita Springs.
“She loves music and dancing; she also does ballet.” Group and private guitar, piano and trumpet lessons for all ages plus kids’ birthday parties are also provided. The center also sells music-related, age-appropriate items. Off-site classes are also available, held at Botanica Lakes in Fort Myers, Four Freedoms Park and the Maranatha School of Dance & the Arts in Cape Coral, and Stoneybrook and Bella Terra in Estero. In Bonita Springs on a recent Saturday morning, the simultaneous sounds of Rachmaninoff on piano, The Beatles’ “Blackbird” on guitar and a flutist practicing scales filled the air at Miller’s Sheet Music & Studios. Celebrating her 10th year this month, owner and piano instructor Theresa Miller salutes the teachers, who work with 100-plus students every week. “They are all highly qualified. Most have day jobs. I also think everyone likes the family-type atmosphere,” Theresa says. Parents often socialize in the lobby while their youngsters immerse in halfor one-hour lessons. Nuances are also provided. “The piano is in some ways a percussion instrument, striking the keys hard or softly,” she points out. Other instructors are Renata Rozmus on violin; Larry Maas, piano; Brian Gunder, guitar; Anthony Herrera, guitar and violin; Jose Cordero, flute and piano; Isaiah Suriel, saxophone and clarinet;
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• Family Music Time, 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 158, south Fort Myers, 239-671-5693, familymusictime.com. • Miller’s Sheet Music & Studios, 10347 Bonita
Stephanie Nelson, singing; Anthony Claro, trumpet and trombone, and Tim Torres, cello, viola and drums. Five of the teachers are either undergrad or graduate students of Florida Gulf Coast University, and some of them also help in store operations. “They’re so committed, want it to be the best. They come up with new ideas,” Theresa says, adding that Jose can also teach in Spanish. Theresa, with both a bachelor’s in music education and music therapy from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, attests, “Playing music is a gift of a lifetime.” The business also sells instruments, supplies and, yes, lots of sheet music, from Adele to ZZ Top. Children can start with piano as young as 3 — by rote (following along) before being exposed to musical notes — and violin at 5. Many young students have played piano recitals at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, both in North Naples, and have competed and earned awards in Lee and Collier county junior and high school music contests and at Music USA Festivals in Orlando. “Music leads to so many opportunities,” Theresa says, citing that many students join school bands, form their own among schoolmates and play at local nursing homes. “It’s so much more than just growing musically.”
Beach Road, Unit 113, Bonita Springs. 239-405-8122, millerssheetmusic.com.
Some other music instruction providers: • Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, 239-9392787, artinlee.org • BIG Arts, Sanibel, 239395-0900, bigarts.org • Conner School of Music, Naples,
239-784-6325, connerschoolofmusic.com • First Note Music, Cape Coral, 239-5733636, firstnotemusic.net
• Fletcher Music Centers, Bonita Springs
and Port Charlotte, 239307-2163, fletchermusic. com
• Gulf Coast Music School, Fort Myers, 239-590-0059, gulfcoastmusic.org
• Maranatha School of Dance & the Arts, Cape Coral, 239-772-3309, maranathadance.com
• McCubbin’s Music Conservatory, Cape Coral, 239-5400864, facebook.com/ cubbyplayers
• Mr. Music, Fort Myers, 239-561-5611, mrmusicstore.com
kids in the arts »
passion BUT NO MONEY WHEN THERE’S
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Scholarships help make the performing arts more affordable for families. BY ANDREA STETSON
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» kids in the arts (continued)
L
“Those are cost prohibitive to buy, so the school system provides it,” says Steve Lauster, band director at North Naples Middle School. In band, the oboe, bassoon, French horn, euphonium or baritone horn, and tuba, along with the baritone saxophone and bass clarinet, are free to use. Parents are asked to provide the mouthpiece or reeds. Title I schools, which have a large concentration of low-income students, have additional free instruments, such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and drums, available through endowments and donations. “In addition to that, we have groups like Music for Minors, the Golden Apple Foundation and some local civic groups like the Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis, and on occasion they will find playable instruments that have been donated,” Steve explains. “We can make a decision to appropriate one of those instruments on a need basis.” Steve says there are also exceptions for students who have a passion for music but no funds to participate. He lent one of his sixth-grade students his grown son’s trombone. He found a saxophone for another student in need.
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“In any situation we find a way to get students who want to play music a way to connect them to music,” Steve says. “If a kid wants to be in band or orchestra, we will get them on an instrument.” Lee County has a similar policy. The same big expensive instruments are bought by the school system. Students rent or buy the smaller ones. But Mark Dahlberg, band director at Diplomat Middle School in Cape Coral, says that does not mean a student can’t play the instrument he or she desires. “No one is going to deny any students because of their finances,” he says. Band directors often buy instruments at garage sales, antique shops and get donations. “We will find one,” Mark says. “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Music scholarships For students who want to take music further and have private lessons or an instrument of their own, there are several organizations that help. The Music Foundation of Greater Naples has awarded 1,119 scholarships worth $950,000 since it began
in 1970. In 2018, 68 students were awarded grants that totaled $49,000. “That is a lot considering we are a nonprofit organization and we are all volunteers,” says Linda Noel, past president and current board member. Every April, students from Collier County, Bonita Springs and Estero in grades 6-12 compete for scholarships in brass, woodwinds, piano, percussion, strings, voice and guitar. The money awarded can be used for summer music camps, lessons, instruments, instrument upgrades, sheet music or college studies. The 2019 scholarship competition is Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 at Naples High School. “Our organization is made up of people that are passionate about education as well as music,” Linda says. “We have statistics that support that if a young student is exposed to music, it helps not only their mathematics and science skills, but also their time management; and also when they start very young, it improves their cognitive development, their readiness for kindergarten, their self-confidence, their verbal skills and more. We believe a student at any age that can have music in their life is the better for it.” The foundation also has outreach
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essons in the arts can be expensive for children who want to pursue music, dance or theater. But there are ways to get that instruction that are not just cheap, but free. The easiest way for free music instruction is through the public schools. Both Collier and Lee counties offer a music program in band and orchestra, usually in the middle and high schools but elementary school programs exist at arts magnet schools. While students must rent or buy some instruments, others are provided free for both school use and take-home practice. In Collier County all beginning orchestra students can use a violin, viola, cello and string bass. After the first year, usually only cello and bass are provided.
GET MORE DETAILS In Southwest Florida, there are many options for pursuing the arts, and many of them offer discounts or scholarships. We mentioned quite a few in this article. Here’s where to get more information on those places: • Music Foundation of Greater Naples: musicfoundationnaples.org • Music Foundation of Southwest Florida: music-foundation.org • Café of Life: cafeoflife.org • Naples Ballet: naplesballet.org
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• Gulfshore Ballet: gsballet.org • Florida Repertory Theatre: floridarep.org • KidzAct: naplesplayers.org/kidzact • Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs: artcenterbonita.org
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» kids in the arts (continued)
programs for students in economically disadvantaged areas. Their MusicScores gives free violin lessons to children in prekindergarten. There are free piano lessons in an after-school program at some schools. “These are all in economically disadvantaged areas,” Linda says. “We use the money from our donors to buy keyboards. Kids get a lesson for 30 to 40 minutes. These are children that can’t afford piano lessons and can’t afford to have a piano in their home.” The organization’s LEAP program provides a piano or keyboard for students ages 8-14 in their home and reduced rate lessons. They also provide low-cost lessons for middle and high school students and master classes for middle-schoolers. The Music Foundation of Southwest Florida, based in Fort Myers, holds a big yearly fundraiser to provide money for summer music and arts programs, a fifthgrade traveling instrument program and music camps. “They are a very small organization. They get some grants, and they do a lot to help children,” says Christina Mehta Prendiville, owner of Mehta Communications in Fort Myers and a public relations and marketing strategist who helps the foundation. “It is a great organization. It is very low key; a lot of people don’t know about it.” Some programs are small but impactful. At the Café of Life in Bonita Springs, eight children are now getting free music lessons in piano or guitar. “It has made such a big difference in these kids,” says Bev Pierret, a volunteer who organizes the lessons. “We had one little girl who was very, very shy, and now she is opening up and talking, and she is playing in a recital. Music to me is food for the heart and soul. This was an idea that came to me. They are all from Café of Life. They are all underprivileged children that would never have this opportunity.” Bev is looking for more music instruc-
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tors to volunteer, so children on the waiting list can get lessons, too. Each child is also given a keyboard or guitar to take home to practice. “I think it is a really good program,” Bev says. “My heart goes to the children, and I saw the children there every day, and I thought it lets these children know if they work hard there is something else out there for them. It gives them selfconfidence. I would really, really like to expand this program.”
Dance & theater scholarships Music isn’t the only art that is available by scholarship. The Naples Ballet offers scholarships for its educational and professional ballet training. This year auditions are 2 p.m. May 25 at the studio, 1005 Fifth Ave. N., Naples. The scholarships are based on need for children ages 8 and older. No experience is needed, says administrator Nicole Saunders. “We just look for someone who has a
desire or love for ballet,” Nicole says. “It is so we can get more talent. It is to offer the arts and culture to the community and inspire young girls and boys — we are always looking for boys.” Gulfshore Ballet in south Fort Myers offers free scholarships to all boys. Trinka Lowe, president of the board, says the boys can be any level, even beginners, and there is no financial need required. “All boys can train for free,” Trinka says. “We really want to encourage boys to come out and enjoy the arts.” For girls, it’s more competitive. Girls must be Level III or higher and have a financial need. The deadline for this year is April 30. In theater, the Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers has scholarships for 6 to 8 students, ages 8-18, in each show. KidzAct in Naples offers scholarships to about 50 percent of its students. The Centers for the Arts in Bonita Springs may be the only venue in Southwest Florida that gives young actors, that get a part in a show, all the instruction for free.
spotlight »
THE
TOUCH
Dancing Classrooms helps students improve social skills and school performance.
S PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
how your diamond, comb your hair,” Marvilla Marzán sing-songs, demonstrating a tango move, left arm floating gracefully to the center of the music classroom at Villas Elementary School before sweeping past her head. At Littleton Elementary, Karen Debitetto calls out: “Crispy chicken wings, crispy chicken wings.” Immediately dozens of arms form an L and extend to the ceiling. Marvilla and Karen are speaking the language of dance — to Lee County fifth-graders who participate in Dancing Classrooms, a 25-year-old
international program that uses ballroom dancing to improve academic performance and social skills. “Pancakes,” “promenade” and “scorpion” are part of the lingo designed to lessen the anxiety for 10and 11-year-olds whose world often still revolves around the chance of cooties. Marvilla, or “Miss Marvilla” to her students, has been a teaching artist since Dancing Classrooms was introduced to Lee County schools in 2008 by Miromar Development President and CEO Margaret Antonier. More than 9,000 local students have completed the 10-week program, learning much more than the steps and nuances of the tango, fox trot,
SPECIAL TO SW FL PARENT & CHILD Fifth-graders throughout Lee County learn ballroom dances in the Dancing Classrooms program. Clockwise from top: Destiny McGlothan and Jeffrey Brown at James Stephens International Academy in Fort Myers. Meytana Dorvilien and Angel Hernandez, also at James Stephens. Parker Glaze and Erica Estrella-Torres at Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary School in North Fort Myers. Nubia Whittaker and Zachary Jackson, also at Littleton.
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« spotlight (continued)
merengue, rumba, swing and waltz. “Dancing Classrooms has proven to change lives,” Margaret says. “Students do better in school, they learn respect and social skills. They become ladies and gentlemen.” “It’s magic,” says Susan Stauffer, a teaching artist at Bonita Springs Elementary. “I experienced it personally through my daughters. Now, as a substitute teacher at the middle school, I see the lasting impact.” During a classroom visit in early February, students at Littleton are still a little rusty. They’re only four weeks in. Some teams are crowding or bumping classmates, stepping on toes. Others are still bashful about looking their partner in the eye. Marvilla sees considerable improvement in her class at James Stephens International Academy from the previous week — so much so she promises to bring doughnuts the following week if the students can master the “doughnut” turn. “Show me the doughnut turn,” she encourages. And they do — flawlessly. “This is fun,” says Fred’nica Scott. “I knew I would like it because I love dancing to hip-hop.” Classmate David Jimenez admits he was dreading the required classes. “Holding hands was so uncomfortable at first, but I don’t mind it now,” he says. Practice makes perfect. Polish and poise emerge. And the initial awkwardness gives way to confidence. At Villas Elementary, students display finesse and expertise still lacking in their peers at James Stephens and Littleton. They completed Dancing Classrooms in
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the fall and have performed for parents, fourth-graders and at the Fall Exhibition at Miromar Outlets. The shopping center is the Dancing Classrooms founding sponsor, contributing over $500,000 to date, and donating more than 1,000 brightly colored T-shirts for the exhibitions, presented in fall and spring. Dancing Classrooms is administered by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools as part of the curriculum at eight elementary schools this year. Margaret credits Foundation President and CEO Marshall T. Bower for embracing the program and its possibilities. “I was extremely impressed when Margaret introduced me to Dancing Classrooms,” he says. “The program not only impacts the children but everyone they will come in contact with. It gives students important tools they will use throughout their lives.” Tools such as increased confidence for facing their fears and overcoming qualms and concerns that are universal in the fifth grade. “I was terrified,” says Villas student Mia Colon. “I didn’t want to touch anyone — especially boys. Some kids rushed to wash their hands after class.” Fueled by encouragement and inspiration from their teaching artists, the students eventually looked forward to the dance sessions. “By the last day, I was excited to dance in front of the fourth-graders,” says Diego Ramirez. He and Mia are among the 12 students competing for Villas in the Dancing Classroom Team Match, “Colors of the Rainbow,” on April 27 at the Miromar Design Center. Each of the dance teams are selected by their teaching artist and approved by
the school staff. Boys and girls transform into young ladies and gentlemen with knee-length cocktail dresses, dress shirts and pants. Sashes, hair bows and ties in aqua, purple, fuchsia and other vivid hues proudly show school allegiance. Colors of the Rainbow gives students an opportunity to perform on a grander stage, in front of the public, and vie for the first-place trophy. For Ambrielle Calixte, Parker Glaze and their Littleton classmates, they’ll be dancing in the shadows of last year’s team, which won the school’s first-ever title. “Lehigh always beats us,” notes Parker. “But not last year.” Miromar Outlets also sponsors a fundraising block party on the eve of Colors of the Rainbow. Rodney Lopez, Dancing Classrooms executive director, often attends the party; he also serves as the master of ceremony at the team match, calling out the six dances. World champion ballroom dancer and Dancing Classrooms founder Pierre Dulaine has attended past events. For students, lessons learned in just 10 weeks will last a lifetime, long after the music fades and they journey into sixth grade, high school and beyond. “I always see a change in the kids,” Karen says. “This is one of the most brilliant dance programs written for children.” “This is more than dance. The kids don’t believe us when we tell them at the beginning they’ll remember what they learned,” Marvilla says, then she turns to directly address the students. “You’re going to remember Miss Marvilla. “Your mind and feet will always remember.”
safety corner » SA LLY K R EUSCHER
Safe Kids Day fun helps protect children
C
hildren are magnets for play, fun and injuries. Preventable injuries are the No. 1 cause of death of children in the United States. Worldwide, a million families lose a child to a preventable injury each year. Kids are going to fall, crash, slip, explore. It’s part of being a kid. But we can protect them from serious injuries due to motor vehicle crashes, fires, drowning and more. This is a problem we can fix. The Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, the Safe Kids Southwest Florida Coalition and community sponsors are hosting a Safe Kids Day on Saturday, April 27 at the Page Field Airport in Fort Myers to educate parents and help children learn ways to protect themselves. It’s important for children to learn about the tools they can use so they feel empowered. Things like always wearing a helmet when bicycling and never swimming alone are easy to understand and implement. Many parents think they know about safety — and they do — but there is always more to learn. For example,
80 percent of all car seats are installed incorrectly. Most people don’t know that. (Inspectors will be available at the event to let you know if yours is installed correctly.) Also, babies should not sleep with anything in the crib. Many parents want to include a stuffed animal or a blanket, but it’s not a safe choice. While the event is about safety, it’s also a way to start a dialogue within families. This event highlights what the Safe Kids Coalition does all in one day, but our work continues throughout the year. We want parents to communicate with their children and children to talk with their friends about making smart choices. Even something as small as putting down the cell phone when the child is in or around the water is important. Often, we find that adults learn from their children or grandchildren. Safe Kids Day is aimed at all ages and is meant to be fun. It’s fun to see the children get excited about safety. We want families to have a great time but take away the message that children are vulnerable. Losing one child is one child too many for something that could have been prevented.
Sally Kreuscher is the Safe Kids coordinator at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Safe Kids Day Celebrate kids and learn safety in a fun, interactive way. There’ll be food and music, games, face painting, free bike helmets and more.
When: 11 a.m.2 p.m., Saturday, April 27 Where: Page
Field Airport, 4700 Terminal Drive, Fort Myers
Cost: Free Details: Learn
more about the coalition at safekidsswfl.org.
To donate: Text LIFESAVER to 31996
Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org.
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SPELLING BEE » Lee County
students compete in the Lee County Spelling Bee at Three Oaks Middle School in Fort Myers. • Clockwise from left: Isabel Liu, who attends Cypress Lake Middle School, has advanced to the National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C in May. • Eric Castro , Caloosa Middle School • Rayshaun Lindor, Harns Marsh Middle School • Eric Feichthaler, Oasis Charter Middle School. Photos by Kinfay Moroti
Send Us Your Snapshots
Send your images with a brief description and names of the people in them to editor@swflparentchild.com 44 » APRIL 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
family album »
COCA–COLA SCHOLAR »
BEACH PRINCESS » Isla Waite gets her portrait taken by Kaci Boone Photography.
Emily Javedan, a junior who will be graduating early from Canterbury School, was named a 2019 Coca-Cola Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders and scholars who are refreshing the world. Emily was one of 150 students selected to receive the award, which includes a $20,000 college scholarship. She will also attend Scholars Weekend in April in Atlanta. The winners were selected from more than 1,800 semifinalists from across the country. The Foundation originally received more than 95,000 applications for this award. Emily is a top scholar, researcher and leader at Canterbury School and a varsity tennis player since 2011. • Above: She poses with Canterbury’s Head of School Rick Kirschner. • Bottom: Emily with Canterbury’s Varsity Tennis Coach Sibo Kangwa. Photos courtesy of Canterbury School
LAW DAY » Christina Harris Schwinn, of Pavese Law Firm, gathers with students for a tour of the Lee County Courthouse during Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida and the Lee County Bar Association’s Law Day 2019, where students explore the various facets of the legal system. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA READING FESTIVAL » Southwest
Florida Reading Festival in downtown Fort Myers took place March 2. Clockwsie from top: • Nikolina Vujaklija, 6, of Fort Myers, was in awe of all the books she could pick from at the free book table.• Anya Zhang plays Plinko at the SW FL Parent & Child booth. • Emilia Ocampo 4, pets Lexi Lop, an English lop rabbit and the star of a book series by Andrea Stetson. • Author Hilde Lysiak poses for a photo with Annabelle Jackson, 7. • Starr Curry of Fort Myers, reads to her children Evan, 6, and Stella, 3, as they take a break from all the fun. Photos by Pamela Hayford and Amanda Inscore
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family album »
SCIENCE FAIR » Classical Conversations of Northwest Naples held its annual Science Fair and Geo/Science Fair. Students ages 4-12 created boards on topics relating to geography, history or science. The older students participated in a formal science fair with judges analyzing their work. Each student spent 10 weeks going through the scientific process for their chosen project and created a written paper and 20-minute presentation. Photos courtesy of Classical Conversations
GOLDEN APPLES » James Rose is surrounded by his students after finding out he is a 2019 Golden Apple winner. He teaches fourth grade at Ray V. Pottorf Elementary in Fort Myers. Six teachers were selected for the honor. Photo by Ricardo Rolon
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« family album
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND » Three St. Andrew Catholic School Odyssey of the Mind teams competed in the Sun Region OM Tournament on March 2 at South Fort Myers High School. These student not only placed in their divisions but some will be advancing to future tournaments. Placing 7th for Problem 1: Omer to the Rescue Again, Division I, team members Brooklyn Rode, Thomas Varela, Rafael Varela, Thomas Rustic, Aiden Christo, Cael Dowling and Christian Burch. Placing first for Problem 3: Leonardo’s Workshop, Division II, team members David Trujillo, Addison Baker, Justin Rode, Isabella Tarquino, Palmer Pendleton, Abigail Cudnik and Daniel Trujillo. They will be moving on to the state tournament. Placing first for Problem 5: Opposites Distract, Division II, team members Kiley Lebid, Sophia Smith, Ellianna Trunkett, Jude Farese, Tegan Tracey, Siddalee Rustic and Marcella Bonner. They, too, go to the state tournament in April at the University of Central Florida. Photo courtesy of St. Andrew Catholic School
BLESSING OF THE PETS » Above: Eight-year-old
Madeline Cronin’s bearded dragon, Spikette, was among more than 50 animals blessed on February 27 at the Blessing of the Pets event at Cypress Lake United Methodist Church in south Fort Myers. Pastor Robert Bledsoe prayed over dogs, cats and their owners. • Below: Zoey, a goldendoodle, was among the more than 50 animals blessed. Photos by Kinfay Moroti
BUILDING THE FUTURE » Students enrolled in The
Immokalee Foundation’s Career Development program experienced first-hand the home construction process during a recent career exploration day hosted by Pulte Homes. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child
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travel »
Circus How to join the
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The Ringling thrills all ages in Sarasota, plus there are several other family-friendly attractions nearby. STORY BY RANDY K AMBIC
I
An outdoor courtyard of the The Ringling’s Museum of Art leads to a cast of Michelangelo’s David.
n bygone eras, parents worried their children might run away to join the circus. While that phase may have passed, “children of all ages” can get under “The Big Top” and feel like they’re part of “The Greatest Show on Earth” via a short daytrip to The Ringling in Sarasota. Further, parents can bask in rich culture and art as the 66-acre campus
on scenic Sarasota Bay encompasses much more than reviving the daring performers and exotic animals of yesteryear. John Ringling, widely acknowledged as Sarasota’s most famous snowbird, was primarily responsible for amping up and making roadworthy what P.T. Barnum popularized in the late 19th century, to form the long-running Ringling Bros. and
Barnum & Bailey Circus. Visitors marvel at the “Three Rings” atmosphere in the Circus Museum, including The Wisconsin (the Ringlings’ private railroad car) and the Tibbals Learning Center with its huge 22-foot-by-42-foot mural illustrating 45 legendary circus performers and 45 animals. Both buildings showcase vintage posters, costumes and other artifacts.
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Special displays salute legendary stars like clown Lou Jacobs, high wire artist Nik Wallenda, animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams and the “singing ringmaster” Harold Ronk. Kids can also pretend to be circus performers via interactive activities like Walk the Wire, shooting foam projectiles (instead of themselves!) toward a net and riding a decorated circus “horse.” A highlight is the Howard Bros. Circus Model, the largest miniature cir-
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cus in the world. Enriched with music, sound effects, video booths and informational signs, more than 42,000 tiny replicas of people, animals, equipment and more are meticulously arranged in a sprawling diorama that depicts the entire operation and scope of the halcyon days of the entertainment institution — from the circus train arriving in a city to the parade of animals into the Big Top. No detail of circus life is left out; there are even behind-the-scenes settings of performers doing laundry and
PHOTOS BY RANDY KAMBIC
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A vintage circus stagecoach in the Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling. • An outdoor courtyard of the The Ringling’s Museum of Art leads to a cast of Michelangelo’s David. • The Howard Bros. Circus Model in the Tibbals Learning Center of The Ringling includes more than 40,000 figures depicting the heyday of the traveling circus. • The Ringling fountain just outside the Ca’ d’Zan mansion was restored last year. • Entrance to The Ringling in Sarasota. • Mable’s Rose Garden at The Ringling is adjacent to a children’s playground.
caring for animals. Artist Howard Tibbals began the truly captivating work 63 years ago and continues today. Parents will be awed by the opulent and elaborate furniture, decorations and art in the Venetian Gothic-designed Ca’ d’Zan, the historic, 50-plus-room, threefloor home of John and Mable Ringling. Opened in 1926, it includes a Steinway grand piano that’s played regularly in concerts, chandeliers (including one from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City), bathtubs that were equipped
« travel (continued) More info The Ringling: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700.
City of Fort Myers Recreation
Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many tours options are available. ringling.org. For other attractions: visitsarasota.org.
“Bringing Our Community Together”
Fort Myers Skatium
• Learn to Skate Classes • Public Skating • Youth / Adult Hockey Leagues • Youth / Adult Indoor Sports
the splendorous Bayfront Gardens, including Mable’s Rose Garden, regarded as one of the Top 10 in the country. Perhaps the best takeaway sentiment is conveyed in a sign in the Tibbals Center: “May all of your days be circus days!” Along the boulevard named after him, the mark that John Ringling made on Sarasota outside his complex beckons. Dozens of shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants surround and are near St. Armands Circle. The traffic island itself has many plaques saluting key circus performers, executives and staff covering many decades. There’s also the Ringling College of Art & Design. A five-minute drive from the Circle stands another family-friendly attraction, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, which showcases more than 200 species of marine life in several aquariums and the work of staff scientists in protecting the environment. The Sarasota Children’s Garden & Art Center was saluted by the Sarasota Herald Tribune and SRQ magazine in reader’s choice polls in 2016, and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens showcases flamingoes, parrots and more along many trails. On second thought, perhaps you’ll need more than just one day for this trip.
• • • •
Private Swim Lessons Two Pools Open Year Round New lower prices Heated Pools
Athletics & Outdoor Sports
• Outdoor Sports • Co-Ed Youth / Adult Soccer • Women’s Soccer • Volleyball Rental League • Coed 7v7 Soccer • Women’s 7v7 Soccer • 9+ Sand Volleyball Leagues • Softball Leagues • Field Rentals
For more information on all activities contact us at: • Fort Myers Skatium (239) 321-7509 • Aquatic Center (239) 321-7556 NP-0000965591
with saltwater, a marble staircase, one of the first elevators in Florida, Wedgwood English china and a colored glass roof with intricate motifs. Most of the lavish furniture pieces and wall tapestries were bought in Europe while the Ringlings canvassed for new acts to add to the circus back in the states. Along with majestic views from the outdoor terrace, visitors can admire the Ringling fountain just outside the mansion. It was refurbished last August. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art displays paintings by Rubens, Hudson River School artist Albert Bierstadt and many European masters of religious and Greek mythological themes. The outdoor courtyard leads to a 19th-century cast of Michelangelo’s 16th-century legendary David statue. Two extensions debuted in 2016 — the Center for Asian Art and the Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art, which includes works by Edward Hopper. Current and upcoming art exhibits include medieval knights through Sunday, April 21, woodblock prints from post-war Japan through May 5 and “The Fabric of India” from July 7 through October 13. The complex also has a children’s playground next to majestic banyan trees, the Historic Asolo Theater, the Johnson-Blalock Education Center and
GETTY IMAGES
PHOTOS BY RANDY KAMBIC
Aquatic Center
• Athletics & Outdoor Sports 239-321-7514
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 51
« around town
Celebrate the Earth Go egg-static Southwest Florida parks, churches and organizations host numerous egg hunts and other spring and/or Easter-themed events this month.
We all know the importance of taking care of the planet. Earth Day celebrations are a great way to help our children learn about the nature around them and how to take care of the world in which we live. One of the biggest Earth Day celebrations in our region is the Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. This year, the event takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13. It’s free for members, $10 for nonmembers, $5 for children, free for ages 2 and younger. There will be speakers, live music, festival food, exhibits, crafts, live animals, boat rides, Super Science with Mr. Glen and more. The Conservancy is at 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Get details at conservancy.org/ earthday.
Royal Scoop brings its 25th annual Easter Egg Hunt & Games — possibly the biggest egg hunt in Southwest Florida — on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to the hunt, there’ll be inflatables, food, relay races, an ice creameating contest, crafts and games. The first egg hunt begins promptly at 11 a.m. for ages 2-5, 11:20 a.m. for ages 6-10.
Bass Pro Shops also holds its Easter Egg Hunt on April 20. It takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. The store also hosts special activities April 13-21, including photos with the Easter Bunny, giveaways and crafts. The Underwater Easter Egg Hunt — possibly the most unusual hunt — takes place in the pool at Golden Gate Community Park in Naples. For those not wanting to get wet, the Easter Bunny will be there for photo ops. The event runs noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13. For ages 1-13. Cost is $3. Get details at collierparks.com. For more egg hunts, peruse our calendar page in the back of this month’s issue or explore our online calendar at swflparentchild.com — and don’t forget to bring a basket!
The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center in Naples offers buy-one, get-one-free admission on Earth Day: Monday, April 22. Get details at rookerybay.org. The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers is hosting its Earth Day Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There’ll be live music, craft beer, animal shows and lots of activities for the family. Plus, Shy Wolf Sanctuary is coming. Included with regular admission, which is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger. Get details at calusanature.org.
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Speaking of eggs... Sunshine Ace Hardware is hosting its second annual Big Green EGGFest, a family-friendly grilling competition with live music, grilling demonstrations, all-you-can-eat samples, craft beer and a raffle to win a Big Green Egg (you know, the kind you grill on). The event is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. Tickets are $20 for ages 11 and older, free for ages 10 and younger.
calendar »
PRESCHOOL & VPK
Wednesday, April 3 “The Lion King” » April 3-21. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. Broadway comes to Southwest Florida with Disney’s “The Lion King.” Shows are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. and Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. There’s an additional matinee at 1:30 p.m. April 4. ASL performance is 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6. Tickets start at $37. 239-481-4849. bbmannpah.com or lionking.com
Thursday, April 4 Opening Night for Fort Myers Miracle » 6:30 a.m. Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers. The Miracle play the Charlotte Stone Crabs. miraclebaseball.com
Friday, April 5 Chair-A-Tea Party » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bonita Bay Club, 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs. $50. A tea party and lunch to benefit Our Mother’s Home. There will be a silent auction of hand-painted chairs and other works of art from local artists. ourmothershome.com/chair-a-tea First Friday Art Night » 7-9:30 p.m. Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Learn a new art form. Paint, sculpt, weave and more, and you’ll take home a little masterpiece created by you. April 5: Masking Tape Bottle. May 3: Mosaic Flower Pot. Bring a date or bring the family (ages 8 and older). $35. Registration required. 239-213-3058.
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
Saturday, April 6 Art in the Park » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Presented by the Naples Art Association the first Saturday of each month November through April. Best Buddies Friendship Walk » 7:30 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Donations welcomed. A walk to raise awareness and funds to support inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to the walk, there’s music, face painting, food and activities for all ages. Checkin begins at 7:30 a.m. Walk at 9 a.m. 239-275-2510. bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/southwestflorida Cape Coral Touch A Truck » 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lafayette Street, Cape Coral. Between Cape Coral and Vincennes streets. Horn-free hour 9-10 a.m. Benefits EHL Fragile X Foundation. Kids of all ages explore big trucks. Free admission. facebook. com/capecoraltouchatruck Cottontail Run » 8 a.m.-noon. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. A 5K race, Kids’ 500-meter, Spoon Run and vendors. 239-992-0311. friendsofkoreshan.org Movies in the Park » 6:30-10 p.m. Jim Jeffers Park, 2817 S.W. Third Lane, Cape Coral. Watch movies in the park on a giant inflatable screen. This month’s film is Disney’s “Christopher Robin.” Free admission. 239-573-3128. Promising Pathways 12th Annual Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder » 8 a.m. Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Conference begins at 9 a.m. Provides current information on best practices in autism spectrum disorder SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 53
« calendar for educators, health care professionals, students, family members and community members. Keynote speaker is Carol Schall. 239-745-3400. Snores & Roars Overnight Camping Adventure » 6 p.m.-9 a.m. Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. Overnight camping in the nature park. Check in at 6 p.m., check out at 9 a.m. $39 per person. Tents and chairs provided. Registration required. 239-995-2141 ext. 110 or email slynch.shellfactory@gmail.com. shellfactory.com Thunder City Derby Sirens vs FMRD Palm City Punishers » 6-8 p.m. Fort Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers. $10. The Fort Myers Roller Derby Palm City Punishers take on the Thunder City Derby Sirens in this family-friendly event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. fortmyersrollerderby.com
Sunday, April 7 Beacon of Hope » 5-9 p.m. De LaSalle Academy, 6401 Techster Blvd., Fort Myers. A fundraiser to support scholarships for young people in need who are living with learning challenges in Southwest Florida. The event includes dinner, live music, and live and silent auctions. delasallefm. org/beacon-of-hope-fundraiser Mommy & Me Yoga » 10-10:45 a.m. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. Stretch, play and have fun with your little ones. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle and a yoga mat or large towel. Make a morning of it by bringing a lunch and enjoying a picnic in the playground after class. Registration required. capeparks.com
Wednesday, April 10 Florida Gopher Tortoise Day » 10-11:30 a.m. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Talk is free with park entry fee: $5 per vehicle with 2-8 occupants, $4 per single-occupant vehicle, $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Join a park naturalist for a talk on gopher tortoises. Reservations requested. 239-992-0311. Youth Sports Safety Conference » 6-9 p.m. North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, North Naples. Or 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 13 at Norris Community Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Free. RSVP at safehealthychildren. org or 239-624-4033.
Friday, April 12 Family Friendly Bingo Night » 6:30 p.m. St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. Boy Scout Troop 117 hosts a family-friendly bingo night with prizes of gift baskets, gift cards and cash to raise money for summer camp and other troop needs. Glow In The Dark Egg Hunt » 6-7:30 p.m. Cape Coral Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. The fun starts with games and crafts and ends with an egg hunt with glowing eggs. For ages 4-6. $20 for residents, $24 for nonresidents. Registration required. 239-574-0804. capeparks.com. Holiday Youth Workshops » 3-5 p.m. Fleischmann Park Community Center, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Make a craft and have fun. April 12: Funny Bunnies for grades K-5. April 15: Little Chickies, 10 a.m.-noon for ages 18 months
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to 5 year with an adult. April 22: Little Earthlings, 10 a.m.noon for ages 18 months to 5 years with adult. April 22: We Recycle, 3-5 p.m. for grades K-5. May 6: Grandma’s Goodies, 10 a.m.-noon for ages 18 months to 5 years. May 10: Mom’s the Best, 3-5 p.m. for grades K-5. $25. Registration required. 239-213-3020. Somebunny Loves Me » 11:15 a.m.-noon. Cape Coral Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. Little ones ages 1-3 make a craft and hunt for eggs in a special indoor egg patch. A special visit from Peter Cottontail is scheduled, so bring your camera. Registration required. 239-574-0804. capeparks.com
Saturday, April 13 Annual Pioneer Picnic » Noon-1:30 p.m. Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. Meet at The Cottage and hear the stories of days gone by from historic pioneers. like Antonio Fernandez. and their descendants. Tour both the historical cottage and school house and meet head docent Marlene Fernandez. Free admission. Reservations requested with a covered dish or dessert you will bring to share. 239-272-1911. esterohistoricalsociety.com Bass Pro Shops Easter Events » April 13-21. Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers. The store hosts Easter activities, including photos with the Easter Bunny, giveaways and crafts. Photo ops with the bunny are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday (Free giveaway with photo MondayThursday only), 2-8 p.m. Fridays. Crafts are noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays and 3-7 p.m. Fridays. An Easter Egg Hunt is 2-3 p.m. April 20. Creative Arts Charitable Foundation Annual Fundraiser ‘Give Life’ » 1-4 p.m. Creative Arts Dance Center, 9131 College Parkway, Suite 130, Fort Myers. Dances by students with special needs, sponsored students and instructors. Earth Day Festival » 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Interactive programs and shows, Super Science Show with Mr. Glen, kids’ activities and crafts, bounce house, face painting, food trucks, music, exhibits and vendors. Free for members, $10 for nonmember adults, $5 for children, free for ages 2 and younger. 239-262-0304. conservancy.org/earthday Great American Cleanup » 8-11 a.m. At least 16 sites in Lee County. Exact locations available online. Volunteers help beautify the community through some 30 simultaneous projects. 239-334-3488. klcb.org/great-american-cleanup.html Hook Kids on Fishing » 10 a.m.-noon. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 800-639-0020. fishville.com Movie Under The Stars! » 6-8:30 p.m. Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. Bring a blanket and lawn chair. Pets welcome. Movie begins at dusk. April 13: “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” May 11: “A Wrinkle in Time.” Free. 239-9929966. simon.com/mall/coconut-point/news-and-events Naples/Fort Myers Great Strides Walk » 8 a.m.-noon. Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. Take steps to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Lunch will be available for all participants. There will be games and activities for all to enjoy before and after the walk. 239-707-8302. fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/GreatStrides/36_Florida_Tampa?fr_ id=7285&pg=entry
calendar » Science Saturday » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland. Join Mr. Glen and his Science & Engineering team for interactive science projects. miromaroutlets.com. Sunshine Ace Hardware Big Green EGGfest » 11 a.m.3 p.m. Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Foodies, fans and EGGheads from around the state share in their love for grilling on the Big Green Egg. Live music, food. live demonstrations, free samples and more. $20 for ages 11 and older, free for ages 10 and younger. sunshineaceeggfest.com
Saturday, April 20 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny » 9 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Kids are invited to eat breakfast and meet the Easter Bunny. Breakfast is for children only, $5 per child. Coffee available for adults. Reservations required: miromaroutlets.com/rsvp or 239-948-3766. Photos with the Easter Bunny » 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland. Pose with the Easter Bunny and receive a free 4-by-6 photo courtesy of Dick Parrish Photography. miromaroutlets.com
Ultra Unstoppable Fashion Show » All Justice stores. Inspired by the Ultra Squad series, girls get to strut down the runway in character.
Easter Cookie Decorating » noon-2 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Free cookie decorating in WINK Playland. miromaroutlets.com
Underwater Easter Egg Hunt » Noon-3 p.m. Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Ages 1-13 hunt for eggs in the pool. Bunny photos. $3 for participants, $1.50 for ages 3-17 not participating, free for children younger than 3 who are not participating, $2 for adults.
Royal Scoop’s 25th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Games » 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream, 15 Eighth St., Bonita Springs. Party and egg hunt are free. Possibly the largest Easter event in Bonita with hundreds of kids hopping over to gather tens of thousands of eggs. Ages 10 and younger are welcome to hunt the more than 26,000 treatfilled Easter eggs and play games in the church field across the street. Ages 2-5 hunt at 11 a.m. Ages 6-10 at 11:20 a.m. Visually impaired children begin an egg hunt at 11:40 a.m. Games start at noon. Ice cream eating contest at around 12:30. Easter Bunny will pass out candy and pose for photos. Inflatables, too. 239-992-2000.
Sunday, April 14 Spring Egg Hunt » 10 a.m. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., Fort Myers. More than 4,000 eggs are placed in the park for ages 6 and younger to find. The event begins with children’s activities and a sidewalk chalk area. Concessions available. Photos with the Easter Bunny. Children must be able to walk on their own; parents are not allowed to assist. Prize drawing. Free. No registration required. 239-321-7529. cityftmyers.com
Tuesday, April 16 FSW Financial Aid Assistance » 3-6:30 p.m. Florida SouthWestern State College, Lee Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. Financial Aid staff answer questions and help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in Building U, Room 102. Register at bit.ly/ FSWFinancialAid101.
Wednesday, April 17 Sensational Sharks » 10 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. A park naturalist talks about sharks. Reservations required. Included with park admission, $4 for vehicle with one occupant, $8 for vehicle with 2-8 occupants, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. 239-463-4588.
Thursday, April 18 Stars on Ice » 7:30 p.m. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Stars on Ice presented by Musselman’s features Meryl Davis, Charlie White, Alex Shibutani, Ashley Wagner, Madison Hubbell, Zachary Donohue and Jason Brown. Tickets are $28-$153. Parking is $15. hertzarena.com
Friday, April 19 Walk on the Wild Side » 10 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Hike with a park ranger along Black Island Trail. Reservations required. Included with park admission, $4 for vehicle with one occupant, $8 with 2-8 occupants, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. 239-463-4588.
Saturday Morning ARTCade » 10 a.m.-noon. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Families are invited to participate in free visual arts projects and creative activities inspired by the current gallery exhibit. Spring Fling » 1-5 p.m. Zoomers, 17455 Summerlin Road, south Fort Myers. Games, arts and crafts, giveaways and Easter egg hunts. All day wristbands available for $20 include all rides, go-karts and mini golf. 239-481-9666. zoomersfun.com
Sunday, April 21 “The Lion King” » 1 and 6:30 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. The final performance in Southwest Florida of Disney’s “The Lion King.” Tickets start at $37. 239-481-4849. bbmannpah.com or lionking.com
Monday, April 22 Earth Day at the Refuge » 7 a.m.-7 p.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. Because Earth Day 2019 falls on the Monday following Easter, a day off for Lee County Schools students, the refuge expanded the free event to include a full day of tours, crafts, films and programs. Earth crafts, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Visitor & Education Center (free admission), where you can meet Bagzilla, a “bag monster” dressed in the average person’s annual plastic bag consumption. Bike or hike Wildlife Drive for free 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ride your own bike and stop at Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s concessionaire, for a free gift. dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/events Earth Day BOGO » Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Celebrate Earth Day with buy-one, get-one-free admission. rookerybay.org
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » APRIL 2019 » 55
« calendar Tuesday, April 23 S.A.F.E. Girls » 6 p.m. Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. Learn basic selfdefense moves that every woman, of all ages, should know. This motherdaughter classes focuses on the various situations a young lady may find herself in while developing her independence. Tickets required. 239258-3280 or CommunityRelations@ SheriffLeeFL.org.
Friday, April 26 Dancing Classroom Block Party » 6-8 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Between Ford’s Garage and Naples Flatbread. Live entertainment, dancing, drinks and appetizers. Proceeds benefit the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Dancing Classrooms program for fifth-graders. miromaroutlets.com Family Night at IMAG » 5-8 p.m. IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Explore IMAG after dark with extended hours until 8 p.m. All exhibits remain open, and there will be a special evening showing of “Meet the Keeper” where guests meet some of the resident animal ambassadors up close. Free for IMAG members and general admission price for nonmembers.
Saturday, April 27 American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb » 8 a.m. Oasis Grand Tower One, 3000 Oasis Grand Blvd., Fort Myers. Climb 31 flights of stairs in support of friends and loved ones who suffer from lung diseases like asthma and lung cancer. Free practice climbs and training. $25 per participant, $100 fundraising minimum. Register: fightforairclimb.org. Colors of the Rainbow » 4 p.m. Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Dancing Classrooms teams of 12 students compete for top honors. miromaroutlets.com Earth Day Birthday Bash » 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Live music, craft beer, animal shows and lots of activities for the family. Plus, Shy Wolf Sanctuary
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is coming. Included with regular admission, $10 for adults, $5 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger. 239-275-3435. calusanature.org Touch-a-Truck Fort Myers » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, 8016 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Fort Myers. Featured vehicles include emergency service, law enforcement, military, public service and local commercial businesses. Other activities include trackless train rides, pony rides, face painting, petting zoo and superhero and princess meet-andgreet. Plus food trucks. Admission: Canned food donation to benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. Horn-free hour 11 a.m.-noon. Reeling for Autism » 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Nervous Nellie’s, 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach. Fundraiser fishing tournament and silent auction for Family Initiative Inc. Prizes up to $1,500. Fishing tournament is 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Silent auction, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Music and raffles, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. To register, email info@ fi-florida.org. Southwest Florida Epilepsy Awareness Walk » 8:30 a.m.-noon Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers. A 2-mile walk to raise awareness and funding. $25 for adults, $10 for children younger than 12. Includes T-shirt, lunch and parking. Register: epilepy-services.org Sunshine 5K » 7:30 a.m.-noon. Collier County Public Schools Administration Center, 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples. Friends of Foster Children Forever fundraiser. Race begins at 7:30 a.m. friendsoffosterchildren.net
Thursday, May 2 Autism Improv Class » Family Initiative, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. Month-long course that exposes students to various sensory experiences and artistic techniques. 239-910-0712. fi-florida.org
Friday, May 3 First Friday Art Night » 7-9:30 p.m. Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Learn a new art form. Paint, sculpt, weave and more, and you’ll take home a little masterpiece created by you. May 3: Mosaic Flower Pot. Bring a date or bring the family (ages 8 and older). $35. Registration required. 239-213-3058.
Coming this
summer:
CAMPS Alico Family Golf Summer Youth Program
» Alico Family Golf holds summer camps weekly June 3 to August 9. Campers get PGA instruction, fitness training and coaching on the game of golf. New this year, parents can add clubs to the camp package (must order at least 10 days prior to camp). Details: 239-334-4653, info@ alicofamilygolf.com or alicofamilygolf.com
The Art Express » Artist Beth Crosley teaches art to all ages through numerous summer camps at the Norris Center, Naples Preserve and Fleischmann Park Community Center in Naples. Themed programs include “Art Around the World,” “Crazy Cartoons,” and “Paper Mache & Paper Making.” See a full list online at theartexpress. net. Details: 239-213-3058 (Norris Center), 239-213-3020 (Naples Preserve, Fleischmann Park) or theartexpress.net
Florida Conquer Volleyball Club » The organization holds two summer camps and one summer-long program. The 10-14U Summer Volleyball Camp is July 15-18 and runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Kids learn volleyball skills and enjoy fun activities. The 15-18U Volleyball Camp is July 8-11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campers learn skills and training. The Summer Elite Volleyball Program and 4v4 League starts June 3 and runs through July 27. Practice is every Tuesday and Thursday; league play is Saturday. Details: 239-357-1963 or floridaconquervb.com.
FIND MORE CAMPS Look for our searchable summer camps list on swflparentchild.com.
Danielle Lee is the proud mom of a 24-week NICU survivor and an advocate for children with autism. She lives in Southwest Florida with her husband and two children.
voices »
GUEST COLUMNIST
‘My brother has autism’ How one Southwest Florida family adjusts to an autism diagnosis.
W
hen you think of the month of April, what comes to mind? Most people would probably say April Fools’ Day, Good Friday, Easter, maybe even National Poetry Month or Earth Day. If anyone asked me, I would have said the same. However, April took on an entirely new meaning for me, my husband, family and friends, once we had our son, Caleb. When Caleb was 3 years old, I felt that he was not meeting the developmental milestones that I knew he should be attempting or have already mastered. At first, we thought it was due to him being a 24-week preemie. Most of his doctors and therapists told us he would be behind and would eventually catch up. However, this uneasy feeling did not go away. I kept fighting to get answers. During one of my many late nights up researching, I ended up on the Autism Speaks website and I knew. We went to his pediatrician, then a neurologist and the ABLE Academy in Naples. Caleb was tested, and the results came back that he had a high functioning form of autism. From that day, the month of April has had an entirely new meaning. April is World Autism Month. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that while people with autism share certain difficulties their condition will affect them in different ways. For our family, it meant we would advocate and support Caleb by learning as much as we can to help him become as independent as possible and to show him
that he is capable of anything he wants without limitations despite his disabilities. On November 21, 2014, Caleb became a big brother at 6 years old. Our daughter, Kylie, came into the world healthy and without complications. As our daughter grew, I noticed she was beginning to see that her brother was a little different. At a very young age, I saw that Kylie would watch me with curiosity when I would help Caleb with various things. We explained to Kylie what autism is in a way for her to understand, and we discuss it whenever she has questions. She has asked why we have to help Caleb, yet we make her do things by herself. Why do we always have to go to therapy? There have been times when she has broken down in tears, because she did not understand why her brother didn’t talk or play with her. A book I found helpful when explaining it to her was “My Brother Charlie” by Holly Robinson Peete. Now at 4, besides my husband and me, Kylie is her brother’s biggest advo-
cate. She is quick to share with him and is always willing to help him. She tells others, “My brother has autism, and he is perfect just the way he is, and that we are going to just love and take care of him.” In our home and in my classroom, we say, “What makes you different, makes you special.” Caleb is a thriving, happy and loving 10-year-old. He loves to swim, ride horses, bowl, and play on his iPad. He is an absolute joy to have as a son, and we are proud of his hard work and determination to get where he is now. We are thankful for all our family, friends, teachers and the many medical doctors and therapists who have loved and supported Caleb and our family. Kerry Mango said, “Autism doesn’t come with an instructional guide. It comes with a family who will never give up,” and our family truly lives by this. Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S. It is important for everyone to be aware and learn as much as possible. With a better understanding, only then will come acceptance. Many people with autism experience some challenges, but they also have unique strengths and abilities. Autism isn’t the struggle, it’s one’s understanding of autism that is the struggle. People with autism may struggle with social skills, but it doesn’t mean they don’t want friends. Know that a child with autism is not ignoring you, they are simply waiting for you to enter their world. Autism doesn’t end in April, it’s every day of the year. If anyone would like to meet up and share stories, resources or just take a break, contact editor Pamela Hayford at pamela@swflparentchild.com or comment to this column on swflparentchild.com and we’ll set up a get-together.
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» last look
SUPER READER Gavin Copeland, 6, shows off the mask he made at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival in downtown Fort Myers on March 2.
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
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