SWFL Parent & Child Magazine October 2019

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

OCTOBER 2019

Sick Child?

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 3

4 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

contents »

swfl

parent&child

27

Features 27 bento dad This Southwest Florida father has become an expert at making bento box lunches for his kids

29 parkland voice Kai Koerber, a Parkland survivor, talks about his upcoming appearance at FGCU

32 baker-acted The number of children sent to psychiatric units under the Baker Act has risen sharply

47

In Every Issue 17 ask the expert

DAYWALT-FEAZEL IMAGES BY LINDI APTED FROM GE TTY ILLUSTRATION AD

S W F L PA R E N

43 safety corner

PokeBowl Cafe in south Fort Myers

Learn where best to place fire alarms

20 in the kitchen

47 travel

In the month of trick-ortreating, how do you keep kids with allergies safe?

Follow our itinerary for a haunted road trip

57 voices

23 kid stuff

Get to know the League of Courageous Women

Is cursive a necessary skill or an old-fashioned curse?

TCHILD.COM

OCTOBER 20 19

Haunted tours take kids on a fun, historical journey

19 dining out

37 fall festivals & more We highlight some of the best fall festivals and Halloween events in Southwest Florida

25 teens

5 signs your child’s vision is affecting schoolwork

Other Departments 7 8 9 11 13

editor’s note our contributors online me time 5 things

14 44 50 51 58

fyi family album around town calendar last look

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 5

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editor's note »

parent &child

swfl

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

Part of the USA TODAY Network

Volume 20, Issue 10

Spooky & sweet

A

Dedicated to serving the families of Lee and Collier counties 2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33901 swflparentchild.com Regional VP, Sales William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel

Editorial Contributors Frank Gluck, Dr. Sarah Johnson, Randy Kambic, Sally Kreuscher, Jean Le Boeuf, Leigha Messmer, Mollie Page, Andrea Stetson, Jennifer Thomas, Annabelle Tometich Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday

Luna and Cosmo

Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.com Advertising Account Executives Gloria Estrada-Page (239) 478-3607 gestrada@fortmyer.gannett.com Nicole Holey (239) 281-6455 nholey@fortmyer.gannett.com Distribution (239) 335-0211 Southwest Florida Parent & Child is a FREE publication distributed at more than 500 locations throughout Southwest Florida by The News-Press Media Group. All rights reserved. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions of the magazine or publisher.

Hayford family Halloween costumes over the years.

utumn is my favorite time of year. Even here in Southwest Florida.

The leaves might not change colors, but this region has its own magic. The light softens to a more peaceful glow. The temperatures ever so slightly back down from summer’s scorch. And the calendar fills with pure family fun.

We gathered together the details of more than 40 fall festivals and Halloween events for this month’s cover feature, starting on page 37. There’s something for everyone, from tots to teens, from sweets to screams. And you’ll find even more on our calendar pages and online at swflparentchild.com.

The hauntingly good time continues in our travel story, an itinerary of sorts for a haunted road trip through Florida’s spookiest attractions (page 47).

Other features explore more serious issues, such as the rise in children being sent to psychiatric units under the Baker Act (page 32), and the upcoming talk

by Parkland survivor Kai Koerber at the FGCU Child and Youth Mental Health Conference on November 9 (page 29).

All these things are important to making Southwest Florida a better place to raise our children, whether it’s improving mental health or making time to simply enjoy our kids.

Pamela Smith Hayford, Editor

Member of

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

swflparentchild.com

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 7

MIROMAR OUTLETS

®

Voted the Best Factory Outlet Mall, Mall Best Shopping Experience and Best Place to Buy Shoes in Southwest Florida

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

OCTOBER EVENTS

HUMAN PINK RIBBON Saturday, October 5 Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Picture taken at 10:45 a.m.

PLAYLAND, lakeside near Help create the largest pink ribbon in the U.S. at this family-friendly event! All proceeds benefit Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Inc.

CAR CRUISE-IN Sunday, October 6 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PLAYLAND near See your favorite makes and models of classic, exotic and custom cars.

COLUMBUS DAY SIDEWALK SALE Friday, October 11 thru Monday, October 14 Enjoy additional savings on already low factory outlet prices.

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES Friday, October 11 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza The Collaboration Band kicks off the series with Motown and R&B classics.

SCIENCE SATURDAY Saturday, October 12 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PLAYLAND in Kids learn by doing interactive science and engineering projects – from making slime to constructing the solar system!

» our contributors

MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, October 16 10 a.m. to Noon PLAYLAND in Moms, enjoy a free goodie from le macaron french pastries when your children attend Kids Crafts.

Kids Crafts is every Wednesday.

Frank Gluck • Mending Minds: Baker-

Acted • Frank Gluck reports on health care issues for The News-Press, the Naples Daily News and The USA TODAY Network in Florida.

He covers Southwest Florida’s hospitals, health care policy, mental health, medical trends and issues related to medical marijuana.

MAKING STRIDES WALK Saturday, October 19 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. lakeside PLAYLAND near Help finish the fight against breast cancer by raising funds for and walking with the American Cancer Society Making Strides of Lee County.

Dr. Sarah A. Johnson • Ask the Expert • Dr. Sarah A. Johnson is an optometrist and owner of Johnson Eyecare in south Fort Myers, which offers vision exams for preschool and school-age children, sports protective eyewear and contact lens fittings. Contact her at 239-887-3187 or visit johnson-eyecare.com.

FAMILY YOGA WITH KATHRYN Saturday, October 19 PLAYLAND 10 a.m. in BYOM (bring your own mat) to this FREE 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families.

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES Friday, October 25 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza Electric Lipstick serves up a fiery performance of your favorite rock n’ roll hits.

Randy Kambic • Spotlight on Kai

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

KIDS DAY Saturday, October 26 10 a.m. to Noon PLAYLAND in Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive free pizza, ice cream and face painting.

Go to MiromarOutlets.com for more information.

Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out • Jean Le

MALL-O-WEEN

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

Wednesday October 30 • 6 to 8 p.m.

Music, karaoke, trick-or-treating and contests TRUNK–OR–TREAT 6 to 8 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza, Lakeside Trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk of specialty cars. Presented by The Cool Cruisers of SWFL. TRICK-OR-TREATING 6 to 8 p.m.

Children trick-or-treat at participating stores.

While supplies last.

CHILDREN’S COSTUME CONTEST (0-12 YEARS) 6:30 p.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store

Leigha Messner • In the Kitchen • Leigha Messner is a registered dietitian nutritionist at Lee Health. She can be reached through media@leehealth.org or by calling 239424-3120.

PET COSTUME CONTEST 7:30 p.m. between Neiman Marcus Last Call and Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store

Shop over 140 stores up to 70% off and dine at our wide array of restaurants!

Miromar Outlets Gift Cards* are valid at all Outlet Stores and Restaurants and can be purchased at MiromarOutlets.com and 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.

8 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

female leader.

1019-1985

(239) 948-3766 • MiromarOutlets.com • Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sun.: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

I-75, Exit 123, Corkscrew Road, in Estero, between Naples & Fort Myers

Mollie Page • Voices • Mollie Page is a business writer and public relations agent in Southwest Florida. She is a member of the board of directors of the League of Courageous Women (leagueofcourageouswomen.com) and the proud mother of a courageous future

online »

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

Get cash for kids' candy

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On Halloween night, kids all over Southwest Florida hit the streets in costume to collect as much candy as they can carry. Then there are the off-Halloween events, like trunk-or-treat or fall festivals. It can feel like an avalanche of sugar. Save your little one’s pearly whites with a candy buy-back program. Several dentists and orthodontists in the area usually offer them, and they often pay $1 a pound.

For example, Gulf Coast Orthodontics will be buying back candy November 4-8 during normal office hours. As we get more details, we’ll post them online at swflparentchild.com.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/ swflparentchild READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild

PURSUE YOUR PASSIONS. EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES.

OCTOBER 14

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New students seeking admission for the 2020-2021 academic year, who are currently in fifth or eighth-grade are eligible to apply.

Independent PK3-12 College Prep School

Register in advance by visiting our website or call 239.415.8945 www.canterburyfortmyers.org SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 9

en e . . w . o r all arr Join acularH ardthe kt abo Spoobration ht!

Cele esof Eig Piec Excellent academics rooted and grounded in God's word.

• PreK-3 through 8th Grade • VPK Provider • A unique and caring community • Ideal class sizes • outstanding curriculum • Excellent, prolessional teaching stall

Come in costume and sail aboard the Pieces of Eight, a replica Spanish galleon, on a 90-min. pirate adventure!

TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR OF OUR SCHOOL CALL US TODAY

Enjoy Halloween themed, family-friendly cruises featuring stories of sea monsters, ghosts, ghouls and magic.

239-482-7007

SUMMIT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 9065 Ligon Court. Fort Myers. FL 33908 Near the corner of Summerlin and Bass

2500 Main Street | Fort Myers Beach

FloridaPirateCruise.com • 800.776.6290

www.summitchristianschool.org

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THE ONLY CHOICE

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Enroll For Fall Classes Classes Starting August 12th Half Off Registration Fee’s

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VOTED FORT MYERS and CAPE CORAL’S BEST DANCE STUDIO!

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www.RobinDawnAcademy.com 10 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

me time »

Paisley PARTY

Pretty in paisley

With its vibrant colors and swirling patterns, paisley is taking center stage this season. — USA TODAY NETWORK

Tommy Hilfiger’s paisley chiffon midi dress has a flattering A-line silhouette. $74.99 at 6pm.com.

Light and casual Lighter hues of the Lucky Brand borderprint peasant top make for a more neutral look. $48.91 at zappos.com.

Poncho power

NIGHT

DATE

Wear this versatile paisley two-way scarf poncho from the front or back. $69 at jjill.com.

Coordinated comfort Go for comfort and style with these Sonrisa paisley pants and matching top. $60 for the pants, $70 for the top at Anthropologie.

Get a little spooky. Take the Fort Myers Beach Haunted Pub Crawl led by islander Mike Yost. Mike considers himself a history buff and, to boot, a magician and mentalist, making him the perfect tour guide for a history-loaded, magic-infused, haunted pub crawl. At each stop, Mike recounts the history of the location as well as the alleged hauntings. Awe-inspiring magic coincides with the stories. To book a tour, visit fmbhauntedpubcrawl.com or call 239-440-2805.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 11

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5 things »

Bento it You can do anything if you have the right tools — even cute bento-style lunches.

Get creative Use cookie cutters to turn plain slices of cheese or sandwiches into works of art. This flower cookie cutter set of six from Wilton provides lots of sizes. $1.99 at Target, target.com.

Keep it separated Bento-style lunchboxes are great for kids who don’t like their food to touch. The sixcompartment Yumbox lets you pack small portions of favorite foods — without them touching or leaking into each other. $28 at yumboxlunch.com.

Eyeball your food Candy eyeballs bring food to life and only add a couple of calories a pair. This pack from Wilton sells for $2.69 at Target, target.com.

Round ’em up Use muffin cups to subdivide larger sections of a food container or to corral small portions of snacks, fruits or vegetables. This set of six silicone cups by Lekue sells for $10.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond, bedbathandbeyond. com.

Give lunch character You don’t have to be an artist to put personality into packed lunches.

The CuteZCute sandwich cutter and cookie stamp kit makes it easy, and the various shapes give more than 40 combinations. $11.41 on Amazon.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 13

« fyi

Free sign language classes The Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center offers free weekly classes on American Sign Language, commonly referred to as ASL, for the families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The one-hour sessions start at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the center, 1860 Boy Scout Drive, Fort Myers. For details, call 239-461-0334 (voice) or 239-247-5821 (video phone) or visit dhhc.life.

How to navigate Halloween safely in Southwest Florida Most kids in Southwest Florida hit the streets for trick-or-treating

Chuck E. Cheese’s sports a whole new look If you haven’t been to Chuck E. Cheese’s Fort Myers location, it might surprise you. The family hot spot is one of the first Chuck E. Cheese’s locations to be remodeled as part of the company’s rebranding. The iconic animatronic stage is replaced with a modern digital dance floor that lights up as kids jump and spin about. The tokens are gone, too, replaced by play passes for a set period of time (hello, more tickets!). The menu also got an update with new pizzas and a salad bar; one of the additions is a cauliflower crust pizza. Chuck E. Cheese’s is at 5020 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers.

around dusk on Halloween night, October 31. This can make safety a little tricky, so the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition offers these Halloween safety tips:

FOR ANYONE WHO’S OUT ON THE ROAD: • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

• Watch for children in dark clothing.

FOR FAMILIES WITH TRICK-OR-TREATERS: • A responsible adult should always accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.

• Teach children to never enter a stranger’s home or car.

• Tell kids not to eat any treats until they return home.

• Put electronic devices away and keep heads up.

Walk, don’t run, across the street.

• Make sure costumes are fire resistant.

• Avoid masks that obstruct vision.

• Costumes should not drag on the ground or be difficult to maneuver in.

• Make your kids visible.

Put reflective tape on their costume or give them glow sticks.

There are also plenty of alternatives to traditional trick-ortreating, such as special trunk-or-treating events and fall festivals. See our calendar in print and online for details.

14 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Zine Fest marks opening of LYR Zine Library So there’s this organization that exists to empower marginalized groups, Love Your Rebellion. And there’s an arts and cultural emporium in Fort Myers called Neenie’s House. And they’re opening a zine library together. And hosting zine workshops for teens. The grand opening of the Love Your Rebellion Zine Library at Neenie’s House is noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 19 at 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers.

The library will feature small press art and writing books, plus zines. Zines are self-published magazines or books that showcase art or writing. At the all-ages grand opening, there’ll be zine creators, artists, food vendors, live music and more. For details, visit loveyourrebellion.org/lyr-zine-library.

New child care centers coming soon Several preschools have touted they’ll be opening soon in Southwest Florida, with one welcoming students now: Primrose School of Estero: This new preschool opened August 12 near Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parkway with programs for all ages, from infants to prekindergarten and after-school programs. (primroseschools.com/schools/ estero) Creative World School: This preschool for ages 6 weeks to 5 years broke ground in September on a 10,456-square-foot facility that will also have an afterschool program for ages 5-12.

Completion is expected in March. (creativeworldschool.com) Discovery Point Child Liam O’Malley and Fred Development Centers Doster of the construction announced plans to open its company Owen-Ames- first child care center in Cape Kimball Florida at a Coral. The company has groundbreaking ceremony for 47 locations, 13 in Florida.

Creative World School. (discoverypoint.com)

Grants available for teachers Teachers can get grants for conservation-related education projects. The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge announced it will award $10,000 in Teacher Conservation Grants in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties.

Each teacher grant is for an amount up to $1,000, while two school-wide or district-wide grants are available for up to $3,000. Application deadline is October 31. Get details at tinyurl.com/dinggrants.

Miguel Argumosa, DMD • Erin Taylor, DMD Nicole Eastham, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

Three Locations To Serve You! BONITA SPRINGS

9510 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 101

239 333.2990

CAPE CORAL

PORT CHARLOTTE

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239 322.5222

941 391.8090

Comprehensive dental care with state of the art facilities equipment for children and those with special healthcare needs All forms of sedation available: Nitrous, Oral, In office I.V. and Hospital Emergencies Welcome!

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 15

BE A PART OF OUR CAMPAIGN GOAL $375,000

· Improving access to Sports for working parents. · Providing an after school home court practice facility. · Students deserve access to a sports and performance based facility. · Providing students with a quality education of Mind, Body and Soul.

GOAL: This improvement to our campus will have a far reaching impact on our students, families, team members and visitors to our community for many years to come.

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16 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Dr. Sarah A. Johnson, of Johnson EyeCare, has been practicing optometry for over 10 years and devotes time every week at the Florida Lions Club Eye Clinic in Bonita Springs. She is fluent in English and Spanish. (johnson-eyecare.com, 239-887-3187)

ask the expert »

DR . SA R A H A . JOHNSON

SIGNS YOUR CHILD’S

VISION IS INTERFERING WITH SCHOOL

ur children are our greatest treasure.

As parents, we want the best for them, and we want to make sure we are providing the best care and guidance available to them to give them the best chance to succeed in all aspects of life, including their education.

However, 1 in 4 school-age children have undiagnosed vision problems that, if left untreated, can affect

their learning and cognitive development, personality and social interaction in school and society, according to Prevent Blindness America, as reported by All About Vision.

One of the more frequent scenarios I see in my practice is children who have no idea that they have a vision problem. Therefore, as parents, we need to be vigilant about spotting signs of potential vision issues.

On the next page are five signs that your child’s vision may be contributing to issues in school and extracurricular activities.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 17

« ask the expert (continued)

City of Fort Myers Recreation “Bringing Our Community Together”

Fort Myers Skatium

• Learn to Skate Classes • Public Skating • Youth / Adult Hockey Leagues • Youth / Adult Indoor Sports

Aquatic Center

1. Squinting or consistently sitting too close to the television.

As parents we teach our children not to sit close to the TV and sometimes reprimand them when they do. This, however, could be a sign that your child is not able to see distant objects as well as they should and are compensating by squinting or moving closer to those objects.

2. Holding a book too close.

• • • •

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If you notice that your child consistently likes to hold reading material very close to their face or if they complain that they feel tired when they are reading, this could be a sign of an eye focusing problem.

3. Covering or rubbing eyes.

Sometimes children who have vision problems will close or cover one eye to alleviate strain on that eye. Occasionally, a child may also see double, which often causes

them to rub their eyes. This could be a sign your child’s eyes are not aligned or have a “lazy eye.” Children who have this issue can only read for a short time due to the inability to coordinate their eyes together.

4. Losing place when reading or skipping lines.

We often see children using their fingers to keep their place by reading and associate this with poor reading comprehension.

However, this could be indicative of an eye tracking problem.

5. Avoiding activities altogether.

Vision is an integral part of sports and other recreational activities, and so if vision is poor, children will lose confidence and often pull back from participation altogether. If you notice your child is struggling in school and is also avoiding participating in recreational activities, this could be a sign of a vision-related problem.

• 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:

It is important to note that not all issues with a child’s learning are vision related. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as reported by All About Vision, learning disabilities affect 1 in 10 school-age children. Learning disabilities are physiological disorders that affect learning and are unrelated to vision-specific problems. However, learning-related vision problems can often coexist with a learning disability or be associated with a learning disability.

Many schools and pediatricians are required to perform vision screenings that are designed to alert parents to the possibility of visual problems. However, those screenings do not replace a comprehensive dilated eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, which will ensure that your child has the visual skills required for success in school, sports and other recreational activities.

• Fort Myers Skatium (239) 321-7509

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• Aquatic Center (239) 321-7556 • Athletics & Outdoor Sports 239-321-7514

18 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

ASK THE EXPERT

We welcome questions from readers.

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

dining out »

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

Hooked on PokeBowl

What started out so innocently has become a full-blown PokeBowl Cafe addiction.

I

never set out to review PokeBowl Cafe.

It’s small. It’s counter service only.

The menu consists of poke bowls, boba teas, a small handful of sides — and that’s it.

I never thought this 8-month-old south Fort Myers joint warranted a fullon review.

A couple-dozen visits later, I’ve reconsidered.

PokeBowl has become an honestto-goodness addiction of mine. I was there just the other day. I may go back this evening. Or maybe tomorrow for a quick lunch.

Why? Please, allow me to elaborate: 1. It’s cheap. In the best sense of the word. The so-called “small” bowls start at $8. They are my perfect size — enough to fill you up but not weigh you down, enough to curb any remote thought of hunger without sending you into yawny-yawny-nap-time land (we’ve all visited).

2. It’s healthy. PokeBowl’s makeyour-own bowls start with a base of brown rice, sushi rice, soba noodles, zucchini or greens. You can layer on raw cubes of ahi, spicy tuna or salmon. Prefer your protein cooked? There’s tofu, shrimp and scallops, too. From there, the counterful of toppings becomes your playground: edamame, kimchi, shredded carrots, avocado, radishes, seaweed salad, cucumber two ways (raw or pickled in a peppery brine of spices). Fried plantains, cashews, peanuts and shredded coconut add crunch. For spice there’s wasabi, jalapeno and slivered ginger. Finish

PokeBowl Cafe » Location: 12001 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 4, south Fort Myers » Phone: 239-887-4551 » Online: pokebowlcafe.com » Price: Average entrée is under $10 to $10-$15. » Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. MondaySaturday, closed Sunday » Noise level: Low to moderate » Etc.: Bubble teas and soft drinks served; takeout available; delivery via Bite Squad and Uber Eats

the bowl with a drizzle of eel sauce, house-made spicy soy sauce or mayos infused with ginger and sriracha (OK, it’s healthy-ish).

3. IT’S GOOD. There is no magic here (maybe a tiny bit in that spicy-soy house sauce). The delicious beauty of PokeBowl is in the freshness of its ingredients and the generosity with which they’re shared. This place isn’t fancy. It’s hardly groundbreaking. But man, it’s good.

Beyond being good, PokeBowl takes that extra step, even when it’s least expected. Its boba teas aren’t made from powders and extracts, but with real tea leaves and real tapioca pearls clouded by real condensed milk.

Its sleekly simple dining room is set with cushy U-back chairs along one wall. Aqua-hued subway tiles line the open kitchen, which is framed by pendant lamps lit with glowing Edison bulbs. The cooler is packed with fruitinfused nigori sakes and those marblepopping ramune sodas that taste like fizzy SweeTarts. Just the other day I no-

ticed pre-packaged desserts in there, too: pale-green matcha cakes and dorayaki smeared in sweet bean paste.

There’s more to this place than just poke. Not much more, but more.

PokeBowl is a rare purveyor of takoyaki, little round pancake-like dumplings filled with chewy bits of octopus. The balls are garnished with Kewpie mayo and wisps of bonito flakes that wriggle and dance (as bonito flakes do) in the takoyaki’s steam.

Also: gyoza, which are fine, but not nearly as whimsical or enticing as takoyaki.

But let’s get back to that list: 4. It’s fast. Whether you order online for takeout or delivery, or go about PokeBowl the old-fashioned way (in person, stomach grumbling), this place is quick. The longest I’ve waited is five or so minutes for those takoyaki one afternoon. Otherwise, I’m in and fed and out, like that.

5. So cheap. So good. I can’t emphasize these points enough. $8 doesn’t get you much these days. For an extra $3 you can tack on a second protein. PokeBowl’s hugely and ungodly “medium” bowls are $13. There is allegedly a $17 “large” option, too, something in the barrel/trough range, I imagine.

In all seriousness, I don’t go to restaurants 20-some times in eight months.

I struggle to get back to even my favorite places. That’s the irony of this food-critic life I so luckily lead. I like a good restaurant. But give me one that’s cheap, fast, healthy and good — and you’ll have me hooked.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 19

« in the kitchen LEIGH A MESSNER

WHEN THE TREAT IS THE TRICK

How to keep kids S.A.F.E from food allergens this Halloween.

amilies with children who have food allergies have more to fear on Halloween than just ghosts and vampires. Exposure risk increases this time of year with six of the eight major allergens in high circulation.

Eggs, milk, soy and wheat are found in most chocolates, caramels and gummies while a majority of candies run the risk of cross-contamination with peanuts and tree nuts during their processing. Dodging the danger can understandably be a haunting task. However, if you are a parent of a child with food allergies, there are practical precautions to ensure Halloween is enjoyable for the whole family just by thinking S.A.F.E.:

Scan all food labels

This may sound like a no-brainer, but when it comes to ingredients not all candies are created equal. There can be a significant difference between a king-size and mini-size candy bar of the same name. This is because they are often packaged at different facilities. If the item does not contain an ingredient label, look it up online. Avoid homemade treats and items whose ingredients are not made available.

between houses and give permission prior to eating any candy while trick-or-treating. For older children with more independence, discuss an emergency plan should accidental exposure occur and ensure they know and understand the importance of reading the ingredients label even if traditionally the food has been deemed “safe to eat.”

Focus on other activities Anticipate the dangers Include your child in age-appropriate conversation regarding ground rules. For younger kids, perhaps a standing rule that a designated adult will hold the collection container

20 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

This is a good idea for all of us. Halloween is an interlude to the fall season and its traditions. Highlighting some of these in your own household will take some of the attention away from the influx of potential allergens and added sugar. Try pumpkin carving, costume designs

Leigha Messner is a registered dietitian nutritionist at Lee Health.

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Learn more • For the Teal Pumpkin Project, visit foodallergy.org/education-awareness/ teal-pumpkin-project.

• Kids With Food Allergies, a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, provides allergen-free recipes, research news and tips for living with allergies at kidswithfoodallergies.org.

and contests, participating in scavenger hunts and corn mazes, themed crafts and games, and creating snacks and treats with healthy/safe food alternatives.

Enlist help Knowing your resources will help you feel more supported. Talk with your family, close friends, neighbors, school teachers, coaches, etc., to ensure they are aware of your child’s allergies and emergency care plan. In addition, consider employing some clever ideas such as the “Switch Witch” or “Treat Fairy.”

This helper switches out or trades candy

deemed unsafe for items like a desired toy or planned activity. Another option is to cash in on those treats through a local dentist office candy “buy back” program, which generally pays $1 per pound (Find details at swflparentchild.com).

Lastly, take advantage of the Food Allergy Research & Education program the Teal Pumpkin Project. The project began in 2014 to promote awareness and inclusion of those children with food allergies. The teal pumpkin represents a stop on the map where nonedible treats will be made available, such as small toys. Visit the website to register as a participant or locate participating houses in your area.

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« in the kitchen (continued) Shoofly Pie This sweet treat recipe contains no milk, gluten, peanut, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame. It’s a Pennsylvania Dutch creation that goes back a long way and uses ingredients that are, for the most part, probably already in your pantry. You can give it a spooky twist by using a stencil to create a scene with the crumb top.

NP-0000967211

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup gluten-free flour mix* • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Let Us Straighten Your...

• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 tablespoon shortening • 1/2 cup molasses • 3/4 cup boiling water • 11/2 teaspoon baking soda • 2 tablespoon applesauce • 1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

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1. Preheat oven to 450 F. 2. Mix together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar and spices.

Cut in the shortening with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly.

3. Combine molasses with baking soda and stir until it’s a light taffy color. Add the applesauce and stir to combine. Add the boiling water. Add carefully as this may foam up.

4. Spread 1/3 of the crumb mixture in the bottom of the pie shell. Gently pour over about half of the liquid mixture. Repeat with another 1/3 of the crumb mixture and remainder of the liquid. Top with remaining crumbs.

5. Bake at 450 F for 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350 F and bake an additional 20 minutes or until firm. Cool before slicing.

*SUBSTITUTIONS: The recipe’s creator uses a brown rice

flour mix, but if you don’t need to avoid wheat or gluten, you can use all-purpose flour. Other substitutions can be found at kidswithfoodallergies.org.

SOURCE: Kids With Food Allergies, a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, kidswithfoodallergies.org; created by Kathy Przywara

kid stuff »

Kids have limited time in class to learn cursive. Parents are split on whether that’s a problem. BY ANDREA STETSON andwriting used to be a big part of school curricula. Penmanship was once part of most report cards. Now with today’s technology, keyboarding and an emphasis on teaching skills for standardized tests, cursive doesn’t play a big role in classroom lessons.

That’s been a controversial topic among parents who either worry their child is missing a critical skill or are happy to see that time spent elsewhere.

We asked Southwest Florida parents on Facebook what they thought about children learning cursive in school and received some 60 varied responses.

“A child should be well-taught his or her own signature at a minimum. Reading cursive is difficult if you don’t know the letters so I have taught my children, but I don’t expect elegant proficiency in their writing per se,” writes Elizabeth Walsh.

“They need to be able to sign their name,” states Lauren Ashleigh. “And delving deeper, upcoming generations need to be able to read things like our founding documents.”

“When they get a drivers license, write a check, sign a legal document they must be able to sign their name,” adds Diane Dorsey.

“Sadly many don’t know how to.”

Others disagree.

“You can only teach a finite amount of

ideas/skills,” writes Jeff Rhodes. “Every minute spent on cursive is one less minute spent on typing or math or science.”

“I don’t particularly see the point of spending time in the classroom on this,” agrees Chelsea Ward. “Most historical documents have been converted to computer text. Our signatures are quickly becoming our fingerprints. People don’t write things down anymore, it’s all in type.”

“It might not be necessary anymore,” adds Charlotte Martin. “Cursive has had its day. ... We need to prepare children to be successful in the world they live in and that world is data driven and wired. What about using that time to teach coding?

Some things just aren’t as relevant as time passes by. Shorthand is no longer offered as a high school course. It’s no longer necessary to teach kids how to make their own soap from animal fat and lye.”

Cursive is part of the curriculum in both Collier and Lee counties. Children typically start learning the skill at the end of second grade and have additional lessons in cursive in third grade. A few teachers require some things to be written in cursive in upper elementary school, though lessons in cursive in these grades are limited or nonexistent.

“Cursive writing is currently included in the Florida Standards in grades three through five,” says Jennifer Kincaid, executive director of curriculum and instruction for Collier County Public Schools.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 23

« kid stuff (continued) “Elementary students begin learning cursive in the second semester of the second-grade year.”

Collier buys practice books and provides curriculum maps for teaching the skill, Jennifer says. The time devoted to handwriting varies by grade level but averages 15 to 30 minutes per day. “Legible handwriting is a valuable skill,” she says.

Bethany Quisenberry, director of elementary curriculum for Lee County Public Schools, says handwriting is introduced in third grade and continues the rest of elementary school.

“There is not a set time spent on cursive writing,” Bethany explains. It varies depending on how much time students need to learn other lessons. Teachers are encouraged to build the skill into their reading lessons. “…This gives students the opportunity to apply their cursive writing skills while learning their reading standards.”

After elementary school, using cursive is generally up to the students.

“I accept anything that I can read,” says Gina Hess, an English teacher at North Naples Middle School. “Some kids like to write in cursive. They ask me how to write a letter in capital form sometimes. But I don’t think any of us require something to be written in cursive.”

Indeed, many people don’t write in cursive anymore, as Patricia Trish Greedy Engvalson pointed out in her Facebook post: “I learned and wrote cursive proficiently as a child. I home schooled my children and taught them cursive as well.

My daughter who is an attorney, my son, a pilot, another a business man, another a musician. We all print. LOL” That’s good news for local students who struggle with the task.

We talked with six students at Naples

Park Elementary School and only one enjoyed learning cursive.

“It wastes my time,” said fourthgrader Luke Serrano, 10. “It is important to make money.”

“It gives my hands cramps,” added his twin sister, Ella.

“No, I don’t like it,” said Madison Eaton, 9, also a fourth-grader. “My sister said it was important.”

Fifth-grader John Sponseller, 11, said he does all his school reports on the computer.

“I don’t think it’s important to learn,” John said. “It is very hard. I don’t even know how.”

“If I learned, I would like it,” said fifth-grader Brennan Falcone, 10. “I can read some of the words in cursive. In third grade we would practice, but there was a thing with the letters on the wall.”

Only fourth-grader Zanna Lawson, 9, said she enjoys cursive.

“I like it,” Zanna said. “I like how it is pretty. It is very neat. It is very important because when you are an adult you have to use it for checks and bills.”

Amy Sherman, a second-grade teacher at Pinewoods Elementary School in Estero, teaches cursive starting in January. She also writes her lessons on the board in cursive, so her students can start learning how to read the letters. She says capital Q and I seem to be the hardest cursive letters for her students to master.

“We don’t have workbooks, but we have pages that we copy off for them,” Amy says. “There is a program online that allows you to write what you want, and they can trace it and copy it. I have them practice their name first and practice writing the names of their friends.”

Amy says it is important for students to learn cursive.

“I taught fifth grade for years, and I had so many students that could not read or write cursive,” she says. “When my son was in middle school and needed a note for his teacher and I gave him the note, he looked at it and said ‘Mom, I need it in English.’ I teach it so they can read it and they can write it.”

A New York Times article in 2013 outlined the benefits of cursive, explaining that writing in cursive is shown to improve brain development in the areas of thinking, language and working memory. It leads to increased comprehension and participation. The article cited studies that showed cursive is vital to helping students master the standards of written expression and critical thinking and life skills that go well beyond the classroom.

Jessica Murphy hopes educators realize that.

“Penmanship in general is a skill, something to take pride in, and should be taught in school, both printing with clarity and cursive,” she writes in our call out on Facebook. “It’s disheartening to see that the push to make our kindergartens and first graders college ready is creating a new generation of children who can hardly print, much less write in cursive.

As a former teacher, I know there is no time built into the curriculum to allow children to simply practice penmanship. I recall spending time everyday on penmanship through the fifth grade, specifically using cursive starting in second grade. The push was never to have perfect calligraphic writing, but to focus our minds, slow our hand, and engage our creative side. Unfortunately, those who determine what our children need to learn, do not understand the value of developing these qualities in children.”

There are many good online resources, particularly free worksheets that guide students by giving them letters to trace and space to practice. There are also numerous videos on YouTube that walk students through the process.

• One source of free cursive writing worksheets is k5learning.com/cursive-writing-worksheets.

• YouTube hosts video lessons on cursive. Try The HEV Project’s “How to Write in Cursive.”

What to write? A book of inspiring quotes can provide good fodder for practice.

24 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

teens »

MEET THE GHOSTS OF FORT MYERS

The Haunted History Tour by True Tours feeds into teens’ love of the macabre. STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA STETSON pooky, paranormal activity in downtown Fort Myers is afoot, and it isn’t coming from a made-up haunted house. It’s in real stories told by longtime residents and workers who stress that what they saw was real.

On the Haunted History Tour by True Tours, a guide walks a group of people around the city after dark and weaves these tales and local history together. He also shows eerie photos taken by former tour guests of strange ghostly faces in the windows of downtown buildings and unusual orbs of light.

“This tour is a lot of fun for kids because it has a dual purpose,” says tour guide Seth Ford. “It has the history of downtown Fort Myers with a paranormal theme. There are stories that go along with the locations and the times that are unexplained.”

Seth Ford, a Haunted History Tour guide, stands on the steps of the Lee County government building telling stories of strange images seen inside.

If you go » What: Haunted History Tour of downtown Fort Myers by True Tours » Where: Departs from The Franklin Shops, 2200 First St., Fort Myers » When: 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year and every night October 23-31 » Cost: $15 per person » Details: 239-945-0405 or truetours.net (reservations required)

» New this year: The Haunted Boat Tour and Haunted History Tour package takes groups of 25 to 30 on a 1.5-hour cruise on the Caloosahatchee River with Pure Florida where participants hear ghostly stories of the river and eat spooky themed food.

The cruise is followed by the 1.5-hour walking Haunted History Tour. $75 per person. Reservations required.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 25

« teens (continued) Eddie and Wendy Llamas and their teenage children Julian, 15, and Isabella, 13, took the tour when they visited Lee County from Chicago.

“It’s historical,” Isabella says. “It gives you a lot of knowledge about the time.”

“I liked the guide. He was funny,” Julian adds.

Isabella loves scary movies — and anything scary — so she loved the stories told during the tour.

Their parents liked having time with their teenagers engaged in something other than electronics.

“It’s bonding time,” Eddie says.

“It’s education,” Wendy adds.

The first stop on the tour is in front of the big banyan tree downtown. Seth says it’s not really part of the tour, but since it’s a “big tree that is spooky,” many people want to stop to learn its secrets. Seth then leads the group to the Old Lee County Courthouse nearby, where he relays his first tale of paranormal activity. After telling the story that a workman relayed of an unexplained encounter, Seth shows people photos of an image in a window.

Next, he takes the group through Bootleggers Alley and tells stories of ghostly appearances and strange, sickly feelings workers have had inside the buildings.

He stops inside a former vintage clothing store for creepy stories retold from the owners of the store about items that mysteriously moved each night.

He says this is one of the favorites among teenagers.

“It’s dark, and it’s a little bit scary,” Seth explains.

Beside an old 1911 school house, he shows guests photos of strange images captured in a window and on top of the building. He describes stories of people in the building who have seen the image of the old strict school mistress.

There are stories of skulls and skeletons that have never been identified and stories of strange paranormal activity in the middle of the night in many build-

26 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Eddie and Wendy Llamas and their teenage children Julian, 15, and Isabella, 13, enjoy the Haunted History Tour in downtown Fort Myers.

ings downtown, including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and the Arcade Theatre on First Street.

Gina Taylor, owner of True Tours, had her own unexplained experience downtown. In the 1990s she ran the old Burroughs home. On Mondays, the home was closed, and the alarm and sensors were on. Three different Mondays, the bathtub on the upper floor began to fill. The third time, all the faucets were turned on. One night, she saw a light on in the attic and an image of a veiled person.

“You have the motion detectors on and all the alarms on,” she describes. “I never ever got satisfaction from what happened there. I am an historian. I am not into that paranormal stuff. I was so flipped out about the image in my head.

I needed to make sense of that.”

Guests on the tour love those stories, especially since they’re tales originally told by people who experienced the abnormal.

“They love these things,” says Erwin Gumapac, of Naples, who brought his teenage son and nephew to the tour.

“They love zombie movies and things that scare them.”

John Gumapac, 13, and his cousin

E.J. Gumapac, 12, love scary things, so the haunted history tour was perfect for them.

“It is pretty fun,” E.J. says. “The school place was my favorite. It was creepy.”

The boys took photos of every site hoping to capture a ghostly image. Seth told them sometimes the images don’t appear until the next day, so the boys remained hopeful.

“The pictures were interesting,” John says about the photos Seth showed him.

E.J. was hoping to get some images on his phone.

“I might check my phone tomorrow and see something,” he said.

Gina says it’s a great experience for older children and teenagers.

“Instead of people dressed up and jumping out and saying boo, I try to use this tour with accurate history,” she explains. “Then we talk about the reputed paranormal activity. If we infuse it with historical data, it will have more credibility than a ghost tour. There is definitely something to it, because there are too many unexplained things. A lot of our teenagers are more receptive to it, because they are getting the spooky factor, too.”

spotlight »

924

LUNCHES

(AND COUNTING)

PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD

Fort Myers dad Jim Kroll bento-boxes a way into daughters’ schooldays. BY ANNABELLE TOMETICH

Jim Kroll crafts one of his signature bento-box lunches with his 9-year-old daughter, Chaya, at their home in Fort Myers. Jim has made more than 900 of these intricate lunches for his two children since Chaya started kindergarten.

ntire sections of the Kroll family’s kitchen are devoted to Japanesestyle bento boxes and their accouterments.

Their cabinets are laden with koala-shaped sandwich presses, food-safe markers and jigsawstyle molds that transform apple slices into airplanes or bears or elephants with upturned trunks. The bottom

drawer of the kitchen island is piled with monkey-topped toothpicks and itty-bitty shape cutters. Edible googly eyes, sheets of fruit leather and bitesized cookies stamped with samurai pandas fill the pantry.

These teeny tiny lunch-making tools have been piling up in this Fort Myers kitchen since the Krolls’ oldest daughter, Chaya, now 9, started kindergarten at nearby Edison Park Creative and

Expressive Arts School. Their 6-yearold, Heather, entered first grade earlier this month.

Four years and 900-some intricately crafted bento-box creations later, and dad, Jim Kroll, is still going strong.

“Someone at school complimented me on making the girls’ lunches, and I just kind of nodded. Then I realized they thought I made their lunches,” Jim’s wife, Liz Kroll, says.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 27

« spotlight (continued)

28 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD

“But let me be clear: This is all Jim. This is 100% his doing.”

Part neurosis, part edible love notes to the daughters he doesn’t see much during schooldays, these lunches have become Jim’s morning routine. A teacher at Mariner Middle School in Cape Coral, Jim rises before the sun.

He makes his coffee, then looks at his bento-box tools and ingredients the way an artist would a blank canvas.

“Exactly like that,” Jim says, laughing.

“If I were dealing with adults, who might carry a lunch box properly and upright, that’s a different story. But these are going to be tossed into a backpack, shoved into a cubby and flipped around eight-dozen times.”

That’s where the drawer-full of toothpicks and silicon cupcake liners come into play. It’s no use cutting catshaped holes into the scarlet rind of a mini-Babybel if it gets lost in a jumble of hummus and Goldfish crackers.

Some days the dinosaur-shaped sandwiches with cheesy spikes jutting from their backs will only take Jim 20 or 25 minutes. But for special occasions, like the first day of school on August 12, Jim can get happily lost in his craft.

“I do foolish things like cut full sentences out of fruit leather that say ‘Welcome to the first grade,’” Jim says.

“And $14-of-fruit-leather later, when half of it is still stuck to the bottom of the bento box, that’s a little depressing.

But I go with it.”

Jim, who won a 2015 Golden Apple award for his unique approach to middle-school civics lessons, views his daughters’ lunches through a similarly distinctive lens. It started around the time Chaya entered kindergarten. Some parents write lunch-box notes to their kids, “but I don’t think she could read yet and I have terrible spelling,” Jim says.

He took a different route.

The family got their first bento box from Jim’s brother and sister in-law.

Jim Kroll, his wife, Liz Kroll, and their daughters, Chaya, 9, and Heather, 6.

They live in Singapore and travel frequently to Japan. They sent Chaya a bento box shaped like a little kid. Jim filled it with a relatively simple set of lunch foods for a summer camp Chaya attended before her kindergarten year.

He snapped a picture and sent it to his sister in-law. She responded with four more bento boxes, a set of cutesy toothpicks and wee cutting tools shaped like Hello Kitty cats and octopuses.

“I don’t think I thought it through ever, of how long it would go on,” Jim says. “I just knew she liked it, so I did it again.”

And again, and again — 924 times, or so, and counting.

Jim can’t quantify exactly how much his work is appreciated by his elementary-school audience. When he asks his daughters about the eyes he pasted to their peanut-butter filled celery logs, or the nickel-sized sea creatures he pressed from Colby-jack cheese, he’s often met with blank stares and a quick yeah-itwas-good.

He has found a more grateful audience in his wife’s colleagues at the Lee County School District. They saw his handiwork through Liz and requested custom bento boxes of their own. Jim obliged.

“There’s been times when I’ve had to make several lunches for adults and kids,” Jim says, “where I’m making bear-shaped sandwiches with Liz’s coworkers’ names spelled out in cheese.”

Liz says the neatly piled bento boxes are an extension of Jim’s personality, a complement to his love for model trains and Lego sets — and ordering things on Amazon.

“We have a Prime membership, so he takes full advantage,” she says with a laugh.

“In all seriousness, I think he just wanted a way where he could have a connection with the girls during the day. I think he wanted them to open their lunches and experience some joy from him without him being there. And I think it works.”

mending minds »

HE TURNED

TRAUMA INTO

PHOTO BY JEFF VESPA/@PORTRAITS

ACTION Parkland shooting survivor Kai Koerber to speak at annual FGCU children’s mental health conference.

BY RANDY K AMBIC

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 29

« mending minds (continued)

raduating from high school should be a joyous experience.

For Kai Koerber, a survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that took 17 lives February 14, 2018, in Parkland, attending his graduation ceremony June 3 was tempered by another stark reminder of those classmates who were not there. Yet, he was moved when the parents of victims were acknowledged and given diplomas.

“It was incredible to see.

I was very proud to see that done,” he says during a recent phone call. He’ll share his experiences and how the tragedy compelled him to be an active voice as the keynote speaker at the Florida Gulf Coast University College of Education’s ninth annual Child and Youth Mental Health Conference on November 9.

Kai, who will turn 19 in February and is currently a freshman at University of California, Berkeley, is also an activist. He launched a school mental health nonprofit, Societal Reform Corporation (societalreform.org), in the spring of last year with the mission of improving mental health education in schools and helping students take control of their own lives.

He was one of the students of the school who visited Tallahassee a week after the shooting to implore state lawmakers to take action. While believing in the importance of stricter gun laws, he soon was drawn “through

a collection of moments” more to the significance of mental health as a risk factor for such tragedies.

“Any person that walks into a room and shoots 20 people is not mentally well,” Kai says.

“At the root of the violence that tore at the fabric of my community was subpar municipal mental health infrastructure,” he adds. “If we could provide every student, and eventually every member of society, with a means of holistic mental health management, especially when it comes to the mitigation of negative emotions, then the amount of school shootings across the nation would decline because society would no longer produce people that feel outcast and shunned by the entire world.”

Kai has been highly pleased with how he’s been treated at Berkeley, where he plans to major in computer science.

“Once my classmates find out that I’m a former Parkland student, they want to know how I made it through such a traumatic experience and turned that same trauma into a sort of fuel for my own desire to change the world for the better.”

His appearances as an advocate of change have exposed him to the political divide in this country.

“A lot of people are open to what I’m doing. In some places, not as much.”

Undaunted, the continued inaction by Congress in the wake of more mass shootings, as in Dayton and El Paso, “further reinforces what I’m doing,” he says. “The programs and resources work. They’ve been tested and proven to be effective.”

He hopes to spread chapters of his organization to schools nationwide to implement mental health curriculums, teach mindfulness meditation plus provide other helpful resources.

“Once my classmates find out that I’m a former Parkland student, they want to know how I made it through such a traumatic experience and turned that same trauma into a sort of fuel for my own desire to change the world for the better.” — KAI KOERBER

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» FROM PAGE 29 A portrait of Kai Koerber from the “Parkland Portraits” series by photographer Jeff Vespa. Vespa photographed more than 50 Parkland students, parents and teachers to shine a light on the people impacted by the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The images have been in People magazine, on BuzzFeed and in art shows in Los Angeles and New York.

“Kai has taken this tragedy and found a way to improve the community through his nonprofit organization,” says Diane Kratt, who co-founded and has voluntarily co-chaired the conference every year since its inception with Charity Godfrey, owner of Lifescape Counseling Services in south Fort Myers.

Diane is director of Clinical Experiences & Partnerships in the FGCU College of Education. “FGCU has many students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, including survivors from the mass shooting.

We believe people, young and old, will be interested in hearing and meeting him, so we are honored that he agreed to be our keynote speaker this year.”

Other conference features include three one-hourlong breakout sessions led by The News-Press and Naples Daily News that include their Mending Minds project on mental health, addiction, sexual exploitation and the LGBTQIA+ community. There will also be a presentation by several South Florida Sun Sentinel journalists who earned the Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the Parkland shooting, and that will also be marked with a special recognition of the victims.

Local organizations will man booths and lead tours of the new Community Counseling Center. Two other related events at FGCU are planned for the week prior to the conference, sponsored by the David Lawrence Center and Lee Health, all under the Caring for Kids theme.

FGCU College of Education’s ninth annual Child and Youth Mental Health Conference takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 9 at FGCU’s Cohen Center, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N., Fort Myers. A free continental breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. For details or to register, call 239-590-7780 or visit fgcu.edu/caringforkids or fgcu.edu/coe/coe-communities/childrenyouthmentalhealthconference.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 31

BAKER-

ACTED Florida kids are getting sent to psychiatric units under the Baker Act in record numbers. BY FRANK GLUCK

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mending minds » Mending minds

Content warning: This story references incidents of self-harm.

This is part of an occasional series by The News-Press and Naples Daily News on children’s mental health in Southwest Florida. The journalists’ investigations reveal a crisis in our region — possibly the worst in the nation — with numbers of children needing help on the rise. See the full Mending Minds project at mendingminds. news-press.com as the team continues coverage of the issue and explores solutions.

The journalists also welcome families to share their own stories to highlight the importance of this topic.

GETTY IMAGES

rouble started, as it often does, with a romantic rivalry.

One teenage boy, a student at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, warned his schoolmate, Solan Caskey, to stay away from a certain teenage girl in a series of Sharpiepenned messages on the school’s bathroom wall. Solan, being a teenage boy himself, impulsively responded with his own graffiti, including: “Mother f---er try me,” “She’s mine, bitch” and “I accept to fight...”

The exact details of what happened immediately after this 2017 exchange are uncertain. But a day later, a police report shows that the school resource officer and a school psychologist concluded Solan was suicidal and possibly wanted to kill other students.

Solan denied this at the time (and still does), but the officer forced him to the ground and handcuffed him before taking him to Charlotte Behavioral Health Center in Punta Gorda. There, he got a mental health examination under the state’s Baker Act — making his case one of a record 32,763 such evaluations of Florida children that year.

Such mental health checks have been outpacing child population growth statewide — and in regions like Southwest Florida, by leaps and bounds — for nearly a generation.

In the last 10 years, they have more than doubled in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties, far outpacing population growth. There are now more than 2,200 such cases involving children every year in this region.

Many see this as a sign of increased awareness of mental illness in children at a time when data show that suicidal thoughts and actions among those younger than 18 are increasing.

Their increase also tracks with the rise of mass shootings in the United States, and a heightened awareness of that threat, particularly in schools.

But some parents, counselors and other mental health experts say the rapid increase in such forced examinations, which are designed for only those likely at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, suggests that the law is being used more as a disciplinary tool.

And, they argue, taking kids into custody who are not actually suicidal or credibly threatening others’ lives — often in handcuffs and in the presence of their peers — may worsen conditions like chronic depression.

In Solan’s case, medical records show that a psychiatrist interviewed him the next day and determined he was not a threat.

District spokesman Michael Riley, citing federal student privacy regulations, refused to discuss this particular incident. He responded via email to say that children receive Baker Act referrals at school to “protect the child from doing harm to themselves or others.”

Solan’s mother, Hilary Caskey, doesn’t buy that. And she remains livid.

“They want to use (the) Baker Act for any behavioral problem — anything that they don’t like,” Hilary says. “If you have any kind of outburst, if you have any kind of emotion whatsoever and you are not just an order-following automaton, they will Baker Act you.”

The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, commonly referred to as the “Baker Act” in reference to the law’s original sponsor, allows for voluntary or involuntary mental health evaluations of up to 72 hours for people who have mental illnesses and are considered an immediate threat to themselves or others.

The law and its many amendments over the decades were designed to bring a consistent process to treating individuals with mental illness and to set forth — and, thus protect — their civil rights.

But some question whether the nearly half-century-old law is living up to its original intent, particularly as it relates to children.

Law enforcement officers, who have limited training in mental health issues, are usually the ones deciding whether a child

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 33

****** This was the second time Solan Caskey had been Baker-Acted. The first happened when he was 10, following a temper tantrum in elementary school.

The family says Solan struggled with a resource officer that time, too.

A psychiatrist cleared him shortly after he was detained that first time, according to his mother. The family pulled the boy out of school and homeschooled him until he reached high school age four years later.

Solan was a sophomore when his second Baker Act detention happened.

“Before I got tackled the second time, I knew exactly what was going to happen. I had a familiar feeling,” he says. “I had tears streaming down my eyes because I knew what was going to happen.”

School administrators initially gave

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AMANDA INSCORE

should be sent to a psychiatric facility for an evaluation. This is especially true in the schools, which may or may not have an on-site psychologist.

Another problem: Psychiatric committals are often the first and only resort in emotionally charged events, says Rafael “Alex” Olivares, executive director of the Lee County-based Center for Progress and Excellence Inc., a mental health services provider.

“In some cases, what’s not happening is a de-escalation of these situations that may prevent them from happening,” he says.

The not-for-profit received a $1.2 million state grant last year to create mobile crisis units to respond to and assess such events in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.

Their goal is to prevent forced Baker Act evaluations when appropriate.

For now, it remains a program that only responds to a minority of Baker Act cases in the region — a fact likely owing to its modest size and that it is relatively unknown to the public. Olivares expects that to change now that he has inked deals with Lee and Collier’s public schools to get called for all Baker Act cases starting this school year.

Solan Caskey hugs his little brother Aiden in their Punta Gorda home. Caskey has been Baker Acted twice, once in elementary school and once in high school.

Solan a three-day internal suspension and notified his parents that he had gotten into trouble, his family says. He went to school the next day. But, by 11:30 that morning, the school called Hilary to tell her that Solan was in an ambulance and on his way to Charlotte Behavioral Health’s crisis stabilization unit for a Baker Act evaluation.

“The Juvenile (Solan) advised he wanted to kill other people as well (as) he didn’t care to live anymore,” the police incident report of the event states. “This all stems from a girlfriend problem that he is having. The Juvenile further advised that most days he wishes he would just die.”

Nothing in the report indicates that Solan had weapons or any specific plan to harm other students.

Officers claim Solan resisted them, resulting in a scuffle on the ground. He suffered quarter-sized scrapes and bruises to his head, according to the incident report and photographs by Hilary.

A fuzzy Snapchat video another student shot of the incident, and later posted on YouTube, also appears to show the school resource officer hitting Solan’s head with the handcuffs before putting them on the boy. A subsequent Punta Gorda Police Department internal investigation determined the school resource officer did nothing wrong.

After the incident, Solan transferred to The Academy in Port Charlotte, an

alternative high school, from where he graduated. He later joined the Army National Guard.

“They completely broke everything that was supposed to be set up to protect him,” Hilary says. “They set him up to fail. They beat the crap out of him. And they locked him in the psych ward.”

Whatever the merits of a given Baker Act evaluation of a child, some parents interviewed for this story say schools don’t consult them before police detain their children and take them to mental health crisis units, often in violation of written school policies.

Lake Trafford Elementary School in Immokalee determined that Myda Carmago’s 8-year-old was suicidal in February after he allegedly threatened to choke himself with pieces of ripped paper and hold his breath until he died.

Both are physical impossibilities.

The child had recently been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and an anxiety disorder, according to the family. Myda, an Exceptional Student Education assistant at Immokalee Middle School, said she had already been sending him to a therapist.

The boy had a special education plan with the school, known as an Individualized Education Program, to govern any behavioral issues, she says.

Part of that included a requirement that the family be notified of any problems before any significant actions. But the

mending minds (continued) » school called the family only after the boy was on his way to the crisis unit at The David Lawrence Center in east Naples, Myda says. School officials declined to comment, citing student privacy regulations.

He got there after the psychiatrist had left, meaning he had to stay overnight before getting a required mental health examination. He was released 11 a.m. the following morning, shortly after that interview, records show.

The medical evaluation indicated he was depressed, noting that he was struggling academically. They also stated he had expressed frustration about school and had a “wish to be dead.” But the staff ultimately deemed him a low risk for suicide, according to the report.

Myda has since decided to homeschool the boy with the help of his grandparents. She says his behavior and mood have improved.

“My 8-year-old son was required to spend the night at this hospital surrounded by children with inexplicable mental problems, away from his parents for the first time in his life and I could do absolutely nothing about it,” she says. “To have our child essentially kidnapped from school and locked up in a mental ward was the most frightening situation we have ever faced.”

****** Data collected by the state shows how common Baker Act committals involving children have become: Between the 2001-02 and 2017-18 state fiscal years, Baker Act examinations of children increased nearly 141%. That rate far outstrips population growth. Florida’s number of children younger than 18 will have grown an estimated 19.5% between the 2000 and 2020 censuses, according to the state Office of Economic and Demographic Research.

The sharpest increase in committals — 84% — was among ages 14 to 17, according to a 2017 state report. But even the committals of children ages 5 to 10 grew 76%.

The number of Baker Act com-

mittals of children statewide grew all but two years from 2001 to 2018. The percentage of such cases grew by more than 10% last budget year, the fourth largest increase in this period.

In Southwest Florida, over the last 10 years, the rate of Baker Act committals involving children more than doubled. In Lee County, the rate grew from 689 per 100,000 children to 1,385 per 100,000. The rates in Collier increased from 337 to 896 per 100,000.

In Charlotte, they jumped from 894 to 2,688 per 100,000 children.

Nearly a quarter of Baker Act committals involving children took place at schools and were initiated by law enforcement, according to a 2017 task force report on the issue.

School administrators say they don’t track such cases themselves. And the 2017 report did not specify how much school-based Baker Act cases have changed over the years.

A News-Press review of law enforcement calls from 2000 to 2017 in Lee and Collier counties show that such school-based cases have grown sharply.

They were once a near rarity in Lee and Collier schools, which averaged 20 or so such cases a year between 2001 and 2009, records show. But, between 2010 and 2017, Lee County law enforcement Baker-Acted an average of 117 children a year. The Collier annual average more than doubled to 52.

Some schools averaged multiple Baker Acts a month per school year.

Many happen at the elementary level.

In Lee County, all children subject to the mental health law are handcuffed as a matter of Sheriff ’s Office policy.

Other jurisdictions similarly mandate cuffing or, in the case of, say, Collier County, leave it up to deputies.

“I do think there is some overreaction,” says Dr. Omar Rieche, a pediatric psychiatrist in Fort Myers who has practiced here more than 20 years. “Part of it is the mandate the school staff has to keep the environment safe so everyone can be learning. So, when you have a child with emotional/behavioral problems, it escalates very quickly.”

Stacey Brown, a mental health counselor in Fort Myers who won a Golden Apple in 1998 when she was a school counselor for the Lee County school district, says many outbursts leading to Baker Act evaluations might better be solved by simply talking with kids about what’s behind their outbursts.

“We need to take all threats seriously, of course. But if we had more resources we could probably figure out if somebody had just failed a test, or there are problems at home, and this is not really a suicidal child requiring the Baker Act,” Brown says. “But, from a liability standpoint, I can completely understand why the schools would be concerned.”

****** Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law this year a bill requiring schools to establish standardized suicide assessments before initiating Baker Acts.

Officials with the Lee, Collier and Charlotte school districts say the decision to place a child in custody under the Baker Act is not taken lightly. They also — each in separate interviews — are quick to note that such cases are largely triggered by school resource officers, not school administrators.

“Our last resort is a Baker Act,” says Lori Brooks, director of school counseling and mental health services for Lee County Schools. “If we can work to engage families and avoid that Baker Act, we do it as much as we possibly can.”

Capt. Mike Miller, who oversees youth and Baker Act services at the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office, says he does not know why cases have increased.

He guessed it may be partly population increases (though the cases far outpace that), increased use of social media for bullying and more broken families. He says some of the children also come from neighborhoods where crime and violence are common. He adds he does not believe the Baker Act is overused.

“I don’t think you can over-react when it comes to a kid threatening suicide. I think you can under-react,” Miller says. “You know we’re just not

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 35

« mending minds (continued) taking kids and putting them in handcuffs and putting them in a mental health facility because they say they want to harm themselves,” he says. “They have a plan and they have thought about it.”

****** For all its perceived flaws, the Baker Act is often a lifesaver for children that provides the first step to mental health recovery. Though it’s rarely a smooth path.

Sarah Doherty, a Naples teenager, tried to kill herself three times. Even now, years later, the subject remains a difficult one for her to talk about.

Sarah, now 17, and her mother, Karen, left New Hampshire for Florida three years ago to get away from the girl’s father, who Karen says was emotionally abusive.

Sarah blamed herself for the subsequent divorce. She started cutting herself with razor blades and drinking alcohol to numb the psychological pain.

“I felt like it was my fault because I just thought I wasn’t good enough,” Sarah says. “I couldn’t do anything to help.”

Her mother enrolled her in a private religious school in Naples. The girl acted out and clashed frequently with classmates and teachers. She was bullied. Often.

One day, while Karen was cleaning Sarah’s room, she found a very bloody towel in her backpack. She also found bottles of wine and beer and a cache of razors.

“It was like someone was massacred in her room,” Karen Doherty says. “It was horrible.”

She pulled the girl out of school, called 911 and had her sent to The David Lawrence Center’s crisis stabilization unit under the Baker Act. Sarah spent three days there.

Sarah still says it was a miserable experience. And, soon, she was back to her old ways, even though Karen removed all alcohol and sharp knives from the home.

One night, she texted a friend that she wanted to kill herself. Her friend called the police, who then went to the house. Sarah was Baker-Acted a second time.

Things didn’t change until, after that second psychiatric committal at The David Lawrence Center, she found a new therapist and treatment plan. Sarah says she was called out on her bad behavior and unhealthy thinking.

And the therapist explained in detail how her actions affected others. It was annoying, Sarah says. But it helped.

“She held me accountable, which was really good,” Sarah says. “She would push me to do better, to do things.

Like, ‘Hey, Sarah, why don’t you try going to class today instead of crying in the bathroom?’ And, I’m, like, ‘OK, I guess I can do that.’”

She says she has stopped cutting herself and has an improved outlook. She no longer blames herself for her abuse and her parents’ divorce. Her treatment continues.

Sarah will speak November 9 at the Florida Gulf Coast University College of Education’s ninth annual Child and Youth Mental Health Conference.

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cover story »

FALL

BY ANDREA STETSON

FESTS

And other spooky fun events in Southwest Florida

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ne of Southwest Florida’s biggest Halloween activities just got even larger. For several years people have packed Farmer Mike’s haunted and nonhaunted corn mazes in Bonita Springs. There are hayrides, little pumpkins in the field and the unusual aspect of walking among tall stalks of corn in sunny Southwest Florida.

This year the owners are adding a Zombie paintball event inside a third corn maze.

“Zombie paintball is a new attraction this year,” says Mike Clevenger, owner of Farmer

Lee County The Frightmare on 78th After 27 years as the Haunted Hike, this year’s scary soiree at Gator Mike’s, formerly Mike Greenwell’s, is changing a bit. First, the name: The Frightmare on 78th. It will include mazes, houses, clowns, chain saws and more. “Same concept as the annual haunted hike,” says Dana Waters, who is organizing the event.

“It should be scary as ever, just different.”

• Where: Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, 35 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral • When: Starts at dark every Friday and Saturday October 4 through November 2, plus October 30 and 31.

• Cost: $15 per person, $20 for fast pass • Info: 239-574-4386 or gatormikes.com

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Mike’s U-Pick. “It will be its own corn maze. I don’t want to give out too many details, but it will be a lot of fun. They get to shoot zombies.

Nobody will shoot back at them. The story is zombies are taking over Farmer Mike’s fields, so we need help to push them back. I think it is applicable for all ages. People who don’t want to be scared can still go and have a fun activity. It should just be a lot of fun.”

Also new this year is a fast pass combo ticket that allows guests to go to all the attractions without waiting in line.

The corn mazes and zombie paintball are just one of dozens of Halloween and autumnthemed events this month. There’s everything from the spooky and scary to the sweet:

Gator Mike’s Safe Trick or Treat

Kids ages 12 and younger trick or treat on the mini golf course.

Each hole is sponsored by a local business.

• Where: Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, 35 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral • When: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 30 • Cost: Free; pet food donations will be accepted for local animal shelters. $2 for parking, 100% to benefit a charity managing parking at the event.

• Info: 239-574-4386 or gatormikes.com

Farmer Mike’s Fall Festival & Corn Mazes Whether you like scary or cute, there’s something here for everyone.

During the day, there’s a familyfriendly corn maze, “T-Rex Meets Triceratops,” that becomes a flash

light maze at night. Also at night: a scary haunted corn maze and a zombie paintball maze. Throughout the day and evening, there are also hayrides and fun activities. There’s even a pick-your-own-pumpkin option, a rarity in southern Florida.

• Where: Farmer Mike’s U-Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs • When: Daytime activities are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, October 3-27. Nighttime activities run 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

• Cost: $12 for the nonhaunted maze, $20 for the haunted or zombie mazes, $35 for a combo ticket for all attractions. Fast passes available for an additional fee. All tickets include a hayride, fall festival and parking. And tickets go fast online (limited number available), so consider yourself warned. And if you only want to attend the fall festival and enjoy a hayride, that’s $5 (free for ages 2 and younger).

• Info: 239-498-4576 or farmermikesupick.com

« cover story (continued) Haunted History Tour True Tours’ Haunted History Tour gets a new addition this year: the Haunted Boat Tour package. This new offering takes groups of 25-30 people on a 1.5-hour cruise on the Caloosahatchee River with Pure Florida where participants hear ghostly stories of real events that happened on the river and eat spooky themed food. The cruise is followed by the 1.5-hour walking Haunted History Tour. Reservations required for all tours.

• Where: Departs from The Franklin Shops, 2200 First St., Fort Myers • When: 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year and every night October 23-31 (tour lasts about 1.5 hours) • Cost: $15 per person; boat tour package is $75 • Info: 239-945-0405 or truetours. net

Fall Festival at the Farm This free festival features pumpkins for sale, a petting zoo, hayrides and vendors. “It is a fun family activity that the whole family can do,” says owner Shelly McMahon.

• Where: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd., south Fort Myers • When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, October 5-27.

• Cost: Free • Info: 239-768-0309 or southernfresh.farm

Halloween Flamingo Fest Oh so Florida, this event has Disney princesses on hand for photos, drawings every 30 minutes, games to win prizes (for adults and kids!), a dunk tank, bounce houses, vendors, a pet costume contest and lots of giveaways. Proceeds benefit Humane Society Naples.

Disney princesses on hand for photos. “Every year we get bigger and bigger with it,” says Brandy Contreras, event coordinator.

• Where: Flamingo Island Flea Market, 11902 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs • When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday,

October 26, with pet costume contest at 1 p.m.

• Cost: Free • Info: 239-200-5934 or flamingoisland.com

Shell Factory Halloween Bash Trick or treat at the Nature Park from 10 a.m. to noon and receive two-for-one admission after 1 p.m.

Plus, kids in costume get a free snow cone and mini golf. There will also be games, a costume contest and special packages on other fun activities.

• Where: Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers • When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 27 (Shell Factory is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

• Cost: Free admission to trick-ortreating and Bash activities • Info: 239-995-2141 or shellfactory.com

KidsFest The Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral hosts the annual KidsFest with inflatables, interactive games, vendors, strolling performers, stage entertainment and Halloween costume contests.

• Where: Sun Splash Festival Grounds, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral • When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 26 • Cost: Free admission, $2 parking donation. Non-perishable food will be collected for the Cape Coral Caring Center.

• Info: 847-651-8854, mycapecoralkiwanis.org or kidsfestcc@gmail.com

Promenade Pet Parade & Costume Contest Families can enjoy a pet costume contest, kids’ costume contest, family or group costume contest, pet parade and trick-or-treating throughout the stores. Live entertainment starts at 6 p.m.

• Where: Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs • When: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday,

October 30 • Cost: Free; pet item donations will be collected for the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

• Info: 239-260-8126 or promenadeshops.com

Spooktacular Halloween Cruises The ship is fully decorated with family-friendly Halloween décor and passengers enjoy a Halloween pirate show. Plus, costume contests with prizes. There’s also an adults-only Halloween Cruise and Masquerade Ball.

• Where: Leaves from Salty Sam’s Marina, 2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach • When: The all-ages cruise departs at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26.

The adult cruise departs at 7 p.m.

Friday, October 25.

• Cost: All-ages cruise starts at $25 for ages 2-13, $30 for ages 14 and older. The adults-only cruise is $25.

• Info: 239-765-7272 or floridapiratecruise.com

Family Halloween Festival Kids trunk or treat with local businesses, plus there’s food, a hayride, games and more.

• Where: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero • When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 12 • Cost: Included with park admission of $5 per vehicle carrying 2-8 passengers or $4 for a singleoccupant vehicle.

• Info: 239-992-0311 or friendsofkoreshan.org

Halloween Bash Trick or treat around the museum at different stations, make a spooky craft and dance the monster mash in the planetarium.

• Where: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers • When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, October 26 • Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children, free if you come in costume • Info: 239-275-3435 or calusanature.org

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« cover story (continued) Calusa Nature Center’s Haunted Walk The nature trails are turned into a 1/3-mile haunted house. This is no kiddie trail. It’s recommended only for ages 16 and older. “Southwest Florida’s original Haunted Walk is back with more frights than ever.

Who knows what will be lurking on our pitch-black trails,” says May Wall, the marketing coordinator.

• Where: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers • When: Starting October 4, the trail is open 7:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Sundays. Starting October 24, Calusa adds Thursdays from 7:30 to 10 p.m. through November 2.

• Cost: $15 • Info: 239-275-3435 or calusanature.org

Lakes Park Fall Festival and Halloween Express See the entries to the Scarecrows in the Park Competition (October 1127), buy pumpkins in the pumpkin patch and ride the Halloween Express, a 1/8-scale train ride.

• Where: Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, south Fort Myers • When: The festival runs October 11-27 and the Halloween Express continues through October 31. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Plus, the train also runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Cost: Festival admission is free; individual activities vary. Parking is a $3 donation at the gate good for all day. Train ride is $7 for ages 6 and older, $2 for ages 1-5.

• Info: 239-533-7525 or leeparks.org (239-267-1905 or rrmsf.org for the train ride)

North Fort Myers Fall Festival Kids of all ages can enjoy games, bounce houses, a DJ, raffle, prizes, a costume contest, and safe trick-ortreating. The first 200 kids to register for the costume contest get a free bag of candy.

• Where: North Fort Myers Community Park & Recreation Center,

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2000 N. Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers • When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, October 18 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-533-7200 or leeparks.org

Corkscrew Road, Estero • When: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 30 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-948-3766 or miromaroutlets.com

Pumpkin Festival

Malloween Event

This festival has a big pumpkin patch, hayrides, inflatables, games, crafts and a puppet show, plus food trucks and music. Proceeds benefit the church’s youth mission trips.

• Where: Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral • When: 4 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 12 (Pumpkin patch is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 6-31) • Cost: Admission is free with canned food donation, $5 wristband for inflatables and hayrides.

• Info: 239-542-2858 or fpcfl.org/ pumpkin

Trick or treat at participating stores throughout the mall.

• Where: Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero • When: 3-5 p.m. Thursday, October 31 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-992-9966 or simon.com/mall/coconut-point

Horsey Halloween Fall Festival Horse Interaction Day becomes a fall festival with the horses dressed in costumes. “The theme this year is Disney,” says owner Christina Sdrenka. “Because ‘Lion King’ just came out and ‘Aladdin.’ We will have some dressed with Lion King and Aladdin.” Admission includes riding, games, horse feeding, bounce house, treat bags and lunch. Registration required. The event takes place twice to accommodate more guests.

• Where: Saddlewood Horse Club, 16111 Saddlewood Lane, Cape Coral • When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, October 19 • Cost: $20 • Info: 239-738-9300 or capehorses.com

Mall-O-Ween Trunk or treat with The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida and their specialty cars near the Restaurant Piazza, lakeside. Also trick or treat at participating stores. In addition, there’s a children’s costume contest for ages 12 and younger at 6:30 p.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store and a pet costume contest at 7:30 p.m. between Neiman Marcus Last Call and Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store. There will also be live music and Karaoke.

• Where: Miromar Outlets, 10801

Halloween Magic with Joey Evans Master magician Joey Evans takes guests on a journey through some of Halloween’s greatest characters and stories using magic, mystery, puppets and some surprise guests. All ages welcome. Registration required.

• Where: At four Lee County libraries: » Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, south Fort Myers. » South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero. » Cape Coral Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral. » Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs.

• When: 4 p.m. Thursday, October 24 at Lakes Regional; 11 a.m.

Saturday, October 26 at South County Regional; 2 p.m. Saturday, October 26 in Cape Coral; 6 p.m.

Tuesday, October 29 in Bonita Springs.

• Cost: Free • Info: 239-479-4636 or leelibrary.net

Spooky Storytelling for Teens Take on a role, work with a team to build a story from scratch or tell a tale or two yourself. Registration required.

• Where: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs • When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 15 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-479-4636 or leelibrary.net

Monster Sock Puppets Make a monster sock puppet while enjoying spooky music and scary stories. Registration required.

• Where: Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers.

• When: 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 15 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-479-4636 or leelibrary.net

Preschool Monster Mania Not-so-scary monster fun, including stories, songs and sensory activities for ages 2-5. Registration recommended.

• Where: Lakes Regional Public Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers • When: 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 21 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-479-4636 or leelibrary.net

Halloween Grossology Mad scientists in the Grossology lab see, touch and explore all things slimy, stinky and spooky. For students in grades K-5. Reservations recommended.

• Where: Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral.

• When: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 22 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-479-4636 or leelibrary.net

Escape from Haunted School In 1953, Haunted High School was forced to close its doors due to odd occurrences around the school. Upon later investigation, all these events were linked to a strange box that randomly appeared in the homeroom of Eunice Lugosi. A similar box has appeared in your room. Can you open the box to break the curse of Haunted High School before it’s too late? Light snacks provided. For teens in grades 6-12.

• Where: Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral.

• When: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 29

• Cost: Free • Info: 239-479-4636 or leelibrary.net

Haunted Library Escape Room Young investigators are trapped in a haunted library and time is running out. They must work together to solve the clues and unravel the mystery before it’s too late.

• Where: Riverdale Branch Library, 2421 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers.

• When: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Saturday, October 5 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-479-4636 or leelibrary.net

Muertos Monster Mash This Dia de los Muertos event features a haunted house, mariachi band, corn maze, live entertainment, costume contest for children and adults, sugar skull face painting, kids cave with “Coco” the movie, arts and crafts, photo booth and piñata. Food and drinks available for purchase.

• Where: Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs • When: 6 to 10 p.m. October 31 • Cost: $5 in advance, $10 at the door for ages 13 and older; additional fee for corn maze. Free for ages 12 and younger with paying adult.

• Info: info@shangrilasprings.com or 239-949-0749 or shangrilasprings.com

Collier County Haunted “Gross” House and Hayrides On the last three weekends of October, get grossed out at the Haunted “Gross” House, take a haunted hayride or play kids’ games.

Food vendors will also be on-site. On Saturday, October 26 there will be trunk-or-treating 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and a costume contest at 8 p.m. The event participates in the Teal Pumpkin Project, where children with allergies are given non-edible treats.

• Where: Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. N.E., Naples • When: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. October 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 (Hayride and

Haunted Walk start at 8 p.m.)

• Cost: $15 haunted house, $5 for the hayride • Info: 239-455-1444 or collierfair.com

Boo at the Zoo Children ages 12 and younger who come in costume get free admission for all three days. Activities include trick-or-treating, education stations, a costume contest with prizes each day and a DJ. Costume contests will be held at 1 p.m. each day with three categories. The zoo animals get to celebrate, too. They can be seen “carving” pumpkins and other treats with their teeth, horns or claws.

• Where: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples • When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 25-27 • Cost: Free for kids 12 and younger in costume. Regular admission is $24.95 for adults and $18.95 for ages 3-12.

• Info: 239-262-5409 or napleszoo.com

Hoots & Hisses This eco-friendly Halloween event features a costume contest, Halloween activities and crafts, live animal shows, face painting and the Super Science Show with Mr. Glen.

• Where: Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples • When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 26 • Cost: Included with admission, which is free for members, $14.95 for ages 12 and older, $9.95 for ages 3-11 and free for ages 2 and younger.

• Info: conservancy.org/naturecenter/family-fun-days

Trunk or Treat Festival There’ll be trunk-or-treating, photo ops, food trucks, games, magicians and a pumpkin carving contest. Bring a carved pumpkin for the contest.

• Where: St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, 7070 Immokalee Road, Naples • When: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 29 • Cost: Free; food for purchase • Info: 239-591-4550 or stmonicasnaples.org

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 41

« cover story (continued)

North Naples Church Pumpkin Patch

Family Halloween Monster Bash

Collier County Public Library

Buy pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks, plus take a family photo at the photo booth. Proceeds help children in need go to camps and mission trips.

• Where: North Naples Church, 6000 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples • When: October 4-31; hours are 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends • Cost: Free admission; pumpkin prices vary.

• Info: 239-593-7600 or nnchurch.org

Families can enjoy music, dancing, games and treats. Family-friendly costumes only. All ages welcome.

• Where: Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples • When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 18 • Cost: $3 • Info: 239-252-4180 or collierparks.com

The various branches of the Collier County Public Library have lots of Halloween activities, like Haunted Hallway at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. October 19 at the Headquarters Regional Library in Naples. Kids ages 2 and older come to the library in costume, experience the Hallway and pick up a treat.

No registration required. See all the library events at collierlibrary.org.

Halloween Costume Party

Charlotte County

Spooktacular on Fifth

This not-so-scary Halloween party has a costume contest, dancing and fun.

• Where: Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. First St., Immokalee • When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26 • Cost: $5 • Info: 239-252-4000 or collierparks.com

This family event features a kids’ costume contest, live music and trick-or-treating up and down the avenue.

• Where: Fifth Avenue South in Naples • When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 31 • Cost: Free • Info: 239-692-8436 or fifthavenuesouth.com

Monster Mash Trick or treat at participating retailers and enjoy free face painting, balloon art, photos, pumpkin decorating, and arts and crafts.

• Where: The Village Shops at Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples • When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, October 26.

• Cost: Free • Info: 239-961-2975 or venetianvillage.com

Halloween Howl There’ll be tricks and treats, a costume contest for all ages, games, bounce houses and prizes.

• Where: East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Drive, Naples • When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 19 • Cost: $10 per family • Info: 239-252-4000 or collierparks.com

42 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Trunk or Treat Halloween Event The spooky fun includes music, face painting, bounce houses, food and a costume contest.

• Where: Max Hasse Jr. Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples • When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, October 25 • Cost: $5 • Info: 239-252-4000 or collierparks.com

Candy Haunted House Creations Kids use an assortment of candy and frosting to create a haunted candy house. For ages 4-11.

• Where: Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Blvd. W., Naples • When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 18 • Cost: $12 • Info: 239-252-4000 or collierparks.com

Haunting on the Harbour At more than 6,000 square feet, this haunted house is billed as Southwest Florida’s largest. There’s also a festival with live music, carnival games and rides, costume contests, food and drinks. Proceeds benefit Charlotte High School activities. Children younger than 6 are not allowed in the haunted house.

• Where: Downtown Punta Gorda at the corner of U.S. 41 and U.S. 17 • When: 5 to 11 p.m. October 25-26, the festival and haunted house; 7 to 10 p.m. October 27, the haunted house only is open; 5 to 11 p.m. October 31 is the Halloween Party and Haunted House.

• Cost: Admission to the festival is free but tickets ($1 each) are needed for rides, food and attractions. Haunted house admission is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 6-12. Fast Pass is $20.

• Info: puntagordahaunting.com

» safety corner A LE XIS ROT HR ING

Here the beep Make sure your smoke alarms are strategically located to give your family the greatest chance of surviving a home fire.

W

e’ve all heard the phrase before: “Location, location, location.” And it couldn’t be more right. If I asked you where the smoke alarms are located in your home, would you be able to tell me? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no. However, location is of the utmost importance when it comes to these life-saving devices that we often forget are even in our homes. Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom, outside of each sleeping area, and on each level of the home, so that you’re sure to hear the beep.

Sadly, I’ve seen the devastating effects of fire first-hand. I’ve also seen

Free Activity Sheets Find free activity sheets for kids at nfpa.org/fpw.

families’ homes, possessions, and most importantly, their lives saved simply because they had working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms are a vital fire safety tool that literally can mean the difference between life and death in a home fire.

National Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms installed in the correct locations and follow these tips:

Alexis Rothring is the public education specialist and public information officer for San Carlos Park Fire & Rescue and a member of Safe Kids Southwest Florida.

» Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. » Test alarms monthly. » Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they are not working. » Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound and understands what to do when they hear the smoke alarm. » If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. » Go to your family meeting place outside of the home and call 911.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit nfpa.org or contact your local fire department.

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

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 43

DISNEY BOUND » Queren Pierre, 10, dances hula in front of her mother, Fredline Pierre, during her Make-A-Wish send-off celebration at Nicklaus Children’s Resource Center in Naples. Queren Pierre is fighting a brain tumor and recently got her wish for a Disney cruise granted by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Photo by Wangyuxuan Xu

AMAZING KIDS » On the first Friday of the school year, students at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral collected enough donations to sponsor a bus stop bench on the corner of their school’s property through the Cape Coral Safe Zone Park Bench Project by the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs. On August 23, the St. Andrew RotaKids school club, Rotarians and community leaders dedicated the bench. After placing balloons, students joined hands and sang “Amazing Grace.” Photos courtesy of St. Andrew Catholic School

44 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

family album »

EXTENDING FAMILY » The Forbes family, the Chase family and their friend, Alissa Campbell, left, pose for a portrait in front of a tilted tree, which was bent during Hurricane Irma in North Naples. The Forbes family lost their home when Hurricane Dorian with Category 5 strength hit the Bahamas. They came to Naples to live with the Chase family while they recover. Photo by Wangyuxuan Xu

Send Us Your Snapshots

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

WORLD’S CHAMPION AGAIN » Alexa Dahl, of Naples, brought home back-to-back World Champion titles in August at the World’s Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, Kentucky.

Alexa is a ninth-grader at Saint John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples.

She took her first riding lessons at the Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center in Naples in 2012. With lessons, riding camps and clinics, she began to show on the Academy level and worked her way up to the national level.

Alexa and her trainer, Lark René Henry, began the search for Alexa’s first big time show horse and found him on the other side of the United States: a 17-hand black American saddlebred gelding named Undulata’s Satchmo.

In December 2016, “Mo” was shipped to Florida and the next few months were spent focusing on turning the pair into a formidable team.

At the same time, Bobbin Hollow moved 3.5 hours north to Ocala, “The Horse Capital of the World.” While Alexa and her family continued to live in Naples, they spent weekends in Ocala so Alexa could continue to train with Lark and her horse.

Alexa and Mo competed against horses from all over the country to qualify to show in the World’s Championship Horse Show and made history winning the title of World Champion of Champions unanimously in 2018. Alexa Dahl and her striking black horse earned that title once again as the reigning World Champions of Champions for 2019.

Alexa is the daughter of Madeline and Theo Dahl.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 45

« family album

SECOND-CAREER TEACHERS » Chris Gelardi talks to students at the beginning of a P.E. class at Golden Gate Middle School on

August 22. A former New York police officer, Chris was featured in a Naples Daily News story about second-career teachers. Photo by Alex Driehaus

HELMET HERO » Cooper Tunkle, an eighth-

grader at Gulfview Middle School, shakes hands with Ryan Bazile at Golden Gate Elementary School. Cooper started a charity called “Cooper’s Helmet Hero” to help provide bike helmets.

Photos by Wangyuxuan Xu

46 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

travel »

Road trip time —

IF YOU DARE Take a spin around the state for the most interesting haunted sites of Florida.

STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS

The Ghost & Gravestones Tour in St. Augustine is rated among the Top 5 in the U.S.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Age appropriateness of each venue varies. Check with your picks before embarking.

ctober brings hayrides, corn mazes, cooler temperatures (hopefully) and “haunted” activities. Ghosts, hauntings and eerie experiences await all over Florida. The state has many legends and spooky places to visit — especially around Halloween. In fact, according to HauntedPlaces.org, there are 570 documented haunted spots in Florida. With the help of site owner Bill Spann, we put together a hauntingly good road trip.

For those embarking on their first creepy quest, Bill recommends going with an open mind.

“Most importantly, make sure you have permission to visit sites that aren’t already publicly accessible,” he says.

“Wherever you go, be respectful and leave the location as clean as you found it. Don’t give ghost hunters a bad name.”

Traveling up Interstate 75, Bill says Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Petersburg and Tampa all have lots of haunted sites you can easily visit on a day trip.

Just inland from Sarasota, you’ll find ghost stories aplenty at the Bunker Hill Vineyard & Winery.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 47

« travel (continued) Tampa Theatre

“This winery … has a long history of recording their ghost stories,” says Yuleza Negron, with the marketing firm DCI. “Actually, I found it to be very interesting.”

The owners share their tales on the winery’s website, bunkerhillvineyard. com.

A little farther north, in St. Pete Beach, The Don CeSar, a grand hotel on the waterfront, is a haunting legend. A resort spokesperson shares the tale: “In 1925, Thomas Rowe, a heartbroken young man from the East Coast, made his way to Florida and began building what would be an eternal testament to his long, lost love — The Don CeSar hotel. Thomas spent three years building St. Pete Beach’s ‘Pink Palace’ as a tribute to a Spanish opera star named Lucinda. After falling in love during a whirlwind romance in England, Lucinda’s parents forbid the relationship and quickly whisked her back to Spain, and they were never reunited.

“Thomas is said to haunt the property in the years since his passing.

Staff and guests report otherworldly sightings of a gentleman sporting an old-fashioned panama hat and white summer suit strolling the grounds and even greeting guests. Hotel staffers report strange happenings throughout the hotel and especially on Floor 5, where Thomas lived. To this day, sightings continue of a young couple strolling the grounds, wearing a white suit and traditional Spanish peasant dress.”

Nearby in Tampa, travelers are in for an unnerving and mysterious treat at the Tampa Theatre, a 93-year-old national landmark that is programmed 365 days a year with more than 600 showtimes of films, classic movies, concerts, special events and tours. It’s also known as one of the most haunted buildings in town. The theater offers a Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tour on October 18-31 where patrons learn the Theatre’s secrets and stories with a Balcony to Backstage Tour that focuses on the historic movie palace’s ghostly guests, preternatural patrons and eternal employees. Questions addressed include:

48 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Who was the man in Seat 308? Where did Robert Lanier tear his final ticket?

Why does Fink Finley continue to roam the balcony?

Director of Marketing & Community Relations Jill Witecki shares a few of the tales.

“When you enter Tampa Theatre, it’s as though you’ve stepped back in time to 1926 — the heyday of the majestic movie palace era. This building has been beloved by generations of patrons and staff for more than 93 years, so it’s not surprising that some of them would choose to stay… even after they’re gone,” she says.

There are stories about The Ticket Taker, The Woman in White, Paul the Manager, The Trickster, Fink Finley and the Man in the Fedora that might just convert nonbelievers.

“Recent investigations by Tampa Paranormal and Genesis Paranormal Research have recorded audio and video evidence that suggests more than one ghostly patron may still be lingering in and around Seat 308 on the ‘wide aisle.’ You will see and hear some of that evidence at the conclusion of (the ghost tour), but be sure to stop by that row of seats and ask out loud if they’re still waiting for the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ to play,” Jill suggests.

Next, head east to Orlando, where Bill recommends visiting the Rogers Building downtown. It has an interesting look, a Queen Anne style, and dates back to 1886. The ghostly image of a woman in white is said to appear on the second floor.

“And Greenwood Cemetery has lots and lots of weird and spooky stories surrounding it,” Bill adds.

Daytona Beach is another great city for hauntings.

“If you want an east coast city with a lot of haunted spots within easy walking distance from each other, check out Daytona Beach,” Bill advises. “Definitely visit Pinewood Cemetery, where most of the ghost tours here will center around.”

But first, visit Cassadaga, a halfhour drive southwest of Daytona off Interstate 4. Cassadaga is known as the “Psychic Capital of the World.”

The Cassadaga Hotel, created in the early 20th century, is promoted as a “haunted” hotel with friendly “spirits.”

Its website boasts: “People from all walks of life come to visit this charming and mysterious Inn. We are located in the center of a Spiritualist Community established in 1894. Our community, which is registered as a Historic Site, has always been known for its amazing

“When you enter Tampa Theatre, it’s as though you’ve stepped back in time to 1926 — the heyday of the majestic movie palace era.

This building has been beloved by generations of patrons and staff for more than 93 years, so it’s not surprising that some of them would choose to stay… even after they’re gone.” — JILL WITECKI Energy Vortex and Psychic Mediums.”

On his site, Bill describes the hotel as “known for its ‘spirits’ and psychics.

The hotel rents out rooms and has psychics on-site and available daily.”

While here, also visit the Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery, home to the Devil’s Chair.

“Gravestones date back to the 1800s,” HauntedPlaces.org describes.

“Cassadaga founder George Colby is buried here. Some folks say shadowy figures lurk here at night, but the Devil’s Chair is perhaps the most wellknown tale from these parts. It was said to have been built for an elderly visitor to use while paying respects to his deceased wife, but local lore has spawned many legends about the chair.”

Bill also encourages travelers to check out the Hulley Tower on the Stetson University campus in DeLand (neighboring Cassadaga) and the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp.

While Bill has documented many of Florida’s hauntings, he says he does not have a favorite location.

“I don’t have just one, but I’d say St. Augustine is a great ‘ground zero’ for haunted spots, just because there’s so much history and so many stories and legends that have built up there over the years,” he says.

In St. Augustine, Bill recalls two cemeteries, Huguenot Cemetery and Tolomato Cemetery.

“There are two cemeteries in St. Augustine which I’ve always liked. I haven’t seen anything ‘spooky’ there myself, but they certainly have the history and atmosphere that would make you 100% believe something spooky could happen at any time,” he says.

“There are so many (spots) in St. Augustine. I like the two main cemeteries, but be sure to check out Scarlett O’Hara’s.

Just about everyone who works there will have a story to tell. The St. Augustine ghost tours are a lot of fun.”

Lighthouse haunting legends exist throughout Florida, including the St. Augustine Lighthouse — the very same one that so many Southwest Florida students have ventured up during school field trips.

Numerous stories go around about the haunts at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, according to Barbara Golden, communications manager with the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau.

“One of the eeriest is the story of two young girls, daughters of one of the workers building the lighthouse in 1873. The two girls were said to have been playing around a work cart that broke free and sent them to their death. The girls linger on the property and can be heard playing on the grounds, leaving their footprints in the sand, can occasionally be seen from windows, and even linger the halls of the Lightkeepers House,” Barbara says.

“There are numerous cases with documentation of haunts at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, including an episode of ‘Ghost Hunters’ where an apparition in the tower was captured on film.”

Visitors are welcome to experience the haunted lighthouse during Dark of the Moon Tours, where they make the climb in the dark.

Another popular haunted spot in St. Augustine is the Old Jail, which was constructed in 1891 by Henry Flagler to resemble a fine hotel. But it was not filled with fineries, Barbara says.

“Over the years several prisoners died there. Many of the prisoners died by hanging and suffered the strict and harsh conditions provided by Sheriff Charles Joseph Perry, who served from 1891 to 1919. He was a firm believer in harsh punishment. Inmates did not differ with his way of thinking either.

Living conditions for inmates was brutal and to make extra certain that no one escaped, there were dogs kept behind the Old Jail,” she recalls. “In recent years ghost hunters that explored the Old Jail have experienced all kinds questionable happenings, including hearing disembodied voices, moaning, shouting, footsteps and chains sliding along the floors.”

There have even been reports of apparitions in the jail’s kitchen, hallways and on the stairs, she adds. Owned by Historic Tours of America, the Old Jail is included on the company’s Ghosts & Gravestones Tour, which has been voted one of the Top 5 ghost tours in the United States by USA Today and Top 5 ghost tours in the South by Southern Living magazine.

Halloween is a particularly good time to visit St. Augustine. New this year for Halloween is the Haunted Waters sail aboard the Schooner Freedom where the captain shares St. Augustine’s ghostly seaside tales. There’s also the GhoSt Augustine Dead Walk, where you traverse the narrowest and darkest streets of the south end of the city’s historic area and hear several new haunting stories that have not been heard until now.

So pack up and venture out for a spooky road trip deep into Florida’s chilling past. Or are you too scared?

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 49

« around town

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CATCH THE BUZZ ABOUT THE

Florida International Air Show

There’s nothing quite like standing near the tarmac while a fleet of Thunderbirds swoop down and buzz right overhead.

The U.S. Air Force team returns to the Florida International Air Show this year. People are already making plans to attend November 1-3 at the Punta Gorda Airport. In addition to the Thunderbirds, performers include Scott Farnsworth with the Dash Aerosports L-39, Patty Wagstaff of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, thirdgeneration pilot Matt Younkin and many more. General admission is $5 for children and $15 for adults in advance for November 1, $5 and $30 in advance for November 2 or 3. Reserved seating and family packages are also available. Parking is $10 for one day, $15 for two days, $20 for three days. For details, call 833-743-3427 or visit floridaairshow.com.

Delve into Native American culture In the heart of the Everglades, the Seminole Tribe of Florida hosts one of the state’s biggest celebrations of Native American culture: the American Indian Arts Celebration, November 1 and 2 at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. The event features arts, crafts, food, hands-on activities, live music, dance demonstrations and wildlife presentations. Admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and students, free for tribal members, museum members and children ages 4 and younger. The museum is about 17 miles north of Interstate-75 at 30290 Josie Billie Highway PMB 1003, Clewiston (Note: The museum’s address says Clewiston, but it’s actually 45 minutes south of the town. From Fort Myers, most would take State Route 82. From Naples, use I-75). For details, call 863-902-1113 or visit ahtahthiki. com/events.

50 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

For the love of Wilbur The heartwarming, classic story about a clever spider named Charlotte, a loveable pig named Wilbur and a girl named Fern takes the stage this month at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers.

“Charlotte’s Web” is the next Children’s Theatre production at the dinner theater, October 11 through November 15. Tickets are $19 for all ages and include lunch and the show. Get details at 239-278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.

calendar »

PRESCHOOL & VPK

Tuesday, Oct. 1 Basic Sign Language Class » 6:30-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center, 1860 Boy Scout Drive, Fort Myers. Free. Sessions are designed to help parents and siblings learn basic ASL to understand the needs of a deaf or hard of hearing family member. 239-461-0334 voice phone, 239-247-5821 video phone. dhhc.life

DANCE

Celebrating Since 1951

All Ages

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

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

Be the Astronaut » Through January 12. IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Plan a space mission and learn about the technology and skills required to be an astronaut, fly spaceships, pilot landers and drive rovers in this exhibit designed by NASA engineers. Included with admission, $14 for adults, $10 for children and students with ID, free for ages 2 and younger. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 239-243-0043. theimag.org Race to Space » Through January 5. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. This limited-engagement exhibit features a rocket design station, astronaut gear and experiments in aerodynamics. Museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Wednesdays.

Admission is $12 for children, $10 for adults, free for members and infants younger than 1. cmon.org

RESALE & CONSIGNMENT

Friday, Oct. 4 “DC vs. AC: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify America” Exhibit Opening » 6-8 p.m. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

The exhibit explores the difference between alternating and direct current and the relationship between Edison, Tesla and Westinghouse. There’ll be a talk, a complimentary glass of beer or champagne, light hors’ d’ oeuvres and a pianist playing period music. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers.

Saturday, Oct. 5 2019 Fall Family Activity Days » 10 a.m.-noon. Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. On select Saturdays, families create art projects inspired by the current exhibit, which is “Small Wonders: Insects in Focus” exhibition. artcenterbonita.org

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 51

« calendar Flashback with the Foundation ’70s Fundraiser » 6-10 p.m. Dixie Roadhouse, 1023 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral.

Food, entertainment, cash raffle, costume contest, prizes and dancing. $40 includes dinner, drink and raffle ticket. capecharterfoundation.org Flip Flop Family Scavenger Hunt » 10:30 a.m. St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. This Sanibel Sea School fundraiser is a fun activity for the whole family to get to know Sanibel Island better.

Benefits the school’s scholarship program. $25 per person.

239-472-8585. sanibelseaschool.org/flipflopfundraiser Largest Human Pink Ribbon » 9 a.m.

Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Help create the largest pink ribbon in the U.S. at this family-friendly event. Proceeds benefit Partners for Breast Cancer Care Inc. Takes place lakeside near WINK Playland. Photo to be taken at 10:45 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Ruby’s Rockin’ Rainbow 5K » 7:30-10 a.m. North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples. A benefit race for Ruby’s Rainbow, an organization dedicated to raising scholarship funds for adults with Down syndrome seeking higher education. There’s also a children’s fun race and family fun.

Run for Prevention 5K » 6-8 p.m. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., Fort Myers. In addition to the run, there’s a family festival with a bounce house and activities for all ages. The 5K course is stroller and pet friendly. Benefits the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida. runsignup.com

Wednesday, Oct. 9 Budget Clinic » 3 p.m. Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services, 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers. Learn how to better manage your money. Participants receive a UF/IFAS Extension Money Management Calendar. Free.

Next session: 5:30 p.m. October 23. lcdhvs.ticketleap.com/ budget-clinic

Thursday, Oct. 10 Roar Offshore OPA National Championship » October 10-12. Fort Myers Beach. Features powerboat racing, a parade, race village and entertainment. Kick-off is 10 a.m.

October 10 with a ribbon cutting at Salty Sam’s Marina, where the Race Village houses the boats. Race Boat Parade starts at 5:45 p.m. October 10. On October 11, meet the racers and see the boats at the Race Village. Races begin 11 a.m. October 12. Awards at 6:30 p.m. Free to attend. Due to the large crowds, an off-island shuttle will be available from Hammond Stadium and Big Lots, 15600 San Carlos Blvd.

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Friday, Oct. 11 Sea Turtle Talk » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger to learn about the life cycle and journeys of the marine turtles that visit Lovers Key. Reservations required. Included with park admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people. 239-463-4588.

Saturday, Oct. 12 Cops & Joggers 5K Race & Family Festival » 5-10 p.m. Downtown Fort Myers at Edwards Drive and Hendry Street. The family festival runs 5-10 p.m. Night race with emergency lights illuminating the route starts at 7:45 p.m.

There’ll be food, children’s activities, music, vendors and police displays. $35 on race day, $25 for adults and $15 for ages 17 and younger until October 10. Register at ftmyerstrackclub.com.

Cowboy Up Bonita Fest! » 1-4 p.m. Arc of Life Family Spinal Care, 26731 Dublin Woods Circle, Suite 2, Bonita Springs. Fundraiser to help the residents of the Bahamas impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Event features free games and fun for the whole family. Wear your best western duds. Bounce houses, games, pumpkin patch, raffle prizes and more. Cost of admission is two nonperishable food items. 239-200-7248. facebook.com/ events/arc-of-life-family-spinal-care/cowboy-up-bonitafest/496775584247391/ Family Halloween Festival » 4-7 p.m. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Trunk or treat with local businesses. Plus, there’s a hayride, kids’ games, story time with a librarian. Included with park entrance fee, which is $5 per vehicle. 239-992-0311.

Science Saturday » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Kids learn by doing interactive science and engineering projects, from making slime to constructing the solar system. miromaroutlets.com Sensory Friendly Screening: “The Addams Family: Halloween” » 10 a.m. Paragon Pavilion, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. The lights are up, the sound is down and you’re totally free to move around. paragontheaters. com/promotions The Steminist Movement Presents “Optimizing the Walk Down Memory Lane: Alzheimer’s and AI” » 2:30-4:30 p.m. Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Workshops designed to get middle and high school girls involved in STEM subjects. In collaboration with Nozomi Nishimura of Cornell University. steministmovement.org

Sunday, Oct. 13 Fall Festival » 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Beer and brats, baked goods, dunk tank, candy hay pile, trunk-or-treating, pumpkin and face painting, corn hole, toddler games, watermelon-eating contest and a crazy cake and pie auction. sainthilarys.org

calendar » Monday, Oct. 14 Pumpkin Patch Party » 11 a.m. Dave & Buster’s, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 400, south Fort Myers. Alice’s Table welcomes parents and their children to create a pumpkin floral arrangement together. $75. alicestable.com/events/ pumpkin-patch-party-at-dave-busters_1564503558 School Break Camp: Spooky Science » 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. When school is out, the “Wild Wizard” is in. Explore the Estates and topics in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), history and the natural world.

Members: $45. Nonmembers: $50. Registration required.

239-334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org

Tuesday, Oct. 15 Taco Cook Off » 5:30-8 p.m. Burroughs Home & Gardens, 2505 First St., Fort Myers. The second Taco Cook-Off between Lee County’s High School Culinary programs is sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Burroughs Home & Garden/Uncommon Friends Foundation.

Instructors and students prepare a signature taco and side dish, and guests help select the Fan Favorite while celebrity judges select the overall winner. There’s also music, a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds fund scholarships, classroom supplies, classroom equipment and state competitions. $30; nonalcoholic beverages included. Cash bar available for ages 21 and older. frla.org/event/lee-2nd-taco-cook-off

Wednesday, Oct. 16 Wednesdays with the Wild Wizard: The World of Edison and Ford » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. This new homeschool offering is a series of day-long camps designed to expose students in grades 1-6 to the Estates, history and science. Every Wednesday features a different topic.

Members: $45. Nonmembers: $50. Registration required.

239-334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org Let’s Talk Mental Health Family Night » 5:30-7 p.m.

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Road, North Naples. Middle school students and their parents are invited for a special night of learning and sharing about the importance of children’s mental health. Includes free mental health screenings for students, interactive games and activities, a raffle and refreshments. It’s also the kick-off event for the David Lawrence Center’s #StandUp Multimedia Contest for middle and high school students in Collier County. Get contest details at standupcontest.org.

Moms Appreciation Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Moms enjoy a free goodie from le macaron french pastries while the kids make crafts. miromaroutlets.com

Thursday, Oct. 17 Fall Walk » 6-9 p.m. October 17-31. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples. Walk through the gardens with evening lights, live music and activities for the whole family.

Costumes welcome; no masks. Members: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 18 and younger. Nonmembers: $20 for adults, $10 for ages 14 and younger, free for ages 3 and younger. naplesgarden.org

Friday, Oct. 18 “The Hobbit” » October 18-20. Hinman Auditorium, Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. The center’s Youth Players present J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” Shows are 7 p.m. October 18 and 19, 2 p.m. October 19 and 20. Tickets start at $13.50.

Walk on the Wild Side » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8710 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger for a guided hike along Black Island Trail. Reservations required.

Included with park admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people. 239-463-4588.

Saturday, Oct. 19 Brew-Ha-Ha Craft Beer Festival » 5-8 p.m. Mercato, Naples. On the event lawn. Sample more than 50 craft beers.

Live music by Soulixer. Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwest Florida. rmhcswfl.org/events Diwali Night 2019 » 6-11 p.m. Fort Myers Event Center, 1900 Park Meadows Drive, Fort Myers. Dances, Indian dinner buffet, professional photographer and DJ. Members: $25 for adults, $10 for ages 2-12. Nonmembers: $35 and $15. iafortmyers.org Emmanuel Community Park Fall Fest » 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Emmanuel Community Park, 2770 Oil Well Road, Naples. Games, music, a pumpkin patch, bounce house, contests, and more. Bring the kids in costumes for a day of fun activities for all ages. 239-261-0894, ext. 315. emmanuelpark.org Fort Myers Zine Fest » Noon-5 p.m. Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers. There’ll be zine, art and food vendors, DJ sets, readings and the grand opening of the Love Your Rebellion Zine Library. loveyourrebellion.org Gourmet Feast for the Palate » 7 p.m. Kelly Greens Golf and Country Club, 12300 Kelly Greens Blvd., Fort Myers.

A wine pairing dinner to benefit Partners for Breast Cancer Care, which helps low-income women and men get breast screenings, diagnostic tests, surgery and treatment. $125.

239-454-8583. pfbcc.org Making Strides Walk » 9 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Walk is at 9 a.m. lakeside near WINK Playland. The walk raises money for the American Cancer Society Making Strides of Lee County. miromaroutlets.com Professional Dining & Conversation Etiquette Luncheon » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Naples Yacht Club, 700 14th Ave. S., Naples. The League of Courageous Women hosts this luncheon by invitation only. Young future female leaders in middle or high school are encouraged to become a member of the League and attend this free event taught

by Brenda O’Connor and Naples Mayor Bill Barnett. Girls learn how to prepare for special occasions and proper

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« calendar dining etiquette during a four-course meal courtesy of the Naples Yacht Club. To request an invitation, email Cyndee@ LeagueofCourageousWomen.com. All attendees must abide by the Yacht Club’s dress code of business casual or dressier.

Guests are not permitted to wear blue jeans.

Pumpkin Patch » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. October 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27. 31 Produce, 18672 State Road 31, Alva. Free tractor rides to the “pumpkin patch.” The petting zoo and gem panning will also be open.

Sunday, Oct. 20 Cat & Nat Live » 7 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. Cat and Nat — Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer — bring their hilarious #momtruths event to Southwest Florida and tackle mom issues head on. No topic is off the table. Tickets start at $29.50. 239-481-4849. bbmannpah.com “Ding” Darling Day » 8 a.m.-5 p.m. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive Sanibel. A free day of family eco-fun: Tram tours, live wildlife presentations, origami, birding tours, hot dogs, archery, kids’ crafts, a butterfly house, touch tank, wildlife yoga, nature sketching and free stand-up paddleboard clinics. dingdarlingsociety.org/ events/ding-darling-day Italian Fest 2019 » 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Expected to be the biggest and best yet, Italian Fest offers entertainment, raffles, games for the kids and adults and, of course, plenty of food and drink. Several Italian food establishments serve up authentic culinary delights throughout the day. The spaghettieating contest is back for children and adults. office@rotaryfortmyers.org or 239-332-8158. artinlee.org/event/italianfest

Tuesday, Oct. 22 Family Friendly Business Awards » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. Celebrate local businesses that put family first. A networking period is 11 a.m.-noon. Luncheon starts at noon. FGCU President Michael Martin delivers the keynote address, “The Importance of Being Family Friendly and How High-quality Early Education and Child Care Affect and Support the Workplace.” $50. collierchildcare.org/family-friendly-business-awards Fishing Clinic » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park naturalist to learn a variety of tackle and fresh bait rigs, find out the best places to drop a line, and learn about the rules and regulations that pertain to game fishing in Southwest Florida. Reservations required. Included with park admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people. 239-463-4588.

Wednesday, Oct. 23 Build My Future Lee County » 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. Lee Building Industry Association and the School District of Lee County host a career day trade show to encourage students into the building industry. Register at 239-936-5525 or bia.net.

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Thursday, Oct. 24 Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! » 2 and 6 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers.

Sing along with Oscar and Cookie Monster, build a snowman with Elmo, flap your wings with Big Bird, marvel at Abby’s magic, see Super Grover fly and move to the beat with Rosita. $17-$72. 239-489-3033. bbmannpah.com Wicked Walk » 6-9 p.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. A theatrical tour through the art center with suspense and horror stories, some with a lighthearted twist. Lee County teachers helped their classes create art pieces, skits, musical performances and more.

Benefits the center and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. $10 for adults, $5 for ages 3-12. 239-333-1933. sbdac.com

Friday, Oct. 25 Cupcakes for Wishes » 5-7 p.m. Cape Coral Power Squadron, 917 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral. A Halloween cupcake decorating competition and tasting with food vendors, mini games, a silent auction and cupcake eating competition with prizes. $20 to enter cupcake decorating contest, $7 for noncompetitors.

Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. 239201-7896. eventbrite.com/e/cupcakes-for-wishes-tickets72742008305?aff=parentandchild Happy Homeschooling » 7 p.m. October 25 and 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. October 26. Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. The evening presentation is about enjoying home schooling with your children. The Saturday event is focused on home schooling through high school. A representative from the Homeschool Legal Defense Association will lead discussions about plans, transcripts, requirements and more. $5 per family before October 21, $10 at the door. Child care available for $2 per child, age 7 and younger, if paid in advance. cheacc.org Sensational Sharks » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8710 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger and learn about sharks. Reservations required. Included with park admission, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people. 239-463-4588.

Stone Crab Festival » October 25-27. Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples and Bayfront, 465 Bayfront Place, Naples. Live music, kids’ activities, vendors and stone crab. The party starts at 5 p.m. October 25 and continues 10 a.m.-7 p.m. October 26 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. October 27. stonecrabfestival.com Trunk or Treat 2019 » 6-7:30 p.m. Oak Creek Charter School of Bonita Springs, 28011 Performance Lane, Bonita Springs. The school’s PTO is hosting the annual Trunk or Treat this year. Wristband sales start in mid-October for $5.

239-498-6864.

Trunk or Treat » 6-8 p.m. Faith Lutheran Church Comunidad de Fe, 705 Leeland Heights Blvd. E., Lehigh Acres.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. Expect candy, bounce houses, games and more. faithlutheranla.org

Saturday, Oct. 26 Halloween Trunk-or-Treat » 3-5 p.m.

Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 4141 Deleon St., Fort Myers.

All trick-or-treaters are invited to this free event with activities, food, face painting and trick-or-treating in the church parking lot. Church members decorate their car trunks and hand out candy and other goodies. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, popcorn and bottled water are free while supplies last.

There’s also a bounce house, DJ, face painter, balloon artist and crafts.

vals i t s e Fall F oween ll & Ha nts Eve ll festivals ,

Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat » 10 a.m.-noon.

Growing Room, 25151 Bernwood Drive, Bonita Springs.

All are invited to enjoy inflatables, face painting, games, balloon artist, snow cones, snacks, photo area and trickor-treating. Come in costume! Free. 239-495-0045. growingroomchilddevelopment.com Family Art Labs » 10 a.m.-noon. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. A family art event the fourth Saturday of each month. Get inspired by the current exhibition, make art, play games and more. This month, paint sugar skulls on small flower pots and planters. Plants make great hair or fancy hats. artinlee.org Hoots and Hisses » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Live animal shows, face painting, dance party, games, crafts and a Super Science Show with Mr. Glen. Free admission for kids. Regular admission for nonmembers is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for ages 3-11, free for ages 2 and younger. conservancy.org/hoots-and-hisses

calendar »

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KidsFest » 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun Splash Festival Grounds, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. The Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral festival will have inflatables, games, vendors, giveaways, strolling performers, stage entertainment and costume contests. 847-6518854 or kidsfestcc@gmail.com. mycapecoralkiwanis.

Run Sanibel Island 10K Race 4 F.I.S.H. » 7:30 a.m.

Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., run at 9 a.m. In addition to the 10K, the event has a new children’s run for ages 10 and younger at Sanibel Community Park. The kids’ race is free, but registration required. register.chronotrack. com/r/50893 STEM Workshop » 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. By the Florida International Air Show for Charlotte County students in grades 7-9. Participants get a free ticket to the air show. Registration required. floridaairshow.com/stemworkshop

Sunday, Oct. 27 Halloween Bash » 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. Trick or treat in the nature park 10 a.m.-noon. Kids in costume get a free snow cone and mini golf. Food and drinks available for purchase. Live entertainment. Games and costume contest. Get 2 for 1 admission to the nature park after 1 p.m. Free admission. 239-995-2141. shellfactory.com “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in Concert » 7 p.m. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. See the film as the Naples Philharmonic performs live. 239-597-1111. artisnaples.org Trunk or Treat » 5-7 p.m. Gulf Coast Church of Christ, 9550 Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers.

Bounce houses, candy, prizes for best costume, dinner, popcorn, petting zoo, hayride and more. Also canned goods drive to support the Lifeline Family Center; bring your canned goods for chances to win a Nintendo Switch.

239-936-4554. facebook.com/gulfcoastchurch

Monday, Oct. 28 Faces of Hope Mental Health Luncheon » 11 a.m.

Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. The people who have given so much to Hope Clubhouse over the years will be in the spotlight as the mental health support community honors “Faces of Hope Who Give” at its annual luncheon. hopeclubhouse.org

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« calendar Wednesday, Oct. 30 Gator Mike’s Safe Trick or Treat » 5-8 p.m. Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, 35 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral.

For ages 12 and younger. Parking is $2. 239-574-4386 or gatormikes.com Mall-O-Ween » 6-8 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Music, karaoke, trick-or-treating and contests.

Children’s costume contest for ages 0-12 is at 6:30 p.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store. miromaroutlets.com

34725 W. Boundary Road, Clewiston. Arts, crafts, food, hands-on activities, live music, dance demonstrations and wildlife presentations. $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and students, free for ages 4 and younger, museum members and tribal members. ahtahthiki.com/events Florida International Air Show » November 1-3. Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. Feel the buzz of these high-flying performers. floridaairshow.com

Saturday, Nov. 2 2019 Fall Family Activity Days: Large Sculpture » 10 a.m.-noon. Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. On select Saturdays, families create art projects inspired by current exhibits. In November, put on your hardhat and come prepared to help assemble a large sculpture. artcenterbonita.org Walk the Talk for Epilepsy » 8 a.m. North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples. Fundraiser for Epilepsy Florida. Family fun, raffles, prizes, DJ and more. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Walk is at 9 a.m. Day-of registration is $35 for adults, $20 for children. In advance: $25 and $15. epilepsyfl.com/walkthetalk

Sunday, Nov. 3

Thursday, Oct. 31 Malloween » 3-5 p.m. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. Free. Trick or treat at participating stores. 239-9929966 or simon.com/mall/coconut-point Muertos Monster Mash » 6-10 p.m. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Haunted house, mariachi band, corn maze, live entertainment, costume contest for children and adults, sugar skull face painting, kids cave with “Coco” the movie, arts and crafts, photo booth and piñata.

Food and drinks available for purchase. $5 in advance, $10 at the door for ages 13 and older; additional fee for corn maze.

Free for ages 12 and younger with paying adult. 239-9490749 or shangrilasprings.com Spooktacular on Fifth » 4:30-7:30 p.m. Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. Kids’ costume contest, live music and trick-or-treating up and down the avenue. Free. 239-6928436. fifthavenuesouth.com

Friday, Nov. 1 American Indian Arts Celebration » 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

November 1-2. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Festival Grounds,

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Pine Island Elementary Fishing Tournament & Derby » 8:30 a.m. Olde Fish House Restaurant & Marina, 4530 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. Adult fishing starts at 7 a.m. (honor system). This is a “Catch/Photo & Release” tournament.

Final photo submission is 3 p.m. $3,500 in cash prizes to be awarded. $75 per angler. Benefits Pine Island Elementary School. For child anglers, $35, fishing begins at 9 a.m. for grades 4-5, 10:45 a.m. for grades 2-3 and 12:15 p.m. for kindergartners and first-graders. There will also be silent auctions, raffles, live music, barbecue and kids’ activities. matlachahookers.org

Tuesday, Nov. 5 Wading Trips in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve » 1:30-3:30 p.m. Bayside of Black Island, north of Lovers Key State Park.

Join environmental specials at Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve to explore the shallows and see what lives there. $5 suggested donation, free for children younger than 5. Registration required. Next ones: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. December 3 and 9-11 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month, January-April, plus May 12. 239-530-1003 or Estero.Bay@FloridaDEP.gov.

Visit swflparentchild.com for more events.

voices »

Mollie Page is a business writer and public relations agent in Southwest Florida. She is a member of the board of directors of the League of Courageous Women (leagueofcourageouswomen.com) and the proud mother of a courageous future female leader.

GUEST COLUMNIST

It takes courage to help our distressed daughters

A

s the parent of a young girl, it’s often difficult to determine which extracurricular program will be the best fit for your daughter. With a limited number of years until they leave the nest, you want to make sure everything they do is encouraging their spirit and not deflating their character. Beyond that, you’re also looking for something that doesn’t break the bank, has the ability to improve their selfconfidence and can help your daughter form critical life skills to become truly courageous in all she endeavors to do in life.

We know your challenge, because we are parents of young girls, too.

That’s why a group of us mothers and female leaders from across Southwest Florida met in 2017 to discuss a more ideal program that would meet these concerns and bridge the gap where other community programs fell short in connecting to young women. With the League of Courageous Women, our mission is to create a stronger community by empowering young women to confidently rise to the next level on their journey. Entering our third year, the program serves young women from middle school

The League’s next event is the Professional Dining & Converstaion Etiquette Luncheon on October 19.

through college, as these girls are in most need of opportunities that encourage positivity and arm them with skills necessary to become tomorrow’s future female leaders and role models.

Why did we feel a new girls-only program was needed?

Honestly, research from other girls’ organizations helped us realize that as young women enter middle school, their desire to lead drops significantly from 44% at age 8-10 to 36% at age 11-13. This is when they are most vulnerable, because they are afraid of being laughed at, making people mad at them, coming across as bossy, or not being liked. Left unguided, girls start holding back and are at risk of developing self-image issues and depression.

Many of us were already seeing the effects of bullying and low selfesteem from self-imposed isolation in our daughters.

We see firsthand the stress our daughters face when connected and compelled to respond to everyone they know during every moment of the day. Add the influence of thousands of digital personalities on social media that feed them information that might not be true or fair (and could be dangerous), and our challenge to teach them what’s right and wrong becomes more difficult every day.

Fortunately, we’ve seen many young girls awaken from a fog when these distractions and inflammatory influences are removed. They can engage without criticism, explore new subjects without anxiety, and feel safe to be imperfect.

LCW programs connect young girls to female leaders in all types of occupations. They help girls develop communication, compassion and vital social skills. They also introduce them to careers in science, law, medicine, the environment, media and finance.

Explore the calendar on our website (leagueofcourageouswomen.com) to find an upcoming event that is a good fit for your daughter. Our programs are free and open to any young woman who seeks the courage to be an authentic female leader.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 57

» last look

NEVER FORGET Robert Moore, right, tells Aiden Hein, 6, the story of 9/11 during a candlelight vigil at the Collier County Freedom Memorial on September 11 in Freedom Park.

PHOTO BY WANGYUXUAN XU

58 » OCTOBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM

Tickets on Sale Now!

6–9pm, Thursday, October 17–Thursday, October 31

Delight in autumn in the tropics as you explore the Garden after hours with lighted displays, live music, games, photo ops, and special menu items for purchase from Fogg Café and local vendors.

Purchase your tickets at naplesgarden.org.

Special Thanks

Media Support Provided By

239.643.7275

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » OCTOBER 2019 » 59

Kid-sized emergency care designed with kids in mind.

leehealth.org/childrens-health ©2019 Lee Health • 3400.194 • 9/19