S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
SEPTEMBER 2019
Sick Child? Same day sick appointments available FORT MYERS � � �- �� CAPE CORAL � � ��-���� LEHIGH ACRES � � �- ��
www.ppcswfl.com
Let OUR Family Take Care of YOUR Family Physician-Owned. Patient-Centered
Color the PPC Pals, then bring them into your doctor’s office where we will display them, or use to decorate in your own home.
Physician-Owned. Patient-Centered
www.ppcswfl.com | 239.275.5522
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 3
Help Your Child Learn AN EYE ON THE FUTURE Make an appointment today. Your future suddenly became a whole lot clearer. A child’s learning challenges can be caused by vision related problems, even if the child has 20/20 vision. Visit EyeDocks.com to watch a video about Vision Therapy.
Eye Care Services
• Comprehensive Eye Examinations • Contact Lens Fitting • Glaucoma Evaluations • Cataract Evaluation & Post-Op Care • Genetic Testing for Macular Degeneration • Visual Fields • Opto-Maps
Insurance Accepted The knowledgeable staff at Fort Myers Eye Associates PA is experienced in working with vision insurance providers. We will work directly with you and your vision insurer. We accept sever types of vision insurance.
8801 College Pkwy, Fort Myers (239) 437-2004 EyeDocks.com
Independent PK3-12 College Prep School
CUM LAUDE SCHOOL
100%
ACCEPTED TO COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
10:1
19
TECHNOLOGY CLASSES WEEKLY
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
4 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Join us for Open House OCTOBER 14 @ 9:30 a.m.
NOVEMBER 11 @ 8:30 a.m.
DECEMBER 5 @ 8:30 a.m.
Grades 5-11
All Grades
Pre-K - Kindergarten
TO REGISTER, please visit our website Or call 239.415.8945 www.canterburyfortmyers.org
contents »
swfl
parent&child
29
Features
In Every Issue
27 party planner
17 ask the expert
Golden Gate mom creates memorable kids’ parties
Get away to the charming surf town of New Smyrna Beach
20 in the kitchen
Get tips for the whole spectrum of pet ownership, from choosing your critter to saying goodbye
50 around town
How to make nutrition a priority this school year
Best bets on local events for families
23 kid stuff
On the Cover Blakely, 7, and Ansley, 3, love on their dog, Buddy, 14½. The girls are the daughters of Susan and Steve Brown, of Naples.
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
46 travel
#GetFried Fry Cafe in Estero
31 kids & pets
.COM
AEDs save lives in schools throughout the region
19 dining out
Ellie the goldendoodle helps kids overcome fear of dental visits
ENTCHILD
40 safety corner
10 ways to reduce labor pain
29 working dog
S W F L PA R
46
SEPTEMBE
56 voices
The science center that delivers big education and fun
Southwest Florida woman forms support organization for women with endometriosis
25 teens Getting your kids scuba certified in Southwest Florida
R 2019
Other Departments 7 8 9 11 13
editor’s note our contributors online me time 5 things
14 41 51 58
fyi family album calendar last look
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 5
READY, SET, SMILE. DENTAL CHECK-UPS $ 99 BRACES 25% OFF
Ft. Myers Cape Coral Naples
239.567.9480 239.443.5988 239.963.1135
mainstreetsmiles.com *MUST MENTION THIS OFFER TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT. NEW PATIENTS ONLY. DOES NOT APPLY TO DOWN PAYMENT AND CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, INSURANCE, OR REDUCED-FEE PROGRAM. THE PATIENT & ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAM OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HRS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, REDUCED-FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. LIC#DN13483, LIC#DN18083, LIC#DN17541, LIC#DN20050, ADA 0150, 0272, 1120, 1208. DRS. MARVIN BECKER, D.D.S. AND DONALD A. GALLO, D.M.D. DOES NOT APPLY TO DOWN PAYMENT, CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH CERTAIN INSURANCE. **INCLUDES COMPLETE SET OF BRACES FOR KIDS & ADULTS, INITIAL EXAM, FOLLOW-UP VISITS, PATIENT RECORDS & RETAINERS. NOT VALID ON TREATMENT ALREADY BEGUN. INSURANCE PATIENT DISCOUNTS MAY VARY. SPECIALTY RETAINERS OR BRACKETS ADDITIONAL. FREE CONSULT INCLUDED. MAY NOT BE COMBINED W/ANY OTHER OFFER, DISCOUNT, INSURANCE OR REDUCED-FEE PROGRAM. FINANCING AVAILABLE ON APPROVED CREDIT. VALID AT PARTICIPATING OFFICES ONLY. PATIENT & ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAM OR TREATMENT PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF & WITHIN 72 HRS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, REDUCED-FEE SERVICE, EXAM OR TREATMENT. LIC DN#20050. ADA9310. OFFER EXPIRES 60 DAYS FROM RECEIPT.
6 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
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 9 Dedicated to serving the families of Lee and Collier counties 2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 swflparentchild.com Regional VP, Sales William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel
Editorial Contributors Andrew Atkins, Christine Ghali, Adelie Landis, Jean Le Boeuf, Leigha Messmer, Julie Noble, Andrea Stetson, Jennifer Thomas Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday 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.
Member of
Puppy love We were walking in downtown Fort Myers during some event when I knew we would end up adopting our first dog as a family. My kids were 11 and 8, and we had just seen the Gulf Coast Humane Society booth where adorable, adoptable dogs attracted attention. My son, the oldest, said he’d give up all Christmas presents if we would just get them a dog for Christmas. My husband and I didn’t take him seriously at first, but it started a conversation. Our daughter joined in her brother’s position. On December 9, 2013, we adopted Cosmo, an 8-week-old Catahoula mix. We did our research (though that was misleading — “minor vocalizations” my foot). The kids promised to help train him and feed him, play with him and love him. We gave the kids only a few gifts and used Christmas to outfit our pup with all he could need, and then some. The kids were super excited to play Santa with the puppy. Luna came unexpectedly last summer. She followed my son home from a Luna lawn mowing job and wouldn’t leave. We and walked her around the neighborhood and Cosmo knocked on doors but couldn’t find her owner. We had her chip checked, and while that led to a previous owner, that person said they had given her away and didn’t have the new owner’s contact information. Our veterinarian recommended turning her over to Lee County Animal Services because that’s where most owners find their lost pets. But no one came to claim her. So we adopted her. Pet ownership has not been without it ups and downs. We often have had to remind the kids of their promise to help care for the dogs. Training Luna, who turns out to have a lot more energy than we realized, has been daunting. But Cosmo and Luna are family members now. We hope to help you on your family’s pet journey with this month’s feature on kids and pets. There’s advice for choosing a pet, ideas for names, which pet chores kids can do, even preparing for a pet’s death. It all starts on page 31.
Pamela Smith Hayford, Editor Contact us: We enjoy hearing from you. Send your photos, letters or comments to: pamela@swflparentchild.com. Or visit us online:
swflparentchild.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 7
MIROMAR OUTLETS
» our contributors
®
BEST FACTORY OUTLET MALL, BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AND BEST PLACE TO BUY SHOES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA VOTED THE
Meet the contributors to this month’s issue of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine. Christine Ghali • Ask the Expert
• Christine Ghali is a birth doula, childbirth educator and owner of Mindful Birth Services and Doula Care in Southwest Florida (239-560-2403, mindfulbirthservices.com).
Adelie Landis • Voices • Adelie Landis, 28, is a native to Fort Myers and an endometriosis warrior. She is creating a nonprofit, the Endometriosis Foundation of Southwest Florida, to raise awareness and increase the quality of care for women with endometriosis.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS LABOR DAY SIDEWALK SALE Friday, August 30 thru Monday, September 2 Red, white and additional savings! SUMMER GIVEAWAY SERIES Fridays, 6:30 p.m. at Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Bar September 13: ZZ Top September 27: Marc Anthony Answer tricky music trivia questions for a chance to win Hertz Arena concert tickets. SCIENCE SATURDAY Saturday, September 14 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in PLAYLAND Kids participate in interactive science and engineering projects – from making slime to constructing the solar system! MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, September 18 10 a.m. to noon PLAYLAND in Treat yourself! Moms, enjoy a free goodie from le macaron french pastries when your children attend Kids Crafts. FAMILY YOGA WITH KATHRYN Saturday, September 21 10 a.m. in PLAYLAND A FREE 45-minute beginners’ yoga class, for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring your own mat.
KIDS DAY Saturday, September 28 10 a.m. to noon in PLAYLAND Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive free pizza, ice cream and other goodies.
Jean Le Boeuf • Dining Out • Jean Le
FREE KIDS CRAFTS Every Wednesday 10 a.m. to noon in PLAYLAND Our new Kids Crafts Reward Card is good for a $10 Miromar Outlets gift card after your fifth visit.
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.
BABY BOOT CAMP Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. in PLAYLAND Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, postnatal and ultra-fit moms.
Leigha Messner • In the Kitchen • Leigha Messner, RD, is a clinical dietitian with Lee Health. She can be reached through media@leehealth.org or by calling 239-4243120.
FITNESS CAMP Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 6:30 a.m. in PLAYLAND This 60-minute boot camp-styled class is designed specifically for women.
Andrea Stetson • Kids & Pets, Spotlight, Kid Stuff and Teens • Andrea Stetson writes for magazines and newspapers throughout Southwest Florida. She has also been a news producer and writer at television stations in Fort Myers, Miami and Scranton. Andrea lives in North Naples with her husband, daughter, dog and eight bunnies. Her son is a student at Georgia Tech.
ROCK CLIMBING FUNWALLS PLAYLAND (239) 948-3766 AMAZING THINGS 5-D MOTION THEATER Suite 323, (239) 262-9464
Jennifer Thomas • Travel: New Smyrna Beach • Jennifer Thomas is a freelance travel writer who has extensively explored the U.S. and destinations abroad. A journalism graduate from Bowling Green State University and an Air Force veteran, she is the owner of the FSR Ventures public relations firm and Beauty Results PR. Jennifer lives in Fort Myers with husband Bill, daughter Kylie, and golden retriever Rosebud.
Party packages available at MiromarOutlets.com/Play
Shop over 140 stores up to 70% off and dine at our wide array of restaurants! (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 *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 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
0919-1836
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.
online »
swflparentchild.com Get the latest event information and family news every day at swflparentchild.com.
GET YOUR PRE-BABY BODY BACK WITH A
MOMMY
MAKEOVER
Looking for something to do?
Our website has plenty of ideas. There’s our calendar, sure, and features about things to do around town. But we also have a list of entertainment venues and attractions. It’s under the Things To Do tab, but you can also go straight to it with this URL: swflparentchild.com/search/location/ entertainmnet-attractions.
Miss an issue? SWFL Parent & Child magazine is available in its entirety online along with back issues, too. Did you miss our summer bucket list in the June issue? It’s online. Or our list of 10 great hikes for kids in the March issue? It’s online, too. Just visit swflparentchild.com and scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll also find past stories individually on the site.
Contours and tightens the abdomen. Lifts and shapes breasts.
Get SWFL Parent & Child anywhere at any time LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/ swflparentchild
READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild
239-482-1900 | Garramone.com 12998 South Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33907 / Ralph Garramone, Plastic Surgeon
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 9
10 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
me time »
Pretty
Flip flop flounce The Wagner Espadrille wedge sandal by Seven Dials also comes in beige. $18.67$40.61 at Amazon.com.
PATTERNS Sick of solids? Whether they’re subtle or bold, spice up your wardrobe’s palette with these stripes for ultimate summer style. — USA TODAY NETWORK
Casual, comfy, cute
A casual dress like the Socialite boatneck midi dress looks great with a pair of sneakers. $29.99 at 6pm.com.
Go a little retro This Tory Burch Miller stripe bucket bag has a ’70s feel to it. $498 at Nordstrom.
Striking
NIGHT
DATE
Pair these high-rise Mariner Stripe wide-leg chinos with a cute blouse and wedges. $47.99 at Gap.
A little bubbly, live music and a tapas-style frites bar? The Naples Grande Beach Resort debuts its Perrier-Jouet Flutes & Frites Happy Hour on Labor Day weekend. Flutes of Perrier-Jouet are $7. And the bubbly celebration takes place in the hotel’s Mantra Bar 3-10 p.m. every Friday. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 11
ENROLL NOW FOR THE 2019/2020 SEASON
SAVE THE DATE! 12TH ANNUAL COPS & JOGGERS 5K RACE & FAMILY EVENT
Benefiting the Fort Myers Police Department, Fallen Officer Memorial Foundation & the Brotherhood Ride
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12TH, 2019 Downtown Ft Myers - Edwards Dr. & Hendry St.
FAMILY FESTIVAL 5PM TO 10PM
NIGHT RACE STARTS 7:45PM
NP-0000972761
15250 S. Tamiami Trail in the Regal Plaza
239-208-9138
curtaincallstudios.com FIND YOUR SPOTLIGHT
12 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
FOOD • CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES • MUSIC • VENDORS • POLICE DISPLAYS • FUN!
REGISTER ON-LINE AT
www.ftmyerstrackclub.com
5 things »
Oh baby! Prepare for your little one, or snag an awesome shower present, with these great finds.
So you can rest How many times does a new mom stare at her baby to see if it’s breathing? Countless. In comes Smart Beat, a video monitor with breath detection, so you can rest. $249.50 at mysmartbeat.com.
Little foodie on the go Make baby food wherever you go. BlendJet One is so small — 3 by 3 by 9 inches — you can easily slip it into your diaper bag or purse. And it can produce 10 to 12 cups per charge. Retail price is $79.95, but we saw it for $39.95 at blendjet.com.
Soft place to play Soft and cute, Toki Mats give baby a comfy spot to play. The covers are interchangeable and easily thrown in the wash. Plus, the natural foam mats fold up for portability. Starting at $149 at tokimats.com.
Princess of the day Your little lady can be royalty practically every day of the week with these Disney onesies. $29.99 for a 5-pack on Amazon.com.
Eco-diapers you can afford Moms are raving about Hello Bello diapers. Founded by Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, Hello Bello aims to make high quality, eco-friendly stuff for all parents, like diapers without chlorine, phthalates or latex. They seem to have hit the mark with these cute and functional diaper designs. Starting at $23.94 exclusively at Walmart or bundle at hellobello.com.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 13
« fyi
Magic to the max Masters of Illusion — the magic show that challenges reality on The CW Network — is coming to Southwest Florida. The family-friendly spectacle brings grand illusions, arts of deception, comedy and audience participation to the stage live February 11 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in south Fort Myers. Tickets start at $28. Get details at mastersofillusionlive.com and bbmannpah.com or call the box office at 239-481-4849.
Rachel Hollis’ RISE Weekend to lift SWFL moms in January Writer and motivational speaker Rachel Hollis plans to lead women through a three-day personal growth conference when her popular RISE Weekend comes to Southwest Florida. The conference is at Hertz Arena on January 9-11. General admission is $600, while VIP tickets are $900 to $1,800. The event’s $300 terrace seats are sold out. Tickets and more information are available at thehollisco.com/rise-weekend-fort-myers-florida.
Valerie’s House to open Naples location Valerie’s House, an organization created to help children cope with loss of a loved one, is getting ready to open its own space in Collier County. Over summer, artists have been transforming the interior of two adjacent homes that are being leased by Valerie’s House to help grieving children. Themed rooms feature soothing murals and other artwork. The murals are meant to help children feel comfortable to help them grieve in their own way. A grand opening is scheduled for 5 p.m. September 10 at 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples. The public is welcome to visit 5-7 p.m. September 10-11.
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMAG
Molly Wooley paints the ceiling at Valerie’s House for Children in Naples.
14 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
THE ONLY CHOICE
Robin Dawn Dance Academy
Est. 1975
Cat & Nat tell #momtruths at Mann Hall in October In case you missed the announcement in our July issue, Cat and Nat — Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer — are bringing their hilarious #momtruths event to Southwest Florida on October 20. These two women tackle mom issues head on. No topic is off the table. The show starts at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Tickets start at $29.50. Get details at bbmannpah.com or 239-481-4849.
Enroll For Fall Classes Classes Starting August 12th Half Off Registration Fee’s
Highly Experienced and Skilled Instructors
VOTED FORT MYERS and CAPE CORAL’S BEST DANCE STUDIO!
Come Join Our Family of Dancers
Guadalupe Center hits 5-star high The Guadalupe Center in Naples earned its fifth five-star rating from the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida in August, the only preschool in Collier County to earn five stars every year since 2015. The center’s early childhood education program serves more than 300 students from 6 weeks old to 5 years old, culminating with a prekindergarten program that sees 95% of its graduates meet or exceed kindergarten readiness standards.
Tap • Jazz • HipHop • Lyrical • Ballet • Pointe • Musical Theater • Acrobatics • Contortion • Circus Equipment
932 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral
239.549.0827
www.RobinDawnAcademy.com
Students at the Guadalupe Center
Hope starts pet loss support group Losing a beloved pet is hard. For many of us, our pets are members of the family. To help, Hope Healthcare added a Pet Loss Support Group at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at their Cape Coral location, 2430 Diplomat Parkway E. To reserve a spot, call Tricia Black at 239-985-2485. Walkins welcome.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 15
« fyi
(continued)
New theme park coming to Orlando Universal Orlando Resort is planning a new theme park: Epic Universe. Although specific details such as themes, rides or attractions remain under wraps, guests will be taken “on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands — and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination,” according to a news release. The new park will feature an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more and will be located a few miles from the existing resort. There’s no timeline yet for Universal’s fourth theme park.
NCEF breaks ground on new headquarters Construction has begun on the 15,000-square-foot permanent headquarters of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. The two-story building is being built on property purchased by NCEF in the Eagle View Professional Park on Goodlette-Frank Road, just north of Golden Gate Parkway. The building will serve as home to NCEF’s operations, which provide an annual average $10 million investment in community programs serving more than 45,000 of the most vulnerable children in Collier County.
Mound House lands in TripAdvisor Hall of Fame The Mound House on Fort Myers Beach — an historic structure atop a 2,000-year-old shell mound where families learn about local history — received a spot in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame this summer by earning a Certificate of Excellence for the fifth year. That means the Mound House consistently gets great reviews from visitors. The attraction is at 451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach, with overflow parking at 216 Connecticut St. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students with college ID, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger. It’s open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday through December 31. For more, visit moundhouse.org or call 239-765-0865.
Discovery awaits! See you in the Garden October 1. 239.643.7275
16 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Christine Ghali is a birth doula, childbirth educator and owner of Mindful Birth Services and Doula Care in Southwest Florida (239-5602403, mindfulbirthservices.com).
ask the expert » CHR ISTINE GH A LI
10 TIPS FOR AN EASIER LABOR
A
GETTY IMAG
ES
re you hoping for an easy labor? My experience as a birth doula and childbirth educator has shown me time and again that nearly all pregnant mothers truly think that their labor will be one of the easy labors, or one of the short labors, or one of the painless labors. I hope that’s you! The pain of some labors is way easier to cope with than others, without much preparation needed. It’s pretty rare though. The majority of births require the mother to dig down deeper than she ever imagined she could, to draw on coping skills she is glad she prepared for, and to use every bit of support and pain management tips to bring her baby here. There are no shortcuts in labor. To cope with labor’s intensity, I have 10 simple tips that you really can do to help ease the pain of labor. Don’t be sting now. Share them with your girlfriends, your sisters and any pregnant mothers you know.
1. Breathe. Learn ahead of time how to notice your breath, recognize your breath, focus on your breath. There are some awesome pain-coping practices that use breath awareness in the book “Birthing From Within,” and you can take a class locally from yours truly, or learn breathing techniques from your favorite doula or birth professional. If a group class isn’t for you, consider a private class, in addition to reading the “Birthing From Within” book.
2. Move around. I like to suggest a balance between resting and moving. You can try leaning over a birth ball for a few contractions,
then perhaps sway with your partner for a few contractions, followed by alternating lunges to each side for a few contractions, and maybe squatting down low for a few contractions. It’s OK to lay down and rest for a while now, too, before you get up and get active again. This will encourage baby to move down and dilate your cervix, and it also helps you to find what positions you can cope with easier than others.
3. Double-hip-squeeze. This one is my absolute favorite skill to bring to every birth I attend. It’s a type of pressure massage and is best shown in-person for proper positioning. Ask your doula about it. (I teach it during my
childbirth classes.) Now, the DHS isn’t for everyone. In that case, try counterpressure on your lower back, at your sacrum. (You can thank me later.)
4. Water. Drink it. Loads of it. Consider something with a boost like Vitaminwater, Smartwater or coconut water for the electrolytes. Another option is to bring something like EmergenC packets to add to your water. Stay hydrated. (TIP: Put a bendy straw in your beverage so you can take small sips without having to use much effort or thought.) Remember to empty your bladder often, as a full bladder can cause contractions to feel more intense than an empty one.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 17
« ask the expert (continued) 5. Soak in the tub.
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
• • • •
Private Swim Lessons Two Pools Open Year Round New lower prices Heated Pools
Athletics & Outdoor Sports
• Outdoor Sports • Co-Ed Youth / Adult Soccer • Women’s Soccer • Volleyball Rental League • Coed 7v7 Soccer • Women’s 7v7 Soccer • 9+ Sand Volleyball Leagues • Softball Leagues • Field Rentals
For more information on all activities contact us at:
This is the one I refer to as Nature’s Epidural. Oftentimes labor’s intensity decreases significantly by submerging your belly and back into a deep, warm bath. Consider adding a couple of drops of a pregnancy safe essential oil, like lavender or vanilla, or a lavender-vanilla mix. (TIP: Put a towel in the bottom of the bath to sit on or kneel on, depending on what position you are in, to save your knees or sacrum. Another towel can go behind your neck as a neck rest. Make sure your drinking water is nearby to stay hydrated in the warmth of the water.)
6. Take a hot shower. Hot water on an aching back is heavenly. This one is great because you can be upright in the shower, or squatting, or lunging, all while having the hot water massage your back. (TIP: If your water has already broken and you are leaking amniotic fluid, this is especially a great place to be so you aren’t distracted by pads or cleanup or the sensation of leaking fluid.)
7. Invest in or make your own rice sock heating pad. The benefit of a rice heating pad is that it’s wireless, unlike traditional heating pads. Just throw it in the microwave and let your doula or partner hold it on your back or hips. (TIP: Place a towel or blanket between the heating pad and your skin, so you don’t burn yourself.) Check out how to make one on the Wellness Mama website.
8. Visualizations. If there’s one thing that will really help you to work with your body, it is staying out of your mind’s way. Find and learn some visualizations that put you in the subconscious zone, so your body can do its work. You can find some awesome birth visualizations in the amazing book by Carl Jones called “Mind Over Labor.” It’s an oldie but a goodie. (TIP: It’s important to practice often
during late pregnancy. Have your partner read your favorite two or three visualizations to you while you focus on your breath. There’s a little bit of a “tee-hee-hee” factor here, so you’ll have to give it a few tries to get over that. But once you do, this is a very powerful tip that can completely change how your labor unfolds).
9. Massage. Foot massage, hand massage, shoulder massage, back massage, hip massage. I carry an Omni Massage Roller in my doula bag to make the job easier on my hands. (TIP: Couple this with reminders to relax your forehead, to relax your throat, to relax your shoulders. Keep your body loose and relaxed and open.) Some women find that once they’re in labor, they don’t want to be touched, even if they imagined they would. One of labor’s unyielding lessons is to surrender into the moment. Another is to “use your voice.” It’s OK to tell your partner or doula what you like and what you don’t, what’s working or what is not. If massage isn’t working for you, speak up. Your support person will not get their feelings hurt.
10. Doula. Your doula will remind you of all the above plus more. She’ll remind you of your birth preferences when you want to give up. She’ll help your birth partner understand how to help you, and she’ll show them how to help you. She’ll bring you water, food, honey sticks and chap stick. She’ll squeeze your hips in just the right way to ease the pain. She’ll massage you. She’ll talk you through your contractions, and she’ll remind you that you’re not alone. She’ll reheat your rice sock heating pad. She’ll give you tips, in the moment, to help you through, even if (or especially if) your birth plans change. Doulas vary in experience, cost and education level. You’ll usually know right away if the doula you meet is the right doula for you, and many offer a complimentary initial consultation. Best to you in your upcoming birth. You’ve got this!
• Fort Myers Skatium (239) 321-7509
NP-0000965591
• Aquatic Center (239) 321-7556 • Athletics & Outdoor Sports 239-321-7514
18 » SEPTEMBER 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.
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.
dining out »
ODE TO FRIED FOOD Reviewer drawn like a moth to the fatty flame of #GetFried in Estero
T
here’s something ironically refreshing about a new fastcasual concept devoted to fried food. That’s not how the fastcasual world works these days. That segment has become a haven for acai smoothies and Hawaiian-style poke bowls, for healthful big-name chains such as Panera and the Mediterranean, vegan-friendly Zoes Kitchen. We’re supposed to want to eat healthier, cleaner, fresher. And yet I was inexplicably drawn to the 3-month-old #GetFried Fry Cafe in Estero, where the menu includes seven styles of smothered french fries and chicken fingers three ways. Opened in late March at the year-old University Village south of Florida Gulf Coast University, #GetFried shares the space with a yoga studio, one of those acaibowl places and, yes, a poke joint, too. It’s an island of grease amid a sea of antioxidants, and like a moth to a saturated-fat flame I couldn’t resist. The boldest and brightest of #GetFried’s fatty flares belongs to those smothered fry baskets. The shop makes a solid poutine with hand-cut fries, silky gravy and properly squeaky cheese curds. Its Texas fries get a gooey blanket of cheddar and a hearty sprinkle of thick-cut bacon and chives, with a dash of chili powder for a hint of smoky spice. You could get Buffalo-style waffle fries piled in spicy chicken. Or extra crunchy flour-coated fries heaped with barbecue sauce and pulled pork (mine was soggy,
#GetFried Fry Cafe
falo crunch rolls). But why aren’t there deep-fried Philly rolls? You guys have all the ingredients. And deep-fried barbecue » Location: 10952 Eagle Village rolls, and burger rolls, and maybe even Drive, Suite 440, Estero » Phone: poutine rolls filled with cheese curds 239-257-1176 » Online: getfried. with a cup of that silky gravy on the com » Price: Average entrée is under $10 » Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 side for dipping. p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. And if you’re calling yourself to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 #GetFried, why aren’t there any fried a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday » Noise desserts? I want deep-fried Oreos and level: Moderate » Etc.: Soft drinks Twinkies. I want funnel cakes and churonly, outdoor seating available, takeout available ros and elephant ears buried in drifts of powdered sugar. I didn’t go to the acai-bowl place. I not that this is a barbecue joint). came to #GetFried! #GetFried’s Rocky Balboa hits you To the restaurant’s credit, the gentlewith Cheez Whiz, sauteed onions, mush- man at the counter one evening took rooms and peppers. For dessert there are my rant in stride, promising to mention sweet potato fries sticky with maple syrup, the elephant-ear thing to a manager. I powdered sugar and cinnamon. I didn’t trust he did. want to like them, but eight bites in I I once read, just by seeing salads on didn’t have a choice. a menu, customers feel better about I’d take any of these fresh-from-the- ordering the burgers and fries. And that, fryer baskets over any of #GetFried’s when The Cheesecake Factory added a sandwiches any day (Is that too many “Skinnylicious” section to its encyclopeanys?). dic offerings, its cheesecake sales rose. Its burger harks back to elementaryMaybe that’s #GetFried’s draw? You school cafeterias and their perfectly can go to University Village and ponder round patties cooked to a rubbery well a chia-topped smoothie, a papaya salad done. Its chicken fingers and its messy from the Thai place, a tofu and brownchicken-finger sandwiches taste freezer- rice bowl from the poke place. Or you to-fryer fresh, if there is such a thing. can go off the rails and #GetFried. I’d also take more styles of #GetOK not totally off the rails (seriously Fried’s egg rolls. guys, deep fry some Oreos, wouldya), These ridiculous concoctions involve but off just enough to leave you bloated wonton wrappers swaddling cheese and and in a salty, deep-fried hangover. pepperoni (in the case of the “Original I swear I’m going to hit up the acai Pizza Logs”), or chicken tenders, hot place next time. At the very least, I will sauce and cheese (in the case of the Buf- thoroughly ponder it.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 19
« in the kitchen LEIGH A MESSNER
EASY WAYS TO MAKE
NUTRITION A PRIORITY
THIS SCHOOL YEAR
s summer ends, we often set goals to prepare the whole family for a successful academic year. Much like New Year’s resolutions, nutrition goals are typically near the top of the list. We have all heard the research about the benefits of fueling our kids with a quality breakfast, packing nutritious lunches and snacks, and teaching them about making healthful choices. However, like most resolutions, this goal eventually falls prey to hectic schedules, selective eating habits and food boredom.
20 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Leigha Messner, RD, is a clinical dietitian with Lee Health.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats • Prep time: 5 minutes (then let sit overnight) • Makes 1 serving • As a general rule for overnight oats, use a 1:1:1 ratio of oats to milk and Greek yogurt.
Cakes For All Occasions
INGREDIENTS
• ½ cup rolled oats • ½ cup milk or unsweetened milk substitute • ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt • 2 tablespoons peanut or alternative nut butter • ½ banana, sliced • Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon chia or ground flax seeds, 1 tablespoon mini dark chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon coconut flakes, 1-2 tablespoons chopped nuts, ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
DIRECTIONS
VOTED BEST BAKERY IN CAPE CORAL 4 YEARS IN A ROW!
1. Mix all ingredients well in a container with a lid. 2. Place in refrigerator overnight. After about 8 hours, your oats are ready to eat.* *If your oats are too thick in the morning for your liking, just pour a little extra milk over them and re-stir.
SOURCE: Nutrition Awareness, orlandodietitian.com
Breakfast tips A little bit of planning can get you through the busiest of mornings. Preparation for the day or week ahead is the key to success for both you and your family. The plan starts with making sure breakfast is balanced. A good guideline to follow is to have at least three of the following food groups: » Whole grains (like whole-grain cereal or bread) » Dairy (low-fat milk or cheese) » Lean protein (eggs or nuts) » Fruits (fresh or dried) » Vegetables A traditional example might include oatmeal with almonds and apples as an easy, nutrition-packed breakfast. However, it’s important to note you can also go off script of traditional breakfast items and still get three food groups for the more selective eaters with a turkey and cheese sandwich or veggie quesadilla with low-fat cheese and beans.
We Specialize in Custom Cakes for All Occasions, Wedding Cakes, Birthday Cakes and More!
239-549-CAKE
2924 Del Prado Blvd. S, Unit 7&8 Cape Coral, Florida 33904 www.iloveladycakes.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 21
REGISTER NOW FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM • Instructional and fun cooking and baking classes after school and on weekends • School break, Thanksgiving & Christmas camps
« in the kitchen (continued)
Limited Spaces Available!
• Birthday Parties • Children ages 7 to 16
239.362.2115 | www.littlechefsntraining.com
For the really unpredictable mornings, I recommend on-the-go breakfast items prepped the night before, like hard-boiled eggs and cheese, banana and nut butter roll-up, or overnight oats. All of these provide additional options that take no extra time and include the three food groups. The general rule of thumb here is to think “Three or more before you’re out the door!”
Lunch and snack tips
Let Us Straighten Your...
dule Sche for NOWummer S YourVisits • FREE Initial Consultation Fort Myers Office 239-561-2258 • No Interest Financing Available 14361 Metropolis Ave. • Ceramic & Metal Braces • Invisalign Estero Office • Invisalign Teen 239-390-0289 • Digital Models 21740 S. Tamiami Trail • Suite 116
22 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
With so much focus on breakfast we often forget the importance of promoting healthy lunches and snacks throughout the day to maintain energy, blood sugar and attention levels. It also helps provide fuel for extracurricular activities. A lack of variety, also affectionately referred to as “Brown Bag Boredom,” often becomes a road block in knowing what to prepare to be both nutritious and interesting to your child. Try to encourage excitement and appetites with these strategies: » Involve children in planning and shopping for lunches and snacks. Their involvement in the planning process encourages them to try new foods and teaches them healthy habits for the future. » Create themed meals for special or national “food” days. (September is National Chicken Month, Honey Month, Mushroom Month, Papaya Month…) » Mix fruits and veggies together, such as apples and celery, to enhance the perceived sweetness of the vegetable. » Mix up the carbohydrate source on sandwiches, such as an English muffin, bagel or tortilla instead of bread. » Have a healthy “snack station” in the pantry or fridge designated for snacks. You can fill the snack station with nutritious snacks like cut vegetables with dip, whole or dried fruit, low-fat yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, etc. » Always have healthy grains and chopped vegetables and fruit on hand with your family’s favorite dips to encourage more intake. Pre-pack using a grab-and-go divided container for easy access. As you’re prepping for your meal plan, there are some ingredients you want to limit from regularly appearing in the rotation. Avoid foods high in added sugar and refined carbohydrates, like doughnuts, breakfast pastries, cookies and chips. While these are OK in moderation, they can leave you feeling tired and come with little to no nutritive value. By including nutrition and carving some time for planning in your goals, you are setting the whole family up to make the grade this scholastic year.
kid stuff »
Little center explores
BIG SCIENCE
T
The Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center entertains and educates children of all ages. BY ANDREA STETSON
his tiny place tucked under a big bridge is packed with marine science for children to explore. The Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center has only two small rooms in a building under the Matanzas Pass Bridge to Fort Myers Beach, yet it entertains and educates youngsters with
its exhibits and marine life. “I like the sharks. I am scared of the spider crab,” said Logan Presky, 3, of Cape Coral, during a recent visit. The nurse shark is a favorite among children who visit there. They also enjoy the touch tank where they can pet horseshoe crabs and other marine life. The science center has a beach display with shells that are labeled by name.
That exhibit also showcases the life of a whelk; egg casings show how they first grow, and then whelks of various sizes continue to show the life cycle. The shell area also features a stingray barb, horse conchs, vase sponge, coin vine seed pods and more. Nearby is a shrimper area with nets and facts about shrimping. A loggerhead sea turtle display exhibits a huge turtle skull and turtle eggs.
Logan Presky, 3, looks at the shark at the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center on San Carlos Island. The shark was the Cape Coral boy’s favorite exhibit. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 23
« kid stuff (continued) IF YOU GO What: Ostego
Bay Foundation Marine Science Center
Where: 718 Fishermans Wharf on San Carlos Island near Fort Myers Beach Hours: 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. MondaySaturday
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6
• We have paint your own pottery, Glass fusing (ages 10+), wet clay art to include hand building and throwing on a potters wheel.
Phone:
239-765-8101
Online:
• We do summer camps, birthday parties, group events such as scouts.
ostegobay.org
Gabriel Adkins, 9, looks through the microscope at the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center on San Carlos Island.
• We are an all-inclusive studio, so no studio fees or sitting fees. • We also received best in cape for pottery classes.
NP-0000971814
Tuesday, Wednesday 10am-6pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am-8pm Sunday 11am-5pm Monday Closed
239-984-5041 1625 SE 47th Terrace, Unit 4 Cape Coral, FL 33904
www.thebentbrush.com 24 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
The fish tank area not only features the popular shark but a southern stingray, hardhead catfish, sea robin, southern puffer, spadefish, pipefish, green moray eel, stone crabs, blue crabs, mangrove snapper and other sea creatures. There is an area with shell fossils created about a million years ago when this area of Florida was under water. “It’s all geared toward kids,” says Joanne Semmer, president of the foundation. “It is all touch and feel. We encourage the kids to touch and feel. The kids remember more if they can touch and feel. We try to engage the kids.” When children enter the building, they are
given a scavenger hunt card that encourages them to examine all the exhibits. “The scavenger hunt is a lot of fun, because they have to seek and find,” Joanne says. “We have one for children who can’t read and one for children who can read.” Gabriel and Alexandra Adkins, ages 9 and 6, are regular visitors at Ostego Bay. Their mother, Jessica Province, is the manager there. “I like touching the stingrays,” Alexandra said during a recent visit. Gabriel likes looking under the microscope at all the little organisms. He also likes the aquariums. “The shark is one of my best friends,” Gabriel said.
teens »
SCUBA CERTIFIED
Anyone age 10 or older can become a certified scuba diver and experience the mysteries of the deep. Often, families take the classes together. BY ANDREA STETSON avender, yellow and bright orange coral form the backdrop as schools of fish swim by in a kaleidoscope of colors. A clown fish swishes in and out of a pale pink anemone, a yellow tang glides in front of a purple sea fan. It’s a colorful and different world under the sea, and it’s something that some local parents enjoy sharing with their teens and pre-teens.
Anyone 10 and older can become certified to scuba dive. Local dive shop owners say many youngsters are taking the class with a parent. Others have parents who dive and want to join in the fun. Mae and Pedro Garciarena are certified scuba divers and wanted their children to have the same experience. Mia, 12, and Alex, 10, recently completed the course at SCUBAdventures in Naples.
“It’s so we can all dive as a family,” Mae says. “For as long as I can remember, my father and I have been free diving,” Mia adds. “With the certification I will be able to stay under there longer and see better things.” Mia says she would be happy to dive anywhere, especially in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. She is also excited that it will now be something the whole family can do.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 25
« teens (continued)
Miguel Argumosa, DMD • Erin Taylor, DMD Nicole Eastham, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists
Three Locations To Serve You! BONITA SPRINGS
9510 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 101
239 333.2990
CAPE CORAL
PORT CHARLOTTE
1508 S.E. 12th Terrace
3872 Tamiami Trail, Unit D&E
239 322.5222
941 391.8090
Comprehensive dental care with state of the art facilities equipment for children and those with special healthcare needs All forms of sedation available: Nitrous, Oral, In office I.V. and Hospital Emergencies Welcome!
Fun and Interactive Environment
We Love Kids, Kids Love Us!
www.swfl-pediatricdentistry.com Most Insurance Accepted Se Habla Español
26 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
“I would like to see a manta ray or a sea turtle or maybe even a shark,” she says. “It will be a fun family experience.” Jackson Manetta, 10, received scuba lessons as a birthday present. He’s taking the course at Dean’s Dive Center in south Fort Myers and practicing at the Cypress Lake High School pool. The course culminates with a dive in the Florida Keys. “I like being near the water,” Jackson says. “I like fishing. I want to dive in the Keys. I want to see a shipwreck. It’s fun. You definitely see a lot of sea life. That’s another reason I wanted to do it.” Jackson admits it’s not easy. “There’s a lot of rules,” he says. “One rule is never hold your breath.” Jackson’s mother, Jessica Manetta, says she had to gather her courage to take the course with her son. “I have a huge fear of sharks,” she admits. “But I wasn’t going to hold him back. I wasn’t going to let him do it alone. That’s my baby. “It’s a lot of reading for a 10-year-old. It’s a lot of reading even for adults, so for a 10-year-old it is a lot and we have to read and find a way to put it in perspective.” “Whether they are 10 years old or 80 years old, they have to meet the same requirements,” says Brent Argabright, owner of Dean’s Dive Center. Ed Benjamin is Jackson’s instructor. He says it can be difficult for young teens since the material in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual is the same as for adults. But he stresses that diving is great for teens and pre-teens. “It teaches self-discipline,” he says. “You master conflict and fear. You learn physics. And it’s super massive fun. It gives you moments that are just as good as it can possibly be.” Brent says there are many benefits to diving. “If you are doing it with the family, it is a great family activity,” he says. “The skill set stays with you for your lifetime. I am at the point where I have certified the fathers and mothers and the children, and now I am certifying the grandchildren.” Scuba lessons aren’t cheap. Brent says it costs $175 for the class and an additional $220 for the trip to the Florida Keys for the check-out dives. Chris Beckman, a member of the staff at SCUBAdventures, says it can take as little as three weeks of lessons twice a week to get certified. “It is the most tranquil, amazing experience you can have on earth,” he says. “There are extremely diverse ecosystems. You see all these fish living in symbiosis, living together peacefully, and it is quiet. It connects you with nature.”
spotlight »
GOLDEN GATE MOM BRINGS LIFE AND THE PARTY ITSELF
WANGYUXUAN XU
Gisselle Crespo helps parents plan parties for kids through her business Memorable Mobile Parties. BY ANDREW ATKINS
Gisselle Crespo, the founder of Memorable Mobile Parties, poses for a portrait with her themed teepees at her house in Golden Gate. Memorable Mobile Parties, offers pre-packaged event planning and children’s entertainment services.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 27
« spotlight (continued)
isselle Crespo knows well the frustrations of planning and throwing birthday parties for kids. As the mother of three children, she knows what hosts need to do to keep the young ones entertained: Invitations, decorations, food, cake, games, music, and in general providing constant stimulation for the kids together, lest somebody have a meltdown. With all the pressure on parents, the Golden Gate mom knows it can be hard for them to enjoy their young one’s special day. Gisselle Crespo, the founder of Memorable Mobile Parties, poses for a portrait with her themed teepees at her house in Golden Gate. “It’s that day-of, ‘What did I forget?’” Gisselle says. She started Memorable Mobile Parties to alleviate that struggle for other parents. foam mat to sleep two guests, bedding, themed props and a “I fulfill their kid’s dreams,” she explains. toothbrush kit for each guest. Gisselle and her team typically Memorable Mobile Parties began as a side hustle of sorts drop off the teepees and set them up in the daytime before the in 2017, but it’s something Gisselle would like to make a full- party and will schedule a time to pick up the materials. time job as her business continues to grow. Right now, she While Gisselle only has two teepee party themes so far, has a staff of about five other women who form her “Glam she’s working on a unisex third option that focuses on a Team,” and parties are mostly on the weekends. camping theme. Rentals begin at $80 per child with a maxiParty packages typically accommodate children from mum of 10 guests in five teepees. around age 4 on up until they’re teens. Most focus on girls Gisselle says when she gets an idea, she doesn’t just go and are themed. The “Glamatory” theme, for example, lets with what comes to mind: She asks children what they think. party-goers make their own perfume and slime. The “Pamper With the Fortnite Dreams theme, for example, one of the Me Spa Party” lets guests decorate their own cupcakes and children referenced the in-game healing item Slurp Juice, so has the Glam Team helping them with a mini manicure and she created a jar full of blue water as a prop for the party. hair styling or makeup. One of the Glam Team members, Natalia Valdez, says she Party package prices start at $400 and accommodate eight appreciated the concept as a single mother herself. Gisselle guests, with additional charges for each guest after eight. brings joy to the children through these parties, she says. Gisselle, specifically, likes to focus on the details. It’s those “We make these girls feel glamorous,” Natalia says. details that make the experience come to life for the kids, she Natalia and Gisselle say they enjoy creating a fun celebrasays. tion for everybody, and seeing the smiles on their faces makes “Every single one of them, their jaws drop,” she says. the work worth it. That’s how she developed a new service: teepee rentals. “We know what it is to plan a party,” Natalia says. The two current teepee themes are Fortnite Dreams, themed And, to hear Gisselle tell it, business has been good. after a popular video game (and also her first foray into boy“I’m getting inquiries every day,” she says. focused parties), and Enchanted Fairytale, themed after a trip — Andrew Atkins is a features reporter with the Naples into a princess’ tale of happily-ever-after. Daily News. Contact him via email at andrew.atkins@ naplesnews.com or on Twitter at @andrewjatkins. Each teepee rental comes with cotton teepees, a full-sized
28 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
spotlight »
ONE UNUSUAL DENTAL ASSISTANT Ellie the goldendoodle vanquishes kids’ fear of going to the dentist. STORY BY ANDREA STETSON • PHOTOS BY ALEX DRIEHAUS llie lies on the reclined dental chair with her curly topped head resting on a child’s leg. For 30 to 45 minutes, this 2-year-old goldendoodle remains quiet while the child gently pets her. Day after day, that is Ellie’s job. When pediatric dentist Erin Taylor, of Pediatric Dentistry, lost her dog a few years ago,
she decided she would not just replace her pet. “After we lost our family pet that we had for 13 years, I decided if we ever got another dog I wanted one that could come to the office and be with my kids,” she says. “I saw kids with therapy dogs, and I thought, why not do this for the kids that have a little bit of anxiety and need a little comfort. It took six months to find the right breeder.”
Ellie, a 2-year-old goldendoodle who works as a therapy dog, poses for a portrait at the Pediatric Dentistry office in Bonita Springs.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 29
« spotlight (continued) Erin found that breeder in Alabama. She picked out her pup when she was just a few weeks old but couldn’t get Ellie until the dog was 6 months old. “I got her specifically to be a therapy dog,” Erin says. “I got her from a breeder that did service dogs. For the first six months, she trained there. Then she had another two weeks of intensive training here to get her to sit and stay with patients in the chair. She works only with me. I am her handler and her mama.” Erin has patients with autism; she has others who are just nervous being at the dentist. “I cannot tell you what a huge difference she has made with our patients,” Erin says. “I have had patients that used to not be able to even sit for a cleaning and now they can. I realized after I started doing this how much an animal can help someone change and come out of their shell and feel comfortable.” Alyse Grohowski, of Fort Myers, says it makes her 11-year-old daughter
Ainsley feel comfortable at the dentist. “She adores Ellie,” Alyse says. “The dentist office is not going to the dentist. It is to see Ellie. Ellie is the perfect distraction. My daughter does not even realize she is being worked on. She totally is paying attention to Ellie. She is petting Ellie, and it is very calming.” Alyse says fear is the biggest problem with kids going to the dentist, and they are so distracted by being with Ellie that the fear does not exist. “If you don’t have that component, then the visit is just a happy encounter,” she says. The children also enjoy feeding Ellie some Cheerios. “That is the only treat they give her,” Erin says. Ellie goes to work with Erin every day and in all three of her dental offices, in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte. Assistants take care of walking the canine during the work day. The fuzzy white dog wears a purple, blue and green collar with block letters that read “WORKING.”
“I had a vest for her, but the kids didn’t like it, because they couldn’t pet her,” Erin explains. Erin says Ellie’s training will never end. “We are always training,” she says. “Now we are trying to get her to stay when I leave the room and do extra tricks. She does high five, and she plays dead.” Ellie doesn’t get to play at the dog park or with other dogs. “Because she is a working dog, I don’t have her do those things,” Erin explains. “I want to keep her as a working dog.” But the goldendoodle does get to be a pampered pet. “She follows me around the house everywhere, and she just loves to cuddle,” Erin says. “I have a daughter at home, so she does get to play with her. We do take her out on the boat. She does sleep in our bed. The first two nights she slept in a crate, and then my husband invited her in bed and that was it.”
“I have had patients that used to not be able to even sit for a cleaning and now they can. I realized after I started doing this how much an animal can help someone change and come out of their shell and feel comfortable.” — ERIN TAYLOR
30 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
cover story »
THE SECRETS TO LIFE WITH
kids pets Tips to help families navigate the spectrum of pet ownership, from choosing your new family member to preparing for the inevitable. BY ANDREA STETSON Sisters Ansley, 3, at left, and Blakely Brown, 7, love their pug Buddy. PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 31
GETTY IMAGES
« cover story (continued)
ets don’t care what you look like, how well you do in school or how popular you are. There is unconditional love. There are lessons in responsibility and caring. Best of all, there is a longtime friendship and special bond between a child and their pet. “We do think all families should be exposed to pets,” says Jonathan Foerster, director of community affairs for Humane Society Naples. “It teaches them empathy and how to care for another creature, and the bond is very magical, and there is a lot a family can get from it.”
32 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
GETTY IMAGES
So you want a dog For many families the bond of child and pet happens between the child and a dog. A dog can play fetch, snuggle, and run and play with children. But a dog is also an animal that needs a lot of care. Experts say there is no certain breed that is best for children. Instead the best way to select a dog is to find one that matches the family’s lifestyle. “There is no good or bad breed of dog,” Jonathan says. “All dogs are based on their surroundings and training and nurture.” When people arrive at Humane Society Naples, experts talk with them about their lifestyle to find a good match. “Active or not active — if you are not an active family, we don’t want to match you with a very active dog,” Jonathan says. “A yard is important for a dog that has a lot of energy. “It is so case by case with every family and every dog.” “The most important thing is to have a conversation with the family about their lifestyle,” agrees Liz McCauley, executive director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, which is now under construction. “It is about how much time they have, how active they are. Then based on that, we think about what animals we have for adoption. We then try to pair them with an animal that is right for their lifestyle.” Even dogs from the same litter can have very different personalities. “I would worry more about the personality of the dog then the breed,” Liz says. Dr. Scott Gregory, the veterinarian at The Old 41 Animal Hospital in Bonita Springs, stresses that matching lifestyle with a pet is crucial.
“It totally depends on the person’s lifestyle,” he says. “Outdoor people can take the dog running, so a high energy dog is fine. But in an apartment, you need a dog that is quiet. Do they travel a lot? Are they away a lot? If they are, I recommend a cat. Cats do better with that.” Another big choice is whether to select a puppy or an older dog. “Puppies are like having a baby,” Liz says. “They don’t come housebroken. They need to be taken out many times during the day. They need to be socialized. They need time with other dogs and people. If you are a family that works all day and you are only going to interact when you come home, then definitely an older dog. I would never rule out seniors. They don’t need a lot. They sleep a lot and when you are home, they are there.” “Puppies are recommended for people who have a lot of time,” Jonathan adds. “If you have a lot of time and you have a lot of patience, a puppy is the way to go. I personally would not adopt a puppy. They take a lot of time in the first six months or so.” “I always recommend rescuing, because you can see what the dog is going to be,” Scott says. “And you rescue a dog. If you are going to have a puppy, I emphasize how much work a puppy is: all the chewing, the peeing. They have to make the commitment. Otherwise they will end up getting rid of the dog.”
Pet adoption resources Humane Society Naples:
Nonprofit animal welfare organization in Collier County; 239-643-1555, hsnaples.org
Collier County Domestic Animal Services: County division
that oversees compliance with animal-related laws, returns strays to their owners and provides adoption of homeless pets; 239252-7387, colliercountyfl.gov/yourgovernment/divisions-a-e/domesticanimal-services
Gulf Coast Humane Society: Nonprofit, no-kill animal welfare organization based in Fort Myers. 239-332-0364, gulfcoasthumanesociety.org
Lee County Domestic Animal Services: County agency that
oversees compliance with animalrelated laws, returns strays to their owners and adopts out homeless pets; 239-533-7387, leegov.com/ animalservices
Brooke’s Legacy Animal Rescue: Nonprofit animal rescue created in honor of a local teen who died in a car crash; 239-434-7480, brookeslegacyanimalrescue.org
Animal Rescue Center, aka ARC: Nonprofit, no-kill rescue
organization based in North Fort Myers; 239-731-3535, animalrefugecenter.com
Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida: Nonprofit
volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing and re-homing golden retrievers; 239-369-0415, grrswf.org
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 33
« cover story (continued)
That does happen. Experts at local animal shelters see families adopt a pet and return it. Shelter workers will work with families offering advice for better success, but if that does not work, they will take the pet back. “We accept any and all animals we have adopted,” Jonathan says. “We want to find the right fit for each family, so if your family is not the right fit, we will accept them back.” “If it is not working out, most shelters and rescues will help,” Liz adds. “A lot of times it is just a matter of training. Most shelters can refer them to a good trainer.” A shelter is a great place to adopt a pet. Experts there work with the animals to socialize them and train them. They come spayed or neutered and with their shots. It is also a way to save a dog’s life. Michele Taylor adopted a dog for her son Sammy from Humane Society Naples two years ago. “I had no desire at the time to get a dog, and my husband said no dog, and we met her and fell in love with
34 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
her,” Michele says. Now she is thankful they adopted Pepper, who she describes as a mixed hound. “She is such a good girl,” Michele says. “She is so loving. She is so protective of our son, and the Humane Society makes it very easy to adopt. I tell people the best dogs are from a shelter.” Michele also loves seeing the bond between Sammy, 12, and Pepper. “My feeling is he was old enough to learn responsibility and take care of something,” she says. “There’s just the love between them. This is his first dog. He has taught her tricks, and he feels very proud to have taught her. A bond between a child and an animal can take care of things humans can’t take care of. They are nonjudgmental. He willingly walks the dog, and there are no complaints. It has been wonderful. My son, the second he comes home, the dog comes charging out to him. The love between them is great.”
Which pet chores can a kid do? Just like no one dog breed is perfect for every child, children also vary in the responsibility they can take on for their pet. “It is like, ‘What age is my child able to ride a bike around the neighborhood?’ It depends on the child and the neighborhood,” Jonathan explains. “There could be some 10-years-olds that are perfectly fine walking the dog around the block and some that aren’t mature enough for that yet.” Most young children can put food and water in pet bowls. Most of all, they can cuddle and give a dog or cat attention. But when it comes to walking or cleaning up after an animal, it does depend on the child. Liz adds it also depends on the pet. “It depends on the kid and the size of the dog,” she explains. “A little Yorkie is easier to walk than a mastiff.” “Go over the responsibilities,” Scott says. “No child is able to take care of a pet by themselves. It takes parental input as well.” Morgan Brown, 11, of North Naples, had been begging for a pet for years. Her mother kept saying no. But Morgan was determined. “It took me a year to get my dog,” Morgan says. “I just made a list of things to show my mom how responsible I could be. I would clean my room and do the dishes and lots of things to show my mom that I was responsible enough to get a dog.” In February, Morgan became the owner of an 8-week-old goldendoodle that she named Finn. “They are really cuddly and soft like a teddy bear,” Morgan says. “We play tug of war. We like to get around on all fours like little dogs and play with each other. We play ball. Last night he lay next to me on the floor with his head on my shoulder.”
Dog parks COLLIER COUNTY • Naples Dog Park, 99 Riverside Circle, Naples • Rover Run in Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples LEE COUNTY • Barkingham Park at Buckingham Community Park, 9800 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers • Bonita Springs Dog Park, 11071 E. Terry St., Bonita Springs • Dog Beach, 8800 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach • Gateway Dog Park, 13260 Griffin Drive, Fort
Myers (registration required) • K-9 Corral at Estero Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero • Paws 4 Duty at Veterans Park, 55 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres • Pooch Park at Judd Park, 1297 Driftwood Drive, North Fort Myers • Wagging Tails Dog Park at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral (registration required) • Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park at WaKe Hatchee Park, 16760 Bass Road, south Fort Myers
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 35
« cover story (continued)
Preparing kids for the circle of life Pets age much more quickly than humans. A large breed dog might only live seven years while a smaller one 14 to 16 years. Guinea pigs, bunnies and other pets live about five to seven years. So it’s inevitable that any petowning family will go through loss. “The absolute best thing is to talk about the life cycle. Be honest with kids,” says Stacey Brown of Stacey Brown & Associates, Counseling and Wellness Services in Fort Myers. “Everything lives, everything dies. You can utilize plants in the garden as an example.” Stacey recommends simply talking about the life cycle with younger children and expanding to include information about illness and the reality of old age with older kids. “You don’t want to scare young children,” Stacey says. “You just want to normalize the process of life and death. When you have a pet, you definitely want to teach them all along about love and friendship and how your heart gets full of love and when they die you grieve because the love in your heart is so full. Grieving is the love in your heart being so full. The whole foundation is just normalizing the cycle, because everything dies.” That is what Susan and Steve Brown, of Naples, are doing now. Their 14.5-year-old pug, Buddy, has a condition that paralyzed his back legs. The Browns have been preparing their daughters, Blakely, 7, and Ansley, 3, for when Buddy passes away. “We have been preparing them that Buddy is not
36 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
feeling well, he is not as playful as he once was, and now he can’t walk without a wheelchair,” Susan explains. “We have recently gotten several different books about the loss of a pet. One is called ‘I’ll Always Love You’ (by Hans Wilhelm). It talks about a puppy and how it gets older and how it will always love you even when it is not there. My girls are very much aware that he is sick and he will not always be there. My oldest daughter understands a little more of what is going on. She will ask ‘Is Buddy going to die today?’ They are very aware.” Susan explains it’s important for her to be open and honest with her children. “We say Buddy is very old; he won’t be around much longer. It will be very hard, and it will be very sad, but he has brought us so much joy.” Stacy says that’s a lot better than what happened when she was a child. When her pet died, her parents told her it ran away. She says that’s the worst thing a parent can do. “The worst thing happens when a parent says he had to visit his friend on the farm,” she says. “You don’t say we gave him away because the grief is worse. They may blame themselves or be mad at the parent. What I see a lot is that a lot of parents are not comfortable with death. In
our culture we don’t have a good comfort level to talk about death as adults. If we are comfortable with things, then the kids will know that is just want happens.” Stacey suggests having a grief ceremony to say goodbye to a beloved pet. “Let the kids talk about it,” she suggests. “Don’t shut the kids down. Talk to the children about their feelings. Children can draw pictures or write letters. Sometimes kids cannot express things verbally as well as they can artistically. Use photos to make a collage or a photo book. When our dog got hit by a car, we made photo albums for each of the kids and then wrote letters to the dog. To this day my kids, who are now teenagers, still look through this book.” Julie Frizzi, a guidance counselor at Naples Park Elementary School, says it’s important to help a child deal with grief. She says books can help, and explaining that all things have a beginning and end can help. “You have to validate their feelings,” Julie says. “When feelings are really, really strong and big, help them to breath into that area to help them calm down. A lot of times you want to rush away from it and not feel it. Sometimes as parents we don’t want them to have those feelings. We want to protect them, but it is OK for them to have those feelings. Don’t avoid the feeling. It is important for them to have the feeling and not run from it. Just be sad for the day. It is OK. Life is like a pickle, sometimes it is sweet and sometimes it is sour. It will be sweet again.”
Beyond dogs and cats While a dog is known as man’s best friend, there are a plethora of other best friend pets. “You want a pet that is hardy,” Scott says. “One that if you drop it, it won’t be broken easily. You want one that won’t bite, one that kids like to hug and cuddle, one that won’t be stressed out. For young ones, I usually recommend guinea pigs. They love to be cuddled. They don’t bite. They are easy to clean, and they are hardy.” Lots of other experts also put guinea pigs on the top of the list. “I would probably recommend guinea pigs. They are a little more durable,” says Dana Mailloux, manager of Pet Supermarket in Bonita Springs. “Guinea pigs like to be held. They are not biters. They bond very quickly. They are extremely easy to take care of. You clean the cage once or twice a week and make sure they have food and water and fresh vegetables and love them. They have a nice lifespan of seven to eight years. They are less susceptible to colds and diseases. They require no vet care or shots.” For children 12 and older, Dana says hamsters and rabbits are also good pets. “Hamsters can entertain themselves,” she says. “A hamster stays pretty well occupied by itself. They don’t need a lot of handling care.” An unlikely animal that makes a fantastic pet is a rat. “Rats do make wonderful pets,” Scott says. “They are clean. They are sweet, and they are very smart. If you could graph a fluffy tail on a rat, everybody would want one.” When considering a rat for a pet, Dana recommends Dumbo rats and not the rats that are sold as food for snakes. She explains that Dumbo rats come inoculated against diseases and are safer to have as pets. Another pet topping the list from experts is the bearded dragon. “A bearded dragon is also a great pet,” Dana says. “It is the most docile reptile. They love to be handled. For young boys and girls interested in reptiles, a bearded dragon is the best animal. They don’t need their cage cleaned that often. They eat meal worms and fresh vegetables. They are easy to care for. I love my bearded.” “Bearded dragon or leopard gecko; they are easy to handle,” Scott says. “Iguanas are good, too, but they do scratch and can whack you with their tails, so that would be better for an older child.”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 37
Picking a name
Top 10 dog names In 2018, the top 10 female dog names were: • Bella • Lucy • Luna • Daisy • Lola • Sadie • Molly • Bailey • Maggie • Stella The top 10 male dog names were: • Max • Charlie • Cooper • Buddy • Jack • Rocky • Duke • Bear • Tucker • Oliver SOURCE: Rover.com and The Today Show
38 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
The number of dogs named after “Frozen” characters rose 900% after the movie came out. Dogs named Elsa, Anna and Olaf were sprinting around most dog parks. Names from the Twilight, Star Wars and Game of Thrones series have also risen, so there are plenty of pets named Bella, Arya, Ghost, Tyrion or Stark. Old-fashioned dog or cat names such as Spot, Rover and Princess are no longer popular. Pet owners instead are more likely to choose people names for an animal that’s part of the family. Southwest Florida pets certainly have names on Rover.com’s Top 10 Most Popular Male and Female Dog Names list, but there are ones that might never appear on trendy lists. The owners of Royal Scoop named one of their dogs Scoopy. Now they have a royal pooch named Duchess. Both names align with their ice cream business. Finn, the goldendoodle we mentioned earlier, got his name simply because Morgan and her mother, Sharon Brown, liked the name. Pepper got her name because of her looks. “We named her Pepper because
she has black spots on her white nose, so it kind of looks like pepper,” Michele Taylor says. Solemi Hernandez and her son Patrick named their dog Taco Ardiente. “I used to work in Taco Ardiente, and he is a Mexican Chihuahua,” Solemi explains. “Our dog is Kip, which our son named after the children’s show ‘Kipper,’” says Jennifer Hecker. Rilie Scott didn’t know Luna was a Top 10 dog name when she named the miniature dachshund she got in March. “Rilie named her after Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter,” says Rilie’s mother, Sherri Scott. “Also we got her on March 20, and it was the supermoon, and Luna also means moon.” Kelly Hutcheson had no idea that Maggie was among the Top 10 most popular dog names when she and her children, Lily and Grady, named their puppy. “It was a family name, and we knew we had a long-haired dog, and we thought the nickname Shaggy Maggie was super cute,” Kelly says. As for my dog, her name is Jeannie. It is just a pretty name that fits her loving, sweet, magical personality perfectly.
cover story (continued) »
Send us your pet pics! Kids and pets make for some adorable photographs. In fact, one of these images from the Brown family of Naples (bottom right) went viral. Send us your favorite and we’ll put together a page of pet pics in an upcoming issue of SW FL Parent & Child magazine.
THE BROWN FAMILY OF NAPLES — Blakely, Ansley and Buddy are featured on this month’s cover — shared some favorite snapshots. Buddy’s full name is Buddy Wayne Wilson Junior Johnson III.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 39
» safety corner J ULIE NOBLE
Project ADAM saves lives Thanks to this program, every Lee County public school has an AED.
O
n any given day, about 20 percent of a community is in its schools. That includes students, teachers, staff and family members. Because of this, a focused effort on cardiac arrest preparedness in schools is critical to protecting our children and others in the community. This is why Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida congratulates the School District of Lee County and Lee County Emergency Medical Services for their extensive effort to save lives in our community by implementing Project ADAM. Project ADAM began in 1999 after the death of Adam Lemel, a 17-yearold Wisconsin high school student who collapsed and died while playing basketball. Adam suffered sudden cardiac arrest in which an automated external defibrillator, or AED, could have saved his life. Adam’s parents, Patty Lemel-Clanton and Joe Lemel, collaborated with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s Herma Heart Institute to create the Project ADAM program in Adam’s memory. The ADAM in Project ADAM stands for Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory. “Adam loved sports and was a tireless athlete who loved to play basketball and tennis. He was a bundle of energy whose life was stopped in
Julie Noble is a child advocate for Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
40 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
one short instant,” reads the project’s website, projectadam.com. “His heart and soul live on in the legacy of Project ADAM…, which has reached schools across the country, and has been responsible for more than 150 lives saved.” Are your children participating in sports or activities this school year? Lee County elementary and middle schools are now fully equipped with AEDs, CPR-trained staff and emergency response plans in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Each high school is equipped with an AED per Florida High School Athletic Association guidelines. The AEDs were purchased with a $150,000 donation from the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Golisano’ s Child Advocacy Department coordinates Project ADAM and will continue to support individual middle and elementary schools in the district this year toward a “Heart Safe School” designation. While not a part of Project ADAM, Collier County Public Schools has also put AEDs in each of the district’s schools and, as part of PE, requires CPR hands-only/AED training for students in grades 7-12. Lee Health’s Child Advocacy Department is also offering a series of life-saving educational opportunities: » Pediatric CPR & First Aid is a
certification training class that teaches individuals to respond to and manage illnesses and injuries in a child or infant in the first few minutes until professional help arrives. The course covers first aid, as well as infant and child CPR. This course is intended for parents, grandparents, child care providers and anyone else who regularly encounters children. » Family and Friends CPR teaches the lifesaving skills of adult hands-only CPR, adult CPR with breaths, child CPR with breaths, adult and child AED use, infant CPR, and mild and severe airway block for adults, children and infants. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the American Heart Association’s researchproven practice-while-watching technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible. Family and Friends CPR is for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a CPR course completion card to meet a job requirement. This course is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life. If you are interested in either course, visit leehealth.org/classes and click the Woman & Children tab for information and to register. If you have questions, call 239-343-5224 or email julie.noble@leehealth.org.
Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org.
family album »
WISH COME TRUE » Libby Whittle, 6, of Naples, received her wish for dolphin therapy from the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida in July. Libby, who was diagnosed with epilepsy, participated in a five-day intensive therapy program in Key Largo. The program is designed to address developmental delays and improve motor skill with the help of dolphins. Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida
BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY » Left, Yadi Perez-Luna gives a badge sticker to Hector Dias, 3, and his brother, Roger Dias,
5 of fort Myers, as they visit her booth at the Back-to-School Block Party hosted by the School District of Lee County and Safe Kids Southwest Florida at the Bell Tower Shops in south Fort Myers. At right: Corena MaKenzie, 5, of Fort Myers, poses for a photo. Photos by Andrea Melendez
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 41
LITTLE GRADUATES » Nine children graduated from the Carol DeJoy Moms & Tots Family Literacy Program on August 2. The
Literacy Council Gulf Coast’s program helps moms learn English in a group setting with other moms while their children learn through play. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child
GOT WHEELS » The Boys & Girls Club of
Charlotte County received a new passenger van to transport local kids to and from activities, giving them access to more experiences and learning opportunities. The Club got the van through a grant from Bridgestone, owner and operator of the Port Charlotte Tires Plus. The van was revealed to Club members and staff July 31 during a surprise ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
42 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
family album »
COOL KIDS » Kyle Walker, 18, created a water table to help children develop cognitive, social-emotional and motor skills while keeping cool at the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center in Fort Myers. The water table is part of his Eagle Scout Service Project. Kyle is a May graduate of FSW Collegiate High School and a member of Troop 119 in Fort Myers. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
Send Us Your Snapshots
Send your images with a brief description and names of the people in them to editor@swflparentchild.com
HOME SWEET HOME » The Lifeline Family Center in Cape
Coral broke ground July 18 on housing for single moms who graduate from their program. More than 75 people attended, including State Rep. Dane Eagle, Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello, Cape Coral Council members Jennifer Nelson and Marilyn Stout along with representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott. • At left: Emilienne Joseph and Theodore • Above, from left: CEO Kathy Miller, Fred Atkins, Eagle, Coviello and Barbara Montgomery. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 43
« family album
BACK TO SCHOOL » Andrea Ibarraran-Neyra packs her new backpack with school supplies July 28 at the 20th annual Big Backpack Event at the Fort Myers Skatium in downtown Fort Myers. Thousands of people attended the event, which was sponsored by the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida. Photo by Kinfay Moroti
BUILDING A NEW PARK » The Rotary Club of Fort Myers South partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties to build a new community park at Majorca Palms in the Tice area of Fort Myers. About two dozen Rotarians spent the morning of July 20 laying sod and installing new playground equipment to benefit the 175 children and 150 families in the neighborhood. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child
44 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH » Kids pose for pictures with
Batman at Gulf Coast Town Center’s back-to-school celebration and backpack giveaway. Photo by Pamela Hayford
BIKES & BOOKS » Lipman Family Farms
held its eighth annual Backpack Giveaway and Back to School Event on August 3 at Immokalee High School. Volunteers distributed more than 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies and gave away 200 bicycles and helmets, plus gift cards, haircuts and more. Clockwise from top left: • Linda Halligan, Maria Plata, Marissa Ocanas, Destiny Perez, Noemi Perez, Adriana Carranza, Ashley Gutierrez • Melissa Silva • Toby Purse with bike winner • Jaime Weisinger, Jensen Weisinger and Denise Weisinger. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
ART THERAPY » Barbara Del Castillo, a
16-year old volunteer and student from Mason Classical Academy in Naples, painted the “Magic Under the Sea” mural over the summer in one of the new support rooms at Valerie’s House’s newest home in Naples, set to open in September. Open houses are 5 to 7 p.m. September 10 and 11. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 45
Ready for a surf town adventure? Enjoy the waves, wildlife and charm of artsy New Smyrna Beach.
46 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
travel »
GETTY IMAGES
STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS hen planning travel destinations, I love stumbling across a place where few have been. I found that in New Smyrna Beach. What attracts me most is the laid-back nature, marine life and surfing opportunities. New Smyrna Beach is a charming mix of old and new, sophisticated and laid-back, says Courtnee Brokaw, a spokesperson for the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau. “Rent bicycles and go cruising along the water’s edge or hop on one of our numerous area trails,” she says. Families will find a wide range of activities. “There are ample outdoor adventures, from scuba diving to soaring across the skies on a biplane. The Indian River Lagoon is North America’s most biologically diverse estuary, so there’s wildlife galore,” she says. Courtnee recommends families visit the Marine Discovery Center, which offers boat and kayak tours of the lagoon. “Kiddos and adults can learn about area wildlife from a certified Florida naturalist,” she says. “It’s a fun way to sneak a little education into a family vacation.” Paddleboard New Smyrna Beach offers a 90-minute stand-up paddleboard dolphin tour of the Indian River Lagoon. Experienced guides lead the 2.5-mile tour, where you might spot dolphins, manatees, turtles and other wildlife. New Smyrna Beach is a top spot to learn to surf. “With rock ledges 4 to 5 miles offshore, the wave breaks are plentiful, but swimmers are protected from dangerous undertows,” Courtnee explains. “Nichols Surf Shop and Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy both offer lessons for all levels. The waves in the area are ideal for beginners, and the local surf companies will bring the boards right to your location on the beach.” Courtnee also recommends visiting the Canaveral National Seashore to the south to explore pristine beaches, hiking trails, prehistoric archeological sites such as the Turtle Mound, the former remnants of a thriving community, and more. New Smyrna Beach boasts 17 miles of white sand beaches, with vehicles allowed on parts of the beach, unique shops and dining establishments, and a thriving arts and cultural scene. The little surf town — population around 27,000 — is also a great place to introduce kids to the arts, Courtnee says. “Local galleries are free to explore,” she says. “At The Hub on Canal, visitors can interact with artists while they work on their latest project. The Hub also offers children’s classes, where kids can experiment with a variety of mediums.”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 47
48 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
hundreds of sea turtle hatchlings and washbacks. Guests can view eight turtle hospital pools from above on the turtle terrace. The turtle rehabilitation hospital also treats other native, wild reptiles including freshwater turtles, gopher tortoises and box turtles from within Volusia County.” There is also a bird hospital on-site. “The bird hospital has received 700 birds so far in 2019 and around 1,200 birds in 2018. The bird hospital sees a lot of diversity of birds based on our geography,” Allie says. “The center receives many migratory birds on their way to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Guests can view permanently impaired birds that are now ambassadors for their species on the bird boardwalk.” Due to the critical nature of the birds undergoing rehabilitation, the bird hospital is not viewable to the public. In addition, Allies suggests guests enjoy their Turtle Tot programs, daily stingray feedings and public turtle releases. This beach destination is also rich in
GETTY IMAGES
On Flagler Avenue, near the Flagler Avenue Beach Approach (part of the driving portion of the beach), visitors find shops, restaurants and accommodations. Smyrna Dunes Park, a dog-friendly beach, is located at the northern most tip of the barrier island and features a 2-mile boardwalk over the dunes. “Almost all of the restaurants on the barrier island are independently owned, making it a foodie’s paradise,” Courtnee adds. New Smyrna Beach is an angler’s paradise, too. “Situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, the New Smyrna Beach area is located on part of the 3,000-mile Intracoastal Waterway system,” she describes. “Ponce de Leon Inlet at the north end of the island provides deepwater access for incredible sportfishing while 35 miles of shoreline keep inshore anglers busy in the Indian River Lagoon. You’ll find redfish, snapper, flounder, grouper, sailfish, large tuna and more. Private family-friendly charters are widely available: Captain Nathaniel Lemmon from Florida Sight Fishing and Right in Sight Charters are two.” Another nearby attraction to visit is the lighthouse at the Ponce de Leon Inlet. “The lighthouse is the tallest in the state. Climb the 203 steps to get a fabulous birds-eye view of nearby Smyrna Dunes Park, then explore the exhibits to learn about its history,” Courtnee advises. Also at Ponce Inlet is the Volusia Marine Science Center. Spokesperson Allie Bernstein advises taking in the daily presentations, bird boardwalk, viewing the turtles undergoing rehabilitation from the turtle terrace and treatment window and the aquarium exhibits. “The turtle hospital has had 76 sea turtle intakes so far in 2019. In 2018 we had 108 sea turtle intakes,” she says. “In addition to these intakes, we also receive
P:HOTO COURETY OF NEW SMYRNA MUSEUM OF HISTORY
New Smyrna Museum of History
history. “New Smyrna Beach was founded in 1768 and is the second oldest city in Florida,” Courtnee says. “Just steps from the historic arts district, Old Fort Park boasts mysterious 40-by-80-foot ruins. The appearance and location of the structure have led to much speculation about its origin and purpose. Some speculate that the ruins appear to be those of an old Spanish fort, but others believe it was the site of founder Dr. Andrew Turnbull’s mansion.” Don’t miss the New Smyrna Museum of History. It has a central exhibit dedicated to the Turnbull Settlement, which was the beginning of the formal community and was an active British Colonial settlement called “Smyrnea” from 1768-1777. “The story of the Turnbull Settlement is dynamic and is largely overlooked by history curriculums for both Florida state and US history,” says Executive Director Greg Holbrook. “The settlement, although relatively short lived, was the largest settlement attempt during the entire history of the British
travel (continued) » Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
GETTY IMAGES
Isn’t New Smyrna Beach the Shark Bite Capital?
Colonial time period here in North America.” Beginning with more than 1,200 settlers, it was not only the largest — nearly three times the size of Jamestown — it was also a multicultural endeavor that brought together Spanish, Minorcan, Italian and European settlers as well as the first Greek people to come to North America. Other parts of the museum include the central exhibit, a new surfing exhibit, “the attic” (a collection of local area items related to activities and business that existed in the New Smyrna Beach area in the late 1800s and early 1900s) and The GrangeMoore Archaeology Research Center. New for the museum is the East Coast Surfing exhibit, which features a collection of surfboards that were commonly used along the east coast of Florida in the 1950s and ’60s and other historical surfing items. Visitors going to New Smyrna Beach this fall can catch a few special events, including the 19th annual New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival, September 26-29, and the Plein Air Paint Out, October 19-26, when 25 professional artists set up around the city and paint seascapes, dune habitats and marinas each day. Spectators are encouraged to interact with the artists. At the end of each day, finished works will hang in a gallery at the Marine Discovery Center for free viewing.
Yes … New Smyrna Beach earned the moniker of Shark Bite Capital because it typically leads the U.S. in number of confirmed, unprovoked shark attacks. In August, a 9-year-old girl became the 10th person to be bit by a shark at New Smyrna Beach. But… “The bites at New Smyrna Beach are all pretty minor,” says Tyler Bowling, program manager of the International Shark Attack File for the Florida Program for Shark Research in Gainesville. No great white sharks here. Usually 3- or 4-foot black tips. “And then they get freaked out, too.” Typically once a shark realizes it bit something so big as a human, it lets go. Plus, the attacks are clustered in the same spot, Tyler says. “Just by the jetty where all the surfers are going is pretty much where all those bites are,” Tyler explains. Now you know the spot to avoid. Statistically speaking, shark bites are rare and fatalities by shark attack are even more rare. You are much more likely to die from a lightning strike than a shark attack (459 to 9 from 1959 to 2010 in Florida), or a sand hole collapsing (16 deaths by sand hole, 11 by shark attack in the U.S., 1990-2006). We feel your fear, though. The Florida Program for Shark Research provides extensive tips for avoiding shark bites, from the best colors to wear to whether menstruation attracts sharks (it doesn’t seem to be a factor, though a bleeding cut might be): » Swim with a buddy. » Stay close to shore. » Don’t swim at dawn or dusk. » Don’t swim around schools of fish or where people are fishing. » Avoid wearing jewelry (sharks like bling; it reminds them of fish scales). » Avoid excess splashing (it makes you look like a struggling fish). Get more tips — and at least one entertaining video: floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/reduce-risk.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 49
« around town
PEACE DAY PROMOTES UNITY THROUGH FUN
Celebrate peace and contribute to unity in the community at the 12th annual Southwest Florida Peace Day on Sunday, September 22. Timed with the International Day of Peace, the local celebration offers opportunities to explore how to unify people around the world and within the local community through family- and pet-friendly activities, a Peace Talks round-table discussion, yoga, meditation, live music, artisans and vendors. There will be a variety of food trucks, including vegan and vegetarian. There’s also a food drive. Peace Day, a free event, takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. For details, call 239-208-9872 or e-mail swfl4peace@email.com.
Museum Day promotes free access Numerous museums and other attractions across the nation will open their doors free to visitors on Saturday, September 21 in honor of the Smithsonian Institution’s policy of free admission every day. This year, Museum Day celebrates the Smithsonian Year of Music. To receive free admission, download a ticket from smithsonian.com/ museumday. One ticket (which gives admission for two people) is allowed per email address. Participating museums in our region include the IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers, The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples, the Naples Depot Museum and The Ringling in Sarasota.
50 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Workshop preps kids for entrepreneur expo In January, kid entrepreneurs will show off their brilliant business ideas at the Naples Children’s Business Fair. To make sure the kids get the most out of the expo, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and C2 Communications are holding a workshop to help kids put their best elevator pitch forward. Kids learn how to prep their business for the expo at a free workshop 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 25 at the chamber. Ages 6-12 must have an adult chaperone. Ages 13-17 may attend alone. Registration deadline is September 18. Get details at napleschamber.org or the chamber’s Facebook page.
Show Off ! showcases performing arts groups Here’s an entertaining way to explore what Southwest Florida has to offer families interested in the performing arts. Southwest Florida dance and movement groups spanning a spectrum of styles and cultures take the stage at the Alliance for the Arts’ Show Off! Youth Performance Showcase, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 14 on the Alliance grounds in Fort Myers. Families can also explore the exhibit “The Shape of Things,” participate in a gallery scavenger hunt and make free art with ArtFest Fort Myers. The weekly GreenMarket will also be open.
calendar »
PRESCHOOL & VPK
Sunday, Sept. 1 Musical Moments Series: Back to (School) the Future » 3-5 p.m. Moe Auditorium & Film Center, Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. A program that highlights outstanding student performers throughout Southwest Florida region. Free. artcenterbonita.org
Monday, Sept. 2 Labor Day at Zoomers » 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Zoomers, 17455 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers. Wristbands are $10 off all day, and they give guests unlimited access to multiple outdoor attractions, such as mini golf, rides and go-karts. Chaperone Passes and Annual Passes are not included in the promotion, and this deal cannot be combined with any other offers. 239-481-9666. zoomersfun.com
Tuesday, Sept. 3 Emerging Inventors » 10-11 a.m. first and third Tuesday through April. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Ages 1-5 and parents learn, play and gain social skills while exploring the homes, gardens and museum. edisonfordwinterestates.org Little Explorers » 10 a.m. Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. The Little Explorer Play Zone is designed for ages 18 months to 5 years. Every other Tuesday and Thursday, the Little Explorer program holds a story time, activities and crafts. September 3 and 5: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs. September 17 and 19: Creaky Crickets. October 1 and 3: The Very Busy Spider. October 15 and 17: Stellaluna. October 29 and 30: Little Boo. Included with regular admission, which is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for ages 3-11, free for ages 2 and younger and members. 239-262-0304. conservancy.org Mommy & Me Dance Class » 5:15-5:45 p.m. Dance Dimensions of Southwest Florida, 922 N.E. Eighth St., Cape Coral. This Mommy (or Daddy) and Me dance class offers a time for the parent and child to learn together. For ages 16 months to 3 years. 239-573-7837. capecoraldance.com
Wednesday, Sept. 4 National Wildlife Day BOGO » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Rookery Bay NERR and Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Celebrate with buy-one-get-one free admission. rookerybay.org
DANCE
Celebrating Since 1951
All Ages
Classical Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Hip Hop Modern Acrobatics Children’s Work
(239)334-3274 www.dancebochette.com NEWBORN CARE
RESALE & CONSIGNMENT
MUSIC LESSONS
Gulf Coast MusiC sChool Violin, Viola, Cello instruCtion BeGinners - adVanCed leVels
239-590-0059 gulfcoastmusic.org Since 1988
Friday, Sept. 6 Family Fridays » Zoomers, 17455 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers. On Family Fridays, $99 gets four wristbands, four $5 Z-Cards, a whole pizza, large fries and a pitcher of soda. Also check out BOGO Mania every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday when wristbands are buy-one-get-one-free. On Thursdays, $20 wristbands get you unlimited go-karts and other rides. Restrictions may apply. zoomersfun.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 51
« calendar Outdoor Movie Night » 8-10 p.m. Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. 239-213-3058. naplesgov.com Summer Story Time & Craft » 10-11 a.m. Chick-fil-A, 21900 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero. Free story and craft every Friday morning. Arrive early to order breakfast.
Saturday, Sept. 7 KidzAct Auditions for “Frozen Jr.” » Noon-4 p.m. The Sugden Community Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. The Naples Players KidzAct holds open auditions for Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” musical. For details and requirements, visit naplesplayers.org/2019/07/kidzact-auditions-for-frozen-jr-onseptember-7th. Galloway Captiva Triathlon » September 7-8. South Seas Resort, 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva. On Saturday, the adults swim a quarter mile, bike 10 miles and run 3.1 miles. On Sunday, kids take part in the Splash n’ Dash Kids Series, various swim and run lengths for ages 6-13. captivatri.org Leg It for Literacy 5K » 7:30 a.m. Sugden Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. Celebrate National Literacy Day with a run around Lake Avalon. Benefits Literacy Volunteers of Collier County. Register at runsignup.com/race/fl/naples/ legitforliteracy.
Homeschool Science Scholars » Varies by grade. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. This popular home-school series runs through April. Grades 7-8 meet the second Wednesday or each month. Grades 4-6 and 1-3 meet the second Thursday. edisonfordwinterestates.org Quarter Auction Fundraiser » 6-8 p.m. Mugs N’ Jugs Family Grille, 5512 Eighth St. W., Lehigh Acres. An event for the grown-ups, this fundraiser benefits A Mom’s Helping Hand of Southwest Florida. Auction starts at 6:30 p.m. 239-895-5341.
Thursday, Sept. 12 Kids in Crisis: The Youngest Victims » 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Riverside Church, 8660 Daniels Parkway, south Fort Myers. A symposium on the effects of parental addiction on children. Featured speaker is Jerry Moe, the national director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Children’s Program. Free, but registration requested at hazeldenbettyford.org/ fl-events
Science Saturdays » 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Science Saturdays at Rookery Bay are now year-round. Each Saturday brings a different theme, eco-crafts, a presentation, featured film and Lessons in Laboratories. September 7: Whales & Dolphins. September 14: Florida Panther. September 21: Sharks & Rays. Activities run until 1 p.m. Center is open until 4 p.m. Free for ages 12 and younger, $5 for adults. 239-530-5940. rookerybay.org “Small Wonders: Insects in Focus” Family Activity Day » Noon-2 p.m. Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. In the air, water, and even under foot, insects inhabit every domain of our daily lives, performing essential functions that balance our fragile ecosystem on Earth. By using cutting-edge technology and custom methods, artist Bob Sober created an exhibit that allows viewers to see this hidden world like they’ve never seen it before. At this Family Activity Day, families can create art based on insects. The exhibit runs September 2-October 19. artcenterbonita.org
Tuesday, Sept. 10 Valerie’s House Naples » 5-7 p.m. September 10-11. Valerie’s House Naples, 819 Myrtle Terrace, Naples. Celebrate Valerie’s House’s expansion into Collier County at the grand opening of the organization’s new house for grieving families. Reservations requested at 239-204-5804 or events@ valerieshouseswfl.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 11 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. September 25. lcdhvs.ticketleap.com/ budget-clinic
52 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Friday, Sept. 13 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 each summer. Included with regular entrance fee, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 for vehicles with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. Reservations required. 239-463-4588.
Saturday, Sept. 14 Electric Car Show » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. In celebration of National Drive Electric Week, owners of electric vehicles answer questions and give rides to visitors. Takes place in the overflow parking lots on Larchmont Avenue. Free. Coupons for $5 off admission to Edison and Ford Winter Estates will be available for anyone attending the event. Nick’s Kids Show and Safety Day » Noon-4 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta
calendar » Gorda. A musically entertaining family show. Nick invites kids from the audience to be in a rock ’n’ roll band. Plus, meet Sparking the Punta Gorda Fire Department Fire Pup and Moon Dancer Jessica Howard (1-4 p.m.). Plus face painting, police K9 demonstrations, safety information and balloon creations and magic by Jeff the Juggler. fishville.com S.A.F.E. Girls » 10 a.m. Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. You are your own best defense. This class introduces a few basic selfdefense moves that every woman, no matter her age, should know. The mother-daughter classes focus on the various situations a young lady may find herself in while developing her independence. For ages 13 and older; minors must be accompanied by an adult. 239-258-3280 or CommunityRelations@SheriffLeeFL.org. 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 SummerJazz on the Gulf » 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. Free gulf-side concert on the Watkins Lawn. A great date night or family outing. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. No outside food or drinks. Hotel guests park free; other parking at Lowdermilk Park with free trolley service. 239261-2222. naplesbeachhotel.com SWFL SteamCon » 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, south Fort Myers. A small-scale steampunk and fantasy convention that’s family-friendly and features authors, craft makers, artists and steampunkthemed activities, like Tea Dueling, Parasol Dueling, The Splendid Teapot Race, Hamster Wars, costume contests and live music. $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 4-12. swflsteamcon.com. Show Off! Youth Performance Showcase » 10 a.m.1 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Free day of performances and art activities. Between performances, explore the galleries on an Exhibit Scavenger Hunt or get hands-on with free art activities by ArtFest Fort Myers. 239-939-2787. artinlee.org TalkAware Launch Party: The Countdown Begins » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron, 917 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral. Food, music, a dozen vendors from a variety of industries, games, scavenger hunt for adults and teens, Emoji Bingo, face painting and balloon art, prizes and giveaways to launch a new app called TalkAware. Free admission. talkaware.com
Set in 1962, the film is inspired by the true story of a tour of the Deep South by African American classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley and Italian American bouncer Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, who served as Shirley’s driver and bodyguard. Rated PG-13. Registration required: https://bit.ly/2Z9bGqS or 239-252-7542.
Wednesday, Sept. 18 Moms Appreciation Day » 10 a.m. to noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland, moms enjoy a free goodie from le macaron french pastries while the kids make a free craft. miromaroutlets.com
Thursday, Sept. 19 “Getting to Know You” Club Tour & Lunch » Noon. Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, 7500 Davis Blvd., Naples. Learn more about how the Boys & Girls Club’s programs help Collier County youth and teens do well in school, choose healthy lifestyles and become great leaders. Free lunch provided by The Blue CanTEEN, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County’s food truck. Held every third Thursday. RSVP via Eventbrite or email Heidi Overman at hoverman@bgccc.com.
Friday, Sept. 20 Gopher Tortoise Walk » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger on a leisurely walk along an island trail. Look for and learn about this protected species Included with regular entrance fee, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 for vehicles with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. Reservations required. 239-463-4588.
Saturday, Sept. 21 Keep Lee County Beautiful International Coastal Cleanup » 9 a.m.-noon. In addition to picking up litter, volunteers also conduct research on the number and type of litter found. There are more than a dozen clean-up locations in Lee and Hendry counties. Register at klcb.org/coastalcleanup.html.
Sunday, Sept. 15 “Ding” Darling Tram Tour » 10-11:30 a.m. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. Join a naturalist on a tram ride through the refuge every day except Friday. $13 for adults, $8 for children. 239-472-1351.
Tuesday, Sept. 17 Feature Film “Green Book” at the Library » 2 p.m. 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 53
« calendar Family Yoga with Kathryn » 10 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland. A free 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families. Bring a mat. miromaroutlets.com Viva Fort Myers » 2-10 p.m. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., Fort Myers. Organized by Businesses Supporting Communities and Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this is a family-friendly event with a free, extensive Kids’ Area with activities for all ages, including inflatables, a rock wall and arts and crafts.
Sunday, Sept. 22 Southwest Florida Peace Day » 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Peace Day, now in its 12th year, is fun for the whole family and features crafts, workshops, activities for kids of all ages, yoga and meditations, sing-alongs, education, keynote speakers and more. There will be food trucks. 239-208-9872 or swfl4peace@email.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 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. Included with regular entrance fee, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 for vehicles with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. Reservations required. 239-463-4588.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 Free Student Entrepreneur Workshop » 3:30-5 p.m. Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, 2390 Tamiami Trail, Naples. Kids learn how to prepare their business for the Naples Children’s Business Fair on January 11. The free workshop provides student entrepreneurs with tools, suggestions and fundamentals to improve their venture. Free to attend, but registration required. Ages 6-12 must have an adult chaperone. Ages 13-17 may attend alone. Register by September 18 at naplesflcoc.wliinc14.com/events/ Children-s-Business-Fair-Marketing-Finance-Workshop-11952/ details?fbclid=IwAR0_Oi4IgblyXOA5Jhgb3igaBHT_ GgQTsmQs-Cp2HlYOcJrrkMWOHfyOorc.
Friday, Sept. 27 Charity Golf Outing » 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. West Bay Beach and Golf Club, 4606 W. Bay Blvd., Estero. Brown & Brown Insurance of Southwest Florida has opened registration for its fourth annual Charity Golf Outing, which helps provide local children with scholarships to attend the early childhood education program at Child Care of Southwest Florida. brownandbrowngolfouting.com Swing Fore the Kids » 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Heritage Palms Country Club, 10420 Washington Palm Way, Fort Myers. The Heights Foundation’s fourth annual benefit golf tournament. Romp in the Swamp Naples 2019 » 4 p.m. Port of the Islands Hotel and Marina, 25000 Tamiami Trail, East Naples. Annual fishing tournament that raises money for local families in need. It combines competitive fishing with family-friendly fun. Kick-off party is 4 p.m. September 27. Tournament is September 28. Time to be determined at the captains meeting Friday night. $150 for adult anglers, $75 for anglers younger than 16. rompintheswampnaples.com Walk on the Wild Side » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park ranger for a guided hike on Black Island Trail. Included with regular entrance fee, $4 per vehicle with one person, $8 for vehicles with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. Reservations required. 239-463-4588.
Saturday, Sept. 28 Chiropractic Awareness Day » 9 a.m.-noon. Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers. Free. In the Shelter D-1 area near the splash pads. There will be a bounce house, face painters, photo booth, stilt walking balloon twister, music, grass games, food and information about chiropractic care. 239-936-5545 or Chiroawareness2019 on Facebook. Kids Day » 10 a.m.-noon. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. In WINK Playland, toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive free pizza, ice cream and other goodies. miromaroutlets.com Etiquette at Edison Ford » 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Mina Edison was a gracious hostess and concerned with the well-being of children and the community. Following in her tradition, this two-hour class teaches etiquette and social skills. Classes are taught by Suzanne Willis, who teaches
54 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
calendar » sday, e n d e W Oct. 2
tional a n r e t It’s In ol o Scho Walk t Day!
etiquette classes at The Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout the nation. $75 for members, $85 for nonmembers. Registration required. edisonfordwinterestates. org
NAMI Walks Southwest Florida Sunset 5K Walk & Festival » 5-9 p.m. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., Fort Myers. Raises money and awareness for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Food vendors, live music, kids’ zone and more. The walk is free. Pets are welcome. Register at namilee.org/namiwalks_swfl. National Estuaries Day » 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Rookery Bay NERR and Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Celebrate National Estuaries Day with free admission and free activities. This includes entrance to the learning center, staff-narrated boat tours (bus transportation provided to the boat 15 minutes away), introductory 30-minute kayaking trips, stand-up paddleboarding demos on Henderson Creek, Estuary Encounter experience with touch tanks, live animal presentations, crafts and Junior Scientist lab activities. Foods truck will be on site during lunch hours. Activities available on first-come, first-served basis. Sign up begins when doors open at 9 a.m. Age restrictions may apply. rookerybay.org/national-estuaries-day Royal Party » 10 a.m.-noon. Cape Coral Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. Children come dressed in their favorite royal garment and make believe they are walking through a royal courtyard. Crafts, activities, music and dancing. Parents are invited to share in the fun, wear a costume and take lots of pictures. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. 239-5740804. Sensory Friendly Screening: “Abominable” » 10 a.m.noon. Paragon Pavilion, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. The lights are up, the sound is down and you’re totally free to move around. The next sensory friendly screening is October 12 with “The Addams Family: Halloween.” paragontheaters.com/promotions
Monday, Sept. 30 School Break Camp: Survival 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 Edison and Ford Winter Estates and topics in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), history and the natural world. In this session, understand the science behind survival from designing shelters to filtering water and building solar ovens. $45 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Registration online or by calling Leeanne Criswell at 239-334-7419. edisonfordwinterestates.org
Thursday, Oct. 3
Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. This fundraiser for Community Cooperative’s programs supporting women and children features shopping, gourmet cuisine and outrageous cocktails, auctions, raffles, music and an after party. communitycooperative.com
Saturday, Oct. 5 Human Pink Ribbon Event » 9 a.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. A fundraiser that attempts to create the largest human pink ribbon. Benefits Partners for Breast Cancer Care. pfbcc.org
Run for Prevention » 6-8 p.m. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., Fort Myers. $25. Benefits the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida. drugfreeswfl.org
Friday, Oct. 11 Shine » 5 p.m. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. A fundraiser for Hope Kids Care. Features an elegant evening of cocktails, dinner, music and entertainment, plus a live auction. 239-482-4673. hopehcs. org
Saturday, Oct. 12 Cops & Joggers 5K Race & Family Event » 5-10 p.m. Downtown Fort Myers at Edwards Drive and Hendry Street. The night race starts at 7:45 p.m. There will also be food, children’s activities, music, vendors, police displays and more. Benefits the Fort Myers Police Department, Fallen Officer Memorial Foundation and the Brotherhood Ride. Register for the 5K at ftmyerstrackclub.com.
Visit swflparentchild.com for more events.
Becoming Cosmopolitan » 6 p.m. Barbara B. Mann
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 55
« voices
GUEST COLUMNIST
Adelie Landis, 28, is a native to Fort Myers and an endometriosis warrior. She is creating a nonprofit, the Endometriosis Foundation of Southwest Florida, to raise awareness and increase the quality of care for women with endometriosis.
There’s a problem with how we’re treating endometriosis
I
remember the day I realized that this was going to be more difficult than they made it seem. I was sitting in my OB-GYN’s office in a post-operative state of a laparoscopic fulguration/ ablation, crying from excruciating pelvic, back and nerve pain, asking my doctor how I could possibly still be in pain only two months after my surgery. He shrugged and said, “You should be relieved you feel any pain relief at all. Some women don’t feel any relief after surgery.” I just stared at him with a blank expression with tears welling in my eyes again. $1,700 in a down payment and $7,000+ in owed hospital bills, $2,000 in co-pays and tests, and you’re telling me my endometriosis is already back? Fast forward to today, more than one year later. I finally found the proper treatment outside of Southwest Florida, and last October, had expert excision surgery which will provide me with three to five (mostly painfree) years until I need another excision surgery or a hysterectomy. When I realized the issues that
56 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
It took me 13 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis. From age 15, I have been on birth control to treat extremely painful periods that could last up to two weeks, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, severe acne and fluctuating weight. I began to really push my doctors for an answer in my early 20s, explaining that my fatigue wasn’t normal for someone my age. They ran blood work for thyroid disorders so many times I lost count, but they never even brought up or considered endometriosis; every time, they blamed the fatigue on depression. Until last year when I had multiple cysts appear, rupture and then had more reappear the following week. I haven’t felt “normal” since I was 14, and doctors made me think it was all in my head. The overarching question from my story is: Why aren’t women feeling pain relief post-surgery for treatment of endometriosis in Southwest Florida? Good question. Because in Southwest Florida, we’re not offering the most up-to-date, expert techniques to help women return to their lives.
Adelie 1.5 weeks after excision surgery.
Southwest Florida has in terms of treating women with endometriosis, I couldn’t rest until I started to act. I created a social community on Facebook and Instagram for women, so I could help them get answers to their questions, find the appropriate surgeon, and just have someone to talk to who understands this lonely disease. While I truly enjoy doing this, the main goal of my Endometriosis Foundation of Southwest Florida is to improve the quality of care women are receiving in our area.
Resources How to follow the Endometriosis Foundation of Southwest Florida:
• Facebook: facebook. com/endofoundswfl • Instagram:
• Endometriosis Foundation of America: endofound.org
• Donations: gofundme.
• Nancy’s Nook for Endometriosis Education, Facebook group: facebook.com/
• Email: endowarriosswfl@ gmail.com
• Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta: centerforendo.
@endofoundswfl com/endometriosisfoundation-of-southwestflorida
OTHER IMPORTANT RESOURCES: • Dr. Iris Orbuch: lagyndr.com
groups/418136991574617
Back to School Smiles!
com
Board Certified Orthodontist Braces & Invisalign® Affordable payment plans Most insurances accepted
• Caceres Specialized Gynecology: caceresgyn.com
Call to schedule your complimentary consultation!
Endometriosis is a highly misunderstood disease with little awareness. It effects 200 million women worldwide, yet no one seems to know what it is, and many doctors surely do not know how to treat it. But what is it? The Endometriosis Foundation of America describes endometriosis as when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, migrates outside of the womb, where the tissue should not be. The result is inflammation, as the tissue responds to the monthly fluctuations of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Why does this happen? No one really knows. There are theories, from Sampson’s Theory of retrograde menstruation, which the Center for Endometriosis Care describes as flawed, to Meyer’s Theory, which suggests endometriosis is present at birth and then begins to grow during puberty when a woman’s estrogen levels increase. The Endometriosis Foundation says there is likely a genetic component. Women with endometriosis can experience long, extremely heavy and painful periods – but that’s not all. I’ve learned that endometriosis can cause bowel and urinary disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis, as well as nausea and/or vomiting, painful intercourse, infertility, back pain, nerve pain as a result of nerve damage, and chronic fatigue. The fight to improve care for women with endometriosis in our community is a long one, so it’s important to educate yourself before receiving treatment for endometriosis.
239-260-2100 |
2017
NP-0000967210
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 TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR OF OUR SCHOOL CALL US TODAY
239-482-7007
SUMMIT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 9065 Ligon Court. Fort Myers. FL 33908 Near the corner of Summerlin and Bass
www.summitchristianschool.org SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 57
» last look
LIKING THE NEW LIBRARY Jacob Hamman, 3, of Cape Coral, reads a book while lounging in one of the play areas at the new North Fort Myers Library during its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 5. The facility offers a gaming area for teens and a story time space for children. There are also several outdoor reading spaces, 50 public access computers and a social services room staffed by Human Services and other community groups.
PHOTO BY RICARDO ROLON
58 » SEPTEMBER 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Independent PK3-12 College Prep School
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EXCELLENCE Need-Based Merit Scholarship Testing NOVEMBER 18 or DECEMBER 3
New students seeking admission for the 2020-2021 academic year, who are currently in fifth or eighth-grade are eligible to apply. Register in advance by visiting our website or call 239.415.8945 www.canterburyfortmyers.org
A TRADITION OF
100%
ACCEPTANCES TO COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » SEPTEMBER 2019 » 59
HEALTHY LIFE CENTER—COCONUT POINT
FAMILY EVENTS
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER September 2019 Wednesday, September 4 Family Nutrition Series: Reading Food Labels 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP
Friday, September 7 Gardening Gift for Grandparents 10-11:30 a.m. RSVP
Thursday, September 5 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m. Moms and children under 1 year
Friday, September 13 Toddler Time: Happy Dance 10 a.m.-noon RSVP Moms and children 1 to 4 years
Saturday, September 14 Family Yoga 9-10 a.m. RSVP
Thursday, September 19 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m. Moms and children under 1 year
Wednesday, September 18 Family Nutrition Series: Healthy Snacks 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP
October 2019 Saturday, October 5th Inspiring Health 5k & Fall Harvest Fest 7:30 a.m. Kids Run 8 a.m. 1 mile & 5K Race 9a.m.- noon Fall Harvest Fest
Thursday, October 3 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m. Moms and children under 1 year Friday, October 4 Fall Gardening: Planting Day with FGCU Food Foresters 9-11 a.m. RSVP
Scan this code with your cell phone camera for Inspiring Health 5K Information.
Friday, October 4 Toddler Time: Harvest Planting 10 a.m.-noon RSVP Moms and children 1 to 4 years Wednesday, October 9 Family Nutrition Series: Getting Active Together 5:30-6:30p.m. RSVP
Saturday, October 12 Family Yoga 9-10 a.m. RSVP Thursday, October 17 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m. Moms and children under 1 year
Wednesday, October 23 Family Nutrition Series: Weekly Meal Planning 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP Thursday, October 31 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m. Moms and children under 1 year
November 2019 Wednesday, November 6 Family Nutrition Series: Healthy Eating on the Go 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP
Thursday, November 14 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m. Moms and children under 1 year
Monday November 11 Friends & Family CPR 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, November 15 Toddler Time: Let Us Give Thanks 10 a.m.-noon RSVP Moms and children 1 to 4 years
Saturday, November 16 Family Yoga 9-10 a.m. RSVP
Saturday November 23 Family Fun: Give Thanks & Give Gratitude 10 a.m.-noon RSVP
Wednesday, November 20 Nutrition Series: Managing Leftovers 5:30-6:30 p.m. RSVP
December 2019 Thursday, December 12 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m. Moms and children under 1 year
Saturday, December 14 Family Yoga 9-10 a.m. RSVP
Thursday, December 26 Fourth Trimester Club 12-1:30 p.m. Moms and children under 1 year
Healthy Life Center—Coconut Point 23450 Via Coconut Point, Estero, FL 34135 For reservations call 239-468-0050
©2019 Lee Health • 3400.193 • 8-19