Page 54 - May-June-July Life In Naples
P. 54
heart to heart
Have a heart
for Mom + Dad
by Karen Coney Coplin
I is for Invent – Ah, they said necessity
T his is a multiple month issue of Life in Naples. It’s time to
enjoy a slower pace as summer approaches. Keep in mind was the mother of invention. Let’s not
other ‘red letter days’ are around the corner too: Mother’s Day is forget the fathers of invention, too. The
May 8 and Father’s Day is June 19. City of Palms (Fort Myers) is home to the
Edison and Ford Winter Estates. www.
HERE’S A LOOK AT THE ABCs edisonforwintersestates.org.
OF CELEBRATING FAMILY LIFE IN NAPLES:
J is for Jungle Larry’s – now known
A is for Art: the United Arts Council helps publicize local events
as the Naples Zoo. Local resident specials
with a “Best Bets” email – sign Mom and Dad up at CollierArts. and many other educational and fun
com. opportunities for family time await you: www.NaplesZoo.org.
B is for Breakfast in Bed: Usually a Mother’s Day staple, but K is for Kids – “Every day is children’s day,” my mom once opined,
Dad’s hungry, too. Brunch options abound – what’s your favorite when I asked her why there wasn’t a “Kid’s Day.” It is a good
spot? reminder that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are special for very
dear reasons: give those reasons a hug, play a game, ride bikes, or,
C is for Coffee (or caffeine). Does Mom or Dad have a favorite if they’re grown and away – why not break with tradition and call
them first?
place for a cup o’ joe? Many local favorites hold their own against
the national powerhouses. L is for Laughter, the best medicine – A study revealed that kids
D is for Dog Park – Big dogs, little dogs and every dog in- laugh more than 300 times a day, whereas adults laugh less than 20
times, on average. Comedy club anyone?
between can run, sniff and play at 99 Riverside Circle, opposite
Central Ave. at Goodlette Road. Visit NaplesDogPark.com or call M is for Muscle (or, for aching muscles, massage) – Give stand
239.213.7120. Pets are very much a part of family life – let them
enjoy some ‘pack’ time! up paddleboarding a whirl if you haven’t; or, maybe aerial yoga is
for you? Maybe kite boarding?! Treat Mom or Dad to a massage
E is for (Mother) Earth – The Conservancy of Southwest Florida afterward.
suggests many innovative (and cost-free) ways to help protect our N is for NaplesOriginals.com (locally owned dining options in
natural resources - visit in person or www.conservancy.org (I found
“14 Simple Steps To Avoid Harming Wildlife” an invaluable guide Naples) – The new “hot spots” are always popular; but, keep those
- please share!) time-tested restaurants in mind, too. Visit the website for Mother’s
Day and Father’s Day specials, cooking classes, or discounted gift
F is for Friends – Maybe someone you know doesn’t have a mom certificates.
or dad. Maybe you know someone who’s been like a mom or dad to O is for the great Outdoors –It’s getting warmer, but, still time
you! Whatever the circumstances, a little cheer and kindness might
be just what this person needs for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or to enjoy many activities outdoors: early morning walkers, runners,
any day. cyclists, are in abundance (some with dogs or strollers – or both – in
tow). Have you been to the Garden of Hope and Courage at NCH
G is for Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples – Treat your downtown? www.Gardenofhopeandcourage.org.
kids to an outing at this world-class facility on 15080 Livingston P is for Play – Many live stage performances can be found at
Road. Visit online at www.CMON.org, or call 239.514.0084.
the Norris Center (www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org), the Sugden
H is for Happy – This one is directed at both Mom and Dad – Community Theatre (www.NaplesPlayers.com) and the Community
School of Naples (www.TheatreZone-Florida.com).
what makes you tick? Is there a part of your daily routine you can’t
live without, or, maybe it is time for some changes? Take stock.
54 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2016
