Coastal Breeze News

The Friends of the Museum of the Everglades will host a reception to meet the artist, Connie Bransilver, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, at the Museum of the Everglades, located at 105 West Broadway, in Everglades City. Tenuous Hold: Our Fragile Wetland Habitat is the title of the October exhibit. Many people are already familiar with Connie Bransilver’s photography from her highly successful book, Florida’s Unsung Wilderness: The Swamps, which highlights the diversity of south Florida and is co-authored with Larry Richardson. Her experience and work covers all seven continents and her National Geographic Wild ... Read More »

Copyright by Grand Central Publishing 1990, New York, NY The affluent shores of Long Island were once the wealthiest real estate in America. After the stock market crash of 1929, much of the area was dissected and sold off piece by piece. The Gold Coast of the early 1990s was struggling to hold on to the few grand estates and to an era long gone by. John Sutter is your stereotypical WASP New York lawyer, living in the guest house of his in-laws’ 200-acre estate, known as Stanhope Hall, in the shadow of the massive fifty-room mansion his wife, Susan, ... Read More »

This weekend I was overwhelmed with anticipation about whether or not the fall of 2010 will have good television programming or not. Though I spent many hours contemplating these revelations, I was delightfully surprised with the two shows that I was able to catch. First, on Sunday night, I watched The Sopranos knock off, Boardwalk Empire. The Sopranos’ creator and head writer, Terrence Winter, is on board again as creator and head writer of this new show. The pilot was directed by the auteur filmmaker, Martin Scorsese. So, right off the bat, I knew I was going to see some ... Read More »

This column is the opinion of a 3-year-old African Grey Parrot named “Simba” who has an extremely high intelligence level. While he does not possess a degree from any college or university, he does have a strong opinion of himself and feels that he is the best candidate to answer the complex questions of today’s discerning pets…and the humans they own… Dear Simba, There is a real cute female cockatoo in my neighborhood, but she doesn’t seem all that interested in me. I’ve tried everything. I flex my crest whenever she waddles by, I wave hello, I’ve invited her back ... Read More »

One of my favorite aspects of coaching beginners is that the new player comes to the tennis court with no bad habits. Tennis coaches have the opportunity to mold our new player with solid fundamentals. As we focus on the volley, we urge our players not to have big backswings and we constantly emphasize the importance of watching the ball, not the target. A talented and experienced tennis coach must concentrate on the following items: Great volleyers hold the grip softly and delicately The player prefers to hit the volley out in front of the body The volleyer’s eyes must ... Read More »

When I lived “up north”, fall, as harbinger of the cold, dark winter was not my favorite season. Yet, there were aspects of it that I enjoyed: Cool crisp air. Macoun apples. The brilliant reds and yellows of the various mountain ranges of the northeast. Now, fall means the aspen glow of the Rockies for me, specifically, the Wasatch and Uinta mountains of Utah. Salt Lake City is a good base from which to explore the surrounding mountains. Peak color in this area of the Rockies is mid- to late September and into October. Mornings are chilly; afternoons warm to ... Read More »

One way to develop your interest in cruising is to start building a cruising library. There are quite a few books which over the years have become a must-read staple in many cruisers’ libraries. Of course there are How to books, Why to books, Where to Go books, and so on. How do you know where to start or, if you have already started building a library, where to go next. We started reading and building a library years ago, and have not stopped yet. Of course, some of the information about instruments and boats has changed drastically. The stories, ... Read More »

So many times when we arrive back to the dock with the day’s fresh catch of fish, my clients ask me the same question…… “How do I prepare these nice fillets once we get home?” Oooooh, now I am EXCITED! That’s music to my ears because fishing and cooking are two of my favorite things to do in life! I started giving verbal recipes using different individual spices that would blend well with others for the particular fish they were going to cook. Then I thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to blend up a few of those spices so they ... Read More »

The Art League, Marco Island Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that D Michaels has been selected as its new Executive Director. With a background in Shakespearean theater and English literature, Michaels brings with her a wealth of experience in all facets of the arts.  Among her successes are the Downtown Denver Arts Festival which she started in 1998, this event draws over 175,000 attendees.  Michaels has also been heavily involved in arts education and was Executive Director of the Aurora Public Schools Education Foundation which has raised over $2.5 million in scholarship and grant funding.  D was ... Read More »

The City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation will be hosting the annual Halloween Spooktacular event on Saturday, October 23rd from 4:00 – 6:00pm. Everyone from kids to adult is encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes best and bring a basket or bag to collect all the candy and treats at each craft and game station during Spooktacular. Visitors to Halloween Spooktacular this year will be able to purchase pumpkins at the “Pumpkin Patch” area located near the basketball courts and be able to paint their own pumpkins provided by New Life Community Church of God. Hot dogs, snacks and ... Read More »

By Marilyn Honahan The Chamber of Commerce “See You in the Sand” breakfast was held at the Marriott on September 28.  There were 220 business people, community leaders, and interested residents in attendance. Chamber president, Vip Grover, spoke on the adverse effect that misconceptions about the BP oil spill has had on the economy of our area. The problem took months to create and now it’s up to us to implement the tools needed to remedy the situation. He mentioned a recent study, by the Oxford Economic Foundation of Oxford, England. The study predicts that the cost to the tourism ... Read More »

by Laverne Davy On October 15th the Marco Island Yacht Club will start off the new season with its fifth annual Oktoberfest.  The yacht club arranged for an authentic 18 piece German band “HAFENKAPELLE” from Cape Coral to play at this event.  We invite all members of reciprocal yacht and golf clubs around Marco Island and Naples to join us for the most authentic Oktoberfest on Marco Island. All attendees will feast on fabulous traditional German buffet, which includes Black Forest Chopped Salad, German Potato Salad, Schweinehaxen (Braised Pork Shank), Bratwurst & Knackwurst, Wiener schnitzel with Spaetzle, Traditional Hasenpfeffer and ... Read More »

On September 28, the Marco Cruise Club will begin its thirty-fifth year of boating activities. Their Change of Watch and Commodores’ Ball will be held in January when the following members will be installed to the bridge:Tom Thacher, Commodore; Tony Klein, Vice Commodore; John Nevelus, Rear Commodore,; Helga Kessel, Secretary; and Joan Kenney, Treasurer Overnight cruises have been planned for Key West, Captiva/Gasprilla and Cape Harbor. Luncheon Day Cruises will be held at many local restaurants in Marco, Naples, and Everglades City, along with many other fun activities. Captains with vessels of all sizes are welcome to join the fun.  ... Read More »

Do you have items up in the attic that you haven’t touched in years? Do you wish that you could make some money selling those items? Be a part of Junk in the Trunk hosted by Marco Island Parks and Recreation on Saturday, October 9th from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Mackle Park parking lot. Parking lot spaces are currently available for sale at $10.00 per space. Vendors may sell as much as they like as long as it fits in your vehicle. If you are currently gathering up your last minute summer junk items, you still have ... Read More »

When asked how does he think of himself; George says, “I am a perfectionist.  Sometimes I don’t meet my goals—but I always try my very best.” When asked what Rotary means to George, he replies, “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island has bestowed its highest honor, that of Honorary Membership, on long time member George Majdalani.  Cindy Love, club president, said recently at his induction; “George Majdalani, you have been chosen for Honorary Membership because our members believe your commitment to this club over the years warrants this recognition… Congratulations!” George was born in 1928 in Jerusalem, ... Read More »

On April 22, 2010 Marco Island resident and Bedtime Bundles volunteer, Sandy Boy, joined forces with the Charity Knitters of Marco with a goal:  She needed 2,000 crocheted/knitted hats for Bedtime Bundles by the fall. Bedtime Bundles is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded by Karen Saeks, in 2006.  Karen, a retired nurse, noticed while volunteering her time with the children of East Naples that many were missing life’s basic necessities. They live in abject poverty, lacking nourishing meals and simple items such as pajamas, blankets, toiletries, underwear, etc.  Armed with an idea, a winning smile, and a strong desire ... Read More »

To All Women in our Community Come “Refresh” your spirit with a “Girls Nite Out.” Friday October 15 at 6:30pm. Join us at “New Life Community Church of God” on Marco. We will begin with appetizers, desserts and fellowship around the table, followed by a time of worship lead by Jean Rowles. Daryl McCulley ( our pastor’s wife) will be our speaker and one of our members will share a testimony, ending with a time for prayer. Childcare is  provided. Donations to Bedtime Bundles will be accepted. For reservation’s please call Joan Rowles 239-389-8816. We need a head count. Read More »

All women are invited to Marco Presbyterian Church’s weekly 9 a.m. Friday Women’s Bible Study, based on Bill Hybels’ book Character: Who You Are When No One’s Looking. The study runs through November 5 and meets in room 10 in the education building. The study offers a Biblical prospective on courage, discipline, vision, endurance, compassion and self-sacrifice. Each week is a complete lesson. Study guides will be on hand at the class. Nursery available. The church is located at 875 West Elkcam Circle.  For information please contact, the church at 394-8186. Read More »

Kira Krümm Interior Design has been recognized again by the American Society for Interior Design at their annual Design Excellence Awards. Kira Krümm Interior Design’s beautiful Marco Island high-rise project, The Madeira, was honored this year for outstanding design in the Residential Transitional category under 5,000 sq. ft. Held at the luxurious Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, FL, the award ceremony was given for ASID’s largest Florida South competition to date. ASID, American Society for Interior Design, is the most widely acknowledged professional Interior Design organization in the United States and represents some of the most influential and trend ... Read More »

On September 28, 2010, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved an average reduction of 32 percent in the county’s road impact fee that took effect October 8.  A second reduction of 10 percent will be considered by the Board in the near future. The sharp decline in the road impact fee is the result of lower land and construction costs and follows 2009 reductions approved by the BCC that reduced the Road Impact Fee by an average of 6 percent for residential construction and 18 percent for commercial construction. The BCC also approved reductions of 11.9 percent ... Read More »