Coastal Breeze News

I was watching the homecoming of a Marine Regiment from Iraq on TV about a week ago and what a young Lance Corporal said stuck in mind, maybe forever. “Until you go overseas and see how they live and what they have, you will never appreciate where we live and what we have.” Maybe this does not come off as such a profound statement to millions of us who saw the light and emigrated to this great country; but it is always good to repeat the statement to our youngsters who walk around with iPods, communicate through “Facebook,” post their ... Read More »

Navy from Feb 73-Sept 93 The draft was in effect so I decided to ‘join’ rather than be pulled out of school. The day I was sworn in, President Nixon ended the draft! My dad had been in World War II, I remember when asking him but he always refused to talk about it. I took service day by day, the war in Vietnam was coming to an end. I liked being in the navy, there were no worries. For boot camp, I went to the US Naval Station Rosie Roads in Puerto Rico, similar climate to here. Then transferred ... Read More »

The other day a woman entered my busy goldsmith shop and sat in the corner and seemed to be observing the interaction between my staff and my customers and of course… me. I got the impression she was a secret shopper or a spy sent by one of my competitors. Eventually we satisfied the crowd’s needs that were as simple as a watch battery replacement or as complicated as the removal of a wedding band from a swollen finger. When my staff and I cleared the showroom it was time for me to get back to the bench. The mysterious ... Read More »

Elder Abuse Part II This is a follow up to my last article on adult abuse and neglect that appeared in the Senior Moments column on November 5. The past edition noted some overwhelming statistics; 33,812 adult reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the state of Florida from January 1, through September 31, 2010. In speaking with Ms. Pamela Blumenthal, SunCoast Region, regional program administrator, Adult Protective Services, I have provided the cases for Collier County (District 8) only. The records shows for the same period complaints of 145 self neglect reports; exploitation 57, inadequate supervision 50, physical abuse ... Read More »

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At a recent doctor’s appointment I was asked how often I exercise. I told my doctor that I take my dog for a number of walks every day. Unfortunately, I was told that this does not count. As I left the doctor’s office I began to consider the fact that I don’t work out. How is it possible that my weight has stayed relatively the same over my years living in Goodland yet I have done nothing to offset the food and alcoholic beverages I intake? It suddenly occurred to me that I do, in fact, get quite a bit ... Read More »

By Jeane Brennan What is instinct? Is it confidence within, faith throughout, an inherent knowing, or, all of the above? In the natural animal world instinct runs parallel to innate survival. Because of free will and the environment in which we were raised, our species has the ability to mold and formulate our instinctive nature determined by the direction or course of our life experiences. Embracing the creative life force that is never ending and responding to life’s situations instinctively seems to me an ideal way in which to live. In imagining a handful of people describing “instinct”, how many ... Read More »

Newcomers of Marco Island recently celebrated its “Welcome Back Luncheon” with a “holiday” theme at the Marriott Resort. The co?chairs of the event were Sharon Cook and Janet Dickens, Special Events Co?Chairmen. Each table was adorned with a different holiday display of beautiful decorations which were done by Susan and Heather Dill of “Dash?Away?Dash?Away” store in the Prime Outlets. A gourmet buffet luncheon preceded a Style Show by Kay’s on the Beach which featured cocktail and formal attire for the upcoming Newcomers’ Holiday Ball to be held on Sunday, December 5, at the Island Country Club. Models included members Deb ... Read More »

On Thursday, November 11 Coastal Breeze News was informed that not only had City Councilman Chuck Kiester requested the resignation of Carol Glassman, his May 2009 appointee to the Code Compliance Board, but that this may be “part of a larger issue” at city hall. The e-mail Glassman received from Kiester said in part, “We have been acquainted for several years now (at least since before my first election to city council in 2006) and I have always appreciated your support. However, given the city council’s agreement with our new city manager to establish an approach to code violations with ... Read More »

A quiet and attentive group met Monday morning to learn about the process by which the city council is considering adjustments to water and sewer rates. 75 concerned citizens listened as a member of the city’s Utilities Advisory Board described the actions of the Board together with the late evening action of the city council on September 6, looking toward establishing new sewer rates. At that meeting Chairman Frank Recker reversed course and spearheaded a 4-3 council vote to revise rates. The action was not on the council’s agenda, and had not been noticed in advance. As a result the ... Read More »

Many people are not aware that Assembly of God Church, which has been located on 951/Collier Blvd., has sold their property to First Baptist Church of Marco Island. First Baptist members, young and old alike, have been busy cleaning up the property, getting rid of the trash, mowing, weeding, discarding and getting it ready for the new occupants. First Baptist also bought the property behind the Assembly property, which was slated to become low-income housing; so now they own all 67 acres. Pastor Neptune, of First Baptist, has some exciting plans for the future of this property, which he shared ... Read More »

By Val Simon The Collier County School Board recently approved the charter school application as presented by the Marco Island Academy. The school will be open to students in August 2011, although a location for the school has not been finalized. Three locations have been proposed and subsequently dropped.“Marco Island Academy is looking at four potential locations,” according to Jane Watt, “we want to find something that fits in the community.” Plans include a state-of-the art green building.“We’ve received several resumes from teachers from all over, but we are not in the interviewing process yet. Getting the right director or ... Read More »

The Marco Island Civil Air Patrol Squadron is proud to announce the presentation of the Wright Brothers Award and promotion of Andrew G. Fordon to Cadet Staff Sergeant and Alpha Flight Commander. Cadet Fordon joined CAP at the minimum age of 12 and is rapidly completing his CAP training schedule. Drew Fordon is in the 7th grade at the Marco Island Charter Middle School, and is the son of Mr. & Mrs. John Fordon, Osprey Ct, Marco Island. The promotion ceremony was held at the Cadet Squadron meeting. Also attending were several members of his family who have supported him in ... Read More »

To assure maximum safety, maintaining the proficiency of CAP aircraft pilots is an on-going challenge. One of the key steps is periodic mandatory check rides for all pilots. But who checks the checker? Marco Island and Naples Senior Squadron members recently participated in an excellent two-day annual National Check Pilot Standardization Course at Lakeland, Florida, October 30-31, 2010. Members of the Director of Valuation office conducted the program. CAP Colonel Moersch, Florida Wing Commander, spoke to the group emphasizing professionalism and the need for establishing high standards for all CAP pilots. Col. Moersch very appropriately challenged the pilots to truly ... Read More »

Historic Everglades City will hold an Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Local vendors will offer a variety of items such jewelry, paintings, photographs, books, hand-made crafts, and baked goods. There will also be live music and hot dogs for lunch. This informal event takes place in family-friendly McLeod Park where the kids can play on the swings while the adults shop. For more info, phone (239) 695-2905. Directions: Take Exit 80 on I-75, drive south on SR-29 for 18 miles, cross US-41 and continue south on SR-29 for 4 miles. McLeod Park is ... Read More »

The Marco Island Foundation for the Arts (MIFA) will hold a fabulous festive holiday luncheon on December 7th, 2010 at noon at the Marco Island Yacht Club. This event will feature Janina Birtolo performing her interpretation of Sarah Bernhart in “La Vie Divine”. Join us as we hear her tale! Tickets are $30 for MIFA Members. Guests are most welcome at $35. Reservations should be received before December 1st. Get your group together, and mail checks to Sandi Johnson, 281 N Barfield Dr, Marco Island FL 34145. Read More »

Bring your Thanksgiving guests on a really unique “Olde Florida” treat. The Friends of Fakahatchee are hosting a Coastal Cruise through the mysterious mangroves of the Ten Thousands Island. On the way, you will probably see dolphins cavorting with the tour boat. When you arrive at Fakahatchee Island, a naturalist will point out unusual plants on the path up to the old cemetery. On the return journey, the boat passes by a famous rookery where the birds will be settling down for the evening. We might think of “Fakahatchee” as a swamp with Ghost Orchids and Florida Panthers but to ... Read More »

Craig Woodward will present an illustrated lecture on Friday, Dec 3, at 5pm in the Community Church Annex, Everglades City. For information, call 239-695-2905 or go to evergladeshistorical.org. Read More »

In case you’ve ever had a “senior moment” or know someone who has, plan to attend the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island’s next Sisterhood Luncheon on Dec. 14th at 12 :00. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Bill Beckwith, a nationally known expert on memory whose book “Managing Your Memory: Practical Solutions for Forgetting” offers a great understanding of how our memory works, and how we can improve our memory. Dr. Beckwith also publishes a column in the NAPLES DAILY NEWS, and has worked with, among others, Lee Memorial Healthcare, Florida Gulf Coast University, and The Alzheimer’s Resource Center. For ... Read More »

Held on Rebrand Day, September 20, 2010, 3 players won $100 Savings Bonds donated by Iberia Bank, Marco Island, Florida. All players have been involved in the YMCA’s boy’s basketball programs. Iberia Bank Manager is Keith Dameron. The representative in the photo, second from left, is Laura Burgo. Read More »