Coastal Breeze News

By Mike P. Usher  Tonight, just after sunset we have two planets in the east. Venus shines brightly in the twilight, but if you happen to be on the beach you can catch a glimpse of Mercury. If you can check the sky out a week earlier than the date on the chart Mercury will be quite a bit closer to Venus and thus somewhat easier to locate. From our point of view in the Solar System Mercury is dropping towards the Sun and will soon pass (nearly) in front of it. This is the time of year when everyone ... Read More »

Vickie Kelber  Moscow is a busy city where East meets West and hustle and bustle surround a scene that seems to have come from a fairy tale. Most of the wealth in Russia is concentrated in Moscow. The metro with its richly decorated stations is fast moving and crowded. Traffic is a problem. Grocery stores stay open 24 hours because, as a local guide explained, “we are used to shopping in the middle of the night because we work from 9 to 5 and then sit in traffic.” The walled 68 acre Kremlin fortress combines religious structures with the seat ... Read More »

Richard Alan I tend to come across a bit on the sarcastic side, (In case some of you haven’t noticed.) I will try to control that emotion as I write this serious column. For me celebrating the holiday of Thanksgiving was for most of my life a day I dreaded, in those days my family was spread all over the state and I ended up on the road with a car load of kids going from dinner to dinner, it was far from being a thankful day. But today things are very different; I never leave the island and my ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff Marco Islanders who have visited Amantea Gallery in the Shops of Olde Marco may have seen some of Kathleen’s work. In an upcoming exhibit the Marco Island Library will feature Douglas’ imagery of coastal and migratory birds. “Intimate Moments” explores the intimacy, playfulness and intriguing behavior of the real deal snowbirds. “Birds are our window into nature and play such an important role in our life-sustaining ecosystems–they are the bellwether for the environment. How they interact is fascinating and sometimes hilarious. It is captivating to watch them flirt, boast, swagger, dance, defend, nest and parent. ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff Many readers may remember reading about Tia Nielsen in Coastal Breeze News last year as she distributed presents she collected at Christmas to the migrant children at Six L Farms. Tia didn’t stop there! She also received Collier County Sheriff’s Office ‘Do the Right Thing Award’ and received a scholarship through the Kohl’s Cares Program. Tia is at it again! Now she has turned her love of math into an opportunity to explore her desire to teach by offering a new basic math study class to migrant children. Her goal is to assist the students ... Read More »

The author, Lisa Fleming, will be signing the premier copies of her new book at Sunshine Booksellers, 677 S. Collier Blvd on Marco Island on Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 11 am to 1 pm. Proceeds from the sale of her book will benefit For the Love of Cats. The rescue group will have kittens at the store to help promote the sale of the new book. Cat and Crow: An Amazing Friendship, is a new, illustrated children’s book that celebrates a world-famous cat and crow friendship. Enjoyed by millions on YouTube and seen on The Oprah Winfrey Show, National Geographic, ... Read More »

In the Board meeting on Friday November 11, 2011 at the Marco Island Academy several actions were taken to preserve the best interest of the students. As a result, Dr. Pellant has stated his intent to resign. Beginning Monday morning, George Andreozzi will be serving as the Interim Principal at the Academy. Rob Eder will be joining the staff beginning November 28, 2011. He is certified in Art, English and Social Studies and has 20 years of experience. On Thursday, November 10, 2011, Dr. Christopher Schemel joined the Board of Directors as Treasurer. Dr. Schemel is the President of Delta Q ... Read More »

When the dream began a small group of military veterans, most of them old soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, the “Greatest Generation” from World War II, sought to have a fitting memorial at Veterans Park. On November 11, 2011, the dream becomes reality. The Memorial is located near the water and is in a beautiful, tranquil place for resting and contemplation. Members of Marco Island’s Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Civil Air Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary and many patriotic residents of Marco Island made the Memorial possible by contributions, and by participating in the planning of Veterans ... Read More »

Beginning this week, TECO gas will be installing a 6 inch natural gas line onto the island under the Marco River. This installation will be similar to our recent subaqueous installation of the 24” raw water main. The boring pit will be located on the Marco side of the old Jolley Bridge in the area now know as the gravel parking lot. This parking lot and the right turn lane into the lot will be closed for approximately two weeks beginning on Thursday, November 10th. This schedule may be modified depending on the delivery of pipe material and construction equipment. ... Read More »

By Melissa Mayo Williams My father, Joseph “Coach” Mayo was part of The Greatest Generation. He was a wounded war hero who earned three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for his service with the 10th Mountain Division of the United States Army. Did I know this growing up? No, I did not. I was a young adult when a friend visiting our home noticed my dad’s medals on his desk. He was a Naval officer, knowledgeable about military honors. “The Bronze Star is big, you know that?” I tucked that fact away to think about later. We always celebrated ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom  They are a softball team like you’ve never seen. Nearly twenty veterans of the post-9/11 era have come together to form WWAST; the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team. As their name suggests, everyone on the team was injured in the line of duty and wears a prosthesis of some sort. Their mission: “to raise awareness, through exhibition and celebrity softball games, of the sacrifices and resilience of our military, and highlight their ability to rise above any challenge.” And they are coming to Marco Island. This remarkable team, that has been featured on HBO, ESPN, CBS Evening ... Read More »

The Marco Island Center for the Arts is proud to announce that Tuskegee artist and historian, Mr. Clint Martin, and Tuskegee pilot, Lt Col. Leo R. Gray, USAF Ret., will be a focal point for the gallery opening of Salute To Service: America at War, on November 8, 5:30PM-7:30PM. It is free and open to the public; donations are welcomed. The exhibition will be open through the month of November; it blends war memorabilia and original paintings, both from local veterans, their families and local artists. Elaine Michaelis of Marco Island has led the gallery committee on collecting memorabilia from ... Read More »

Marco Polo restaurant has a special way to pay tribute, free dinner! For the last few years, Marco Polo has opened their doors and provided free dinner to veterans on Veterans Day. The selected entrée this year, especially prepared by the culinary team, a delectable Surf and Turf combination featuring Baked Stuffed Shrimp and Chateaubriand. Tom Naifeh, who has been with Marco Polo since it opened, said, “My father was a tail-gunner. That’s led to a special appreciation for veteran’s contributions. I grew up understanding the importance of veterans. Fortunately, we’re in a position we can do this. We can ... Read More »

1st Place: By Josie Torres TBE 5th Grade Period 3 Laudise “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country!” is what Nathan Hale said over 200 years ago. He expressed these powerful words when the British were about to hang him. His words demonstrate his love for our country. He obviously died a patriot and demonstrated what I think patriotism is. Patriotism means love and loyalty to our country. I have a deep love for my country and my freedom. I am very fortunate that I get to live in a country with rights ... Read More »

THE HOOCH By Lance Corporal Michael P. Prikril Dang Ha, Vietnam June 10, 1969 We sit in a circle At the end of each day It sure was a hot one That’s what we always say We scrounge up some soda Hoping it’s cold Then talk of our past The same story told Of Mom and of Sis Standing on the porch And always of girlfriends Carrying the torch This is our joy Simple it may be If you can’t understand it It’s because you’re not we   “THE SILVER GHOST, REDEEMED” By Sergeant George W. Henley Fighter Pilot Corsair ... Read More »

On 11-11-11, Island Trends invites you kick off festive season island style with the Tommy Bahama “Holiday Escape” Party. The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island will be raffling over $1000 of Tommy Bahama gear including a Tommy Bahama Golf Bag and Watch to benefit the Kiwanis “Toys for Kids” Charity, which donates toys to underprivileged children in the community during Christmas. “It’s going to be a fun party, and we’re very grateful to Tommy Bahama for donating the golf bag and watch to benefit such an great cause during the holiday season,” said Chadd Chustz, co-owner of Island Trends. The ... Read More »

The second annual Meals of Hope, Kids Against Hunger event will take place Saturday, November 12th at Marco Island Charter Middle School. Within a mere two hours, hundreds of local volunteers will package over 100,000 meals in assembly line style. Each volunteer will have a specific job to do. Adults, children, students and seniors will all work together, there is something for everyone to do. Steve Popper, a Naples resident and Rotarian, brought the Kids Against Hunger project to Southwest Florida a few years ago. Since then, he has formed Meals of Hope which is able to buy supplies in ... Read More »

Joan Kelly  LOCATION  Olde Marco was first settled in the 1880’s. Tucked into this historic area is the Café de Marco, celebrating 29 years in this unique location. Travel down Bald Eagle to Palm St and turn left. A contemporary décor waits in a historic building. DINNER PACKAGES  In celebration of the anniversary the restaurant continues to offer a twilight dinner between 5 and 5:45PM for $14.95. A three-course 29th Anniversary Dinner Package for $27 is served with wine. There are eight different entrees on the anniversary menu. CULINARY EXCELLENCE  The Café de Marco is known for its diverse selection ... Read More »

By Danielle Dodder  As county and hospital officials continue to wrestle with the fallout from a medical transport debacle that may have contributed to the death of Marco resident Paul Anderson, Marco Fire Chief Mike Murphy wants to remind residents their best bet in a medical emergency is to dial 911. On October 21, NCH Healthcare System withdrew its state license, effective immediately, that allows it to transport patients from Marco Island, leaving full responsibility in Collier County hands. A new, non-emergency transport service, Ambitrans Medical Transport, has just been licensed to provide non-emergency services in Collier County, according to ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom  Every family-owned business comes with a unique story. Marco Marine Construction is certainly no different. The seawall and dock company was formed over thirty years ago and has steadily grown throughout its lengthy history. In its thirty-first year of business, the company celebrated a milestone when it was asked to be a part of the construction of the new S.S. Jolley Bridge. The Ricci family moved from Albany, New York to Marco Island in 1973. At that time Marco Island was barely a dot on the map, but there were big plans in store. Don Ricci Sr. ... Read More »