Oliver Horowitz
Gotham 2013

How I came to read a book about being a Caddie in St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland is strange to say the least. The closest I have ever come to playing golf is the summer my husband and I, newly wed, spent in Springfield, Missouri where he was interning as an accountant with Kraft Foods. Since we were only there for a couple of months and knew no one I slept late, watched TV and read. In the evenings and weekends one of the few things we could afford to do was play a round or two of miniature golf and I was terrible at even that level. The only other contact I have had with the sport is watching the Masters in Augusta and I mainly do that because the spring flowers are absolutely gorgeous on my widescreen, HDTV. I guess you might say I had a slight interest in the book itself due to the fact that while touring Scotland I did step foot on St. Andrews Golf Course. It was not terribly attractive and without a doubt was one of the windiest places I had ever been in. How anyone can compensate for that wind while hitting a ball down the straightway is beyond my comprehension. I did know the 600 year old course was the one any avid player dreams of playing on at least once in a lifetime so I tried to appreciate it for that fact alone.

Several years ago the author, young Oliver Horowitz, applied to Harvard College and was accepted with the only glitch being that they had a full class for that year and he could not attend until the following year. His first thoughts were of total confusion as to what he might do to fill that year but on further thought he realized that the perfect solution was to spend that year at the University of St. Andrews, to which he had also applied. He had spent many summers playing golf at St. Andrews while visiting his uncle so he was pretty sure he would enjoy it. Harvard agreed to his doing this as long as he did not ask for course credit to be transferred. So off he went to Scotland to spend a delightful year as a student in the very school Prince William was attending and enjoying all that being a man of that age might expect to enjoy as a college student. To add to that enjoyment he was allowed to play on any one of St. Andrews six golf courses and, being an avid golfer, he took advantage of that privilege almost every day. In the evening he took to sampling any number of the city’s 31 pubs. He was not alone in his hi-jinks. On May 1st each year the whole student body of 7,000 students takes part in the traditional “May Dip” which involves staying up all night partying and at 5 a.m. running into the North Sea stark naked.

Too soon summer was approaching and, once again, he had to consider what next he should do before heading to Harvard. The obvious choice was to become a caddie at the St. Andrews Golf Course. Even those well seasoned as a caddie at other golf courses must take part in a training program at this esteemed course. One is not welcomed with open arms by the other caddies and the work can be grueling. A fully loaded golf bag is not a light weight item to carry around the course even once, let alone twice, which is something often aspired to as the pay is about $100 a round, plus tip. And there is a great deal more to the job than just carrying the bag. A good caddie must learn the course, literally, like the back of his hand. He must know how a ball is likely to roll over each little hill and valley on the course and share this knowledge with his golfer. He must know which club to use on each hole and be ready to hand it to the person who expects him to know what in heck he is talking about. And he must be prepared to suffer the wrath of those who are inept golfers and blame him for their lousy shot. However, if he is good at his job he will find the day will come when they call his name to caddie for men or women whose names he has only heard spoken of in awe by other golfers. And on that day it will be worth all the sweat and tears he has put in preparing for that magical moment.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. I learned a lot about the game of golf and at the same time got a real chuckle out of hearing what goes on behind the scenes in the caddie shack. Whether you are a golfer or not I think you will too.

Diane Bostick has lived on Marco Island since 1987.  She was the Founder and President of Ft. Myers chapter of the Association of Children with Learning Disabilities, President of Jr. Welfare League, Ft. Myers Chapter, and served on the board of Art League of Marco Island. She is an avid reader, fly fisherwoman, tennis player and crafter.

Last week, when this story first came across my (virtual) desk, I, being of confident heart, and sober mind, had a little bit of an epiphany, of sorts. Yup! It occurred to me, that over the years, on this little Island, somehow, some way, a small number musicians and entertainers have not only survived the test of time, but actually thrived in the Southwest Florida musical “climate.” Of course, the “winter” season, or as it’s affectionately referred to by the locals as simply, “season,” is by far the year’s highlight.

OK. so, what’s the story?

Well, after nine seasons – yup, thats nine years – this Marco Island, Friday night staple band, is still a hot topic of discussion for locals and visitors.

Jezebel is a fun loving co-ed six piece band, known for playing rock, reggae, blues, top 40 dance hits and party favorites. Although its origins came as an all female act, lead singer, Robyn Fear, explained to Music Notes that when she decided to bend on the “all girl” thing, a live rhythm section replaced the backing tracks. With Oscar now holding down beat duties on drums, and Moe on the electric bass, Robyn chose to add to the band’s name.

Now known as “The Sunset Bay Band featuring The Jezebels,” they will be playing live on Friday nights at Vandy’s/5 Brothers at 1089 North Collier Blvd in Marco Town Center. Though the band had consistently played at Porky’s, the lure of a brand new stage, and a big push in the entertainment department, Vandy’s/5 Brothers will be the band’s new home on the island. Showtime is, again, every Friday from 9 PM until 12:45 AM.

Great pizza, along with many other delicious dishes, and a full bar are among the other attractions at the newly revamped Vandy’s/5 Brothers.

Robyn Fear, who plays a Fender Strat and holds vocal duties, originally started the band, and has since then made some personnel changes. Now the band will feature Jimi, from Ft Lauderdale on lead guitar, and rotating on keyboards, will be Morgan and Angelo. Although Robyn is the main singer, the show often includes vocalists Karina, Angel and Elexis. They will be a nice relief of rockin’ sounds for the quiet times during the summer months.

If you would like more info on Robyn, Jezebel or The Sunset Bay Band, log on to their site at sunsetbayband.com.

For more information regarding food, drink other performances at Vandy’s/5 Brothers, call 239-394-5100 or visit the website at www.vandys5brothers.com.

About The Author

Nate Augustus is a native “Florida cracker” and a singer/songwriter from the Marco/Naples area. His band, “Gator Nate & The Gladezmen” and his “One-Man-Band” can be seen at many local venues. He has released multiple albums on his record label “SwampSong”. For more info on Nate and his musical doings, go to www.Gladezmen.com or facebook.com/NateAugustus His latest CD “Gator Nate Augustus-Only Child Family Band” is available on CDBaby and Itunes.

Mike Held opened his Keep in Touch shop at The Shops of Marco for author, Janina Stankiewicz Chung on Thursday, April 25 to discuss her book and sign copies for visitors. The author shared her family’s story through the narrative of fiction in Far East Of The Sun which was reviewed in the April 19-May 2 issue of the Coastal Breeze News.

“Far East of the Sun” is a novel/memoir. PHOTOS BY NATALIE STROM

Her book recounts the story of Sasha and Anya who begin a happy, middle class life as a young married couple in Belarus in north central Russia. Sadly, the Bolsheviks under Stalin destroy that life because of their hatred of landowners and the family must scatter in order to survive. Sasha and Anya’s struggle to provide for their growing family mirror the dreadful events which drove Janina’s parents into hiding, capture and banishment and ultimately to the work camps of Nazi Germany.

After the war, as displaced persons, their life was still uncertain and difficult due to the millions of Europeans who had lost everything including their homeland. How do Sasha and Anya make it to America? Do they ever find their oldest son, Nicolai, who took his father’s place when he was to be separated once again from his wife and children?

Kudos to Mike and Jiri for their hospitality in providing a venue for Mrs. Chung at Keep In Touch. Far East Of The Sun is available for purchase at Keep In Touch and through the publisher, Reed Edwards. It is also available as an ebook. www.reededwards.com/item/Far_East_Of_The_Sun/215

Janina’s father walked from Siberia to Belarus.

Johanna Petropoulis’ “Kiss.”

The 9th Annual Stone Sculpture Exhibit at the Marco Island Center for the Arts showcased works by Marco residents who have been literally chipping away at their pieces of art all year long. A reception for the public was held on April 9th and the exhibit stayed in place until the last stone sculpting class of the season, April 15th.

Teachers Frank de la Roche and Joe Cooper spent their Mondays at the Center for the Arts, teaching up to 20 students per day how to chip, grind, mold, smooth and sculpt their chosen type of stone. The only stone sculpting class in all of Collier County was one certainly worth attending as the students’ sculptures were truly world class pieces of art.

Teachers Frank de la Roche and Joe Cooper.

Any sculptor will tell you that the slab of stone often speaks to them, guiding them as to how to sculpt that particular piece. Such was the case for Earl Holdsworth, a retired orthodontist who, “needed to do something with my hands after I retired because all I ever did was work with my hands.” He took up stone sculpting at the Center for the Arts a number of years ago and had two pieces on display, both made of African Wonderstone, a medium density wood. His labrador retriever sculpture, entitled “Mine,” was the classic example of the stone leading the sculptor. “This was, in a way, a tribute to my lab who passed and he would always lie with his feet straight out. But the stone wasn’t big enough and called for the feet to come in. So I folded them in and added the tennis ball.” Holdsworth’s new lab loves tennis balls and so the piece ended up becoming a tribute to both dogs.

Adelaide Pence has been taking the class for, “eight or nine years. I gave up my Mondays for this class and one day of golf to take one of the classes Frank and Joe offer in Bonita.” Pence had four pieces on display that she made this past season; a loon, a pelican, a baby bird in a nest and another bird made out of white stone. “I still love my golf and walking on the beach and all the typical Marco treats, but this is something that I am truly passionate about,” she stated.

Steve Robert’s displays “Gracie’s Monkey.”

Talk about passion. “The Kiss” by Johanna Petropoulis featured two lovers, presumably her and her husband, Aries, molded out of marble. One of the hardest stones to sculpt, Petropoulis first made the sculpture out of clay. The clay model gave her the foresight to understand exactly where and how she would chip and chisel when it came to the marble piece. Many of the other sculptors admired her work as it was so in-depth in design and made with such a difficult type of stone.

“This is one of the most prestigious classes of the year that we hold. The hours of work involved are intense,” added Executive Director Lynn Holley. You just don’t see this on Marco Island, you see this caliber of work in New York City. These students are not just students. They’re sculptors.”

Far East Of The Sun
Janina Stankiewicz Chung,
Author/Speaker

Janina Stankiewicz will speak about her family’s incredible story which she has told through the medium of an historical novel. Their odyssey began in pre World War II Russia where the author was born in Byelorussia, now Belarus.  Her family lived in north central Russia under the murderous Communist leader, Josef Stalin and his ruthless army of Bolsheviks.

Her central characters, Sasha and Anya, follow the exact life endured by her parents. The young couple came from good, industrious people who owned land and worked hard to provide decent lives for all the generations of their families. Often, members of large families worked farms together, living in the same  house with parents and grandparents.  Each member of the family performed daily tasks according to his or her ability and skills.  It was a good life, worthwhile and happy because they were together in a home where love and respect prevailed. It was a good life as long as they did not draw the attention of the authorities and the army.

The Bolsheviks hated the landowners, the Kulaki, and were especially brutal to them. The soldiers would rampage on the slightest provocation and burn homes, crops, livestock and kill or deport whole families to Siberia. Death was the only way to freedom and release from a life of horror which awaited any poor victim of the Bolsheviks.

Men were at risk from another dangerous group, the Partisans who were fighting against the Communist regime and the Bolsheviks. They snatched men in their fields, on their way home from work, wherever they could find an able man to conscript into their numbers. Reasonable men like Sasha and his six brothers knew it was impossible to resist the overwhelming force and cruelty of the Bolsheviks and endeavored to live quietly and unobtrusively in order to protect their families.

Tragedy struck one night when the Bolsheviks stormed Sasha’s family home and the home of his nearest brother. Lives were lost and members of the family taken away. His parents, crushed by sorrow, their farm ruined, could no longer provide for the extended family. Sasha and Anya found work in a government controlled factory in another village and found a small cabin for their family.

Sasha was caught one night by a gang of Partisans who held him captive for four months, trying to compel him to join their group, treating him very badly when he resisted.  A former friend, part of the group holding him, taunted him about Anya and implied she was a tempting beauty even several months into her pregnancy. Sasha was determined to escape and chipped at the cement holding the bars of the lone window where they were holding him until he could climb through and flee into the night.

This was the beginning of the long ordeal Sasha and Anya shared. Danger came from their own oppressive government, neighbors and villagers who informed on others in order to survive, the Nazis, who were rapidly advancing into Russia.  The young couple struggled to find ways to overcome their crumbling homeland and loss of so much that made life good. Their arduous journey took them to Germany’s work camps and to displaced persons camps after the war. The couple clung to the old values and taught their children to love and care for one another, to pray for deliverance and showed them by their own example of total love and commitment how to endure the unendurable.

Janina Stankiewicz Chung will visit Keep In Touch at the Shops of Marco on Thursday, April 25 from 6:30PM to 8PM. She will recount some of her memories of her family’s struggle and how they found their way to America. Please join her for an evening of conversation, wine and cheese. The author will be signing copies of her book which will be available for purchase.  Mike Held is hosting the evening and welcomes you to his interesting shop.

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate, enjoy and possibly choke up a bit, when you see “42.” It’s the story of 18 months in the life and career of Jackie Robinson. As with the few outstanding “baseball movies,” e.g., “Bull Durham,” “Bang The Drum Slowly,” “42” is not simply about baseball. Rather it is a fascinating study of a chunk of American society around the middle of the Twentieth Century, and some reflections on the inner workings of two of the movie’s main characters, Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey.

When World War II ended and America again embraced baseball as the National Game, society was changing. A few racial barriers had come down as a result of the exposure of different races during the war. However, baseball still maintained its 60 plus years of the white man’s wall. It was well known that the baseball commissioner, Judge Landis, and one of the sport’s heroes, Ty Cobb, were blatant and unapologetic racists. Enter Branch Rickey, owner and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, a team that struggled in mediocrity for many years (with the notable exception of 1941 when “Dem Bums” as they were lovingly known, won the National League pennant). Rickey, a cigar chomping, pious bible quoter and baseball lover, was also acutely aware of the need to improve the Dodgers and bring more people to tiny Ebbets Field. But, Rickey was much more. He devoutly wanted to breech the barrier against black players.

This is where the film starts. Jackie Robinson, a talented athlete, graduate of UCLA, Army Lieutenant, is searching for a career and joins the Kansas City Monarchs, an all-black team in the then Negro League. Robinson is accurately and seriously played by Chadwick Boseman, who not only captures Robinson’s personality, but also his mannerisms – even the unusual way he batted and ran the bases. Rickey was looking for “the right negro” to bring into the major leagues. Landis was gone, and the time was finally appropriate to test the system. After extensive research and scouting, Rickey settled on Robinson as his candidate because of Robinson’s education, bearing and athleticism. He brought Robinson to Brooklyn for an interview. Harrison Ford, in an unusual role switch, plays Rickey to perfection. Ford is wonderful. He captures Rickey’s piety and dedication, and tells Robinson that he wants a player “who has the guts not to fight back” against the inevitable hatred and abuse that will come Robinson’s way just because of the color of his skin.

Robinson accepts and proposes to his beloved Rachel (Nicole Beharie). She accepts, and the challenge is underway for both of them. Robinson reports to the Dodgers’ top farm team – Montreal, where he immediately got a taste of the widespread racism he would experience in the next few years. In his first season, he burned up the International League and Rickey brought him up to the Dodgers in 1947 as a first baseman. The movie really takes off at this point, showing the vitriol Robinson experienced, even from his own teammates, including Kirby Higbe and Dixie Walker, two heroes of the 1941 team.

Boseman expertly shows Robinson as he struggles to honor his vow to Rickey not to fight back for the first year or so, as he proves himself as a true major leaguer. He also depicts the loner Robinson was throughout his career, and does it in a straightforward, moving way. Robinson was beaned by Pirates’ pitcher Fritz Ostermueller; spiked by Cardinals’ Enos Slaughter, and subject to some incredible verbal abuse by the Phillies’ blatant racist manager, Ben Chapman.  He was subjected to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of threatening letters, and proposed strikes by some of his own teammates, as well as other teams.

The movie lingers on the oft reported moment, purportedly in Cincinnati, when Pee Wee Reese, the Dodgers’ shortstop, a southerner from Kentucky, took time to walk from his position at shortstop to put his arm around Robinson and say to him “Maybe someday we’ll all wear 42” (Robinson’s number).  The scene is moving and superbly played by Boseman and Lucas Black as Reese.  (NOTE: It’s not clear that the scene actually happened as shown in the movie; more likely it occurred in 1948 when Robinson shifted to second base, but a bit of poetic license is particularly appropriate in this otherwise completely accurate film).

Other true characters are well played: John C. McGinley as Dodgers’ radio maestro Red Barber; Hamish Linklater as Ralph Branca and, to a lesser extent Andre Holland as Pittsburgh sportswriter Wendell Smith. Director Brian Helgeland expertly guided the cast in a memorable movie.

By the way, Pee Wee was a prophet. Every season major leaguers wear number 42 on one day in the season, and the number has been retired for all active players.

A 2012 masterpiece by cover artist, Daniel Argote.

Always exuding a positive attitude is a tough thing to do, but if anyone does, it’s Daniel Argote. A self-proclaimed “music junkie” and tattoo artist, he puts music into every piece he does. From the JBL speakers in “the shop,” also known as Webbworks Tattoo, Danny blares his mix of rock, metal, country, blues, indie, hip-hop and whatever the flavor of the day may be. One would be hard pressed to sit through a tattoo session and not hear at least a handful of new tunes, and likely sprinkle in some “band history” between tracks. His combination of talent and tough work ethic makes Danny an extremely bright star on the new horizon of musical art. Not satisfied to be merely a local legend, he maintains a professional online presence on Facebook, Instagram, and his website, where people have begun to seek him out for his portraits of pop Icons like Johnny Cash, Bo Diddley and Dave Grohl. His tattoo masterpieces are properly worn from Southwest Florida to New Jersey, and as far as his planned future home, Colorado, where he plans to someday have his own art studio.

Apparent to anyone who ventures down to Pine Ridge and Yahl in Naples, and drops by the “Noon to 9” Webbworks, his personality is as vibrant as the colors he paints on canvas.

A marker and pen on parchment, finalized in Photoshop, this piece ended up as the cover for 2012’s Big Ol’ Monster

Danny began his journey four years ago as an apprentice to Webbworks owner, operator and veteran tattoo artist, Jason Webb Raleigh. Since then, he has maintained a residency at Webbworks Tattoo Studio. These days, multiple private offices are the make-up the new storefront. “The shop,” as they call it, looks and smells far more like a doctors office than a “shop.” Along with Danny and Jason, the complex includes artist and mentor, Timothy Gilman, who specializes in “traditional-American” style tattoos and flash design. Also a longtime resident of the Naples area, Tim, has encouraged Danny’s  indulgence into multi-media arts. Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator routinely render a final product of his artwork, but good ol’ fashion pencil, pen and marker are never far away. Interchanged with watercolors, oil, charcoal and airbrush, Danny’s computer is a vital tool, not only to enhance and finalize the art, but to reach out beyond the obvious local and regional restrictions.

The things he is doing outside of tattooing are really getting noticed. The “fan art” he has made and presented to touring acts, The Deftones, Coheed & Cambria, and Queens Of The Stone Age, at their shows, and the positive on-stage responses from all, continue to point to his connection with music. Album covers have always been high on Argote’s list of mediums. Danny has quite successfully (at least if your askin’ me) designed the album art for two CDs… Gladezmen: Big Ol’ Monster (2011), and GatorNateAugustus: OnlyChildFamilyBand (2012). As you might have guessed, the “fountain of creativity” is back at it again, deep into production of his loftiest venture to date. Due out early summer, GatorNate & The Gladezmen: Alligator Radio (2013), will have Danny heading up the full custom layout and design including a multiple page foldout poster, logos, countless characters, photos and even some extra vocals in the studio.

In his mid 20’s, this lifelong  journey to blend art and music has merely begun. Who knows what’s in store for tattoo collectors, music lovers or art buffs… I don’t even think Danny knows… You can check out more of his art, and that of his partners, Timothy Gilman and Jason Webb Raleigh, at WebbworksTattoo.com or facebook.com/danielargote

About The Author

Nate Augustus is a native “Florida cracker” and a singer/songwriter from the Marco/Naples area. His band, “Gator Nate & The Gladezmen” and his “One-Man-Band” can be seen at many local venues. He has released multiple albums on his record label “SwampSong”. For more info on Nate and his musical doings, go to www.Gladezmen.com or facebook.com/NateAugustus His latest CD “Gator Nate Augustus-Only Child Family Band” is available on CDBaby and Itunes.

The Irish speak English with a musical lilt, softening even the harshest words and syllables. The best Irish authors bring this magical musical lilt to their written word. In my opinion, Maeve Binchy is in that class of authors.

Some paint pictures with their words, but Maeve paints life with her words. The reader cannot just “see” her characters in her mind’s eye, but experiences life right along with the characters.  The soaring giddiness of falling in love, the deep delight of parental pride, the pathos of betrayal, the comfortable silences of long-married couples, the crushing grief of a loved one’s death, the regenerating spirit of genuine friendship, the seeming impossibility of just carrying on  – these are guaranteed in Maeve’s books. It’s why millions of us love her. We know every book will be packed with human frailty and strength, that there will be a happy ending despite all the travails and that we will feel better about our own lives.  Reading a Maeve Binchy book is like getting a lovely hug from your favorite auntie.

It was raining the day I read “A Week In Winter,” Maeve’s final book. The weather was a stark contrast to that of the day when I was introduced to Maeve Binchy through “A Circle of Friends,” reading it in full sunlight at the beach in New Smyrna Beach. It underscored to me, that in some way, I had come full circle with one of my favorite authors. I opened this final gift from Maeve, eager yet reluctant, knowing it would be the last journey into her world of Irish hamlets, villages and of course, Dublin.

“A Week In Winter” is set in tiny Stoneybridge, on the west coast of Ireland.   Geraldine “Chicky” Ryan is the protagonist, but as in all Binchy books, the “secondary” characters take over the story. Chicky’s nickname derived from her childhood job of feeding the chickens on the family farm. She brings disgrace upon the family when she leaves for New York City with visiting American, Walter Starr, only six weeks after meeting him at the knitting factory where she works in the office. Walter never marries her and in fact, slinks off to California after a few months. Chicky is determined not to go back to her judgmental parents and bleak tiny Stoneybridge. Her letters home have been novellas, fictionalized accounts of her wedding and life with Walter in America. Over the next two decades, she makes annual visits to Stoneybridge with colorful excuses to explain Walter’s absence. Eventually, she decides to return to her roots when the opportunity to renovate the old Sheedy place into a bed and breakfast presents itself. Chicky’s “widowhood” is explained by Walter’s fatal (fictional) car accident.

Once Chicky is back in Ireland, things really start to happen. The secondary characters we have already met, a few degrees of separation from Chicky, make their way to Stoneybridge or strengthen their ties to it. The tribulations and setbacks of getting Stone House ready for opening, including attracting guests, are all met. During Stone House’s renovation, Maeve weaves the back stories of the characters whose lives will intersect during this week in winter.

The guests include an American actor who believes he has disguised his identity, an engaged woman and her mother-in-law to be, a couple who won the week-long holiday as second place in a contest, a recently retired bitter school principal, a young Swede who loves music but is expected to take over the family accounting firm and a psychic librarian frightened of her “visions.” At the same time, we are kept abreast of what is going on with the Stoneybridge folk, even those now living in Dublin.

Predictable but delightful, Maeve weaves all these story threads together during this week in winter. Her diverse cast of characters has experienced bitterness, disappointment, disgrace, betrayal, doubt, and fear. Somehow, in this seemingly godforsaken remote part of Ireland, an old battered mansion has been the catalyst for their redemption, renewal, and rejuvenation. And most find their way back to courage, love, friendship and generosity.

As Maeve fans know, her latter books are full of recurring characters, and it’s comforting to learn that Brenda is still running Quentin’s, that familiar comfortable restaurant in Dublin. We catch glimpses of a few others familiar to us through Maeve’s previous books.

Some people say this isn’t Maeve’s best work. That’s a judgment best left to each reader. She delivers a great cast of interesting, credible personalities whose predicaments she resolves with trademark humor, warm-heartedness, and keen insight into human behavior. I found it an extremely satisfying read. From “Light A Penny Candle,” published in 1982, to “A Week In Winter,” published 30 years later, Maeve Binchy has been warming the literary world with her love letters to Ireland otherwise known as her novels. She will be missed.

About The Author

Maggie Gust is a life-long avid reader whose career path has included working as a teacher and in various positions in the health care field. A native of Illinois, she has lived in Florida since 1993 and presently works from her home here on Marco Island. e-mail: winetaster13@gmail.com 

And live it she did.

With the help of her husband, sister and best friend she set out to travel and see the world, or at least the parts she wanted, and had time, to see. She had always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, so she and her friend Nancy took a trip to the Yukon to see them in all their glory. Unfortunately, the lights did not cooperate, but they still had a wonderful time, despite the efforts of putting on, and taking off, the many layers of clothes required to keep themselves warm in that harsh climate. She was, of course, totally dependent on Nancy to do all that for her.

At an early age, Susan knew that she was adopted and she decided to find her birth mother. All through her childhood her Greek adoptive mother had lamented that Susan was not quite up to snuff, not what her “real” daughter would have been like. Like most adopted children, she wondered what her birth parents looked like and in what ways did she look like them. Even more important, for her children’s sake, she wanted to know if her ALS was inherited. Finding her birth mother was relatively simple as she was still alive but finding her birth father was more problematic. What a thrill it was to find that he was Greek! So off to Cyprus she went to meet his family and learn about her background there. Much to her amazement they were most welcoming, once they found out she was not after her father’s money, and included her in their lives and were quick to share their family knowledge, pictures, relatives, food and homes.

It would seem that this book would be depressing to read but it is far from that. It is indeed a book of joy. Susan says, “I am not giving up. I am accepting.” She is determined to not spend her last days in a cave of self-pity. Again, she says, “The problem with a cave is it has no windows.” With the help of her husband, children, sister and friend, at various times, she is able to dig deep into her “bucket list.” She travels to Hungary (to see their old friends and the city where they lived when they were first married), to Cyprus, more than once, so that her husband can meet her family and to bring them the family bible that had been kept from the family by her father’s wife. She takes her children with her to Orlando to swim with the dolphins at Disney World. She makes a special trip to New York City to see her 14 year old daughter try on wedding dresses, since she knows she will not be around to share that special day when it actually arrives. She and her family rent a house on Captiva Island so that they, and her whole family, can enjoy the ocean together. Each of these trips is filled with joy and humor and the compassion of her extended family.

Through it all her husband is steadfast in his love for her and shows his love by meeting her every need, emotional or physical, in a most caring way.

And, in only three months time, she writes this book of 89,000 words…with only her right thumb, all that she can move without the help of others…on an IPhone! How can one not be astounded at the inner strength of such a person? What a wonderful example she has set for her children for their future. She wants them to live life as fully as they possibly can, and she, equally, wants her husband to carry on with his life to its fullest extent when she can no longer be a part of it.

As of the writing of this review on March 23, Susan Spenser-Wendel is still alive. The rights to her book have been purchased by Universal Studios to be made into a movie.

At this time, “Until I Say Good-Bye: My Year of Living with Joy,” is not available in the Collier County Library system. Perhaps it is too new as it just came out in March. I would suggest you call them and ask that it be purchased; However, it is a book worth purchasing for yourself, as I did.

About The Author

Diane Bostick has lived on Marco Island since 1987.  She was the Founder and President of Ft. Myers chapter of the Association of Children with Learning Disabilities, President of Jr. Welfare League, Ft. Myers Chapter, and served on the board of Art League of Marco Island. She is an avid reader, fly fisherwoman, tennis player and crafter.

I knew the meaning of eagle, bogey, birdie and par before I read this book but not much else. Now I know fade and draw, understand a bit about how integral the golf course design is to the players’ enjoyment of the game, and of course, the clubs. Per Jack Grout, “Just like there are no gimmicks in the swing, there are no magic clubs. Some clubs are better suited for your size, your strength and your game than others. Find them and stick with them.”

The evolution of golf clubs was particularly interesting to me. When Jack Grout discovered golf at the tender age of eight, in 1918, and started his caddie training, clubs were named, not numbered. It must have been challenging for a child to learn lofter, niblick, jigger, putter, cleek, baffy, driver, brassie, mashie, mid-mashie, mashie-iron, spade-mashie and mashie niblick. However, he immersed himself in the terminology, golf etiquette and other aspects of caddiedom well enough that he was assigned a loop by the end of his first week.  Yes, an eight-year-old caddie! Apparently most of the golfers had rather lightweight bags in those days with about six or seven wood-shaft clubs in them, so jobbing as a caddie was a viable opportunity for young boys. As a matter of fact, when 20-year-old Francis Ouimet became the first American to win the US Open in 1913 (it had been dominated by Europeans from 1895 through 1912), his caddie was ten years old!

Jack’s caddie earnings were proudly turned over to his mother to be used for expenses incurred by the large Grout family which included five boys and three girls. This innate sense of responsibility and willingness to share even at the tender age of eight reveals the core integrity of Jack Grout. His sterling character would shine through in his personal and professional relationships throughout his 79 years.

Jack Grout and his most famous student, Jack Nicklaus.

He stumbled into the golf world purely out of curiosity when he trailed his older brothers to see where they spent their days. Duane and Dick Grout had been caddying at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club since shortly after Ouimet’s 1913 victory at the US Open. His win engendered a huge interest in the game and “Americanized” it. It was no longer assumed that the European pros would dominate. Over the next decade, the number of courses both public and country club mushroomed as did the number of the players and competitions. The oldest Grout boys established the family’s participation in this game which continues to this day. Dick and Jack Grout would spend their lives in golf as does Jack’s son Dick today.

Jack Grout also stumbled into personal happiness when he first laid eyes on the aptly named Bonnie Fox. In Florida, at a 1940 winter tournament, a night out with businessman and fellow golfer Ed Bradley and his wife Vera, Jack was introduced to Vera’s youngest sister Bonnie, then 19 years old, visiting from Saint Louis and babysitting for her two young nieces that night. Jack’s heart took Cupid’s arrow through and through, but the arrow sort of deflected off Bonnie. It would take two years of wooing, mostly through letters, (long distance was difficult and expensive back then and not all residences had telephones) before the vivacious Bonnie, on the cusp of womanhood but still delighting in her carefree single life, consented to become Mrs. Jack Grout in 1942.

A few chapters of the book are sprinkled with excerpts from Jack’s letters to Bonnie. There are none from Bonnie to Jack because unlike Bonnie, who saved all Jack’s letters, he burned all of hers after he read them to preserve privacy.  Jack’s patience and persistence paid off hugely, however, as the Grouts had two sons, two daughters and many moves and adventures together as they shared a deepening devotion over the next 47 years. If you read this book, I would urge you to remember that the gender roles were more clearly delineated back in the 1940s, and do not let the attitudes of 2013 color the communication between Bonnie and Jack.

When I started this book, I was interested in a good biography, learning about the qualities of a man who was the only golf instructor used by Jack Nicklaus for the first 39 years of his career. I discovered that Jack Grout’s contribution to American golf is inestimable. From age eight when he carried that white bag around his first loop to his deathbed final golf lesson to Nicklaus in 1989, Jack Grout was all about love of the game and perfecting the fundamentals. The fact that this book is introduced by a tribute from Jack Nicklaus and closed with a tribute from Raymond Floyd testifies to the influence he had on the game. The book reads like a “Who’s Who” in golf in recounting the players both pro and amateur influenced by Jack Grout.

Just under 300 pages, Jack Grout: A Legacy In Golf, is a valuable contribution to the history of golf as well as being a personalized account of the subject’s life. If you are ready to go back to a simpler, although not necessarily easier, time when life seemed sweeter and certainly was slower, settle in with this book. Meet Jack Grout and travel along with him as he discovers a passion for golf, forges lifetime friendships with the likes of Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, when they were young and so was the game of golf. They were in it for the love of it and in following the tours, they helped each other out with the winners sharing the paltry sums with everyone, and had a rollicking good time along the way.  A different world, indeed.

(Interestingly, Dick Grout’s co-author Bill Winter is a local resident – “about a driver and two 3-irons from the Jolley Bridge,” over in Hammock Bay.)

Now, Music Notes doesn’t generally review albums, but, earlier this week, the brand new CD, “Mirror Mirror,” by local musician Gema Pearl, appeared on my desk. I had the pleasure of hearing her perform last year, so I knew it was worth a good listen.  Glad I listened, it’s quite a rockin’ record. Besides being well produced and mixed, the instrumentation and writing is original while staying well within the bounds of current pop, country and rock radio station material. She sounds comfortable singing the range of tracks, not only written by Gema Pearl, but also Kiss’s Paul Stanley, Michael MacDonald, Henry Gross and Shadows Of The Night’s Lee Brovitz,

Gema Pearl’s “Mirror Mirror” is a mix of rock, pop and country.

When talking with the songstress about working on her first solo album, she explained that it was her life story in song. “Especially the title track to the CD.  It’s all about staying true to yourself and your music. Family has always been number one in my life  This has been an amazing experience to be able to work with such great people.” Living one’s life through a song is often the theme of a country album – not that “Mirror Mirror” is country – but I’m sure Gema’s Texas roots had something to do with it.

Gema Pearl was featured in the Coastal Breeze last year when she performed at the Marco Island Seafood Festival  She will be supporting her new album with a summer tour along with her band.

I also had the chance to chat with the producer of “Mirror Mirror,” Lee Brovitz. He explained the genesis of the collaboration. “I was working on another project for the now defunct, Spectra Records, and called on Gema to sing a few cuts. We hit it off from there and decided to start work on a full-blown solo project. That led to us spending about a year on the newly released “Mirror Mirror.” To hear more of Gema Pearl, find her CD at her website, www.gema-pearl.com.

For further information, tour dates, and media opportunities, contact Lee Brovitz at bassicleemusic@gmail.com or email SouthStarMultimedia@gmail.com.

About The Author

Nate Augustus is a native “Florida cracker” and a singer/songwriter from the Marco/Naples area. His band, “Gator Nate & The Gladezmen” and his “One-Man-Band” can be seen at many local venues. He has released multiple albums on his record label “SwampSong”. For more info on Nate and his musical doings, go to www.Gladezmen.com or facebook.com/NateAugustus His latest CD “Gator Nate Augustus-Only Child Family Band” is available on CDBaby and Itunes.

I have to tell you up front that, after reading various reviews about this book, there were varying feelings as to its worth. A good many people liked it a great deal. Almost as many readers were less enthusiastic. Those who were less enthusiastic seemed to dwell on details about the writing itself, which I found perfectly acceptable. There are a number of books on the best seller list right now that, in my opinion, do not have as good a story and are written in the style of some third class romance novelist. If you decide to take my word for it, you should have no trouble finding this book.

There are a number of copies available in the library. It is also available in both hardback and paperback, Kindle, Nook and Audiobooks. Obviously, the publishers thought it would be a book that would be enjoyed by many or they wouldn’t have made it available to the public in so many different ways. There is even talk of making it into a movie.

In case you didn’t know, an expat is someone who is living in a country other than his native country. In this case, a young American couple, Kate and Dexter Moore, have moved to Luxembourg, the private-banking capital of the world, with their two young boys to set up housekeeping. He is in the business of account security for banks, both physical and cyber. Or at least that is what his wife has been told. Kate is dismayed to find that he refuses to tell her who he works for, the names of any of his clients or even where his office is. He has told her that this secrecy is needed in order to make sure the various banks’ security are not accidentally compromised by an innocent slip on her part to one of her friends.

But Dexter is not the only one with secrets unshared. Though they have been married for a number of years she has never told him that she was a former member of the CIA. This secret haunts her, both because she feels guilty for not telling her husband that fact in general, but also because of some of the acts she had to perform while working at that job, including murder.

Dexter’s job requires him to travel a great deal and work long hours so Kate is left to settle into their new home with rented furniture and everything else they need for their daily living, until theirs arrives from the states. Her two sons are attending a private school, thus leaving her with a great deal of time on her own. She must make her way around town, with her limited language skills, and do her best to make new friends. Because they are, by far, not the only expats living in the area, this seeking of new friends is easier than it might be elsewhere as there are many others trying to do the same thing. And each of them is quick to notice when someone new has come to town and approach them to check them out.

She fairly quickly becomes acquainted with another American couple but it is not long before she suspects that they are not who or what they claim to be. The wife seems to be going out of her way to encourage their friendship, but seems constantly evasive when asked questions about her own past, even to the question of where they lived before coming to Luxembourg. Because of her own past life, Kate fairly soon becomes paranoid and suspects that the new couple is there to spy on her.

Kate’s suspicions lead her to get in touch with one of her former contacts in the CIA and to ask him to investigate what might be going on. She becomes more and more suspicious of who her new friends might be as they mysteriously turn up in the most unexpected places. At the same time she becomes more curious as to what her husband’s job actually is. And she makes it her business to find the answers to both of these questions.

This book has more layers than an onion and as each layer is peeled away we become more aware of what is really happening.

Or at least we think we do. But each layer produces another twist and lives intersect in most unusual and mystifying ways until the final chapter when everything is wrapped up in yet another most unexpected manner.

About The Author

Diane Bostick has lived on Marco Island since 1987.  She was the Founder and President of Ft. Myers chapter of the Association of Children with Learning Disabilities, President of Jr. Welfare League, Ft. Myers Chapter, and served on the board of Art League of Marco Island. She is an avid reader, fly fisherwoman, tennis player and crafter.

This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the “History of Delta Blues” seminar by local blues musician, Danny Jo. It was both interesting and entertaining. As he told about early blues artists, he would play the songs that they were known for. All who attended seemed to enjoy the lighthearted nature and cadence of the “101” of Delta Blues.

Playin Delta Blues at the Marco Historical Society.

He explained how blues had come from Africa to the cotton fields and plantations of the Mississippi River Delta in the late 1800’s. Modern blues can be traced back to two plantations, the Stovall plantation and the Dockery plantation. Folks like Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Robert Lockwood Jr., Jimmy Rodgers, Bukka White, Leadbelly, The Mississippi Sheiks, Son House, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Big Joe Williams and Charley Patton were among the first blues artist from the south to be recorded.

Some of the oldest recordings were made by John Lomax and his son, Alan, who went from town to town across the back country of rural southern America, capturing “ordinary” folks by playing their songs. Hence the name “folk music,” as blues was called early on. Eventually, a lot of the Delta Blues players went north, to big cities like Chicago, where guys like Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Willy Dixon would take delta blues to new and electrifying levels with the help of the electric guitar. Memphis also became a hotbed of blues action back in the 30’s and 40’s, with the famous Beale Street. By the time blues began to be a profitable venture, every record company in America was recording and releasing the style of music.

Danny Jo was sure to point out the roll women played in the early days of blues. He told about Bessie Smith, and how she could be compared to Madonna or Lady Gaga today. The thing a lot of folks don’t realize is how many records she sold, and how much money she actually made… LOTS!

Blues music made a heavy resurgence, when it began “crossing over” in the 60’s. White artists from America and England began taking the blues that they had heard, and putting their own spin on it. Bands like Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Cream, and John Mayall with the Bluesbreakers are just a few of the bands that took the blues, and made rock n’ roll.

After the presentation, I got a chance to chat with Danny Jo, who is a super nice dude, and very informed on the subject. We got to talking, and I mentioned that I had a gig on Marco the following weekend and he agreed to come out and play piano along with me. He did, and it turned out to be a great time. We played some blues, we played some country and we played some rock n’ roll! Thanks to Danny Jo for learnin’ me about one of my favorite styles of music, and for jammin’! If you would like to contact DannyJo, either to ask him about the blues, or to ask him to play the blues, he can be reached at DannyJo65@yahoo.com

Just to clear something up: As I said, the blues did inspire rock n’ roll, as well as countless other genres, but, that being said, THE BLUES LIVES ON AS THE BLUES! Folks still not only play blues music, but new and awesome blues music is still being created. People like Watermelon Slim, Husky Burnette (playing at South Street City Oven March 20th-DONT MISS!), Scott H. Biram, Anders Osbourne, and Little Eddie & The Fat Fingers are still out there, livin’, lovin’ and playin’ the blues everyday!

Obviously this article doesn’t even scratch the surface of the blues. So, if you are interested in learning more about the blues, do your research, or for an easier way to get the scoop, watch the movie “Martin Scorsese presents:The Blues, A Musical Journey”. Until next tweek, keep on rockin’ in the free world!

About The Author

Nate Augustus is a native “Florida cracker” and a singer/songwriter from the Marco/Naples area. His band, “Gator Nate & The Gladezmen” and his “One-Man-Band” can be seen at many local venues. He has released multiple albums on his record label “SwampSong”. For more info on Nate and his musical doings, go to www.Gladezmen.com or facebook.com/NateAugustus His latest CD “Gator Nate Augustus-Only Child Family Band” is available on CDBaby and Itunes.

Sixteen-year-old Seth Fallon, Junior, took his shotgun, went to his teacher’s house, range the doorbell, and getting no response, walked on. He was stopped by the sheriff who while rolling down his car window was greeted with a shotgun blast to his face. Later that day, Seth was found in a field, having turned the gun on himself.

This book is full of characters whose mundane intertwined outer lives belie their inner selves. Each has a piece or two of the puzzles that plague the protagonists, Seth “Grizz” Fallon, Sr. and Clara, the newly-arrived Lutheran pastor’s pregnant wife.

Grizz is a felon, having served time for his relationship with Seth’s mother, which started when she was underage. After his term, they were married and she died from lupus complications after Seth was born. Grizz had played high school football with the sheriff and they had been best friends in their youth. His wife was the goddaughter of the deputy sheriff, who blames Grizz for her death, since her lupus made motherhood a high-risk endeavor. All of the law enforcement community has deep-rooted contempt for Grizz and now that his son has murdered their beloved sheriff, the hatred is amped to full throttle. He is left to grieve on his own and to find the motivation for his son’s actions. When he is told that his son must be buried in the cemetery’s suicide section away from the “saints” section where his wife is buried, Grizz takes matters into his own hands.

Clara Warren is the substitute English teacher whom Seth first visited. She was at home in her basement but, gripped with a sense of foreboding, did not answer the door. Clara should be finishing her dissertation in early Anglo-Saxon literature, but the local high school English teacher had a stroke and Clara has been pressed into duty.

Clara has many “feelings” and senses of deja vu. The reader might attribute these solely to her gestational hormones, except we learn she has had these all of her life. After moving to Lone Mountain, Minnesota, she is haunted by intensified feelings of familiarity and attachment to the place.

Using Norse mythology and Clara’s own tales of a wolf child, Maltman expertly weaves a narrow thread of mysticism into the story. The little wolves are actually three coyotes that Seth Junior befriended years prior and these “wolves” are the device the author uses to link Clara with the deceased Seth. Done with a heavier hand, it might have been creepy and manipulative, but Thomas Maltman is a master wordsmith and storyteller. He seasons this story with just about the perfect amount of every ingredient. There is literally (pardon the pun) never a dull moment in this book.

Nicely done, Mr. Maltman, nicely done!

About The Author

Maggie Gust is a life-long avid reader whose career path has included working as a teacher and in various positions in the health care field. A native of Illinois, she has lived in Florida since 1993 and presently works from her home here on Marco Island. e-mail: winetaster13@gmail.com 

Driving across the big bridge onto the island, it is easy to see the new and improved look and feel of Marco. Continuing on down Collier Blvd, it’s hard to miss the Esplanade, a gorgeous bayside complex with all the amenities: dockside dining, clothiers, ice cream shops and more.

That brings us to one of the island’s newest places to enjoy live music, Mango’s Dockside Bistro. They have an exciting season of music planned for this year, including local and national acts.

This weekend is going to be a serious treat for music lovers on the Island, with ex-Sheryl Crow guitarist, Todd Wolfe bringing his band to play a three night run at Mango’s. Thursday, February 28th, through Saturday, February 30th, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.

Here is a little pre-show-need-to-know about Todd Wolfe and his band. Wikipedia says, (and I know, I know, you can’t believe everything you read on the net) Todd Wolfe is an American blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter. During a professional career that has spanned three decades, Wolfe has had numerous album releases with his own band in the blues and rock genre. He has also worked as the lead guitarist for Carla Olson from 1991 to 1993 and for Sheryl Crow from 1993 to 1998.

As a writer, Wolfe’s songs have been covered by Faith Hill, Stevie Nicks, Deborah Coleman, and others. Since departing Sheryl Crow’s band, Wolfe has been gaining popularity as a solo artist and guitarist in North America and Europe—especially in Germany—where he and his band have toured extensively since 2001.

Todd explains his favorite styles of music, “I reckon anything along the line of roots or American style of music from straight up jazz or blues or rock ‘n roll to country (more of the Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard style) or bluegrass and folk. And if anything else as a favorite, I do love Reggae but more of the 60’s and 70’s artists. I guess I’m taken by that period of music.” Over the years, Todd has worked with quite a few artists and musicians, as per his website, ToddWolfe.com. As he puts it, “I’m fortunate enough to have worked with all the people in my band whether it was recording or performing live. As far as in situations other than my band, I guess, there’s three that come to mind, working and recording with Leslie & Corky of Mountain, Sheryl Crow and Carla Olson. Performing with and recording with those were very special and memorable.”

Judging from what I know about Todd & Co., and seeing them perform on youtube.com, I think this is going to be a great show to start the season with.

Another act to see at Mango’s, is the The Lauren Mitchell Band, performing Wednesdays at 7:00 PM; Mixing blues, soul and a rockin’ performance for your listening pleasure.

So, I guess the moral of this tweek’s report is… don’t just sit there, go out and have a ball! There’s no excuses. There’s plenty of stuff “to do.”

Thanks again to all the loyal “Music Noters” for making this so much fun to write, and reminding me why I do it. Also, thanks to the Coastal Breeze editors and staff, for letting me be a part of the BEST paper this side of the Caxambas Pass! ‘till next tweek….keep jammin’!

About The Author

Nate Augustus is a native “Florida cracker” and a singer/songwriter from the Marco/Naples area. His band, “Gator Nate & The Gladezmen” and his “One-Man-Band” can be seen at many local venues. He has released multiple albums on his record label “SwampSong”. For more info on Nate and his musical doings, go to www.Gladezmen.com or facebook.com/NateAugustus His latest CD “Gator Nate Augustus-Only Child Family Band” is available on CDBaby and Itunes.