Don Jones teaches life-saving skills for infants. PHOTOS BY VAL SIMON/COASTAL BREEZE NEWS

By Coastal Breeze News Staff

Marco Island Fire Rescue Department’s Division Chief Don Jones continues community education outreach teaching CPR and First Aid to this group of 7th and 8th graders at Marco Island Charter Middle School. Cheryl Toth, Physical Education teacher at the school and an American Heart Association (AHA) Instructor, has arranged for Don to come to the school each year for last 12 years. The goal is to certify the younger students in CPR and first aid and to re-certify the older students. “This is the 12th year in a row the Fire Department has worked with the school. Cheryl makes it a point to fit these courses in their busy schedule. She feels it is important to prepare the students to effectively respond in an emergency situation with life-saving techniques. Techniques change and are updated regularly so keeping current is important. She does a great job teaching the course to these kids, I help with the practical testing,” said Don.

Cheryl Toth shows proper Heimlich stance.

Cheryl shows a group of students how to stand behind someone and perform the Heimlich maneuver while taking a supportive stance in case the person begins to fall back. When asked what inspired her to bring it to her classroom Cheryl said, “We are surrounded by water and these are basic life saving skills. Imagine all of these kids out there with this capability, many of them with younger brothers or sisters. It is a great thing knowing they’re prepared in case an emergency occurs.”

Don added, “Besides thanking Cheryl for maintaining the program at the school, we have to thank Physicians Regional Healthcare for their support. Karen Miller with the AHA assists us with the certification and any supplies necessary. Karen has been wonderful to work with and they’ve made a commitment to help whenever we hold these courses.”

The course covers such Karen Miller as clearing an obstruction, the Heimlich maneuver, compression/breath ratios, infant and adult CPR and first aid. Don and Cheryl have taught the course for each of the 12 years it’s been offered at the school. CPR certification takes approximately three hours to complete. Courses are available throughout the year. Call the Fire Department at 239-389-5040 to find the next available course.

Careful compression on infants.

Don Jones shows proper technique.

Chantel Parks and friends listen intently.

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Still renting latest releases through May. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Sad to say, it’s true. Just like the old movies have the customary “THE END” shown on the screen at the end. Video Showcase is closing its door just as the large signs say. Beth and Michael Gerhardstein opened Video Showcase on Marco Island 23 years ago. We’ve seen a variety of changes over the years from VHS to DVD and computer games in a variety of formats. Then add Blu-ray, HD and 3D. It may be hard to fight the age of convenient store kiosks, but there was nothing better than a friendly face and some knowledgeable guidance at Video Showcase. “We taught all of the kids that worked for us over the years to be courteous.” It went beyond courteous, where else could you get a personal movie review that took your tastes into consideration? “That particular movie is a little slow, or you won’t like that movie but your kids might.” After a couple of visits, they treated you like family. Inevitably, their suggestions were right on the money.

“Our sons, Sean and Matt, are pretty well set. Sean is working for a great local company and Matt is going into the Navy. We will stay until he enters the SWCC which is a special insert and extraction team for Special Forces,” said Beth. One long-term employee, John Burke, is now working at Winn-Dixie. “John is just like one of our boys,” says Beth. John had been with them for 12 years.

When asked if the new owners of Town Center Mall had influenced this decision, Beth said, “No, but we realize we aren’t comfortable signing a long-term lease. We always knew once the boys were settled we could move onto something else. They had to be far enough along before we made any decisions concerning the business. Now we just have to decide what else to do. It will be a major change for us no matter what. This has been our life for 23 years. We’ve watched kids grow up and now they’re bringing in their kids.”

Beth shows remaining DVD’s.

What about all of those DVD’s? “We have tons of inventory! Everything in the store is for sale,” said Beth. “Better come in early for the best selection. If you have a favorite movie or movie collection or just want to pick up a few movies to entertain the kids, we’ll be selling our stock through the end of May.”

Beth continued, “We want to thank our customers who allowed us to be their family video store. We have really enjoyed you.” Stop by, pick up a movie and let them know they’ll be missed!

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Donna Fiala

donnafiala@colliergov.net

Soon you’ll see changes in advertising and promotion from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. For the first time, the Florida and Collier County bureaus will be promoting “Brand USA.” This is a national tourism program to advertise in other countries that come to the United States; countries like England, France, Germany, Sweden, and Brazil. The program is just kicking off now, so it will be interesting to watch as it moves forward, and see what impact it will have in our particular part of Florida.

Mac Chaudhry with Donna.

Recently I attended the 10th Annual Tourism Awards held at the Marco Marriott Hotel. There were 97 nominations for different categories. I’d like to highlight the Marco tourism awards, being just a little biased for leaving out the others. The Rising Star award for a newer employee who has made a great impression on staff and visitors alike was: Ilsa Acevedo, a Housekeeper at the Marco Marriott. There were 13 nominations for this category with 3 of those nominations coming from Marco.

For the category of Outstanding Hotel Sales Employee, Cliff Dworkin from the Hilton on Marco was the winner. There were 5 nominees for this category. Marco also had 4 nominees in the Approachability category and 4 nominees in the Outstanding Hotel Employee-Support Staff category. This gives you an idea of the quality of staff members and hotels we have here on the Island.

I was invited to give a presentation before the Lely High School AVID student government educational program held in the courthouse. I wish you could have seen these delightful, educated, sophisticated and enthusiastic young people. To me, each one looked like a rising star, smart enough to rise to a higher level, smart enough to be a leader someday in the not too distant future. They were bright, dressed properly, respectful and a joy to see. GREAT JOB Lely High School!!!

I heard from my friends in Ohio that there is a big oil exploration going on right now. If you’ve ever been up in the farm country of Ohio you see oil pumps in every field. Now the oil companies are paying people and companies who have 10 acres or more, which include condo developments, etc., a sum to allow them to explore on their property. The landowners have a fixed time with which to respond. If they don’t respond they will not be included if oil is discovered. If they find anything, then the negotiations begin. Somehow I never considered Ohio as an oil state, but there you have it.

Tuesday, May 15th, I shadowed Principal Jory Westberry at Tommie Barfield. Jory is one of the best principals I know, and we are lucky to have her right here on Marco Island. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a principal care as much for the students and the staff!

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk was a speaker recently at one of the clubs to which I belong. Some of the interesting things I made note of were: 1) the jail is the largest mental health facility in Collier County. 2) Collier County crash rate is down from previous years. I asked whether that was directly related to the red light cameras, and the Sheriff agreed that the crashes are down since then. 3) Collier County has the highest seat belt usage of any county in the State of Florida! 4) Collier also had the most tax fraud victims in the State of Florida – over 600 just in Collier County! 4) Another startling item he mentioned was about Prescription Drugs – Florida dispenses 3 doses of prescription drugs versus 1 dose of pres. drugs in the rest of the Continental USA!!! 5) A good news item to end this column with is that the Sheriff’s Office will again be working with underprivileged children in Collier County over the summer, which will include fishing, camping, special programs, etc. I asked if he would be working with the kids who reside near Eagle Lakes Community Park and he said it was almost impossible to gather the children there for programs because there is no community center. (The only community park in the entire county without a community center for the children.) I’ve been working for six years trying to find the dollars to build one for these most deserving, underprivileged children. Yes, I’ve finally found the grants to build one, but it will take two years before a building can be built. Thank heavens for the Marco YMCA. They reach out to a number of these kids during the summer to help get them off the streets and into healthy youth programs. Now the next thing to work on is a pool for that area. Immokalee has one and has had one for years, River Park in the City of Naples has one, Golden Gate has one, as does North Naples. The place we need it the most doesn’t even have a community center, much less a pool. I won’t rest until these children have the same benefits that other kids in the county have. The best way to keep the kids out of gangs and crime is to give them something to do, but I’d better get off my soap box and end this column.

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Ahmedinejad visiting nuclear facility. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

BEYOND THE COAST

Tarik Ayasun

turk1949@comcast.net

I read a number of international newspapers, magazines and watch and listen to international news every day. It is important to be aware of the international environment because one way or the other all international events affect our day to day lives here in America. We do not live in a vacuum and every decision we make at work or at home needs to take world events into consideration.

I follow the speeches given by world leaders, their interactions with other world leaders and make my own mind up about where we are headed as a nation. Where we have been is as important as where we are going and that is where the importance of history comes in. Historical events foreshadow future events and if we are fully aware of our history, as well as world history, we may be able to interpret events better and make clear decisions which will affect our lives for a long time to come.

It has been my privilege to attend some recent lectures by important leaders in America. I paid close attention to their observations and I was prompted to think about future threats to America. Events which may shape the world in the next ten years are very important and as Americans, we must pay close attention to these developments. After compiling my notes from different lectures, I have listed the top six areas of great importance to America and the world.

IRAN: Whatever happens in Iran or about Iran in the next two years is of vital importance. Iran poses an immediate threat to her neighbors with its pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Wiping Israel off the map of the world” is not the only threat Iran poses. This is a most unstable society run by close minded fanatic Mullahs who interpret everything through the prism of their religious beliefs. The threat is also internal. What if Iran starts to fall apart, the Mullahs lose their grip on society as a result of the sanctions imposed on them by the West? With all the nuclear facilities intact and a government in tatters, no one can predict with certainty what Iran will look like in two years. They are the financiers and arms suppliers of all rogue regimes in the area and wield immeasurable and potentially harmful influence on them. Iran is the major exporter of radical Islamic revolutionary thought throughout the region. If Iran falls apart, what will happen to the many terrorist groups who depend on Iran’s support? There may indeed be chaos in the Middle East and North Africa as well as in Central Asia.

Map of China.

CHINA: China is an economic giant. But when one looks at a map of this vast country, one will immediately notice that ninety percent of China’s economy is shared by only 10 percent of her landmass and population. Once you get away from the mega cities and industrial centers, China is a rural country with masses and masses of people living in desperate conditions, depending on handouts from a giant government which rules every move these citizens make. If China cannot sustain the ten percent growth in their economy over the next five years, they will be in trouble. A noticeable slowdown in the economy of China made the headlines throughout the week in the West. China is experiencing many internal problems which are not always reflected the rest of the world. Power struggles at the top, shady business dealings of local Chinese officials, murder plots are coming to the surface day by day as social media takes hold in this highly controlled society. Muslim insurgencies in Western provinces, the ever growing income gap within her population and endless consumer demand may cause the implosion of the entire Chinese economy and this may not bode well for the rest of the world who are now dependent on Chinese monetary aid and cheap Chinese goods to satisfy their consumer societies. This of course includes us. We owe trillions of dollars to China and we are their number one market. An economic collapse in America as a result of our fifteen trillion dollar debt will result in shrinkage of this huge consumer market and will directly affect China’s economy.

Map of Mexico.

MEXICO: Closer to home, Mexico is a huge threat to America’s economic future. Uncontrollable drug trade and wars threaten Mexico’s stability. Drug cartels rule the day in many of its states and the central government is either helpless to fight them or they are complicit in their activities. Cooperation between our two governments in fighting the cartels is not only necessary but it is vital. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) can’t survive without a stable Mexican economy. Lack of jobs in America is pushing thousands of jobless Mexican laborers back to Mexico which increases joblessness south of the border. If the situation in Mexico is not stabilized or even resolved in the next five years, it will threaten our economy and safety.

CYBER THREATS: One of the most under-stressed problems we are facing is cyber threats. Every day foreign and domestic hackers break into vital computer systems in the USA, disrupting our banking system, military operations and even the electrical grid. This does not get as much ink as other problems only because cyber threats do not directly affect the average citizen in America. That is to say, not yet. On the other side of this coin, cyber terrorism works to our advantage as well. Israeli security agency Mosad was able to hack into Iranian nuclear facilities’ computer systems which put the Iranians months if not years behind in achieving their goal of obtaining nuclear weapons. Same could be done to our security systems by unfriendly nations and cause a total collapse of our economy. Thwarting cyber threats in the next five years will be the most important defensive mechanism America will have to worry about.

TERRORISM: Killing Osama Bin Laden was a great victory for the United States; however, it only slowed down the terror threats but did not end them. Terrorists never sleep, never stop working and never give up their violent acts. As one general once said, “we have to be right every time; whereas the terrorists have to be right only once.” Terrorists’ goals are simple; create terror, scare the population and cause as much damage as possible with as little effort as possible. We can’t live in constant fear of being terrorized. Twelve years ago it took us 10 minutes to walk through the doors of an airport, go through some metal detectors and walk into a waiting airplane. Now, it takes almost an hour of waiting in line, agents going through our luggage, taking our shoes off, subjecting ourselves to full body searches and finally getting to our gate. Airplanes are thoroughly searched before each flight and checked-in luggage subjected to x-ray searches. The more security measures we take, the more new and improved methods of terrorizing us are invented by the terrorist groups. It is almost an endless fight. Just last week, we found out that Al-Qaeda in Yemen produced a new and improved “underwear bomb.” As we learn from our mistakes and improve our security measures, so does the enemy. In the next five years, unless millions upon millions of dollars are spent on upgrading our airport security measures, we will be subjected to massive terror attacks. War on terror is not likely to be over soon.

Putin and Medvedev, two peas in a pod.

RUSSIA. This is a declining society ruled by a despot operating under the guise of democracy. Ten percent of Russians, mostly “friends of President Putin and oligarchs” own ninety percent of the country’s wealth. Russia no longer poses a direct military threat to America yet it is a force to be reckoned with in the Middle East and Central Asia where it still exerts some degree of economic power. Russia’s economy is fueled by exports of oil. According to economists, Russia needs oil prices to reach around $ 150.00 a barrel to economically survive the next five years. A decline to around $ 80.00 a barrel may bankrupt this vast country. A weak Russia is actually not good for our foreign policy. In the next five years, cooperation between our two countries in resolving international issues will be of utmost importance.

To survive the remainder of the first half of this century economically and still be the leader of the free world, America has to stay strong both militarily and economically to withstand the outside pressures. Social stability within the borders of the USA is of critical importance in the coming years. Should our economic downturn continue, our job market not improve and the gap between various sectors of our population grow further apart, we may start experiencing social unrest and uncomfortable days ahead of us.

Tarik Ayasun is presently President of the Marco Island Charter Middle School; Board member of the Marco Island Police Foundation and the Marco Island Rotary Club, he has given many years of community service to various organizations. 

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A commentary submitted May 10th 

Inept government, unfettered greed, impaired judgment, deception, and questionable business practices flooded the markets during the past decade with cheap capital which distorted interest rates, hyper inflated property values, and abnormally prolonged our last business cycle. Uncertainty and anxiety continue to destabilize markets as Americans continue to digest and adjust to the implosion in real estate, the volatility in stocks, a crippled economy, and a protracted period of deflation accompanied by intervals of stagflation and inflation in various markets. To compensate for these abnormalities, the Federal Reserve has continued to distort the natural cycle by artificially holding interest rates at unprecedented low levels to accommodate markets and allow large banks to build reserves and strengthen balance sheets, thus rewarding them for their bad behavior and mostly self-inflicted debacle. Sadly, this accommodation has affected many sectors of our population, but none more than our senior citizens who have been forced to invest in riskier asset classes because of the nominal returns realized on their fixed income investments. And, the ‘Fed’ has done this without confidence or any real assurance as to what impact their actions may have on future interest rates when the economy begins to accelerate.

Our next upward business cycle will not see the accommodating interest rates experienced after ‘Fed’ Chairman Paul Volker slammed on the brakes in the seventies and rates peaked at 21.5% in 1981 before moving steadily downward to their current historic lows. Interest rates tend to have a 25-30 year life cycle of their own, and a new upward cycle is about to begin. Although the first third of an upward cycle can often stimulate growth, the second and especially third terms can be most unpleasant. And if structural changes are not made to our economy and the way we govern our nation, regardless if Bernanke and the ‘Fed’ are successful in guiding our economy onto the road of recovery, the long term outcome will not have changed and the end result most likely will be economic Armageddon.

Although the Federal Reserve was established as an independent board to enact monetary policy to prevent the re-occurrence of the ‘Great Depression’ of the Twentieth Century, it seems, since the departure of Paul Volker, to have, instead, at times, become an instrument of the banking and investment industries. Driven by euphoria, hindsight, apathy and perhaps greed, the ‘Fed’ and Congress provided the fuel which allowed banks and financial institutions to flood the housing market with too many homes at a time when there were too few qualified buyers. Nearly all sectors of the economy ignored the fundamentals of supply and demand as they embraced supply side economics and saturated the market with too many goods for available demand. The aftermath of greed and unfettered capitalism led to the near collapse of our economy and the countries that followed in our footsteps.

Thomas Jefferson is often credited, although not validated with saying the following of the banking industry: “I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks, and corporations that will grow up around the banks, will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.” Other than a small segment which has been paraphrased from a letter sent in 1816 by Jefferson to his friend John Taylor, most content is either out of context or falsely credited. However, this does necessarily diminish the importance of the message or need to heed the warning.

We are currently enthralled in a catastrophe of our own making. Although certain geographic areas such as coastal Southwest Florida, Phoenix, and New York City have seen a surge in real estate sales, in most other areas of the country, banks continue to repossess cars and boats, and foreclose on properties while shielding inventories of yet to be released homes, an inventory that some believe to be well over four million homes. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, wages fail to advance, and home ownership is at a fifteen year low. Is there any doubt that the actions that preceded our current downturn illustrate the need for a more comprehensive monitoring of the astute behavior of those entrusted by the American people to guard us from unscrupulous practices and from the greed that we inflict upon ourselves? It would be unconscionable for us to ever again embrace practices that allow the formation, bundling, and erroneous grading of toxic assets knowingly diverted to the balance sheets of unsuspecting investors. And, it would be equally inconceivable to ever again allow homeowners to purchase property not realistically attainable, or to jeopardize their existing homestead by taking out second and third mortgages that would leave them vulnerable to losing their most prized and valuable possession.

The majority of economists say we are out of recession, but faltering. Some believe our recovery is insignificant and we are still in recession while others believe that a slow grinding recovery is the best path to future prosperity because too brisk of a recovery could cause a rapid spike in interest rates which would quickly dampen any recovery. It is difficult to know who is correct. However, Bernanke and the ‘Fed’ have done what Congress and a great number of other officials have failed to do these past three years; taken decisive action to avert calamity. Perhaps others in Washington could learn from their example.

Bernanke’s ‘Fed’ will either deliver America from the brink of self destruction or accelerate the path to economic Armageddon. Only time will tell if his guidance was visionary or flawed. But, it is indeed difficult to cite a ‘man’ for trying. We should all hope he is successful, for our investments and economic future are dependent on his judgment and performance. If his actions do prove successful, I hope he heeds the dire warning above, for banks should never be allowed to become ‘too big to fail.’ And, bankers should never again intentionally or inadvertently determine monetary policy or be allowed to intentionally inflate or deflate assets, hedge against their own actions, or let their failures force ‘Fed’ intervention. Although the ending of a natural long term lowering interest rate cycle provided the ammunition to spur an acceleration of investment money into the real estate market, it was unmistakably inept government, unfettered greed, impaired judgment, deception, and questionable business practices that nearly destroyed capitalism and the American and world economies.

In political writings and in conversations pertaining to the gains and losses to banks, we often hear the terminology ‘socialism for the rich and privatization for the poor’ when referring to profits and losses primarily of large banks. This gist of the context can be directly attributed to Andrew Jackson who, upon closing the Second Bank of the United States said, “I am convinced that you have used the funds of the bank to speculate in the breadstuffs of the country. When you won, you divided the profits among you, and when you lost, you charged it to the bank.” I wonder if he would have allowed banks to become ‘too big to fail,’ a luxury not afforded to small banks and regional banks that service our communities for should they collapse, they are put under new management and not allowed to benefit from their failure. As to allowing large banks to affect the printing of money, I believe that Sir Josiah Stamp, former President of the Bank of England best illustrated why this should never be allowed to occur when he said the following: “Bankers own the earth. Take it away from them, but leave them the power to create money and control credit, and with the flick of a pen they will buy it back.”

Let us hope that as a nation we have the good sense to ensure that banks never, by design or inadvertency, control our currency, and that we never again allow banks to become ‘too big to fail.’

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Bengoshi@comcast.net

If anyone bothers going to a real bookstore these days, rather than an e-book site, they will be impressed by seeing shelves loaded with “Dummies” books. Are there truly that many dummies in the world? Maybe so, judging by the number of volumes, and also considering my own general ineptitude and lack of understanding about a number of things.

Reflecting on the “Dummies” books I’ve come up with a list of topics they could cover for the general benefit of humankind, to say nothing about reaping huge profits for writers and publishers:

• “Quantum Physics for Dummies”. Surely this subject can easily be explained in one small book. It would make things a lot easier for us who did not wish to go through the trouble of pursuing this simple subject in high school or college.

• “Relativity for Dummies”. After warming up with the Quantum Physics book this one is a natural. Personally, I tried to understand Doctor Einstein during my college days. I knew that relativity is supposedly wrapped up in a single sentence: “The laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion.” My professor thought I did well for a punk sophomore, but still had a long way to go. That helped convince me to become a lawyer and not fool around with trivia such as understanding physics and the universe.

• “Soccer for Dummies”. There are only 11 rules in soccer. How come there’s so much trouble interpreting and applying so few rules? It would be wonderful to have an easy reference. At the same time it could explain to the average American audience why a game with so few goals can be so exciting.

• “Driving for Dummies”. Given the number of crazies clogging the roads and highways it would seem useful to publish an illustrated book explaining how to understand signal lights and signs, when to yield, why it’s safe to drive at the speed limit (not 15 miles under it) and why it is important to drive in the left lane on a highway, except when passing! The latter is apparently a terribly difficult concept for the average Florida driver (to say nothing of Massachusetts and New Jersey drivers). A “Dummies” book would be a major contribution to safety.

• “Parking for Dummies”. This is a companion to the Driving volume. It would explain the meaning of those white stripes in parking lots, among other things.

• “Supermarket Courtesy for Dummies”. This is aimed for those who find it convenient to park their carts in the middle of aisles while they conduct a shelf-by-shelf search for an item that is usually four aisles away. It would also carefully explain, with diagrams, why it would speed up things if credit cards, checks and even cash could be ready before the carts are loaded and the bill has been entered for about seven and a half minutes.

• “Cellphone Manners for Dummies”. This is a very important volume for contemporary society. Please, please publish something explaining why it is not nice to use a cell phone in a theater or restaurant. Think of the joy of folks understanding that it is polite to keep your voice volume low when on a cellphone in public. It appears to be an extremely difficult concept, but the book can simplify it by pointing out the virtues of low phone voices.

• “Bingo for Dummies”. This would be a personal favorite for me. I’m often told that Bingo is about the simplest game ever invented. I don’t believe it. If the game is so simple, why don’t I ever win? I’m convinced I’m missing something tactical. Maybe I don’t know how to arrange the cards? Maybe I’m not marking the numbers a certain way? Maybe I should pick a certain type of card seller? I’m absolutely sure there’s a better way to play Bingo to win. I’m positive there is…

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City Manager Jim Riviere received high marks from the city council on a performance review by six council members on May 7th. Council member Batte was absent for a compassionate purpose.

Chairman Larry Magel said that he rated Mr. Riviere primarily on his financial performance and that “the performance has been excellent. The city ran a significant surplus last year, and city departments bettered their budgets for the past 18 months. The city manager has concentrated on personnel levels and staffing is well under control.” Chairman Magel did ask Mr. Riviere to devote more attention to keeping the public informed about city actions, programs and performance.

Some council members joined in asking Manager Riviere to devote more time and attention to public communication and to act more promptly on some matters. Member Wayne Waldack did not add to written comments he had submitted, and former chairman Jerry Gibson kept his review short, but he praised Mr. Riviere’s performance. Another former chairman, Frank Recker, stated that he gave the City Manager an “A” since he gives “A+ only to God.” Other members also commended Mr. Riviere for performing well on financial matters in particular. There were no dissenters to the view that the city manager has generally done an outstanding job during his tenure.

With the city making excellent use of volunteers on a variety of committees, including the planning board, code enforcement board, parks and recreation, beautification and several others, the need for additional professional staff has been diminished.

The budget process is getting underway and the city council and staff will be disseminating information about the financial outlook, including planned revenues and expenses, and future city projects.

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Jim Curran thanks Paul Barrus.

By Natalie Strom

natalie@coastalbreezenews.com

On Thursday, May 10, the YMCA held a farewell party for its Tennis Center Director, Paul Barrus. Over fifty members of the Y gathered on the pavilion to thank Barrus and wish him the best of luck in his new position at Sterling Oaks in Naples.

Cindy Love, C.E.O. of the Marco Island YMCA thanked Paul for his services, saying, “I just like who you are. Your ethics and values are amazing. We are going to miss you a bundle and the new organization you are going to is lucky to have you.”

Paul at his desk, wearing his favorite cap.

Cindy’s sentiments were echoed by Jim Curran, President of the Y’s Tennis Advisory Committee (TAC). “We are all here to celebrate an occasion that brings mixed emotions. We all love Paul but are sad to see him go.”

Curran went on to discuss all of Paul’s accomplishments in his short time as Tennis Center Director. Under Paul’s watch a brand new set of round robin and tennis center rules were established, the four tennis socials held that year were all sold out and the first pro-exhibition was held at the Y. The most successful For the Love of the Y event in years was held under Paul’s direction. Curran also noted that the Tennis Center saw major improvements. Courts were cared for on a daily basis, all courts were resurfaced and had new nets installed, two new water fountains were installed and security was improved.

Brock Wilson signs a large thank you card for Paul. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Brock Wilson, Vice President of TAC and Erin Olmes, Customer Service and Schedule Coordinator for the Tennis Center also spoke, acknowledging their gratitude for all Paul has done for the Y.

“Thank you for a wonderful experience,” Paul replied to all in attendance. “Everywhere I look, I see somebody I have been touched by. When I come here I feel like I’m with my family.”

Members of the Y then presented Paul with a brand new Florida Gators hat, teasing him to get rid of the old one as it has seen better days. A card with a monetary gift was also given and members signed words of thanks on a large board featuring a photo of Paul.

Cindy Love addresses the crowd at Paul’s party. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

After everyone spoke, members chatted over drinks and sandwiches, all surrounding Paul to have a chance to speak with him.

As Curran put it best in his speech to Paul, “you’ve left your mark in the eleven months you have been here, but we will miss you for years to come.” Good luck to Paul, his wife Beth and three sons, Danny, Chris and Paul as they move on to a new “family.”

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Purchase your tickets at the school, 1450 Winterberry Drive. SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Natalie Strom 

natalie@coastalbreezenews.com 

Marco Island Academy Charter High School has been working hard all year raising funds for the school. As the Academy’s first year is coming to a close, one final fundraising event is in the works. And it’s a big one!

“Our year end fundraising event is a Cash Prize Drawing where the winner will get 25% of the money we raise,” explains Jane Watt, Marco Island Academy Chair. The high school is currently selling raffle tickets for $100 apiece. Only a total of 400 tickets will be sold, so odds to win are rather high.

Over 100 tickets have already been sold, so hurry and purchase yours before the June 5th drawing. Tickets are available at the Academy, 1450 Winterberry Drive or at Erin’s Isle Restaurant, located at 6190 Collier Boulevard, in Naples. Those interested in purchasing tickets may also call Dawn Vergo, MIACHS Chair, at 239-404-3622.

As mentioned, the drawing will be held at the Academy on June 5th. The winner does not need to be present in order to claim their cash prize. The drawing will, however, be streamed live online so people who have bought tickets across the country can watch.

“The students are getting involved as well,” adds Watt. “If they sell a minimum of four tickets, they are invited to attend a Beach Party at the Marriott on June 7th, to celebrate the end of school.”

In its first year, the public charter high school has held numerous fundraisers to provide a top-notch education to its eighty-plus freshman and sophomores. Expanding to include juniors in the fall, the Academy hopes this final fundraiser will be a sell out!

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marilyn@coastalbreezenws.com 

The members of Newcomers Club of Marco Island were entertained at their May monthly meeting by guest speaker, local attorney and historian, Craig Woodward. Craig, an attorney with Woodward Pires and Lombardo, was introduced by the Newcomers Program Co-Chair, Helen McCullough. He grew up in Old Marco moving here with his family in 1968 and has lived here for 44 years.

His father was Marco’s first attorney who began practicing here more than 40 years ago. Craig’s love of history led him to raise $1.1 million to help build Marco Island’s Historical Museum where he was its first president and is currently the Exhibits Chairman. Craig is a most gifted and unselfish gentleman and through his humble, giving, community minded spirit he helps bring the history of Marco Island to light from its early beginning as an Indian Village to the beautiful island which we now call home.

Craig began by explaining how the Cushing Archaeological Expedition of 1895, led by Frank Hamilton Cushing, was responsible for unearthing some of the most significant historical artifacts which have given us some insight into the lives of Marco’s earliest residents, the Calusa Indians.

In addition to the Cushing Expedition helping to show what life was like for the Calusa, Craig also spoke of the early history of the area going back four to five thousand years and of the pioneering families, on to the Deltona development and the Mackle Brothers and the development of Modern Marco.

He gave a most interesting and informative presentation.

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Matthew Paul Flores.

Linda and Paul Flores are very proud to announce the graduation of their son, Matthew Paul Flores, from Ave Maria School of Law, Naples, Florida.

Matthew received his Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law. The annual commencement exercises took place May 12, 2012 at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Naples.

Matthew grew up on Marco Island with his younger brother Bryan, attended Lely High School and is a graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville. He plans to sit for the BAR exam in July and hopes to remain in Naples to practice and serve in the community he truly appreciates.

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natalie@coastalbreezenews.com 

Steven presents Pastor Ben Sprankle with a check.

In a twist of fate, Steven Banks’ Guinness World Record Attempt to kayak the outer perimeter of Marco Island, Goodland and Cape Romano, was cut short due to heavy lightning strikes. Steven’s overall mission in this World Record Attempt, was to raise $20,000 for three different charities. While his trip was cut short and the monetary goal was not quite attained, Steven has still been able to help all three charities and will be attempting his Guinness Record setting goal later this year.

On April 20, Banks set out at 1:00 PM from The Snook Inn, expecting to arrive back at his starting point 24 hours, and 24 miles of non-stop kayaking, later. In the days prior to the event, Marco was experiencing perfect weather. Forecasts for the 20th were not nearly as promising. Realizing that he would now be facing rain along with winds, tidal changes and kayaking throughout the night, Steven was not deterred.

Running ahead of schedule, Steven had paddled 33 miles by midnight. At this point, rain had been pouring for a number of hours and the continuous lightning made it too dangerous to continue his mission. Plans are already in the works for a second attempt, likely in October.

Steven believes that fate intervened that night to allow him a second chance to raise the $20,000 toward three charities close to his heart. As of April 20, Steven raised $2,000. That money has already been passed along to the benefitting charities.

Local charity, IMPACT, received a check for $1,000 from Steven, presented at a recent church service. Pastor Ben Sprankle of The Family Church in Naples, graciously received the check. IMPACT supports families within the community who are underprivileged. The program partners with other local charities such as St. Matthew’s House and Habitat for Humanity. They offer local assistance in the form of easter egg hunts for low-income children, shoe donation drives and other outreach programs.

Steven sent $600 of the $2,000 to the Urestiougi family in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Leonarda Urestiougi is progressively losing her sight as she attempts to care for her son, Roberto, who is an epileptic, often having five or more seizures a day. Banks hopes to bring the family to the United States for medical treatment. Visas cost around $3,000 per person to bring the Urestiougis to the United States.

The final $400 was sent to Partners in Hope, a medical center based in Malawi, Africa, which offers financial, medical and other support to those suffering form HIV and AIDs.

Steven sees this bump in the journey as a second chance to bring his ultimate goal to fruition. As the rainy season sets in, he will be busy planning his next attempt at KAYAK MARCO 24.

To see pictures and video footage from Steven’s eleven hours at sea, visit www. kayakmarco24.shutterfly.com. Visit www. dreamlandertours.com to learn more about the mission of Kayak Marco 24.

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Jerry with his mother Linda Anders. PHOTO BY VICTORIA WRIGHT/COASTAL BREEZE NEWS

Between betting on favorites for the Kentucky Derby at the 6th Annual Talk Derby to Me event, two people were recognized for their contributions to the Marco Island community: Jerry Anders and Theresa Glasser.

Jerry is a soldier. While on Marco Island, parents got to know him as he dropped off his son, Logan, for football. It was only when they didn’t see him they learned he was a military man. According to his mother, Jerry wasn’t allowed to give too many details when he was deployed. He would simply tell her he “was back home” meaning he had just returned from a mission. When he left for a mission, he would say he had to go to Naples and wouldn’t be back for a few days.

Jerry loved the military even as a child; military books, military movies and anything else that pertained to the military. He “had it in his blood”, along with dirtbiking and any other dangerous sport.

Jerry went into the military in 1992. He underwent extensive training at boot camp to become a Cavalry Scout with the 5/15th 2nd Platoon, Armored Cavalry division as Fort Knox, Kentucky. Jerry is presently a Staff Sergeant with the United States Army and is only three months of being eligible for a 20 year retirement, but he doesn’t necessarily plan on retiring. He was later assigned to the 1/4th (or quarter cay) Armored Cavalry in Fort Riley, Kansas. His first ‘tank’ was a Bradley.

Jerry’s first deployment to the Middle East was in July, 2002, as an 2-69 Armor, 3rd BCT, Armored Reconnaissance Specialist 19-Delta for Operation Desert Spring Kuwait/ Iraq border Diversionary force (classified reconnaissance). He was deployed a second time to Operation Enduring Freedom IX Afghanistan in 2008-2009.

His third deployment to the Middle East came after he trained with the 20th Special Forces Group, Special Operations Task Force at Fort Bragg, NC in 2010. While in Afghanistan, he was based at Bagram Air Force Base.

During Jerry’s (almost) 20 year tenure he has been awarded:

• Three Overseas Service Ribbons.

• An Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M/Device.

• Two Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Campaign Star.

• A Global War on Terrorism Service Medal with two campaign stars.

• An Army non commissioned officer professional development ribbon.

• Two National Defense Service Medals.

• A N.A.T.O. Medal.

• Three Army Achievement Medals.

• Five Army Commendation Medals.

• A Combat Support battalion Medal.

• Four Good Conduct Medals ( National Defense Service).

• A Parachute Badge.

• Army Label Button.

• Tracked vehicle(s) clasp.

• Expert pistol Badge.

• Expert rifle Badge.

• Expert Grenade Badge.

• Sharpshooter marksmanship qualification badge.

• A Special Forces Basic Combat Airborne Certification from the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Fort McClellan, Alabama, as well as numerous Certificates of Achievement and Coins.

When stateside, Jerry readily volunteers for family events and sports activities along with his wife, Theresa. This makes him an even better candidate for an award from Upon A Star Foundation. Jerry was appreciative of the recognition given him by the foundation and the charity’s founders, Howard and Michelle Jordan. The Shooting Star of 2012 Award certificate is in appreciation by his friends and neighbors for his service and sacrifice to our country.

Upon A Star Foundation was set up to benefit local children who may be in need of some assistance. Howard and Michelle are active parents and identify those in need through discussions with teachers, coaches and neighbors.

Well deserved, Jerry! Congratulations

Through the years his assignments have included:

• The Drug Task Force JTF-6 Drug Interdiction task force working with D.E.A while assigned with 4th Reconnaissance Platoon, Fort Riley, Kansas.

• The 1/2nd Armored Cavalry in Fort Polk, Louisiana.

• The 2-69 Armored Battalion in Fort Benning, Georgia.

• The 268th ADA in Fort Myers, Florida.

• The 1-124th Infantry, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

• The 715th Military Police Company, Combat Support, Melbourne, Florida.

• Security Forces, in Homestead, Florida.

• The 3-20th Special Forces Group, in Camp Blanding, Florida.

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Teacher, Lisa Nguyen, discusses the different sections of a newspaper. PHOTOS BY COASTAL BREEZE NEWS

By Coastal Breeze News Staff 

Coastal Breeze News was honored to be a part of Island Montessori Academy’s Community Heroes Week. The Academy’s annual event invites different members of the Marco area to share how their jobs benefit the community. Students, ages three to nine, listened intently each day as a new guest speaker shared the importance of community involvement.

Coastal Breeze was invited to speak with students on Thursday, May 3. Publisher, Val Simon, shared the different aspects of the newspaper with the students. As each child ruffled through papers, they were asked to pick out areas that featured stories, photographs, advertisements and more.

Natalie shares her “stories”.

Val also discussed the different types of news covered in a typical newspaper. She expressed that any interest you may have, there is an area to write about it in the paper. Coastal Breeze covers topics such as sports, art, music, fishing, tennis, environmental concerns, travel, cooking, biking, astronomy, book reviews, jewelry, sailing, fitness and more. Students enjoyed hearing about all the the different topics the news can cover.

Features Editor, Natalie Strom, shared how her job, writing stories, is just like being an adventurer. Not only does she have the chance to meet new people and try new things, but from time to time, she gets a chance to make a difference. Natalie shared her articles about Seymour, the local Marco Island dolphin whose tail was entangled with fishing line. Through her article, Coastal Breeze helped spread the word that Seymour was in danger and many people in the community phoned in sightings of Seymour. This led to a tremendous rescue effort, where members of Sea World and other large marine mammal organizations came out and removed the line from Seymour’s tail. He has since been spotted and is doing very well.

Students examine the Coastal Breeze.

The students were very excited to learn that they could share in these same types of adventures if they decided to choose journalism as a career.

Throughout the week, students at Island Montessori Academy were treated to a number of other guest speakers. Officer Al Schettino, of the Marco Island Police Department, spoke to the students on Monday, April 30, about what it’s like to be a police officer.

Students looked at photos, stories and ads in the paper.

Natalie Lahnan of Naples Adventure Bootcamp was the Community Hero Speaker on Tuesday, May 1. Lahnan spoke about the importance of health and fitness and staying active.

Wednesday, May 2, brought Marco Island Environmental Specialist, Nancy Ritchie, to the Academy. Nancy discussed important environmental issues, specifically burrowing owls and gopher tortoises. Nancy even brought a live gopher tortoise and different shells as a part of her speech.

Speakers were thanked with certificates.

The Marco Island Post Office visited the students on Friday, May 4. A mail truck was brought over and students were allowed to tour the truck, learning the importance of the United States Postal Service.

Guest speakers were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for sharing their knowledge and skills with the students.

Island Montessori Academy’s Annual Community Heroes Week is a great way to instill early on, that there are endless career opportunities and ways to make a difference within your community. It really is true – you can be, and do, anything you want if you put your mind to it.

Students were all smiles.

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Visitors to the Marco Island YMCA were pleased to receive free copies of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in celebration of World Book Night.

Most people expect to receive presents on their birthday. Not so with local author, Terry Helwig; who arrived at the Marco Island YMCA to celebrate her special day, Monday, April 23rd, with cookies, balloons, and gifts to give out to others. Parents arriving to pick up their children from the Marco Island Day Care Center were given the opportunity to receive a free copy of best selling author and Pulitzer Prize nominee, Maya Angelou’s book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

Ms. Helwig was there as a representative of the nationwide World Book Night to pass out the books, which were provided free of charge, by various book publishers and others such as the American Booksellers Association, the American Library Association and a dozen book printers and binders. The books were special editions published expressly for this occasion. Although World Book Night was started in the U.K. and Ireland, this is the first year that the United States has been involved. April 23rd was chosen as it is Shakespeare’s birthday.

Volunteers were given a list of 30 book titles to choose from, with the authors forgoing royalties, and received 20 copies of the book they chose to pass out. The purpose of World Book Night is to encourage reading as a life-long passion. In this way parents of young children can set a great example.

For a number of years our local Kiwanis Club has sponsored the Reading is Fundamental program at both the Tommy Barfield and Manatee Elementary schools. These two schools are a part of nearly 20,000 RIF programs providing 16 million new, free books to young children. World Book Night is attempting to reach people who may not have ready access to books through local schools, libraries and bookstores

Terry Helwig, author of the recently published “Moonlight on Linoleum: A Daughter’s Memoir,” was chosen to be one of 50,000 volunteers, each giving away 20 books in their communities. She says that she chose Ms. Angelou’s book because it showed her strength of character and love of literature which helped her overcome hardship. Because of her own chaotic childhood she found she could relate to the story being told in the book and thought others might as well.

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