In honor of the Second Annual National Everglades Day, April 6th, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR) was ready to throw a party. Just last year the date was chosen as it is the birthday of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, a champion of the Everglades, known best for her book, “The Everglades: River of Grass.” She was at the forefront of the fight towards redefining the Everglades as a treasured river rather than a useless swamp.

The Picayune Strand – once slated to be Golden Gate Estates East – is visible in the top right where canals in grid shape are easily identifiable. This is the area that will be reclaimed to wilderness and should help maintain regular salinity in nearby estuaries.

Much has been learned about “The River of Grass” since Douglas wrote the book in 1947, but the devastation to the Everglades had already begun. As people are beginning to understand the need for proper water flow throughout the Everglades and Florida as a whole, steps are constantly being taken to protect what is left of the anything but useless swamp.

It can be assumed that what took place at RBNERR on the Second Annual National Everglades Day would have certainly pleased Ms. Douglas. The public celebration that had been initially planned turned into an intimate gathering of some of the most influential law makers and heads of state and conservation societies along with a number of concerned citizens. All were there to not only recognize the special day, but to discuss the restoration of the Everglades, especially the Southwest portion.

Among the guest speakers of the day were Gary Lytton, Director of RBNERR, Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart of District 25, Zach Zampella, Regional Director for Senator Marco Rubio, Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala of District 1, Lisa Koehler, Administrator for the Big Cypress Basin, SFWMD, Brad Cornell of the Audubon of Florida and Captain Will Geraghty, a charter fisherman in Naples.

Brad Cornell led the day, introducing speakers such as Donna Fiala who Cornell described as, “one of the first leaders in Collier County to recognize the importance of participating in the Gulf Restore Act.”

Commissioner Fiala speaks as RBNERR Director Gary Lytton (left) and Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart listen.

Ms. Fiala briefly spoke on her memories, recalling Rookery Bay when her children were young; bringing them out to see the birds and the habitat. “Of course it looks much different today, but this is a very special place for me,” she stated.

Lisa Koehler spoke next with some interesting words on the work going on in the western Everglades. In particular, Koehler discussed the work going on in Picayune Strand. Once slated to be “East Golden Gate Estates,” canals were dug and roads put in, but the development never took place. Since the 1960’s the land has been forever altered, misdirecting the natural flow of water through the Everglades. Lisa discussed a number of other projects in the works for the Big Cypress Basin, all which would consist of redirecting to balance the salinity of the many bays within our areas.

To understand more of the science behind the question of the importance of managing where and how fresh meets salt water in the area was Water Quality Program Manager Christina Panko Graff of RBNERR. After the speeches, all made their way out to the boardwalk where Panko Graff gave a demonstration on water salinity.

Christina Panko Graff describes RBNERR’s water testing within its estuaries.

“One of our main research projects is to study how canals and other water control structures that have been put in place due to urban development have effected the amount of freshwater that comes into our estuaries as well as when it comes into the estuaries. Because estuaries are where fresh and salt water meet, we can study this question pretty easily by monitoring how salty is the estuary.”

Using equipment that collects real-time data, RBNERR monitors a number of its estuarine bays to attempt to understand how and where the fresh water needs to flow.

“What our research has found is that in this Picayune Strand area and sort of below it, we have found sort of a “Goldilocks” effect where in this estuary here it’s getting too much fresh water at the wrong time, where this one is not getting enough at all, but this one here is ‘just right,’” explained Panko Graff, pointing to the specific locations on the map.

The Picayune Strand project should effect water flow to the areas Panko Graff explained which means that, “our data is going to be critical in determining the success of this large-scale restoration project.”

This one project alone demonstrates the necessity for the local, state and federal governments, private organizations, companies, land managers and fisheries to come together and work as one for the sake of the Everglades. The Picayune, the estuaries, the sawgrass, mangrove trees and big cypress knees are all a part of a master plan that once flowed and moved together.

And on April 6th, National Everglades Day, the thought and spirit of saving the Glades was alive, flowing between the people in the room like a tidal surge, giving hope to the thought that this once perfect treasure, now so damaged, may one day be healthy again.

Shark Valley Visitor Center will be offering a free guided tram ride through the Everglades for kids 8 to 12 years old as part of Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 6th. Seating is limited so call 305-242-7753 in advance for more information.

Chokoloskee Church of God celebrates its 100th Anniversary on Sunday, April 7th. Festivities will start at 10 AM and continue through 2 or 3 PM. A reception will be held in the banquet room at the Seafood Depot. The event will include horse and carriage rides by “Donna” of Naples. For more information, phone 239-695-3735.

April 7th is also a day to celebrate National Everglades Day with our annual bicycle ride sponsored by the Naples Pathways Coalition. Registration will start at 7:30 AM on Sunday morning at McLeod Park on the Circle. There will be opportunities for every rider: a 16-mile “smooth” ride (starts at 9 AM), a 27-mile on and off-road ride up to and through James Scenic Drive in the Fakahatchee Strand (starts at 9 AM) and a 62-mile ride (starts at 8 AM). All of these options may be customized for a shorter or longer bike ride. The route maps, food and drinks are included in the registration fee, as well as entrance fee to the historic Smallwood Store. For more information, visit www.naplespathways.org and click on “Stay & Play Everglades Ride” on the left side of the home page or call Patty Huff at 239-695-2397.

The following weekend on Sunday, April 14th, the Friends of the Fakahatchee will host a dinner/talk with guest speaker Jeff Klinkenberg, the author whose entertaining articles about unusual people and places appear in the St. Petersburg Times. Reservations are required; call 239-695-2905 or see www.orchidswamp.org.

About The Author

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 18 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper. To learn more about events and activities in the Everglades City area, visit website www.evergladesmulletrapper.com 

Repko has encapsulated Sanibel’s history in two books, “A Brief History of Sanibel Island” for adults and “The Story of Sanibel Island” for younger readers. Her lecture will give a brief overview of the island’s past and show old photos. She will be available after the talk for a book-signing.

Repko has published other books about the history of the area including those about Everglades City, the Fakahatchee Strand, the life of environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and the life of Deaconess Harriet Bedell. She is president of the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation and an active community volunteer. For more information, see www.ecity-publishing.com.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas

From February 19th through the 23rd, Collier County Museums and the Friends of the Museum of the Everglades honored this heroic woman with the annual Marjory Stoneman Douglas Festival. Guided swamp, marsh and canoe tours, orchid walks, talks and classes, wild Everglades animal presentations and guest speakers made up the five-day event. Of all the walks, tours and talks, perhaps none was more interesting than the lecture by Captain Franklin Adams, a personal friend to Douglas.

Adams explained that Douglas was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1890. She moved to Miami in 1915 and took her first trip to the Everglades in 1928, after the Tamiami Trail was finished. “Then she came back again, in 1947, when President Harry Truman came to Everglades City and dedicated the new Everglades National Park,” stated Adams.

Adams was a senior in high school when he first read Douglas’s book, “The Everglades: River of Grass,” which was published in 1947. “The book captured me. The history, the people, the culture – of the conquistadors, the Spaniards, French, English, gladesmen, poachers, crackers, hunters. It was all there.”

The next thing Adams knew, he was in junior college and signing up for a class where Douglas would be a visiting lecturer. Adams’ newly-founded interest in conservation caused him to introduce himself after her lecture.“We talked on the phone quite a bit but didn’t see each other again for three years.”

Douglas took Adams under her wing at a conference they were both attending. She introduced Adams to many influential people within the conservation movement.

Adams had officially become a part of “Marjory’s Army.” She sent out a newspaper called “Friends of the Everglades” and those interested in helping the cause could, “join for a buck.”

“Marjory’s Army” took on the Big Cypress Jet Park – a huge airport that was to be built in the center of Big Cypress – and won, creating the first National Preserve that allowed people to live on the land. This was Adams’ “beginning of a great friendship with Marjory,” as he explained. “She was in her prime and she was in her 80’s.”

Adams continued, “The Friends of the Everglades got together one evening and we were trying to develop a game plan for Everglades restoration. One, in particular, I was pushing for was restoration of the Turner River here in the Big Cypress. I knew that river – had camped on it and explored it – and I had seen what Turner River Road had done to it, so we wanted to see that fixed. We made a whole list of things we wanted to accomplish; we wanted to restore the Kissimmee River. Looking back, that report – our “wish list” – became Governor Bob Graham’s “Save our Everglades” Program. You never know how such a small meeting can become so important.”

Douglas was influential in many other aspects of Everglades conservation. She spoke out against the development of condominiums in Everglades City in 1976 – and won.

One of her greatest claims was setting up the five Water Management Districts within the Everglades. At the time, it was looked at as one big system, but Douglas and her “Army” convinced the state to manage the Everglades differently. These five districts are still in place today.

“When Ms. Douglas got to be 103, she began to show her age. Her eyesight deteriorated rapidly as did her hearing, but not her mind.” By now, Douglas was a regular visitor to the Adams household. They tried to convince her to travel less but she still remained active. Douglas lived to be 108 years old. “She told me she would live to be 107,” stated Adams, “she even bested herself.”

Adams’ take home message to his full audience was this: “Ms. Douglas’s greatest legacy is that people are continuing to spread the message – the seeds she planted so many years ago. So, if you care about the Everglades or other natural areas, become a guardian or an advocate.

“There is so much more I could say about her,” finished Adams. “She was always upbeat and optimistic. She was positive about the future.”

About The Author

Natalie Strom has lived in Goodland for over two years and has worked in Goodland on and off for more than five years. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa and is also a former Buzzard Queen of Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland. email: natalie@coastalbreezenews.com

Terry Helwig’s autobiography, “Moonlight on Linoleum: A Daughter’s Memoir,” tells her story of growing up as the oldest of six girls with a mother who was not always “present.” Helwig shared portions of her memoir at AuthorFest, held on February 7, at the Marco Island Center for the Arts, in conjunction with the Marco Island Writers.

Thirty Southwest Florida authors of all writing genres lined the walls of the Lauritzen and Rush Gallery as eager reading enthusiasts purchased books and had them signed by the authors.

Marya Repko is a writer of historical books on the Everglades. Repko has written brief histories on Everglades City, the Fakahatchee, Sanibel Island and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. She has also written a series for children that includes the histories of Everglades City and Sanibel.

Robert Messier reviews movies – hundreds of them. In his book, “100 Years of Thrillers and Chillers,” one will find reviews on such movie genres between the years of 1912 through 2012.

Sherri Coner writes, “love stories – sprinkled with signature amounts of sarcasm and humor!” Coner promoted her most recent book, “Loving Me(n)” among others such as “Lies & Legacy,” “In a Moon Smile” and “Forever the Willows.”

Marco Island resident, Dom Fiorda co-wrote “Spirit Time: The Adventures of Ernest Spirit,” with Kendra Brady. Fiorda sold a number of books, signing every one.

Don Farmer of the Naples Daily News brough his book, “Roomies: Tales from the Worlds of TV News and Sports.” As a journalism student at the University of Missouri, Farmer was roommates with Skip Caray, the son of legendary Chicago Cubs sports announcer, Harry Caray. Tales of his adventures with Skip are plentiful.

The immensely successful AuthorFest was put together by the Marco Island Writers (MIW), whose Chairperson, Joanne Tailele, was on hand the whole day and most impressed by the turnout. Tailele encouraged patrons to join the Marco Island Writers as guest speakers like Terry Helwig are often a part of MIW monthly meetings. Writers also have the chance to share ideas, have their works edited and practice different writing techniques. The goal of the group is to grow and learn from one another.

The Marco island Writers meet at the Marco Center for the Arts on the second Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8 PM. For more information on how to join, contact marcoislandwriters@yahoo.com or call 239-784-2637.

About The Author

Natalie Strom has lived in Goodland for over two years and has worked in Goodland on and off for more than five years. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa and is also a former Buzzard Queen of Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland. email: natalie@coastalbreezenews.com

Come for a ride on the new “Ghost Rider” Tram which is a 2½ hour guided tour along James Scenic Drive.

The 9th Annual Marjory Stoneman Douglas Festival is coming to a close this weekend. On Friday, February 22, there will be canoe trips, guided tours, an orchid presentation by the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, and a photography workshop. On Saturday, February 23, the day will be all about orchids. For more information on these events, call Martha at 239-695-0008. Also, visit website www.evergladesmuseum.org for a complete schedule of events and to join the Friends of the Museum of the Everglades. A free pancake breakfast hosted by Wings 10,000 Islands Tours and a fly-in hosted by the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) will take place at Everglades Airpark on Saturday, February 23, from 10:00 AM until noon. Various speakers will talk about local aviation history and the FAA Safety Team will discuss techniques for takeoff and landing as well as other topics. Everyone is welcome. For more information, phone Chuck at 239-695-3296.

Consultants to the River of Grass Greenway project will be making presentations at the second public workshop to be held in Everglades City Hall. ROGG-Central which covers Highway 29 to the Miami-Dade County line will be the segment discussed. The “kick-off” meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 26, from 6 to 8PM. Small table sessions to talk about the routing, trailheads, connections to communities and design will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, February 27th through the 28th, from 1 to 8 PM. On Saturday, March 2nd, during an open house from 10 AM to 2 PM, a summary of the public input will be presented. Everyone is invited to attend and participate. For more information and to submit your own comments, visit website www.RiverofGrassGreenway.org.

The 9th Annual Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Festival came to a close on February 22nd.

Don’t like getting your feet wet but want to see the wonders of the largest royal palms and a variety of wildlife in the Fakahatchee? Come for a ride on the new “Ghost Rider” Tram which is a 2½ hour guided tour along James Scenic Drive. Reservations are required ($25 per person). Dates are Tuesday, February 26th, Thursday, February 28th, and Tuesday, March 5th. If you prefer to take a coastal cruise, sign up for a visit to historic Fakahatchee Island. A naturalist will guide visitors up the shell mound path to the ancient cemetery. The cruises take place on March 2nd, 13th and 30th. Cost is $75 per person. The trip is hosted by the Friends of Fakahatchee. For reservations and more information, call Pam at 239-695-1023 or see website www.orchidswamp.org.

Sign up early for the Annual Everglades Homes Tour, sponsored by the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation to be held on Saturday, March 9th. Art-in-the-Glades will also be taking place the same day from 10 AM until 2 PM. Contact Marya at 239-695-2905 for reservations for the Homes Tour or visit www.evergladeshistorical.org.

About The Author

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 18 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper. To learn more about events and activities in the Everglades City area, visit website www.evergladesmulletrapper.com 

Paul Marcellini in his element. MAC STONE PHOTO

By Patricia Huff

Southwest Florida will be buzzing with lots of music this weekend. The 40th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival will begin with a pancake breakfast at the Everglades Community Church and a full schedule of great musicians, including two Nashville artists Jason Thomas on Saturday and Jerrod Niemann on Sunday. Wonderful seafood, arts & crafts, and children activities are planned for an exciting weekend. For more information, phone 239-695-2277 or visit the festival’s website at www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com. Don’t forget to stop by the Museum of the Everglades to meet Paul Marcellini, the Artist of the Month, with his photographs exhibited in the Pauline Reeves Gallery. Paul will be there on Saturday from 11 AM. to 2 PM.

Also this weekend, Collier Seminole State Park will be sponsoring their 6th Annual Jammin’ in the Hammock Bluegrass Festival on Saturday and Sunday. For more information about this festival, call 239-394-3397 or visit website www.floridastateparks.org/collierseminole/events.cfm.

The following weekend, on Friday, February 15th, you will have an opportunity to visit historic Fakahatchee Island on a chartered boat tour from Everglades National Park, at 3 PM. Hosted by the Friends of Fakahatchee, the cost is $75 per person. For information, phone 239-695-1023 or see www.orchidswamp.org. The same evening a screening of “Distant Drums” starring Gary Cooper (and free popcorn and soda!) will be held at 5:30 PM, in the Jinkins Fellowship Hall at Everglades Community Church. This event is sponsored by the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation, is free of charge and open to the public. Call 239-695-2905 or visit website www.evergladeshistorical.org for more information.

The fun doesn’t stop with the music! February 16th is full of outdoor activities beginning with our monthly Art-in-the-Glades in McLeod Park from 10 AM. to 2 PM. To set up a booth or for more information, call Bob at 239-695-0243. For those looking for a more physical workout, runners will have the opportunity to participate in the “Everglades Ultras,” choosing the 50-mile, 50 kilometer or 25 kilometer run through beautiful Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Visit website www.evergladesultras.com for details. For the water enthusiasts, Everglades Area Tours will host their annual Paddle-In with a barbeque at JT’s in Chokoloskee following the event. Visit www.evergladeskayakfishing.com/ekf-events.htm for more information or call 239-695-3633. Swamp walkers will enjoy getting wet at Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery where they are celebrating their 20th anniversary during Presidents’ Day weekend with a three-day open house. Clyde Butcher will be around to sign books and guides will take you out on nature trails. Call 239-695-2428 or visit www.clydebutcher.com.

Make your reservations early for the 9th annual Marjory Stoneman Douglas Festival to be held Tuesday, February 19, through Saturday, February 23. The luncheon on Tuesday will include a presentation by Elam Stolzfus who will talk about his Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition last year. The title is “Into the Wind, Against the Current, and Off the Beaten Trail.” For reservations to the luncheon (discounted for FME members) and other events, call Martha at 239-695-0008. Also, visit website www.evergladesmuseum.org for a complete schedule of events and to join the Friends of the Museum of the Everglades.

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 18 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper. To learn more about events and activities in the Everglades City area, visit website www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

natalie@coastalbreezenews.com

On Saturday, February 9, The Knights of Columbus will have you laughing all night long as they host an evening of entertainment featuring comedian Tim Walkoe. Sign up for this one-day event and chuckle in the name of children’s charities supported by The Knights of Columbus.

Tim Walkoe SUBMITTED photo

If you haven’t heard of Tim Walkoe, you may as well be living under a rock. The Grand Prize winner of ABC’s “America’s Funniest People” has been on HBO, Showtime, A&E, TNN, PBS and much more. A headliner of over 100 comedy clubs nationwide, including the Comedy Stop in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Walkoe has also been a featured performer at the Chicago Comedy Festival for the past four years. The Chicago Tribune defines his routine as “nonstop laughter from start to finish.”

And on February 9, Walkoe will add Marco Island to his long list of places where he has performed. The evening’s host is, of course, The Knights of Columbus. The venue: San Marco Catholic Church Parish Hall, 851 San Marco Road.

The night of fun begins at 6:30 PM with a surf and turf dinner catered by Kretch’s Restaurant. The cost for the show and dinner is $40 with a cash bar offered. Tables of 8 or 10 can be reserved.

For more information or tickets, call: Sal, 239-394-8578; Al, 239-961-9996; Dick, 239-860-4354; Lou, 239-269-2148; or Ben, 239-394-6105.

Don’t miss out on a night of fine food and big laughs to benefit the ongoing philanthropical works of The Knights of Columbus.

As part of the Ten Thousand Islands, the National Park Service aptly refers to this area as “a labyrinth of water and mangroves.” Add approximately 5,000 area boats out at any given time to enjoy this natural beauty, and it’s not a big surprise that Collier is one of the top ten counties in Florida for boating accidents, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The FWC adds that inexperience, inattention and speed were top causes of these accidents.

“There are many reasons to understand safe boating around Marco Island,” points out Laura Carney of the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron. “Waters constantly change depth, with over a three-foot tide change, gulf water conditions can be considerably different from protected rivers and bays. Channels are narrow, with depths outside that are too shallow for many boats, and navigation buoys can get moved or go missing.” The Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron is dedicated to making boating safe, but also fun, and offers classes and a social network for boaters. It’s part of a national organization that was founded in 1914 as a non-profit committed to safe boating through education.

Boaters can find classes on safe boating, electronics, engine maintenance, weather, and advanced navigation. The Power Squadron also provides free vessel safety inspections. But the organization is about more than just education. One hundred and fifty members provide a network of fellow boaters. The group meets once a month for dinner at the Marco Island Yacht Club. Each dinner hosts a speaker on a different boating topic. “The squadron also has monthly luncheons and group boat trips, both local and overnight. It’s a great way to meet fellow boaters and we are always looking to welcome new members,” adds Carney.

The Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron is offering its next class, “America’s Boating Course,” beginning February 4th. It is a five-session course held at 6:00 PM. The classes are held at 1114 North Collier Boulevard, near the Chamber of Commerce. Carney points out the Squadron hopes to create a bigger, safer sense of community through the classes and through fellowship. “You have peace of mind knowing you are doing all you can do to become a safe, knowledgeable boater. You have the skills to help you in any situation that might arise as you navigate the waters, and you have increased enjoyment with people of similar interests.”

“Did you know that when you sell a house, you trigger a minimum of 18 other commercial transactions?” Debra Meredith-Peters is passionate about bringing home the point that her profession is a stronger engine for growth than it’s often given credit for in a post-real estate crash world. Peters is the broker/owner, who along with her partner, Rocky Farhat, purchased the Re/Max franchise on Marco after it was due to expire last fall. The partners also own Re/Max franchises in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties and are excited to be extending their market share into Marco Island.

This Punta Gorda Internet Café sales office is the model for the new Marco Walk location.

“Compared to the markets north of here, which are mainly generational Floridians, this market is very international. There’s been a huge influx of Canadian and German business.” It was Re/Max’s presence as a global brand that drew Peters and Farhat to joining the company. Re/Max operates in 90 countries and has over 100,000 employees. “It’s truly global in every sense of the word.” Peters likes the advantage of the huge referral network and brand recognition. “Someone visiting from Germany will see that balloon [logo] and feel comfortable knowing what they are getting.”

Re/Max Affinity Plus will move into its new location in the Marco Walk plaza sometime in March. Twenty-seven long-time Re/Max agents will stay on with the franchise, including the Sandlin team, who, Peters points out, are in the company’s ‘Circle of Legends.’ “It’s the highest accolade [for top performing agents] bestowed by Re/Max International.” Because the franchise is already populated by many experienced agents, Peters was pleased to have a top-producing team already in place. “Usually we come in and educate the agents, but here it was the reverse for us.”

Peters has made her mark on Re/Max International herself, through an innovative office space she pioneered in her Punta Gorda office. Peters took the office space located along the river and created an internet café more closely resembling a welcome center/hang-out than a traditional real estate office. Large flat screen monitors run news channels during the week and sports on the weekends.

“Everyone’s curious about real estate. You meet an agent, take magazines… it’s about creating opportunities and relationships.” It’s also about attracting a younger generation of real estate agents themselves. Peters would like to see more young people choose real estate as a profession and giving them a high-tech work environment is a key step. She hopes to add about ten new associates to Re/Max Affinity Plus.

Her Charlotte offices generated about $180 million in sales revenue last year. According the National Association of Realtors, every $1 spent on a real estate transaction generates about $1.34 in additional economic activity in ensuing year or so. That translates into $241 million in economic activity, based on Peters’ Charlotte sales. “When you have real estate agents who live and work in the community, that activity really does have an impact.”

Opi DeFalco, Linda Colombo and Lindy
Kowalczyk participate in the plant swap.-SUBMITTED photos

On Monday, January 14, the Calusa Garden Club held its monthly meeting at 1:00 PM in Fellowship Hall of Wesley United Methodist Church. An optional pre-meeting workshop,”All About Vines,” was conducted at 11 AM by Sue Oldershaw and Donna Kay. Donna listed a variety of vines, including pictures, that can be used in Southwest Florida.

The business meeting included updates on environmental issues, Junior Gardeners at Tommie Barfield, the garden therapy program, “How Our Garden Grows,” at Sanitasole, upcoming field trips, and planning for the March 16 – 17 flower show.

Dolly Tomalina presented a program, “Cacti and Succulents.” She also provided club members with cuttings from her own garden.

The afternoon ended with members enjoying a plant swap and a fund-raising plant sale.

The Calusa Garden Club meets on the second Monday of the month.  An optional workshop begins at 11 AM, followed by a social meeting from 12:15 – 1 PM. The business meeting begins at 1 PM and programs start at 1:45 PM. Meetings occur from October through April. For additional information, call 394-1425.

natalie@coastalbreezenews.com

Saturday, January 12th, marked the start of The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2013 Python Challenge. The month long hunting competition aims to both educate the public and better understand the invasive Burmese python. Senator Bill Nelson joined the hunt alongside FWCC Commissioner Ron Bergeron on January 17th to bring awareness to the devastation of the Everglades caused by the constrictor snake.

Before heading out on the hunt, Senator Nelson and Commissioner Bergeron addressed media alongside I-75 at the Mile Marker 41 Boat Ramp. Senator Nelson discussed the urgent need to control the ever-growing python population. “The superintendent of [Everglades National Park] has said that there may be as many as 150,000 [pythons] just in Everglades National Park. And so we’ve got a real problem.”

While constrictor snakes do not occur naturally within the state, the Burmese python has been considered an “established species” in Florida since 2010, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The original introduction into the Everglades is unknown, however, the Florida Fish and Wildlife website states, “it is likely that Burmese pythons escaped from a breeding facility that was destroyed during Hurricane Andrew. It is also likely that pet pythons have been released in and around the Everglades.”

The Burmese python has no natural predators in the Everglades due to its size. It can grow up to 26 feet in length and can lay between 50 and 100 eggs at a time. These factors make for rapid reproduction and it seems the Burmese python has done just that.

This Burmese python on display for journalists on January 17th measures 13 feet in length. Burmese pythons can grow up to 26 feet long. Photos by Natalie Strom

According to a study published in January 2012 by researchers at Virginia Tech University, Davidson College and the U.S. Geological Survey, dramatic decreases in prey mammals in the Everglades can be linked to the growth in the python population. In the southernmost part of the Everglades, where the Burmese have been established the longest, raccoon, rabbit and opossum populations have dropped by 99 percent over the last 11 years. The bobcat population has decreased by 87.5 percent and fox and marsh and cottontail rabbit populations have simply vanished. Leaving little to no food for native species such as alligators, black bears and panthers could cause a devastating effect on the wildlife as a whole in the Everglades, south Florida and throughout the state.

In an effort to curb the python population, The U.S. Department of the Interior, with the support of Senator Bill Nelson, announced the ban of the the importation and interstate transportation of the Burmese along with three other nonnative constrictor snakes in January of 2012.

“Think of the larger context of the Everglades,” stated Nelson, who went on to discuss current Everglades restoration projects such as the bridges being built along Tamiami Trail to increase water flow and cleansing. “All of this can go for naught in our restoration plan, which is a 40 year project jointly with the state and federal government, when something like this starts getting in the way.”

FWCC Commissioner Ron Bergeron, a true champion for the Everglades, commended the Senator for his concern. “Nelson is a great supporter of the Everglades. We’ve been coming out here together for 35 years. He’s a wonderful senator that’s very focused on our environment and [he and I] work constantly, way beyond the pythons, regarding all the Everglades restorations. He’s not just here for the pythons, he’s here all the time.”

Before disappearing into the Everglades on his personalized airboat, Bergeron, a lifelong hunter who lives on an 8,000 acre natural ranch (“Just like God created it.”), had this to say of the 2013 Python Challenge: “I was very blessed to be raised as a young man before the Everglades was compartmentalized.

Senator Bill Nelson discusses the harmful impact of the invasive
Burmese python to the Everglades as FWCC Commissioner Ron Bergeron tightly holds the head of a recently captured constrictor.

I’ve seen it naturally, that’s why I’m so honored to be the point commissioner on the Everglades, to make sure that we conform a consensus of a natural system. And I spend half my time trying to do that. I wouldn’t be for this hunt if it wasn’t an invasive species that was capable of eating everything in [the Everglades] food chain.”

More than 1,000 hunters are registered for the 2013 Python Challenge which ends at midnight on February 10. Participants paid a $25 registration fee and completed an online training course. A grand prize of $1,500 awaits the person who brings in the most pythons and a $1,000 prize will go to the person who captures the longest python. As of Monday January 21st, 27 pythons had been killed and brought to the University of Florida to be logged and studied.

The littlest members of the community are lining up for repeated hand washing throughout their school day and local pharmacies are running out of the flu vaccine. As visitors from all over arrive for warm beaches, so does the seasonal germ influx. Wash your hands and cover your nose; flu season is alive and well on Marco.

“A student in Ms. Peña’s 5th grade class demonstrates coughing into your elbow to keep your germs to yourself.” SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Dr. Joe Vickaryous practices family medicine at the Marco Island Medical Center. He observes, “This season on Marco has seen unusually high numbers of flu cases in our practice.” Vickaryous adds that his cases span all age ranges and the symptoms manifest as everything from extreme fatigue to a cough-cold. He recommends getting tested early on through a nasal Influenza test so symptoms can be treated quickly with antiviral medication. Complications from the flu include: bacterial pneumonia, ear or sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of existing health conditions. “Seasonal flu activity usually peaks in January.” But, he adds that it can also occur as late as May.

Mary Meyer is a local pharmacist who wishes more people would observe the old adage of an ounce of prevention beating a pound of cure. “The flu season arrived here much earlier than expected. We’ve had a lot of people come in who’ve never gotten a flu shot before.” Theoretically, this would be a good thing, however, Meyer points out: “The best time to get the flu shot is really October or November, before the flu season begins.” She explains that the effects of the shot will last for the season but immunity from the flu takes a few weeks to kick in. “I’ve had people come in to get the shot the day before they travel somewhere to prevent getting sick, but unfortunately that isn’t really what it’s meant to do.” She has seen pharmacies run short of vaccines when demand runs high. “They only manufacture so much, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.”

The students in Mabel Peña’s 5th grade class at Tommie Barfield Elementary are getting an education in the science of viruses out of this flu season. She’s lead three discussion groups around the flu. “We’ve talked about the history of the flu virus, its effects and the flu vaccine.” Peña and the rest of the TBE teachers are busy pushing hand washing and hand sanitizer in an effort to keep their students healthy in the classroom. “Every day, numerous times throughout our day, we use hand sanitizer to kill the germs that may be lurking on our hands. The students actively wash and sanitize between their fingers because they have learned that is where some germs hide,” says Cathy Schulman, a first grade teacher on vigilant germ patrol.

“Little hands in Ms. Schulman’s 1st grade class wash up.”

“My favorite, which I am almost compulsive about, are light switches!” Mario Guzman is the facilities manager at Tommie Barfield, and during flu season, he and his crew are on double clean-up duty. “During flu season and other outbreaks, custodians double and triple the frequency in which certain areas are disinfected: desks, tables, chairs, computer keyboards…and during lunch periods table tops… these are all areas where most microbial transfer takes place.”

For those of us not fortunate enough to have a Guzman crew at our disposal, there’s always Lysol wipes, and words of hope from Dr. Vickaryous: “Do not underestimate the power of your own immune system. Even when feeling fatigued, a five-minute walk can stimulate your immune system.”

In the meantime, there’s always the good advice handed down from the 1st graders: “The flu can go to other people, if you are close by them, you want to keep washing your hands!”

I will be following s/v Moonbeam and her crew as they sail from Marco Island and through the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand completing a Pacific Circuit. Moonbeam is a 52’ Island Packet Cutter. There will be updates from time to time as they push forward to achieve their objective which is from Marco Island to New Zealand via the Panama Canal, visiting many South Pacific Islands along the way. A return trip to Marco by completing the circumnavigation is expected in the Spring of 2014.

Ken Bardon, owner and skipper of the s/v Moonbeam, is a local Marco Island resident and USCG Captain. Ken has made three transatlantic passages, sailed many times to Bermuda and to the Caribbean, raced to Cuba twice and once raced across the Gulf of Mexico to Isla Mujerea, Mexico. A sailor for many years, he has accumulated more than 80,000 blue water miles. Aside from sailing, Ken is a Command Mission Pilot for the Marco Island Civil Air Patrol. His crew members are also experienced sailors.

The crew members for the first leg of the voyage to Panama are the following:

Crew from left to right: Alan Picard, Lee
Henderson, Ken Bardon (Owner/Captain), Nancy De Vries, Mike Cain. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Mike Cain, from Fort Myers, whose offshore experience includes several trips to the Bahamas on his own 35’ sloop “Zydeco.” He also crewed on a Caribbean passage as well as crewing for Moonbeam on a passage south from New York to Florida.

Nancy DeVries hails from New Jersey. A USCG captain, Nancy is a delivery captain, manages yachts for their owners plus teaches basic sailing in New York. Offshore experience includes three transatlantic crossings. Two were on the former Moonbeam. She also has sailed more than 45,000 blue water miles.

Lee Henderson is a Marco Island resident. He crewed for offshore trips on some of Moonbeam’s passages between New York and Florida. A former navy pilot/navigator, he owns a PDQ catamaran and is past Commodore of the Sailing Association of Marco Island. Lee is currently Commander of the Marco Island Civil Air Patrol.

Alan Picard is a longtime friend of Captain Ken Bardon. Alan, who is a Canadian citizen and a Florida resident in winter, was a guest at the Bon Voyage gathering. As we were all getting ready to say, “Bon Voyage,” Moonbeam took on a surprise crew member. Alan said he wished he was going on the trip. Bardon responded, “There is enough room for you!” Alan quickly decided he would go as far as Guatemala. Luckily, Alan just happened to have his passport with him. However, Alan needed a few things before going sailing! He quickly rushed to a local store to buy a few pairs of shorts, tee shirts and a few toiletries.

The plan is to sail from Marco Island to Guatemala and spend a few days enjoying the River Dolce. This is a 760 mile trip. Next, they plan to sail from Guatemala back to sea for the 790 mile passage to the Panama Canal entrance. They will continue sailing southward from Panama across to the Marquesas to Tahiti. In May, they will continue sailing from Marquesas to Tahiti. Then, they will sail onward to the Pacific Islands. June through August, they will visit and explore Tahiti, Fiji via Cook Passage, Samoa and the Tonga islands. September will continue with exploring Fiji to Australia and New Zealand. From October and on into 2014, Moonbeam will be in New Zealand to prepare for her return trip. Having done some long distance sailing over the years, all I can say is “Phew!”

Moonbeam under sail.

Are you tired yet? I know I am just writing about it. I know from my own experiences, the circumstances and situations that one comes across are not always easy. Once you are out there on your trusty sailboat, all is not moonlight and calm seas. You have nowhere to go except onward or, if necessary, “heave to.” This is easier said than done.

This is just an introduction to the journey which began on Sunday, January 13, 2013. We, his fellow sailors and friends, wish Captain Ken Bardon and the crew of s/v Moonbeam fair winds and following seas.

Stay alert and look to the Coastal Breeze for future updates on the Journey of the S/V Moonbeam.

BON VOYAGE!

About The Author

Frances Diebler is a Commodore of the Seven Seas Cruising Association and a member of Sailing Association of Marco Island and AP United States Power Squadron.

A scene from The 39 Steps opening night. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Nestled in Marco Island’s Town Center Plaza, The Marco Players’ theater sits waiting to be filled for its next show; for laughter, for tears, for the next story to come alive inside its walls.

Now in its 38th season, the Marco Players is a non-profit theater company that began putting on productions in hotels, churches and other borrowed locales. It eventually found the Town Center Plaza space and has made it home for the last thirteen years. The theater is run by a board of directors, all very hands-on in their involvement, whether it be financially or otherwise, and the theater company is a charitable organization. The participants—the actors, the crew—are all volunteers, taking time out of their lives for a six-week rehearsal schedule, two weeks of stage rehearsal, and 15 performances per show. Running 60 performances per season, each show takes around 50 to 60 people to make it run, including carpenters, stage hands, make-up, cast, crew, lighting, box office attendants and volunteers to pass out refreshments during intermissions.

The plays are chosen by a play reading committee of about six members, who go through around 35 plays each season and narrow them down. This committee chose the Players’ most recent production, “The 39 Steps,” which ran from January 9 to 27.

Written by Patrick Barlow, “The 39 Steps” is based on the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name and plot, which was based on the novel by John Buchan, and centers around Richard Hannay. In it, Hannay finds himself mixed up with spies and wrongful accusations, all beginning when he meets a girl, only to have her promptly get stabbed to death by a butter knife—and that’s only in the first scene! Played by a cast of four in myriad roles, the story travels countries and genres—murder mystery, romance, and unabashed comedy.

This photo was taken during the rehearsal of Plaza Suite

Directed by Ann Megna, the play was quirky and fun, with a sweet ending and humor abound. The local stars were Michael Sean Johnson, in his acting debut as the play’s main protagonist Richard Hannay, Sarah Poston, Rich Nepon, and Carlton LaVain Sizer in his first production with The Marco Players. The quartet was perfectly on point, funny and endearing, and Carlton was a true gem to the stage, hamming it up with his antics as the audience pealed. The story itself was one well-worth watching, full of laughs and odd situations.

“The 39 Steps” may no longer be playing, but The Marco Players season has only just begun. From February 13 to March 3, Joe DiPietro’s “The Last Romance” will be presented, depicting the lives and loves of Ralph, Carol, and Ralph’s sister Rose. Following “The Last Romance” will be Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” running from March 20 to April 7.

The Marco Players also offers Lunch Box Series performances and a children’s theater. For more details, or to make a donation, visit www.TheMarcoPlayers.com, or visit the Box Office at the Marco Players theater.