Coastal Breeze News

The winner of the Fifth Annual Christmas Island Style Ornament Contest was chosen recently. The judges met at the Marco Island Center for the Arts to consider all entrants which came from art classes at the Marco Island Charter Middle School under the direction of teacher, Shane Totten. The contest is part of Christmas Island Style and is co-chaired by Bette McGilvary and Barb Dasti. Judges included Dave Baer, Assistant Chief of the Marco Island Police Department, Glenn Blong, Marco Men’s Club, Nancy Carrington, Marco Island Florist, Dawn Norgren, Island Title, Gerry Rosenblum, President MIAAOR, Rosemary Wick, Marco Island Center ... Read More »

By Monte Lazarus [email protected]  About 200 interested, curious folks came to Marco Island’s first Home Improvement and Remodeling Show at the Marriott on November 5. The show was the idea of Katie O’Hara, Marketing and Sales Director of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, and Katie, along with the Chamber’s President, Kevin Donlan, Executive Director Sandi Riedemann, Administrative Assistant Donna Niemczyk and the ever-helpful Chamber volunteers ran a flawless program. Business exhibitors covered the full range of home services, including everything from financing a home to building it, protecting it and providing all the necessary appliances. Surveying, electronics, banking, ... Read More »

Donna Fiala [email protected] Recently the Chamber had a marvelous After 5 event at the Marco Island Florist showroom. I had no idea that they had anything more than flowers, but what a delightful surprise to step into a shop of lovely gifts and decorations, PLUS flowers! Remember the old Hallmark shop that Lou & Pat Smith owned and that we all loved? I would have to say this darling shop filled that gap………..plus the staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable! Just to mention a few treasures they offer besides gorgeous floral arrangements are: blooming plants, home décor and accents, candles ... Read More »

The Rotary Club of Marco Island recently announced its final 2012 Spirit of Marco Island Award winner, Jane Watt. Jane Watt was advised of her selection last week during a fundraising event for the Marco Island Academy. Members of the Rotary Club of Marco Island made the surprise presentation in front of a group of nearly forty persons recognizing Jane Watt for leading the effort to establish the first high school on Marco Island, the Marco Island Academy. Jane was instrumental in creating the Marco Island Discovery Center in 2009, an organization set up to raise funds for the school ... Read More »

By Jane A. Marlowe The custom of sending love letters and tokens of love is generally believed to have originated in Medieval England and France. Folklore recounts a belief that on February 14, half way through the second month of the year, birds begin to pair. Chaucer’s Parliament of Foules relates, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” French and English literature of the 14th and 15th centuries refer to the custom of proposals and messages of love to one’s beloved on that special day. There were three St. Valentines ... Read More »

An all time record number of entries: 1,722 Homes & 126 Business Properties. 2011 winners are:  • Home Decorating Winner: 1232 Fruitland Ave • Business Property Decorating Winner: 493 Tallwood St., Building “A” Condo Association. The Decorating Contest Final judging took place on December 16 by the entire committee and invited guest judges, Jenny Beuhrer, Bette McGilvray and Steve Josselyn. Plaques were presented to the 10 Home Contest Finalists. The Winner of the Business Contest received a plaque and a yard sign for display. The House Decorating winner received a Championship plaque, yard sign and $500.00. LCEC staff member, Tricia ... Read More »

By Jane A. Marlowe  [email protected]  The Marco Island Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Marco Eagle and the Naples News Media Group, hosted the 24th Annual Marco Island Christmas Gala on Sunday evening, December 4th. The event was held at the Bistro Soleil in the Olde Marco Inn. The weather cooperated with cool, easy breezes on the deck during a leisurely cocktail hour. Barbara Prigge, whose husband is a new member of the Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation and treasurer of the Marco Island Police Foundation explained. “I am home decorating our house every year at this time. This ... Read More »

Christmas Decorating Contest Committee Plan for the 15th Annual House and Business Decorating Contest The Christmas House and Business Decorating Committee met recently at Sanitasole, hosted by Paula and Richard Robinson, for final preparations for the 15th Annual Decorating Contest.  Enthusiasm is building among Marco Island residents as they noted early decorations already displayed. Marco Island has long been noted for the many outstanding Christmas decorated homes. In 2010, the contest included over 1700 homes and 125 businesses judged.  Residents and visitors alike increase their Christmas spirit by driving around the Island to see the innovative decorations.  The contest is operated ... Read More »

By Marilyn Honahan As of press time, Paula Aldis was still waiting for a phone call from her husband, Chris, telling her the exact details of his arrival from Afghanistan. He was relaxing in an airport, having endured two delays on the trip so far. His comment, “Afghanistan is behind me.” His arduous return home is over multi-flights, multi-countries and multi-days. She and their two children were anxiously awaiting his next phone call. Chris will enjoy two weeks stateside, before returning to Afghanistan for five more months. By the time Coastal Breeze News is printed and hits the streets, Paula ... Read More »