Coastal Breeze News

By Julia Barnett Among the various Veterans’ weekend events, the Saturday, November 10, gathering at Iberia Bank was an intimate and personal commemoration and recognition for the men and women who served our country and kept us free, centering on portraits painted with love and care by local artist Malenda Trick. The night included a private unveiling for the veterans and their families being featured in the portrait series, followed by a viewing open to the public. The private unveiling began with acknowledgments and thanks, followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance,” led by Bonnie Woodward, daughter of one of the ... Read More »

TO YOUR HEALTH C. Scott Campbell [email protected]  Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, I had a front row seat as my father, Reverend Carl L. Campbell of the Ray of Hope Church, answered his calling and dedicated his life to caring for others. My father held this extraordinary position for 42 years. In the 31 years I have spent in health care—an industry inextricably linked to the concept of caring—I have come across countless people who say their choice of a health care career was based on a mission to help others. Yes, a calling to touch lives. Understandably, giving thanks and ... Read More »

By Kathleen Zehler We can all count numerous times in our lives when we enjoyed listening to talented musicians play those melodious tunes that made us want to get up and dance, sit back and relax, or just tap our feet to the beat because it brought so much joy to us. Their talents aroused emotions in our hearts and souls that sometimes lasted a lifetime. The pleasure of good music played well is one of the best elixirs of life! One such musician, who has created a lifetime of memories for a lot of us as he “tickled the ... Read More »

Gabrielle Cordero, a 2012 graduate from First Baptist Academy in Naples, was the grand prize winner of a one-year lease on a 2012 Kia Soul donated by Airport Kia at this year’s YMCA Project Graduation. The drawing for the car was held June 1 during the Y’s 27th annual drug- and alcohol-free graduation party for Collier County seniors; Cordero’s name was randomly selected from more than 1,000 attendees. “It’s the first time we’ve had a car as the grand prize in five years. Having a car in the raffle obviously raises the excitement level for the graduates at Project Graduation,” ... Read More »

Maureen St. Laurent was the BIG prize winner at the season’s last Bingo  game at JCMI on Monday night. She is being congratulated by committee member Dr. Herb Kern. Bingo will resume at JCMI on Monday, October 1, 2012 We have lots of money to give away! Read More »

William L. “Bill” Himsel Himsel, William L. “Bill” age 66, passed away on May 10, 2012. After living in New Jersey and Massachusetts, he called Marco Island, FL his home. He is survived by Joyce, his wife of 25 years. They had two children, Jeff (Susanne) and Rick, and two grandchildren, Sophia and Anya. Billwas born in Marshfield, WI and was raised inMadison, Wisconsin, and he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1970, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He was a member of the United States Army Reserves for six years. After graduation, Bill ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff Eugene Ostrom passed away April 7th, 2012 in Schaumberg IL. Gene served in the Army Air Force as a nose gunner and flew missions over Germany, to survive those were against great odds. His Commander in the European theater was none other than Jimmy Stewart. Gene will be missed by his friends and comrades of the VFW and was truly a part of the greatest generation. Gene’s impact on Marco Island will remain as he was instrumental in founding the local VFW post 6370. Gene along with Dr. Wes Johnson put in many hours to ... Read More »

Donna Fiala  [email protected] We can already see that our winter residents are heading back up north, and I say that with a little sadness because all of the festivities we have been enjoying will slowly grind to a halt, all of the entertainment and performances, the fund raisers and dinners, the events at places like the Botanical Garden and the Conservancy, the art shows, etc. Everything slows down to a crawl until the winter residents start coming back. This has been a fantastic year for everyone! We have been busier than we’ve seen in almost five years and our economy ... Read More »

By Joan Kelly THEN Among the first people to buy property on the Isles were George and Joanne Moore. Joanne made it clear that they bought in 1957, but had to work and did not build until 1976. (The assumption has been that they built right away.) George worked for a steel company in the international division living in Germany and Argentina, as well as Ohio. They bought the lot at the end of Pompano Bay on Hawk Street from the dredging company. There was some sort of disagreement and the lot came on the market. The Moores were looking for ... Read More »

Do you remember the song “Oh what a night” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, that’s what it was at San Marco church Bingo on Thursday night February 9. There were all kinds of winners that evening, never so many prizes have been given before in one night. The first picture shows Sally Matje a $500 instant Bingo pull tab winner with the lady in blue from the Columbiettes that sold her the ticket Barbara Prigge. There were many othersinstant Bingo pull tabs winners also, too numerous to mention. Picture 2shows Jean Cloutier from Chokoloskee the winner of the ... Read More »

The second Annual Seven Sisters Art Reception was held at Trudy LaBell’s Fine Arts Gallery on Thursday, February 2. There were about 100 in attendance, all graduates of the Seven Sister Colleges: Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Radcliffe, Smith, Vassar, and Wellesley colleges. Attendees were greeted by Eve May, president of the Wellesley Club of Naples. Eve introduced Trudy LaBell, the owner of the gallery, and Isabelle du Toit, an artist whose works were on display and who gave a short talk on her paintings. The Fine Arts Gallery provided a lovely setting for the Seven Sisters alumnae to reconnect, renew old ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom  [email protected]  The Marco Island Model Yacht Club is once again gearing up for its annual Regatta. The 9th Annual Marco Island Mid-Winter R/C Laser Championship Regatta is set to take place March 2nd to the 4th at Mackle Park. The event has grown in size and popularity over time and this year proves to be no different. The Marco Island Model Yacht Club was formed in 1993 by Commodore, George Domenech, and fellow friends, John Moulton and Tom Schwartzburg. Bonding over their fondness of model yachts, the men endeavored to begin sailing their 1/4 scale model sailboats ... Read More »

These winners and volunteers enjoyed food, fun and camaraderie while having a chance to win Big Money. Read More »

All Seniors “Aging with Humor” Friday, January 13, 10 am-1:30 pm at Marco Lutheran Church, 525 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island. Entirely Complimentary (light lunch included) RSVP to Gail Cacciola at 239-394-0332 or [email protected] Read More »

January 6 & 7 2012 9:00 – 1:00 Marco Lutheran Church, 525 N Collier   Marco Island For Reservations please Contact Don Hutchings 394-8780 Most Insurance Companies give discounts of each premium over a three year period. Learn current changes in the law. You do not need to be an AARP member. Open to everyone age 50 and up. Cost is $12.00 for AARP members. $14.00 for non members Read More »

By Natalie Strom The Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans’ Memorial Park on November 11th was certainly one to remember. Special Guest Speaker, General James K. Guest, would definitely agree. During his speech he explained to the large crowd why this particular Veterans’ Day was so special to him. “Veterans’ Day is a day to remember the life-long friendships that were forged on the battlefield. This is one of the greatest benefits of being a veteran,” General Guest told the crowd. With that he invited two men onto the stage, both who served under him during the Vietnam War. VFW Commander ... Read More »

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By Coastal Breeze News Staff  Radiology Regional brings easy access to mammograms. According to the American Cancer Society, there is strong evidence to support the benefits of annual mammograms for women in their 40s, a practice that should be continued every year of a woman’s life for as long as she is in good health. On Thursday, December 1, Radiology Regional Center’s Mobile Mammo Coach will be offering digital screening mammograms at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort, 480 Collier Boulevard, from 11 am to 3PM. Each mammogram takes just 15 minutes to complete and no prescription is required. Justine Saunders, ... Read More »

Mustafa Aslan, his lovely wife, Hitay, are originally from Turkey. Their family business, Dry Clean and More on Marco Island, is celebrating its 24th year of service to this community. What is the key to a long-standing success for a business such as Dry Clean and More? According to Mustafa, “If you’re going to do a job, do it well!” Dry Clean and More started next to Publix. The original owner found himself in some financial difficulties with the IRS and eventually Mustafa bought the business in 1990. He’s continually built a long list of loyal clientele ever since. “Many ... Read More »

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