The 2nd Annual Rib Cook-Off was recently held at the Marco Island Brewery and a capacity crowd was on hand to taste the succulent ribs served hot off the grill. The Marco Island Brewery was again the host venue for the event which benefits the Marco Police Foundation. Seven “Ribbers” took part in the event which raised over $3,000 for the Marco Police Foundation. Celebrity Judges sampled the offerings for such categories as taste, look and overall greatness. Only 1 and 1/ 2 points separated the winner from the 2nd place runner –up. Jan Graf, who submitted ribs done with an Asian sweet n sour recipe, took the Rib Award for Best Ribs. Second Place was awarded to her daughter Suzanne Amon and her cooking partner Duane Nettles, whose submission had a Far Eastern Korean themed barbecue.

The next event for the Marco Police Foundation will be Lunch with the Chief scheduled for Thursday, January 31. The event will be held at the Hideaway Beach Club and will begin at 11:30 AM. Special Guest Speaker will be Corporal Jose Carrillo of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations group who will speak about Child/School Safety Operations. The 2012 Marco Island Police Department Officer of the Year will also be honored. The cost of the event is $20 per person and reservations can be made by calling Debra Shanahan at 239-248-7419. Pay by phone in advance with VISA or MasterCard. Follow the Marco Police Foundation at www.marcopolicefoundation.org or like them on Facebook, @Marcopolicefoundation.

photos by Steve Reynolds

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It’s time to break out the wax and get that classic car of yours shined up and looking pretty. The annual Kiwanis Club of Marco Island Car show is coming and, as usual, it’s going to be a good one. Mark your calendar for February 17, and head over to the Marco Healthcare Center parking lot at 40 Heathwood Drive at 9:30 AM to see some true beauties.

For the past eight years, the Kiwanis Club has hosted the Car Show to help raise money for the organization’s main cause: providing scholarships and other opportunities to local children. Last year, 180 cars were displayed. This year, the club hopes to have even more cars as there are now additional spaces to accommodate them.

If you own a vintage, sports, hot rod, muscle car or other vehicle you feel is show quality bring it to the show. This is a great time to display your pride and joy and at the same time help raise money for children. As always, there is no charge to display your vehicle and trophies will be awarded in 20 different classes.

There is a $5 spectator donation and children under 12 are free. Hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausage, soda and water will be available for purchase and various vendors will also be on site. The Italian American club will be on site selling cakes, pastries and preparing Zeppoles (Italian pastries).

The Marco Charter High School guitar group will be performing as will the Marco Players young actors. Steve Reynolds will be back as guest MC. The $6 dollar table will be back with an array of purses, costume jewelry and other items.

The Kiwanis Club is looking forward to another successful Marco Car Show and encourages all to come by on February 17 and enjoy a day of fine cars and food all while helping local children. For questions or information, please call John DeRosa at 239-272-0816

Second Place went to Classic Transportation

Other participants included:

Stan’s Restaurant

American Computer Solutions

The Winter Season of Adult Co Ed Volleyball is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 14, 2013

Enter your team for only $350 and enjoy up to 12 weeks of Adult Co Ed Volleyball at the Greater Marco Family YMCA.

For more information please contact Steve Reynolds, Adult Co Ed Volleyball Coordinator at 239-394-3144 ext. 228 or via email at sports@marcoislandymca.org

Pictured in photos attached

Marriott Resort & Spa

Front- Juli Blankenship- Megan Lesar-Kiley Stoll

Back-Nick Donatelli-Nick Wagner-Matt Marshall

Not Pictured- Kristin Rotkvich

Classic Transportation

Back- Lauren Vanderjagt- Clara Alber

Front-Lee Vanderjagt-Dale Rod-Carlos Escarra

Not Pictured- Debbie Brueggeman

Steve Reynolds.

By Natalie Strom 

natalie@coastalbreezenews.com 

Marco Island residents are gearing up to give back to local DJ and YMCA Marketing Director, Steve Reynolds. A recent cancer diagnosis has shifted the spotlight to Reynolds, who is usually the one organizing local fundraisers.

CJ’s on the Bay will host the benefit for Reynolds on Saturday, July 28, from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. Tickets to the event, which features complimentary hors d’oeuvres and happy hour drink prices, are $20 per person. Smokin’ Joe and Konnie and J Robert and Martin Houghtaling will provide live entertainment and two 50/50 raffles will take place throughout the evening. A silent auction featuring artwork, golfing outings and hotel stays will also be on the agenda.

Angelica from Angelica’s Boutique of Marco Island will be contributing to the evening, offering shawls, purses and jewelry from the boutique to be available for purchase at CJ’s, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to Reynolds.

Fellow local DJ and cancer survivor, “Disco” Dave Bierbrauer and Dick Shanahan, Board Member at the Y, came together to organize the fundraiser for Reynolds. “I’ve gotten to know Steve quite well since he’s been here,” explains Shanahan. “We hope this fundraiser will be big enough to cover his immediate needs; the out of pocket expenses not covered by insurance.”

“Dick and Dave approached us and we said we’d be happy to host the benefit,” explains Laura Owen, Chef and Restaurant Manager at CJ’s on the Bay. “We’ve worked with Steve many times in the past. He’s been here to emcee different events at The Esplanade.” Many of which have been for other local fundraisers. “He’s a great guy,” adds Owen.

Reynolds has been the Marketing Director at the Marco Island YMCA since 2007. He is facing stage II prostate cancer and is currently undergoing nine weeks of radiation. Although his treatments are five days a week, Reynolds is still at the Y, overseeing a busy summer of kid’s camps, and also DJ’s at Nacho Mama’s on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

“I want to say thanks to everyone and I appreciate all the support. It was completely unexpected but I’m really happy that they wanted to do this,” states Reynolds. With the odds in his favor, he anticipates a full recovery, but recommends that every man get a prostate screening every year. “There are no symptoms,” he adds, stressing the importance of early detection. “You can go to your local American Cancer Society or to cancer.org to find out where you can get a screening.”

Stop by CJ’s on Saturday, July 28, and help support Reynolds. Checks can also be sent to the Steve Reynolds Cancer Fund to Anthony DeLucia (aka Steve Reynolds) PO Box 671, Marco Island, Florida 34146.

The cake was provided by Publix Freedom Square.

By Marilyn Honahan 

What a surprise! Local resident and businessman, Joe McKnight, recently received the surprise of his life. Believing that he was going to dinner with his fiance and a few friends, Joe was speechless when he entered Mango’s Dockside Bistro and found approximately fifty people from various parts of the country all dressed in a 50’s theme to surprise him and help him celebrate his fiftieth birthday.

The dining room was decorated in a 50’s theme with large cutouts of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe and nearly one hundred balloons and centerpieces made to look like guitars. The centerpieces were made by Joe’s sister, Myrna Bowker, who along with Joe’s fiancée, Sally Niessen, decorated the dining room with a number of 50’s themed items and memorabilia. The cake was provided by Publix in Freedom Square. DJ, Steve Reynolds, kept the Rock and Roll dance music moving along as the guests danced the Lindy and the Twist among many other 50’s favorites.

Joe wasn’t the only one surprised, however. His fiancée, Sally, never expected it but one of her daughters surprised her by flying in from Utah for the party.

The McKnight sisters and brothers.

Joe, a native Floridian, hailing originally from Hialeah owns a service company, Joe McKnight, LLC, and does remodeling, pool maintenance and other service work in Naples and Marco Island. Many of his loyal, long time customers joined in the party and helped Joe celebrate his milestone birthday.

Mango’s provided the 50’s themed menu which included hot dogs, beans, burgers and all the trimmings. There was also a popcorn machine and cotton candy which helped set the 50’s mood.

Cool Cats Jordy Morrow and Joe McKnight. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Poodle Skirts.

By Matt Walthour 

A few of the big tours have come and gone already. We have seen some great racing already this year, the Paris – Nice race was packed with some fast speed and great victories. Coming up on April 1st, is the Belgian classic, Tour Des Flanders. If you don’t think you can quite make it over to Belgium on the 1st, or, if your bike isn’t ready to pound the cobblestones, not to worry. Instead, get ready for the best tour around, the second annual Tour de Marco.

The second annual Tour de Marco will be on April 1st this year and is guaranteed to be even more fun that last year. This year the ride again will benefit the Marco Island YMCA. The ride/tour will be directed by Jim Seegers, who is following on the great success of last year’s director, Scott Shook. There are only two distances, 30 miles and 15 miles, both of which are casually paced rides or tours of Marco Island.

The first of the two rides is a 30-mile ride leaving the YMCA at 8:00 AM, heading toward South Collier, north to Bald Eagle Drive, on to Barfield Dr., to San Marco Rd., then heading through Key Marco and then on to Goodland. Upon leaving Goodland, the ride will ease its way back to the YMCA via Barfield Dr. and through the “estates” area. The second of the two rides is a 15 miler departing the YMCA at 9:00 AM. This will be similar to the 30 miler, without the Barfield Dr., Key Marco area, and most of the “estate” area. Directional arrows throughout the whole ride will guide bicyclists to the bike routes. Marco Island police and volunteer riders, most wearing brightly colored shirts, will be on hand to assist with directions and traffic safety. There will be a rest area at the new Goodland boat ramp in Goodland.

Registration starts at 7:00 AM at YMCA airtorium, which is located at 101 Sand Hill St., 239-394-3144. You may register online at www.active.com, or pick up a registration form prior to the event at the YMCA. Entry fee is $20 until March 31, 2012, $25, the day of the ride. A parental waiver is required for persons under 18 years of age. There will be free water bottles to the first 200 registrants, donated by Island Bike Shop. There will be music provided by Steve Reynolds of the YMCA and also raffles at the end of the rides.

These rides will highlight some of the new bike lanes and multi use pathways and also some areas where you may have never traveled on your bicycle. As of December, 2010, Marco Island, with the help of the Marco Island volunteer ad hoc bike path committee, have completed approximately 26 miles of in road lanes and about nine miles of shared use pathways and there are many more in the works.

Things to remember for your ride: Please wear your helmet (required for the ride) and have and drink plenty of water throughout your ride. While riding the inroad lanes, you must obey all automobile rules of the road. You may also want to bring a camera. Most of all, enjoy the day and all that Marco Island has to offer on two wheels.

Matt Walthour, a Marco Island resident since 1985 is a graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and is the owner of Island Bike Shop and Scootertown on Marco Island and Naples. He is also a member of the Marco Island bike path ad-hoc committee. 

It’s almost time for one of Marco Island’s most anticipated events—‘Mutts and Martinis” at the Esplanade on Wednesday, March 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event will be hosted by local celebrity Steve Reynolds and will feature Nick Ciletti of NBC 2 News as judge of the ‘pooch parade’.

Now in its fourth year, ‘Mutts and Martinis” is a lively evening for humans and their canine pals. Fido can don his favorite costume and meet up with his puppy pals while owners take part in 50/50 raffles and the silent auction that includes items such as a three day stay at the Ritz Carlton, stays at the Waldorf-Astoria, the Hilton Hotel, movie tickets, Naples Player tickets, numerous golf packages, fishing equipment, beauty services, art work, doggie baskets and much, much more.

Looking for a pup to love? Several pet adoption agencies will be present with dogs just waiting to be a part of your family.

“Mutts and Martinis” is a unique opportunity to party with man’s best friend or to just come and enjoy the antics of so many dogs in one place. In the past, more than 200 dogs have come to ‘wag their tails’ at this event”, says Dennis Pidherny, newly appointed Director of Bedtime Bundles.

Bedtime Bundles is a local registered charity that provides the basic necessities of food, clothing, toiletries, books and toys to the children of migrant farm workers. Since its beginning in 2006. Bedtime Bundles has provided more than 7,500 ‘bundles of love’ to local migrant children.

For further information on ‘Mutts and Martinis’ or Bedtime Bundles, go to www.bedtimebundles.org

justin@coastalbreezenews.com

Believe it or not, there is more to do on Marco other than shopping, boating, sun-worshipping, and the nightlife. There is a highly competitive volleyball league that plays every Monday at the YMCA. You will see teams fight for a run at the championship week in and week out. The excitement builds as the regular season games lead to the playoffs and ultimately to the Title. Team sponsors range from large enterprises like the Marriott to local businesses such as Classic Transportation and Island Paradise DJ’s.

Every season, almost anyone can sign up and join a team; or even start their own if they get enough dedicated players. Spectators, are of course, always welcome to root for their friends and favorite businesses. It is played under a roof at the Y’s Airnasium, so weather rarely stops the action. Steve Reynolds referees the games every week, as well as, runs the tournament. Steve’s countless hours of dedication are the sole reason that the league runs smoothly.

The games on January 23rd had a touch of revenge involved. One of Marco’s local celebrities, retired NFL kicker and owner of Vandy’s, Mike Vanderjagt, plays for the Classic Transportation team. His team lost to The Marriot for the championship last season, but they had the opportunity for a little payback and took it. The two matches that night went back and forth with large doses of spiking that made it exciting to watch. The matches were pretty even until the last few points each time, but ended with the same result. The Classic Transportation beat the defending champion Marriott team 25-16 and 25-21.

The second round of the night involved Paradise Island DJ’s and American Computer Solutions. ACS was winning the first match over the DJ’s by a comfortable margin of 24-19 and had the “match point” within reach. The DJ’s, however, kept their composure and quickly climbed back into it with strong performances by Parker Ayers and Derek James tying the game at 24. Island Paradise eventually won 27-25. They went on to win the next match 25-15; completing a sweep for the night.

Vintage Lincoln Car, one of more than 170 classic cars to be displayed. SUBMITTED PHOTO

On February 19, 2012 the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island will be hosting their annual Car Show. This is the eighth year for this show and it promises to be better than ever. As in the past, there will be no fee to enter your car. All entries will be eligible to win a trophy. If you are an owner of a car that you would like to enter remember the date and arrive before 9:30 AM. This is a great way for car owners to help children, which is the motto of Kiwanis. All monies collected will go to various children’s programs.

This year the Golden Gate Lacrosse team will be present to help with the 50/50 selling. They are in need of uniforms and equipment. We also have the Irish Dancers to entertain and delight the crowd with their talent and the popular Marco Island Charter Middle School band will perform.

We will have food, drink, ice cream and Zeppoles (Italian Donuts) prepared by the Italian American Society available for purchase. Steve Reynolds will be guest MC, providing nostalgic music from the 50’s and 60’s. We have also invited back the “$6 table” with its array of costume jewelry, purses and other items on sale for $6. This was a great hit with the ladies last year.

The show will again be located at the Marco Healthcare Center at the corner of San Marco Road and Heathwood Drive and will start at 10:00AM and end at 3:00PM. Any questions please contact John DeRosa at 239-272-0816.

In a best of 3 series, Marriott Resort & Spa defeated Classic Transportation 25-11, Classic Transportation came back and won Game 2, 25 to 20 and in an exciting 3^rd game was defeated by Marriot Resort & Spa 15-12.

Thanks to all teams that participated in the Fall 2011 Season

Marriott Resort & Spa

Classic Transportation

Island Paradise DJ’s

Affordable Landscaping and Design

Zinful Lounge

The Winter 2012 Season begins January 16. Sign your team of up to 12 players for a $350 fee. Individuals can sign up for a $75 fee and be placed on a team. Minimum age to play is 16.

For more information contact Steve Reynolds at 239-394-YMCA (9622) ext. 228 or email marketing@marcoislandymca.org