During January of each year, elementary schools in Collier County harness their creative efforts to involve parents and students in literacy activities to promote reading. It was my pleasure to participate in three of these events at three different schools. Messages of encouragement, family involvement and positive memories about reading and learning permeated each Literacy Night event as evidenced by […]
Ruminations from the Rock and Beyond
Kat, Kittens and Feline Faces to Celebrate the Return of the Key Marco Cat
Rumination From the RockAfter biding their time stored in chests for about 100 years in the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Smithsonian archives, the Key Marco Cat and several other stunning artifacts are back on Marco Island at the Marco Island Historical Museum until April 2021, for the first time in over 100 years. January 26th was the […]
Out With the Old, In With the View
Rumination From the RockWay back about 16 months ago, an angry girl named Irma descended on this area with a wild, untamed demeanor that swept away homes, trees…and boats. Some boats are “anchored” in their new residences, the backwaters and mangrove islands that surround our area, blown from their tethers to ride the wind and waves like surfers until finally settling into shallow […]
LOTS OF BRIGHT LIGHTS ON ISLES OF CAPRI
Rumination from the Rock and BeyondStarting with the traditional boat parade, the creativity that Capriers exhibit was outstanding. Thanks to Mike Cox, who coordinated the parade and the Greater Naples Fire/Rescue Boat 90, which led the boaters. This year, our first responders had an exceptionally decorated boat all the while making it a safe event for all to enjoy. As darkness crept in, cheers and […]
Hero House Raises Funds to Honor Our Servicemen/Women
Rumination from the Rock and BeyondOnce again, Brandi Tramazzo sponsored a fundraiser for her cause, BT Hero House, at the popular Speakeasy on Marco Island, with a crowd of lively supporters in attendance. Proceeds from the event enable BT Hero House to honor our military members who are in active service and dedicated to our country, but Brandi does this in a very unique way. […]
Let’s Talk Critters – They Deserve Holidays, Too
Rumination from the Rock and BeyondWe live in a beautiful county and state, surrounded by lush growth with several different types of environments that are home to many varieties of wildlife. Because we have an appreciation for our local environment, most of us try to coexist in ways that don’t harm the critters around us. There’s also the other group; the ones that purposely try […]
Tommie Barfield Elementary Students Sing Their Thanks to Our Veterans
Rumination from the Rock and BeyondThe parking lots at Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE) were all filled to capacity last Friday, and an appreciative crowd filed into the multi-purpose room for the 16th annual “A Salute to Our Veterans” program. Parents, grandparents, community members and veterans were entertained in beautiful weather outside by violinist Kate Anderson before they gathered in the multi-purpose room to honor our […]
Somehow, I Forgot
MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT“There is no distance on this earth as far away as yesterday…” ~ Robert Nathan In case I forget to mention it, I was a stay-at-home mom to four kids. The youngest was born when the oldest was six and at that time I didn’t think our lives were unusual or unusually challenging. It was simply the […]
Have a Seat and Make a Friend on the Buddy Bench!
Rumination from the Rock and BeyondRecently, Tommie Barfield Elementary School (TBE) formally dedicated two Buddy Benches for the playgrounds, donated by Collier County Schools. From identical donations, in fact, all Collier County Elementary Schools each dedicated two Buddy Benches to support their emphasis on kindness, family, and social/emotional well-being. District-wide personnel were on hand at each school to support the students, who made the presentations, […]
Tommie Barfield Elementary is BLUE and it’s a Wonderful Thing
Rumination from the Rock and BeyondThe usual connotation of “being blue” is mostly seen as a downer, and being sad, but in this case, it’s something to feel great about for students, staff and parents at Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE). Why? The school has been recognized as a Blue Zone School by NCH Healthcare System in Southwest Florida and is the first school on Marco […]
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