Recreation Notes: Feb. 8, 2006

YMCA computer classes

The Marco Island YMCA has begun introductory computer classes for all ages. All classes are held in the computer lab. The schedule is:

• Computing for Beginners (five more sessions): 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday through Feb. 23. The class is for first-time computer users. Lessons include computer parts and terminology, using the mouse and keyboard, Windows and Microsoft Word basics, and understanding the desktop. Cost: $35 for members; $50 for nonmembers.

• Introduction to Microsoft Word (three sessions): 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. each Tuesday beginning Feb. 14. The class is for people with computer experience and comfort with mouse manipulation and keyboard skills. Lessons include typing, saving, naming, opening and adding pictures to documents; text and paragraph formatting; and editing tools. Cost: $25 for members; $40 for nonmembers.

• Introduction to the Internet (three sessions): 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. each Thursday beginning Feb. 16. The class is for people with computer experience and comfort with mouse manipulation and keyboard skills. Lessons include exploring search engines, navigating Web sites, sending and receiving e-mail, and sending photos and attachments. Cost: $25 for members; $40 for nonmembers. The YMCA also has open computer labs from 10 a.m. to noon each Monday and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday. The YMCA is at 101 Sandhill St. Call Stephanie Pepper, family services director, at 394-3144.

After-school acting program

The Art League of Marco Island will present one more session of Creative Dramatics, an after-school acting program for third-through fifth-graders and sixth-through eighth-graders. Instructor Irene Horowitz will help children build self-esteem and self-confidence and improve reading and writing skills. The program for third-through fifth-graders will meet from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday as follows:

• April 6 and 20; May 11, 18 and 25. The fee is $65. The program for sixth-through eighth-graders will meet from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday as follows:

• April 3, 10 and 17; May 1, 8 and 15. The fee is $75. Space is limited. Call the Art League of Marco Island at 394-4221 to register or for more information. The Art League is at 1010 Winterberry Drive.

YMCA after-care program

The Marco Island YMCA has re-created an after-care program called ASPIRE (After-School Program for Inspiration, Recreation and Education) at Tommie Barfield Elementary. ASPIRE is a licensed school-age program that ensures high standards of safety, proper staff training and age-appropriate curriculum. Each day of ASPIRE, children will have physical activity, a nutritious snack, study time and a group project. The program will be led by a site director who has met the state standards of educational requirements and is accompanied by assistant counselors. The registration/program fee is $45 annually. The weekly rates are $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers. Monthly and year-round drafts are discounted. Sibling members receive a 20 percent discount (draft only). Contact Stephanie Pepper at 394-3144, ext. 203, or send an e-mail to stephanie@marcoislandymca.org for more information.

Boating education courses

Marco Island's U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 95 offers boating education programs throughout the year. Courses cover boating skills and seamanship, Global Positioning System, navigation, flares, chart reading, hurricanes, weather and other topics. Call Joe Calzone at 389-3605 for more information.

Sun Strollers walking club

The Marco Island YMCA has formed Sun Strollers, a walking club. The group walks from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Participants meet on the back veranda for meeting updates and walking assignments. The joining fee is $25 for YMCA members and $40 for nonmembers. The monthly fee is $15 for YMCA members and $25 for nonmembers. The joining fee includes a T-shirt, walking meter and logbook. The monthly fee begins after the first month. Prize incentives are offered to people who accomplish club goals. Lynne Younger is the fitness instructor. For more information, call 394-3144 or visit www.marcoislandymca.org.

Introductory feng shui course at the Y

A course on feng shui tools for adults 18 and older will continue from 1 to 2 p.m. each Monday until Feb. 20 in the Marco Island YMCA boardroom. Participants have the opportunity to evaluate and improve their homes based on what they learn. The instructor is Debbie Roddy, a Feng Shui Institute International-certified consultant and owner of Lotus Blossom Feng Shui Designs Inc. The cost is $25 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Call 394-3144 for more information. Feng Shui Into Spring Feng Shui Into Spring, a course on space clearing and gardening with feng shui for adults 18 and older, will continue from 1 to 2 p.m. each Tuesday until Feb. 21 in the Marco Island YMCA boardroom. The instructor is Debbie Roddy, a Feng Shui Institute International-certified consultant and owner of Lotus Blossom Feng Shui Designs Inc. The cost is $25 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Call 394-3144 for more information.

Cardio tennis class at the Y

The Marco Island YMCA offers a fitness class using tennis skills to get the heart pumping from 6 to 7 p.m. each Monday and from 9 to 10 a.m. each Friday on Court 1. Participants of all ages and skill levels are invited. The cost is $5 for members per class; $8 for nonmembers per class; $20 for members for a series of five classes; and $30 for nonmembers for a series of five classes. Call 394-3144, ext. 224, for more information.

Be Fit Over Fifty

The Marco Island Parks and Recreation Department offers Be Fit Over Fifty each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Mackle Park. A tone-and-sculpt program takes place from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. and from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. The class combines safe stretching and stregthening routines designed to firm, tone and strengthen all major muscle groups. A cardio-strengthening program takes place from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. The class includes a stretching warm-up; 20 minutes of low-impact, easy-to-follow aerobic movement; and a stretching cool-down. Susan Branco, a member of the National Council of Aging, the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the American Senior Fitness Association, is the instructor for both classes. The cost is $40 a month. Call 642-1666 for more information.

Women's tennis round robin

The Marco Island Racquet Center has begun its women's social round-robin program that meets from 8 to 10 a.m. each Saturday. The program is free for center pass-holders and $6 per week for nonmembers. It is open to the public and players of all skill levels. The cost for an annual pass is $215 for adults and $29 for children younger than 18. The racquet center is at 50 Bald Eagle Drive. Call 394-5454 for more information.

Senior citizens program

The Marco Island Parks and Recreation Department is forming a senior citizens program. The new group will have regular social meetings and coordinated trips, speakers and educational opportunities. Call Roger Jacobsen at 642-0575 for information.

Scrabble chapter

The National Scrabble Association has formed a chapter in Naples. Meetings take place from 7 to 10 p.m. every Monday at Borders Books & Music, 10600 U.S. 41 N. (at Immokalee Road). Each regular meeting includes three rounds of play. Players should bring their own boards and timers if possible. Weekly dues are $2 per player. For information, call Marty Miron at (239) 370-9650.

For kids Cheerleading

Foxy Elite Cheerleading, a year-round program at the Marco Island YMCA, practices from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The program is for ages 5 and up; all skill levels are welcome. Kelley Anne Fox, cheerleading coach at Naples High School and former head cheerleading coach at Barron Collier High School, is the instructor. The cost is $40 per month. Call 394-3144. Dance classes at the Y • Tuesday:

• Ballet/tap combo (ages 5 to 6) — 3:15 to 4 p.m.

• Beginner tap (ages 7 and older) — 4 to 4:40 p.m.

• Jazz technique (ages 9 to 12) — 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.

• Lyrical ballet (ages 11 to 13) — 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday:

• Jazz/tap combo (ages 7 to 8) — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Advanced beginner tap (two years experience) — 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• Intermediate jazz/hip-hop (ages 11 to 13) — 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• Intermediate tap (teacher placement) — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Call 394-3144 for information and registration.

Gymnastics at the Y

The Marco Island YMCA holds January gymnastics clinics for children ages 4 to 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday in the gym. The clinics are taught by Kamal Farhat. The cost is $80 for members and $100 for nonmembers. Call 394-3144 for more information.

Swimming lessons

YMCA swimming lessons are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Sessions began Oct. 10 and will be held through Oct. 20.

Parent/child — 11:30 a.m. to noon and 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Pike/Eel — 9 to 9:30 a.m., 3:30 to

4 p.m. and 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Ray/Starfish — 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Guppy/Minnow — 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.

Fish/Flying Fish/Shark — 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

Parent/child: From 6 months to 3 years. A parent, grandparent or designated baby sitter must be in the pool with the child. The adult will be shown how to get the baby adjusted to water and water safety.

Pike: Ages 3 years and older. Beginners who cannot swim. Pikes will learn how to put their faces in the water, how to reach and pull, and how to scull on their backs.

Eel: Ages 3 years and older who can put their faces in the water and blow bubbles. Eels will learn to pick up their heads for a breath.

Ray: Rays will learn freestyle with rhythmic breathing, elementary backstroke, sculling and water safety.

Starfish: Starfish will review freestyle with rhythmic breathing, elementary backstroke and sculling, and will learn backstroke and water safety.

Guppy: Guppies will review freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke and sculling, and will learn breaststroke and water safety.

Minnow: Minnows will review freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke and sculling, and will learn butterfly and water safety.

Fish: Fish will review freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke and sculling, and will learn sidestroke and water safety.

Flying Fish: Flying Fish will review and perfect freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke, sculling and water safety.

Shark: Sharks will review and perfect all competitive strokes and water safety.

Lessons are $35 per session for members and $55 for nonmembers, plus a $10 discount for all Marco residents. For more information, call Dottie Weiner at 394-3144, ext. 204.

Bridge

Bridge clubs

• Bridge Club of Southwest Florida, St. Andrews Square, 8793 U.S. 41 E., No. 118:

• Monday through Friday — 1 p.m. Duplicate bridge, open games.

• Tuesday — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Casual card with roving coaches. Choice of Shuffle and Play or Chalk Talk and Clinic. Call 262-5334 for schedules of upcoming classes and for partners.

• ACBL-sanctioned and -stratified duplicate bridge games are played at 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Call Abe Brown at 394-4272 for information.

• ACBL-sanctioned and -stratified duplicate bridge games are played at Mackle Park at 12:30 p.m. each Monday and at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday. Call Mary at 642-7532 for partners or information.

Bridge results

• The winners of the Jan. 20 afternoon bridge game at Mackle Park were: first place — Ann Eklund and Ashok Hargunani; second place — Marcia Peters and Lola Glendenning; and tied for third place — Ginny Laws and Jane Spink, and Bea Margolis and Marlene Borland.

• The winners of the Jan. 24 afternoon bridge game at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island were: North/South: first place — Jean and Abe Brown; second place — Jack and Brenda Mehalka; and third place — Barbara Thompson and Molly Foster. East/West: first place — Marie Heubel and Shirley Williamson; second place — Ed Koch and Jack Newman; and third place — Wilma Kennedy and Elaine Murphy.

• The winners of the Jan. 26 afternoon bridge game at Mackle Park were: North/South: first place — Brenda and Jack Mehalka; second place — Abe and Jean Brown; and third place — Barbara Thompson and Ed Koch. East/West: first place — Helen and Joe Modelane; and tied for second place — Mary Anne Pickett and Ron Woofter, and Betty Bibbings and Bob Purdom. Flight B: first place — Elaine Canton and Pat Byers; and second place — Georgie Rakes and Jo Baillie.

• The winners of the Jan. 30 afternoon bridge game at Mackle Park were: North/South: first place — Bill Oliver and Miriam Newman; second place — Joan Volkheimer and Alice Van Hoesen; and third place: Judy Goldfarb and Lou Buck. East/West: first place — Helen and Joe Modelane; second place — George Wine and Jack Newman; and third place — Ron Woofter and Jean Brown. Flight B: second place — Georgie Rakes and Jo Baillie.

• The winners of the Charity Club Championship at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island were: first place — Jack and Brenda Mehalka; second place — Jack Newman and Ed Koch; and third place — Joe and Helen Modelane. Flight B: third place — Pat Byers and Elaine Canton.

Bingo Bingo at Jewish Congregation

Bingo is played every Monday evening through the end of April at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bonanza is posted at 6:15 p.m.; the game is called at 7 p.m. Hot Ball provides an additional prize. Coffee, tea, pastries and fruit are served free throughout the evening. Gift certificates are available. Call 642-0800 for information.

Bingo at the YMCA

Bingo is played every Tuesday at the YMCA. Doors open at noon. The first game begins at 1 p.m. The $22 package includes three free bonanzas. The $14 package includes one free bonanza. Call 394-3144 or visit www.marcoislandymca.org for information.

Knights of Columbus bingo

The Knights of Columbus play bingo every Thursday at the Parish Hall of San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. The first game is at 7 p.m. Coffee, snacks and soda are free; a complete meal costs $2. A free hot dog meal is offered the first Thursday of each month. More than $1,100 in prize money is available, with door prizes and a $250 jackpot every week. All profits go toward children's education and local charities.

Mah-jongg at the YMCA

The Marco Island YMCA has begun a four-week session for beginning mah-jongg players. Three more lessons will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. today, Feb. 8, and Wednesday, Feb. 15 and 22. Lunch is optional from noon to 12:30 p.m.; you must bring your own. The cost for the session is $30 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Call 394-3144, ext. 204, to register or for more information.

Summer bingo at Jewish Congregation

The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island will host its last summer bingo program Monday, Sept. 19. Players at each program receive a free kosher hot dog with all the trimmings. Fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and tea are served for free throughout the evening. Games are open to the public. Prizes are awarded, and Hot Ball provides an additional prize. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bonanza is posted at 6:15 p.m.; the game is called at 7 p.m. The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island is at 991 Winterberry Drive. Call the synagogue office at 642-0800 for more information.

Marco Island Men's Senior Softball League

Island League • Last week's results: Sand Bar 29, Marco Community Bank 4 Cedar Bay Marina 8, Vandy's With an Edge 6 Moose Lodge 16, Marco Community Bank 7 Sand Bar 12, Amigo's Café 5 Cedar Bay Marina 9, Moose Lodge 3 Vandy's With an Edge 6, Sand Bar 5 Marco Community Bank 10, Amigo's Café 6 • Standings: Moose Lodge 7-2 Sand Bar 6-3 Amigo's Café 4-4 Cedar Bay Marina 4-4 Vandy's With an Edge 4-5 Marco Community Bank 2-7 • Schedule: • Today, Feb. 8: Vandy's With an Edge vs. Amigo's Café, 9:30 a.m.; Cedar Bay Marina vs. Marco Community Bank, 11:30 a.m.; Moose Lodge vs. Sand Bar, 1:30 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 10: Cedar Bay Marina vs. Moose Lodge, 1:30 p.m.

• Monday, Feb. 13: Amigo's Café vs. Marco Community Bank, 9:30 a.m.; Moose Lodge vs. Cedar Bay Marina, 11:30 a.m.; Sand Bar vs. Vandy's With an Edge, 1:30 p.m.

Marco League • Last week's results: Royal Palm Bank 7, Cathy O'Clarke's 4 ADKOS Storage 16, Medical Shoppe of Marco 4 Royal Palm Bank 11, Medical Shoppe of Marco 1 Cathy O'Clarke's 6, Dunn Title 4 Rookies 13, ADKOS Storage 5 • Standings: Dunn Title 6-2 Cathy O'Clarke's 6-3 ADKOS Storage 4-3 Rookies 4-3 Royal Palm Bank 3-6 Medical Shoppe of Marco 2-5 • Schedule: • Thursday, Feb. 9: Dunn Title vs. Medical Shoppe of Marco, 9:30 a.m.; Rookies vs. Cathy O'Clarke's, 11:30 a.m.

• Friday, Feb. 10: Rookies vs. Medical Shoppe of Marco, 11:30 a.m.; ADKOS Storage vs. Royal Palm Bank, 1:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Feb. 14: Medical Shoppe of Marco vs. Dunn Title, 9:30 a.m.; Cathy O'Clarke's vs. Rookies, 11:30 a.m.; Royal Palm Bank vs. ADKOS Storage, 1:30 p.m.

Senior Softball League games begin at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Monday through Friday at Winterberry Park.

The league consists of two divisions: The Island League will play every Monday, Wednesday and Friday; the Marco League will play every Tuesday and Thursday.

Because of the league's rapid expansion, four new sponsors have been added: Vandy's With an Edge, Rookies, Medical Shoppe of Marco and ADKOS Storage. Continuing sponsors are the Sand Bar, Amigo's Café, Moose Lodge, Cedar Bay Marina, Marco Community Bank, Dunn Title, Cathy O'Clarke's Irish Pub & Grille and Royal Palm Bank.

Call Pat Reese at 389-9724 or Bernie Seidman at 642-9594. Applicants must have reached their 55th birthday before Jan. 9.

Men 55 and older are welcome to practices for the 2005 Senior Softball League at 9:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Winterberry Park. Loosen up, practice batting and participate in pickup games.