WOW To Do List: Fakahatchee tram tours
OCTOBER
Left Bank Art Fest
New location for the fall shows, the Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Drive. Shows are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29, Nov. 12 and Dec. 3. Free to the public. Photography, painting, stone, bronze, jewelry and more with food vendors. Information: 239-537-5921.
NOVEMBER
Post-IRMA conditions on Marco waterways
At 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAux), Flotilla 95, Marco Island, will conduct a seminar on “Post-IRMA Conditions on the Marco Waterways.” The seminar will be held at the Rose Hall, Marco Island Public Library, 210 South Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. The seminar lasts approximately 90 minutes. Learn first-hand how the destructive winds and tidal surge of Hurricane Irma affected and altered the waters and which Aids to Navigation (AToNs) in and around Marco Island were damaged or destroyed on that memorable day. Obtain valuable local knowledge of the current conditions before you head out for your next boating experience. No pre-registration is required and all are welcome to attend. Information: 239-394-5911 or USCGAuxMarco.org.
Homeschool Day at Rookery Bay
Homeschool Day at Rookery Bay is 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1. Homeschool students will use microscopes to view and identify different types of plankton and will learn about the key roles they play at the base of our estuarine ecosystems. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Juried exhibition
The Marco Island Historical Museum presents “Florida Artists Group, Inc. Juried Exhibition.” The exhibition will be on display from now until Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 South Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. “Florida Artists Group, Inc. Juried Exhibition” features Southwest Florida artists whose work has attained national or state-wide recognition. The works included in this show range from acrylic paintings, etchings, mixed media to sculptures. A reception will be held from 4 until 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, and is open to the public. Information: 239-642-1440 or colliermuseums.com.
Fakahatchee tram tour
The Friends of Fakahatchee will kick off their fall season of adventures with a moonlit tram tour of the park at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3. The two-hour naturalist-led tour is on the “Ghost Rider” tram, named in honor of the famous Ghost Orchid found in the park. The tours starts as the sun is setting, prime time for photography and spotting the park's mammals and birds settling in for the evening.
The 24-passenger tram is high and dry and provides an excellent platform for viewing park features illuminated by moonlight. City-dwellers will be amazed at how their vision changes as their eyes adapt to the light the moon provides. An experienced naturalist leads each tram tour and will demonstrate communication with denizens of the night, including fireflies, bats and owls. The tram leaves from the ranger station at 137 Coastline Drive, Copeland, off Janes Scenic Drive, Janes Scenic drive is only accessible via SR 29 (between I-75 and US 41). Information: orchidswamp.org.
Breakfast and Birds: ‘Magnificent Migraters’
Friends of Tigertail will host its 13th ‘Breakfast and Birds’ from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at Tigertail Beach. Bring your own breakfast and meet other interested birders to learn about the amazing birds which travel every year from their summer nesting grounds to their winter homes here on Marco. Binoculars are recommended. Birding ID cards, hats, and T shirts will be available. FOT memberships are tax deductible and benefit our scholarship program. This is a free program. Parking is free with a Collier County Beach Parking sticker. No reservations necessary.
Shred Party
Collier County Honor Flight is the beneficiary for the next shred party, slated for 9 a.m. until noon, Saturday, Nov. 4 at Iberia Bank Marco Island. There is a limit of 10 boxes/bags of paper to be shredded and the $3 per box/bag collected goes to Honor Flight.
Treasures in the Trunk sale
On Saturday, Nov. 4, the San Marco Columbiettes will host a Treasures in the Trunk Sale Fundraiser from 8 a.m. until noon in the parking lot of the San Marco Church Parish Center. Vendors must be set up by 7:30 a.m. Don't miss this opportunity to sell your new, used or antique treasures from the trunk of your vehicle. The cost will be $20 per vehicle parking spot and $10 additional if you wish to rent a table to place at the rear of your vehicle. Vendors may purchase more than one spot if they wish to do so. All merchandise not sold must be removed by the vendor. Refreshments and home baked items will be available for purchase; 50/50 drawing will take place at 11 a.m. You do not need to be present for drawing. Information: Anne Batte, 239-394-3563; Mary Cay Moll, 239-394-1016; or Barbara DeRosa, 239-272-0158.
3rd Annual Marco Craft Beer and Fine Food Festival
From 1 until 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Esplanade, Marco Island. Six Florida brewers will be providing more than 15 craft beers along with food pairings from local restaurants specifically created to match selected brews. Admission: $50. Tickets on sale now. Information: marcoislandchamber.org.
Marianne Oehler exhibit
Marco Island Center for the Arts invites the public to view the work of Swiss artist Marianne Oehler. While working as a primary school teacher, the seeds of Oehler’s artistic career started when she took a porcelain painting class. In 2010, Oehler was in a serious car accident and injured her right arm so badly that she had to do everything with her left hand. Initially thought of as therapy, Oehler began to paint in acrylics and watercolors with her non-dominant hand. She decided in 2014 to open her own studio. Her work is on display from Nov. 6 through 28; 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m., Saturday (through Nov. 18). The opening reception called “Second Tuesday” is from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Nov. 14. No reservations are required. There is a suggested $10 donation for non-members.
In La Petite Galerie: Marco Island Academy will be on display.
Painting Annual Exhibit at Rookery Bay
From Nov. 6 until Feb. 1 and is hosted by the Friends of Rookery Bay and the United Arts Council of Collier County, this year’s exhibit will be juried by Morgan Paine, painting professor at Florida Gulf Coast University. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Patriot’s event: Fun, food and fashion
A benefit is being held for the Marco Patriots at 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, at the Hilton Marco Island. Tickets are $20 (at the door; cash only) and there will be a cash bar, with two-for-one drinks. Even though part of the show is fashion, the event is not for women only. Gentlemen are encouraged to attend.
Veterans Day ceremony
“Welcome Home to Korean War-era Veterans” will be the theme of the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Community Park, which will be sponsored by American Legion Post 404 and the City of Marco Island. Set for 11 a.m., Nov. 11, the ceremony honoring America’s service men and women will include a special tribute to Korean War-era veterans highlighted by a special City of Marco Island proclamation recognizing all Korean War-era veterans. The ceremony will again be a blended affair involving all four of the island’s military organizations: American Legion Post 404, VFW Post 6370, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla #95 and Marco Island’s Civil Air Patrol squadron.
Birds of the Beach workshop at Rookery Bay
From 8 until 10 a.m., Nov. 11. In this class, Adam DiNuovo of Audubon Florida will discuss the life history of these birds and the amazing journeys many of them make annually. Classroom session followed by field trip to practice identification skills. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Exhibit with the Friends of Rookery Bay
Every year the United Arts Council of Collier County (UAC) and the Friends of Rookery Bay (FORB) put on their Annual Juried Painting Exhibit showcasing some of your favorite local artists as well as local up-and-comers. For art appreciators, the opening reception that will be held from 5:30-7 p.m., Nov. 11.
Essentials of Digital Photography at Rookery Bay
If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understanding your camera’s features, the “Essentials of Digital Photography: How to get the most from your digital camera” workshop is for you. The workshop is from 9 until 11:30 a.m., Nov. 13. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Latin Jazz Trumpeter Fernando Ferrarone
Marco Island Center for the Arts presents award winner and Grammy jazz trumpeter and alto saxophonist Fernando Ferrarone from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, in the Lauritzen & Rush Galleries.The ticket price is $25 for members of the Marco Island Center for the Arts and $30 for non-members. To reserve your seat, call the Art Center at 239-394-4221 or visit marcoislandart.org/musicalinterludes.
Lunch with Friends
Facilitated monthly by Our Daily Bread Food Pantry and Togetherhood Projects at the Greater Family YMCA of Marco Island on the third Thursday of each month. Gather at 11 a.m. for lunch provided by various Marco Island restaurants. All adults over 60 in Marco, Goodland and Isles of Capri are welcome. Need a ride and RSVP by calling Nancy at 706-566-8532. At Greater Marco Y on Nov. 16, Dec. 14.
Lunch & Learn at Rookery Bay
Hear from expert speakers and enjoy a meal during the Lunch & Learn Lecture Series. Registration fee is $15 (includes lunch). Friends of Rookery Bay members receive a 10-percent discount. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. This month’s lecture is with Rick Smith (Patrick D. Smith, Jr.), creator and host of "Patrick Smith’s Florida Is a Land Remembered," with stories and excerpts from his father’s book. The event is from noon until 1 p.m., Nov. 21. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Friends of Rookery Bay Adventure Race and Fun Run
Enjoy a 3k kayak along Henderson Creek and a 5k trail run at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center to benefit the Friends of Rookery Bay from 9 until 10:30 a.m., Nov. 25. All participants will receive a t-shirt, giveaways, post-race refreshments, and free admission to the Environmental Learning Center. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in each category: men, women, relays, tandem-teams, surf-skis. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
ONGOING
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with special “Science Saturdays” on the last Saturday of every month. Enjoy the two-story visitor center, art gallery, gift shop, nature trail with viewing platform and more. Themed naturalist programs are offered daily on topics such as manatees, sharks, sea turtles, Estuary Encounter marine life exhibit and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6-12, and free for kids under 6 and Friends of Rookery Bay members. Located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US41 and Collier Boulevard. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Guided boat and kayak tours
Two-hour guided kayak tours let you explore backwater bays and mangrove tunnels while learning about your surroundings from an experienced guide and naturalist. Tours provide opportunities to see wildlife such as wading birds, osprey, fish and dolphins. Tours include free admission to the Environmental Learning Center on day of trip and proceeds support the non-profit Friends of Rookery Bay, Inc. Kayak and boat tours are offered Tuesdays through Fridays from November through April. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Art at the Marco Library
The Marco Island Public Library and the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts (MIFA) work cooperatively to provide monthly art shows at the Marco Island Library branch on Heathwood Drive. From now through November the work of Marco Island artist Karen Swanker will be both exhibited and for sale. Creating with “Found Objects” is defined by Wikipedia as: “originating from the French objet trouvé, describing art created from undisguised, but often modified, objects or products that are not normally considered materials from which art is made.” Swanker’s found objects are picked up off the ground around Marco Island in parking lots and side streets. While walking or biking, she picks up bits of metal, plastic or paper and paints them either in a monochromatic scheme or with a three-color metallic paint. Interested buyers can pick up her business card at the library and contact the artist with any questions or visit karens.fineartstudioonline.com.
Road Trips and Big Adventures
Marco Island Center for the Arts invites the public to experience the visual travel log of the artists from the current exhibition called “Oh the Places You Have Been” from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through Oct. 31. This judged exhibition is taking place in the Lauritzen and Rush galleries.
In the La Petite Gallery: Artist Barry Howe displays his photographs of stadiums throughout the country. His photographs include Major League Ballparks, as well as college and pro football stadiums. If you have a favorite home stadium there may be a photo of it in the La Petite Galerie. Information: marcoislandart.org.
Monday Night Bingo
Monday Night Bingo is back at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bonanza is posted at 6:15 and the game is called at 7. The Bingo Committee serves a complimentary supper of a kosher hot dog on a special roll, sauerkraut, relish, pickles, chips, fruit, coffee, tea, ice cream and pastries. Gift certificates are available, perfect for all occasions. The game is open to the public. Information: 239-642-0880.
Marco Players seeks volunteers
The Marco Players theater group seeking volunteers for our 2017-2018 production season. Positions include
director, stage manager, backstage manager, stage hand, designer/master carpenter, actors, costume designer, lighting and sound booth technicians, costume dress assistants, and many other areas, and we can always use help in script reading and helping our actor volunteers memorize their lines and cues. The Marco Players theater group is the oldest non-profit community theater on Marco Island. Information: themarcoplayers.com.
JCMI mah jongg
Mah Jongg every Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Reserve spot by calling Shirley at 239-389-7872.
Marco/Naples Lupus Support Group
Meetings on the third Saturday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Physicians Regional Medical Center, Palm Dining Room, 8300 Collier Blvd., Naples. Meeting are open to Lupus patients, families, care givers and interested people. Information: Marilyn 398-4800 or Jan 389-2749.
DECEMBER
Festival of Birds
Festival of Birds registration opens Dec. 1. Mark your calendar for field trips and lectures during the Festival of Birds, Jan. 12-14. Formerly known as the Southwest Florida Nature Festival, this event still invites you to explore the local environment through almost 40 guided field trips to 20 wildlife hot spots around Southwest Florida and lectures at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. This year we have a new emphasis on birds. Field trips, including birding walks, buggy rides and boat tours, are still being offered in conjunction with local partners. Field trip prices range from $20 - $140, and registration is required. This year, field trip registration includes admission to the Environmental Learning Center on Saturday. A special keynote presentation and fundraiser reception is planned for Jan. 13. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Birds of the Beach workshop
Birds of the Beach workshop I from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., Dec. 9. In this class, Adam DiNuovo of Audubon Florida will discuss the life history of these birds and the amazing journeys many of them make annually. Classroom session followed by field trip to practice identification skills. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Essentials of Digital Photography
If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understand your camera’s features, the “Essentials of Digital Photography: How to get the most from your digital camera workshop” is for you. The workshop is from 9 until 11:30 a.m., Dec. 11. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Lunch & Learn
Hear from expert speakers and enjoy a meal during the Lunch & Learn Lecture Series from noon until 1 pm., Dec. 12. Registration fee is $15 (includes lunch). Friends of Rookery Bay members receive a 10-percent discount. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. This month’s lecture is with Gary Mormino, scholar in residence at the Florida Humanities Council and a professor emeritus of history, who will present The Florida Dream, with stories and historical information about Florida’s tremendous growth spurt following WWII. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Calendar items must be submitted to mail@marcoeagle.com.