WOW To Do List: Bounty, Booty, and Boats

DECEMBER

Bounty, Booty, and Boats

The Marco Island Historical Museum is presents “Coastal Trade — Bounty, Booty, And Boats of the Gulf and Glades from Naples to Key West” from artist Paul Arsenault.

The exhibition will be on display from now through March 2, at the Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 South Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. Paul Arsenault’s exhibit includes not only paintings that represent the pioneer days of Southwest Florida’s maritime trading networks, but folk art, posters, and artifacts that relate to this heritage. Information: 239-642-1440 or colliermuseums.com.

JANUARY

Marco Players: ‘Flamingo Court’

The Marco Players embrace the emotions, the humor and the lifestyle of what it’s like to grow older while condo living in South Florida with “Flamingo Court – Life in Three Condos;” on stage Jan. 3 through 21 at the Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island.  Shows are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Attend the first week of the show and automatically be entered in a drawing to win a dinner cruise for two on The Marco Island Princess. Tickets are on sale at TheMarcoPlayers.com or by calling the box office at 239-642-7270. 

Essentrics classes

A full body workout. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3. Be rejuvenated and stay healthy and flexible by stretching and strengthening using your own body. This class will help create a youthful feeling body, relieve pain, unlock tight muscles and joints, increase flexibility and mobility, treat and prevent back pain, strengthen the spine and core, and improve your posture. Cost is $15/class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 until 10 a.m. at Mackle Community Center.

Knights of Columbus Bingo fundraiser

On Thursday, Jan. 4, the Knights of Columbus San Marco Council #6344 will host a Bingo fundraiser in the San Marco Parish Center with the doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the game starting at 7. Bingo will run every Thursday from through April 5.  This event is open to the public and everyone is invited. Information: 239-389-5633 or marcoknights.com.

Griefshare

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one through death? Marco Lutheran Church is offering a Christ Centered support group. This is a DVD led program presented by experts in the field of grief.  They address all aspects of grief and give useful suggestions in coping and recovering from grief. If you know of someone who is experiencing grief, please make them aware of our program.  Beginning Thursday, Jan. 4 (through March 8), the group will meet for 10 weeks, 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., at Marco Lutheran Church, 525 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Information: 239-394-0332.

Birding Basics

From 8 a.m. until noon, Jan. 5, enjoy this fun and informative class with Randy McCormick is designed to help novice birders identify birds. The classroom session explores how to use birds’ plumage, shape, behavior and habitat to recognize various species as well as effective use of binoculars and field guides. Attendees will then practice skills and learn more tricks of the trade during a field trip. Information: rookerybay.org/calendar.

East meets West at Center for the Arts

Marco Island Center for the Arts invites the public to view the countries of Cambodia, India and Vietnam interpreted thru three different mediums – fiber, photography and Raku-fired clay during the month of January. Ancient traditions of people, breathtaking places, iconic images and sacred ceremonies will be illuminated and interpreted by artists Muffy Clark Gill (fiber), Joseph C. Parisi, DVM (photography) and Richard Rosen (Raku-fired clay). The exhibition will be on display in the Lauritzen & Rush Galleries. Marco Island Center for the Arts is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday throught Friday and is located at 010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. There is a suggested $10 donation for non-members.

• Opening reception: “Second Tuesday” is from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Jan. 9. No reservations are required.
• In La Petite Galerie: Artist Vera Ripley’s work will be exhibited.

Lunch & Learn

From noon until 1 p.m., Jan. 9, hear from expert speakers and enjoy a meal during the Lunch & Learn Lecture Series sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council and the Friends of Rookery Bay. Registration fee is $15 (includes lunch).  This month’s lecture is entitled "Marjorie Harris Carr: Defender of Florida's Environment.” The program blends Florida, women’s and environmental history into one story of conservation, given by Peggy MacDonald, author and executive director of the Matheson History Museum in Gainesville. Information: rookerybay.org/calendar.

Florida residency workshops

The Law Offices of William G. Morris, P.A. will conduct a series on the potential benefits of Florida residency including establishing and maintaining Florida residency, taxes and related Issues, homestead exemption, qualifying for in-state tuition rates and creditor protection. As attorney William G. Morris explained, “There’s more to becoming a Florida resident and maintaining that status than living in the state six months and one day out of the year.” These free, one-hour workshops will spotlight those issues and more. Kevin O’Fee of Edward Jones, also on Marco Island will serve as moderator. The sessions are Jan. 10, Feb. 21, March 14 and April 11. The Wednesday sessions will start at 5:30 p.m. at Keller Williams Realty, 830 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. RSVP: Kathy Ansted, 239-394-2412.

Festival of Birds

Formerly known as the Southwest Florida Nature Festival, the Jan. 12-14 event encourages exploration of the local environment through dozens of guided field trips to wildlife hot spots around Southwest Florida and lectures at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. Field trips, including birding walks, buggy rides and boat tours, are offered by 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 and three featured lectures. The Saturday evening Keynote Presentation is by Dr. Ken Meyer with Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI) and is entitled “Data-driven Conservation for Florida’s Imperiled Raptors and Water Birds: 20 Years of Discovery Through ARCI’s Remote Tracking Studies.” Admission is $25 and includes light refreshments. Registration is required. Information: rookerybay.org/calendar.

Birds of the Beach Workshop

From 8 a.m. until noon, Jan. 20: 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.  The classroom session is followed by a field trip to practice identification skills. Information: rookerybay.org/calendar.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

From 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Jan. 22: 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. This class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your camera's shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. 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. Information: rookerybay.org/calendar.

Tales from the Coast

From 6 until 8 p.m., Jan. 24: Join the Friends of Rookery Bay for the first lecture in the 2018 Tales from the Coast lecture series. This month’s featured speaker is David E. Guggenheim, Ph.D., marine scientist, conservation policy specialist, ocean explorer, submarine pilot and educator. Dr. Guggenheim will share his recent coral reef and ocean conservation work in Cuba and the Caribbean. Information: rookerybay.org/calendar.

ONGOING

Marco Island Farmers Market

Every Wednesday through April local southwest Florida vendors will be selling home good items and crafts from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Avenue. Items include: fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, salsa, sauces, fresh flowers, seafood, soaps, and much more.

Youth beginner dance technique

Students ages four through seven will learn basic skills in all areas of dance from 4 to 5 p.m., Mondays, in December, at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. Cost is $60 for the four-week session. Attire: leotard, tights, tap and ballet or jazz shoes. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Youth intermediate dance technique

Students ages eight and older will develop a strong foundation in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance techniques from 5 to 6 p.m., Mondays in December, at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. Cost is $60 for the four-week session. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Teen jazz/tap technique

Students ages 13 and older will develop a strong foundation in tap and jazz dance techniques from 6 to 7 p.m., Mondays in December, at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. Cost is $60 for the four-week session. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Teen lyrical/ballet technique

Students ages 13 and older will develop a strong foundation in tap and jazz dance techniques from 7 to 8 p.m., Mondays in December, at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. Cost is $60 for the four-week session. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Tumbling

Children ages three through six will work on tumbling skills using the floor, spotting blocks and tumbling mats from 5 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays starting Dec. 6, at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. Cost is $10/walk-in or $40 for a punch card. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Future gymnastics stars

Children ages six and older will learn gymnastics within a safe environment from 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays starting Dec. 6, at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Line dancing

Adults ages 18 and older can boot scoot along with Marsha Dickinson as she takes participants through the latest country dance steps from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Tuesdays starting Dec. 6, at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. All levels are invited and cost is $8 per person. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Gentle stretch yoga

This class is designed to increase flexibility, improve strength and enhance balance.  Breathing techniques are used to promote equanimity and each session concludes with a rejuvenating guided relaxation. Classes are from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. Cost is $10 per class or $50 for eight classes. Open to adults ages 18 and older.

Interval Inferno

Interval Inferno is a complete body workout that builds lean muscle and cardiovascular endurance at the same time. The workout includes high intensity interval segments, alternating between cardio, functional movements, and body weight exercises.  Exercises are done for a time period instead of repetitions, giving every person the ability to move through the work period at their own pace. Classes are 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. The classes costs $10 per person and are open to adults ages 18 and older.

Annual painting exhibit at Rookery Bay

The 12th annual painting exhibit is happening now through 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.

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.

ACBL-sanctioned bridge

ACBL-sanctioned bridge at 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Wayne Goodrich, director. Information: Jean or Abe Brown, 239-394-4272.

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.

Mackle Park mah jongg

Mah Jongg is held from m 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. There is a $10 yearly fee. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com

Canasta

Canasta is held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. There is a $10 yearly fee. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com

Island Knitters

A group of knitters meets from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. There is a $10 yearly fee. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com

Duplicate bridge

Bridge is held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Fridays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. There is a $10 yearly fee. Call Gwen at 394-0675 for available spaces.   

Round Robin Tennis

Round Robin Tennis is available at various times and days for men and women at the Greater Marco Family YMCA, 101 Sand Hill Street, Marco Island. Eight clay courts are available. Round Robins are free to Marco YMCA members and $15 for community participants. Players must register to play in Round Robins. Registration or information: 239-394-3144, ext. 224.

For more event listings, navigate to the Entertainment section and click on the WOW To Do List at marconews.com. Calendar items must be emailed to mail@marcoeagle.com and should be submitted at least a week before desired publication.