WOW To Do List: ACS events, Relay For Life
MARCH
JCMI to celebrate passover
The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island announces its 35th Annual Family Passover Seider will be held at the synagogue at 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 30. Passover celebrates the freedom from slavery and the exodus from Egypt, by the Israelites, led by Moses, and the wandering in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the promised land. At the Seider, guests will tell the story of slavery and the exodus by reading from the Haggadah, and the youngest guest will ask the four questions. The Seider will be led by Rabbi Mark Gross and Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobsen. A complete holiday meal will be served at each table with all of the traditional foods. The meal and service is priced at $45 for each JCMI member or $55 for guests or visitors. Call the JCMI office at 239-642-0800 for reservations.
More:3 To Do: Easter weekend approaches
Science Saturday
Science Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., March 31, provide an opportunity for families to spend the day at the Environmental Learning Center enjoying programs, labs and activities centered around a different science theme, on the last Saturday of every month. This month's theme is Critter Photography. Scheduled activities include: Estuary Encounter, Activity Lab, Show & Tell, and Nature on the Silver Screen. Cost is $5 for adults. $3 for children 6 – 12, under 6 is free. Information: rookerybay.org.
APRIL
ACS events, Relay For Life
Mark your calendars now for the Relay For Life of Marco Island. This community event and celebration of life will be held from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 7 at Veterans Community Park, Marco Island. The Relay For Life is a global movement and signature fundraiser of the American Cancer Society that began in 1985. Saxophone sensation Eirinn Abu will perform at the Luminaria Ceremony April 7. The Grammy-nominated artist’s renditions of “Hallelujah,” “Amazing Grace,” and other songs soar above the realm of music, lifting the audience on a spiritual journey of emotion and hope.
Survivor’s Dinner: All cancer survivors, along with their families and caregivers, are invited to attend a Survivor’s Dinner at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 3, at the New Life Community Church, 489 W. Elkcam Circle.
ITC presents ‘Nana's Naughty Knickers’
The Island Theater Company's upcoming comedy “Nana's Naughty Knickers” is written by Katherine DiSavino. The show is about Bridget and her grandmother, who are about to become roommates in Nana's rent controlled Upper East Side New York apartment. However, grandma is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling hand-made naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five-borough area. “Nana's Naughty Knickers” will be performed at the Rose History Auditorium, 180 S. Heathwood, Marco Island. Dates and are April 6-8 and 12-14. Showtimes are at 7:30 with the matinee at 2:30 p.m., April 8 at 2:30. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at theateronmarco.com, at Centennial Bank, 615 Elkcam Circle, at the Gift Shop at the Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood, by calling 239-394-0080, or at the door a half hour prior to the show. Group discounts are available. To reserve seats for a group of 10 or more, please call the Box Office at 239-394-0080 to make your reservations and receive a $2 discount per ticket and reserved seating.
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 next session is April 11, and will start at 5:30 p.m. at Keller Williams Realty, 830 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. RSVP: Kathy Ansted, 239-394-2412.
Violin concert
United Church of Marco Island presents a violin concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 22, featuring Glenn Basham, concert master of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra; accompanied by Jodie DeSalvo, pianist lecturer and performer. The church is located at 320 N Barfield Drive, Marco Island. Information: 239-394-6572 .
ONGOING
Marco Players: ‘A Bench in the Sun’
The Marco Players’ production of “A Bench in the Sun” radiates humor and is full of insight about life’s successes and failures. Longtime comedy writer, Ron Clark’s play is full of charming one-liners about the seasons and sacrifices of one’s life. “Bench” on stage now through March 31 at The Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Shows are 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and 3 p.m., Sundays. 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.
‘Trailblazers: The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail’
The Collier Museum at Government Center will present “Trailblazers: The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail,” a travelling exhibition originally presented by the Coral Gables Museum. This exhibit will explore the Tamiami Trail’s history, culture, devastating impact on the Everglades and plans to mitigate that extensive damage. This multi-media interactive exhibit will feature photographs, historic documents, artifacts and film. Curated by Jon Ullman, the exhibition will be on display until Saturday, April 28 at the Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida. Information: CollierMuseums.com.
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.
Master Gardeners
The Master Gardener Walk-In Plant Clinic has returned to Lowe's, ready again to offer advice and answer all your gardening questions. If you are having trouble with your plants, they can diagnose the problem for you. It could be bugs, fungus or overwatering. It could just be the cold weather. Come and visit. Master Gardeners will be there from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays (through April) waiting to help you. You can find us in the garden area. Master Gardeners have been trained by the University of Florida on many correct horticultural practices and problems. Pruning, fertilizers, bug identification, grass problems, just to name a few. please bring bugs or infected material in a sealed plastic bag. Pictures on your phone or tablet will help in diagnosing. Lowes is located on the corner of 951 (Collier Boulevard) and U.S. 41.
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.
Bingo at the Y
Every Tuesday at 1 p.m. through March 27 in the Youth Development Center, The Greater Marco Family YMCA, 101 Sand Hill Street. Join the only afternoon Bingo on Marco Island. Come and socialize, play and win! Fees: $14 for a small packet; $22 for a large packet. Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks provided. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. Call the Y Membership Desk for more details, 239-394-YMCA (9622).
Knights of Columbus Bingo fundraiser
The Knights of Columbus San Marco Council #6344 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 is every Thursday from through April 5. This event is open to the public and everyone is invited. Information: 239-389-5633 or marcoknights.com.
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.
Free English classes
Free English classes will be held every Tuesday from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m., through March 27, at Marco Presbyterian Church, 875 W. Elkcam Circle, Marco Island. Information: 239-394-8186 or email office@marcochurch.com; visit MarcoChurch.com.
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@marconews.com and should be submitted at least a week before desired publication.