WOW To Do List: ‘Stay in May’ visits Marco

MAY

Comedy Night at TNP

8 p.m. Friday, May 4, in the Tobye Studio at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. The Naples Players improv group presents a monthly Comedy Night with games and scenes that include suggestions provided by the audience. General admission, $20. Students and educators, $10. Naplesplayers.org or 239-263-7990.

More:3 To Do: Taste of Collier, one final Bingo, more

Taste of Collier

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Bayfront, 1221 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Event will feature live music by area musicians, cooking demonstrations by local chefs, samples by local restaurants in Collier County and other family friendly activities. $5 per person includes access to live entertainment and cooking demonstrations, children 10 and under are free. Food and beverage tickets can be purchased separately at tasteofcollier.com or on-site at the event.  

Gift Gallery Sale

There will be a Gift Gallery Sale from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, and features an innovative mix of handcrafted and artful, cutting-edge one of a kind items by local and regional artists. Part of the proceeds from the purchase of a handcrafted item supports the artist that created the piece, as well as the Art Center. In all cases, your purchases are supporting and endorsing the arts. The Gift Gallery maintains a popular selection of unique house wares, jewelry, accessories, greeting cards, toys, ceramics, original art, books and more. Shop Local. Inventory is changed frequently. Marco Island Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive just off of Collier Boulevard.  Contact the Art Center at 239-394-4221 or online at www.marcoislandart.org.

‘Stay in May’ visits Marco

“Big Band Meets Art Deco” at 7 p.m., May 9, in the Rose Auditorium, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. The evening is a trip through time to a party with beverages and bites while the Naples Big Band creates the ambience of the 1930s and ’40s. Artist Malenda Trick demonstrates her Art Deco style of painting, creating a work during the evening which is in partnership with the Marco Island Historical society. Information: 239-390-2788 or stayinmay.com. Tickets: 888-613-8488. Visit marconews.com to see a full rundown of events.

Naples Blues Brews and BBQ

4 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 11, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. This event features live music, craft beer, BBQ, blue crabs, vendors and children activities. Food and beverages available for purchase. Naplesbluesbbq.com.
 

6th Annual Rib Cook-Off

The Marco Police Foundation will be having their 6th Annual Rib Cook-Off from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday, May 12 at the Marco Island Brewery, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. There will be food, fun, music, raffles and each ticket includes a fully served meal. The MPF supports the Marco Island Police Department. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the foundation.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

From 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., May 14, 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. Cost is $55. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and is 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. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

Breakfast with the Birds: Connecting the Globe through Bird Migration

Learn about birds at this summer lecture series. Adam DiNuovo has been working with shorebirds and seabirds across the U.S. and beyond for more than 15 years. He is currently the Shorebird Stewardship Program Manager for Audubon Florida. Cost is $15.  May 15: Doors open at 9 a.m. Lecture begins at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy pastries, coffee and juice. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and is 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. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

Alex Weitz Jazz Ensemble

The Marco Island Center for the Arts presents saxophonist and composer Alex Weitz and his jazz ensemble for the first time on Marco Island. The concert will take place on Thursday, May 17, from 5:30 until 7 p.m., in the Art Center. Alex Weitz began his career in Arizona as a member of the award-winning Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Band. Here he received his foundation in swing and the classic repertoire of Count Basie. While in school he was a member of the Henry Mancini Institute Jazz Septet under famed trumpeter Terence Blanchard. Mr. Weitz has been recognized by DownBeat and ASCAP as an outstanding young soloist and jazz composer. He is a graduate of the prestigious University of Miami Frost School of Music. The ticket price is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Call the Art Center at 239-394-4221 or visit www.marcoislandart.org/musicalinterludes.

Upcoming Musical Interludes for June and July: All concerts from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Enjoy a musical cabaret evening with singer Abby Yetter on June 14. Jazz returns on July 18 with the Brennen Yetter Jazz Trio bringing a fresh take to an old art form.

Ready, Set, Wear It! Life jacket event

Marco Island Commanders Group, supporting the National Safe Boating Council, will host the ninth annual Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket Event on May 19. This one-day event is part of the North American Safe Boating Campaign – simply known as Wear It! – a yearlong effort which brings together boating safety partners across the U.S. to promote safe and responsible boating, including voluntary, consistent wear of life jackets. To make this event a success, we need your help. Prepare to participate in the boating safety awareness event of the year. As a kickoff for this year’s National Safe Boating Week (May 19–25, 2018), Wear your life jacket and come to Marco Island Yacht Club, 1400 N Collier Blvd., Marco Island, by 9:30 a.m., May 19. We will be taking a picture to demonstrate our support to safe boating with other sites around the world.

ONGOING

‘Four One-Act Comedies’

The Marco Players wrap up this season with “Four One-Act Comedies” by Bruce Kane. A producer and writer and known for light entertainment, Bruce Kane was an executive producer at ABC TV for more than 10 years and was the driving force behind some of the most iconic and successful programs. “Four One-Act Comedies” is on stage through May 13 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. Tickets are $28 or $30 each and are on sale at www.TheMarcoPlayers.com or by calling the box office at 239-642-7270. 

Learn to Play Chess

The Marco Library is launching “Learn to Play Chess.” The program is offered free at in Rose Hall from 10 until 11 a.m., Saturdays. The instructors are Wade Keller and some members of the local club Chess K-12. Information: Library, 394-3272 or Wade Keller, 389-2525.

Kid’s dolphin watch sightseeing cruise

10 a.m. Saturdays, Pure Florida Naples at Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. The 1.5-hour children’s cruise provides an entertaining environment for young ones to learn about the Southwest Florida environment and to observe the variety of wildlife present on the waters, such as dolphins, pelicans, eagles and many other animals. While registration for the children’s cruise is free for youth 12-years-old and younger, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Adult tickets are $35 per person. 239-494-5595.

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.

Lupus support

The Marco/Naples lupus support group meets the third Saturday of each month at Physicians Regional Medical Center, 8300 Collier Blvd, Naples. Meetings are held from 10:30 a.m. until noon in the Palm Dining Room.  Open to all patients, families and interested parties. Learn to live and cope with Lupus, get current information. Contact Marilyn, 239-398-4800 or Jan, 239-389-2749

Essentrics classes

A full body workout. 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.

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.

Meditation and mindfulness

At 10 a.m., Wednesdays, at the Mackle Park Community Center. Information: 239-642-0575.  

JUNE

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Environmental Summer Camps

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekly, June 11 through Aug. 3, at the Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. The Conservancy offers three types of camps throughout the summer for children completing kindergarten through sixth grade, and a separate Junior Naturalist program for students finishing grades seven through nine. $255-$285 per week for Conservancy Members, $305-$335 for non-members. Info: conservancy.org/summer camp or 239-262-0304 ext. 266.

Kids Free Friday: Mammals

From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., June 15, in celebration of the Reserve’s 40th anniversary, this popular summer education program provides free admission with programming geared towards children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by an adult. We recommend a ratio of no more than 3 kids per adult to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and is 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. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

JULY

Kids Free Fridays: Mammals

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. In celebration of the Reserve’s 40th anniversary, this summer education program provides free admission with programming geared towards children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by an adult. 239-530-5940.

Kids Free Fridays: Birds

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 20, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. In celebration of the Reserve’s 40th anniversary, this summer education program provides free admission with programming geared towards children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by an adult. 239-530-5940.

Kids Free Fridays: Reptiles

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. In celebration of the Reserve’s 40th anniversary, this summer education program provides free admission with programming geared towards children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by an adult. 239-530-5940.

AUGUST

Kids Free Fridays: Fish

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. In celebration of the Reserve’s 40th anniversary, this summer education program provides free admission with programming geared towards children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by an adult. 239-530-5940.

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.