WOW To Do List: Manatees and more

AUGUST

Biker’s Brunch to Benefit Abuse Counseling and Treatment

From 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 26, at HeadPinz Entertainment Center, 14513 Global Parkway, Fort Myers. Event will conclude at Keylime Bistro, 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. $20 includes buffet-style lunch, raffle prizes and more. 239-939-2553.

The Public Relations Society of America Gulf Coast Chapter

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the Naples Hilton, 5111 U.S. 41 N., Naples. Guest speakers Jack W. Wert and JoNell Modys, of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, will discuss “Sports Marketing in Collier County.” They will also provide tips for how public relations professionals can leverage the CVB to enhance their outreach objectives. $30 for PRSA members, $38 for others ($25 for students). RSVP by Aug. 24 at www.gulfcoastprsa.org.

SEPTEMBER

Manatees talk

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Learn what these fascinating creatures are all about and how you can help protect them. RSVP. Regular entrance fees apply. Information: 239-463-4588.

Fishing clinic

At 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park naturalist and learn a variety of tackle and fresh bait rigs, find out the best places to drop a line and learn about the rules and regulations that pertain to game fishing. RSVP. Regular entrance fees apply. Information: 239-463-4588.

Sea turtle program

At 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Learn about the fascinating life-cycle and journeys of the marine turtles that visit Lovers Key each summer. RSVP. Regular entrance fees apply. Information: 239-463-4588.

Leg It for Literacy

At 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Sugden Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. 5K run/walk to benefit literacy in Collier County. $25 for 5K chip timed, $20 for run or walk for exercise and fun, families welcome. Price includes t-shirts for all registrants, hydration stations, medals and refreshments. Proceeds will support Literacy Volunteers of Collier County, a 501 c3 nonprofit teaching English as a second language to adults and families. Collierliteracyvolunteers.org. Information: 239-262-4448.

High Holy Days

All of faith are welcome to join the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island, for High Holiday Services. Erev Rosh Hashanah service is 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9. Rosh Hashanah 5779 service is 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 10.  Yom Kippur - Kol Nidrei service is at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18. Yom Kippur services at 10 a.m. (including Yizkor) and 3:30 p.m. (with Ne’ilah). The charge for all guests is $100 per person for the High Holy Days Services (Rosh haShanah and/or Yom Kippur). Call 239-642-0800 or contact JCMI via email at tboxma@marcojcmi.com. Non-members who reside in the greater Marco Island area have the opportunity of joining our synagogue and having their High Holy Day fees applied against their first year of annual dues.

Advanced panning – Getting your affairs in order

From 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at the South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples. Experts from the legal, medical, financial, and real estate professions will help attendees get a better perspective on advanced panning. Free. 239-687-3156.

‘Sensational Sharks’

At 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Discover why sharks, which are often feared, are an incredible group of animals which are commonly misunderstood. Explore why they’re important to our ecosystem and learn what you can do to help protect them. RSVP. Regular entrance fees apply. Information: 239-463-4588.

Disney On Ice: ‘Mickey’s Search Party’

Sept. 21 through 23 at Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Help Mickey Mouse and his friends follow Captain Hook’s treasure map and look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell in immersive, fantastic worlds. Tickets start at $20. Information: Disneyonice.com.

Naples Women’s Leadership Summit

From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 through 29, at Hodges University, 2647 Professional Circle, Naples. The League of Courageous Women, in partnership with Hodges University, is inviting women to attend the First Annual Women’s Leadership Summit, an event intended to help young women develop the critical life skills of confidence, goal setting, leadership and mentorship. Opening dinner Friday, Sept. 28, with a keynote presentation and team building exercises. The Summit will begin Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 a.m. starting with breakfast and leading into a full agenda of speakers, break-out sessions and socials. Boxed lunches will be provided. Tickets range $75 to $149. Information: Leagueofcourageouswomen.com.

National Estuaries Day Rookery Bay 40th anniversary event

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. This annual event includes staff-narrated boat tours introductory 30-minute kayaking trips and stand-up paddle boarding demos on Henderson Creek, Estuary Encounter interactive marine life exhibit, kids' crafts, Junior Scientist activities, behind-the-scenes tours of the science labs, films, a food truck and more. Free. VIP passes available, skip lines and get front-row seating, $25. Information: Rookerybay.org/calendar. 239-530-5940.

ONGOING

Daytime Pickle Ball is back at the Marco YMCA

The daytime pickle ball courts are now available. Players can enjoy the advanced round robins on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and those who are beginners or intermediates can play on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Time frame for all is 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. The program is free to members and only $15 for others. Instructional clinics are slated to begin in October 2018. www.marcoymca.org.

Power It Up: The Energy of Art

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Aug. 28, at Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. This “Call to Artists” show is full of artistic possibilities, interpretations and potentials. The following artists will exhibit: Hope Atwood Dayhoff, July Chinski, Ginny Mueller, Betty Newman, Joe Parisi, Vera Ripley, Jo-Ann Sanborn and Karen Swanker. Suggested $10 donation for non-members. Information: 239-294-4221; marcoislandart.org.

La Petite Galerie: The artist showcased in the La Petite Galerie, Martha Fort, is a muralist of hand-carved wooden carousels that are installed all over the world.

Summer foreign film series by Renaissance Academy

At 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 23, at the FGCU Naples Center, 1010 Fifth Avenue S., Naples. $8. Tickets: 239-434-4737 or fgcu.edu/racademy.

Baseball signups

Gulf Coast Little League fall baseball signups are now open for Marco Island and Naples children aged 4-13.  Season runs from Sept. 17 until Nov. 16. Practice and play is in East Naples and Marco Island. Kids and parent volunteers can sign-up at www.gulfcoastll.com.

Local author book fair

Applications from authors this month! The Collier County Public Library and the Friends of the Library of Collier County announce a local author book fair from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10.  The event will be held at the Collier County South Regional Library. It’s an opportunity for local authors and community readers to come together. All authors who are edited and published and wish to participate should submit an application between now and August 31. The application form and eligibility requirements can be obtained by visiting collier-friends.org.

Naples Zoo August first responder’s appreciation month

Through Aug. 31 at the Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. In appreciation of the police, sheriffs, paramedics, firefighters, and TSA agents who help keep everyone safe, Naples Zoo is once again offering FREE admission to active and retired professional emergency workers. Guests with first responder will receive $2 off admission. A workplace ID must be presented at admission. Napleszoo.org.

‘The Lure of Florida Fishing’

Through Sept. 29 in the Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 U.S. 41 E., Naples. Exhibit celebrates the history of Florida sport fishing. Information: 239-252-8476.

Your Choice 2018 Exhibition

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Sept. 19, at the Naples Art Association in the Frederick O. Watson, Elizabeth & William Barrick, John H. & Lucile Harris, and Minnesota Lobby Galleries, 585 Park St., Naples. Free. Information: Naplesart.org/call-for-artists.

Interactive exhibit: ‘I Remember Marco’

The Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) announces a new interactive exhibit, “I Remember Marco,” at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The exhibit is open to the public until Oct. 4, and admission is free. Visitors are invited to share stories and recollections about Marco Island and its history by participating in photo opportunities to share via social media, interactive question stations, and recording responses to the exhibit’s memory-inspiring Marco Island artifacts and images. Prizes will be awarded to selected participants.  The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive, and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the site is handicapped accessible. For general information visit www.themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.

Group show: Resident artists

Through Nov. 5 at Rosen Gallery & Studios, Naples Art District, North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd., Naples. Features recent works in collage, mixed media, painting and sculpture from  Rosita Gilsenan, Tracy Magen Rosen and Richard Rosen. Free. Information: 239-821-1061.

Parallel Harmonies: Art and Nature

This collection of work by Cesar Aguilera, Paul Arsenault, Juan Diaz, and Katia Miranda celebrates the relationship between the artist and the natural world that inspires him or her. Through Oct. 31 at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Closing reception: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26.

Group show: Resident artists

Through Nov. 5 at Rosen Gallery & Studios, Naples Art District, North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd., Naples. Features recent works in collage, mixed media, painting and sculpture from Rosita Gilsenan, Tracy Magen Rosen and Richard Rosen. Free. Information: 239-821-1061.

Christian Motorcyclists Association

At 11 a.m. the second Saturday of every month in the upstairs meeting room at the Naples Harley Davidson, 3645 Gateway Lane, Naples. All are welcome to monthly meeting and rides 239-267-9070; CMAser6.org/FL/SouthernServants.

Ten Thousand Island Waverunner Guided Excursions

Daily Tours at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Marco Island Watersports, with three locations, JW Marriott Marco Island, Hilton Marco Island and Marriott’s Crystal Shores Marco Island. 90-minute tours. Experience the native wildlife that resides in the mangrove forests while expert tour guides teach about the nature and geography of the region. $225 plus tax, singles or doubles. Check in a half-hour before departure. 239-642-2359.

Kid’s dolphin watch, sightseeing cruise

At 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 $39 per person. Information: 239-494-5595.

Summer Foreign Film Series by Renaissance Academy

At 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 23, at the FGCU Naples Center, 1010 Fifth Avenue S., Naples. $8. Tickets: 239-434-4737 or fgcu.edu/racademy.

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.

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.

OCTOBER

Reflections on Glass: Fräbel in the Garden

Oct. 1 through March 31 at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. This whimsical show brings a collection of glass sculptures and installations by flamework glass artist Hans Godo Fräbel to meet the Garden. Included with regular admission. One-of-a-kind pieces of Fräbel glass will be available for purchase in the Berger Shop in the Garden. Information: 239-315-7289; SGeroy@naplesgarden.org.

Southwest Florida Autism Speaks Walk

From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 6, at Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. Autism Speaks Southwest Florida hosts their annual Walk at Estero Community Park, Estero. Autism Speaks Walk is the world’s largest autism fundraising event dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism. 561-465-0054. Information: Melissa.dinuzzo@autismspeaks.org.

SWFL Pride Fest in Fort Myers

From noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. SWFL Pride is a family friendly event that will feature the vendor market, service organizations, local and national community organizations, social organizations, area non-profits, supportive religious organizations, games, activities, live music, shopping, food and drinks. Free. Information: Prideswfl.com. info@prideswfl.org.

‘Boating Skills & Seamanship’

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is holding a summer session of our safe boating course ‘Boating Skills & Seamanship’ starting Oct. 8. The session is a four-week course which is held on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7 until 9:30 p.m. Participants get educated on many boating topics and get a 400-page boating text. The sessions include navigation, rules of the road, weather, handling your Boat, etc. Information: Joe Riccio, cgauxcourses@gmail.com or 239-384-7416.

Marco boat show

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, Oct. 12 to 14, Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. The Marco Boat is the largest premier in-water recreational show in the Naples-Marco Island area. The show will feature displays by Marinas, Boat dealers, and other marine related businesses. One-Day admission: $5. Children 10 and under are free with a paying adult. Information: marcoboatshow.com.

Corkscrew Swamptober Fest

From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road W., Naples. Experience the Corkscrew boardwalk in the evening light and participate in educational programs and interpretive exhibits during Corkscrew’s After Hours nights when the Sanctuary’s Blair Audubon Center and 2.25 mile boardwalk stay open until 9 p.m. $14 adult admission for all-day admission and after-hours event. Information: corkscrew.audubon.org/programs/corkscrew-after-hours.

Scarecrows in the Park

Oct. 12 through 28 at Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolous Drive, Fort Myers. Local businesses, community members, organizations, schools and youth groups can join the contest fun by fashioning custom-made scarecrows to be displayed at Lakes Park during the festival. Proceeds will benefit the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories by a team of celebrity judges at the Scarecrows VIP Party on Saturday, Oct. 13. Fall Festival attendees will vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice competition. People’s Choice winners will be announced the last week of the Festival. Information: info@lakespark.org.

Taco Fest Bonita Springs

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. the 93X Taco Fest will feature local food vendors serving tacos with pricing starting at $2 along with live entertainment and an all-you-can-play kid's area featuring inflatables, crafts and games. Liquor proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County. $10 for ages 4 and older, free for children ages 3 and younger.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ outdoor movie

From 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples. Free. Please bring your own seating including chairs or blankets. All are welcome to attend including well-behaved pets. Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Bar will have popcorn, food and drinks available for purchase on the lawn. Please no coolers. Information: Mercato.com.

Naples Boo at the Zoo

Friday through Sunday, Oct. 19 to 21, at the Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Naples. This family event features trick-or-treating, education stations, a game garden and a costume contest with three categories with prizes each day. The highlight of this event is watching rare animals going wild “carving” pumpkins and other treats with tooth, horn and claw. Costume contests will be held every day at 1 p.m. Information: napleszoo.org/visitor-information.

Naples Family Halloween event

From 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. Come in your best Halloween costume and walk through Halloween-themed rooms, enjoy Halloween music, arts and crafts and candy. Bring a trick-or-treat bag. Information: 239-252-4180.

Drive for Hope Golf Tournament

At 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Vineyard’s Country Club, 400 Vineyards Blvd., Naples.  Players will enjoy a continental breakfast and silent auction before a 9 a.m. shotgun start. $250 per player includes 18 holes of golf, cart fees and awards luncheon. Proceeds from the Drive for Hope Golf Tournament will help Place of Hope in Haiti provide critical medical care, shelter and a quality education complete with vocational training to help the children achieve their highest potential. RSVP. Information: PlaceofHopeinHaiti.org.

Mangrove trimming and regulations

At 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. This half day course will provide landscape professionals with knowledge and skills related to mangrove maintenance, and will consist of a combination of demonstrations, hands-on learning, discussion and lecture. Rookerybay.org/calendar. Information: 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.