WOW To Do List: Safari Squad, sharks, more

SEPTEMBER

‘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.

More:3 To Do: Coastal Cleanup at Tigertail Beach, more

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. 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). Call 239-642-0800 or contact JCMI via email at tboxma@marcojcmi.com.

Safari Squad – Doc McChinn

From 10 until 11 a.m., Sept. 18, 19 and 22, at the Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. Bring a stuffed animal and a veterinarian will give it a check-up. Safari Squad programs feature an animal encounter, storybook reading, an arts and crafts project, and free-choice play stations, all focused on a new theme each month. For 3-to-5-year-olds. $12 for non-member child/adult pair, $10 for member child/adult pair, $5 per additional child or adult. Register online, napleszoo.org/safarisquad. education@napleszoo.org.  

Moms Appreciation Day

10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Sept. 19, in WINK Playland at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero.  Moms receive a coupon for a free drink and treat from le macaron French pastries while their children have fun at free Kids Crafts. MiromarOutlets.com.

Young Women on the Rise Seminar

9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at Keiser University, 1336 Creekside Blvd., Naples. The free seminar, presented by Swinging With Purpose, is for women of all ages and stages in life. The topics include confidence building, career advice, personal safety, early childhood learning, financial literacy and family health. RSVP. 239-267-4663. info@ourmothershome.com. Ourmothershome.com/events.

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.

Museum Day Live! at the Naples Depot Museum

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Avenue S., Naples. In the spirit of the Smithsonian Museums, which offer free admission every day, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors on Sept. 22, 2018 for free. 239-262-6525. www.colliermuseums.com.

Happy Hour for Hope

Marco Island Meals of Hope’s “Happy Hour for Hope” will be from 5 until 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Joey D’s Italian Restaurant and Bar, 701 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. Live entertainment will be provided by Rosetta Stone as she has done for many years. A 50/50 drawing is always offered. Meals of Hope will also have a cumulative 50/50 drawing to build until the winner is selected at the packaging event on Nov. 17. Marco Meals of Hope is a joint effort of Kiwanis, Noontime Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs. Admission is $20 and everyone is invited. The event includes reduced price drinks, free food and live entertainment. Information: Bill Morris at 239-642-6020 or www.mohmi.org.   

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

Art Classes for qualified middle, high school students

Marco Island Center for the Arts invites interested students to apply to the popular Young Artists Academy. This prominent program offers free art classes for middle and high school students who are talented and are interested in creating art. To be eligible for the program, a student must be in Grades 6-12. Also, grade appropriate home-schooled children can apply.  Applications will not be accepted after Sept. 24. Information: marcoislandart.com.

Improv for Anxiety classes

Saturdays, Sept. 29 through Oct. 2, at The Sugden Community Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. If you suffer from anxiety, join Margot Escott for this six-week Improv for Anxiety class for adults and learn the basic skills improv skills that help decrease feelings of anxiety, in a humorous and playful environment. $150 for six-week session. Scholarships are available. Margotescott.com.  

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.

English classes

6-8 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday at the Pelican Community Center, 5800 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. Free. Themes include: transportation, a day at the beach, summer vacation, Independence Day, etc. Coffee and iced tea will be provided. Information: call/text 239-307-7336.

Healthy living program

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, Zen Center, 1250 U.S. 41 N., Suite 205, Naples. Nora Van Houten will teach a “Sit, Stretch & Restore” yoga class. Drop-in fee is $7. Nora is a registered nurse, certified Kripula yoga and meditation teacher. She specializes in leading active adults safely and effectively to practice physical yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques for integrating body, mind and spirit. Information: noravanh@gmail.com.

Dog’s Night Out

From 6 to 8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month from September to April in the courtyard near Haagen-Dazs at Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. Bring your pet to play and enjoy activities, vendors, exclusive offers and more. Shopcoconutpoint.com. 239-992-9966.

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.

‘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.

Interactive exhibit: ‘I Remember Marco’

The Marco Island Historical Society’s (MIHS) 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.

‘Peter and the Starcatcher’

Oct. 3 through 28, in Blackburn Hall at Sugden Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. $40 for adults, $35 for subscribers. Naplesplayers.org. 239-263-7990.

‘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.

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.

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.

NOVEMBER

Four One-Act Comedies

8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28 through Dec. 16, at the Marco Players theater, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Tickets range $32 to $34. Themarcoplayers.com.

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.