WOW To Do List: Florida Songs Jamboree, student exhibits, more

APRIL

Student exhibits

Marco Island Center for the Arts invites the public to view the artwork of Collier County high school students that are competing for prize money for themselves and their schools. This themed exhibition will run from  through April 26, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibition will be on display in the Lauritzen & Rush Galleries. The closing reception will be held at 5:45 p.m., Friday, April 26. The awards ceremony will take place at 6.

In the La Petite Galerie: “Teen Noir” is being presented by the Marco Island Academy students. Rob Eder’s photography students were asked to create pictures as if they were “stills” from the 1950s film noir movies.

More:3 To Do: Arts Extravaganza, 'Hope' hour, more

Senior softball

The Marco Island Senior Softball League has resumed play at Winterberry Park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Pick-up games are scheduled each of those days at 10:15 a.m. Anybody interested in a friendly game of softball can participate, with all skill levels welcomed. While the minimum age for regular league games is 55, age limits are not strictly enforced for pick-up games.  Information: 239-642-2930.

Smoke on the Water Barbecue Competition and Music Festival

Friday and Saturday, April 26 through 27, at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. This Florida Barbecue Associate sanctioned event features barbecue, live music and family activities. Sbdac.com. 239-333-1933.

Florida Songs Jamboree at Margood Harbor

J. Robert’s Florida Songs Jamboree is back and preparing a 2019 winter series at the Margood Harbor Theater. The show is a music presentation featuring songwriters who have composed and recorded original Florida music. Each and every last Friday evening of the month, songwriters will take the stage to share tales and original music ranging in style from Americana and old timey music to heritage blues and southern rock, as well as trop rock and Caribbean jazz. J. Robert will set the tone of his stage with original Florida songs. Then, he will introduce the evening’s special guest artist. Q & A with the audience will be followed by a Goodland style songwriter jam with other recognized writers attending that evening. During the shows, musicians will share personal stories about Florida heritage and inspiration for their songwriting and musical talents. From 6:30 until 9 p.m., April 26, May 31 and June 28. Margood Harbor Theater is located at 321 Pear Tree Ave, Goodland. Limited seating: RSVP to JRobert@JRobert.net.

Taste of Marco

The 29th Annual Taste of Marco is from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday, April 28, at the Esplanade, 760 North Collier Blvd., Marco island. Over 13 of the area’s finest restaurants will be serving up tasty treats and competing for various food awards. Entertainment includes vocalist Marco Kircher performing from 11 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. and “The Ben Allen Band” from 12:30 until 4:45 p.m. Food and drink tickets are sold in $1 increments and the entrance fee is $8 per person or $15 for two people; kids are free with paid adult admission. Taste of Marco is presented by The Greater Marco Family YMCA as an annual fundraising event. Information: marcoymca.org.

MAY

Kentucky Derby Party

From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at 2240 Venetian Court, Naples. Event includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvre, silent auction and prizes for best derby hat.  $25. Proceeds will benefit Valbridge Women’s Council Scholarship Fund and CREW Naples/Fort Myers. Information: Crewsswfl.com.  

Seacrest art exhibit

May 6 through Aug. 8, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free with regular admission. Rookery Bay Research Reserve partner Seacrest Country Day School will display student art featuring the theme “Water” in the Environmental Learning Center Gallery. Information:  Rookerybay.org.

Hurricane preparedness seminar

Hurricane season is just around the corner. Now is the time to prepare. America’s Boating Club-Marco Island will conduct a hurricane preparedness seminar from 6 until 8 p.m., May 9, at the club’s learning center, 1114 Collier Boulevard, Marco Island. Marco Island boaters are invited to register. The seminar will be taught by past club commander Rhonda Gloodt and America’s Boating Club District 22 commander Ted Reiss. To register contact First Lieutenant John Maciolek, at either jlmmaciolek@live.com or 732-496-4595 or Lieutenant Commander Tom Ryan at tomryan@att.net or 908-432-8767. The cost of the seminar and materials is $40 and the course is offered to all members of the club and the boating public. Space is limited. Advanced registration is required.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 13, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. This class covers the essentials of digital cameras. Learn how to use a 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. Registration required. $55. Information: Rookerybay.org/calendar. 239-530-5940.

Community golf outing

The Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce together with Risk Strategies introduces the Risk Strategies Marco Island Open – A Community Golf Outing taking place Saturday, May 18, at the Island Country Club on Marco Island. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce. The scramble tournament will kick off with a continental breakfast and 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Followed by the tournament and an awards recognition luncheon. A fee of $115 per golfer includes green fees, carts and prizes. Registration is open and sponsorship opportunities are currently available at www.marcoislandchamber.org. Information: marcoislandchamber.org.

ONGOING

Marco Players: ‘Black Tie’

How much do our parents, living or dead, influence our behavior and thinking? This question is at the forefront when playwright A.R. Gurney returns to writing about what he knows best, the impact that manners and morals have on our shifting society. “Black Tie,” is an engaging comedy about generational shifts, honored traditions, change, warmth, humor and insight, all which Gurney has written about throughout his career. “Black Tie,” is on stage through April 28 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. 

Beachcombing and shelling

From 10-11 a.m. every Monday and Friday through April at the Barefoot Beach Preserve, 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs. Free talk. Join a naturalist to learn why and what you find on the beach. (Collier Beach pass required or entrance fee) friendsofbarefootbeach.org

Key Marco Cat 

The Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) celebrates its 25th Anniversary with the culmination of their quest to bring home the enigmatic Key Marco Cat and other rare 500 to 1,500-year-old Pre-Columbian Native American artifacts discovered on Marco Island in 1896. The artifacts return on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. They will be showcased in an exhibit at the Marco Island Historical Museum from now through April 2021. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 239.389.6447 or visit www.theMIHS.org.

Master Gardeners

The Master Gardeners walk-in plant clinic has returned to Lowes, ready again to offer advice and answer gardening questions. If you have 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 to 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays (through April) waiting to help you. You can find us in the garden area. Lowes is located on the corner of 951 (Collier Boulevard) and U. S. 41. Master Gardeners have been trained by The University of Florida on many horticultural practices and problems.

Monday night Bingo

Monday Night Bingo at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Road. A complimentary supper is served to each player-kosher hot dog, pickles, sauerkraut, relish, and onions served on a special roll. In addition, pastry, ice-cream, fruit, coffee and tea are served free of charge. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bonanza is posted at 6:15 and the game is called at 7. Hot ball brings additional prize money. The game is open to the public. Information: 239-642-0800.

K of C Bingo

The Knights of Columbus San Marco Council #6344's Thursday Bingo is open to the public and everyone is invited. Come join us for an evening of fun and games and celebrate the 41th anniversary of K of C Bingo. Information: 239-389-5633 or visit our website at www.marcoknights.com.

Calling all friends over 60

Join the Marco YMCA and Our Daily Bread Food Pantry for a free lunch the third Wednesday of each month at Marco Lutheran Church. With the support of local restaurants, businesses and sponsors, a luncheon (free of charge) is open to all area residents “60 or better.” Each monthly event includes a time for networking, lunch, a program, and door prizes.  Rides are also offered. Information: 706-566-8532.  

Marco Island Farmer’s Market 

From 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays, at Veterans Community Park. Information: cityofmarcoisland.com.

Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibit

Through May 5 at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. This exhibit encourages basic scientific learning through hands-on activities. Smon.org. 239-514-0084.

Science Saturdays

From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Registration is not required. Regular admission fees are $5 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 12 and free for Friends of Rookery Bay members and children under six. A food truck will be on site. Information: Rookerybay.org.

Karate

Adults and children are welcome. Location is the Racquet Center and is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45 p.m. The Shima Dojo is taught by Sensei Laurie McCardle. This style of karate is the traditional Okinawan style of Seibukan Shorin-Ryu karate, teaching discipline, builds character and confidence, promotes mental and physical strength and most importantly students learn self-defense. Information: 239-642-0575.

Daytime Pickle Ball 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

From 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.

Walking tour of Naples Historic District

At 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave. S., Chickee Pavilion, Naples. Two-hour tour including alleys and Naples Piers. $16 adults; $10 members; free for children 10 and younger. Reservations required. 239-261-8164.

Historic tours at Koreshan State Park

10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan settlement, its structures and gardens. Join our guided walking tours and learn about these idealistic pioneers. The walking tour is about an hour and a half. Guided tours are $2 for adults, $1 for children under 6 years of age and can be purchased at the Ranger Station 239-992-0311.

'Dinosaur Train'

Through May 5 at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. This exhibit encourages basic scientific learning through hands-on activities. Smon.org. 239-514-0084.

Dog’s Night Out

From 6 to 8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month, now through 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.

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.

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.

Southwest Florida Masquerade benefiting Metavivor

6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Hilton Hotel, 5111 U.S. 41 N., Naples. This is a black-tie gala fundraiser where 100 percent of all donations will go to award research grants for scientists specializing in Metastatic Breast Cancer Research. $175 per person, includes a cocktail hour followed by a three-course dinner and two drink tickets and entertainment, dancing and live and silent auctions. swflmets.org. 239.322.2110.

JUNE

Naples Pride Fest

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Avenue S., Naples. This all- inclusive, family-friendly event combines entertainers, speakers, musicians, performers, vendors, exhibitors, kids’ activities, food and drinks. Naplespride.org. info@naplespride.org.

Summer Youth Art Classes

Marco Island Center for the Arts announces the classes for the 2019 Summer with Art Youth program. This is a time where ages 6-14 can explore, discover and develop their visions. These June and July classes will emphasize imagination and creativity through maturing of a youth’s artistic skills. Instructors are teaching professionals and artists with diverse backgrounds in the arts. The Marco Island Shell Club will also be teaching a three-day class on Shell Art. Classes include: Mixed media art, shell art, create and design with anything, basic clay, story building with digital media; mini clay creations (Polymer); collage mania; creating with felt, collage and paper mache and fantasy architectural design. The digital media classes are for 10-14 years old. For full class descriptions go to marcoislandart.org or stop in at the Art Center, 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. To register for classes call Marco Island Center for the Arts at 239-394-4221 or online at marcoislandart.org. Space is limited.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 3, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. This class covers the essentials of digital cameras. Learn how to use a 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. Registration required. $55. Information: Rookerybay.org/calendar. 239-530-5940.

Estimating Your Local Marine Economy – ‘Telling Your Story’ Workshop

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. This workshop provides step-by-step guidance for identifying and accessing local sources of economic data and telling your local economic story. This course will help participants get comfortable with economic terms, identify local sources of data and interpret that data to tell a compelling story of their local marine economy. $40. Registration is required. Information: Rookerybay.org/calendar. 239-530-5940.

Teachers on the Estuary Workshop

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. The TOTE Workshop will focus on Rookery Bay Research Reserve, specifically estuarine research, stewardship, and education. It is open to all teachers. The workshop is based on the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Estuaries 101 Middle School curriculum and focuses on topics such as: sharks, birds, plankton, invasive species and water quality. Mornings are spent in the field exploring the reserve. Afternoons are inside, meeting staff and learning about activities to adapt to classrooms. $25. Registration is required. Information: Rookerybay.org/calendar. 239-530-5940.

Summer of Science: Plankton

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rookerybay.org/calendar. Information: 239-530-5940.

Summer of Science: Sea turtles

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rookerybay.org/calendar. Information: 239-530-5940.

Breakfast with the Birds 

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Learn about the impact plasticware can have on seabirds in Southwest Florida. Adam DiNuovo, the Shorebird Stewardship Program Manager for Audubon Florida, will present. Event features lecture along with coffee, pastries and juice. $15. Registration is required. Information: rookerybay.org/calendar. 

Summer of Science: Fish

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 28, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rookerybay.org/calendar. Information: 239-530-5940.

JULY

Summer of Science: Burrowing owls

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 5, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rookerybay.org/calendar. Information: 239-530-5940.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 8, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. This class covers the essentials of digital cameras. Learn how to use a 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. Registration required. $55. Information: Rookerybay.org/calendar. 239-530-5940.

Summer of Science: Horseshoe crabs

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rookerybay.org/calendar. Information: 239-530-5940.

Summer of Science: Pythons

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rookerybay.org/calendar. Information: 239-530-5940.

Breakfast with the Birds – Stewardship and Citizen Science

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Learn about how average people around Southwest Florida are working together to protect local bird populations. Adam DiNuovo, the Shorebird Stewardship Program Manager for Audubon Florida, will present. Event features lecture along with coffee, pastries and juice. $15. Registration is required. Information: rookerybay.org/calendar. 

Summer of Science: Sharks

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 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.

ACBL-sanctioned bridge

At 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Information: Richard Perlman at 609-306-9732.

Mahjong

Weekly mahjong returns to the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive, Thursdays. Play begins at 11 a.m. Bring a lunch. $3 to play. Please call Shirley, 239-389-7872, to reserve your spot.