Guest speaker, retired Chaplain, Brigadier General Doug Lee will give the keynote address. Lee retired from the Army in 2008 after nearly 31 years of service. He now works with civilian and military chaplains across the United States. Among his military honors are the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal (oak leaf cluster).

Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the Marco Chamber of Commerce and most area churches. A table often may be reserved for $200. Please purchase your tickets early.

Mega Ministries, Mega Praise Team and pianist Marv Hollenbeck will provide music. The group will pray for the city council, police, firefighters and public
works officials. They will also honor veterans and first-responders.

Breakfast will be assorted pastries, muffins, fresh squeezed orange juice, seasonal fruit, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, coffee or tea. Call Prayer Breakfast Chairman, Don Kolowsky for information, 642-3622.

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janem@coastalbreezenews.com 

The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Gala Dinner Dance on February 18, 2012 at the Marco Island Marriott Resort. Marjorie Seltzer and Elena Rosner Fink, founders of the congregation, will be honored at the event along with the founding members who supported them in their amazing determination to start a Jewish house of worship on Marco.

Marjorie Seltzer.

Marjorie and Elena met on Marco Island and became casual friends. Their husbands were in the north still working and the two women started taking walks and attending a few events on the island together. Marjorie invited Elena to a Chanukah party at a temple off island and Elena was pleased to accept the invitation. Marjorie called back in a few days to tell Elena there was no room for her at the party.

“No room! No room for me? One person? I didn’t believe it. So, I called up the president of the synagogue.” ‘‘I’m so sorry, there is no room.” “There was no room even for one more person.” Elena was dismayed and, as she describes her feelings today, “I got mad!”

Marjorie and Elena talked about a synagogue for Marco Island. Deltona Corporation had set aside property for churches and they decided, “why not property for a synagogue?” They took responsibility for the next “baby steps” in their quest.

Marjorie investigated whether there were enough Jewish people on the island to start and sustain a synagogue. A few women were interested but the men she asked told her to forget it, it would never happen.

Elena Rosner-Fink.

Elena called Deltona in Miami and spoke with Paul Schaefer, vice president of the company. She inquired about the requirements for securing land for a house of worship and learned there were three basic expectations. The congregation had to hold services regularly, had to be incorporated and building had to begin in a year from the granting of property.

Elena, a real estate agent on the island, was familiar with the property set aside for churches. She expressed a preference for the property on Winterberry Drive, where JCMI now stands, and asked how it could be reserved. Paul Schaefer replied. “You already have reserved it.”

The women were yet to have their first meeting and there they were with property reserved for the synagogue! They had no congregants and no money. Marjorie wrote an article for the paper which brought 14 people to their first meeting on December 20, 1982. The first people to respond were mostly women. The next meeting brought 65 people out, this time more men joined the women.

Many of the women who came without their husbands assured them they were going to a social gathering, that’s all! The fledgling group met with resistance from some members of the temple in Naples, as well as from their husbands. When their own husbands returned to Marco, Marjorie and Elena were told they were crazy to take on this impossible project. Elena’s husband said. “You are waiting to have surgery and you start planning a synagogue! What else are you planning to do while you wait?”

Marjorie wrote poems for each meeting to “give inspiration to the group and help people become enthusiastic about our plan.” Of course, the group needed to raise money. Marjorie and Elena found this task very difficult and were grateful to the late Hilda Betten, who became their first fundraiser. Hilda assigned everyone in the small group the names of Jewish families whom the women called to ask for donations.

At the second meeting, Laura Storob raised her hand and donated $100. This was the first donation and the moment when Elena realized, “my gosh, we are making history and we don’t even know it. It was such a moving experience, we got goose bumps. I never forgot it.”

Sam Spector, who attended the second meeting, offered to conduct regular services, one of the requirements for reserving the Winterberry site. In the Jewish faith, it is permitted for a male of the congregation to conduct services where a Rabbi is not available.

Paul Stein accepted the presidency of the fledgling synagogue at the same meeting. His wife, Gayle, promised, “l will bake!” Paul served two terms as president and along with his wife, was an active member and supporter of JCMI. Paul retired to Michigan a few years ago and died last year.

The group found encouragement from Christian churches already established on the island. One of the first donations the group received was from the Rev. Dr. Richard T. Disseler of the United Church of Marco Island. The first Passover Seder was celebrated at San Marco Catholic Church.

Marilyn Streit, one of Marjorie and Elena’s earliest supporters, opened her home to the first fundraiser and donated $5,000. Marilyn, who still resides on Marco Island, hosted many more functions and, according to Elena, “she lifted us up, we had nothing…without Marilyn, we would have died on the vine.”

Much more work had to be done. A sign was placed on the Winterberry property and more and more people became interested. The incorporation process began with the help of the late Attorney Walter Jackson of Marco Island. He prepared the incorporation documents and saw the process through to completion in April, 1983, pro bono. By that time, there were 54 families in the new congregation.

Dr. Melvin Raskin, who died in the past year, assumed the duties of conducting services for 14 years until Rabbi Greenstein came to JCMI in 1996. The building committee included Elena Rosner Fink, Arnold Lawrence and Robert Soloway. Irma Lawrence, Arnold’s wife, designed all the stained glass windows in the sanctuary, which was built by Slocum-Christian, who gave a very good price to the new congregation. It was the first house of worship built by the company.

Deltona Corporation granted extensions to the new congregation and the building was completed and dedicated in 1986. The small group of supporters raised more than $250,000 for construction and outfitting the sanctuary.

As the congregation grew a social hall, offices and meeting rooms were added. Presently JCMI has 300 members, many of whom are winter residents with homes and obligations to other synagogues in the north.

JCMI 2012.

Rabbi Edward Maline remarked on the size of the congregation. “Because we are on an island in comparative isolation from the larger community we don’t have a broad base from which to draw our congregation. In terms of numbers we are small but our people work very hard to make all the programs we offer possible. The congregation is involved with charitable work here on the island and in Naples and Immokalee. We provide assistance to Jewish Family Services which is a program run by the Jewish Federation of Collier County. On Marco Island we provide Oasis, which offers counseling services. Every year we have a number of spiritual, cultural and educational programs which are open to people of all faiths. The members of the congregation work very, very hard and, though their numbers are not great, their efforts make up for size and they give a Jewish presence on Marco Island.”

According to Harvey Brenner, 30th Anniversary Gala co-chair, “JCMI has become an integral part of the cultural and spiritual life of Marco Island. Rabbi Maline has put together an inter faith education program which began this month and includes 10 Christian churches and the synagogue. The program will offer a series of lectures and discussions about the differences in the ways we worship and hopefully bring about greater understanding among us.”

Visitors to any of JCMI’s social functions or religious services will be very welcome. If your stay on Marco is brief or long term you will be greeted warmly and know that you are in God’s House. JCMI has an active faith life to offer with Rabbi Maline as its spiritual leader, enhanced by the talents of Cantorial Soloist, Hari Jacobsen, who has been serving in the role for 16 years. Dr. Ron Doiron is Musical Director for JCMI and also serves as Director of Music at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

This vibrant faith community was made possible by the determination of two amazing women, Marjorie Seltzer and Elena Rosner Fink. Marjorie commented “I thought Elena and I were doing something for the community but we did it for ourselves, too, because we have received so much benefit. The land could have been used for a hot dog stand but we secured it for God. We rescued it for the purpose it was meant to serve. It was dedicated to God and has endured for 30 years. Hopefully, it will endure forever.”

Elena’s message is for all women. “Nothing is impossible. All because I was invited then I was turned down and I got mad! People got married here, people moved here because we had a synagogue. Focus on what you believe is right and move forward. Don’t pay attention to the critics. If your heart tells you it is right and it is the right time, the right place, the right historical moment, then it is what you should do. We have an expression, ‘bashert’, destined to be, preordained, and that is what happened to us.”

Rabbi Maline complimented Elena and Marjorie as very courageous women, very daring with a great deal of foresight. “The founders showed a great deal of devotion to their faith to work for a house of worship where they lived. We look forward to a long life for our congregation.”

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Historic Everglades City is buzzing as residents get ready for the popular Seafood Festival on the weekend of February 4/5.

The normally laid-back town is humming with preparations – carnival rides waiting to set up, porta-potties in a vacant lot, traffic barriers at the side of the streets, and tents going up in McLeod Park where you can enjoy delicious victuals from food vendors.

The Festival is free and features name Nashville musicians such as Big Bottom, David Nail, Warren Silvers, and LoCash Cowboys plus locals like The Gladezmen and The Jesse Thompson Project. There are over 100 arts & crafts booths as well as carnival rides for the kiddies.

Parking is provided by local charities within walking distance of the center. To get there, take Exit 80 off I-75 (Alligator Alley) and drive south on SR-29 about 18 miles. You will cross US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and continue south another 4 miles. You’ll know you’re in the right place as you see the crowds gathering, so arrive early.

The Everglades Seafood Festival opens on Saturday at 10:00 AM and on Sunday at 11:00 AM. For more information, see www.evergladesseafoodfestival. com or phone (239) 695-2277.

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Will and Anthony in New York City. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Two superb young singers – Will and Anthony Nunziata – will be performing at the House of Mozart, Thursday and Friday night, February 2nd and 3rd. The 6:00PM performances will feature well-known and loved Broadway hits. They’ll add some classical Italian songs, and have some fun with the audience, and themselves, by improvising a bit of comedy. Mozart’s is expecting a sell-out for the two evenings.

Although the two twentysomethings have not yet been to Marco Island, they have strong Florida connections. Their parents were snowbirds for years, and their maternal grandfather, Bill Wendell, visited Marco Island many times. According to Will Nunziata, “My grandfather went to Marco Island often, and he loved it. We’re excited to be coming. We’re really looking forward to it.” Bill Wendell was David Letterman’s announcer for a number of years.

Will and Anthony have sung their way around the world. They gave a notable recital at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall as part of the 80th birthday celebration for renowned musical composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. They have also appeared on popular television programs including Good Morning America and the Rachel Ray Show.

The brothers have received outstanding reviews in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Theater Scene magazine and Playbill. Their performances have been described as “exuberant and upbeat”, “engagingly brassy professionalism”, “young, attractive, funny and charming”, and “playing off one another in a way that Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra bounced off one another in those irreverent Rat-Pack days of another era.”

The House of Mozart is located in the Shops of Marco on Barfield Drive. While enjoying the music and comedy, patrons will be served a five course dinner prepared by Chef Alfred Schnagel and his wife, Manuela. Dinner and show (beverages not included is $65.00. Call 239- 642-5220 for reservations and information.

Will and Anthony are releasing their debut album at Barnes & Noble in New York on February 9th. Those attending the concert will be able to get advance copies at The House of Mozart.

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Attendees at the first meeting of the series. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The Marco Island Clergy Association’s 2012 Interfaith Community Educational Series, titled “Embracing with Love and Understanding – An Interfaith, Community Adult Education Series”, provides an opportunity to learn about one another’s faith at weekly lectures and discussions.

The series began Wednesday, Jan. 18th, at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island with Rabbi Edward Maline discussing the major movements within the Jewish Community – Orthodoxy, Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist Judaism. There were 200 attendees at the opening lecture at JCMI. The next lecture will be Wednesday, Jan.25, at New Life Community Church of God. Rev. Thomas McCulley will discuss Pentecostal Christianity. All lectures begin at 7:00PM The series continues as follows:

Rabbi Maline.

• Feb. 1 at the United Church of Marco Island, where Rev. Richard Adair will discuss Congregational Christianity;

• Feb. 8 at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, where Rev. Rita Partin of the Cupbearer Ministry will discuss her denomination;

• Feb. 16 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Kyle Bennett;

• Feb. 29 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Kirk Dreiser;

• March 7 at the Family Church of Marco Island with Rev. Tim Neptune;

• March 14 at San Marco Catholic Church with Father Tim Navin;

• March 20 at Marco Presbyterian Church with Pastor Bill Lyle; and

• March 22 at Marco Lutheran Church with Rev. Kevin Koenig.

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Bengoshi@comcast.net 

Santa’s back with the missus and the elves; Christmas 2011 is over. Marco Island’s own Christmas Island Style wrapped up on January 17th with a festive awards ceremony. Unlike Hollywood, there were no red carpets, no speeches thanking agents, families and producers. It was simply down-home thanks and recognition of the judges’ selections as best in all the classes and categories.

About 80 attendees were at the Historical Society’s Rose Hall to enjoy some food and libations before distribution of the awards. Steve Stefanides served as emcee for the Mutual of Omaha sponsored event. Steve, or “Stef” as he is more popularly known, has been chairman of Christmas Island Style for a number of years, and the results each year have been spectacular. Participants have worked diligently on the boat parade, the street parade and, most recently, tree ornament decoration. Every year Santa has arrived in a different way – by boat, by helicopter and, this year by horse drawn carriage. At the outset of the evening Stef received a deserved standing ovation from the crowd for a job well done.

For the Boat Parade, awards were made to:

• Most Entertaining - Fun/Fun (Karen Pontier Ingram, Don and Patty Dicomo)

• Most Creative - Gem Remotes (Richard Shanahan)

• Best Holiday Spirit - Cecilia (Chuck Brace)

• Best in Parade - Marco Mania (Dave Besuden, Bill and CEA Horton)

The Peoples’ Choice Award went to Gem Remote.

First Place for Ornament Design was awarded to Jaryn Pellant of Marco Island Charter Middle School.

There were eight awards for the Street Parade:

• Best Holiday Traditional - Marco Island Knights of Columbus.

• Most Original - Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Most Patriotic - U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

• Most Entertaining - Just Friends.

• Most Original Children’s Organization - Marco Island YMCA.

• Best Marching Band - Lely High School.

• Best Overall Band - Florida Drum and Bugle Corps.

• Best in Parade - Mutual of Omaha Bank and Marco Island Fire-Rescue Foundation.

As Stef pointed out in closing the ceremony, “On to 2012!”

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It was the night to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce at the Island Country Club on January 15. Not only that – to complete a triple-header, it was graduation night for the 2011 class of Leadership Marco, and the Chamber inducted its 2012 president and board of directors. All attendees received pins commemorating the anniversary.

An estimated crowd of 85 enjoyed dining on roast beef after a round of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and danced to some oldies and some newer tunes. Outgoing President Alan Brown, in his valedictory, commended the Chamber’s hard-working staff, volunteers and Chamber members for their efforts on behalf of the community and Marco Island businesses. Following that, City Council Chairman Jerry Gibson spoke movingly of the contributions of Marco Island businesses and the Chamber to the betterment of residents and visitors – and the unselfish dedication of many hours of volunteer labor for city causes. He commended the “Can Do” positive outlook embraced by Marco Island business.

Chairman Gibson performed the swearing–in ceremony for new President Kevin Donlan, and the incoming Board of Directors. Mr. Donlan is well known on Marco Island as general Manager of Publix in the Shops of Marco. In his acceptance speech Mr. Donlan amused the attendees by pointing out that he is looking forward to the job of President since he is “a great delegator”. He encouraged island businesses to continue serving the community.

In addition to President Donlan the Executive Board of the Chamber members are: Alan Brown (Immediate Past President), Nancy Carrington (President-Elect), Jacquie Koon (Secretary), Richard Shanahan (Treasurer) and Sandi Riedemann (Chamber Executive Director, and non-voting member).

Other 2012 Board of Director members are: Desiree Buhelos, Vip Grover, Tiffany Homuth, Denise Lewis, Joyce McFarland, Kim McIntosh, Pat Neale, Alex Parker, Rick Popoff, Wayne Rose, Jada Shigley, Dick Shanahan, Val Simon and Kristi Willems.

Class 2011 Leadership Marco graduates are: Desiree Buhelos, Jennifer Bullock, Michael Calow, Jennifer Edwards, Ted Forcht, Bill Green, Marilyn Honahan, James Hubbard, David Hyatt, Steve Josselyn, Mindy Marusiak, Lisa Nguyen, Katie O’Hara and Ben Russell.

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Patricia Huff 

mulletrapper@gmail.com

As the winter season continues through the months of January and February, more exciting activities are being held in the Swamp. This Friday, January 27, the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation is hosting the classic film Wind Across the Everglades in the Jinkins Fellowship Hall at 7:00 PM at the Everglades Community Church. There will be free popcorn and soda. For more information, call 239- 695-2397.

Don’t miss the Everglades Seafood Festival next weekend February 3 – 5 in the center of historic Everglades City! Our Festival just keeps getting better and better with two new country music entertainers this year from Nashville (my home town!): David Nail performing his first No. 1 single “Let It Rain” on Saturday at 4:00 PM and Warren Silvers performing at 2:30 PM on Sunday (for a complete schedule visit www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com or www.evergladesmulletrapper.com) It will be a fun-filled weekend with great food, arts and crafts booths and live music on stage every day all day long. We start off Saturday, February 4, with the Everglades Community Church offering pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice, from 7:00 to 11:00 AM. Cost is $6 per adult, $3.50 kids under 10 years old. The opening ceremonies will begin at 10:00 AM and music starting at 10:30 AM. Again, this year the Museum of the Everglades will have entertainment inside with local musicians Tom & Tina US Express Bluegrass Band from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Florida landscape photographer, Jeff Ripple, will be exhibiting in the Pauline Reeves Gallery at the Museum.

Make your reservations early for the following events in February:

The annual Marjory Stoneman Douglas Festival is scheduled for the week of February 21-24. Many of the programs fill up quickly so call the Museum of the Everglades at 239-695-0008 to make your reservations. A copy of the schedule is available at www.evergladesmuseum.org

Once again bicyclists from around the State will be coming to Everglades City for the annual Everglades Bike Ride sponsored by Naples Pathways Coalition in support of the River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) and the Friends of Fakahatchee. If you are interested in volunteering or participating in the February 26 event, phone Patty at 239-695-2397. For information and to register, visit www.naplespathways.org and click on “Stay and Play Everglades Ride 2012”. A continental breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee.

For more information about Everglades events, visit The Mullet Rapper online at www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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Natalie Strom 

nstrom81@yahoo.com

A Bird’s Eye view of Mullet Festival.

As a former Buzzard Queen at Stan’s annual Mullet Festival, I feel as though it is my duty to inform the uninformed about this one-of-a-kind event. Not to be outdone, the annual Goodland Boat Parade is approaching fast on the Mullet Festival’s heels. Don’t forget about the Goodland Civic Association’s Pancake Breakfasts and the Goodland Garage Sale that are also just around the corner.

Let me start by explaining the Mullet Festival, now in its 28th year. No… it has nothing to do with the “business in the front/party in the back” haircut but it has everything to do with the mullet fish. This is the fish that originally made Goodland the “Drinking Village with a Fishing Problem” that it is still known for today. Early settlers to the Goodland area once net-fished for mullet as a way of life. The fish can be smoked, fried or used as bait. Every year, Stan and his crew (and really all of Goodland) celebrate the fish with an elaborate festival.

Mullet Festival.

The party kicks off on Friday, January 27 at 6:00PM. Jeff Hilt and the Stampede Band will take the center stage and perform until about 11:00PM. Saturday will feature the band Hot Damn on the center stage from 12:00 to 7:00PM. There will be a fish cleaning contest at 3:00PM and the Buzzard Lope Princess Competition will be held at 4:00PM. Sunday, always the busiest day of the festival, will feature the Buzzard Band with Stan, himself, as emcee. The annual Buzzard Lope Queen Competition will begin at 4:00PM. There is no pre-registration necessary to run for Buzzard Lope Princess or Queen. Just show up in your fanciest, feathery get-up and do the “Buzzard Lope” dance for a chance to have your name go down in history.

Along with their regular menu, fried and smoked mullet will be available to try for attendees. The Marco Island Fire Department will be grilling hot dogs and bratwursts to go to a good cause. Jerry Adams, a member of the force since 1989, will be receiving the proceeds of these sales to help him and his family as he is currently fighting a very aggressive form of cancer. Local vendors will be on hand selling their food and arts and crafts. The Island Woman will be open through the weekend selling anything from high end jewelry and clothing to wacky hats and sunglasses, and of course, all things Stan’s.

2010 Buzzard Queen celebrates her win. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

As a Mullet Festival regular, I advise on arriving with a hearty breakfast in your stomach as those delicious Buzzard Punch drinks can knock you on your you-know-what if you aren’t careful! What better way to please your palate than to attend the Goodland Civic Association’s Pancake Breakfast. It will take place both Saturday and Sunday at the Goodland Community Center at 417 Mango Avenue from 8:00- 11:30AM. A raffle will also be held where winners will receive gift certificates to local restaurants.

The Goodland Civic Association will be hosting a second Pancake Breakfast on March 3 and 4 to coincide with the annual Goodland Garage Sale.

The Boat Parade always features fabulous floats, including this boat, themed “Jailhouse Rock” from last year’s event. COURTESY OF ELAINE RICHIE

The 16th annual Goodland Boat Parade is approaching even sooner than the garage sale. Mark your calendars for February 18 at 2:00PM, but get to Goodland much sooner to save your seat at any one of the local restaurants or at the new Goodland Boat Park. The Boat Park will be closed to boaters that day to leave plenty of room for parking. Volunteers will also be present at the park selling soda and hot dogs. All proceeds from the day will go to the Marco Island Chapter of Avow Hospice. The local restaurants in town often engage in 50/50 raffles and other types of fundraising to help benefit Hospice.

The theme this year is “The World of Dance.” Decorate your boat in any style of dance you find fitting – the can-can, salsa, clogging, mexican hat dancing, line dancing and the list goes on. Whatever dance you choose, make sure to register your boat ahead of time. Call Elaine Richie at 239-642-8356 for a registration sheet or for any other questions you may have about the event. You may also visit www.mardigrasgoodland.com to learn more. Last year, over $18,000 was raised for Avow Hospice on this single day.

These fun-filled events promise to make even the grumpiest of folks grin, if only for a moment. So get on down to Goodland where the party has already started!

Natalie Strom has lived in Goodland for over two years and has worked in Goodland on and off for more than five years. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa and is also a former Buzzard Queen of Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland. 

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A. There are many things that can lead to “bad knees”: injury, arthritis, infection, degeneration and (rarely) tumors. Sometimes, misalignments of the joints above and below the knee are to blame, as well as years of overuse and abuse. But all is not lost. After getting the green light from your physician, seek out a knowledgeable and experienced Pilates instructor who can customize a workout specific to your needs. Movements done on the Pilates equipment can be a great way to not only assess an injury, but to treat it as well. During the assessment, the instructor will monitor your movements on and off the equipment to have a better understanding of how your joint moves, as well as what the preference for the movement may be. For treatment, the instructor will select the appropriate exercises, focusing on the way the joint moves and responds to the work. Some beneficial exercises are the footwork series on the reformer, in which you would be lying supine (on your back) with feet on a specialized bar. This gentle (albeit, effective) workout will help with re-establishing muscle activation. Another great exercise would be the essential level single leg series; this sequence of exercises activates the quadriceps muscles and focuses on tracking the patella properly. Both exercises help increase safe, gentle range of motion and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joint. As you progress in strength, stability, and control, the exercises can become more challenging by alternating the weight of the springs. Of course, everything depends on the severity of the injury; is the injury new or old? Has it been surgically repaired? Are there additional compensations that have resulted over time that need to be addressed as well? All of these factors determine how long a person will take to restore function and be able to move optimally again. Many times knee injuries arise out of misalignment of the hip joint during movement. Pilates will help you strengthen the stabilizing muscles of the joints and help you become more aware of maintaining alignment of the hip and knee to optimize natural gait movement and prevent injury. If you have any additional questions or concerns feel free to email me at Crystal@PinkIslandFitness.com.

Crystal Manjarres is the owner of One-On-One Fitness, a private personal training and Pilates studio for men and women on Marco Island. She is a certified personal trainer and Stott Pilates certified instructor. Her focus is “Empowering men and women of all shapes and sizes”. To send in a question, email Crystal@PinkIslandFitness.com. She can also be reached at www.PinkIslandFitness.com or www.101FIT.com and (239) 333-5771.

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The City of Marco Island is hosting a photo contest in honor of Earth Day 2012. The contest opens Wednesday, February 1st and runs through April 6th. The theme of the contest is Southwest Florida Native Flora and Fauna. The contest is open to any amateur photographer, 14 years or older, who resides in Collier County full or part-time.

Nancy Richie, Environmental Specialist for the City of Marco Island commented, “We live in such a beautiful and diverse area, why not celebrate it through photography? The Southwest Florida and Everglades’ environments with all of the natural species, plants and animals, are perfect subject matters for photographers. And, since Marco Island is designated as a “Tree City USA”, we’ve added a Tree category to showcase our beautiful species of trees.”

The four categories of the contest are: color, black and white, creative (enhanced) and trees. There is a limit of four photos per entrant. Each submission must be in an 8 X 10” format, matted on a white 11 X 14” mat. The photo submission and release forms which must accompany each entry will be available February 1st at City Hall and at Mackle Park. For more information call Nancy Richie at 239-389- 5003 or email her at nrichie@cityofmar coisland.com

Entries can be hand delivered or mailed to Nancy Richie, City of Marco Island, 50 Bald Eagle, Marco Island, FL 34145.

The four judges for the contest are: Len Messineo, Artist and Professional Nature Photographer, Nancy Richie, Vickie Kelber, Earth Day Celebration Volunteer and Dave Graff, Professional Photographer and Education Specialist for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Winners will be announced at a City Council meeting on Monday, April 16th and their photos will be displayed at Mackle Park. Coastal Breeze News is a proud sponsor of the contest and will publish all winning entries.

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Camden Smith

DREAMFly Marketing

Consumers are calling on businesses to cultivate stronger relationships with them and to deliver faster, more personal service. This year is about engaging customers in a shopping environment saturated with local, Internet and social media shopping options.

There are four easy steps that every business should take during 2012 to grow organic customer relationships based on the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report.

In 2011, consumers reported in the ACSI that they were least satisfied with airlines, most likely due to price hikes and Federal Government regulations. Satisfaction slipped slightly for social media websites hitting a low of 70 percent which is below the national average of 75.7 percent.

Consumers have ranked satisfaction highest in the manufacturing nondurable and durable goods industries, seemingly most satisfied with electronics, foods, personal care, cigarettes, pet food and soft drinks. Based on the ACSI results, buyers seem to be in the mood for immediate satisfaction and less complicated decisions.

To nurture customer relationships, experts recommend taking five easy steps. First, Sweat EquiTees has used its consumers as the clothing brand’s models and managers believe that has built the brand’s following. Local businesses can more easily use customers whether the company is selling clothes or sporting goods.

The second step is to learn about your customers and connect them with other clients who might be able to give them business so you are creating a referral circle and a stronger consumer base. Calling customers and following up on their purchases, or to promote a sale, remains a key third step.

The final two steps are to create a simple YouTube channel to take your message viral by recording testimonials and posting them on YouTube. Finally, show customers love by featuring a fan of the week on Facebook, Twitter or your company website.

“If you build it, they will come” is over. Today is about answering immediate consumer appetites and creating unique connection opportunities.

Camden Smith, owner of DREAMFly Marketing LLC, has more than eight years expertise in branding and marketing strategy and 13 years experience in public relations. Formerly a WINK-TV reporter, Smith is an award-winning PR strategist and lives in Naples with her husband. Visit Smith at http://dreamflymarketing.com

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Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island opens the18th consecutive season of the Saul I. Stern Cultural Series, on Sunday, January 22, 2012, at 7:30 PM. The series has been named by the Congregation’s Board of Directors for one of its Congregants, Saul Stern, the man who brought outstanding events to the series, for the benefit of the entire Collier County community. Saul Stern passed away in March of 2010. The series continues to honor his work.

The opening speaker, Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger, relates his amazing story. Born the son of a high official of the Nazi regime—–he speaks of his revulsion by the treatment of German Jews and his inability to tolerate the anti-Semitism practiced by his father. Dr. Wollschlaeger graduated from Friederich-Alexander University Medical School in Erlangen, Nuremberg, severed relations with his family, and immigrated to Israel. He enlisted in the Israeli Defense Forces as a Medical Officer and continued his medical training. He converted to Judaism. He and his family are devout in their practice of their faith.

Dr. Wollschlaeger has described his journey in a book, “A German Life: Against All Odds Change is Possible” in which he tells of his struggle growing up in Germany. Autographed copies of Dr. Wollschlaeger’s book will be available for purchase at the event. He will release another book in the spring of 2012, “Stauffenberg: My Life in the Shadow of a Hero.”

Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.

Dr. Wollschlaeger completed his residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL and received additional training in addiction medicine. Dr. Wollschlaeger also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida International and the Florida State University. He maintains offices in North Miami.

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janem@coastalbreezenews.com 

The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Collier County, is presenting a series of award winning films which have been acclaimed throughout the United States and Canada. The films have been scrupulously reviewed and selected for their interesting and informative content by the JCMI Film Festival committee. The Jewish Film Festival is presented under the auspices of the Sidney R. Hoffman Memorial.

The films tell the story of Jewish life and are intended to both educate and enlighten the audience. The themes are not only meaningful to the Jewish community but to all who seek understanding and awareness of the Jewish experience. The four films in the series reveal insights into life led with courage, humor, endurance and above all, deep, profound faith.

The 11th season of the film festival begins on Sunday, January 15, 2012 with a comedy, The Yankles, about a group of Yeshiva students who are called by God to start a baseball team. They dress in their traditional black suits, long Payot, emerging from their baseball helmets. Their coach is a former felon on parole, the combination creating a new, funny image of America’s favorite sport.

Sunday’s film will begin at 2:00 PM at the Jewish Congregation, 991 Winterberry Drive and tickets may be obtained at the door. Please come early at 1:15 PM for delicious hot potato latkes and dessert served before show time. Refreshments will be served at all four film showings either before or after the presentation. Please consult the schedule at the end of this article.

There are three more films on the festival schedule. All shows will be presented at JCMI and will begin at 2 PM. Tickets for individual films are $25 each. Series tickets are available for reduced prices from JCMI. Please contact the office at 642-0800.

• The Yankles Sunday, 2:00 PM, January 15, 2012 – Refreshments served at 1:15 PM.

• Berlin 36 Sunday, 2:00 PM , February 12, 2012 – Refreshments served at 1:15 PM.

• La Rafle (The Round-Up) Sunday, 2:00 PM, February 26, 2012 – Refreshments served after the film.

• Sholem Aleichem-Laughing In The Darkness Sunday, 2:00 PM, March 4, 2012 – Reception following the film.

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THEN 

The Isles of Capri is 56 years old. It was the dream of one man, “Doc” Loach, where eight mangrove islands with abundant fish and wild life would live in harmony with people.

Loach developed four of the islands located between Rookery Bay Refuge and Marco River and Tarpon Bay into 550 home sites. The purchase price, $350 an acre. Most of the lots are waterfront. The lots sold for about $2,700 each with 25 percent down and three years to pay.

There were no roads on the Isles of Capri property. There were mosquitoes, sand flies and chiggers. There was also no bridge to Marco.

Next issue will tell more of the story as “Doc” had no idea the troubles that lay ahead.

Coming events at the community center. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

NOW 

Today on the Isles of Capri there is one business island with four restaurants, several realty offices, a market, a deli, a couple of marinas, fire hall and community center. The other islands are residential with single family homes as well as apartments and condos.

The Community Center is very active in the winter with exercise classes, card games, parties and meetings. The library is open in the afternoons Tuesday through Thursday. You can select a book or donate a book since this is a free library.

Euchre Card party will begin on January 17th at 6:30 PM. Phone Gary or Darla at 815- 342-6014 if you are interested.

Capri pot luck is January 24th, 6:00 PM. Bocce starts next week with teams formed into two divisions, A and B. Each team in the division plays once a week. Team captains met January 9th for instructions.

The All Island Yard Sale is January 28th. You need to sign up with Bobby Decker at 394-6300 to be a part of it. Note: If you do not want to do your own sale, the Capri Community Church will accept good quality donations on January 26th.

CAPRI CHRISTIAN CHURCH: 

• Saturday 5:00 PM

• Sunday 9 AM contemporary service

• Sunday school 10:15 AM

• Sunday 11:15 AM blended worship

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