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 This is the fish that originally made Goodland the “Drinking Village with a Fishing Problem” that it is still known for today.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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Joanie Fuller 

joaniefuller@embarqmail.com

Stan’s 40 Years.

My guess is that many of you’ve been to Stan’s on Sunday afternoon for at least part of the big party that begins with everyone standing for Sandi Patty’s spellbinding rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”. Then it gets going with food, drinks, jokes and dancing to a great band and winds down at sunset with “God Bless America”.

Maybe you’ve been there for all of the above, but my question is this. Have you ever been inside? Full disclosure, I had not until……..I spent forty-five minutes with Stan Gober – one on one – and yes, we were inside the restaurant itself. Listening to him tell me about his life was a special privilege. And I told him so.

Family enjoying Stan’s.

We all know – at least I hope so – that Stan is the man behind Stan’s Idle Hour Restaurant. Well, let me tell you, Stan is anything but idle. He has worked hard, entertained hard, played hard and prayed hard all his life. And he isn’t about to stop now.

But I have figured out that hardly anyone ever goes inside Stan’s. You need to. You would learn about the awards Stan has won, the celebrities Stan knows and loves, and about his life – his American Story. He tells his story in his book, but when you are with him in person, you see the twinkle in his eye, sometimes accompanied with laughter or sentimental reflections. And when he says he is blessed, you know he means it. As I walked around outside that day, I did find a family enjoying lunch who actually had been inside. The Naples hostess smiled as she told me, “I always take my guests inside. I want them to know about Stan.”

Stan and Joanie. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Often Stan puts on benefits for such organizations as Hospice, Marco YMCA or Habitat for Humanity. The list goes on and on and includes small organizations. I was at the Sunday Show one week when Stan sang his “Yankee Dollar” song, one of many he has composed. Lots of folks put a dollar on the stage for a school team raising funds for uniforms or such.

I had heard that Speaker John Boehner, sends Stan a big flag every year. Stan told me, “Yes, it’s true and the flag is always one which has flown over the Capitol.” FYI –As Stan’s began its 42nd year on January 1, 2012, Speaker Boehner was there! So if you are a first time visitor to Stan’s Sunday Show, you might ask yourself, “How can a man who on the outside seems so carefree, tells off color jokes, writes and sings songs, parties when he feels like it, be so endearing, so down to earth, so honest, so thankful, patriotic and religious?” Check out the inside. There you will find your answer.

Joanie Fuller is the President of the Goodland Civic Association. She and her husband of 47 years, David Fuller, are residents of Goodland.

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This intricate picture frame is reminiscent of a “Sailor’s Valentine.”

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 brought national attention to the dangers of offshore drilling. Anyone living along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico felt the negative impact of the disaster. As much as the oil spill interrupted the livelihoods of those in the area, it will forever affect our area’s natural ecosystem. Goodland resident, Judy Wittwer, is more than aware of the harmful results of this man-made disaster. Yet, through the devastation she was able to find inspiration.

When Judy moved to Marco Island in 1985 with her two young daughters, a favorite activity for the family became beach combing. They would collect shells, horseshoe crabs, driftwood, sponges and so on. An artist all her life, Judy was able to imagine creative designs with the pieces of nature the three had collected. She began embellishing baskets and wreaths with her beach finds. She won awards for her work through the Shell Club of Marco Island and sold her products at the Marriott and the Ritz Carlton. She also marketed her products through local craft fairs.

The annual Christmas Bazaar brought Judy to Goodland each year to sell her crafts. “I always loved the feel of the community. After the bazaar I would drive the girls through Goodland to see all the Christmas lights. It always looked so magical.” The “old Florida” feel and the animal-friendly atmosphere were other factors that led the long-time animal lover to move to Goodland in 1994.

Judy has found away to turn the stone crab, a symbol of a Goodland community, into a functional piece of art.

Once living in Goodland, Wittwer found part-time work at The Little Bar Restaurant in addition to working with her shells. Soon, however, she became interested in another form of art. “I was on vacation and saw a beautiful arched doorway that was faux finished and I thought to myself, ‘I have to learn how to do that.’” She originally taught herself the technique but later went on to become professionally trained. She started her company Judy, Judy, Judy, Inc. twelve years ago and dove into the world of faux finishing.

Along with working two jobs she found time to work with For the Love of Cats, a non-profit organization working to save the feral cats in the area. She also volunteered with the Goodland Scholarship Fund, adopted two greyhounds from the Naples Racetrack and raised her daughters into lovely young women.

It seemed, unfortunately, that the only thing she did not have time for was her shelling and shell art. Not until the Gulf oil spill did Judy remember just how much she missed her favorite old pastime. “I realized how delicate our ecosystem is and that disasters like this will continue to happen. One day we won’t have these beautiful shells on our beaches. I wanted to find a new way to begin using shells in artwork.”

Recycled mussel shells turn an ordinary mirror into a work of art.

She once again began shelling and used what she found to embellish furniture, picture frames, mirrors and lamps. Many of her shells must be purchased, unfortunately, as the decline in shells along the beaches has become evident even prior to the spill.

She has, however, found clever ways to recycle shells that would normally become garbage. As an employee at the Little Bar Restaurant, Judy collects the leftover mussel shells and stone crab claws to use in her artwork. “Once the mussel shells are cleaned they give off bright hues of blues and purples that look beautiful when arranged on a mirror or frame,” she adds. One of her mussel shell mirrors is currently on display at The Little Bar.

Judy’s imaginative eye has also turned what would be a throw-away stone crab claw into brightly hand-painted parrot heads that also conveniently serve as magnets. These items are so popular among the Goodland community, a stone-crabbing village, that she sold out her whole collection in only two days at the most recent Goodland Christmas Bazaar.

Judy poses with her rescued greyhounds, Rose, Scorcher and grand-god, Rojo.

This is not the first time the community has rallied behind Judy’s creations. Two years ago she designed a Goodland-themed t-shirt to sell outside of Stan’s on Sundays. The residents of Goodland loved them so much they were all sold after her first day.

Judy’s many forms of artwork can be seen at Shells by Emily on Marco Island and at The Old Marco Lodge Restaurant in Goodland. She also sells her work on etsy.com under Seaside Offerings. To learn more about her many skills, Judy may be reached at 239-642-1676 or judy wittwer@yahoo.com

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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joaniefuller@embarqmail.com

Ray Bozicnik with Nutcrackers.

Three silly but fun questions for you. Have you ever thought much about nutcrackers at holiday time? Do you know the story of the Nutcracker Ballet? Have you ever seen hundreds of nutcrackers in a restaurant?

I certainly never thought about seeing them in a restaurant. Actually, my main memory of nutcrackers as a kid, is the kind my parents used to have to actually crack nuts with. They always served nuts with the shells on and it was such a pain to use that hard to hold instrument to crack one. Why couldn’t they just serve already shelled nuts, I used to think. My other memory is dancing in the Nutcracker Ballet as a teenager. Maybe by then, I was catching on to the magic of nutcrackers.

Getting back to the idea of putting nutcrackers in a restaurant, they appear every year in the Little Bar Restaurant right here in Goodland. Like magic.

Three Nutcracker chefs. - SUBMITTED PHOTOS

I sat down with owner Ray Bozicnik to hear about his amazing collection. Along with his co-owner sister Niki, he has hundreds of nutcrackers all spruced up and displayed throughout their restaurant for the holidays. Ready for the holiday magic show.

Nutcrackers in human form became popular years ago and they are enjoyed for their whimsical expressions, costumes and legends of the past. Some say they bring good luck, some say they bring power and strength and some just like to collect them as fascinating conversation items.

The Nutcracker Ballet brought nutcrackers to the American forefront in the 1950’s. In the story, Clara is given a nutcracker for Christmas and it accidentally breaks. She falls asleep with it in her arms and dreams about a winter wonderland, sugar plum fairies, candy canes and a handsome prince.

I asked Ray how this collection began. Ray explained as only he could, “Twenty-five years ago one of my servers suggested we decorate with a nutcracker for the holidays.”

Gradually, Ray and Niki bought more nutcrackers of all different sizes and designs. Now it is to the point that clientele bring them nutcrackers every now and then.

Ray gives each employee an ornament for the holidays. Then he says, “The fun begins. Each one has a turn at breaking the ornament by opening and shutting a life size nutcracker’s mouth. Snap, crunch – and like magic there is money inside!”

Little Bar restaurant.

Isn’t that a creative way to show appreciation to your employees?

So when you dine at the Little Bar this holiday season, and all the while gaze at the hundreds of nutcrackers, pick out your favorite and dream of your own holiday fantasy with sugar plums, candy canes, snowflakes and wishes that come true. Like magic.

I doubt if Ray will let you try your hand at crunching an ornament, but you could always bring him another nutcracker just for fun.

Joanie Fuller is the President of the Goodland Civic Association. She and her husband of 47 years, David Fuller, are residents of Goodland

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Are you ready for Season? If not, you better get ready ‘cause Goodland ‘s gearin’ up.

Goodland flag.

New flags are flying. Hurricane shutters are coming down. Golf cars are rolling. Stan’s, Little Bar, Old Marco Lodge and Marker 8 are all serving. Bands are playing and folks are dancing. The Post Office is busier and friends are greeting each other after being away for the summer. Marinas are humming. Fishing is good. The Goodland Civic Association is meeting and lots of events are planned.

Of course we are going to have our Pancake Breakfasts, Boat Parade and the Spring Event, but our first big event is our second annual Christmas Bazaar planned for Dec. 3 and 4 in the Goodland Boat Park. Lots of Goodlanders will participate in the bazaar chaired by Connie Fullmer. Crafts of all kinds, baked goods, food and drink, plant and flowers will be there and you might even have a chance to sit on Santa’s lap. If you were there last year, you know how much fun it was and if you weren’t there, then bring the kids and join us this year.

No matter why you are in Goodland though, you should stop in at the Island Woman – the unique boutique next to Stan’s Idle Hour. It is the only retail shop here and it is fabulous. All kinds of tropical clothes, accessories, original art and funky stuff are creatively displayed to tempt you.

Fia Carter loves island woman.

Friendly and outgoing Fia Carter, the store owner, loves her shop. She gave the front door a fresh coat of red paint this summer. Supposedly the color red brings good fortune and wealth. She also redid the whole interior to give it a fresh and inviting look all the way from the door right to the cash register.

Now, let’s step aside for a moment because I have a couple of questions for you.

First, have you ever heard the name Fia? I hadn’t so I asked her about it. She told me, “My mother made up the name from the initials of my deceased grandparents in order to honor them.” Isn’t that cool?

Second, have you ever heard the term retail therapist? Fia calls herself one and I hadn’t heard that term either, so I asked her about that. A smiling Fia explained, “Doesn’t it make you feel good to shop?” “Yes, of course,” I responded. “Well then, it’s really good therapy to shop especially in such a fun place as this!”

Christmas bazaar.

Fia is right. It is an excellent place to buy something different for a souvenir, a gift or for yourself, for that matter.

And I have a confession to make. I bought something for myself and I feel so good! It’s a little outfit that I just might wear to the Christmas Bazaar. Hope to see you there!

Joanie Fuller is the President of the Goodland Civic Association. She and her husband of 47 years, David Fuller, are residents of Goodland. 

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Sometimes we don’t dream of our next chapters, they just happen, don’t they?

Captain Bill Collier never dreamed his 1910 Doxsee cottage built on Marco and moved to Goodland in 1967 would be renovated and treasured in the 21st century. Why? Think about it. Clam diggers used to bunk in the attic.

Giz welcomes friends.

Marciano Gizzi, a Chicago resident for many years, never dreamed he would be living in Goodland in this 1,400 square foot Old Florida cottage either. But he is and he loves it.

In Bill Collier’s time, clam harvesting and the Doxsee Clam Factory were a big deal on Marco. After many years the clam beds dried up and the cottage went into decline. At some point new owners in Goodland took great care to renovate it beautifully, but they eventually left town. Then, after a few renters, Goodland’s newbie, Giz, bought the historic gem.

For Giz, as he likes to be called, it has been time to learn about Goodland. I asked him to tell me some of the challenges he has faced. And he has had quite a few.

Landscaping was high on his list. “They told me not to put sod down in April because it was hot and dry and wouldn’t rain for days. Well, I got lucky – it rained that very night.” I’ll tell you though, I noticed him hand watering almost every day to get that sod to take. It looks fantastic now.

He found out about our no seeums the hard way. I guess we have all learned not to roll down our car window on our curvy entrance road when the no seeums are flying around in droves. Slap, itch and more!

So Giz has settled in nicely to the Doxsee cottage. New pavers, fresh green paint on the outdoor shutters and the border fence, an herb and vegetable garden, flourishing tropical plants, a great boat dock and boat. For all his upgrades and projects he gave work to local people who needed it.

Lucky Doxsee.

He also gave a continuing home to the soft charcoal cat who has lived at the cottage for a few years. Giz is building him a mini cottage and has named him Doxsee. If you look closely you can see Doxsee running around the yard and hopping up to the door for food and a good home. Is he lucky or what!?

I asked Giz what he learned about Goodland this summer while I was gone. He smiled, told me how wonderful the summer is here and then he said, “I learned that it is so quiet here. If you want noise, you have to make it yourself!”

Here’s what’s really cool though. Giz fits right in Goodland and so does his cottage. Interestingly, he didn’t bring much from Chicago except his great enthusiasm, his knowledge of construction, an optimistic outlook for a new chapter in his life and a happening attitude.

Welcome to Goodland, Giz!

Joanie Fuller is the President of the Goodland Civic Association. She and her husband of 47 years, David Fuller, are residents of Goodland.

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Panthers, bobcats and gators, oh my! The residents of Goodland may like to think that they are the dominant population in our tiny island village, yet recent wildlife encounters are beginning to prove otherwise. While many of these sightings are incredibly rare, they are, in my opinion, completely terrifying.

Sighting #1

In a recent endeavor to get more exercise I have attempted, on at least three occasions, to ride my bike to Marco and back. While cruising along the Betty Bruno Path that leads in and out of Goodland, I, unfortunately, became aware of a new population among us. A ray of light shone through the mangroves at such an angle that the web of a banana spider came into my view. I stopped my bike to take a look and began to shake at the mere size of the creature. It was almost the size of my hand! Considering the fact that my old basketball coach told me I had “Michael Jordan hands,” this spider was huge.

I hopped back on my bike to get the heck out of there but as I rode I realized they were everywhere! Never will I ever step foot into the mangroves after seeing these spiders. I will also probably use it as an excuse to no longer ride my bike for exercise.

Sighting #2

While casually sipping a beer at Marker 8, this next sighting encouraged me to never get in the water around Goodland again. As Goodland is part of the 10,000 islands chain it is surrounded by salt water. One would think that we would be safe from the freshwater alligators of the Everglades. Unfortunately, on this particular day, that theory was debunked. Due to the massive rains we receive during the summer months, the water can become brackish enough for these beasts to swim through it.

Everyone at Marker 8 was shocked to see a six to eight foot gator slowly cruising past the restaurant. Encounters such as this are normally few and far between. However, when I tried to take my dog for a swim a few days later I found out the gator was back. She will not be going back in the water until the rainy season is over. I, on the other hand, will never go in it again.

Sighting #3

Thankfully, I was fortunate enough not to have witnessed this next encounter. The story, as unbelievable as it may sound, is absolutely true. After the gator sighting, a friend of mine told me he had recently seen a bobcat in an open field on Goodland. As we were drinking beers at the time I assumed he was exaggerating. Yet, only a few days later the bobcat was spotted again. It apparently made a home in an overgrown lot in the middle of town. Locals became concerned for their safety as well as the safety of their children and pets.

A quick call to The Conservancy in Naples led to some interesting developments. Everyone was hoping The Conservancy would come down and trap the bobcat and release it. Theay informed us that if they were to catch it they would have to euthanize it. Their suggestion: call a trapper.

One would think a “trapper” would be eager to trap a bobcat as their name suggests. However, he gave some rather unusual advice instead. According to this trapper, bobcats hate the smell of male carnivore urine. The best way to get the bobcat to leave would be to have men in the area urinate on the lot where the bobcat was spotted. So that’s exactly what happened and the bobcat hasn’t been seen since!

Other recent sightings include the not-so-frightening rosette spoonbill and a cute, yet dangerous panther cub.

These sightings prove that the wildlife in our town is not only limited to Sundays at Stan’s. So beware the next time you head to Goodland. You never know who or what you might run into.

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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It is no secret that Goodland boasts an extremely diverse group of people. Resident karate master, Sensei Nick Lemke is no exception.

Like most Floridians, Nick is a transplant to the area, but offers one distinct feature that others cannot likely claim. Although born in Wisconsin, he was conceived in Goodland. His love for the town eventually brought him back and inspired him to start a Seibukan karate dojo for locals and other karate enthusiasts in the area.

Once removed from the womb, Nick spent as much time as he could in Goodland. His grandparents had lived here since the late 1950s and taught him everything there was to know about fishing and the ocean. His love for the water encouraged him to pursue a degree in ocean engineering beginning in 1993. This is also when he first began to train in the Seibukan karate style.

Introduced to the specific style by his brother, Craig, Nick began to train with Sensei Dan Smith. Smith, who trained in Okinawa under the original family who created the Seibukan style, is a mentor to Nick to this very day. They even went to Okinawa together on two separate occasions throughout his karate career for intensive three-month training sessions. “During my time in Okinawa I realized the similarities between their island, or shima as it is called in Japanese, and our island. I knew Goodland would be the perfect spot to start a dojo.”

Yet, Nick’s degree in ocean engineering would bring him work that would take him all over the country and even to the Bahamas. He continued to train in karate with others as well as on his own. Twelve years later he received his black belt. It took another seven years to become a second-degree black belt.

At this point he knew he would eventually become a teacher of Seibukan. He was even encouraged during his training abroad. “After my first visit to Okinawa my Sensei told me ‘now you ought to teach. If you really want to get better and you want to learn even more you must start teaching.’ I knew at that point that I wanted to teach but I couldn’t because of all my travels.”

Throughout his travels and training his heart was still in Goodland. In 2000 he purchased a house here, making it his home base as he continued to travel for work. However, the nomadic lifestyle began to take its toll and Nick decided to make a major change.

In 2009 he finally moved to his home in Goodland permanently. He was married at the Goodland Baptist Church just as his parents were many years ago. His next move was to start his own business, EcoNick’s Computer Service. The flexibility of running his own company finally gave him the chance to realize his dream.

Last November Nick opened his own karate dojo out of his home on Goodland. He began to teach a number of Goodland’s children at no charge and also trained with other karate enthusiasts in the area. The success and excitement of becoming a Sensei encouraged Nick to explore more teaching options. This led him to the Marco Island YMCA.

Sensei Nick now holds seven classes a week at the YMCA where he teaches students of all ages. Five of these classes are based on the traditional Seibukan karate style. The other two classes are Kobudo style, or weapon-based classes. He recently hosted two one-week summer camps through the YMCA where beginners and more advanced students came together for more intensive training.

Visiting the camp was quite an experience. Watching six-year olds kick, punch and spar with such intensity proves that a Sensei with passion can not only train the body but the mind as well. “I used to let the kids hit me in the stomach but now they are starting to punch so hard that I have to be careful. They not only know how to hit but where to hit,” explained Nick.

While the students were taught the basics of Seibukan karate principles and movements, the practice is a constant learning process. Sensei Nick reiterated these facts to his students using his twenty-plus years of training as an example.

Through hard work in all areas of his life, Nick Lemke has finally realized his dream of starting his own dojo. And the best part of it all? He was able to start it in a place he has called home since before he was even born.

To learn more about Sensei Nick’s karate classes visit the Marco Island YMCA at 101 Sand Hill Street or call at 239-393- 3144. He may also be personally reached via email at nick.econicks@gmail.com

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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Sometimes in life, I feel like I just don’t count. Don’t get me wrong, I really do love my life. I enjoy my home, my family and friends and even what I do for work. I also, OBVIOUSLY, love where I live. But sometimes it just feels like even after all the things that I have and have done, I just don’t count. I’ve had this creeping feeling for the last year or so especially, and I think I’ve finally figured out the reason why. It’s nothing that I’ve done, or haven’t done for that matter. In fact, I don’t feel that my feelings of not counting have anything to do with me or my actions. I blame the United States Census Bureau.

In the year 2000, I had just begun college and was considered a dependent to my parents. They lived in an average home in Illinois with their own personal mailbox. This is a luxury that those who live in Goodland do not have. We are a post-office- box- only community. Regardless, I’m sure that when my parents received their 2000 census packet in the mail, they remembered to include me, their daughter, in it. I was an official U.S. citizen for at least the next ten years.

As the 2010 census rolled around, the intense media coverage on the importance of the census was everywhere. “Remember to fill out your whole questionnaire when it is mailed to you and be as precise as you can. Please send it back as soon as possible. Blah, blah, blah,” said the television. And so, I was ready. I waited for my packet. It never came. Not that I was checking my P.O. Box every day or anything, but it was exciting to be able to speak for myself for the first time when it comes to what I want the government to know about me.

It is now the middle of 2011 and I have somehow finally realized that I never got a chance to tell our government all about me. It must be that whole “living on island time” thing. Anyway, I guess my point is that I finally decided to look into it.

According to Robert M. Groves, the Director of the United States Census Bureau, “post office boxes can be used to retrieve mail in any place one wishes to receive the mail. The boxes can be far away from the home of the owner of the box; boxes can be shared by multiple people who live in different housing units; some boxes are not attached to households but to businesses. For these reasons, the Census Bureau does not mail census forms to post office boxes.”

Then how is it that Goodland is counted, exactly? I went back to the Bureau’s website and continued to read what Mr. Groves had to say about the issue. Basically, for areas such as Goodland, employees of the Census Bureau will go door-to-door to conduct the interviews. The census was sent by mail in early 2010. Those who do not have a mailbox at their home should have expected their at home interviews some time during the middle of 2010.

But, alas, I never received my interview. They never counted me.

I asked around to my friends and neighbors to see if I was the only one who didn’t seem to count in Goodland. Many, but definitely not all, of the people I questioned received an at home interview. Those who were interviewed said it was short, sweet and to the point; only a few minutes. Just a five minutes out of their day and they are now counted as United States Citizens.

But what about the rest of us? The U.S. Census in 2000 reported the total population in Goodland to be 320 people, but in 2010, a mere ten years later, the total population in Goodland dropped to 267 people. There was an overall rise in the amount of people living in Collier County over the last ten years so it seems highly suspicious to me that our town would decrease by 53 people. If I knew anything about math I would say that’s almost a 17% decrease in our overall population.

So, what exactly am I saying here? I guess I just never expected that I wouldn’t be counted as a U.S. citizen. I wanted to have that chance to tell our government about me and where I live. I would like to make sure that all Goodlanders have that chance too. So those of you, who were also forgotten, join in with me! Let’s demand a recount! The United States government should understand. After all, isn’t that what Florida’s known for?

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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It has become clear that the lazy days of summer are in full swing in Goodland. During season, Goodland is a bustling town, filled with locals and vacationers. There is never a dull moment and there is always something to do. Yet, as summer approaches it seems as if at least half of Goodland goes into hibernation. This drastic change brings a number of questions to mind. In particular, why does Goodland turn into a virtual ghost town during the summer months? More important, what do the few of us who dare to stay do during this extremely quiet time?

B.B. Wrinkles waits patiently hoping that local, John the Greek, will start up his cart and take her for a ride.

In regards to the extremely slow paced life Goodlanders experience in the summer months, I have come up with a few theories that most locals would agree upon. We all know that the heat and humidity in Southwest Florida is outrageous this time of year, but this is only a part of the problem for our tiny village. Located among the Ten Thousand Islands and so close to the freshwater of the Everglades, Goodland is literally a breeding ground for mosquitoes. I don’t dare leave my house without the sweat-proof, extra deet, extra deadly form of bug spray. Covered head to toe, I can manage about twenty minutes before the barrier begins to fade. At this point, no matter what I’m doing, I must run into any building or structure to escape the onslaught of mosquitoes attempting to suck me dry.

The next downside to summer in Goodland that I would bring up would be rain. However, we have had barely any this year compared to the norm. Every day I watch as the storms build up to the east, creating a beautiful sky of dark blues and grays. It seems evident that a storm is approaching. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case as many of these beautiful and huge clouds bursting with rainwater somehow break up just before Goodland. They seem to hit Marco and Naples just fine. The gods of rain must be boycotting Goodland. What did we do to deserve this? Without the rain it only seems hotter.

Due to the reasons above, my conclusion is that those who can afford to leave for the summer do. Many travelers are savvy enough to know what a vicious time of year this is for Southwest Florida and they also stay away. This eliminates many of Goodland’s residents as well as the tourists who flock to our Old-Florida town for its fine restaurants and marinas, airboat and Everglades excursions, the freshest seafood around and its unique architecture.

The streets of Goodland are mostly empty this time of year. Photos by Natalie Strom

As there are few in town to enjoy the many gifts that Goodland has to offer, many of these businesses slow down or come to a complete halt for the summer. This leaves those who are left to start to use their imaginations. What can we do when it is hotter than hell and there are blood suckers at every turn? This is when Goodland really gets creative.

If one wants to be outside, I always recommend moving quickly. This provides one with a nice breeze and the mosquitoes can’t seem to keep up with a fast pace. This is one of the many reasons why I love that Goodland allows golf carts on its main roads. It is an excellent way to walk your dog without worrying that you will be carried away. My dog loves nothing more than to run next to me as I drive along the few streets of Goodland. When she’s had enough, she hops right in the cart and catches a nice breeze with me. It’s also always fun to cruise around and feel that breeze as you check out what your neighbors (the few that are left) are up to.

Other alternatives to beat the heat and bugs are boating and air boating. Goodland offers a number of marinas and boat ramps that stay open throughout the summer. Hop in your boat and at high speeds those skeets will never get you. Is the heat getting to you? Then jump in the drink and cool right off. The airboat tours on Goodland are also fast and informative. A nice excursion into the Ten Thousand Islands is a great way to keep cool on the hi-speed boats on a hot afternoon.

My personal opinion is to just stay inside. My lazy days of summer are filled with catching up on episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” via Lifetime. That, unfortunately, only takes up two hours of my day. Other activities include meeting with my few friends who are left for card games, dominoes and movie nights. Indoor barbeques are common as well as Happy Hour at Marker 8, our local watering hole for the summer months.

For all its negatives, spending the summer in Goodland isn’t all that bad. There’s lots of free time and lots of freedom. Life slows down just a bit more, if that is at all possible. Those who are left reach out to each other more frequently as well. Just don’t reach out to me between 1:00 and 3:00 PM. That’s when “Grey’s Anatomy” is on.

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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Kappy Kirk’s house. Photos by Natalie Strom

Goodland has a very rich and colorful history that dates back to the late 1800s; even further when considering the Native Americans that inhabited much of Southwest Florida. I recently read a book entitled “A Girl Called Tommie,” which describes the unique history of Marco Island and its surrounding areas as seen through the eyes of Tommie Barfield, an original pioneer for growth in Southwest Florida. This book, written by Elizabeth Perdichizzi and Kappy Kirk, a “first family member” and niece of Tommie Barfield, discusses the very early years and slow development of Marco, Goodland and Everglades City. It also informs the reader of land acquisitions and how names and places came to be.

The most interesting part of the book for me, as a resident of Goodland, was that nearly 25 homes and buildings were moved to Goodland from the Caxambas area (now known as the Estates) in and around 1949. Why would so much time and effort be put into such a task? And what homes and buildings, if any, are still standing in Goodland today?

Through information gathered from my reading as well as a fascinating interview with Kare DeMartino, the daughter of Kappy Kirk and a fourth generation native, I was able to find answers to these burning questions.

Goodland Cash Market.

When Marco Island was barely even on the map, a man named Barron Collier purchased nearly all of the land that makes up today’s Collier County. He had great plans for the whole area, especially Marco Island and Everglades City. One of his purchases, Caxambas, was already a small town that hosted clam factories as its main source of business. Homes were built for the workers here where they could stay with their families as long as they were employed by one of the local clam factories. When Collier purchased this land he promised those who lived there that when the time was right he would offer them lots in Goodland, financed through him and he would have their home moved for free. As many of these residents were by no means rich, they found this to be a generous offer.

Unfortunately, the Great Depression hit in 1928 and the immense progress in Collier County came to a halt. Barron Collier became ill at this time and passed away not long after. His three sons were left to decide the future of their father’s dream. After numerous family tragedies, it was eventually decided that the family would sell a portion of Marco Island. Due to the sale of the land, Collier’s promise was finally fulfilled and these 25-some homes were moved as promised. Lots were sold for $600 to $1500 at no money down. Twenty years after Collier’s death, those living in Caxambas finally became land owners.

Little Bar.

According to Kare DeMartino, the building now known as The Little Bar Restaurant was one of the first buildings to be moved. It was originally a general store and also the post office to Caxambas. It was moved to Goodland and the United States Postal Service began delivering mail there. Kappy Kirk and her husband Arthur “Bud” Kirk were the postmasters in Caxambas at the time so it was understood that they would take over the new branch in Goodland. Their home was moved shortly after and sits at 200 Harbor Place across from The Little Bar Restaurant. They also purchased the property where Kirk’s Seafood is located. “Bud” Kirk, an avid fisherman, opened Kirk’s Seafood shortly after and it is still run by his family today.

The home that Kare DeMartino currently lives in is also an historic home. Her home is dated to have been in Goodland prior to the 1949 move and was also relocated at one point. Most of these homes that were built in the early 1900s were built out of heart of Southern Pine wood. This extremely dense wood is so difficult to penetrate that even termites are useless against its strength. That strength has also proven true for these old homes as they have weathered multiple hurricanes and violent weather yet are still standing proud.

One more interesting building of note is The Old Marco Lodge Restaurant. In 1965 it was moved to Goodland after the land that it sat on for 95 years was purchased. Run by Tommie Barfield’s daughters at the time, it was given to the Tasetano family as long as it was moved to a new location. The chosen spot:  Goodland.

I would love to give all the addresses of the old homes here in Goodland but would hate to disrupt the lives of those who currently live in them. However, if you pick up a copy of “A Girl Called Tommie,” a convenient list of homes and explanations is listed in the back. If you do decide to take a driving tour of these old homes please remember to respect the privacy of those who inhabit them and always watch for animals and children in the streets. Happy house hunting!

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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This historic building will close its doors for the summer at the end of July. Photos by Natalie Strom

As we enter the month of July, the little village of Goodland has begun to wind down for the next few months of summer. We all know what this means:  intense heat, lots of mosquitoes and mini monsoons that seem to pop up out of nowhere. This is why we have snowbirds. Summers in Southwest Florida certainly are not for everybody. As the snowbirds flock back up north many of our local businesses begin to slow down. Some change their hours and some close altogether. To give you an idea of what’s left to do in Goodland, here is a list of some of the businesses in town and what they have to offer.

Calusa Marina

385 Anglers Drive/239-394-3668

Calusa’s hours remain the same all year long. They are only closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours of operation are 7 AM to 5 PM. This full-service marina offers boat storage, slip rentals and overnight parking for cars and boats. Their public boat ramp is  open year-round as well. With a gas pump for filling up and bait for sale, Calusa Marina offers all you need for a great day on the water.

Stan’s Idle Hour

221 Harbor Place/239-394-3041

After celebrating his 85th birthday in Key West, Stan has begun summer hours at his establishment. Stan’s Idle Hour will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 AM to ??? These hours will run through the month of July. Along with serving up fine food and drinks, the bar will also host live entertainment all day and night. Don’t forget to visit The Island Woman boutique located right next to Stan’s for funky gifts and fine jewelry. Stan’s will be closed through the months of August and September.

American Airboat Tours

212 Harbor Place/239-970-2335

Located right next to Stan’s, American Airboats takes you on a fast and educational tour of the Ten Thousand Islands. Call or stop by to find out more about scheduling your Airboat experience. American Airboats runs tours Monday through Saturday.

The Little Bar Restaurant

205 Harbor Place/239-394-5663

Following a very successful Spammy Jammy, the Little Bar has hung up its hat for the summer. They will be closed until they reopen (usually sometime in mid-October.)

Goodland Post Office

427 Papaya Street/239-394-7387

“Never a line and always a friendly face” should be the motto for this unique post office. Postmaster Judith Prichard always greets guests with a smile, helping them in any way that she can. Even if you have nothing to mail, stop by to check out the different artwork on the walls created by local artists. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM with a break from 12:00 to 12:30. The lobby, however, is open 24 hours.

Marker 8

123 Bayshore Way/239-393-0888

Goodland locals spend their summers at Marker 8.

This establishment is the only consistent restaurant for Goodlanders in the summer. Hours of operation vary slightly this time of year. For the summer, Marker 8 will be open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Friday. They will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. During the summer this restaurant becomes a fixture to the locals who stick around to brave the heat.

The Old Marco Lodge

401 Papaya Street/239-642-7227

“The Lodge” is currently open for lunch and dinner on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule will continue through the month of July. And after that? Closed for the summer! To be reopened at a later date, sometime in October. Make sure to stop by one last time before they close up shop.

Walker’s Coon Key Marina

604 Palm Avenue East/239-394-2797

Walker’s Coon Key Marina is open all summer for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

Located at the tip of the glorious Ten Thousand Islands, this marina offers boat rentals, storage rentals, full service repairs and much more. Stock up on bait, ice, gas and beer here! This marina is open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM.

While Goodland’s pace becomes noticeably slower, there are still plenty of things to do in our little village. As all locals know, there is always something going on in Goodland, but during the summer you just have to look a little harder to find it.

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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By Natalie Strom

As summer fast approaches, locals and visitors to Goodland have been treated to the beautiful colors of the blooming trees and flowers.

One of the most popular flowers in Goodland is the frangipani. Also known as plumeria, it is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. They are also found in Hawaii and are made into leis by the locals.  Marked by its slim, long limbs and lack of leaves in the winter time, come May, this plant has one of the most fragrant and beautiful flowers in the area.  Flowers come in pink yellow and white, with a hybrid of pink, white and yellow being the rarest. Many will recognize the surname, plumeria, which is often used in describing perfume fragrances.

Stans is brightly painted.

The Royal Poinciana is not a native plant yet it grows rather well in South Florida. This tree will only flower in Southern Florida, Southern Texas and Southern California. Its modern name is derived from the 17th century governor of the island of St. Kitts. Phillipe de Longvilliers de Poincy is credited with bringing the tree to the Americas. However, its common name in other countries speaks of its bright red flowers. In India it is known as Gulmohar; which translates into flowering peacock. Its name in Vietnamese translates to phoenix tail. These “flaming trees” grow extremely large and branch out far past their trunks to make for the perfect shade tree on a hot summer afternoon.

The native fruit trees of Goodland have also begun the long process of bearing fruit. The avocado trees in town are currently covered with small, golf ball sized versions of the fruit. Come September or October they should be ready to eat. The mango trees are also bursting with the sweet fruit that should be ripe within the next few months.

Not to be outdone by the bright flowering plants of Goodland, two local restaurants, Stan’s and The Little Bar, have painted some of their buildings to mimic the bright colors. Stan’s, once white, is now a bright peach with dark green trim. The Little Bar’s office building has been painted a bright melon green. Both establishments blend quite nicely with the other vibrantly colored buildings such as the bright yellow shop, The Island Woman, as well as the Community Center which dons bright yellows and greens.

Visitors to Goodland often love to drive up and down the roads to view the unique architecture and style that Goodland offers. With the trees in full bloom and the addition of fresh paint to a number of buildings in town, there is no better time to cruise through Goodland.

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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Barry Gwinn on his sailboat. Submitted photos

If you are a “year rounder” you are ready to be left alone, aren’t you? You are ready for us snowbirds to disappear so you can do what you want, when you want. No big traffic jams, no long lines anywhere, just downright easy livin’.

I used to stay here all year, but then my husband suggested we buy a summer place in Alaska, so it won’t be long before we say “bye, bye” for a while. It is fun way up there, but I tell you I do miss palm trees, mangoes, thunderstorms and my friends who stay here.

One of my good friends loves to garden and she can be seen doting over her roses and orchids. She has a gorgeous prize winning rose named “Veteran’s Honor”. Summers are a bit hot for roses here, but my friend manages to keep them going. Actually she has all kinds of plants in her garden from lilies and pineapples to orchids and geraniums. But what interests me most is her mango tree. You see, she ships me some of those delicious, succulent gems all the way to Alaska. Talk about being envied! My summer neighbors clamor for a taste of a real Goodland mango. Nothing better!

Veteran’s Honor Rose.

Another friend of mine, Barry Gwinn, is a sailor and he goes out in his boat every chance he gets. He has been sailing for years and I think he loves the solitude and beauty of our tropical paradise. Barry told me a funny story about how he found his boat. “I acquired the “Oh No” from a seller in Dunedin whose wife refused to sail with him after he capsized the boat with her and two other passengers aboard. As the boat was going over, they all cried, “Oh no”! The guy tried to make light of it by naming the boat “Oh No.” Barry added, “The wife wasn’t buying it, so I did.”

Well, here’s a little secret just between you and me. I haven’t yet asked Barry if he has ever had a capsizing incident. I’m scared to. What if he said, “Yes”? Then, how would I answer? Guess!

Mangoes Galore.

Now back to our subject at hand, whatever Goodlanders do in the summertime is relaxing I am sure. Some miss their snowbird friends, but Goodland is the absolute perfect place to enjoy a summer of fishing, boating, sunning, reading or gardening. Just plain easy livin’. Don’t ya think?

And by the time September rolls around and the Alaskan days are getting shorter and cooler, I am ready to get back to the tropics. I’ll reconnect with my “year rounder” friends and ask them, “How was your summer?” And they will answer, “We missed you but we enjoyed our quiet time.” And then they will add, “There’s nothin’ better, you know, than summer in Goodland”.

Joanie Fuller is the President of the Goodland Civic Association. She and her husband of 47 years, David Fuller, are residents of Goodland.

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A view of the brightly painted Goodland Post Office. Photos by Natalie Strom

After living and working in Goodland for a certain amount of time, it becomes clear that visitors have many questions regarding our small fishing village. Below is a Q & A of some of the most popular questions visitors to Goodland often ask.

Q: I’m staying on Marco Island. How do I get to Goodland?

A: You’re not far away at all. Your first objective is to find San Marco Road. This main road runs east and west right through the center of Marco Island. You may find this road by taking any of the main roads in town such as Collier Boulevard, Bald Eagle Drive or Barfield. Wherever you happen to find it, you will always go east on San Marco. You will soon leave the beautiful buildings and luscious landscaping of Marco Island to travel through a dense amount of mangroves. When you begin to think you are heading nowhere you will see a bridge straight ahead. DO NOT GO OVER THE BRIDGE. There is a fork in the road just before the bridge which you will follow to the right. You will drive along a curvy road lined with mangroves for just under a mile and will soon find yourself in the heart of Goodland. One note of advice: don’t rely on your GPS or cell phone to help you find your way. Many people find that their cell phones get little to no reception as they approach Goodland.

Local artists display their talents around the many Post Office boxes.

Q: Why is Goodland so busy on Sundays?

A: For longer than anyone can remember, Sundays in Goodland have always been a day for celebration. People come from near and far to join in on the festivities on Sunday afternoons. All the restaurants in town take part providing boat docks, fine food, refreshing beverages, dancing and live music. It can easily be said that Stan Gober, owner of Stan’s Idle Hour is the host of the event. Stan spends his Sunday afternoons at his establishment greeting guests and signing copies of his book and CDs. Visitors to Goodland can enjoy a comedy routine and live singing performance by Stan as well. Stan will often get on stage to tell jokes and sing his original songs such as “The Buzzard Lope,” “Somebody Stole My Boat” and the song that spurs our next question…

Q: What Kind of Fish is That?

A: This question is heard in many forms. “What Kind of Fish is That” is the name of a popular song by Stan Gober. The lyrics pay tribute to the fishing tradition in Goodland. He sings of local fishermen asking each other what they caught and where they caught it. The question is also echoed throughout the local restaurants in town. All four restaurants in town will gladly cook your freshly caught and filleted fish for a minimal price. As patrons carry their filleted fish into local eateries, diners, hosts, servers and chefs alike echo the question; “what kind of fish is that?”

Q: How many people live in Goodland?

A: According to the 2000 census, 320 people claim Goodland as their permanent residence. This number, however, varies depending on the time of the year. From the months of January through April, the population is at its peak, yet during the summer months the population decreases drastically. This is easily due to the extreme heat, heavy rains and mosquitoes that take over during this time of year. To answer the question that usually follows, Goodland is .4 square miles and has an elevation of seven feet above sea level.

Q: Where can I find the Goodland Post Office?

A: The Goodland Post Office is located on the corner of Harbor Place and Papaya Street. It seems hard to find for those who have never been as it does not look like your typical post office. Painted a bright peach and adorned with a mural of a mermaid in an underwater seascape, the Goodland Post Office has a warm and inviting feel. Residents from Marco often prefer to use the post office here as there is rarely a line and the service is extremely friendly. Visitors come here to view the paintings that adorn the interior walls; all of which were painted by local Goodland artists. Out front is the bulletin board where locals may post whatever they like and minutes to the meetings of the Goodland Civic Association can be viewed. A variety of newspapers and free magazines are offered out front.

The questions concerning Goodland go on and on. Have any questions of your own? Feel free to email them to nstrom81@yahoo.com. Be on the lookout for more Q & A articles where your most burning questions about Goodland will be answered.

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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