Changes in Latitude Changes in Attitude

The term “paradise” is all too often used to describe the island we live on. During a council deliberation regarding the budgeting process, I was taken aback by some of the statements being made that somewhat demeans the quality of life we’ve come to enjoy and those that make that possible. 

Yes, I agree, the Marco Island of today may be somewhat different than the first time I set foot here in the summer of 1986. I accompanied a great friend of mine down to East Naples to visit with his dad and mom, who resided at the quaint little Hitching Post Mobile Home Park on the East Trail. His dad and mom were so excited to see us, but the first thing they wanted to do was to take us to this great little place to get an ice-cold beer and the best cheeseburger I’ve ever had.  

We crossed the Judge Jolley Bridge onto this island I had never heard of. You see, it’s later become my home for these last 37 years. I can’t say I’ve never been disappointed, although I don’t think I set the bar too low on my expectations regarding my comfort level, but instead I continue to brag on what I found here, going back 39 years ago when I purchased my first condo here. I certainly never was disappointed by that little fishing spot along the Marco River or its cold beer and great cheeseburgers. 

Yes, a lot has changed, but what hasn’t if we think about it? New Hampshire will always be my home where I grew up those first 39 years, but Marco was the place where I learned how to enjoy life. I will admit I wasn’t much of a fisherman, but I always enjoyed being around some of the best storytellers I’ve ever met and some of the best friends I continue to meet on this little speck of sand along the Gulf of America, as we all know it today! 

My good friend A.J. and his parents are all gone now, and that’s a shame, but I don’t regret that wonderful friendship I shared with them, their introduction of me to the Snook Inn, and all the subsequent memories I’ve enjoyed. How could I be anything but happy for the wonderful friendships I made with Duncan, Dapper, and Tommy, who were some of the best “mixologists” you could have ever been friends with. 

Yes, we’re a city now and I hate to hear some of the less than flattering comments being made by those who would choose to criticize some of those folks that provide us with the clean water we drink, protect us as we sleep, and ensure our children are safe in our schools. They seem angry and use cutting words to vent their frustration.   

Words can have a significant and lasting impact on a person’s emotional and physical well-being. Unfortunately, words can trigger varying responses in those we don’t even know who will continue to feel the sting of those hateful tirades. 

I’m sure most of our residents and visitors see public service as a proud profession, and we should show more appreciation for those who do so much for the community, no matter what role they play, and we have a responsibility to show our appreciation and thanks for their service.  

I hear folks taking out their frustrations in life against those who have never done anything on purpose or by accident to deserve that kind of treatment. Some will come forward at meetings to make some of the most hateful allegations without any substance or facts to those allegations and statements, which is a shame. Addressing this type of injustice helps maintain a positive environment for everyone and clears the air of misunderstandings. 

Oh, I understand the frustration one can have when they feel they are not being treated well or taken seriously, when they are fed half-truths and tainted information which clouds their understanding of an issue and breeds mistrust and anger. 

I hope we have an opportunity moving forward to change this atmosphere of mistrust and anger, while funneling that negative energy into a positive cause moving forward that benefits us all.  We all must push back on the negative energy that grinds the positive potential into a standstill for a brighter future we can all be proud of.  

I witness that almost every day in this great community we all call home.Like the kindness demonstrated by the bocce ball players who fed the wonderful children the last day of summer camp this year at Mackle Park. Or the demonstration of love for one’s neighbors on Saturdays when the elderly and food-insecure come to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry’s new building for their Saturday distribution of foodstuffs. There are those who will gather to package close to a quarter of a million meals to feed the hungry in Collier County, and the great work being done by various service clubs such as Kiwanis, the Lions Club, and Rotary to help those in need.  

All these organizations, plus the many churches, do so much good in and about the greater Marco Community, funneling that positive energy. 

Marco Island is a great place because of the commitment that you have shown to it and will continue to show. Become more involved and take advantage of this great place you and I call home, while enjoying it to its fullest.