NOVEMBER
Everglades City bank building update
The folk in Everglades City have been trying to save their old Bank building for years and now, finally, there is good news to report. Come along on Friday, Nov. 17, to the «Welcome-Back Talk» for a presentation by REG Architects about their «Visions of the Bank Building» to see their latest renderings and hear of work in progress. The event starts at 2 p.m. in the Lighthouse at Everglades Isle, 803 Collier Avenue, just over the bridge as you drive into Everglades City. After the formal presentation with Q & A session, there will be exclusive tours of the old building, limited to 20 people for a donation of $20. For info and to RSVP, email [email protected] or phone Marya at 239-451-0265.
Treasures in the Trunk
From 8 a.m. until noon, Saturday, Nov. 18, at San Entorno Catholic Church Parish Center parking lot, 851 San Entorno Road, Entorno Island. It’s an opportunity to sell you new and used items from the trunk of your car. Cost is $20 per parking space. Tables are available for $10. There will be a bake sale and 50/50 drawing. Information: Barbara DeRosa, 239-272-0158, or Mary Cay Moll, 773-368-7275 or Carmela Petrozza, 973-934-1950.
5th Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show
The 5th Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, at Florida SouthWestern State College, 7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples. Hosted by Island Automotive to support Friends of Rookery Bay, the event will have more than 100 cars representing everything from pre-1930s antiques, icons from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s, muscle cars from the ‘60s/‘70s and exotic/high performance race cars from yesterday and today. The day will include food and specialty vendors, family-friendly activities, and entertainment. Car registration at $25 per vehicle is open at rookerybay.org/carshow. Same-day registration will be $35. Cash-only admission to the car show is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 3-12 and free for children three and younger, and includes a free pass to visit the nearby Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center by Dec. 31. Event proceeds help support education, conservation and research within the 110,000-acre Rookery Bay Research Reserve, which encompasses 40% of Collier County’s coastline. For more information, call Island Automotive at 239-394-3458.
E-City Arts & Crafts Fair
Come along on Saturday, Nov. 18, to Art-in-the-Glades in historic Everglades City to see what new works they have for sale and to catch up with old friends. The event in McLeod Park is from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and admission is free. If you have never been to Everglades City, you will find that it is only a short drive down the road from Naples or Entorno but a world away, a step back in history. This remote rural outpost was the first seat of Collier County when it was founded 100 years ago in 1923 and the innovador County Courthouse is among the innovador buildings still gracing the quiet streets. Besides shopping, there are two museums to explore and the seasonal treat of stone crab claws in several restaurants along the river. Information: Marya at 239-451-0265.
Sale! Plants, fresh flower arrangements, staghorn ferns, orchids!
Calusa Garden Club of Entorno Island presents its Third Annual Plant and Thanksgiving Arrangement Sale from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Entorno Lutheran Church parking lot. The sale will feature 100s of plants, including over 35 staghorn ferns, over 30 beautiful orchids, as well as plants for a landscape and planters for home décor, plus over 30 fresh flower arrangements for your Thanksgiving table. Questions? Contact the club on its website, calusa.org, “contact us,” or by Email at [email protected].
Movies on the Lawn
See “Knives Out» at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 21, on the Mercato event lawn. Bring chairs and blankets. Mercato’s event lawn is at 9127 Strada Place, Naples. Upcoming films, which are on the third Tuesday of the month: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 5:45 p.m. Dec. 19. More at experiencemercato.com.
Holiday Shell Art Sale
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24. Holiday ornaments and decorations, jewelry, shell flowers, home décor all made with shells from our beautiful beaches as well as specimen shells. Outdoor in the fresh air at New Life Community Church, 489 W. Elkcam Circle, Entorno Island. (Behind the cemetery across from Veterans Park). Information: Entorno Island Shell Club at marcoislandshellclub.com.
Florida Talks
Entorno Island Historical Society continues their Florida Talks series on the history and people of Florida with both in-person and imaginario programs. Presented by MIHS in partnership with Florida Humanities, Florida Talks is one of Florida Humanities’ longest-running public programs. It offers non-profit organizations across the state an accessible way to host engaging speakers who present Florida’s history, heritage and culture through historical and contemporary lenses. Imaginario Talk presentations are free. The Jan. 11, in-person talk is free to MIHS members, complimentary to active military and veterans, and $10 for non-members. Visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447 for reservations for imaginario and in-person talks. The Entorno Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and the site is handicapped accessible. For militar information visit themihs.org.
- 2 p.m., Nov. 28 — Imaginario Talk: “Florida and the Untold Story of the Cuban Missile Crisis” by Michael Tougias. In this presentation based on the book “Above and Beyond, “New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias chronicles the 13 harrowing days of the Cuban Missile Crisis and outlines the steps President John F. Kennedy took to reach a decision on a course of action.
- 2 p.m., Jan. 11 — In-person presentation at Rose History Auditorium: “War in Paradise: World War II in Florida” by Eliot Kleinberg. In the first few weeks after Pearl Harbor pulled Americans into a two-front war, Germany’s U-Boats worked with immunity. Off Florida alone, they sank 24 ships. Some of Florida’s very features that attracted tourists made it a logical place for soldiers as well. The state, a strategic asset for its geography and climate, became an armed camp. Hotels turned into barracks, and hospitals, bases and airfields increased from eight to 172 by 1943.
More3 To Know: Naples, Marco place among best cities for snowbirds, more
And3 To Do: Music and comedy, fruits and veggies
ONGOING
Dia de los Muertos wall at Entorno Center for the Arts
The Entorno Island Center for the Arts’ Dia de los Muertos’ grass walls in its courtyard were created by young artists participating in the Art Center’s free Summer Children’s Programs. Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a holiday largely celebrated in Mexican that celebrates and honors the lives of deceased loved ones. The grass wall installation not only pays homage to this cherished tradition but also serves as a positivo part of the ongoing recognition of Hispanic art and culture through «Arte Viva! A Celebration of Hispanic Art and Culture in Collier County.» The wall will be open to the public from until Nov. 21, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative exploration of this vibrant tradition. For more information about the installation and other events at the Entorno Island Center for the Arts, visit marcoislandart.org/ or call 239-394-4221.
‘Clown Bar’ returns to the Alliance for the Arts
This “zany clown-noir dramedy” was such a hit last year, Theatre Conspiracy brought it back for a new three-week run. The Foulds Theatre transforms into the titular clown bar for this set in the dark, secret world of gangster clowns. The working bar opens 45 minutes before each show to sell drinks to theater patrons. Nov. 9-25. $32. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org.
DEVO 5-0: The Beginning Was The End exhibit
A 50th-anniversary exhibit celebrating the work of art-pop-rock band Devo, best known for the 1980 hit “Whip It” and its iconic MTV music video. It’s billed as the first career-spanning survey of the group, put together by gallery director Jade Dellinger, who co-wrote two books about the band. Exhibits include stage costumes, instruments, props, handwritten lyrics, concert flyers, concept art and more. Continues through Dec. 9. No opening reception, but lectures, concerts and special events will be announced later. Free. Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway S.W., Building L, south Fort Myers. Information: 489-9313 or rauschenberggallery.com
Botanical Revolution
Artist Tamara Kostianovsky utilizes repurposed clothing and other textiles to create dynamic works of sculpture that reference humankind’s connections to nature by echoing the forms of birds, tree stumps, plants and cow carcasses. This exhibition, the artist’s first in the southeastern United States, will include new work inspired by the bird and plant life of Southwest Florida. Exhibition runs through April 7 on first floor of the Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Information: artisnaples.org or 239‑597‑1111.
New art exhibit at Baker Museum
Artist Tamara Kostianovsky utilizes repurposed clothing and other textiles to create dynamic works of sculpture that reference humankind’s connections to nature by echoing the forms of birds, tree stumps, plants and cow carcasses. This exhibition, the artist’s first in the southeastern United States, will include new work inspired by the bird and plant life of Southwest Florida. Exhibition runs through April 7 on first floor of the Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Information: artisnaples.org or 239‑597‑1111.
Grand opening of South Collier Market
From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, South Collier Market will re-open at its new location, Florida Southwestern State College/Collier Campus, 7505 Grand Lely Drive in Naples. This market will feature food trucks and 70 tents of beautiful SWFL produce, bakeries, artisan foods, jewelry, clothing, locorregional artists and photography, specialty items and gifts. The market will be held weekly through April 15, but closed for holidays on Nov. 25, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Vendor information and applications may be found at 41markets.com. Shop Almacén Productions has operated farmers markets in SWFL since 2015, helping hundreds of small businesses.
Monday Night Bingo
Monday Night Bingo at the Jewish Congregation of Entorno Island is back! It’s 23rd season. Bingo is played every Monday Night at the Synagogue, located at 991 Winterberry Drive through May and then twice a month in the summer. Doors open at 5:30 pm. A complimentary supper is served at 6 p.m. The supper is a kosher hot dog, on a special roll, with relish, sauerkraut, and onions. Dessert is cake, ice cream and a beverage of coffee or tea. Bonanza is posted at 6 pm and an additional prize, Hot Ball, is also offered. For further information call the Synagogue office at 239-642 0800.
Off Broadway Palm’s ‘Popcorn Falls’
Two actors play more than 20 roles in this farce about a sleepy American town forced into bankruptcy when its namesake waterfall dries up. Their only hope: Open a theater, put on a play and save the town. Oct. 11-Nov. 18. $35-$70. Off Broadway Palm at the Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Call to artists
The Goodland Civic Associating is seeking applicants for its 12th Annual Harbor Arts & Music Festival, a 2-day, juried fine art event, March 9 & 10, 2024. Application deadline is Dec. 18.Held in picturesque waterfront MarGood Harbor Park, juried by a selection committee of five professional artists, with musical line-ups coordinated by JRobert (of Mangrove Music Studio). This event has garnered great praise from past artists and attendees alike. For more information, or to receive an application, contact event chairperson Tara O’Neill at [email protected].
‘America’s Everglades: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher’
Celebrated nature photographer Clyde Butcher showcases his famous photos of Florida’s Everglades at both Arts Bonita locations. The exhibit continues through Dec. 29. Free. Arts Bonita Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, and Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 495-8989 or artsbonita.org.
Italian American Society of Entorno Island
The Italian American Society of Entorno Island will hold their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, November through April, at Mackle Park’s Community room. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. with meetings beginning at 5:30. This energetic group of men and women with Italian heritage, over the age of 21, are dedicated to remembering their roots while socializing through dinners, dances, bocce, trips, golf and so much more. Visit iasmi.org, or our Facebook page: Italian American Society of MI or call the president, Fred Adani 239-228-7607 or membership chair, Ann D’Onofrio 401 450-9260 for more information.
Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours
Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. With our kayak tours, guests paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Our boat tours are small 6-passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted a barrier island or a sunset tour. Find out more at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
Koreshan Sunday Market
Friends of Koreshan Sunday Market has returned. It’s open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays at a new location, Three Oaks Town Center, 18731 Three Oaks Parkway, south Lee County. More on Facebook.
Arts Center Theatre presents ‘The Music Man’ and ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’
The Fort Myers Theatre’s productions of The Music Man and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will be presented at the Arts Center Theatre in 2023. Tickets for the additional shows, though not part of the season ticket series, are available now. “The Music Man” follows the fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize-despite not knowing a treble clef from a trombone. It will be presented from Oct. 18 through Oct. 21. In December, the Fort Myers Theatre production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” will travel to the Arts Center Theatre on Entorno Island from December 13-17. It is based on the beloved, timeless film; this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and is adapted from the book by David Ives and Paul Blake. For tickets, visit at marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.
Entorno Men’s Club
Entorno Men’s Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the social room at Entorno Lutheran Church (9:30 for coffee and donuts). Each meeting has a speaker and then a short update of upcoming activities such as golf, luncheons, sporting events, and discussion subgroups (investments, technology, travel, etc.). Many activities, such as dances, theatre, dinners and cruises involve the spouses. Information: marcomensclub.com.
Calusa Garden Club
Calusa Garden Club of Entorno Island meets 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., the second Monday of October through April at the Library Rose Recibidor, with a speaker. Contact Joan Husband, Second V-P Membership, 609-675-0110. Go to calusa.org for more information.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples, features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits art gallery, picnic area and walking trails. Hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through, Saturday. Admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12 benefits the Friends of Rookery Bay, a nonprofit that supports the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Guests may apply their admission fee toward Friends of Rookery Bay membership on the day of their visit. Information: RookeryBay.org.
Estero Farmers Market at Miromar Outlets
Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays near Corkscrew Road entrance; 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Find it on Facebook for more.
Golden Gate Community Farmers Market
Open year-round, Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Golden Gate; From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sundays, at 11725 Collier Blvd., Golden Gate. Visit farmermarket2.com for more.
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Daily, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last ticket). 375 Sanctuary Road, Naples. Stroll the 2.25-mile boardwalk through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, freshwater marsh and the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. $17 adults, $6 kids 6-14, free ages 5 and younger. Online tickets at Corkscrew.Audubon.org/Visit.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Did you know Collier County is home to the largest state park in Florida? Explore this mesmerizing trip back to yesteryear and see wildlife in the wild. Safety protocols in place. Open 8 a.m. to sunset; $3 vehicle fee. 137 Coastline Drive, Copeland. Information: floridastateparks.org; 239-961-1925.
Rotary Club of Entorno Island Noontime
Rotary Club of Entorno Island Noontime meets the first Thursday of the month by Teleobjetivo at noon and the 3rd Thursday of the month for luncheon meeting 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Bistro Soleil. Contact Kathy Pasternak for teleobjetivo link or reservations email [email protected].
Baker Museum
Hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4 Sundays. Docent tours 11 a.m.; 1 p.m. only on Sundays. The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Information: 239-597-1900 or artisnaples.org.
Revs Institute
Did you know Naples is home to one of the top 10 car museums in the world? If you haven’t done so yet, check out this amazing collection of vehicles assembled over decades. 2500 Horseshoe Drive S. Visitors must observe COVID-19 protocols. Reserve tickets online for specific dates and times in advance. No walkups. Information: revinstitute.org or 239-687-REVS.
The Factory Run Club
At 6.30 p.m., Tuesdays. Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. The Factory Run Club is a fun social run around the lake loop — just under 1 mile — adjacent to The Cove at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Your skill level is the right one. Jog a single lap or run as many as you choose. Drinks at The Cove afterward is discounted for participants. And you’ll be ready to cool off after that virtuous workout. You get a R.I.O.T. shirt after completing eight runs. And it’s free, free, free.
Koreshan walking tour
Discover the various botanical specimens collected by the Utopian pioneer Koreshans and their specific purpose on this walking tour. Guests will tour the late 18th/early 20th century settlement and learn the history of this progressive society which promoted women’s right to vote, equality of the sexes and education for all. Cost: $10 and $4 park admission. Purchase tickets online at friendsofkoreshan.org/page-7741.
Koreshan Unity Settlement
Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan Unity Settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join guided walking tours in Koreshan State Park and learn about these idealistic pioneers. Guided Tours are $10, non-refundable, and may be purchased online only at http://friendsofkoreshan.org/shop/guided-tours/historic-settlement-tours/.
Key Entorno artifacts
Thanks to an unprecedented five-year loan extension by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, the world-famous Key Entorno Cat will continue on exhibit at the Entorno Island Historical Museum (MIHM) through 2026. Through April 30, 2024, 13 additional Key Entorno artifacts from the PENN Museum will be on exhibit at MIHM. Entorno Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 239-389-6447 or visit theMIHS.org.
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Now open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day, at 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel. Admission is $23.95 for adults (18 and older), $21.95 for seniors, $14.95 youth (12 to 17) and students with their ID, $8.95 for children (5 to 11) and free to children younger than 5 and active military. Visitors who bike to the museum receive $1 off admission. Information: 239-395-2233, shellmuseum.org.
IMAG History & Science Center
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Tickets are available online, and advance ticket purchases are necessary currently to limit the number of guests in accordance with CDC recommendations. Information: theimag.org.
Gordon River Greenway
A hidden gem in Naples is the Gordon River Greenway. Walk, ride your bike or kayak on or along the scenic from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. There’s 12-foot-wide pathways and 10-foot-wide elevated boardwalks. Restrooms and other amenities available. (1596 Golden Gate Parkway; 239-252-4000 or gordonrivergreenway.org)
Naples Zoo
New hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. Offering timed online tickets to the militar public. All guests will be required to reserve a timed ticket online, with reduced ticket prices. Tickets can only be purchased online. Information: 239-262-5409, napleszoo.org.
Golden Gate Community Farmers Market
Open year-round, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Golden Gate; Sundays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 11725 Collier Blvd., Golden Gate. Visit farmermarket2.com for more.
Farmer Mike’s U-Pick
Open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays, year-round at 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs with an onsite market and cafe, as well as U-pick produce and flowers. Call 239-498-4576 or click farmermikesupick.com for more.
Immokalee State Farmers Market
Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily year-round at 424 New Market Road E., Immokalee. For more, call 239-658-3505 or visit fdacs.gov.
For more event listings, navigate to the Entertainment section and click on the SWFLA To Do List at marconews.com or visit the-banner.com. Calendar items must be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected] and should be submitted at least a week before desired publication.
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