SWFLA To Do List: Author Huey slates ‘Book Talk,’ St. Patrick’s Day events

MARCH

Friends of the Bonita Springs Library Book Sale

Book bargains galore — along with puzzles, CDs and DVDs — will be on sale March 14-16 at the semiannual Book Sale, benefitting the nonprofit Friends of the Bonita Springs Library. From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16. Proceeds from the Book Sales are used to support activities at the Bonita Springs Library. The Bonita Springs Library is at 10560 Reynolds St., off Old 41 in downtown Bonita Springs. Contact: Friendsofbonitalibrary@gmail.com.

Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero

Disney on Ice skates into Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, at various times from March 14-17. Tickets start at $23. hertzarena.com.

Nick Swardson at Off the Hook

The comedian performs March 14-17 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $30 general admission, plus a fee. Shows at various times across the four days. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.

Spring Break Easter meetup

Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is hosting a Better Spring Break Easter Meetup for Marco Island families on Saturday, March 16. Better Together organizes programs at various locations to bring parents together for community, to support each other, and often hear from expert speakers, while their children play supervised by Better Together volunteers in another room. Families can enjoy a variety of egg-citing Easter activities, including photos with the Easter Bunny, competitions and giveaways that include a prize drawing for a bicycle. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. The March 16 meet up will take place from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Veterans Community Park, located at 901 Park Ave. on Marco Island. Admission is free, but families are required to register in advance. To register, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/lunch-rsvp or call 239-470-2733.

Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus concerts

The Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus will present its 47th annual spring concert “Hooked on a Feeling” at 7 p.m., March 15, and 2 p.m., March 16, at Pulte Center at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave., North Naples. Advance sale tickets are $20 or $25 at the door, available at eventbrite.com.

EsteroFest 2024 to feature the Ben Allen Band

The Estero Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special free event that will be fun for the entire family on Saturday, March 16 at the Estero Community Park. There will be a beer and wine garden, a variety of food trucks, and performances by the Ben Allen Band starting at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Estero Fire Rescue and Lee County Sherriff’s Office will have displays and there will be a Business Expo from 1 until 5 p.m. Attendees are remined to bring chairs or blankets This free event is celebrating the Village of Estero’s 10th anniversary. Estero Community Park is located at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. in Estero.

Rotary Club of Estero announces 5K Run/Walk

The Rotary Club Estero Foundation’s inaugural 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health. This event is dedicated to supporting mental health organizations and various charities in Lee and Collier County, aligning with this year's Rotary International theme, “Create Hope in the World,” by promoting peace and focusing on mental health. The run, scheduled for Saturday, March 16, will kick off at 7:30 a.m., at Coconut Point Mall in Estero. For those who prefer online registration, sign-ups are currently open: runsignup.com/Race/FL/Estero/EsteroRotary5Kand1MileFunRun. Late registrations will be accepted at $45 on the day of the race, March 16. Information: esterorotary.org.

Sensory-Friendly Saturdays at Naples Botanical Garden

This event is created especially for guests and families with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory processing needs. Family-friendly hands-on activities and an air-conditioned take-a-break space will be provided. 4-6 p.m. March 16, April 27 and May 11 at 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Admission is free but must RSVP ahead of time in order to minimize disturbances at naplesgarden.org.

The Pub Naples block party

Celebrate with Irish food, drink specials and live music all day Saturday and Sunday, March 16-17. The musical lineup includes The Rowdy Bards (6-9 p.m., Saturday), Matty Jollie (1-4 p.m., Sunday) and the Harp & Thistle Bagpipers (starting at 8:15 p.m., Sunday). Plus DJ 007 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday, and all day Sunday. Free. The Pub Naples at The Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, North Naples. Information: 594-2748 or experiencethepub.com.

Bayfront Art Show

The Bayfront Naples Art Show is 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., March 16-17; with a variety of local and national artists at Bayfront Naples, 465 Bayfront Place. Admission is free. Information: naplespicasso.com. 

St. Patrick’s Day show for charity

St. Finbarr Knights of Columbus will host St. Patrick Show for Charity, an annual event at 7 p.m., March 17, at St. Finbarr Parish, 13520 Tamiami Trail E. Singer and guitar player Cliff Erickson ― who has opened for Ringo Starr, Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys, and Wynona Judd ― will perform. Tickets $20. Information: jamescullinane@gmail.com.

Film noir series: Phil Karlson

Marco Island Center for the Arts “Film Noir” series wraps up on March 17 with films directed by Phil Karlson: 1 p.m., “99 River Street” (1953) and 4 p.m., “Tight Spot” (1955). Tickets for each screening are available for purchase at the Marco Island Center for the Arts website marcoislandart.org/film-noir-series/.

Shamrock Social at Mercato with The Rowdy Bards

Irish band The Rowdy Bards headlines the St. Patrick’s Day block party Sunday at the North Naples shopping center. Plus, Irish dancers, bagpipers, aerial performers, a stilt walker, balloon animals, St. Patrick’s Day beads and free face painting. The Rowdy Bards perform 3-6 p.m. Other entertainment includes the Naples Irish Dancers (2 p.m.) and Harp & Thistle Bagpipe Band (2:30 p.m.). Event is from 1-6 p.m., Sunday, March 17. Free. Takes place on the street between Bar Tulia and Dunkin's Diamonds at the Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, North Naples. Information: 254-1080 or mercatoshops.com.

Whiskey Park St. Patrick's Day Blowout

An all-day party Sunday with live music from West of Galway (noon), Donnacha Tierney (3 p.m.) and Big Cypress Band (6 p.m.); Irish food  (including a 9 a.m. Irish breakfast); green beer; Jameson whiskey on tap; and giveaways. Starts at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 17, and continues until 1 a.m. Sunday. Free. First 50 customers get a free T-shirt. First 200 get a free pin. Whiskey Park, 3380 Mercantile Ave., Naples. 263-6777 or facebook.com/WhiskeyPark.Naples.

The Kitchen and The Mini Bar

Organizers are calling this an “epic St. Patrick’s Day outdoor bash” with two deejays spinning music all day (DJ Memphis and DJ Brandi Perl), a green-eggs-and-ham brunch, a corned-beef dinner, green beads, raffles and drink specials. From 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Sunday, March 17. Free admission. The Kitchen & The Mini Bar, 1200 Central Ave., Unit 106, Naples. Information: 428-3101 or kitchenandminibar.com.

Artichoke and Company

A St. Patrick’s Day party with ax throwing, Irish food and beer, games, a  deejay, face painting and balloons. From noon to 7 p.m., Sunday, March 17. Cost: $5. Artichoke and Company, 11920 Sandrienne Lane, Bonita Springs. Information: 263-6979 or facebook.com/artichokeandcompany.

Lansdowne Street Pub block party

The Bonita Springs pub hosts this 17th-annual block party Sunday. Includes live bands, green beer, Kobe corn beef and more. Musical lineup unavailable. All day Sunday, March 17. Free. Lansdowne Street Pub, 24851 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs. Information: 495-3800 or facebook.com/lansdownestreet.

Bonita Springs Concert Band

The concert band and guest singer Carolann VanderMeer perform a mix of Irish and non-Irish tunes Sunday for this St. Patrick's Day show. The program includes “Danny Boy,” “Ye Banks and Braes O’Bonnie Doon,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Victor Lopez’s “Fuerza Furiosa,” John Philip Sousa’s “The Thunderer” and Karl King’s “March of the Tartars.” Audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and wear green. 2 p.m., Sunday, March 17. Free. Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Information: bonitaspringsconcertband.org.

Shamrockin' in Margaritaville

The new Fort Myers Beach resort celebrates its first St. Patrick's Day with Wasted Away green beer, a scavenger hunt, crafts, face painting, giveaways, a photo booths and a deejay. 9 a.m. until one hour past sunset, Sunday, March 17. Included with $75 day pass. Free for resort guests. Fins Up! Beach Club at Margaritaville Beach Resort, 251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach. Information: 899-4001 or shorturl.at/frsv5.

St. Paddy's Day Rock The Dock Bash at Nervous Nellies

Nerdy Wisconsin party band The Dweebs headline the annual St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, more live music from Sir Royalty and The Wayward Souls, giveaways, corned-beef and cabbage, Irish egg rolls and more. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, March 17. Free. The Dweebs perform 6-9:30 p.m. Nervous Nellie’s, 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach. Information: 999-8077 or facebook.com/NervousNelliesFMB.

Old-school baseball at vintage ‘base ball’ game

Edison & Ford Winter Estates hosts its annual vintage “base ball” game at Terry Park. At least three teams compete while wearing vintage uniforms and using the rules of 1860s baseball, such as wooden bats, no gloves and lemon-peel baseballs. The team roster includes the Vagabonds Base Ball Club of Fort Myers and two more Florida teams. More teams may be added. Starts at about 11 a.m., Sunday, March 17. $5 (free for ages 18 and younger). Terry Park, 3410 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: EdisonFord.org.

Senior fair and expo

The Senior Fair and Expo will take place on March 18 at the Bonita Springs YMCA, located at 27200 Kent Road, Bonita Springs. he event, running from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., will feature many local vendors. The first 150 seniors to attend will receive a complimentary breakfast. Attendees can also look forward to live music by Jerry Ammerman and the delectable offerings of the Dusty Dawgs Food Truck.

Author Huey slates ‘Book Talk’ at Center for the Arts

Marco Island Center for the Arts recently announced a book talk featuring author and resident, Patrick Huey, at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19.  The event promises an engaging discussion about Huey’s latest work of fiction, “Hell: A Novel.” Huey, an author and small business owner residing full-time on Marco Island, is celebrated for his insightful writings on history, finance and now fiction. As the author of two books on history and finance, Huey’s transition into the world of fiction has garnered much attention. “Hell: A Novel” follows the journey of John Allmen, an Iraq War veteran who embarks on a quest to see the world after quitting his job. What was intended as a journey to paradise quickly turns into a descent through the nine levels of hell, as Allmen’s past catches up with him. Guided by the enigmatic Virgil, his travel companion, Allmen confronts his own demons and dark secrets as he navigates through the gripping storyline. The event is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island.

‘A Cracker at The Ritz’

Hilarious duo of Compton & Bennett returns with a popular musical poking fun at Southwest Florida. They perform at Arts Bonita. At 7 p.m. March 19. $35-$45. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 239-495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org.

‘John Denver – Back Home Again’

Tickets are on sale now for the Marco Island Historical Society’s 2024 “World Class Entertainment Series.” It’s a series of tribute performances showcasing some of the world’s most famous musical artists. Performances are at the Rose History Auditorium located on the Marco Island Historical Museum campus. John Denver – Back Home Again (March 19) – Tom Becker, known as one of the best John Denver tribute artists in the U.S., has performed around the globe to standing ovations. Doors open at 6 p.m., curtain is at 6:30. Tickets are $50 per person. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447 for more information. The Marco 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 general information visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.

Hats in the Garden

For two decades, Hats in the Garden has served as Naples Botanical Garden’s primary fundraiser, advancing its mission to connect people with plants. On Wednesday, March 20, Hats in the Garden celebrates a milestone anniversary of philanthropy, fashion, and the beauty of Naples Botanical Garden. The event commences with a champagne celebration and culminates with a luncheon and runway show, powered by Saks Fifth Avenue, featuring world-renowned fashion designer Carolina Herrera. From  11 a.m. until 12 p.m., Champagne Reception and Photos in the garden ; noon, luncheon and fund-a-need under the tent, followed by a runway show ; 2 p.m,. Platinum Post Party in Kapnick Hall. Naples Botanical Garden will be closed for the duration of Hats in the Garden, opening to the public at 4 p.m. for Sunset Wednesdays.

‘She Loves Me’

This romantic musical following a busy sales season for clerks at a 1930s European parfumerie will be at the Gulfshore Playhouse, 755 Eight Ave. S., March 21-April 21. Tickets start at $45. Information: gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

Home Garden Tour slated

This tour gives participants a chance to see beautiful home gardens on Marco Island. The tour also includes gardening demonstrations, a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception and door prizes. Two Sessions: 8:30 a.m. or 1:15 p.m. Tour begins and ends at Wesley United Methodist Church, 350 S. Barfield Drive, Marco Island.  Ticket price: $63. Purchase tickets online: go to calusa.org, event calendar, March 21 Home Garden Tour. Information: Sara Wolf, sarawolf617@gmail.com, 513-706-8681.

SWFL Inc.’s Mini Golf Tournament

SWFL Inc. is excited to announce its newest signature event of 2024 – the SWFL Inc. Mini Golf Tournament. Join us for a day of putting and valuable networking opportunities with professionals from across the region on Friday, March 22 at Popstroke of Fort Myers. The tournament kicks off at 10 a.m., attendees can anticipate a diverse range of offerings, including raffles, various prizes, refreshments, a luncheon, and more. Given the limited availability of twosome slots, we strongly encourage you to secure your place by registering at swflinc.com/2024-mini-golf-tournament-. 

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

If you want to get the best pictures possible and truly understanding your camera’s features, this camera workshop is for you. The class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your camera's shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. From 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., March 23. Cost: $55. Registration is required. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Information: RookeryBay.org.

Wonder Gardens hosts Spring Fling

This family-friendly event is aimed at ages 3-12, but open to all ages. The fun includes arts and crafts, education stations, a scavenger hunt, tarot readings, yoga demonstrations, yard games and animal interactions. Free with park admission, although some activities require a separate ticket purchase on the day of the event, including face painting and animal meet-and-greets. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 23. Free with paid park admission of $7-$12. The park will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 992-2591 or wondergardens.org.

‘Assisted Living: The Musical’ returns

Southwest Florida comedy duo Compton & Bennett tour the country with their hit musical comedy. Now it's coming back home for the first time in eight years. The 80-minute show makes fun of the joys and pains of old age, including senior sex, that first AARP invitation, sagging body parts and old lady drivers. It follows the residents of a fictional assisted-living facility called Pelican Roost. At 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday, March 23-24. Cost: $35-$45. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 495-8989 or artsbonita.org.

Naples Art Downtown Art Fair

The 36th annual festival is making the move to Park Street and Cambier Park this year, 755 Eighth Ave. S., downtown Naples. The fundraiser for the Naples Art institute is March 23-24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free with donations appreciated. Information: 239-262-6517 or naplesart.org. 

Bonita Springs Masters Art Festival

Takes place from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24, at The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs. A preview will also be open from 3-7 p.m. Friday, March 22. Admission is free. Information: 239-293-9448 or boulderbrook.net.

‘Donna Summer and Tina Turner’

Tickets are on sale now for the Marco Island Historical Society’s 2024 “World Class Entertainment Series.” It’s a series of tribute performances showcasing some of the world’s most famous musical artists. Performances are at the Rose History Auditorium located on the Marco Island Historical Museum campus. Donna Summer and Tina Turner (March 27) –  The audience will experience the ultimate Tina Turner tribute and Donna Summer tribute at this show by tribute artist Latraia Savage. Doors open at 6 p.m., curtain is at 6:30. Tickets are $50 per person. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447 for more information. The Marco 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 general information visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.

34th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach

The 34th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach will be held Sunday, March 31 at 7 a.m. at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, 400 S. Collier Boulevard, Marco Island. Beginning over 30 years ago with 240 people, the one-hour event is one of the largest gatherings on Marco Island, open to the whole community, and led by a diverse collaboration of denominations. Beach access is north of the Marriott Spa and the public access path north of the Madeira Condominium. The Marco police and volunteers will direct traffic and assist with parking, including double parking along Collier Boulevard. Additionally, the Resident's Beach parking lot will open at 6 a.m. for member parking. Musical prelude begins at 6:45 a.m. For those who need assistance, handicap parking will be available near the Marriott Spa with golf carts to assist to the edge of the beach. Information: Marco Presbyterian Church at 239-394-8186.

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ONGOING

‘Point-Counterpoint’ returns to island

Point-Counterpoint, a  discussion series, is back on Marco Island. Join the group to discuss a broad range of timely topics, in a calm, respectful and fun format, It’s from 2 until 4:30 p.m., the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Rose Hall at Marco Island Library.

Marco in Bloom

Marco in Bloom is the city of Marco Island’s Florida Friendly Landscape Award, promoted by the Marco Island Beautification Advisory Committee. With the objective of encouraging the planting and beautification of landscapes compatible with our unique South Florida climate and weather conditions, every year the Marco Island Beautification Advisory Committee promotes the Marco In Bloom contest amongst homeowners, homeowners associations and businesses. Nomination forms can be found on the Marco Island city website: cityofmarcoisland.com/bc-bc/page/events-and-activities. Nomination forms should be completed by March 18 and submitted with one to two photos via email to julie@mac-jules.com.  Winners will be announced at the April 8 City Council meeting. Contest winners for the past three years are not eligible to participate.

Memories Big Band

Group has returned for its 10th season, performing outdoor, evening concerts. Musicians play songs from legendary American big bands including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Artie Shaw and Duke Ellington. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and are in Cambier Park, Naples (Monday nights), and at Riverside Park, Bonita Springs (Tuesday nights) ― a total of 12 performances. Shows are March 11-12; March 25-26; and April 8-9. Suggested donation of $5 per person requested. stardustmemoriesbigband.com.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: Winter class schedule

Boater education can be a life saver. Take a class, let USCG Certified Instructors reduce your risk and increase your skills on the water. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Marco Island has announced its Winter 2024 boater education classes. The following courses will be offered: Boater’s Local Knowledge – Marco Island, Boater’s Local Knowledge – Backwater Edition, Boating Skills and Seamanship, Suddenly in Command, Personal Watercraft Safety and Paddlecraft Safety.For further information about other USCGAux programs, including complimentary Vessel Safety Examinations, or how to join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 239-394-5911 or USCGAuxMarco.org.

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.

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.

South Collier Market

From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Sundays, South Collier Market at its new location, Florida Southwestern State College/Collier Campus, 7505 Grand Lely Drive in Naples. This market features food trucks and 70 tents of beautiful SWFL produce, bakeries, artisan foods, jewelry, clothing, local artists and photography, specialty items and gifts. The market is 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 Local Productions has operated farmers markets in SWFL since 2015, helping hundreds of small businesses.

Marco Island Farmers Market 

The Marco Island Marco Island Farmers Market is at Veteran’s Community Park on Wednesdays. The market is from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every Wednesday through April at the park, located at 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Italian American Society of Marco Island

The Italian American Society of Marco 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.

Marco Men’s Club

Marco Men’s Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the social room at Marco 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 Marco Island meets 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., the second Monday of October through March at the library Rose Hall, with a speaker at 12:30 p.m.  Contact calusagardenclubcommunication@gmail.com. Go to calusa.org for more information.

Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime

Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime meets the first Thursday of the month by Zoom 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 zoom link or reservations email KathrynPasternak@BHHSFloridaRealty.net.

Monday Night Bingo

Monday Night Bingo at the Jewish Congregation of Marco 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.  

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

The attraction 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 is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12 and children 3 and under are free. Admission 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. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Information: RookeryBay.org.

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. 

Key Marco artifacts

Thanks to an unprecedented five-year loan extension by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, the world-famous Key Marco Cat will continue on exhibit at the Marco Island Historical Museum (MIHM) through 2026. Through April 30, 2024, 13 additional Key Marco artifacts from the PENN Museum will be on exhibit at MIHM. Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 239-389-6447 or visit theMIHS.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 general 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.

APRIL

Bonita Springs-Estero Christian Women’s Connection

Invites you and your friends to their monthly luncheon, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 12, at the Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd, Estero. Seating begins at 11. Luncheon cost: $35.  Reservations and cancellations must be received by Wednesday, April 3. Tables assigned for all guests. Wish to be seated with friends? Submit all names and checks together, plus contact name and phone number and any food allergies. Reserve early with a check payable to BSECWC. Mail to: BSECWC, 20071 Seagrove St. #1003, Estero, FL 33928. Call Nancy with questions at 520-904-2913. Special feature: “Citrus Circus performs for us on Center Stage.” Guest speaker, former nightclub singer Angela Dittmar shares her touching story, “Songs from a Paper Piano.”

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 mail@marconews.com or news@naplesnews.com and should be submitted at least a week before desired publication.