Marco will welcome candidates for the school board
Marco Island will host the Collier County School Board nominees on September 27, so you can cast an informed vote in the November 8 general election.
The event will take place at 6:30 p.m., September 2 and 7, at the Marco Island Jewish Congregation, 991 Winterberry Road.
The event is sponsored by the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, the Marco Island Civic Association and the Coalition for Quality Public Education.
“Funding for public schools accounts for a significant portion of taxpayer dollars each year, and schools have a lot to do with the quality of life in any community,” said the press release, sent by the president. from the Marco Island Civic Association, Jerry Swiacki. “Your presence is encouraged.”
On the ballot are Jerry Rutherford, who is running against incumbent Jory Westberry for District 1; Kelly Lichter, who is running against incumbent Jen Mitchell for District 2; and Tim Moshier, who is running against incumbent Roy Terry for District 5.
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A year of exploring Mexican plants
The Botanical Garden of Naples presents a year-long exploration of Mexican plants and their cultural connections. The season includes major exhibitions – including a botanical tribute to artist Frida Kahlo – new festivals and the return of annual favourites.
Plants can provide a window into culture, way of life, faith and tradition, as well as an opportunity to examine the connections between communities. Southwest Florida and parts of Mexico share a tropical rainforest ecosystem and many overlapping plant species. Mexico is home to crops essential to cuisines around the world, including corn, beans and tomatoes. It is home to 10% of the world’s flora, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and underscoring the Naples Botanical Garden’s commitment to plant conservation in South Florida, Latin America. and in the Caribbean.
Some of the events included in “Mexico: A Celebration of Plants and Culture” include:
La Calavera Catrina, Oct. 1-Jan. 29
La Calavera Catrina features eight towering sculptures of La Catrina, one of the most recognizable figures of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). An elegant female skeleton and an icon of Mexican heritage. La Catrina approaches death not through sadness, but as a colorful celebration of life. Designed by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero, these 8-foot-tall ornate, brightly colored sculptures will add an element of surprise to your stroll through the garden. La Calavera Catrina is organized by the Denver Botanical Gardens.
Día de los Muertos celebration, November 5 and 6
Originating in Mexico, this colorful holiday is a time to share memories of loved ones and celebrate families and friends. Learn about the significance of the holiday and its rich culture through special exhibits, tours, and arts and crafts stations. Immerse yourself in live music, dance performances and delicious food. Bring the whole family for an adventure of colors, aromas and flavors.
Frida and her garden, 14 Jan.-Sept. 10, 2023
Venture into the world of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) as you explore a recreation of La Casa Azul, the artist’s iconic blue house in Coyoacán, Mexico City. After a year in the making, this exhibit is a garden within a garden, teeming with plants that inspired his paintings, those that graced his home, and those that reflect Mexico’s rich heritage. Throughout the garden you will also come across monumental animal sculptures adorned with folk art depicting important influences on Kahlo’s life and work. Special thanks to Banco de México Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums Trust.
Friday after 5
Celebrate First Fridays with Frida! Bring your friends and family to browse the Frida and Her Garden exhibit after hours, sip themed cocktails, and enjoy festive music and dancing on select nights. Included with entrance to the garden.
Viva la Vida: plants, stories and cultural heritage, 7 April-Sept. 4
Through photography and storytelling, discover how more than 20 Hispanic women from Southwest Florida are carrying on their traditions through plants. Artist Lisette Morales McCabe captures her subjects immersed in the plants that connect them to homeland and heritage.
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Reminder: Road resurfacing
Marco Island’s annual road resurfacing project is scheduled to begin this week. Where? Copperfield Court and side streets (approx. 1.45 miles) and North Barfield Drive between North Collier Blvd. and San Marco Rd. (about two miles).
City Council approved the project in August for $1.6 million. It includes road resurfacing, manhole and valve adjustments, pavement marking, raised pavement markers and thermoplastic marking, according to a city press release.
Work zone signs will be posted and flaggers will direct traffic. Watch workers and drive with caution. Mail and garbage collection will not be impacted during this project.
