Holiday stories

If a snap survey of local youngsters is on the mark, a lot of Marco Island mothers are in for some serious pampering come Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day, of course, and local moms can expect cards, gifts and dinners by way of appreciation. Middle school student Danny Quintana said his mom Frances is in for a surprise gift. “You wouldn’t be able to live happily without parents, so it’s good to thank (moms) on Mother’s Day,” he said. Full story »

Christmas came early for Christmas Island Style, but this time it was the benefactor helping the organization with a successful golf fundraiser. Full story »

Things may slow down soon, but Marco Island is still hopping after an early Easter raised fears for some and hopes for others of a stunted season. “I did see the first car carrier yesterday,” said Debbie Naeckel, office manager at Shipps Landing Condominium Association. Full story »

As if on cue, Mother Nature held off on the sprinkles until after the sunrise service. And that was to the delight of an estimated 4,500 people who flocked to the beach this morning on Marco Island to participate in the 20th annual Easter Sunrise Service. Full story »

The Marco Presbyterian Church once again invites everyone on the Island and mainland Naples to join them in celebrating the 20th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach at 7 a.m. this Sunday, March 23 at the Marco Island Marriott Resort & Spa, and Mike Seigfried, Marco Presbyterian Church Administrator, said that smiling member volunteers will be delivering flyers to Island businesses the days before to remind people to bring their own blanket or chair. Full story »

The diverse denominations of Christianity in Naples may differ on their interpretation of Scripture, but all agree upon the significance of Easter. Here are a few interpretations from local churches. Full story »

For anyone growing up in Eastern Tennessee, Easter is a special event. Normally, Easter coincides with the early spring weather that sends everyone outdoors. When Easter arrives late, the blossoms of apple trees are beginning to bud, crocuses and daffodils are purple and yellow, popping through the grass, and everyone — especially the kids — are trying to pretend that its already summer. Full story »

Get ready to gear up for green beer and loads of fun not only on St. Patrick’s Day but the entire week! The best part is you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy Irish entertainment by Robbie Doherty at Cathy O’Clarke’s Irish Pub and Grille. Full story »

A year and a half ago, Kathleen Reynolds decided the Irish-Americans on Marco Island needed a club of their own. And being a self-described “take-charge woman,” she didn’t waste any time getting the word out. Full story »

Marco Island’s Parks and Recreation Department needs volunteers for the city’s annual Spring Jubilee on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., to help place the 12,000 Easter eggs used in the annual hunt. Full story »

As with many good Irish events and organizations, the Irish-American Club of Naples started with a few pints of Guinness and grew from there. The club helped preserve and grow Irish culture in Collier County for nearly 20 years and will be celebrating their heritage in a big way this St. Patrick’s Day. Full story »

“In Ireland if St. Patrick’s Day falls on Lent, all Lent duties are relieved,” said Cathy O’Clarke, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Mel Slawik. St. Patrick’s Day, the feast day in honor of the saint who drove all the snakes out of Ireland, falls during Holy Week for the first time since 1940. Full story »

A sign on the wall reads: “There are no strangers here, only friends who have not yet met.” The quote from Dublin’s poet, William Butler Yeats, sets the tone for the casual setting of the Irish pub and restaurant in East Naples. Full story »

St. Patrick was born of Roman parents near Kilpatrick in Scotland in 387 A.D. There was nothing outstanding about him until he was captured, as a teenager, by a raiding party and taken to Ireland. St. Patrick was sold as a slave to the Druids and pagans. Although not religiously inclined or educated, during his time in captivity, Patrick turned to God through prayer. Full story »

Marco’s Jean Preston must love the Ladies Valentine’s Day Regatta, sponsored by the Sailing Association of Marco Island. On Saturday she won the nine-mile race for the seventh straight year and nine times in 11 years. Full story »