Rounding the bend into a new year is yet another opportunity to take the time to acknowledge those portions of our lives we hope to enhance and those other portions of our lives we wish to change or alter. Mission statements, goal setting, and new year's resolutions all point us into the direction we wish to be. Knowing what it is we actually desire in our lives and keeping to the task seems to be the tough part though.

We all have so much to give, and whether it is in a large way or small, the intent and the act can be priceless to the recipient for that moment. In regard to giving, the residents of this one square mile municipality of Goodland ended the year in grand style.

Kicking off this last month of 2002, the members of the Goodland Civic Association raised over $3,000 with their pancake breakfast and annual arts and craft show. Anna Popour and Tara O'Neil, Sonia and Earl Miller, Nancy and Goldie Simmons, Linda VanMeter, and the Fullmers were just a few of the volunteers who made this event so successful. Some of that money will be spent on purchasing bicycle lights or reflectors for all the children in Goodland.

Also during December, Stan Gober and his staff, along with Joe Klimas and Kathy and Larry Scheetz hosted the 8th annual Hospice fund-raiser, Celebration of Life, raising almost $15,000. Entertainers J. Robert, one of the founders of this event, and Merle were the first in a long stream of local musicians performing for the crowd throughout the day.

Thinking of and giving to others doesn't cease just because 2002 has come to an end. Elaine Ritchie and her core of volunteers have already been hard at work in organizing the 7th annual "Mardi Gras-Goodland Boat Parade" coming up Saturday, Feb. 15. Last year, in spite of inclement weather, $14,000 was raised for Hospice. This year's theme is "Animals." Entrants may pick any idea about an animal; animals from books, songs, cartoons, movies, and mythology, and decorate their boats and crews in the chosen subject manner. Previous entrants have included personal water craft, rafts, dinghies, skiffs and sloops, as well as fishing boats and yachts.

Most all of the residential and business community of Goodland participates in the Goodland Boat Parade, including the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island. All proceeds will be donated to Hospice of Naples. Contact Elaine Ritchie at 642-8356 or visit www.mardi
grasgoodland.com for more information.

The Goodland Civic Association will be nominating officers for 2003/2004. Membership to belong to this community organization is $10 for individual and $15 for a family. The third Tuesday of every month is the Goodland Civic Association general meeting. Jan. 21 is the first meeting for 2003 and nominations for officers will be taken then. Bob Reed, developer of Calusa Island Village is the scheduled speaker.

Thinking of you from San Diego, Calif. For 2003 remember, "your life is filled with blessings; your dreams are filled with blessings yet to come." Write me and have a great week.

 

Jeane Brennan belongs to the Goodland Civic Association and is responsible for their newsletter. She is also a member of County Commissioner Donna Fiala's Island Advisory Committee. She has lived in the area since 1982. She welcomes your comments and questions at goodlandtimes@aol.com.