Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery going ‘batty’
On Oct. 8, 2010, Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery and Gifts will host a celebration for our good neighbors, the Matlacha Bridge bats. For many years, over 2,000 bats have made their home beneath the bridge, which is right next door to Pine Bay Gallery. Since construction on a new bridge is slated to begin in early October, the bats would have been homeless. Instead, thanks to a slightly controversial mandate by Lee County Board of Commissioners, new dwellings were recently erected for the displaced bats.
Deb Cole, manager of Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery thought the time was right for the community to give the bats a housewarming party and also, perhaps to learn some things about them. Special guests Betsie Hiatt, the Project Manager for the Matlacha Bat Houses with Lee County, and Carie Call, President of Pine Island Consulting, Inc. (and reigning Mango Queen) will be on hand after 6 p.m on Oct. 8, to share their knowledge on the subject.
Carrie Call said she is very proud of what has been accomplished. “This is the first bat permit for houses over water of its kind in Southwest Florida,” said Ms. Call. “Because we protected them, our bats will be living in a long-lasting house close to where they were living before. The bats will be protected, and people will reap the benefits of natural mosquito control. In the end, Lee County and Matlacha will be left with a very nice educational park once the bridge construction is complete.”
To begin the evening of bat education, at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Deb Cole will present a reading of the children’s book, “Bats on the Beach” written and illustrated by Brian Lies. Children of all ages are invited to listen, and to share bat poems or stories.
Sunset on Friday, Oct. 8 is at 7:08 p.m. guests are invited to congregate on Pine Bay’s back deck to enjoy the beautiful spectacle and learn about the bats. As the sky darkens, the small insect-devouring mammals will emerge, en masse to do their good work.
To further celebrate the night sky, Pine Bay has invited Southwest Florida Astronomical Society’s Brian Risley, who will be setting up two 8″ telescopes so that viewers may glimpse more distant delights. Also being featured is the work of Cape Coral photographer Davio Ribeca. Davio uses knowledge of celestial environment, science, technology and love of our universe to create stunning astro-photographic images. Most of his work is captured using 203 mm. aperture F/2000, Schmidt Caffegrain Telescope and digital SLR Hutech modified camera. Davio’s astounding celestial photos will be offered at a special discounted price for the entire month of October.
Join us at the N.W. corner of the drawbridge, across the street from Bert’s Bar in historic Matlacha! For more information call 239-283-1335 or check our website www.bertsgallery.com and click on “events”.