Events on the Islands
Matlacha Chamber of Commerce: Nov. 15
The Matlacha Chamber of Commerce will hold a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Pine Island Art Association Building (Old Matlacha Firehouse) in Matlacha Park, 4577 Pine Island Road in Matlacha. They will introduce new officers and board members, relay their mission statement and provide details of what’s in store, including how best local businesses can efficiently capitalize on social media. A representative from the Fort Myers VCB will also be in attendance to provide details on how Matlacha businesses can partner with their marketing programs. Also in attendance will be Chris Pendleton of the Edison Ford Winter Estates.
Ladies of the Elks: Nov. 15
The Ladies of the Elks are hosting a unique fashion show and luncheon on Nov. 15. The doors will open at 11 a.m. at the Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge, 5630 Pine Island Road. Fashions will be presented from What 2 Wear, which can be purchased at the event by cash, check or credit card. Advanced tickets for the show and lunch are $15, which can be purchased by calling Ann Thomas at 239-283-0415, Yve Malbon at 239-283-4476 or Joan McCaffrey at 239-283-5379.
Pine Island Garden Club: Nov. 15
The Pine Island Garden Club is pleased to welcome Mr. Roy Beckford as speaker at our Nov. 15 meeting. Beckford has been the University of Florida’s Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent in Lee County since 2005. Prior to that time, he worked in Agricultural Extension in Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands and played a pivotal role in the development of the BVI’s vegetable program. Beckford is also the author of a book on Tropical Agricultural Development and over 150 fact sheets and technical articles on agricultural production and management in the tropics, as well as on topics in alternative energy, environmental and natural resources. Roy will be speaking about bringing bees, butterflies, birds and other friendly creatures into your garden.
Monthly Garden Club meetings are held at the Fishers of Men Evangelical Lutheran Church at 10360 Stringfellow Road and begin at 9 a.m. with coffee and refreshments followed by our guest speaker’s presentation and finishing up with a brief member’s business meeting.
Club meetings are free and open to everyone. If you are interested in attending a meeting or becoming a member (annual dues are $20), please call Kathie Reiter, Membership Chairman, at 283-3176.
Please visit our website: www.pineislandgardenclub.org., for membership information and events.
Matlacha Mariners: Nov. 17
The Matlacha Mariners will host the 13th annual Southwest Florida Blues Festival “A Great Place to Get the Blues” on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. The gates open at 11 a.m. and the music will be played from 11:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate with kids 11 and younger free with a paid adult. The artists that will perform this year include The Shaun Murphy Band, Mac Arnold & Plate Full of Blues, Too Slim & The Taildraggers, Albert Castiglia, Deb & The Dynamics, Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys featuring Madison Slim and Screamin’ & Crying’.
In the event of rain, the tentative rain date is Sunday, Nov. 18.
Blankets and chairs are encouraged for those who attend the event, but coolers, pets and beach umbrellas are not allowed.
For more information visit www.matlacha-mariners.org or www.southwestfloridabluesfestival.com.
Elks Lodge 2781: Nov. 17
The Elks Lodge is having a $6 sale on Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so individuals can start their Christmas shopping early. There will be a selection for men, women and children. The sale supports Elks charities.
St. James Civic Association: Nov. 17
Come Saturday, Nov. 17 for a “Welcome Back” Big Breakfast at St. James City Civic Center at Fourth and Lemon, St. James City. Cooks will serve an “All You Can Eat” meal of eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and a cook’s surprise, coffee and tea from 8-10 a.m.
The price is $6. Shop the Hobby Club’s vendor sale inside and the local vendors outside the building until noon. You’ll find plenty of parking, too.
St. James Hobby Club : Nov. 17
St. James Hobby Club is having a Vendor Day Sale on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a country breakfast made by the Civic Center. There will be a $50 money tree raffle and a wine basket. There will be vendors with many different items for sale, inside and/or outside of the building. The show is open to the public, contact Shirley Palmer for vendor tables at 283-7625.
St. James Civic Association: Nov. 19
Jim Ryan owner of Mango Tango Nursery will speak at the St. James City Civic Association meeting Monday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. His topic is “Invasive Species of Plants on Pine Island.” He’ll answer questions about your garden and landscaping, too. See you Monday evening at the St. James City Civic Center Fourth and Lemon, St. James City.
Pine Island Junior Olympics: Dec. 1
Lee County Parks and Recreation Department and Pine Island Kiwanis will be hosting the 31st Annual Pine Island Junior Olympics on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. It will be held at the Pine Island/Bobby Holloway Little League Field.
This event is for children kindergarten through 5th grade. Each child will compete in the long jump, 50-yard dash, 1/2 mile run, Frisbee toss and softball throw. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, hot dog and soda.
This is a free event. This event is fun for all so come out and cheer on the children.
If your child is interested in participating in this annual event fill out the permission forms sent home by the school or stop by the Matlacha Community Center or the Pine Island Pool and pick one up. Please fill out the forms and return them to the Pine Island Elementary School, the Matlacha Community Center or the Pine Island Pool by Nov. 30.
This annual event is sponsored once again by Lee County Parks and Recreation, Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island, Pine Island Dairy Queen, Waggoner & Bruehl PA, Team Shevlin at Century 21 and Sun Trust Bank
Pine Island Little League will also be holding sign up for the 2013 season.
For more information on this event call the Matlacha Community Center at 283-4110.
Pine Island Cove: Dec. 1
Beat the rush and shop early with us Pine Island Cover during the Christmas Bazaar Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Browse a variety of handcrafted items perfect for gift giving. Featuring many creative items by Cove residents, including holiday items, children table, hostess gifts and many specialty items.
Coffee and rolls plus a bake goods table will be available. The Pine Island Cove Clubhouse is located at 7325 Drum Drive in Saint James City.
Flamingo Bay: Dec. 1
Julie’s Country Ham Breakfast is our first breakfast served this season on Dec. 1 between 8 and 9:30 a.m. by the Flamingo Bay Residents’ Association. For $6 you’ll get country ham, two eggs (cooked to order), a biscuit, fried apples and hash browns.
Tickets should be ordered in advance from Carol, 283.7855 or Marge, 283.0557, between Nov. 14 and Nov. 28.
Paisley Parrot: Dec. 1
A Christmas Art and Antique Market will be held on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paisley Parrot, 3269 Stringfellow Road in St. James City. Individuals will have the opportunity to meet local artists, purchase art, antiques, gifts and more, enjoy refreshments, donate a can of food to the Pine Island Food Pantry and win a door prize and meet Santa. Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa by our festive boat. For information call 282-0331.
Calusa Land Trust & Pine Island
Boat Club Poker Run: Dec. 2
The Calusa Land Trust and Pine Island Boat Club invite everyone to participate in the annual Poker Run on Sunday Dec. 2. Following previous year’s format, you can draw your lucky poker hands at seven stations accessible by boat or land. Everyone young or old can boat, drive, kayak, walk, run, or take golf carts to enjoy the day and have a chance to win cash prizes. As before, we will finish up at Woody’s Waterside to eat, drink, and socialize while waiting for the winning poker hand to be determined.
All proceeds will be donated to the Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island to help procure and preserve environmentally sensitive land.
The goal of The Great Poker Run is to enjoy the day and collect poker hands at various locations, speed of completion is not important as long as you draw the 7th card at Woody’s before 3 p.m. Each ticket (you can buy as many as you wish) is carried to six dealer locations around Pine Island Sound and St James City where a card is drawn and entered on your ticket(s). The 7th and final card is drawn at Woody’s. If you can’t participate in the Run, your tickets may be carried by someone else. You do not have to be present to win.
Best Poker hands will win cash prizes of $1000 (first), $350(second), $150 (third). There will also be a losers drawing for $100 (however you must be present to win).
Tickets will be available at Woody’s and from various sellers starting in October.
Maps showing dealer stations will be established and distributed next month.
For more information, or to purchase tickets call Ken Pleat at 615-562-0052, or Pink Wesorick at 239-283-7249.
Fellow Islanders Sending Help: Dec. 7
Throughout the year, F.I.S.H, the Pine Island charity that cares for island people in need, is always there to provide a variety of free services. FISH is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization with less than 2 percent in overhead expenses. Their helping hand will be extended even more frequently during the coming holiday season when the need is always greatest. With this in mind, the golfers of Alden Pines will once again sponsor a Golf Outing to raise funds for FISH, to help brighten the holidays for those in need. We hope that you will join us on Friday, Dec. 7.
The nine-hole scramble will be held at Alden Pines at 2:15 p.m.. The fee of $40 per person includes greens fee, cart and buffet supper following golf. Non-golfers, buffet only $15.
The merchants of Pine Island, Cape Coral and Ft. Myers have generously donated a wonderful variety of gifts for the drawing in the Club House after dinner. Drawing tickets can be purchased at the event. For each nonperishable food item donated on that day you will receive one free door prize ticket. Donations: payable to FISH and mailed to FISH Golf Outing, P.O. Box 234, Pineland, 33945.
Merchants wishing to support the event can sponsor a golf hole for $50. Please call 239-283-8216. We appreciate your donations.
Come as a single, with a partner or as a team of four. You are encouraged to register in advance. Call: the Clubhouse 239-283-2179 or 239-283-7864
The First Baptist Church
of St. James City: Dec. 8
The First Baptist Church of St. James City, which is located on the corner of 8th Ave. and Oleander will host their Outdoor Annual “Free” Seafood Festival, Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh seafood with all the trimmings will be served, along with games for the children, music and free gently used articles will all be available.
Events on the Islands
Olde Fish House Marina: Nov. 10
The Olde Fish House Marina and Restaurant, 4530 Pine Island Rd. in Matlacha, invites you to their first Creative Coast Concert of the season on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 3-6 p.m. This free concert will include Trailer Park Barbie with Kip Lawrence. The special guest is Steve Chadbourne from Maine who is rapidly becoming a Pine Island favorite. Of course, this show will also feature the world famous “seafood raffle.” Win one of three prizes featuring baskets of fresh local seafood.
The Fisher’s of Men Lutheran Church:
Nov. 10
The Fisher’s of Men Lutheran Church will hold its annual Arts and Craft Show on Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wood crafts, purses, aprons, scarf’s, fuse glass, pottery, sewing goods, jewelry and Christmas items will be some of what will be on display.
The ladies of the church will be selling their homemade baked goods. Lunch of Belly Buster hot dogs will also be on sale.
Those vendors interested in participating may call Mary Harrell at 239-283-5465.
The next two shows will be held on Dec. 8 and Feb. 9.
Church of God of Prophecy: Nov. 10
The Church of God of Prophecy is having their chicken dinner Saturday, Nov. 10 from 3-6 p.m. Call 283-2128 for take out.
VFW Post 4353: Nov. 11
On Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, there will be a ceremony at the center at 1p.m. to honor our POW/MIA Veterans by putting up a POW/MIA flag. We encourage everyone to participate.
Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery: Nov. 11
The Organic High Tea Fashion Show, which is sponsored by Zwear, Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery and the Matlacha Menagerie, will benefit Pine Island Food Pantry.
Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery will host the third annual “high tea” fashion show on Sunday, Nov. 11 from 1-3 p.m. What makes this gathering so unique is the fun twist to this high-brow affair. The “high tea” fashion show includes tea sandwiches, scones and organic fair trade tea. The setting is the pristine outdoor space of the garden gallery, the tables are set with unique thrift finds, and event is all for a great cause!
A silent auction and live auction will be held with items donated from the many island artists, service organizations, restaurants, and destinations – all proceeds going to the Pine Island Food Pantry. Guests are also invited to bring non-perishable food items to immediately stock the pantry.
Deb Z, artist/designer and owner of Zwear Fashions, will facilitate the fashion show. Her distinctive work is with hand-painted designs on washable silks and bamboo fabrics. Matlacha Menagerie will be joining in this year, featuring OH MY GAUZE clothing line as well as other featured cotton clothing made in the USA.
Tickets are $15 with advance purchase available at Matlacha Menagerie, 4604 Pine Island Road NW, Matlacha and Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery, 5425 Maria Drive, St. James City, or you can call 239-282-1025, email earthandspirit1@earthlink.net for more information and to purchase tickets.
Matlacha Hookers: Nov. 12
The Matlacha Hookers general membership meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 12 at Sandy Hook Restaurant in Matlacha beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sandy Hook’s will have a limited menu available for your enjoyment and the doors open at 5:30 p.m. The Matlacha Hookers are a 501c women’s civic organization whose mission statement is to ‘Make a Positive Difference in our Community’ and is open to women over the age of 21.
For the month of November, members are reminded to bring two items for the Food Panty. At this time, they are requesting a variety of canned fruit and personal care items of all kinds; like toothpaste, soap, hair care, laundry and dish soap; they’re well stocked with deodorant right now.
For additional information about the Matlacha Hookers or the general membership meeting, please call DJ at 283-5270. Our next monthly meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 10 at the Elks Lodge on Pine Island.
Gambling Trip to Immokalee: Nov. 12
Allstar Charters and Sarah Furia are doing a free day trip to the Seminole Immokalee Casino on Monday, Nov. 12. You pay $30 and get $30 free play plus a $5 food voucher and your round trip to Immokalee. Allstar Charters will be leaving at 10 a.m. from the boat ramp at Pine Island Cove and leave the casino at 5 p.m. Call Furia for reservations at 283-8410. There can be a pick up at Winn-Dixie parking lot. Make sure to bring a photo ID. If mailing a check make it out to Allstar Charters and mail it to Sarah Furia, 4990 PinFish Lane, St. James City, FL 33956.
Pine Island Outdoor Sketchers: Nov. 13
The Pine Island Outdoor Sketchers will meet on Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Bokeelia near Capt’n Cons. Everyone, regardless of experience is invited to attend. Just bring a chair and your drawing/painting equipment. There is no charge. For information contact Carol Sands at 828-883-5483.
Matlacha Chamber of Commerce: Nov. 14
The Matlacha Chamber of Commerce will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m. We will introduce new officers and board members, relay our Mission Statement and provide details of what’s in store, including how best local businesses can efficiently capitalize on social media. A representative from the Fort Myers VCB will also be in attendance. They’ll provide details how Matlacha businesses can partner with their marketing programs.
Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant: Nov. 14
The Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant proudly announces their Wine Tasting Event of 2012 on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Individuals will have the opportunity to sample select wines and culinary treats from regions around the world for $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The gathering begins at 6:30 p.m. with live music by David Sarchet on piano.
Reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited by Nov. 1.
For more information call 239-283-2517. Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant is located at 13711 Waterfront Drive.
Pine Island Garden Club: Nov. 15
The Pine Island Garden Club is pleased to welcome Mr. Roy Beckford as speaker at our Nov. 15 meeting. Beckford has been the University of Florida’s Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent in Lee County since 2005. Prior to that time, he worked in Agricultural Extension in Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands and played a pivotal role in the development of the BVI’s vegetable program. Beckford is also the author of a book on Tropical Agricultural Development and over 150 fact sheets and technical articles on agricultural production and management in the tropics, as well as on topics in alternative energy, environmental and natural resources. Roy will be speaking about bringing bees, butterflies, birds and other friendly creatures into your garden.
Holiday Luncheon: This year our holiday luncheon is Dec. 13, at Chef Georgio’s Misto Bar & Grill, 231 Del Prado Blvd., South, Cape Coral, Fla. Don’t forget you gift for the Chinese Auction.
Gala Update: Feb. 23, 2013. There are spaces available for vendors who would like to participate. Please go to our Gala website for details: Pineislandgardenclubgala.weebly.com
Monthly Garden Club meetings are held at the Fishers of Men Evangelical Lutheran Church at 10360 Stringfellow Road and begin at 9 a.m. with coffee and refreshments followed by our guest speaker’s presentation and finishing up with a brief member’s business meeting.
Club meetings are free and open to everyone. If you are interested in attending a meeting or becoming a member (annual dues are $20), please call Kathie Reiter, Membership Chairman, at 283-3176.
Please visit our website: www.pineislandgardenclub.org., for membership information and events.
St. James Civic Association: Nov. 17
Come Saturday, Nov. 17 for a “Welcome Back” Big Breakfast at St. James City Civic Center at Fourth and Lemon, St. James City. Cooks will serve an “All You Can Eat” meal of eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and a cook’s surprise, coffee and tea from 8-10 a.m. The price is $6. Shop the Hobby Club’s vendor sale inside and the local vendors outside the building until noon. You’ll find plenty of parking, too.
St. James Hobby Club is having a Vendor Day Sale on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a country breakfast made by the Civic Center. There will be a $50 money tree raffle and a wine basket. There will be vendors with many different items for sale, inside and/or outside of the building. The show is open to the public, contact Shirley Palmer for vendor tables at 283-7625.
St. James Civic Association: Nov. 19
Jim Ryan owner of Mango Tango Nursery will speak at the St. James City Civic Association meeting Monday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. His topic is “Invasive Species of Plants on Pine Island.” He’ll answer questions about your garden and landscaping, too. See you Monday evening at the St. James City Civic Center Fourth and Lemon, St. James City.
Pine Island Junior Olympics: Dec. 1
Lee County Parks and Recreation Department and Pine Island Kiwanis will be hosting the 31st Annual Pine Island Junior Olympics on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. It will be held at the Pine Island/Bobby Holloway Little League Field.
This event is for children kindergarten through 5th grade. Each child will compete in the long jump, 50-yard dash, _ mile run, Frisbee toss and softball throw. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, hot dog and soda.
This is a free event. This event is fun for all so come out and cheer on the children.
If your child is interested in participating in this annual event fill out the permission forms sent home by the school or stop by the Matlacha Community Center or the Pine Island Pool and pick one up. Please fill out the forms and return them to the Pine Island Elementary School, the Matlacha Community Center or the Pine Island Pool by Nov. 30.
This annual event is sponsored once again by Lee County Parks and Recreation, Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island, Pine Island Dairy Queen, Waggoner & Bruehl PA, Team Shevlin at Century 21 and Sun Trust Bank
Pine Island Little League will also be holding sign up for the 2013 season.
For more information on this event call the Matlacha Community Center at 283-4110.
Calusa Land Trust & Pine Island Boat Club Poker Run: Dec. 2
The Calusa Land Trust and Pine Island Boat Club invite everyone to participate in the annual Poker Run on Sunday Dec. 2. Following previous year’s format, you can draw your lucky poker hands at seven stations accessible by boat or land. Everyone young or old can boat, drive, kayak, walk, run, or take golf carts to enjoy the day and have a chance to win cash prizes. As before, we will finish up at Woody’s Waterside to eat, drink, and socialize while waiting for the winning poker hand to be determined.
All proceeds will be donated to the Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island to help procure and preserve environmentally sensitive land.
The goal of The Great Poker Run is to enjoy the day and collect poker hands at various locations, speed of completion is not important as long as you draw the 7th card at Woody’s before 3 p.m. Each ticket (you can buy as many as you wish) is carried to six dealer locations around Pine Island Sound and St James City where a card is drawn and entered on your ticket(s). The 7th and final card is drawn at Woody’s. If you can’t participate in the Run, your tickets may be carried by someone else. You do not have to be present to win. Best Poker hands will win cash prizes of $1000 (first), $350(second), $150 (third). There will also be a losers drawing for $100 (however you must be present to win).
Tickets will be available at Woody’s and from various sellers starting in October.
Maps showing dealer stations will be established and distributed next month.
For more information, or to purchase tickets call Ken Pleat at 615-562-0052, or Pink Wesorick at 239-283-7249.