Events on the Island

Dec 26, 2012 4 min read

Woody’s Waterside: Dec. 31

Why not an “Early Bird” New Year’s Eve Party? That’s what is happening at Woody’s Waterside on Dec. 31 from 6-9 p.m., featuring Yard Dog Charlie playing his own brand of Florida swamp music. Charlie is well known as a founding member of the legendary Yard Dogs who have since disbanded, but Charlie is still entertaining audiences with his energetic and humorous solo show. There will be hats and horns, and a big “midnight” champagne toast and celebration at 9 p.m.

The menu will feature: jumbo lump crab imperial stuffed grouper, seafood scampi with shrimp, seafood and lobster and a smoked prime rib. Reservations will be accepted and admission is free. Call 239-283-5555. Woody’s is located at 3051 Stringfellow Rd. St. James, FL 33956.

The Real Estate Caf: Jan. 3

Dream Home Associates is proud to announce the grand opening of their new office.

Owners, Carl Jervis and Lynn Berreitter have been island residents since 2000 and up until 2009, had a real estate office in St. James City. They have been looking for the perfect place close to the center to launch a concept they often talked about a Real Estate Caf. The concept for the caf is to have a place where customers could come in and have a cup of coffee while pursuing listings on a large screen TV at their leisure with or without an agent. Painted a beautiful peaceful green, with Berreitter’s “Funky Florida Fotos” art work hanging on the walls, it’s a great place to hang out and get your up to the minute real estate information. A record player sits on a table within the caf, where you can choose from a large LP collection and listen to some great music.

Come join them for the grand opening, Jan. 3 from 4-7 p.m. at The Real Estate Caf, 5459 Pine Island Rd. There will be champagne, wine, cheese and music by Annie Wenz. The Caf is located on the south side of Pine Island Road, just east of the 4-way stop sign, adjacent to The Beacon of Hope. Extra parking is available behind the buildings.

Pine Island Writers: Jan. 5

Did you know the first invasion of privacy lawsuit in Florida involved Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ book “Cross Creek?” Do you know it’s possible to defame a person in both fiction and non-fiction work?

Bob Dylan didn’t know! Anne Dalton does!

Pine Island Writers invites you to attend Anne Dalton’s Workshop: “Invasion of Privacy and Defamation Issues,” Jan. 5, 10 a.m. until noon at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Stringfellow Road in St. James City. This workshop is designed for concerns specific to writers. Event fee: members $5/non-members $10.

Dalton’s 35-year career includes stints as senior attorney for Radio City Music Hall and legal and business affairs counsel for ABC network news “20/20.” Her legal practice offers a particular emphasis on creative arts and entertainment law. Visit her website at: www.daltonlegal.com.

Please join the Pine Island Writers on Jan. 5. For information visit our website at WWW.PINEISLAND-WRITERS.ORG or email us at writers4pi@gmail.com.

Museum of the Islands: Jan 7

The Museum of the Islands (MOTI) will present the program “The Cushing Expedition-1896” on Monday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m., at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Rd., Saint James City. The featured speaker will be Dr. Robin C. Brown.

Dr. Brown will share the history of the Calusa Indians on Marco Island and the discovery of remarkably preserved artifacts that have provided details of Calusa customs and lifestyle rarely obtainable for an archeological site.

Dr. Brown grew up in Tampa and received his bachelor and M.D. degrees from Tulane University. He has practiced medicine in Fort Myers for over thirty years. A lifelong interest in the early history of the state prompted his first book in 1988, “Florida’s Fossils- Guide to Location, Identification and Enjoyment,” followed by “Florida’s First People-12,000 Years of Human History,” and “The Craft’s of Florida’s First People.”

The program is free and open to the public. Please contact Sharon Traylor, 283-9155, for additional information.

Flamingo Bay: Jan. 12

Julie’s egg benedict (city ham, pouched egg and Julie’s cheese sauce), hash browns, and grilled pineapple is our first breakfast of the new year on Jan. 12 between 8 and 9:30 a.m. by the Flamingo Bay Residents’ Association.

For $6 you’ll get this egg benedict breakfast or if you don’t want egg benedict you’ll get city ham, eggs, hash browns, grilled pineapple and a banana or bran muffin.

Tickets will be sold at the door on the morning of the breakfast.

Events on the Island

Dec 19, 2012 6 min read

Greater Pine Island Chamber

of Commerce: Dec. 20

Please join us on Dec. 20 from 6-8 p.m. for our Holiday Card Exchange at the Welcome Center. Please bring a covered dish to share.

RSVP to Jennifer @ 283-0888 or via email at info@pineislandchamber.org. We look forward to celebrating the Holiday with all of you!!

Nayan Music and Arts

Festival: Dec. 21

Nayam artist musicians and performers have decided to come together and generously donate their time to entertain the public during the Dec. 21 “galactic alignment.” Solstice 2012 marks a zero point a simultaneous completion and beginning.

Join us Dec. 21 from 6-10 p.m. at 14900 Stringfellow Road, across from the fire station in Bokeelia.

Musicians who will perform include Kip Lawrence, Good Citizen, Dogfish, Agent 13, Shadows of the Undead, Strypt Down and Strange Arrangement. Artists will include Justin Bryant, Nicholas Decker, Taj Aronson, Mike Lane (bonsai tree artist), Brian Weaver, Josh Paterson and Tyler Williams. The Calendar Girls and Ndakhte Ndiaye will provide dance performances.

Pine Island Community

Church: Dec. 22

Pine Island Community Church is offering free haircuts on Saturday, Dec. 22 at the store by a licensed hair gal from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

St. James City

Boat Club: Dec. 22

The Merchants of St. James City and the St. James City Boat Club are sponsoring the St. James City Lighted Boat parade on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. The parade is for the benefit of the people in our community and dedicated to our past member Wolfgang Schulz. Boats will leave the docks of Woody’s, Monroe Canal Marina and Low Key Tiki around 6 p.m. Festivities and gathering of boats start at 4 p.m. Any and all boat captains are invited to participate.

There will be a captains meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at the Ragged Ass Saloon where there will be special prices for beer and pizza for all attendees. Boat captains should attend since each will be given an identification number to hold up for the judges and free chili tickets for their crew to use at the awards ceremony, along with other information. Boats will be lined up and leave by their identification number, starting with number one.

First Baptist Church

of Pine Island: Dec. 24

The First Baptist Church of Pine Island invites the community to their traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 p.m. The church is located at 5363 Avenue D in Bokeelia. For information call 239-283-1737.

Pine Island Art

Association: Jan. 12

Starting Saturday, Jan. 12 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. David Meo will teach drawing at the Pine Island Art Association building in Matlacha Community Park, 4577 NE Pine Island Road, just west of the new Pine Island Bridge. The course will focus on the basic A B C’s of drawing. A: action drawing, B: blocking simple shapes, spheres, cones and cylinders, C: contour drawing. Meo is an accomplished southwest artist and teacher. He enjoys teaching aspiring artists of all ages. For this reason the class is open to double digit age and triple digit age artists. This is your chance to improve your ability to draw. Maybe you and your child or grandchild would like to come to class together.

Drawing for beginners with David Meo on Saturdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 16, 23 and March 2 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. for $50.

Checks made out to PIAA and mailed to P O Box 12, St. James City, FL 33956. For registration info www.pineislandart.com or call 283-9155 or David Meo djmeo@mac.com or call 337-5518.

Gambling Trip: Jan. 14

Allstar Charters and Sarah Furia are doing a free day trip to the Seminole Immokalee Casino on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. You pay $30 and get $30 free play, plus a $5 food voucher and your round trip to Immokalee. We will be leaving at 10 a.m. from the boat ramp at Pine Island Cove and leave the casino at 5 p.m. Call Sarah 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.

Family Coalition

Meeting: Jan 17

A Family Prevention Meeting will be held on Jan. 17, 2013 at 6 p.m. at Pine Island Elementary School, 5360 Ridgewood Drive in Bokeelia. The night will feature a free family spaghetti dinner, featuring Mr. Mazzoli’s secret sauce and sponsored by Busey Bank.

Staff Sgt. Jorge Garcia with the Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program will present the Night Vision Prevention Program for the kids. There will be a panel on prescription drug abuse prevention for families as well. Associates and Bruce L Scheiner is sponsoring family keepsake photos.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to the Coalition by calling 239-931-9317 or emailing executivedir@drugfreeswfl.org.

Thanks to our event sponsors, this program is free and open to the public: Lee County Sheriff’s Office; Lee Memorial Health System; Busey Bank; Florida Department of Children and Families; Central Florida Behavioral Health Network; School District of Lee County and Pine Island Elementary School; Dr. Omar Rieche; Florida National Guard; Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner; Southwest Florida Addiction Services; Fundamental Fitness for Kids; Law Offices of Shawn Seliger; FUN-damental Fitness for Kids and Street Chicks in Recovery.

Kayak Tour: Jan. 17

The GAEA guided kayak nature tours will take place on Thursday, Jan. 17 at Mangrove Mazes of Matlacha Pass. Visit the Mangrove Mazes and Tunnels of Matlacha Pass, “Nature’s Cathedrals.” Lots of birds, fish and critters in these mysterious tunnels. Includes all equipment and a Florida Master Naturalist as your guide. $50 per person. Reservations needed. 239 694-5513.

Old Pine Island Marina: Jan 19

Old Pine Island Marina will hold its first seminar on Saturday, Jan 19 at 7 p.m. with Capt. Dick May.

Kayak Tour: Jan. 23

A Useppa Island archeological kayak tour will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A special kayak tour to this unusual, private island. Your guide is a Florida Master Naturalist that knows the ins and outs of the route through the grass flats and mangrove islands of Pine Island Sound and the history of the area. We will visit Useppa Island’s museum, which details 10,000 years of human habitation on Useppa. This island has a fascinating history, both ancient and modern. We will eat lunch at the historic Collier Inn and get to see the beautiful flora and interesting fauna of the island. $70 per person (includes entry fee to the museum and parking), plus the cost of lunch. All equipment included. Reservations needed. 239 694-5513

Events on the Island

Dec 12, 2012 9 min read

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church: Dec. 12

On Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church will host the 6th Annual Ecumenical Lessons and Carols Service. The service is conducted by the Pastors of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Pine Island Methodist Church, Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, as well as the host Catholic Church.

The service consists of brief Christmas Scripture readings interspersed with the singing of Christmas Carols by the combined choirs of the respective churches. The service is followed immediately by a Fellowship Social in the Parish Life Center directly across from the church building.

All are welcome to this Island Christmas tradition.

Earth & Spirit Garden

Gallery: Dec. 12

Every century there are twelve days that aren’t repeated until the next century-Dec. 12, 2012 is the last for this century. People of all races and creeds around the world will be gathering with intentions for personal and global peace. You are invited to participate in special activities at Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery to celebrate. Join in acknowledging peace, harmony and wholeness for yourself, Earth and all its inhabitants through sound, movement, and intention. It is not be about doing, rather about being present with what is happening personally and together in fellowship. Presenters will lead yoga and Qi-Gong, poetry/readings, walking the labyrinth, creativity, meditation and prayer.

Bring your chimes, cymbals, crystal bowls, or other instruments. Activities begin at noon with the sounding of the bowls at 12:12 p.m.; events will continue until 5 p.m. You are welcome to spend the day, come and go for specific events, or just stop in for a brief retreat from your weekday activities. Donation of grocery items and cash will be collected for the Pine Island Food Pantry. This day is facilitated in collaboration with Sheilana Massey.

Call 239-282-1025 or visit www.earthandspiritgardengallery.com for directions or more information.

Stonegate Bank: Dec. 13

Stonegate Bank, 5551 Sunset Lane, will hold its annual Tree Lighting event on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Pine Island Dance will perform, Pine Island Eagle Choir will perform and Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via Fire Truck for photos.

Pine Island Elementary

School: Dec. 13

The students will perform “Brother vs. Brother” in the cafeteria on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. It is free admission for the play.

Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens: Dec. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29

The skies, water, and palm trees above Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens will be filled with over-the-top lighting during Merry Matlacha’s December weekends. The botanical waterside garden becomes magical during this special continuous display of LED and “Glow-in-the-Dark Neon” lights set to Christmas music. Lovegrove’s art and garden sculptures are sure to activate you eyes. Complimentary fireside snacks will be provided under the stars. Canceled if it rains. $6 per person.

This event is part of “Merry Matlacha” and event sponsored by the Matlacha Island Chamber of Commerce. Groups welcome and special dates available for private parties.

Call the gallery at 239-283-6453 for more information or to book a private party.

Olde Fish House

Marina: Dec. 15

Beavertail Skiffs, a Palmetto based boat company, will have an open house at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha on Dec. 15 from 12-5 p.m. The company will be showing their entire line up in and out of the water, including there all new 17 foot Strike, during the open house. The company’s owners will be on hand to talk prices and financing for those interested. There will also be fresh seafood available as well as live entertainment for the afternoon event.

Ragged Ass Saloon: Dec. 15

Come on by the Ragged Ass Saloon in St. James City on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2-5 p.m. and join Pine Island’s Skeeterland Band for its final performance. A number of Skeeterland’s past band members will join in for this goodbye celebration.

Formed six years ago to help provide entertainment for an island cancer benefit, the band has become one of the busiest acoustic groups in Southwest Florida. We have performed from Everglades City to Tampa. It ahs also produced two quality CD’s, which will be available to purchase.

Bokeelia Boat Club: Dec. 15

Boats will meet in Jug Creek in front of Tug Boat US at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, with a rain date scheduled for Dec. 16. Boats will be assigned to lead the parade that will cruise through the canals of Jug Creek and then end at the Lazy Flamingo for some Christmas cheer.

The public is welcome to decorate their boat and join the fun. For information call Event Coordinator Ray Easler at 239-283-2669.

Matlacha Yacht Club: Dec. 15

The Matlacha Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 15, anyone is welcome to participate. Meet us behind Bert’s Bar by 5:30 p.m. and we’ll get organized and begin the parade by 6 p.m.

After the parade is over, those who participated are welcome to join us at the Elks on Pine Island for a potluck dinner. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the evening with a DJ for your entertainment.

Any questions call Glenn Smith at 239-283-0131.

Pine Island Moose: Dec. 15

The women will be holding their annual Christmas party on Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. so mark your calendars! There will be lunch for the kids and Santa will be there! This event has been a tradition for 25 years so signing up in advance is required.

Age groups are from new born through 8 years old. The deadline for signing up is Dec. 11.

The Pine Island Moose is located at 8903 Stringfellow Rd Phone Number 282-0453.

Wreaths Across America Operation: Tribute

at Sea: Dec. 15

The public is invited to the Yacht Club for the Wreaths Across America Operation: Tribute at Sea on Dec. 15 for the ceremony. Wreaths will be presented onboard “The Key of Sea” by a veteran from each branch of our military including Merchant Marine and POW/MIA to our Officiant, Champlain Larry Ager for the final escort journey to the Gulf of Mexico.

The ceremony should start at approximately 9:45 a.m. Once the wreaths are onboard, we will depart and continue down the Caloosahatchee River to our final destination. “The Key of Sea” will be meeting vessels at the foot of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge on the Caloosahatchee River at 9 a.m. sharp.

Pine Island United Methodist Church: Dec. 16

The Music Department of Pine Island United Methodist Church will present Festival of Lessons and Carolsand More on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m., in the Sanctuary of Pine Island United Methodist Church. The church is at the western end of Pine Island Road, across from the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Station.

The concert will feature all of the church’s music ensembles. The Praise Team, led by Sheli Thompson-Gauthier, Children’s Choir, and Chancel Chimes will present selections for the first part of the program. Then the Chancel Choir, assisted by guest singers from the community, will present the major work, “Festival of Lessons and Carols.” The audience will have opportunities to participate, also. Bill Podley and Marge Adkins will be at the piano and organ. Janet Nieburg will conduct.

“Festival of Lessons and Carols,” compiled by Jonathan Willcocks, is a program of lessons from the Bible concerning the prophesy and birth of Jesus Christ with carols or other musical compositions expressing the scripture lessons through music. A festival of lessons and carols is a centuries-old tradition at King’s College, Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.

The concert is offered as a gift to Pine Island residents and friends.

Greater Pine Island Chamber

of Commerce: Dec. 20

A special greeting this Holiday Season to express to you our sincere appreciation for your confidence and loyalty to the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce. We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy Holiday Season. Please join us on Dec. 20 from 6-8 p.m. for our Holiday Card Exchange at the Welcome Center. Please bring a covered dish to share.

RSVP to Jennifer @ 283-0888 or via email at info@pineislandchamber.org. We look forward to celebrating the Holiday with all of you!!

St. James City Boat Club: Dec. 22

Boats will leave the docks of Woody’s, Monroe Canal Marina and Low Key Tiki around 6 p.m. Festivities and gathering of boats start at 4 p.m. Any and all boat captains are invited to participate.

Boats will be lined up and leave by their identification number, starting with number one.

Matlacha luminaries: Dec. 24

On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, a 27-year tradition will take place in Matlacha along Island Avenue and across Pine Island Road into Matlacha Avenue and all the surrounding streets. The streets will be aglow with the lighting of the luminaries at dusk. Please come and enjoy walking or driving to see the luminaries and the beautifully decorated homes.

As always, Santa’s helpers who make the luminaries possible will be gathering at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 to fill the bags with sand and candles at the corner lot on Island Avenue and Velma Street. All the helpers are asked to bring a small garden shovel, a chair, if needed and vehicles to help deliver the luminaries along the streets.

We always need helpers. We also ask everyone to help light the luminaries at dusk and place a radio in the front of your house set to 106.3 FM, the Christmas station and have Matlacha filled with the sounds of Christmas music.

A special thank you goes out to all who help and all who give monetary donations that keep this tradition a very special part of Matlacha. A very special thank you to our generous friends John and Cheryl Honc for supplying the sand every year!

Ladies of the Elks 2781: Jan. 24

Lily Grace, portrayed by local actress Denyea Clarkson, brought down the house three years ago with this hilarious comedy. This time men are welcome! She now returns with ” Church Lady Act 2″ on Thursday, Jan. 24.

Tickets are on sale now for $20, which includes a delicious lunch.

The doors of the Pine Island Elks Lodge will open at 11 a.m. Advance tickets only.

Contact Yve Malbon at 239-283-4476, Ann Thomas at 239-283-0415 or Jean McCaffrey at 239-283-5379.