Events on the Island
Trip to Seminole Casino: May 22
The Pine Island Elks Lodge will be the meeting and departure site for a trip to the Seminole Casino in Immoka-lee on Wednesday, May 22. The will board the bus in the Elks’ parking lot at 9:45 a.m. and return at approximately 6:30 in the evening.
Tickets are $30 which includes $30 in free slot play and a $5 food voucher. Join us for a fun bus ride full of games and drawings. You could be a big winner before you even get to the casino.
For reservations and information, call Deanna Martell at 239-822-5634. Everyone welcome.
Acoustic fun: May 23-24
For nearly a decade, Pat Dunn and Brian Chojnacki have traveled the Midwest and parts of Florida too, performing an acoustic show for crowds of all ages.
Their show consists of music from all eras. Because they belt out great sing-a-long songs, you’ll see that audience participation is as fun as the musical experience. Don’t miss their show! Hailing from Wisconsin, see these guys perform at 6 to 8:30 p.m. on May 23 and 24, only at Low-Key Tiki!
Memorial Day Ceremony:?May 27
Now that the Veterans Memorial is nearly complete, the Memorial Day Celebration beings at 11 a.m. in front of this very special creation at VFW Post 4353, 8150 Stringfellow Rd., St. James City, FL. Information: 283-2277
5th Annual Barbecue and Picnic: May 27
You’re invited to our 5th Annual Barbecue and Picnic. From 2 to 5 pm. on May 27, join us at Woody’s Waterside, featuring Yard Dog Charlie and special guest, Kip Lawrence.
Also bring along canned goods, toothpaste, soap, etc. Woody’s is working with FISH Fest to benefit the Pine Island Food Pantry.
Fifth Annual Fish Fest: May 27
Free concert from noon to 5 pm, May 27 at The Olde Fish House Marina and Restaurant, 4530 Pine Island Road in Matlacha. This is also a canned food drive to benefit The Pine Island Food Bank and F.I.S.H. Performers include Fiddlin’ Fred, Coastal Connection Jam Band, Yard Dog Charlie, Kip Lawrence and Strange Arrangement.
Give time for kids
Beacon of Hope volunteers need more helping hands for Pine Island Elementary School’s Summer Reading Camp. Offer less than an hour of your time for kids who need independent reading help and assistance with journaling. We also need help with group projects and games. Background checks are required for all volunteers. For more information, please visit: www.beaconofhopepineisland.com
Wounded Warrior Anglers: May 26
The Original “Redfish Poker” Fishing Champion-ship will be held on Sunday, May 26, with lines in the water no earlier than 7 a.m. and check in at the Olde
Fish House Marina no later than 4 p.m. The Captains Meeting will be at the Olde Fish House on Saturday, May 25, at 7 p.m. a member of the team and all kayak participants must be present.
Ultimately, “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship is played just like seven card stud poker with the best five card hand winning the championship, but with a unique twist.
The unique twist is how the teams receive their cards to play the hand. Each team or individual will receive a playing card for each slot redfish between 18″ to 27″ with a maximum of seven cards for the team or individual. Where it becomes fun is that an 18″ redfish that is typically around 2 1/4 lbs. is now equal to that 27′ redfish about 8 lbs. This makes it more fun because the average angler has effectively had the playing field leveled to compete with local professional redfish tournament fishermen.
All fish will be photographed on an approved “Redfish Poker” fishing championship measuring board with each fish laid with the nose to the front and the belly against the bottom board and released in their home waters to rejoin their school. When the team or individual returns to the weigh masters station they must bring their camera or smartphone with the proper USB cable.
One weigh master will download the pictures and then all of the team’s pictures will be reviewed by two weigh masters to determine how many cards are warranted.
Wounded Warrior Anglers has developed this concept for tournament fishing to make the event more enjoyable and increase the ability for anyone to win. This original concept is the merger of the card game poker and a photo and release fishing tournament and is now known as “Redfish Poker.” The Original “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship will be an annual event on Memorial Day Weekend with an emphasis on raising funds for Wounded Warrior Anglers.
For information visit redfishpoker.eventbrite.com/ or call 423-620-9103.
Summer Reading Camp:?June 3
Are you looking for something fun but meaningful to do with your summer days? Consider volunteering in the Summer Reading Camp, from June 3 to July 11 at Pine Island Elementary School. Stop by to help a child with independent reading. Play a game or create a craft with the kids, too. This effort is sponsored by The Beacon of H.O.P.E. Background checks are required of all volunteers. For more information, visit: beaconofhopepineisland.com
Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce: July 13 and 14
MangoMania 2013 will be held July 13th & 14th at the German American Social Club.
If you would like to participate in MangoMania as a vendor or volunteer, please contact Welcome Center Director Jennifer Jennings at 283-0888 or info@pineislandchamber.org.
Elks golf tournament: Nov. 9
The annual Elks golf tournament benefiting Pine Island charities is slated for Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Alden Pines Golf Course.
There will be prizes for men and women, raffle and door prizes, mulligans and FOOD and fun for all. Save the date and start lining up your foursome.
More information and registration to come as the date draws near.
Events on the Island
Share your stories
Kid’s Stuff, a critique group for aspiring and established writers of children’s books, meets from 10 a.m. to noon on May 11 with Paul Holmes in Room 116. No charge for PRCW members.
Take to the stage
Read or recite poems, essays, short stories, skits, radio plays, or anything else you’ve written. Singer-songwriters are invited to perform their original works. Listeners are also welcome for Open Mic, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on May 13th, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Center Stage, Fisherman’s Village, in Punta Gorda.
After Hours Business Card Exchange / MangoMania Kick-Off
It’s that time again! We are combining our After Hours Business Card Exchange with the MangoMania Kick-Off. The 2013 MangoMania Queen will be announced that evening along with winners of the adult & children Art Contest. Our event hosts are Bryan and Diana Stockbridge of Gulf Coast Kayak. During your visit, you can learn about Gulf Coast’s guided kayak eco tours, kayak fishing trips and stand-up paddling. Bring along plenty of business cards for networking opportunities. Meet potential new clients and make new friends, too. Providing a door prize is a great way to highlight your business and will also be greatly appreciated by the Chamber. Mark your calendars for 6 pm on May 16, at Gulf Coast Kayak, 4120 Pine Island Road in north Matlacha. We look forward to seeing everyone. For more information about our sponsors, visit: gulfcoastkayak.com
Immokalee Gambling Trip
A free day trip to the Seminole Immokalee Casino is planned this month by Sarah Furia and Allstar Charters. You pay $30 then get your money back with $30 in free play plus a $5.00 food voucher and the round trip transportation. Meet at 9:30 a.m. on May 20 at the boat ramp in Pine Island Cove. Another pick-up destination can be planned at 9:45 a.m. in the Winn Dixie parking lot. Gamblers leave the casino at 5 p.m. to return to Pine Island. Photo identification is required. If you prefer to pay with a check, make it out to Allstar Charters and mail to Sarah Furia, 4990 PinFish Ln., St. James City, FL 33956. To make your reservation, call Sarah Furia: 239 283-8410
Writer’s Tea
Share some of your own poetry, stories and personal memoirs during The Writers Tea, from 1 to 3 pm on May 21 on the second floor of the Port Charlotte Library on Gertrude and Aaron Streets. Please bring a snack to share. Tea will be provided. Information: Arlene Kincaid, 625-7312 or Mary Grace Patterson, 575-0739
Memorial Day Ceremony
Now that the Veterans Memorial is nearly complete, the Memorial Day Celebration beings at 11 a.m. in front of this very special creation at VFW Post 4353, 8150 Stringfellow Rd., St. James City, FL. Information: 283-2277
5th Annual Barbecue and Picnic
You’re invited to our 5th Annual Barbecue and Picnic. From 2 to 5 pm. on May 27, join us at Woody’s Waterside, featuring Yard Dog Charlie and special guest, Kip Lawrence. Also bring along canned goods, toothpaste, soap, etc. Woody’s is working with FISH Fest to benefit the Pine Island Food Pantry.
Fifth Annual Fish Fest
Free concert from noon to 5 pm, May 27 at The Olde Fish House Marina and Restaurant, 4530 Pine Island Road in Matlacha. This is also a canned food drive to benefit The Pine Island Food Bank and F.I.S.H. Performers include Fiddlin’ Fred, Coastal Connection Jam Band, Yard Dog Charlie, Kip Lawrence and Strange Arrangement.
Breakfast Business Card Exchange
Start your day with the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Business Card Exchange. Enjoy a great breakfast, great company and great information, too. Our guest speaker is Stephen K. Teuber, attorney, Neaher & Teuber, PL. The lecture topic is “Small Business – You don’t know what you don’t know.” As a member of a law firm focused on helping small businesses to thrive, Teuber’s goal is to educate small business owners about potential trouble spots. Direction regarding proper incorporation and asset protection, contract review, sale and purchase of equipment and business assets, and worker’s compensation are a few of the issues handled by Neaher & Teuber, as they support small businesses through every step of their life cycle. Join us at 7:30 a.m. on May 28 at the Island Grill Restaurant, located in the Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza on Stringfellow Road. A select menu will be provided, along with coffee/juice/tea. Breakfast is $7 per person, payable at the door with the lecture beginning at 8 am. Feel free to bring a guest, neighbor or potential new Chamber member to this informative breakfast meeting. Bring along business cards for networking opportunities, too. Please RSVP to Jennifer: 283-0888 or with an email to info@pineislandchamber.org
Give time for kids
Beacon of Hope volunteers need more helping hands for Pine Island Elementary School’s Summer Reading Camp. Offer less than an hour of your time for kids who need independent reading help and assistance with journaling. We also need help with group projects and games. Background checks are required for all volunteers. For more information, please visit: www.beaconofhopepineisland.com
Trip to Seminole Casino: May 22
The Pine Island Elks Lodge will be the meeting and departure site for a trip to the Seminole Casino in Immoka-lee on Wednesday, May 22. The will board the bus in the Elks’ parking lot at 9:45 a.m. and return at approximately 6:30 in the evening. Tickets are $30 which includes $30 in free slot play and a $5 food voucher. Join us for a fun bus ride full of games and drawings. You could be a big winner before you even get to the casino.
For reservations and information, call Deanna Martell at 239-822-5634. Everyone welcome.
Wounded Warrior Anglers: May 26
The Original “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship will be held on Sunday, May 26, with lines in the water no earlier than 7 a.m. and check in at the Olde
Fish House Marina no later than 4 p.m. The Captains Meeting will be at the Olde Fish House on Saturday, May 25, at 7 p.m. a member of the team and all kayak participants must be present.
Ultimately, “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship is played just like seven card stud poker with the best five card hand winning the championship, but with a unique twist.
The unique twist is how the teams receive their cards to play the hand. Each team or individual will receive a playing card for each slot redfish between 18″ to 27″ with a maximum of seven cards for the team or individual. Where it becomes fun is that an 18″ redfish that is typically around 2 1/4 lbs. is now equal to that 27′ redfish about 8 lbs. This makes it more fun because the average angler has effectively had the playing field leveled to compete with local professional redfish tournament fishermen.
All fish will be photographed on an approved “Redfish Poker” fishing championship measuring board with each fish laid with the nose to the front and the belly against the bottom board and released in their home waters to rejoin their school. When the team or individual returns to the weigh masters station they must bring their camera or smartphone with the proper USB cable.
One weigh master will download the pictures and then all of the team’s pictures will be reviewed by two weigh masters to determine how many cards are warranted.
Wounded Warrior Anglers has developed this concept for tournament fishing to make the event more enjoyable and increase the ability for anyone to win. This original concept is the merger of the card game poker and a photo and release fishing tournament and is now known as “Redfish Poker.” The Original “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship will be an annual event on Memorial Day Weekend with an emphasis on raising funds for Wounded Warrior Anglers.
For information visit redfishpoker.eventbrite.com/ or call 423-620-9103.
Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce: July 13 and 14
MangoMania 2013 will be held July 13th & 14th at the German American Social Club.
If you would like to participate in MangoMania as a vendor or volunteer, please contact Welcome Center Director Jennifer Jennings at 283-0888 or info@pineislandchamber.org.
Events on the Island
Share your stories
Kid’s Stuff, a critique group for aspiring and established writers of children’s books, meets from 10 a.m. to noon on May 11 with Paul Holmes in Room 116. No charge for PRCW members.
Take to the stage
Read or recite poems, essays, short stories, skits, radio plays, or anything else you’ve written. Singer-songwriters are invited to perform their original works. Listeners are also welcome for Open Mic, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on May 13th, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Center Stage, Fisherman’s Village, in Punta Gorda.
After Hours Business Card Exchange / MangoMania Kick-Off
It’s that time again! We are combining our After Hours Business Card Exchange with the MangoMania Kick-Off. The 2013 MangoMania Queen will be announced that evening along with winners of the adult & children Art Contest. Our event hosts are Bryan and Diana Stockbridge of Gulf Coast Kayak. During your visit, you can learn about Gulf Coast’s guided kayak eco tours, kayak fishing trips and stand-up paddling. Bring along plenty of business cards for networking opportunities. Meet potential new clients and make new friends, too. Providing a door prize is a great way to highlight your business and will also be greatly appreciated by the Chamber. Mark your calendars for 6 pm on May 16, at Gulf Coast Kayak, 4120 Pine Island Road in north Matlacha. We look forward to seeing everyone. For more information about our sponsors, visit: gulfcoastkayak.com
Immokalee Gambling Trip
A free day trip to the Seminole Immokalee Casino is planned this month by Sarah Furia and Allstar Charters. You pay $30 then get your money back with $30 in free play plus a $5.00 food voucher and the round trip transportation. Meet at 9:30 a.m. on May 20 at the boat ramp in Pine Island Cove. Another pick-up destination can be planned at 9:45 a.m. in the Winn Dixie parking lot. Gamblers leave the casino at 5 p.m. to return to Pine Island. Photo identification is required. If you prefer to pay with a check, make it out to Allstar Charters and mail to Sarah Furia, 4990 PinFish Ln., St. James City, FL 33956. To make your reservation, call Sarah Furia: 239 283-8410
Writer’s Tea
Share some of your own poetry, stories and personal memoirs during The Writers Tea, from 1 to 3 pm on May 21 on the second floor of the Port Charlotte Library on Gertrude and Aaron Streets. Please bring a snack to share. Tea will be provided. Information: Arlene Kincaid, 625-7312 or Mary Grace Patterson, 575-0739
Memorial Day Ceremony
Now that the Veterans Memorial is nearly complete, the Memorial Day Celebration beings at 11 a.m. in front of this very special creation at VFW Post 4353, 8150 Stringfellow Rd., St. James City, FL. Information: 283-2277
5th Annual Barbecue and Picnic
You’re invited to our 5th Annual Barbecue and Picnic. From 2 to 5 pm. on May 27, join us at Woody’s Waterside, featuring Yard Dog Charlie and special guest, Kip Lawrence. Also bring along canned goods, toothpaste, soap, etc. Woody’s is working with FISH Fest to benefit the Pine Island Food Pantry.
Fifth Annual Fish Fest
Free concert from noon to 5 pm, May 27 at The Olde Fish House Marina and Restaurant, 4530 Pine Island Road in Matlacha. This is also a canned food drive to benefit The Pine Island Food Bank and F.I.S.H. Performers include Fiddlin’ Fred, Coastal Connection Jam Band, Yard Dog Charlie, Kip Lawrence and Strange Arrangement.
Breakfast Business Card Exchange
Start your day with the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Business Card Exchange. Enjoy a great breakfast, great company and great information, too. Our guest speaker is Stephen K. Teuber, attorney, Neaher & Teuber, PL. The lecture topic is “Small Business – You don’t know what you don’t know.” As a member of a law firm focused on helping small businesses to thrive, Teuber’s goal is to educate small business owners about potential trouble spots. Direction regarding proper incorporation and asset protection, contract review, sale and purchase of equipment and business assets, and worker’s compensation are a few of the issues handled by Neaher & Teuber, as they support small businesses through every step of their life cycle. Join us at 7:30 a.m. on May 28 at the Island Grill Restaurant, located in the Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza on Stringfellow Road. A select menu will be provided, along with coffee/juice/tea. Breakfast is $7 per person, payable at the door with the lecture beginning at 8 am. Feel free to bring a guest, neighbor or potential new Chamber member to this informative breakfast meeting. Bring along business cards for networking opportunities, too. Please RSVP to Jennifer: 283-0888 or with an email to info@pineislandchamber.org
Give time for kids
Beacon of Hope volunteers need more helping hands for Pine Island Elementary School’s Summer Reading Camp. Offer less than an hour of your time for kids who need independent reading help and assistance with journaling. We also need help with group projects and games. Background checks are required for all volunteers. For more information, please visit: www.beaconofhopepineisland.com
Trip to Seminole Casino: May 22
The Pine Island Elks Lodge will be the meeting and departure site for a trip to the Seminole Casino in Immoka-lee on Wednesday, May 22. The will board the bus in the Elks’ parking lot at 9:45 a.m. and return at approximately 6:30 in the evening. Tickets are $30 which includes $30 in free slot play and a $5 food voucher. Join us for a fun bus ride full of games and drawings. You could be a big winner before you even get to the casino.
For reservations and information, call Deanna Martell at 239-822-5634. Everyone welcome.
Wounded Warrior Anglers: May 26
The Original “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship will be held on Sunday, May 26, with lines in the water no earlier than 7 a.m. and check in at the Olde
Fish House Marina no later than 4 p.m. The Captains Meeting will be at the Olde Fish House on Saturday, May 25, at 7 p.m. a member of the team and all kayak participants must be present.
Ultimately, “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship is played just like seven card stud poker with the best five card hand winning the championship, but with a unique twist.
The unique twist is how the teams receive their cards to play the hand. Each team or individual will receive a playing card for each slot redfish between 18″ to 27″ with a maximum of seven cards for the team or individual. Where it becomes fun is that an 18″ redfish that is typically around 2 1/4 lbs. is now equal to that 27′ redfish about 8 lbs. This makes it more fun because the average angler has effectively had the playing field leveled to compete with local professional redfish tournament fishermen.
All fish will be photographed on an approved “Redfish Poker” fishing championship measuring board with each fish laid with the nose to the front and the belly against the bottom board and released in their home waters to rejoin their school. When the team or individual returns to the weigh masters station they must bring their camera or smartphone with the proper USB cable.
One weigh master will download the pictures and then all of the team’s pictures will be reviewed by two weigh masters to determine how many cards are warranted.
Wounded Warrior Anglers has developed this concept for tournament fishing to make the event more enjoyable and increase the ability for anyone to win. This original concept is the merger of the card game poker and a photo and release fishing tournament and is now known as “Redfish Poker.” The Original “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship will be an annual event on Memorial Day Weekend with an emphasis on raising funds for Wounded Warrior Anglers.
For information visit redfishpoker.eventbrite.com/ or call 423-620-9103.
Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce: July 13 and 14
MangoMania 2013 will be held July 13th & 14th at the German American Social Club.
If you would like to participate in MangoMania as a vendor or volunteer, please contact Welcome Center Director Jennifer Jennings at 283-0888 or info@pineislandchamber.org.
Events on the Island
Pine Island Elementary School: May 6
Pine Island Elementary School will host a blood drive on Monday, May 6 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Be a local hero, save three lives with each donation. Donors will receive a special t-shirt. Individuals who would like to donate blood must bring their photo ID.
Help us better serve you, make an appointment online at www.fbcdonor.org and use account number M3CA.
Greater Pine Island
Civic Association: May 7
Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass was elected in 2012 to fill the District 2 seat vacated by Brian Bigelow who resigned to run unsuccessfully for county clerk. The district is largely Fort Myers where Pendergrass was raised and is now raising his family. However, all five commissioners vote on countywide issues so he would like to listen to our concerns and get to know us and our island better. This is our opportunity to discuss subjects of importance to Greater Pine Island with someone who will vote on these issues both present and future.
Also, Lee County Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR) Amendments will be presented for your comment by Matt Noble of Lee County Planning. This review is done every seven years. Some of these changes will affect Pine Island. In addition, we will provide updates on the Golf Cart Ordinance Hearing; the former Cozy Corner Restaurant property; and a small open pavilion planned for church property in St. James City.
We encourage you to communicate your interests and concerns to government through your local civic association. We provide the forum and hope you will participate. All civic meetings are open to the public at no charge. Meetings are at the Elks on Pine Island Road, West of Stringfellow. Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m. Join or renew membership for a $10/p.p. annual fee. Contact Roger Wood, President at 920-421-3984 or Kathy Malone, 283-3762.
American Legion: May 7
Starting May 7, 2013 the Legion Auxiliary will be hosting a new game on Tuesday nights while the regular Bar Bingo game takes a rest for the summer. On Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. you can have some fun with a new game, “$how Me The Money!” Each card will cost $1 and you may buy as many cards as you want per game. $how Me The Money will run through October when regular Bar Bingo will return. Additionally, the Auxiliary will have pizzas to sell during $how Me The Money for $5. What a deal. Make new friends and have fun.
Church of God of Prophecy: May 11
Church of God of Prophecy is having their chicken dinner on Saturday, May 11 from 3-6 p.m. The church is located at 15146 Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia. Call 283-2128 for take out.
Wounded Warrior Anglers: May 26
The Original “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship will be held on Sunday, May 26, with lines in the water no earlier than 7 a.m. and check in at the Olde Fish House Marina no later than 4 p.m. The Captains Meeting will be at the Olde Fish House on Saturday, May 25, at 7 p.m. a member of the team and all kayak participants must be present.
Ultimately, “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship is played just like seven card stud poker with the best five card hand winning the championship, but with a unique twist. The unique twist is how the teams receive their cards to play the hand. Each team or individual will receive a playing card for each slot redfish between 18″ to 27″ with a maximum of seven cards for the team or individual. Where it becomes fun is that an 18″ redfish that is typically around 2 1/4 lbs. is now equal to that 27′ redfish about 8 lbs. This makes it more fun because the average angler has effectively had the playing field leveled to compete with local professional redfish tournament fishermen.
All fish will be photographed on an approved “Redfish Poker” fishing championship measuring board with each fish laid with the nose to the front and the belly against the bottom board and released in their home waters to rejoin their school. When the team or individual returns to the weigh masters station they must bring their camera or smartphone with the proper USB cable. One weigh master will download the pictures and then all of the team’s pictures will be reviewed by two weigh masters to determine how many cards are warranted.
Wounded Warrior Anglers has developed this concept for tournament fishing to make the event more enjoyable and increase the ability for anyone to win. This original concept is the merger of the card game poker and a photo and release fishing tournament and is now known as “Redfish Poker.” The Original “Redfish Poker” Fishing Championship will be an annual event on Memorial Day Weekend with an emphasis on raising funds for Wounded Warrior Anglers.
For information visit redfishpoker.event-brite.com/ or call 423-620-9103.
Greater Pine Island Chamber
of Commerce: July 13 and 14
MangoMania 2013 will be held July 13th & 14th at the German American Social Club. If you would like to participate in MangoMania as a vendor or volunteer, please contact Welcome Center Director Jennifer Jennings at 283-0888 or info@pineislandchamber.org.