Collaborations offer new opportunities
The Museum of the Islands (MOTI) and the Saint James City Civic Association (SJCCA) have recently expanded their collaborative relationship in order to offer events and programs of interest to both memberships. MOTI and SJCCA go back many years with their shared breakfast and rummage sale held every February at the Civic Association. Headed by island resident Naomi Brewer, the sale has a history of successful fund raising for the museum.
Recently, a small collaborative group was formed representing both SJCCA and MOTI. Its purpose is to explore, develop and offer programs that would appeal to organization members. Some programs will be held locally at SJCCA, with speakers, visuals, and artifacts. Other programs will involve travel, field trips to places of interest such as the Seminole Museum in Clewiston, the Naples Botanical Gardens, the Southwest Florida Museum of History in Fort Myers and others.
Our first collaborative activity this season is a January 19 afternoon Stroll Through History, conducted by Tim Knox. Beginning at SJCCA (Fourth and Lemon), the stroll will take you through the early history of Pine Island’s development in Saint James City. Chairs will be available along this five block route. Following the walk, a visual presentation will be made at SJCCA where light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Tim Knox at info@pineisland.info.
Watch for flyers and notices in your newsletters about our other activities. By pooling ideas, talents and resources, many more possibilities for travel, lectures, and other activities become available for members of both groups.
Serving as part of the Collaborative Planning Group are MOTI representatives Sal Anastasio, Tim Knox and Lynn Sarda. SJCCA is represented by Judy Green, BJ Austin and MaryAnn Harms. The group welcomes ideas for future programs. You may contact Lynn Sarda at 283-4095 or MaryAnn Harms at maryannandwayne@gmail.com.
Ground breaking for SJCCA occurred in 1962, with members of the conservationist Beck family engineering the project. A Hobby Club was formed and it raised money through various activities to pay the bills. By the twenty first century, SJCCA hosts not only the Hobby Club but Cribbage, Bridge, MahJongg, Shuffleboard, Photography, Exercise, Painting, Ping Pong along with myriad activities like Music on Sundays, Photo Shoots, an Art Expo, big breakfasts, a holiday dinner, and rummage sales.
MOTI is housed in what was originally the Pine Island Library. Located across the parking lot from the current library, MOTI is easily accessible in the Center. Through the years the museum has acquired collections and artifacts that span the history of Pine Island, with fascinating primary documents and photographs. Collections include items from the Calusa culture, shells, fossils, household items, fishing equipment, local animal taxidermy, old toys and many other items of interest. In December, MOTI holds its Holiday Open House, featuring local arts and crafts people. In February, the museum and SJCCA hold their big breakfast and Rhythm and Rummage Sale.
Collaborative activities will be publicized as they are developed. When registration is needed, such information will be made readily available. Newsletters from each organization will carry information about the various events and pieces will be submitted to the Pine Island Eagle as well. So watch for upcoming co-sponsored events. Join us for interesting and enjoyable times.