Happy anniversary Beacon people
To the editor:
Believe it or not, it is the sixth anniversary of the Pine Island Recovery, d/b/a Beacon of H.O.P.E. After spending many hours with so many volunteer groups and individuals helping people recover from Hurricane Charley, the Board decided we should start a Thrift Store. Once again, Jill Davidson, Danine Francouer and I were blessed with ambitious and excited volunteers working every day to open the Beacon Thrift Store on Mackerel. The people of Pine Island gave not only their time and knowledge, but beautiful donations.
Barb Peckinpaugh resigned from the Board to replace Jill Davidson and she added her expertise and even more volunteers. When the building on Pine Island Road became available, we moved in a weekend!
I miss the Beacon people, the Widow Group, our Historians, the Shoppers, the book people, Community Service slaves, the students, the shoppers that felt ‘that’ display needed their special touch, AARP workers and the unsung heroes of the island, the church groups and other organizations. The Beacon became a destination of many everyday, a community gathering place.
Thank you all for your friendship, your sometimes weird sense of humor and devotion.
The board and managers have set on a new direction for the Beacon. I pray they do know what the island needs. It would be a shame if the beacon loses touch with the people of PIne Island.
I know many of you feel as displaced as Barb and I do. we miss the “Pine Island Mall” and the Beacon people. There are so many opportunities for your talents and time that will help the island. FISH, the Food Pantry, Lions, Kiwanis, Civic Center, the churches, all have programs, Hookers, Mariners, there are so many other opportunities with deserving organizations. The economic situation has not improved much on this island for our residents young and old. We will survive and progress, but we need the help of all our special people, the Beacon people.
God Bless,
Sheri Dube