WEEk of marcH 1, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
Almost ready New Street Eats and Ale will be opening soon on the island — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 46, NumbEr 43
Coffee Klatch at the Beacon bringing peace to Hurricane Ian weary islanders By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Retired nurse Mary Lewis Sheehan and Beacon Director Nurse Practitioner Nancy Buthman find themselves very encouraged by the work being done at the casual social Coffee Klatch meetings they facilitate each Friday morning at the Beacon of Hope, which began the first week of February. “I’m impressed with what we’re seeing in terms of release in people week after week,” Sheehan said. The changes in people are due to the realization that
they are not alone in the many ways they were all affected by Hurricane Ian, she said, making changes on the inside and making decisions that reflect their new growth. Buthman added that dealing with the results of Hurricane Ian in a positive way has been a fundamental positive step forward for the group, the number of which varies week to week. “Some people come one week and get some help and other people may have to go for two months,” Buthman said. Both women stress that the Coffee Klatch is there for
By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NANCY KOUCKY
Matlacha Menagerie reopens in new location on island pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Matlacha Menagerie owners Larry and Linda Solinger suffered major destruction by Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28. According to Larry Solinger, the front of the building buckled due to a possible sinkhole. “About 10 feet inside the building, the foundation buckled and the west end of the wall just fell completely,” Solinger said. The building was left uninhabitable, leaving the couple wondering exactly what they might do. They were able to salvage approximately 40 percent of their inventory, he said, with no place to sell it. Wild Child Gallery owners, who had recently bought the building, turning
See COFFEE KLATCH, page 18
CW Fudge back open for business
An example of some of the items available at Matlacha Menagerie. The store has relocated to 4625 Pine Island Road in Matlacha.
By PAULETTE LeBLANC
whomever finds they have a need, and for as long as they need to meet with the group to find healing and peace. Very stressful situations can bring on some of the same symptoms as PTSD, Sheehan said, although resolving faster than the clinically diagnosed condition. “We use those symptoms to help people recognize some of the experiences they’re having and really pay attention to them — identify them — track them to the source and start to relieve the feelings around them.
into the Gallery of Matlacha, suffered extreme damage to their home, as well as some damage to the gallery, he said. “They started renovating their building and in midprocess they just decided that they weren’t going to reopen and they would look for a tenant,” Solinger said. Fortunately, neighbor William Tidball found out the gallery would soon be ready for occupancy and told Solinger immediately. It took only two days for a lease to be drawn up and signed, which Solinger describes as a blessing for the couple. The Matlacha Menagerie, he said, is a gift shop See MATLACHA MENAGERIE, page 16
CW Fudge owner William Tidball said he is happy and feeling blessed to be open again since Hurricane Ian blew through town. He and partner Carlos Gomez wanted to be open by Valentine’s Day. “We’re still a work in progress — there are still some things we have to do, but we certainly didn’t want to wait any longer,” Tidball said. Serving local island favorites such a, chocolate, “We’re still a work fudge, ice cream and pop- in progress — corn, Tidball is happy to there are still some announce they also have gifts, and are approximately 75 things we have to percent completed in their do, but we certainly didn’t want to recovery. The progress yet to be wait any longer.” completed is behind the —William Tidball scenes work, he said, and not likely even noticeable at this point. A temporary creamery has been acquired for the store, since Queenie’s Ice Cream, the usual provider at CW Fudge, is a short time from being able to come back. “We’re still praying for Queenie’s and their recovery. When they come back we’ll have a big celebration,” Tidball said. A large re-grand opening, where they can celebrate with all their business partners, is in the near future, he said, adding that when Queenie’s comes back, the owner will come in as a guest scooper and suggestions will be taken for a new flavor. “We have been blessed. Our first day back open, we were very emotional because of the generosity of the community — people coming out to wish us well — people bringing us flowers, champagne and balloons. It was overwhelming that people who lost more than we did still came out to support us. “We’d like to say thank you to everyone who prayed See CW FUDGE, page 16
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