WEEk of march 6, 2024 FLIER INSIDE
Easter special Winn-Dixie, PI Food Pantry to provide holiday meal to islanders in need — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 47, NumbEr 44
Hookers latest luau another big success Special to The Eagle
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Mother Nature smiled on the Matlacha Hookers and delivered a picture-perfect day Sunday, Feb. 25, as the group held its 12th annual Luau fundraiser. What began at Alden Pines as a wine tasting back in 2012 has grown into an event that benefits a rotation of Pine Island charities. Hooker Madam Linda Bohacek said the recipients this year are the Beacon of Hope and the St. James City Civic Association where the festivities took place. Last year’s luau brought in $20,000, and organizers are hoping the proceeds will be greater this time. The
Civic Association building is still staging a comeback after the devastation of Hurricane Ian, and the Beacon’s funding for everyday operations has dwindled as folks directed donations toward hurricane relief. A sellout crowd should help address these goals. According to Sandy Kerr, event co-chair and graphic designer, 350 tickets were sold. Cindy Walton said in addition to the wine, they now serve beers, sangria and rum punch. Lining the main room were 41 baskets to be auctioned along with 17 other prizes such as trips and artwork. The Bling
Guests check out the gift baskets at the Matlacha Hookers’ luau. PHOTO PROVIDED
See HOOKERS LUAU, page 16
Island Potters’ Guild Show this weekend
GPICC Island Fest with Mullet Toss set for Saturday at Phillips Park By PAULETTE LEBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
n event that has become an island tradition returns this Saturday, March 9, when the Island Fest with Mullet Toss takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Phillips Park Ball Field, located at 5675 Sesame Drive in Bokeelia. “The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce continues the tradition, in spite of being mid-recovery from Hurricane Ian,” chamber of board member Cynthia Welch said last week. Pine Island is known for its fishing industry and in more recent times, skills at throwing mullet, Welch pointed out, challenging everyone to put their skills to the test. By age groups, contests will continue all day, she said, in an effort to discover who can throw a fish the furthest. Two of the highlights of the festivities, she said, are
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the rivalry tosses between the Pine Island Fire Department and Lee County Sherriff’s Department and new this year will be a Championship Toss, which will elect King and Queen Mullet 2024. “Bragging rights and cash prizes should make for a fun afternoon,” Welch said. The chamber is very happy to “throw fish,” Welch said, with over 60 island businesses represented at this year’s Island Fest. Hopefully, Welch went on, the word is out by now that Pine Island is open for business and still having fun. “We are so happy to be back at the Phillips Park See ISLAND FEST, page 16 A competitor lets a fish fly during a previous island Mullet Toss competition. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CYNTHIA WELCH
Spring has come to Pine Island, and the Pine Island Potters’ Guild will be relishing Florida’s beautiful weather with its March Potters’ Guild Show, held on Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the courtyard of Koucky Studios. Come to the guild show (there is ample parking) to meet local artisans who are pleased to talk with you about their work and medium. This month, the guild will feature demonstrations in a variety of mediums. Bernadette’s Designs will demonstrate its fabric printing and painting using local leaves, flowers and fauna as the templates and inspiration. Come chat with Bonnie and Jessi (a mother-daughter team) as they explain their craft. Have you ever wanted to try to create a piece of pottery on a potter’s wheel? Stop by and enjoy an opportunity to immerse your hands in clay and shape the clay under the direction of Chuck Koucky or other experienced potters. At 11 a.m., see the guild’s monthly horsehair raku pottery demonstration by potter Koucky and some of his pottery class students. Horsehair pottery, as the name implies, incorporates hair from the tails and manes of horses into its design. The random lines and patterns are the signature of this style are created when applying strands of hair to the surface of a hot raku clay pot that has just been removed from the kiln. Demonstrations in beaded jewelry-making and woodturning will be available as well. The Guild Show welcomes new vendors. Come meet Sam and Brittanee Almeida of Pine Island Mushrooms, who will be offering their freshly made bread and a variety of locally grown mushrooms. Enjoy colorful paintings and prints by artist Lisa Marino. Her floral works are available as originals, prints and note cards. The show features works in all mediums: ready-towear art, tropical home décor, books, note cards, locally made jams, honey, mustards and hot sauces. All pieces will be available for purchase. This small, inviting venue provides a welcoming environment to chat with island artists and craftsmen. Be sure to inquire about their craft, See POTTERS’ GUILD, page 16
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