WEEk of may 3, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
Award winners LeBlanc’s ‘Toofer & The Giblet in The Big City’ earns bookfest accolades — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 46, NumbEr 52
Early forecast: 6 hurricanes predicted in ’23 Some uncertainty, but slightly below averages season with 13 named storms, 2 major hurricanes prognosticated By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Following seven straight years of predicted “aboveaverage” activity, top hurricane forecasters feel the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season will buck the trend. Researchers at Colorado State University, now in its 40th year of forecasting the upcoming hurricane season, are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season, which starts June 1. CSU is forecasting there will be 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. Last year, CSU predicted 19 named storms, including nine hurricanes and four major.
CSU’s Meteorology Project team anticipates the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season to be below average due to a number of factors, but uncertainty still remains. Often used to paint a picture of the upcoming season is the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) — whether the waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are warmer or cooler, typically referred to as El Nino (warmer) or La Nina (cooler). “Current neutral ENSO conditions look fairly likely to transition to El Nino this summer/fall,: states CSU researches in the report. “However, there is considerable uncertainty as to how strong an El Nino would be, if it
does develop. Sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic are much warmer than normal, so if a robust El Nino does not develop, the potential still exists for a busy Atlantic hurricane season.” CSU researches stated that when waters in the eastern and central tropical and subtropical Atlantic are warmer than normal, it tends to force a weaker subtropical high and associated weaker winds blowing across the tropical Atlantic. “These conditions lead to warmer waters in the tropiSee HURRICANES, page 16
Sister-Corps helping islanders recover from Ian By FRAN THOMAS
news@breezenewspapers.com
‘The gift of community’ VFW planning 103rd birthday celebration for islander Reipel By PAULETTE LeBLANC
Schedule of activities:
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Not many World War II veterans remain standing today, however, islander Wilbur Reipel of St. James City is approaching his 103rd birthday. Tom Ferguson, a lifetime member of the VFW, thought a birthday celebration to commemorate Reipel’s life and service would be just the right way to say thank you and congratulations. Ferguson said anyone and everyone who would like to take part in the celebration is invited to the Pine Island VFW Friday, May 12, at noon. “It’s important to recognize that we’re losing World War II veterans at a fast pace,” he said last week. “They are a part of the 'Greatest Generation' and we’re losing that generation. It’s important to recognize what they did — what was asked of them and what they stood up and did. It’s a legend that our generation and the future generations can learn from. When your nation calls — when you see a world at war, you stand up and answer that call — Wilbur did,” Ferguson said.
11 a.m. -- Parade attendees meet at the VFW Post 4353 11:30 a.m. -- Head to staging area at Wilbur Reipel's house 12 p.m. -- Start parade, proceed to the VFW via Pine Island Elementary School to for student tribute 1 p.m. -- Arrive at VFW to begin celebration, welcome by commander
A stalwart group of women has spent two weeks helping Pine Islanders recover from Hurricane Ian. They represent a non-profit called Sister-Corps. Members of this women-only group go all over the country responding to areas affected by disasters. The average age is 62, and many who come to assist are retired. A resident in Bokeelia who wished to be anonymous was a recipient of the group’s services. “She had been living in a rundown RV for seven years,” Sister-Corps vice president and co-founder Sherry Gibbons said. “After the hurricane, the RV was beyond repair, and she was living in a tent. She was reluctant to accept help.” Eventually, the all-woman group won her confidence and trust. The group installed a floor to facilitate getting around in a wheelchair and gave the woman appliances. Sister-Corps began after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Since then, it has undertaken 34 projects nationwide after eight natural disasters. It has assisted 370 families, repaired 87 properties, helped 136 women’s shelters, See SISTER-CORPS, page 16
According to Ferguson, Pine Island Pizza, Mission Barbeque, Winn-Dixie and Publix have all agreed to provide food. There will be escorts from the Cape Coral VFW, the Sheriff’s Department as well as the See REIPEL, page 16
Joan Johnson and Sherry Gibbons. FRAN THOMAS
An Iwo Jima flag raising photo provided by Roland Ruocco, an artist who will paint this image as a mural on the wall of the VFW.
insidetoday Cat of the Week...............10 On the Water....................14 Worship Directory.............6 Classifieds & Obituaries Athletes of the Week.........6
Island Mahjongg.............16
Tides................................15