WEEk of JuNE 21, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
‘Mango Fun’ Chamber, Centennial Bank holding MangoMania Youth Drawing Exhibit — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 47, NumbEr 7
Beacon gives $5K to Pine Island Animal Clinic By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Beacon of Hope board members Elsie Stearns and Mary Ryan were both happy to represent the organization in giving the Pine Island Animal Clinic a check for $5,000. After Hurricane Ian, Stearns said, she was approached by a couple who wanted to help with the animals. “Obviously, we know that people lost their jobs and lost their homes — some lost everything and animals were struggling as well as human beings, so this family
came to me and wanted to make this contribution, but wanted to keep it anonymous,” Stearns said. The Beacon of Hope was asked to house the funds, she said, and then Stearns reached out to the animal clinic, where they had kept track of the animals and designated invoices on their patients — some who boarded after the storm, and some who were simply treated. After the maximum donation was reached, clinicians stopped by to obtain the check from Stearns and Ryan. “It’s interesting to me that this family chose the Beacon. Now I can say we do everything from appliances
to newborns, to the elderly. I think it just gives the Beacon an opportunity to help everyone in need, including our beautiful furry friends,” Stearns said. Ryan confessed that the Beacon has been unusually busy trying to manage Hurricane Ian survivors, in addition to regular programs offered. Stearns agreed, saying the Beacon will continue to help as needs arise for islanders. She said those in need should keep the organization in See BEACON, page 17
Matlacha on Shoreview reopens after renovations needed post Ian By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Volunteers needed for island Cal Ripken Little League By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Lisa Dence, the vice president of Pine Island Cal Ripken Little League, has been appointed interim president. She has a deep desire to help the league be successful. Overcoming obstacles is nothing new to this league, such as having had the Williamson Bros. fix the field’s scoreboard after Hurricane Ian. “This is the last sport cancelled due to Hurricane Ian, and the spring season got a late start, Dence said. The parents, she admits, are a young group who are in need of help. Currently, a board of directors is the biggest need for the league. “We’re asking for the young parents to get involved. They don’t even need to have any experience. We just
Duane Bishop, owner of Matlacha on Shoreview, said he had a vision when he first saw that it was for sale and is very happy that he did. He bought the business in August, referring to it as a funny story. “I made my first mortgage payment the day of the hurricane,” Bishop said, with a laugh. Having a positive attitude, he chooses to see last fall’s hurricane as a blessing in disguise, as it forced him to do a complete renovation of Matlacha on Shoreview, which houses studio-style as well as 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom condos (13 in all). After having gutted the interiors and upgrading everything from furnishings to appliances, Bishop was able to pave the way to creating the lovely vacation spot he was looking to make into a reality. When people visit Matlacha on Shoreview, they can expect amenities galore, such as boat docks, sitting beneath the new tiki hut or a trip to the pool, Bishop said. See MATLACHA ON SHOREVIEW, page 14
need a group of parents to come together and mentor these kids,” Dence said. Nikki Swift, who oversees fundraising, sponsorship and is the league’s player agent, said there will be a general meeting in the concession stand at Bobby Holloway Field, approximately the third week in July. “Anyone who wants to volunteer or become a board member or fill any position anywhere — we would be absolutely appreciative. At this moment, we are looking See VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, page 2 Trophies and plaques fill the table prior to the recent league awards presentations. PHOTO PROVIDED
PHOTO PROVIDED
An interior view of one of the renovated units at Matlacha on Shoreview.
insidetoday Dolphin Tales.....................6 Letters to the Editor..........4 Tides................................16 Classifieds & Obituaries CERT Update.....................7
Island Mahjongg...............7
On the Water....................11