Upcoming Events

Sat, Feb 11- Grand Re-opening of CW Fudge Factory 4548 Pine Island Rd in Matlacha. Stop by and say hello to William and Carlos, our generous community partners, and grab some Valentine treats!

Sun, Feb 12- Swine Bowl Music Fest 10 am- 5 pm at Fine Swine, 10251 Stringfellow Rd in SJC. Volunteers needed. See details below.

Mon, Feb 13- February General Membership Meeting starting at 6:30 pm at American Legion Post 136, 4106 Stringfellow Rd in SJC. See details below.

Wed, Feb 15- PIE Annual Walk-A-Thon starting at 9:05 am. Volunteers needed. See details below.

Wed, Feb 15- Chic Boutique Workday starting at 1 pm at Chris Buntin's place in Bokeelia. Volunteers needed. Call or text Chris 321 231-4557.

Thurs, Feb 16- Luau Tiki Decorating 9 am at Saint James City Civic Center, 3300 Fourth Ave in Saint James City. Volunteers needed. Call or text Sandy 305-849-1539.

Sat, Feb 18- Blood Drive 10 am- 3 pm in the Winn-Dixie parking lot, 9864 Stringfellow Rd. Volunteers needed to help sell Winn-Dixie community bags. Call or text DJ Ruscik 239-910-3829.

Sun, Feb 19- TrashMaster Community Clean-Up in Saint James City 8 am at American Legion Post 136, 4106 Stringfellow Rd. We will be focusing on the stretch from American Legion to Flamingo Bay! See details below.

Mon, Feb 20- Luau Basket Making starting at 9 am at Beth Nelson's place in SJC. Volunteers needed. Call or text Linda Bohacek 715-579-5009.

Mon, Feb 20- Luau Planning Meeting starting at 6 pm at Saint James City Civic Center, 3300 Fourth Ave in Saint James City. All are welcome. See details below.

Sat, Feb 25- Outdoor Island Market 9 am- 2 pm at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church 10360 Stringfellow Rd in SJC. Volunteers needed. See details below.

Sat, Feb 25- Set up for Island Luau starting at 12 pm at Saint James City Civic Center, 3300 Fourth Ave in Saint James City.

Sun, Feb 26- Eleventh Annual Island Luau set up begins at 9 am, and the event runs 1 pm- 5 pm at Saint James City Civic Center, 3300 Fourth Ave in Saint James City.

Members are encouraged to visit the website for up to date news, meeting minutes, financials, merchandise and committee event forms.

Madam's Corner

YOU are all AMAZING Ladies!  

With Covid behind us and fundraisers occurring almost every weekend until late Spring, it's time to get out and about and volunteer and/or attend functions.  

Every organization on the island could use a hand when they are hosting an event.  So if you plan on attending and enjoying the festivities, consider approaching a volunteer and ask how you can help for 30 minutes or an hour.  Remember, they need breaks, and a little food and drink from time to time, too.  Wear your hook or a Hooker shirt.  Trust me, they will appreciate your efforts and remember that most of them support our efforts.

Also, for those of us who are also members of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 136, any time you have volunteered since July 1, 2022, through mid-March of this year, your volunteer hours can be counted as Community Service Hours for the Auxiliary's Annual Report, due in April.  I keep track of my hours for work, and from July 1st through yesterday, I've personally volunteered 143.50 hours!  We'll all be there on Monday for the February General Meeting, so bring your hours and add them to the notebook.  From now until mid-March, keep track and stop by the Legion periodically and keep adding hours.  

I'm delighted to share that Natalie Gazda, Christy Rau, and Lorie Tidwell have stepped up to Co-Chair the Scholarship Committee this year.  If you have served on that Committee in the past and would like to assist this year, please reach out to one of them and let them know.  New Members - This is a great way to get to know your sister Hookers and learn about all the bright and promising futures that the youth and young adults of Greater Pine Island have to offer.

Shop and Dine Local!  More good news, CW Fudge is opening their doors tomorrow; stop by and welcome them back.  Matlacha Menagerie is open and well stocked, too.

You all have so much to be proud of just by being a member.  The Matlacha Hookers will continue to be leaders in the community and do what we do best: Make A Positive Difference!

Hope to see you on Monday,

Madam DJ

Hookers Rocked at ArtFest

A sincere Thank You to all of the almost 100 Hookers and their family and friends who showed up this past weekend for ArtFest Fort Myers.  We staffed 5 beverage stations and sold beer, wine, pop, and water. More importantly, we solicited tips for scholarships for our local students.  It was a great success.   

We collected over $1600 in cash tips and we're waiting to get confirmed numbers on the tips from the cashless sales.  The ArtFest team heads out for two weeks to catch their breath after the event, so that information is not yet available. We'll let you all know as soon as we get the firm numbers.  The preliminary info indicates that we did very well.

We had new folks (Jen, Kimmy, Sara, Christy, Vicki, Sherrie), old folks- or maybe "experienced" is a better term- (DJ, Sandy, Beth, Lucinda, Terry, Diane, Ellen, Kristin), family members (Kim and Kailey, Karen and Laurie),  out-of-town guests (Thanks Beth - Robin was great!), hubby-wife teams (Tom and Joyce, Chris and Joel, Linda and Ernie, Dana and Scott, Tom and Lynn, Art and Lynn, Ed and Heidi, Joanne and Joe, Bev and Mike, Julia and Darren).  We had the vocal and enthusiastic Heitman Team on Saturday morning (Heidi, Ed, Beth, Lynn, Robin) and our ever-rowdy and enthusiastic Sunday afternoon party animals to make sure everyone is still awake and going strong (Cindee, Kathy, Kaye, Joy, Betsy, Catherine, Michelle, Kelly).

A special thanks to many who did multiple shifts and who can always be counted on to help whenever needed (Julia, Linda Bo, Linda B, Jeannie, Shirley, Melissa, Joanne, Cindy, DJ, Steve, Kelsey)  Also, a sincere Shout Out to Theresa's VFW Post #10127, to Veteran Ernie and wife Linda, Kelsey, Denise, Carol, Steve, Annette and Hunter.  

It was a great team effort and we THANK all of you (too many to name!) who participated and sported a smile to make a positive difference in our community.

Hooker hugs,

Lorie and Theresa

co-chairs ArtFest

Our Merchandise Team Needs YOU on Feb 12 at Swine Bowl Music Fest

Fine Swine has invited us to sell our Matlacha Hookers merchandise, as well as Island Luau tickets, and Travel Raffle tickets. We'll be setting up is 10 am, and the event starts at 11 am. If you're new to the Matlacha Hookers or the island, this is a great opportunity to meet new people! Bring a chair, and feel free to stay to watch the Big Game that will be playing on the outdoor screen at 6:30.

Contact Linda Bohacek 715-579-5009 for shift availability and more details.

Fine Swine is located at 10251 Stringfellow Rd.

General Membership Meeting

Monday, February 13, 2023

American Legion Post 136

4106 Stringfellow Road, Saint James City

Doors open at 5 pm. The meeting begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

If you're unable to make it, please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/205631989

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122

Access Code: 205-631-989

For this meeting, we will be doing a potluck. We are suggesting that

12 people make enough food for 6. We will divide up the food preparation by city.

Matlacha/Cape Coral- Appetizer or Side Dish

Bokeelia- Main Dish (meat or veggie)

Saint James City- Dessert

If you are interested in making a dish, please email our secretary,

Carolyn Ryzanych at matlachahookers@matlachahookers.org

Pot Luck items so far: 

Lorie Tidwell (Bokeelia) - Chicken Salad Sliders

Carolyn Ryzanych (Bokeelia) - Baked Pasta Dish

Bev Hart (Bokeelia) - BBQ Chicken Pizza

Chris Buntin (Bokeelia) - Chili Rellenos Casserole

Sherri Davis (Cape Coral) - Roasted Turkey

Sandy Kerr (Cape Coral) - Strawberry Spinach Salad

Julia Gaylor (Cape Coral) - Baked Beans

Natalie Gazda (Cape Coral) - Chopped Salad

Jean Fromm (Cape Coral) - Coleslaw

Genie Andrews (Matlacha) - Apple-Cranberry Coleslaw

Carol Zaremba (SJC) - Blueberry Sour Cream Cake

Christy Rau (SJC) - Cheesecake Sampler

Linda Bohacek (SJC) - Brownies

Joanne Correia (SJC) - Cupcakes (vanilla and chocolate)

Stacy Sims (Bokeelia) - Slutty Brownies

The American Legion will also have a limited menu of bar food (very reasonably priced!) available for purchase: wings, jalapeno poppers, fried mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, and fries.

Please don't forget to bring food pantry and wine donations!

(Keep reading to the end of this newsletter for more details.)

The Island Luau Committee still needs restaurant gift certificates.

As the food service industry was hit hard by Ian, we ask that you purchase gift cards or certificates from your favorite restaurants to help them out, and us, as well.

We are also in need of items for men's baskets: fishing items, shirts, fishing charters, etc.

Sandy Kerr will have Island Luau centerpieces at the meeting. Island Luau volunteers, please plan on taking one or two centerpieces home with you, and bring them back to the Island Luau event, filled with plants.

Volunteers Needed at Pine Island Elementary’s Annual Walk-A-Thon

February 15

This fun event is held at PIE in the parent pick up loop. The students have been given pledge forms and they are actively working on collecting flat donations and pledges from friends and family. The Concerned Parent Teacher Organization (CPTO) has provided an incentive program to encourage and excite the students to want to raise money for their school. All proceeds go the CPTO to purchase educational materials and experiences for the students.

The school needs volunteers for this fun day! We are seeking 8-10 volunteers during each grade level’s specified time (see times below).

Volunteers are needed to stand on the track and check off laps as students pass. We suggest wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Also please bring water to stay hydrated.

The schedule for grades is as follows 1st (9:05-9:45), 2nd (10:50-11:30),

4th (12:05-12:45), Kg (12:50-1:30), 3rd (1:35-2:15) and 5th (2:20-3:00).

 Contact the CPTO President, Seri at 239-544-0211 or montalbanofamily6@gmail.com with any questions or help with signing up.

Thank you for your consideration. – The CPTO 

Island Luau Event Planning Meeting

Monday February 20 at 6 pm at Saint James Civic Center

If you can't make it, please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/404707181

You can also dial in using your phone.
(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
- One-touch: tel:+16467493122,,404707181#

Access Code: 404-707-181

Tickets are available for the Feb 26th Event at SJCCC; price is $40 each.

Tickets are available for purchase at Centennial Bank 5551 Sunset Ln in SJC, at the Beacon of Hope 5090 Doug Taylor Circle in SJC, and at the general meeting on 2/13.

Tickets are also available from Sherri 816-200-4100 or on Eventbrite here:

Please bring a bottle of wine for our Mystery Wine area. ($10 or more, 750ml)

Can't make it to the meeting? Text or call to arrange pick up!

In Bokeelia, call Joyce Boyer 314-401-9354

Pine Island Center text or call Christy Rau 513-703-7433

In SJC contact Beth Nelson 239-677-7024 or Joanne 603-494-0780

Cape Coral area reach out to Lucinda 574-229-8180

We are in need of tissue paper, cellophane large basket bags, and crinkle cut paper fillers. Please save all of your paper towel and toilet paper cardboard rolls!

We are also in need of wine corks, artificial flower leis, and beads.

Can't make it to the meeting? Just call or text Sandy Kerr to arrange pick up!

Sandy can be reached at 305-849-1539.  

The silent auction is in need of gift cards and gift certificates.

We have plenty of empty baskets for those who signed up to make baskets or would like to make a basket. Please call Linda Bohacek 725-579-5009 to request size, or arrange for pick up of gift cards or certificates, if unable to make it to the meeting.

We are still looking for volunteers to be on the Food Committee.

Please contact Sherri Davis 816-200-4100 to find out more info.

"Chic Boutique” in the Luau event is collecting donated jewelry.

(No purses or hats this year.)

Chris Buntin is inviting “Bling Babes” to help with cleaning, sorting, and pricing jewelry on Wednesday, February 15, at 1 pm. Anyone who can join us for an hour or two would be welcome!  Call or text Chris Buntin 321 231-4557 if you can attend.

Volunteers are also needed to help set up and sell at the Luau event.

If you love bling, this is the volunteer opportunity for you! Call Chris!

 Thinking about helping with the Island Luau? 

If you are a business, maybe be a sponsor!

This year we are hosting our 11th Annual Island Luau Event on Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Saint James City Civic Center in Saint James City, Florida. The ticket price includes live music, beer, wine tastings, exotic punch, food, an etched glass, and an entry ticket raffle. Other activities include a silent auction, mystery wine, classy lady jewelry, and Matlacha Hooker merchandise shopping.

Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Beacon of Hope's Senior Programs, and the other 50% will be donated to the Saint James City Civic Association.

The Beacon is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping the needs of the Greater Pine Island Community.  The 20+ recipients of Beacon Bites meals cost $30,000 a year. The Beacon also provides transportation to doctor appointments, helps those with financial needs, home repairs, and so much more. Over the past ten events, the Matlacha Hookers have raised almost $76,000, and last year we increased the donation amount to $16,000 for the Beacon with your help!

The Saint James City Civic Association provides members an opportunity to meet others in the community with shared interests and a facility to accommodate various events, groups, clubs, and activities. The building needs major repairs to the roof, floors, kitchen, and lanai due to Hurricane Ian.

As we still are reeling from Hurricane Ian, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. We feel very blessed to live in a community that helps one another through all adversities, and certainly, this is a far-reaching one. We are grateful for your past support and offer you the opportunity to help again, only if you are in a financially sound place to do so.

Sponsorships available:

ORCHIDS-Donate $500 and receive banner recognition and four event tickets.

HIBISCUS- Donate $250 and receive banner recognition and two event tickets.

PLUMERIA- Donate $100 and have your name/business displayed on our event banner.

If interested in attending, wish to donate an item, basket, gift certificate, or volunteer, or desire more information, please call

Joanne Correia at 603-494-0780, Sandy Kerr at 305-849-1539

or Linda Bohacek at 715-579-5009.  

Hurricane Relief

The Hurricane Relief Committee met on Thursday, February 9th to discuss further outreach for the island residents. Details to follow.

Sunday, February 19th - TrashMaster Community Clean-Up 8 am - 10 am

We will be meeting in the parking lot of the American Legion just before 8 am. Please wear closed-toed shoes. We will have vests, bags, and a limited amount of pickers. If you would like to bring contractor bags, they would be appreciated! If you have a truck with a trailer, or know someone who does who can help pick up the bigger items and take them to the Phillips Park Debris drop-off, please contact Julia at 239-298-1113.

Monday, February 20th - Supply Giveaway 8 am

United Methodist Church back parking lot. Handouts start immediately after vetting. Paint, Joint Compound, totes, screws, and drywall tape will be available. (Drywall and plywood are still on hold at this time until logistics can be figured out.) If a delivery needs to be requested the resident may email pihurricanerelief@gmail.com

OUTDOOR ISLAND MARKET

Saturday, February 25

9 AM - 2 PM

Fishers of Men Lutheran Church

10360 Stringfellow Rd, Saint James City

Keep It Local!

This great event is continuing to encourage people to shop and support our local island community throughout the year. 

The Matlacha Hookers will be there and could use your help.

Contact Linda Bohacek 715-579-5009

Pine Island Food Pantry News

The Food Pantry is in need of the following items: bar soap, dish detergent, laundry detergent, canned diced tomatoes, and all types of crackers (saltines, Ritz, Townhouse, oyster/soup). Please bring donations to the next General Meeting or drop off at one of the following locations:

Winn-Dixie, V.F.W., American Legion, Moose, Centennial Bank, the Matlacha Post Office or at the pantry when it is open on Monday and Thursdays, 8:30 am - 10:30 am. Visit pineislandfoodpantry.org to learn more. Thank you!

Membership Information

If you have not paid your 2023 dues, as of February 15th you will no longer have access to the Members Only Area of the website and will no longer receive the Hooker Heralds. Can't remember if you paid your dues? Check out the current database (click on button below)

These Heralds are not meant for you to forward to your friends. If someone is not receiving the Herald, please have them email the secretary at Matlachahookers@matlachahookers.org

Our social media accounts are being updated. We are working on merging the public accounts into one main account on Facebook. Our Facebook Private group, which is for current members, is also going to be updated. If you are currently a member of that group, you will be deleted and invited to re-join the group. It will require you to answer a question: What is your name on your application?

(It's very hard to determine who is whom.)

We will also be working on Instagram and will be looking into the Nextdoor

app, as well. Tiffany Noel, one of our new members, is taking on the project with

Julia, our Vice Madam. We will also be working on updating our website to a more current and professional look!

LAST CHANCE!

This programs ends 2/20 for all non-profits

Don’t forget that 0.5% of all of your purchases will be automatically donated to the Matlacha Hookers if  you,

1. Select Matlacha Hookers as your charity and then,

2. Enter Amazon through the Amazon Smile each time you shop.

Thank you for supporting us for the final days of this program.

Herald and website content submissions, along with questions or concerns, should be sent to Christy Rau at MHwebmistress@gmail.com.  Please do not email Christy by replying to, or forwarding a Herald publication.  Since we use the free version of WIX for both our website and emails, the Herald emails actually go out under a different email address, which she does not have access to.