Upcoming Events Thurs, Nov 2, Fri, Nov 3, & Mon, Nov 6- PIE Fundraiser 8:15- 9:15 am. Pine Island Elementary 5360 Ridgewood Dr in Bokeelia, close to the center. Volunteers needed. See details below. Sat, Nov 4- Christmas Bazaar 9 am- 1 pm. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church 12175 Stringfellow Rd in Bokeelia. See details below. Sat, Nov 4- Blood Drive 10 am- 3 pm. Winn-Dixie 9864 Stringfellow Rd in Saint James City. See details below. Mon, Nov 6- November Board Meeting starting at 6 pm. Salty Girls Island Cafe 10700 Stringfellow Rd in Bokeelia, close to the center. Fri, Nov 10- Veterans Day Celebration starting at 8:15 am. Pine Island Elementary 5360 Ridgewood Dr in Bokeelia, close to the center. Volunteers needed. See details below. Sun, Nov 12- Stone Crab Festival 11 am- 8 pm. Calusa Cay Shoppes, Publix parking lot 5100 Pine Island Rd in Bokeelia, close to the center. Volunteers needed. See details below. Mon, Nov 13- November General Membership Meeting starting at **6:00 pm.** PLEASE NOTE EARLY START TIME! American Legion Post 136, 4106 Stringfellow Rd in Saint James City. Sat, Nov 25- Outdoor Island Market 9 am- 2 pm. Fishers of Men Lutheran Church 10360 Stringfellow Rd in SJC. Volunteers needed. See details below. Mon, Nov 27- Island Luau Committee Meeting starting at 6 pm. Froggy's (on the porch) 3620 Stringfellow Rd in Saint James City. See details below. Members are encouraged to visit the website for up to date news, meeting minutes, financials, merchandise and committee event forms. |
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Ladies, We're back into the Event Season and Volunteers are needed! Please make sure that you review the list of Upcoming Events and Announcements at the top of every Hooker Herald. Speaking of Season, I always think of Halloween as the unofficial kick off of the Holiday Season. In the next two months you will see many opportunities to attend and support, or participate by volunteering. Thus begins the time of year to spread joy and compassion. Rekindling friendships and letting those who you love, and hold dear, know that they are important to you. Remember that the simplest things can change someone's day. For instance, one positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. That's what smiles do, too. When was the last time you caught someone smiling at you that you didn't return the smile, or that it didn't make your day just a little better? Positive energy and positive attitudes are highly contagious. Gee, finally something that you can spread that won't hurt you!! YOU are all greatly appreciated! Remember that we cannot continue to do what we do without your support. And don't forget to renew your dues by tomorrow so that you can vote at the November Meeting. The easiest way is to renew online at www.matlachahookers.org. I'm delighted to see so many have returned for the winter over the last few weeks. It's nice to see those familiar faces. We'll be awarding our final Business and Non-Profit Grants at the next meeting, so please plan on being at the American Legion early as our Meeting will begin at 6:00 pm. Be extra cautious and aware if you are driving tomorrow as our little Trick or Treaters will be out in force. Enjoy and have fun if you're at Trunk or Treat, too. Proud to be a Matlacha Hooker! Madam DJ |
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Shout Out to the PIE Bounce House Princesses! 👑 😎 |
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Huge thanks go out to the ladies who monitored the bounce houses at Pine Island Elementary last Friday! L to R: Joyce Boyer, Donna Trusik, Christy Rau, Linda Bohacek, Linda Bessette. (Not pictured: Kathleen Marquis) |
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Volunteers Needed at PIE 11/2, 3, & 6 |
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Pine Island Elementary needs volunteers to be at the school in the mornings to hand out earned keychains to students as they meet sales goals for the Nancy Daniels fundraiser. The shifts are 8:15- 9:15 am on the following days: Thursday 11/2, Friday 11/3, and Monday 11/6. Reminder: a volunteer form needs to be on file with the office. Questions? Contact Christy Rau 513-703-7433. |
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OLMM Christmas Bazaar 11/4 |
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Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Ladies' Guild is holding their annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 4, 9 am - 1 pm. It will be located inside at the OLMM Parish Center, next to the Food Pantry. This well-attended island event features many local vendors, including our very own Matlacha Hookers Merchandise Team. It's never too early to start your holiday shopping! |
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25th Anniversary Shirts Have Arrived!!! |
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.Available for purchase at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church Christmas Bazaar November 4th. |
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NEW!!! Tank tops with silver hook to commemorate our 25th Anniversary, also available at the Christmas Bazaar Nov. 4th at OLMM. |
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Blood Drive on Saturday, November 4th at Winn-Dixie from 10 am - 3 pm. As a thank you, OneBlood will provide a $20 eGift Card, a OneBlood Blanket and a Wellness Checkup. Appointments are encouraged at oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 10492. For more information, please contact DJ at 239-910-3829. |
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Pine Island FISH 2023 Basket Brigade |
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THIS YEAR'S CHRISTMAS BRIGADE IS UNDER WAY! Families who live on Greater Pine Island or in Matlacha who wish to receive gifts need to register by November 8th. This year we are returning to the Giving Tree model, where those wishing to provide gifts can select an "ornament gift wish" from trees placed throughout Greater Pine Island. Gifts will be distributed to registered families on December 16th at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. For details on how to sign up, donate, or volunteer, please click the link below. Questions? Contact Darcy Conner 954-816-9779. |
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Good Day Pine Island Organizations, Pine Island Elementary would like to invite all Veterans to attend a Veterans’ Day Remembrance celebration on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Pine Island Elementary School. The event will begin at 8:45 a.m. with light refreshments in the cafeteria and the program will begin at 9:15 a.m. in the courtyard. The program includes a presentation of the colors, a welcome from the principal, guest speakers, and students singing patriotic songs. This annual event celebrates our local Veterans, but also provides our students an opportunity to understand the sacrifices that were made by our Veterans. Due to School District Policies each attendee and/or visitor must clear a security check before entering the school so a Drivers License is required. We look forward to seeing you at this event! |
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Veterans Day Celebration at PIE 11/10 |
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Pine Island Elementary is hosting a Veterans Day celebration on Friday, November 10. They are in need of help to set up, assist with refreshments, and clean up. Reminder: a volunteer form needs to be on file with the office. Questions? Contact Christy Rau 513-703-7433. |
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Stone Crab Festival 11/12 |
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Stone Crab Festival at Calusa Cay Shoppes, Publix parking lot, hosted by the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Sunday, November 12. This island event will be a fun-filled day featuring live music, area artisans and crafters, local seafood and of course, delicious stone crabs. The Matlacha Hookers Merchandise Team is in need of volunteers for the Merchandise Booth at the Stone Crab Festival. This is a very busy event, and a long day for just the team, so please volunteer! Shifts are 8- 10 am, 10- 12 pm (one more), 2- 4 pm, 4- 6 pm, and 6- 8 pm. We need two volunteers for each shift. Come with a friend. The shifts are not long so that you can enjoy the event, as well! Stop by and purchase your discounted member only t-shirt to wear at the event! Call Linda Bohacek, 715-579-5009 or email at Lbrdh4pets@gmail.com |
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General Membership Meeting |
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Monday, November 13, 2023 American Legion Post 136 4106 Stringfellow Rd in Saint James City Doors open at 5 pm to start ordering food and beverages. Reminder: the American Legion only accepts cash! ***The meeting begins promptly at 6:00 pm.*** We will be awarding the Hurricane Ian grants at 6 pm. We are also holding elections at this meeting. Please make sure your dues are paid no later than 10/31 so you can vote! Please bring any unwanted jewelry you would like to donate to the Chic Boutique at the Island Luau. And, as always, please don't forget to bring food pantry donations! |
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!!Renewals and Elections!! |
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If you have yet to pay your dues and wish to vote at the next meeting you will need to renew via mail or the website by October 31st. All nominated parties also must have their renewal dues paid. Renewing at the November meeting will not be acceptable for voting. Those not attending who wish to vote will need to submit their ballot via email to the secretary at matlachahookers@matlachahookers.org and must be received no later than Sunday November 12th to be counted in the election. |
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It's Back! Outdoor Island Market |
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Saturday, November 25 9 AM - 2 PM Fishers of Men Lutheran Church 10360 Stringfellow Rd, Saint James City Keep It Local! This great event encourages people to shop and support our local island community throughout the year. This is the first one of the season! The Matlacha Hookers Merchandise Team will be there and could use your help. Contact Linda Bohacek 715-579-5009 |
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Island Luau Planning Meetings October 2023 – April 2024 Island Luau Event is on Sunday, Feb 25, 2024, at Saint James City Civic Center 2024 Luau Meeting Schedule Nov 27, 2023 – All members – starting the sub-area discussions. Meeting begins at 6:00 pm at Froggy's on the front porch, 3620 Stringfellow Rd in Saint James City. Plan to come at 5:30 if you want to order food. Dec 18, 2023 (Christmas) – All members Jan 22, 2024 – All members Feb 19, 2024 (One week before the event) – All members Feb 24, 2024, Sat, Setup Crews Feb 25. 2024, Sun, Luau Event! Mar 25, 2024 – Financials Meeting (check presented April at General Meeting) Apr 22, 2024 – 2025 Luau Event Planning Here is how you can plan to help us: Put these dates on your calendar and show up. All are welcome! If you are not on our meeting notes email list, let us know. What are your talents and interests? Do you like to decorate? Do you have organizational skills or catering knowledge? We need your help. Call or text Sandy Kerr 305-849-1539. Linda Bohacek, Joanne Correia, and Sandy Kerr, Island Luau Co-Chairs |
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Reminder to please bring to the General Membership Meetings: ~ any unwanted jewelry (for the Chic Boutique) ~ regular size bottles of wine, value $10+ for the Mystery Wine (we need 200 for the event) 🌺 Thank you!!! 🌺 |
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Bag 'n Tag and Pancake Breakfast |
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While this event is not until March 16th, 2024, we need a location to store items that are being donated to us. The Maxwell House, trailer, and storage unit are not available at this time. (Meanwhile, please hang on to your unwanted stuff!) If you can provide some storage, please contact Madam DJ 239-910-3829, Carolyn Ryzanych 707-291-0310, or Teresa Shattuck 239-738-5008. |
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Pine Island Food Pantry News |
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The Pine Island Food Pantry is in need of the following items: dry cereal, canned soup (NO cream soup), Hamburger Helper, diced tomatoes, instant mashed potatoes, elbow macaroni, penne or ziti pasta, egg noodles, dried beans, saltines, crackers. 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, 9 am - 11 am. Visit pineislandfoodpantry.org to learn more. Thank you! |
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New password for website was updated February 27th. Members Only Area Password: @HMP23 |
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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. |
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