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Mary & Martha House Needs Help After Hurricane Damage

HA
Harvey WaldenCommunity Member
1 week ago
Mary & Martha House Needs Help After Hurricane Damage

DONATE NOW The devastati

DONATE NOW The devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left our community facing significant challenges, and one of the places is the Mary & Martha House, a shelter that has been serving women and families in crisis for over 40 years.“Take care of your house first. If your house is good, help your neighbor,” has been a guiding principle for many in our community. Today, this metaphor has taken on a literal meaning as we urge everyone to prioritize their own recovery while extending support to neighbors in need. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this storm, and we are hopeful for a swift and safe return to normalcy for everyone.Unfortunately, Mary & Martha House did not escape the storm’s wrath. During post-storm shelter checks on Friday, staff discovered flooding had left a water line of about one foot high throughout the entire building. Every piece of furniture in the shelter has been destroyed, and extensive damage has been done to the structure itself. Thankfully, all three families who were staying at the shelter had safely evacuated before the storm hit.We Need Your HelpWe are calling on the community for support. Mary & Martha House is in urgent need of financial contributions, volunteers, and temporary housing solutions for the families displaced by the storm.Here’s how you can help:Monetary Donations – We are accepting financial donations to help cover the cost of:Demolition of walls and cabinetsMold remediationAsbestos testingDisplacement costs for families currently without housingOther essential repairsYou can donate by clicking the “Donate” button on the top right of the webpage.Volunteer Hours – If you are able to help with labor-intensive work such as demolition and cleanup, please contact us directly to coordinate volunteer shifts. Your help is invaluable as we work to rebuild.Temporary Housing – We are seeking temporary accommodations for the families displaced by the storm. If you can offer an Airbnb or hotel stay, please reach out to us as soon as possible.Due to the extent of the damage, this recovery will be carried out in phases. At this time, we cannot accept donations of furniture until mold remediation is complete and the shelter is cleared for reconstruction. Once we have made the necessary repairs, we will be asking for donations of furniture, beds, and other household goods to help restore the shelter.If you are recovering from the storm, please prioritize your safety and your home first. For those in a position to assist, we humbly ask for your help. Mary & Martha House has weathered many challenges in its four decades of service, and with the community’s support, we are confident that we will rebuild and come back stronger.For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or offer temporary housing, please visit www.marymarthahouse.org or contact executive director Bill Chini. Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time. Together, we will help our neighbors and restore hope to those in need.About Mary & Martha House:Mary & Martha House provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services for women and children in crisis. Since its founding, the shelter has been a vital resource for families in need, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and stability. DONATE NOW The post Community Support Needed for Mary & Martha House After Hurricane Helene Damage first appeared on Mary & Martha House.

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Community Remembrances

Boca Grande Art Center to Host Black & White Night Fundraiser

4 hours ago

"A Black and White Night with a Colorful CauseIn Collaboration with the Boca Grande Historical Society Together we invite you to an unforgettable evening where the past meets the present—and art brings it all to life.Join us for a black & white, vintage-inspired fundraiser celebrating 20 years in our historic home—the building gifted to the Art Center and transformed into vibrant galleries, studios, and community space. This black & white themed celebration blends old-time island charm with contemporary creativity. Enjoy vintage-inspired décor, music, delicious food, wine, beer, and signature cocktails, all while surrounded by original island artwork available for purchase. Take part in a wine toss, try your luck in a raffle featuring smaller original artworks, and immerse yourself in a night designed to delight and inspire. While the attire is black and white, contemporary or with a vintage twist, the art tells the story in full color! Our local artists capture the spirit, history, and culture of Boca Grande, reminding us how the arts continue to shape and enrich our community. Attire: Black & White | Contemporary or Vintage Flair EncouragedLocation: Louise du Pont Crowninshield HoueVibe: Old-time island elegance with a fun, festive twistPurpose: Supporting the Boca Grande Art Center with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The Boca Grande Historical Society. Join us in preserving Boca Grande’s story. Join us for an evening of art, history, and celebration—where yesterday’s stories come to life and color through ART! "

Gasparilla Island Water Association Annual Meeting Scheduled for January 2026

5 hours ago

"Notice is given that the Annual Meeting for the Members of Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. (GIWA) will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, commencing at five o’clock p.m. at the Boca Grande St Andrews Episcopal Church auxiliary room. The business to be transacted at the Annual Meeting will include the following: Calling the Meeting to order and reporting from the Secretary as to the number present in person and by proxy. Reading the Notice of Annual Meeting. Minutes of January 21, 2025, Annual Meeting. Reading if desired by Members. President’s report on activities of the past year. Treasurer’s Report (By the Executive Director). Election of Directors. The Nominees proposed by the Board of Directors for three open seats are as follows:H. Andrew Fox – For a second termChrista Sculley – For a second termRichard Wolfe – For a first termNominations are permitted from the floor. Any other matters that may properly be considered by the Membership. If you will be unable to attend the Meeting, a proxy authorization, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, is enclosed for your use to authorize the President or Board designee to vote for you at the meeting. Copies of the 2025 Annual Audit, the 2026 Budget, and Minutes of the January 21, 2025, Annual Meeting are available at the office of the Association. Thank you for the continued support you have shown during the past year. Maria Calderin, Office ManagerDecember 10, 2025"

Record-Setting Fun Run Benefits Upper Captiva Fire Department

5 hours ago

"The North Captiva Fun Run/Walk resumed on New Year’s Eve last month, with a record number of sponsors and participants.  About 400 people met at the corner of Rum Road and Bartlett Parkway to kick off the 9th Annual Fun Run, a tradition that was started in 2013 and interrupted by Covid-19 last year.  The fundraiser benefits the Upper Captiva Fire & Rescue Department and it raised $17,500, which will be used in part to improve some of the island roads. L.A. Brickner This year we made some changes to try to make it easier to sign up, pay, and buy merchandise. L.A. Brickner and David Bolme collaborated on a new online registration/sign-up process on the Fire District website which allowed registrants to sign-up including the required waiver, pay, and choose the t-shirt size for their complimentary Fun Run t-shirt. We also created a special online Sponsorship choice which allowed for online giving. Whether these conveniences accounted for a part of the record sponsorship and participant numbers, or if it was pent up demand from the pandemic cancelled event from last year, we may never know. In either case, convenience is always a good thing. A few 2021 women’s and children’s t-shirts are still available for sale (sorry, men’s sizes are sold out).  Additionally, there are 2020 “Covid Stole My Fun Run” shirts available.  You may contact Teresa Bolme for details on how to get your hands on these limited editions. Tom Jenkins and Chief Martin We look forward to hosting the event that brings together our fire department, residents, local businesses, and guests next year on December 30, a day earlier than New Year’s Eve to avoid conflicts with Saturday rental turnovers. Our thanks go out to Tom Jenkins, who once again was the lead organizer of the event, L.A. Brickner who managed the details and logistics, and the many volunteers who helped with t-shirts, online and paper registration, and other efforts to make the event successful."

Useppa Island to Host Lecture on Tarpon Fishing History

1 week ago

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Name and Contact Information Redacted] Useppa Island Historical Society to Host Lecture on Tarpon Fishing History Useppa Island, FL – January 25, 2024 – The Useppa Island Historical Society is pleased to announce a lecture by Dr. Thomas Van de Kieft on the history of tarpon fishing in Southwest Florida. The lecture will take place on February 16, 2024, at the Useppa Island Collier Inn. Dr. Van de Kieft will discuss the evolution of tarpon fishing, its impact on the local economy, and its cultural significance to Southwest Florida. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. About Useppa Island Historical Society: The Useppa Island Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Useppa Island and Southwest Florida. The society operates a museum and archives on Useppa Island and hosts lectures, tours, and other events throughout the year. ###"

Guided Meditation Session in St. James City

1 week ago

"Meditation with Christine Monday, March 30, 2026 10:30 AM"

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