Marco Shell Club Shares Tips with Marco Woman’s Club

Valentine’s Day was the theme for the February meeting of the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC). MIWC President Maureen Chodaba welcomed members and guests to the Naples Lakes Country Club. Keeping with a long-standing MIWC patriotic tradition, member Shirley Thayer led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and God Bless America. Cindy Wheeler delivered an invocation fused with the parable of the Starfish Story, reminding us that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.  

The Marco Island Shell Club delighted the MIWC audience with a program about the shells of Marco Island. The MI Shell Club promotes the study, conservation, history, and science of mollusks and seashells to encourage shell-related interests such as collection and shell art. They raise funds to support scholarships, grants, and educational programs. They have endowed scholarships at FGCU, scholarship opportunities for graduating high school students, educational programs for grade school students, and seminars for adults in the community.  

MI Shell Club member Cindy Wesolowski presented a variety of shells from the Horse Conch, Olive Shell, Lightning Whelk, Shark Eyes, Banded Tulip, and Alphabet Cone to the coveted Junonia, the crown jewel of all shells. We learned that the Sand Dollar is extremely fragile, and when you open it up, it has five teeth (doves)!  

Shell Club member Cindy Konney taught us how to be successful shellers. She displayed her gear for successful shelling – a mesh bag, appropriate shoes, sunscreen, a small shovel, a hat, and water for hydration! And while you are out there, don’t forget to stretch to avoid back pain! Train your eyes and walk slowly to find shells. Low tides and full moon shelling allow the best opportunities to find shells. 

MIWC President Maureen Chodaba proudly presented a donation to the Marco Island Shell Club to further their mission. You can support the Marco Island Shell Club by attending their upcoming Shell Art Sale on March 14 and 15 at the New Life Community Church, Marco Island. To learn more about the Marco Island Shell Club, please visit https://www.marcoislandshellclub.com.  

In other MIWC happenings, well-known Marco Islander Catherine Thomas was honored for 30 years of membership and service to MIWC. Through the MIWC Stitchers Group, Catherine has created many blankets that were donated to the Golisano Children’s Hospital. She and her husband have been long-time supporters of Meals of Hope and many other organizations in our community.  

Rita Coyne introduced new member, Paula Keller. We welcome Paula to our mission of making a positive difference in our community!  

We congratulate MIWC member Susie Walsh, who was recently recognized by the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2024 Marco Island Volunteer of the Year!  

MIWC is preparing for the annual Fashion Show fundraiser. Mardi Gras Masquerade will be held February 17, Presidents Day, at Naples Lakes Country Club. All funds raised will be given back to our community through scholarships and other charitable causes through the Marco Island Woman’s Club Charitable Foundation.  

Mark your calendar now for a shopping event at J. McLaughlin, 1017 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day. A percentage of sales from the event will be donated to the Marco Island Woman’s Club Charitable Foundation.  

Finally, the annual MIWC Cards & Games Luncheon will be held Thursday, March 13,at CJ’s on the Bay, chaired by Debbie Barmeier and Arleen Soldano.  

MIWC welcomes all women who live on Marco Island, full-time or seasonal, whether you own or rent, to join us in fellowship, friendship, and fun! We are a service organization that knows how to make a difference in our community. Come join us! For more information, please visit https://marcowomansclub.com/  or contact miwcel@gmail.com.