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Virus-related updates on island activities, more

By Staff | Nov 25, 2020

(Editor’s note: To have an item or announcement added to the list, call 239-472-1587 or email Editor Tiffany Repecki at trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.)

In light of COVID-19, the following announcements have been reported on Sanibel and Captiva to date:

BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS

The Bat Yam Temple of the Islands reported that Shabbat Torah Commentaries with Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs are held on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, with Torah services on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Food drive drop-offs are on the first Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

CHAVURAT SHALOM

Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida (Fellowship of Peace) welcomes all from the islands and Fort Myers who seek to enrich their Jewish lives. Friday Shabbat services led by members are held at 6 p.m., with Saturday Jewish current events taking place at 11 a.m. Talks by volunteer speakers and guest lecturers occur on Thursdays at 11 a.m. To take part via Zoom, contact ChavuratShalom@gmail.com.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST

The First Church of Christ, Scientist has suspended all services and events until further notice. In addition, the church’s Reading Room is closed.

J.N. ‘DING’ DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE/TARPON BAY EXPLORERS

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge continues to evaluate the risk of its operations to visitors, staff and the local community. In keeping with recent state and city directives, as well as national guidelines, staff are developing a phased plan to reopen the facilities as they meet staffing, distancing and personal protective equipment requirements.

Tarpon Bay Explorers has partially resumed its operation by providing rentals for kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards, bicycles and pontoons, along with taking bookings for some tours and cruises. Also, its nature-themed gift shop is open and the ramp is open for the public to use to launch private kayaks or small boats.

In addition, refuge officials reported the following:

– Wildlife Drive and its trails remain open with paid admission from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., except on Fridays.

– The Visitor & Education Center remains closed until further notice, but the outside bathrooms are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The water bottle filling station is also accessible.

– Refuge offices will remain closed to the public until further notice. For information, contact 239-472-1100 ext. 237 orToni_Westland@fws.gov.

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge offices will remain closed until further notice. For information, contact 239-472-1100 ext. 232 or director@dingdarlingsociety.org.

For more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/covid-19.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that to support the health and safety of the community, programming and events are canceled until further notice. The public closures include the Nature Center and SCCF offices, but not the miles of nature trails.

The Bailey Homestead Preserve and Native Landscapes & Garden Center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are asked to bring a face covering or mask to use when physical distancing cannot be achieved or when interacting with staff. Staff will be outfitted in masks and will take extra sanitation measures in restrooms and “high touch” areas.

Stay tuned to updates and announcements from the SCCF through its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts or visit online at sccf.org. For questions or more information, email sccf@sccf.org.

SANIBEL CAPTIVA ORCHID SOCIETY

The Sanibel Captiva Orchid Society canceled its October and November meetings, as well as its December Holiday Luncheon. In addition, there is a moratorium on the society’s dues collection. For more information and updates, visit www.sancaporchid.org.

SANIBEL COMMUNITY CHURCH

Sanibel Community Church is holding a contemporary service at 9 a.m. and a traditional service at 11 a.m. on Sunday in the Main Sanctuary; both practice the restaurant rule and social distancing. There is also a live stream service in Fellowship Hall for a masks only service.

In addition, Sunday School classes for preschool through fifth grade are at 9 and 11 a.m. in the Children and Family Life Building. Sunday School for middle and high school students is at 10:45 a.m.

The Carpenter’s Café and Bookstore is open on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information, visit sanibelchurch.com.

SANIBEL CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ is offering a live-streamed service on Sundays at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.sanibelucc.org or call 239-472-0497.

ST. ISABEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Isabel Catholic Church is holding in-person Mass on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m., with daily Mass offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. Social distancing is practiced and masks are required. In addition, all services continue to be live-streamed.

Children’s Christian Formation classes have been suspended until January.

For more information, visit www.saintisabel.org.

ST. MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church is livestreaming its service on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Bill Van Oss. To watch, visit the church’s Website, Facebook or YouTube. Other services, meetings and events are suspended until further notice. For more information, call 239-472-2173 or visit www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org.