The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) will kick off the new season with two returning series.
It will present its first Porch & Patio, the Halloween Potluck edition, on Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. Beginning next week, Mahjong Mondays will return through April.
PORCH & PATIO: HALLOWEEN POTLUCK
Free and open to the public, RSVPs are requested for the first Porch & Patio event.
“It is the kickoff of the season series,” CCA Director Lauren McCraney said, noting that the organization is celebrating its 90th year this season of serving as the heart of Captiva.
“Historically, our Porch & Patios have been about the community engagement, bringing neighbors together, and that includes people visiting the island, not just the residents,” she said.
Special guest Carnac the Magnificent will take the stage to share his “mystical” predictions.
“Helping to bring some light and joy, some comical humor,” McCraney said.
Attendees can bring their favorite Halloween dish to share, along with a serving utensil and label card.
“An appetizer, a main course or a special yummy desert,” she said.
There will be a popcorn maker and refreshments.
“Festive Halloween music will be playing,” McCraney said.
Attendees are encouraged to come in costume or as they are.
R.L.R. Investments is the sponsor for the 2025-26 Porch & Patio series.
“It’s their very first year sponsoring the CCA’s Porch & Patio and we’re very grateful and honored to have them as a supporter of the Captiva community,” she said.
The community is invited to RSVP.
“It’s really about the community coming back together to kick off the season with camaraderie and celebration,” McCraney said. “What better opportunity to get together than to wear a silly costume and have jovial humor and laughter together?”
MAHJONG MONDAYS
A seasonal program will offer the community the chance to play and learn how to play a game.
From Nov. 3 through April 27, Mahjong Mondays will take place on Mondays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center, with some changes based upon the holidays. In addition, a beginner’s tournament will be held in January.
“The CCA is about community, and this is a game that brings the community in,” McCraney said, adding that the series was well received in past years. “It’s a very fun game that beginners can enjoy.”
Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China.
Mary Jane Vinson leads the weekly sessions, which are open to players of all skill levels.
“Mary Jane is very much about making this a beginners’ Mahjong because she truly wants everyone to love the game,” she said.
Vinson is a Captiva resident and CCA board member.
“She’s a big fan of the game, and she’s an amazing teacher,” McCraney said, adding that Vinson previously taught it in her neighborhood until it got so big that they brought it to the center.
While the series is free, registration is required for every session.
“We want all to participate in it and that’s why it’s free,” she said.
The public is encouraged to come and take part.
“Get to know your neighbors and be a part of the community,” McCraney said.
Karen Bell and the Bell Team is the sponsor for the CCA’s 2025-26 season.
“Karen Bell has again generously supported the CCA by being our season sponsor,” she said. “We are appreciative of her support.”
To register for the Porch & Patio: Halloween Potluck or Mahjong Mondays, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/captiva-civic-association-18501600930.
For more information, visit https://ccacaptiva.org/ or contact 239-472-2111 or Lauren.McCraney@ccacaptiva.org.
The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
…..
IF YOU GO
What
Porch & Patio: Halloween Potluck
When
Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where
Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva
Details
Free to public, but RSVPs requested
…..
IF YOU GO
What
Mahjong Mondays
When
Mondays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. (November through April)
Where
Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva
Details
Free to public, but RSVPs required
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email