The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) will kick off the new season with two returning series.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
PORCH & PATIO: HALLOWEEN POTLUCK<\/p>\n
Free and open to the public, RSVPs are requested for the first Porch & Patio event.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the kickoff of the season series,\u201d CCA Director Lauren McCraney said, noting that the organization is celebrating its 90th year this season of serving as the heart of Captiva.<\/p>\n
\u201cHistorically, our Porch & Patios have been about the community engagement, bringing neighbors together, and that includes people visiting the island, not just the residents,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Special guest Carnac the Magnificent will take the stage to share his \u201cmystical\u201d predictions.<\/p>\n
\u201cHelping to bring some light and joy, some comical humor,\u201d McCraney said.<\/p>\n
Attendees can bring their favorite Halloween dish to share, along with a serving utensil and label card.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn appetizer, a main course or a special yummy desert,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
There will be a popcorn maker and refreshments.<\/p>\n
\u201cFestive Halloween music will be playing,\u201d McCraney said.<\/p>\n
Attendees are encouraged to come in costume or as they are.<\/p>\n
R.L.R. Investments is the sponsor for the 2025-26 Porch & Patio series.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s their very first year sponsoring the CCA\u2019s Porch & Patio and we\u2019re very grateful and honored to have them as a supporter of the Captiva community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The community is invited to RSVP.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really about the community coming back together to kick off the season with camaraderie and celebration,\u201d McCraney said. \u201cWhat better opportunity to get together than to wear a silly costume and have jovial humor and laughter together?\u201d<\/p>\n
MAHJONG MONDAYS<\/p>\n
A seasonal program will offer the community the chance to play and learn how to play a game.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s tournament will be held in January.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe CCA is about community, and this is a game that brings the community in,\u201d McCraney said, adding that the series was well received in past years. \u201cIt\u2019s a very fun game that beginners can enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China.<\/p>\n
Mary Jane Vinson leads the weekly sessions, which are open to players of all skill levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cMary Jane is very much about making this a beginners\u2019 Mahjong because she truly wants everyone to love the game,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Vinson is a Captiva resident and CCA board member.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s a big fan of the game, and she\u2019s an amazing teacher,\u201d McCraney said, adding that Vinson previously taught it in her neighborhood until it got so big that they brought it to the center.<\/p>\n
While the series is free, registration is required for every session.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want all to participate in it and that\u2019s why it\u2019s free,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The public is encouraged to come and take part.<\/p>\n
\u201cGet to know your neighbors and be a part of the community,\u201d McCraney said.<\/p>\n
Karen Bell and the Bell Team is the sponsor for the CCA\u2019s 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n
\u201cKaren Bell has again generously supported the CCA by being our season sponsor,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are appreciative of her support.\u201d<\/p>\n
To register for the Porch & Patio: Halloween Potluck or Mahjong Mondays, visit https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/o\/captiva-civic-association-18501600930<\/a>.<\/p>\n