Anne Joffe, Owner of She Sells Sea Shells, offers ‘Love of Shells’ discussion at Mar. 12 FISH OF SANCAP Luncheon

Islanders, friends and family are invited to the community-wide FISH OF SANCAP Friendly Faces Luncheon, scheduled for Tues., Mar. 12 beginning at 11:00am. 

Says Erika Broyles, Senior Services Director, FISH, who facilities the monthly event, “We’ve hosted some great speakers already this year, and are excited to hear from Anne Joffe, owner of She Sells Sea Shells as she talks about her interest in and love of shells.”

Sanibel Deli will provide lunch, complimentary to all guests. Giveaways and interactive group games are included. Monthly luncheons are held at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, each 2^nd Tuesday of the month. A virtual option is also available. Reservations and meal choices are required by Fri., Mar. 8 to Erika Broyles at FISH at 239-472-4775.  Space is limited and FISH requests RSVPs as soon as possible to guarantee attendance.

Zoom instructions for those joining virtually will be provided with RSVP. There is no meal delivery for virtual participants.

Joffe was raised in the Boston area and attended Mt. Ida College where she received her degree in Microbiology. She worked for the CDC in Massachusetts and Maine in that field. Moving to Sanibel Island in the early 70’s, she became very active in her hobby of seashell collecting, and drew upon her biology background to get into the science of them. She was an active member on the Council of the American Malacological Union, and served on the Board of the Conchologists of America in several roles and still active on the Board as the Convention Coordinator.

Closer to home, Joffe was active in the formation of the Bailey Matthews Shell Museum, serving twice as President of the Board, and creating the annual Under The Sea Fundraising event. She has led shelling  trips around the world for both the museum and the Sanibel Captiva Shell Club where she has served as President off and on for over 40 years. For well over 20 years, she was the Chair of the annual Sanibel Shell Show.

Joffe owns and still operates She Sells Sea Shells on Sanibel, a unique shell and gift shop, now celebrating 48 years as an island business. She has been a judge for well over 40 years for many shell shows in the country, and is one of the few capable of judging both the Artistic and scientific categories. She also is the Author of three books on shellcrafting, co-authored several books with CShells 3, a company formed with Harlan Wittkfopf and S. Peter Dance and contributed to several small books on the shells of Southwest Florida.

Says Joffe, “My talk will tell the story of how I got interested in shells and my life since.  It is a combination travelogue, science lesson, and love of these fabulous creatures. The talk is not serious, just lots of fun and interaction with guests. I hope to see you at the FISH Friendly Faces luncheon!”

For more information on the FISH Friendly Faces Luncheon or to RSVP, contact Erika Broyles at FISH at 239-472-4775. For additional information on the FISH organization and their programs and services, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director at 239-472-4775 or visit their website at www.fishofsancap.org.