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Some people move to Pine Island.
Others become part of its heart.
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Elsie Stearns, Vice President and Sr. Branch Manager of Centennial Bank on Pine Island, to hear the story of how a young woman from the city fell in love with island life — and spent decades giving back to the community she came to love.
Elsie shares memories of arriving on Useppa Island in 1977, building a life and family here with her husband Scott, and serving Pine Island through both her banking career and years of community leadership.
From Beacon of Hope to the Bobby Holloway Foundation to the Fire Commission, Elsie has quietly helped shape this island in ways that have touched countless lives.
Her story is heartfelt, inspiring, and full of the kind of island history and spirit we love to share.
✨ “Scott and I just fell in love with the island my first day there… I give Mel Meo credit for making me an island girl.”
— Elsie Stearns
🌐 Check out the Beacon of Hope and The Greater Pine Island Emergency Task Force at beaconofhopepineisland.com
🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app or at: pineislandexperience.com
📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com