Dear Chamber Member,
Here are your Friday Facts – Enjoy reading them and have a great Friday and an even better weekend. If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for April 2020
Every month, your Punta Gorda Chamber teams up with local iHeart Media DJ – Bob Alexander to focus on Chamber members and what they are up to. For only $105, you get to pre-record 2 x 2 ½ minute slots (which can be the same or different) which will be inserted into Bob’s show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. This is one of the largest local radio audiences available to us. You don’t even have to go to the studio any more. Bob will call you to record your message(s)! If you are interested, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com to get you on your way. Ideal for business promotions, events or simply to get your name out on air.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Pat, Carole, Hazel, Stephanie & Janet
Please remember to RSVP to: reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 941-639-3720.
February 8: City Wide Garage Sale 8 am – 12 Noon Comfort Storage 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
$15.00 per entrant. You get two parking spots one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide) – Set up 7:15am Please contact Punta Gorda Chamber at 639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com non-refundable, non-transferable. Sale held rain or shine. No rain dates.
February 12: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am
Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber and Expedia Cruise Ship Center at the Village Fish Market, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda for Business Over Breakfast! Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720
February 18: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5827 Riverside Dr., Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
February 20: Third Thursday Wine Walk 5-8 pm
In Downtown Punta Gorda. Art-Music-Live Demonstrations-Shopping & Food! What better way to spend an evening out with old friends while you take the time to make new ones. Wine Walk works by donating $10 at the PG Chamber (in advance or on the night) to get a wristband and passport that entitles you to a walking wine tasting – a map of all retail participants will accompany your wristband. Each location will have two different wine varietals to taste! Wristbands can also be purchased at Hipnotique on the day of the event. Not a wine drinker, you can still come and enjoy the atmosphere and shop, dine and stroll around.
February 26: Networking Luncheon – 12 Noon – 1:30 pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Charlotte High School, Punta Gorda, 1250 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda. Please park off of the bus loop which is on the right side of the school as you are facing the front and enter through B building into the multi-purpose room. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid or $20.00 at the door. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex
February 8th: City Wide Garage Sale at Comfort Storage
8 am–12 pm $15.00 per entrant. You get two parking spots – one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide) – Set up 7:15am Location: Comfort Storage Parking Lot, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda.
Punta Gorda Pub Crawl
$10, 50% goes to Harry Chapin Food Bank, 50% goes to support the Punta Gorda Chamber. Win Air Fare for two to Ireland, need not be present tow in, drawing Feb 29th. Visit PuntaGordaPubCrawl.com for information.
6th Annual Punta Gorda Short Film Festival
Wednesday, March 4, 2020, $20. Details & Tickets: https://pgsfftix.bpt.me/
15th Annual Wine & Jazz Festival will be held on February 22nd, 2020 in Laishley Park, north-end of Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda FL 3395
Our line-up for our 15th Anniversary Show: Matt Marschak will open. Mindi Abair -with a retrospective of her JAZZ career, focusing her performance on the songs that got her to where she is today – will raise the temperature and Eric Darius will bring the show to its climax Demand for VIP and Premium seating is extremely high already, so don’t delay in getting your ticket to this incredibly HOT party!
VIP Tickets – include complimentary food (served up to 3pm), seven complimentary beverage tickets per VIP ticket, a welcome bag containing your souvenir beer and wine glasses, seated (at tables), stage front seats and dance area, and a special meet n’ greet to meet those artists who are able to attend the Friday night (February 21st) wine party. VIP Tickets are $190 per person
Premium Tickets – include a reserved seat in a special section behind VIP and 4 complimentary drink tickets, along with. Separate check-in facilities. Premium tickets are $110 per person
Regular Admission Tickets for 2020 include entrance and a souvenir bag containing a beer and wine glass. Food and beverage may be purchased in the park. Tickets are $75 per person
Purchase Wine & Jazz Tickets Here
Fileman Law Firm PA
Gary T Fileman
201 W. Marion Ave, Ste 1208
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-833-5560
gfileman@filemanlaw.com
www.filemanlaw.com
Attorneys
Sponsored by John Wright
Finance of America
Denise Richards
24001 Peachland Ave.
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
440-487-7074
drichards@financeofamerica.com
www.mortgageprofessional.net
Mortgage Lender
Sponsored by Kelley Laird
Payne Ryan PLLC
Deb Ryan
25073 Marion Ave
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-655-8970
dryan@payneryan.com
Attorneys
Sponsored by John Wright
Phoenician Treatment Spa
Dr. Antoine Dakouny
Genifer Mastrella
3400 Tamiami Trail #103
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
welcome@phoeniciantreatmentspa.com
www.poeniciantreatmentspa.com
Medical Spa
Sponsored by Pat Oliva
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business
Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum)
Click Here for February Events. See Applause section for recent accreditation.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)
Saturday Farmers’ Market (Gold)
Click Here to see their February Newsletter
Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)
Free Estate, Investment Planning Seminars. Click Here.
Bank Supports Food for the Troops Drive. Receiving a care package can be a real morale booster for those serving in the military. Englewood Bank & Trust is once again serving as a collection point for the Rotary Club of Englewood’s Food for the Troops drive. For drop off places and list of needed items Click Here.
Paradise Golf (Silver)
Click Here for details.
Charlotte Players (Bronze)
Gator Wilderness Camp School (Support)
Arcadia Banquet Feb 27, 2020. Click Here for details.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support)
A tapestry of classical and folk music: The Russian Duo comes to Punta Gorda. The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St., will be presenting The Russian Duo in a special performance, “Strings of tradition!” 7 p.m., Friday, February 7. Russian Duo is a celebration of cross-cultural creativity, exploring the range of possibilities offered by the combination of balalaika, voice and piano. Audiences are taken on a journey across the span of Russian culture – from humorous pieces, virtuoso variations, pulsating dance music, rhythmic folk songs, and lyrical romances. In addition to classical music, Russian duo performs other genres including tango, blue grass, Soviet film music, and their own arrangements of ragtime. $20. Open to the public. Cabaret-style event, bring your food and beverages. Tickets, call (941) 637-1655 or online www.pgica.org.
Profiles Nail Boutique (Support)
We are partnering with HipNotique in downtown Punta Gorda with a promotion for your feet….
Buy any pair of sandals ?? at HipNotique and bring the receipt to Profiles for 10% off your pedicure ?~
Or get a pedicure with Profiles and bring the receipt to HipNotique to get 10% off a pair of sandals like the cute reversible 2-in-1 Modzori.”
Visual Arts Center (Support)
WORKSHOPS Unless otherwise noted workshops are held at the Visual Arts Center Click Here to Register for all events. The Visual Arts Center is located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 9-4 & Sat, 10-2. Calendar of Events, Classes, Memberships and Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org or call 941.639.8810.
Pine Needle Baskets Workshop with Kathryn Erickson
3/28 from 10am-2pm Cost: $100 ($90 VAC members). If you can sew, you can learn how to form pine needles into a piece of art. Learn to coil pine needles and finish basket on your own. Nothing but patience is needed!
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.
February 12, 2020: Phoenician Treatment Spa, 3400 Tamiami Trail, Suite 103, Port Charlotte
February 24, 2020: wellBeing Acupuncture, 1401 Tamiami Trail, Suite B, Punta Gorda
February 25, 2020: Illusions Salon & Spa, 115 Taylor St., Punta Gorda
February 27, 2020: The Treasure Chest. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Suite 1149, Punta Gorda
March 19, 2020: Dream Salon & Spa, 117 Herald Court, Unit 115, Punta Gorda
March 26, 2020: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.
April 3, 2020: Gator Mikes, 35 NE Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral 4 pm
Who Invented Cruise Control?
Cruise control was invented 1948 by Ralph Teetor, a mechanical engineer who was also an inventor. He was also blind, from the age of five. It would be another ten years before cruise control was commercially introduced.
Remember to click these links to see events that are coming up
Click This Link for Events Coming in February
Click this link for Future Events
The Orange House Wine Bar
320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 941-505-8233
We are now open for breakfast and lunch!
Tuesday-Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
Fri. Feburary 7: 7pm -10 pm
Sat.February 8: 7pm- 10 pm
Charlotte County Concert Band
The Charlotte County Concert Band, under the direction of Conductor Daniel Bowles has planned a special program entitled “To Charlotte With Love”. The concert will be on Friday night, February 7, at 7:30pm at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center which is on the campus of Charlotte High School located at 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda, 33950. Soprano Kim Campos, who has joined the band in the past, will be returning to our stage. Tickets are available online at www.charlottecountyconcertband.com or at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center the night of the concert.
Punta Gorda Symphony-Concert Showcase Feb 9, 7.30pm
Click Here for details.
Gulfshore Opera – Opera goes to Church Feb 7, 4pm
Click Here for details.
Cha Cha Cha USA Dance #6126 Dance Lessons
Dates: February 12, 19, 26. Time: 6pm-7pm Beginning Beginning Cha Cha Cha; 7pm-8pm Intermediate Rock & Swing. Need knowledge of basic swing steps. East Coast Swing, Lindy, Jive Rock & Roll. 8pm-9pm Intermediate /Advanced Ballroom Dance Team. Learn show dances, exciting ballroom and Latin techniques. Location: Punta Gorda Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda, FL. Fees: $10 USA Dance Members, $12 Others.
Contact: 330-501-2366(Laura), email: usadance6126@gmail.com, Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #6126 Charlotte Harbor, FL
Meetup: Charlotte Harbor Ballroom Dance Meetup USA Dance. Instructors: Nathalie & Franck Lemoine. Professional Dance Instructors from Paris, France.
Charlotte Community Foundation. February Mix & Mingle at 227 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda February 13, 2020 4:30pm – 6:00pm RSVP Charlotte Community Foundation 941-637-0077 | 941-637-6202 ccf@charlottecf.org www.charlottecf.org
St Vincent de Paul – Walk for the Poor
The four St Vincent de Paul conferences of the Charlotte county district are holding the 11th annual Walk for the Poor on February 15th at Laishley park. Registration begins at 8:00 am and the walk begins at 9:00 on a leisurely walk along the Trabue harbor walk. Funds raised help those struggling with financial, material and educational assistance. For more information call Maryanne at 941-268-9678 or visit:https://svdp-dov.org/Charlotte and click on Walk for the Poor.
The Yoga Sanctuary
Introduction to Yoga Series, Mondays, February 10- March 16, 5.30-6.45pm, $108, 112 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda. No flexibility required; all ages and body types welcome! This six-week series, limited to eight students, will walk you through the basics of yoga. Each student will receive a copy of Yoga Fan: Practice Guide for Everyday as well as guidance and support in how to continue one’s practice after the completion of the series. Due to the small class size, which allows for individualized attention, pre-registration is required.
Partner Yoga, Saturday February 15,3–5pm,$75 A Couple
Partner Yoga will heighten your sense of curiosity and exploration. When practicing with another, you can explore poses in depth and support each other in discovering the dynamics of different poses. Partner yoga is a great way to practice surrender, empathy and balance. It’s also just a lot of fun – you’ll laugh as you strengthen and stretch the body! So this Valentine’s weekend, grab a partner and join us for the fun. There may even be a bit of chocolate to share with your partner at the end! No previous yoga experience necessary.
Community Acupuncture Clinic, Saturday February 22, 12 – 2pm, Sliding Scale $25 – $50.
We’re so glad to be welcoming back Rebecca Moore from Points for Health Community Acupuncture! Acupuncture is a form of medicine in which needles are inserted into the body at various locations to create a change. Community acupuncture is when acupuncture is performed in a group setting with a number of people in the same room, creating a sense of community as we gather, in a quiet space. For more information please visit TheYogaSanctuary.biz or call 941.505.YOGA (9642).
Soul Dance Temple
Friday, February 7 from 6 to 8 PM: TAROT 101 Workshop. Learn about this ancient tool, and how you can benefit from this knowledge. Increase your intuition and gain critical thinking skills. $45 per person.
Sunday, February 23 from 3 to 5 PM: ASTROLOGY 101 Workshop. Learn the truth about the astro logic, as taught by the ancients. Science is catching up what has been written. We are electromagnetic. Learn why, how, and how this knowledge can change your life. $45 per person.
Belly Dancing Classes are ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 to 6 PM, and 7 to 8 PM. Also during the day on Thursdays at 11 AM.
Meditation and Rhythm YOGA classes are ongoing: Mondays and Wednesdays 6 to 7 PM. Connect to source, radiate peace and love to the world. Work on your soul, mind, and body.
Register online at www.souldancetemple.com, call 941-347-7280.
Click Here for General Info Flyers
FGCU – Celebrating Black History Month, Click Here for all details.
St Vincent de Paul – Walk for the Poor
The four St Vincent de Paul conferences of the Charlotte county district are holding the 11th annual Walk for the Poor on February 15th at Laishley park. Registration begins at 8:00 am and the walk begins at 9:00 on a leisurely walk along the Trabue harbor walk. Funds raised help those struggling with financial, material and educational assistance. For more information call Maryanne at 941-268-9678 or visit:https://svdp-dov.org/Charlotte and click on Walk for the Poor.
The Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation is hosting a wine and cheese “Friendraiser”, from 6:30-8:30 PM, February 20th, for its Water4Life Mozambique international project at the Military Heritage Museum, 800 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Rotarian Arnie Eastburn, who also heads the Water4Life nonprofit (https://water4lifemozambique.org/) will give a short presentation on the significance of bringing clean, safe water to remote villages in the Zambezia Province of Mozambique, Africa. Tickets are $25 and also include access to the museum’s displays, and they may be purchased at https://squareup.com/store/punta-gorda-rotary-club.
Valerie’s House Launches Grief Support Program for Young Adults Program meets needs of growing number of grieving college-age and young adults
Valerie’s House, the first and only grief support program in Southwest Florida focused solely on helping children grieve, has launched a program to help young adults work through their grief following the death of parent, sibling or friend. The program is a result of recent studies that show 1 in 3 college students have experienced the death of a family member or close friend within the last 12 months, according to 2018 research. Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin says she is not surprised with the statistics as it was when she was 18 years old and a freshman at the University of Florida, that she began to openly grieve the loss of her mother Valerie, who died when she was 10 years old and who the organization is named after.The Young Adult Grief Support Group is geared toward 18 to 25-year-olds and will meet at Valerie’s House- Fort Myers, 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers from 6:00pm – 8:00pm on the 1st Monday of each month. Valerie’s House Program Coordinator Ally O’Brien, who has been working with Valerie’s House since she was an intern at Florida Gulf Coast University four years ago, will lead the group. O’Brien said. “My hope with this group is that we can support and relate to one another.”To learn more about the program or sign up, visit www.valerieshouseswfl.org/young-adult-program.
About Valerie’s House. Valerie’s House opened in January 2016 in a cozy home in downtown Fort Myers and has grown to three locations and to help more than 800 grieving children and their families by providing a safe, comfortable place to heal together following the death of someone they love. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home at 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also holds group meetings at 1st United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported through community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill We all recently experienced what happens when someone passes suddenly and unexpectedly. Each day is a gift, and we can never predict what the future holds. Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.
Copperfish Books Click Here for their best new books this month.
Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory “Save the Date” for the next artist reception featuring Sharon lott Stchur on Wednesday February 12 at 5PM.
Sea Grape Artists Gallery is proud to announce that during the month of February they will be showcasing the artworks of both Joy Dibble, acrylic and watercolor artist, and Karen Cohen, enamel, beads and metal artist. Click here for all info. In addition they are featuring Beverly Yankwitt, mixed media artist, and Marlene Jones, horsehair pottery artist. Click here for all info.
FRANTZ Eye Care Botox special. Click here for all info.
Howard Spielman – Artist. As a result of a Charlotte Arts showcase my work is now displayed in the lobby of the administration building in Port Charlotte for February. In conjunction with that display, I had a video interview with C.C. T.V. which was aired locally January 16. Click Here for the interview. I also belong to The COCO Art Gallery at Coconut Point. Spotlight Magazine saw my work at the gallery and interviewed me at my home studio with a featured article about me and my work including the cover of the magazine to be published in the next few weeks.
Senior Friendship Center
Many businesses in our community have been sponsors of Senior Friendship Centers’ birthday club. Thanks to these gracious sponsors, our birthday celebrations have truly been special events for our senior clients and have also provided them with valuable resources and information. Sponsorship of a monthly birthday celebration at our Harbour Heights location involves providing treats for approximately 20 guests and a 15 minute presentation of your business, services, or any topic of interest relevant to seniors age 60+.
“We’re glamming it up here at HipNotique!
Space is limited so make your appointment ASAP at www.originalfairyhair.com (HipNotique cannot take your reservation!) We will make every effort to accommodate walk-ins but we cannot guarantee if her schedule is booked with appointments! And as usual, we will be pouring wine, treats provided by Charlene Demetrops-(The Cocoa Exchange) and music to sing & dance with Karaoke Queen Jeannie Smyth~ so come join the party!”
Click Here to see the flyer.
We are partnering with Profiles Nail Boutique in downtown Punta Gorda with a promotion for your feet….
Buy any pair of sandals ?? at HipNotique and bring the receipt to Profiles for 10″% off your pedicure ?~
Or get a pedicure with Profiles and bring the receipt to HipNotique to get 10% off a pair of sandals like the cute reversible 2-in-1 Modzori.”
Gator Mike’s
Gator Mike’s is sponsoring a Gator Fest 2020, on March 6th, Featuring the band Buckcherry. There are sponsorship opportunities available. Click Here to see all of the info.
Click Here to see Latitude 78 flyer.
United Way of Charlotte County has done presentations to over 1500 people here in Charlotte County during the last few months. Won’t you help us make it to our 2000 person goal of sharing the good work being done? We are mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty through individuals sharing their time, talents & treasures and getting businesses engaged. Local lives are being transformed. Please call our office (941) 627-3539 to schedule a 5-25 minute presentation for your group or business.
If you would like to become a sponsor in 2020 or know of a business that might be interested, please contact Jeanne DeLauro at 941-255-0723 or email jdelauro@friendshipcenters.org. Many and heartfelt thanks!!
An elderly woman walks into the butcher shop and shouts at the butcher, “That leg of lamb you sold me last week shrunk by six inches when I cooked it!”
“That’s funny,” said the butcher, “my wife knitted me a jumper, and when I washed it, it shrunk by six inches.”
“Must have been from the same sheep.”
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte Honored as First Accredited Center of Excellence in Endoscopy in the United States
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte has earned accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Endoscopy by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an internationally recognized patient safety organization. The hospital is the first to achieve this accreditation in the United States for advancing endoscopic procedures and providing excellent patient care as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation. Status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that Bayfront Health Port Charlotte has met nationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous site inspection process are granted accreditation. We’re proud to recognize Bayfront Health Port Charlotte as a Center of Excellence in Endoscopy for their commitment to providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that the facility and its surgeons are among the best in the specialty and are dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.” Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to visualize areas inside the body with an endoscope, a flexible tube fitted with a camera and light. Endoscopy can help evaluate the presence of disease, treat digestive tract problems, examine organs and more. More than 3,700 endoscopies are performed annually by physicians at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte. Health care organizations and surgeons seeking accreditation by SRC undergo an extensive self-assessment and site inspection. This process includes physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in the accredited program. The inspection is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization or surgeon improve its care and services.
“We are delighted to have achieved this accreditation and to be named the first in the United States—and second in the world— as a Center of Excellence in Endoscopy,” said Timothy Cerullo, CEO for Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. “I want to thank Dr. Sovi Joseph and our entire team of nurses, staff and administrators that played an active role in achieving such honor. I am so very proud of each and every one of them.”
Sincerely,
John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
Every effort has been made to accommodate guests of all abilities. The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for the presentation, format or accessibility of customer submitted documents, images and websites.
Bristol Private Wealth Management of Raymond James
D&D Custom Cabinets
Frank Desguin Family
Kingdom Center for H.O.P.E
Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens
Punta Gorda Isles
Civic Association
Valerie’s House
252 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-3720
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 9am to 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
© 2023, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
