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 poliva@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for March 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.
January 11: CityWide 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
January 16: 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.
January 21: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty Fisherman Village. 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.
January 29: Networking Luncheon – 12 Noon – 1:30 pm Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. This will be the State of the City Message given by our Mayor Nancy Prafke. Please be sure to RSVP to 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com Cost is $15.00 per person. Lunch must now be pre-paid at time of reservation. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex
Click Here for Major Chamber Events
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/
Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum)
Bayfront Health’s Annual Health, Safety and Women’s Expo Putting your health and safety first, because you don’t come second.
Bayfront Health’s 2020 Health, Safety and Women’s Expo will be held February 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. This is an event designed especially for you: Showcasing products, services and health and safety preparedness courses. Whether it’s fashion and financial planning or health and wellness, there will be over 100 professionals representing a variety of local businesses and organizations offering something for everyone, including head-to-toe pampering, demonstrations, educational information, health and wellness products, arts and crafts, health screenings, sweepstakes, massages, and more. And, attendees have the opportunity to participate in the following health and safety preparedness seminar, course and demonstrations:
Admission to the Health, Safety and Women’s Expo is free and doors open at 9:00 a.m. Those wishing to attend the Active Shooter Preparedness Seminar and Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed Training Course are encouraged to arrive well in advance of the start time. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. As a local leader in heart care and proud Go Red for Women sponsor of the American Heart Association, Bayfront Health and all participating vendors are donating proceeds from this event to support efforts to reduce death caused by heart disease and stroke.
Sponsor and vendor opportunities are still available. Call 941-766-4285 for details. To learn more about this and other events and activities planned at Bayfront Health, visit BayfrontHealthEvents.com. Vendors participating and in attendance at the Health, Safety and Women’s Expo in no way implies Bayfront Health’s approval or endorsement of their products or services. The CPR class is designed for informational purposes only; it is not a certified class.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)
Friday, January 10- Storm Warning Band from 7:00-11:00 PM at T.T.’s Tiki Bar.
Saturday, January 11- Zombie University Band from 4:00-7:00 PM at T.T.’s Tiki Bar. -No Filter Band from 8:00-12:00 AM at T.T.’s Tiki Bar.
-Bill Gladwell (Thought Reader) in the Library at Dockside beginning at 7:00 PM. To get tickets, visit BillGladwellTickets.com.
Sunday, January 12- Disco DJ from 5:30-7:15 PM at T.T.’s Tiki Bar.
ABBA Tribute Band beginning at 7:30 PM at T.T.’s Tiki Bar.
Tuesday, January 14- Paul Roush (solo artist) at 5:00-8:00 PM at T.T.’s Tiki Bar.
Saturday Farmers’ Market(Gold)
Click Here to see their January Newsletter
Charlotte Players (Bronze)
Come see a classic Driving Miss Daisy Jan 8-19 at Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse. Set in the deep South, in 1948, prior to the civil rights movement. A rich, sharp-tongued Jewish widow has her driving privileges taken away by her son after she demolishes another car. He hires Hoke, a thoughtful black man to be her chauffeur. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased by calling (941) 255-1022 or online at www.charlotteplayers.org. Showtimes are 7:30pm and Matinees at 2:00pm on Jan 12, 18, and 19.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support)
Jukebox Time Machine
A Unique Musical That Celebrates Jukebox Hits Through the Decades Back by popular demand – Pat Surface and American Pie Journey back in time with this multi-media tribute to the timeless artists and songs that topped the charts (including tributes to The Beatles, The Eagles, Glen Campbell, Patsy Cline, Judy Garland, Buddy Holly, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, and more). A true variety show with something for everyone. From the boppin’ sounds of the 50s and the generation-defining anthems of the 60s – through ever-changing styles of the 70s – Jukebox Time Machine is an entertaining blast to the past. With dynamic video, behind the scenes stories of the New York City music biz, and the joyful sounds of timeless tunes, this is more than a musical. It is an experience. The group’s Woodstock 50th Anniversary Tribute Show sold out last season. Jukebox Time Machine continues the story through the New York City music business, Jimi Hendrix’s recording studio, Electric Lady, the hit-making machine, Arista Records and Max’s Kansas City (the famous NYC club). The band’s incredible voices and guitar leads bring down the house and the evening will include their popular Trivia Segment with prizes.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. 7 p.m. Saturday, January 18. Tickets $20. Online www.pgica.org or call 941-637-1655 All PGICA concerts & cabarets are open to the general public.
Visual Arts Center (Support)
Classes begin 1/13 – Register for Classes & Workshops at VisualArtCenter.org. View “Plein Air Exhbit” and “Mural Rendering Exhibit” in the galleries Jan 7-30. Plein Air Festival is through January 30, with outdoor painting events all month- View Register for all events at https://visualartcenter.org/collections/plein-air-festival. The Visual Arts Center is located at 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.
Click Here for all of the info on the Plein Air Festival
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.
Originally for Men
Going back to the 15th century, men wore high heeled shoes as it helped secure their feet in horse stirrups. It also made them appear taller and (in their eyes) more powerful. Women started wearing high heels around the 16th century.
Remember to click these links to see events that are coming up
Click This Link for Events Coming in January, 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. January 10: 7pm -10 pm
The Orange House Band is BACK! Come see Rory, Tony and Richie play all your favorites this Saturday! Call to reserve your spot!
Sat.January 11: 7pm- 10 pm Back by Popular Demand. Spend Saturday night with more great, live music from two-time Emmy Award Winner Dave Powers. Call to reserve your spot!
Peace River Wildlife Sunset Celebration January 10th
Only chance to see the new wildlife Hospital before patients move in. Click Here to see all info.
The Yoga Sanctuary Annual Open House
A Benefit for C.A.R.E.
Saturday, January 11th 10am – 3pm
112 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda
Stop by as The Yoga Sanctuary opens its doors for its annual Open House, benefiting C.A.R.E., the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies of Charlotte County. Bring your friends, your family, or a neighbor. Join in their free mini-sessions of yoga, meet others in the community, and learn about the types of yoga and healing modalities The Yoga Sanctuary offers. Or just enjoy some organic tea and delicious snacks as you browse the studio and TYS boutique! The Yoga Sanctuary will be offering Open House discounts on services and retail items with 10% of the day’s profits going to C.A.R.E. For more information visit www.theyogasanctuary.biz or call 941.505.YOGA (9642).
The Punta Gorda Symphony January 12 Concert Showcases Powerhouse Violinist David Kim
The Punta Gorda Symphony starts the new year with a January 12 program which is certain to become an audience favorite. Tickets are still available for the concert on January 12, 2020 at 7:30pm at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center. Maestro Raffaele Ponti crafted this program so the audience can indulge in a deeper exploration of Felix Mendelssohn with the glorious Violin Concerto Op. 64 featuring internationally-acclaimed violinist David Kim. Also on this program will be Carnival Overture by Antonín Dvořák and Symphony No. 2 by American composer Amy Beach.
Maestro Ponti is over the moon to be presenting powerhouse Guest Artist David Kim. He is certain to impress.
Several activities leading up to the Sunday January 12 concert are designed to offer a more intimate experience of the music and of this talented visiting musician.
Behind the Notes Friday, January 10 at 4:00pm – $20 per person FSW Charlotte Campus, Auditorium, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda
On Friday, January 10 Maestro Raffaele Ponti and Guest Artist David Kim will share their personal insights and experiences with the music as they go “behind the notes.” The audience will gain a fresh appreciation for the music featured at the January 12 concert, what it’s like for conductor and artist to perform, and what to listen for in the concert. This lively and entertaining discussion is an opportunity for non-musicians to explore music in a format audiences can see nowhere else. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at lifelonglearning-charlotte.org or 941-637-3533.
Pre-Performance Talk: Sunday, January 12 at 6:30-7:00pm – FREE to concert ticket holders! Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda
Concert ticket-holders can continue their music appreciation through this regularly scheduled pre-performance talk led by WGCU’s John Davis. Musical Conversations with John Davis will include an interview with Guest Artist David Kim designed to illuminate the music on the concert’s program. All concert ticket-holders are invited to join, one hour prior to showtime. All this activity culminates with the concert on January 12 at 7:30pm. Concert tickets are still available at $55 for adults and $15 for students. For tickets or further information, please visit the website at PGSymphony.org or call 941-205-5996.
Rendez-Vous Dance Party USA Dance #6126
Date: January 12, Sunday
Time: 2:00PM Dance Lesson
3:00-5:00PM Dance Party
Location: Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda
Fees: $15 Non-members $12 USA Dance Members. This is open to the public. Includes refreshments & snacks.
Contact: 330-501-2366(Laura) 614-439-8545(Robin)
Email: usadance6126@gmail.com
Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #6126 Charlotte Harbor, FL
Meetup: Charlotte Harbor Ballroom Dance Meetup USA Dance Instructors/DJs: Nathalie & Franck Lemoine
Professional Dance Instructors from Paris, France. They have lived and worked in SWFL since 2018. Additional Information: Historic Building, Wooden Floors, High Quality Sound System Added Attractions: Team Dance Performance
Madison Time Line Dance
Yoga for Golfers: A 3-Week Series
Mondays, January 13 – 27 1 – 2:15pm $50
112 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda
Enhance your game and discover how yoga is the perfect cross-training tool to develop balance, mobility, and focus – the keys to high performance and low scores on the course. Led by Heleen Schouten, certified Yoga for Golfers teacher, you will learn about your unique body mechanics, how to prevent injury and how to enjoy your golf game. Each week you will have some optional home practice to explore between sessions, allowing you to notice the difference after 3 weeks. Take your game to the next level with simple yoga techniques you can use both on and off the course. No yoga experience required. For more information visit www.theyogasanctuary.biz or call 941.505.YOGA (9642).
Soul Dance Temple
Monday 1/13
Intro to Ballet for Adults at 10 AM. Ballet for Adults at 11 AM. Pre-Ballet for children at 4 PM. Ballet for Children at 5 PM. Meditation & YOGA at 6 PM for Adults. Intro to Flamenco for Adults at 7 PM. 941-347-7280. www.souldancetemple.com
Tuesday 1/14
Intro to Ballet for Adults at 10 AM. Ballet for Adults at 11 AM. Pre-Ballet for children at 4 PM. Ballet for Children at 5 PM. Modern Workout for Adults at 6 PM. Belly Dancing for Adults at 7 PM. 941-347-7280. www.souldancetemple.com
Wednesday 1/15
Intro to Ballet for Adults at 10 AM. Ballet for Adults at 11 AM. Pre-Ballet for children at 4 PM. Ballet for Children at 5 PM. Meditation & YOGA at 6 PM for Adults. Soul Connections at 7:10 PM. 941-347-7280. www.souldancetemple.com
Thursday 1/16
Polynesian Hula for Adults at 10 AM. Belly Dancing at 11 AM. Flamenco for Children at 5 PM. Modern Workout for Adults at 6 PM. Belly Dancing for Adults at 7 PM. 941-347-7280. www.souldancetemple.com
Saturday 1/18
Intro to Flamenco Technique for Adults at 10 AM. Flamenco/Classic Spanish for Adults at 11 AM. 941-347-7280. www.souldancetemple.com
Passionate Puccini
Giacomo Puccini composed some of the world’s greatest operas, exploring themes of love, death, familial and societal pressures. GO’s Professional Artists in Residence and featured artist, Robyn Lamp, perform selections of Puccini’s masterpieces including Tosca, Turandot, Madama Butterfly and provide a sneak peek into the upcoming La Bohème.
January 17 – 7:00pm First United Methodist Church
507 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Tickets: $35 Premium Seating, $25 General Admission
Tickets still available!
Click Here for General Info Flyers
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill
“Is one of your financial goals to get debt free in 2020? Are you confused about your options and what is the best way to do if? Consolidation? Debt negotiation? Bankruptcy? To get answers to all your questions, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or martella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a confidential, complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation to come up with a plan to eliminate your debt in 2020 and enjoy a debt free, stress free life.”
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+.
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!!
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.
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.
CDBIA
The Florida Home Builders Association is hosting a silent auction to benefit the Florida Home Builders Political Action Committee. The CDBIA is donating lottery tickets and gift cards for one prize from our community for the auction in hopes this can help raise additional money during this election year to support candidates that are pro-growth and pro-building. The basket titled “A basket full of money & dreams” will have all your donations of gift cards and lottery tickets. If you would like to contribute, may we ask that you drop off your contribution to the CDBIA or contact me to see if we can meet up. The deadline to receive any contributions is Tuesday, January 14th. Right now, our basket full of guaranteed money and dreams is:
16 lottery tickets valued at $77 with a chance to win up to $9,175,000 2 gift cards ($25 Amazon and $100 Farlow’s on the Water) Donations can be in any amount.
If you would like to make a monetary contribution to help us purchase additional gift cards or lottery tickets, please click here to contribute online: https://charlottedesotobia.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/4rk6Q83L
“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! Click Here to see the flyer.
Babcock Ranch partners with Punta Gorda Symphony for Innovative Guest Artist Series
Babcock Ranch and Punta Gorda Symphony are thrilled to announce a new and innovative collaboration: a Guest Artist Meet-and-Greet series for the 2019-2020 concert season.
During the invitation-only Babcock Ranch Showcase Virtuoso Series, three of Punta Gorda Symphony’s internationally-recognized Guest Artists will mingle with guests in a selection of the community’s model homes and play a preview of their upcoming performance with the full Punta Gorda Symphony. “We have been watching with excitement all the growth at Babcock Ranch,” says Dr. Steven Shell, Treasurer of the Punta Gorda Symphony Board of Directors, who was one of several stakeholders advocating for this collaboration. “We’ve been waiting for the right time to partner, and we think we’ve crafted something that brings real value to everyone involved.” On Saturday, February 8, Babcock Ranch will host an exclusive invite-only event for members of their community and for Punta Gorda Symphony patrons and partners – complete with a shuttle from downtown Punta Gorda and an “energy tour” of the eco-friendly Babcock Ranch facilities. In Arthur Rutenberg Home’s Avila model, Maestro Raffaele Ponti will introduce guitarist Celil Refik Kaya with a prelude of his February 9 orchestra concert.
Finally, on Friday, March 6, pianist Jeffrey Biegel will mingle with guests in Florida Lifestyle Homes’ Lily Rose model and play an introduction to his March 8 orchestra concert. David Kim is Concertmaster and soloist with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Celil Refik Kaya is a soloist and international artist touring in the United States and Turkey. Jeffrey Biegel is a Grammy-winning concert pianist currently on faculty at the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College, a City University of New York (CUNY). They bring a prestigious pedigree and immense talent to their engagements in Charlotte County, and exemplify one of the key components of Maestro Ponti’s vision for the Punta Gorda Symphony – providing quality orchestral music to our community. Maestro Ponti explains, “Charlotte County has been so receptive and welcoming to our visiting Guest Artists that we can cast a wider and wider net for attracting this high level of talent. It’s wonderful to see partners like Babcock Ranch reinforcing the desire for this type of cultural experience. Every community deserves it.” “The arts are part of our Babcock Ranch community, from the Babcock Ranch Art Show, to Live Music on The Oak at Table & Tap restaurant, to concerts and performances under the bandshell at Founder’s Square,” said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, developer of Babcock Ranch. “Partnering with Punta Gorda Symphony and their renowned guest artists is another wonderful way to blend culture into the Babcock Ranch community while showcasing our unique neighborhoods and distinctive homes.” For more information about Southwest Florida’s new hometown, located just northeast of Fort Myers off Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, visit the Woodlea Hall Discovery Center at 42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch, call 877-709-6620, or visit BabcockRanch.com. Punta Gorda Symphony concert tickets are available at $55 for adults and $15 for students. For tickets or further information, please visit the website at PGSymphony.org or call 941-205-5996.
2020 CDBIA Parade of Homes
The 2020 Parade of Homes Committee of the Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association is excited to introduce the outstanding marketing opportunities available for this year’s main event, the 2020 Parade of Homes, scheduled Saturday, March 7th – Sunday, March 15th, 2020.
The 2020 Parade of Homes will be a multi-site parade with models from the greater Charlotte County area, including Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, South Gulf Cove, Rotonda West, Babcock Ranch and North Port. To date, over 12 builders have entered more than 20 homes in this year’s SWFL Parade of Homes! Click here to see the top builders who will be ready to wow you with their homes! We have made a large commitment to advertising across several media sources and online exposure to provide all builders, sponsors and CDBIA members the best opportunity to market their talents and products. We are proud to announce a partnership with the Sun Coast Media Group, producing a glossy magazine style Parade of Homes Guide that will reach 150,000 homes in Charlotte, DeSoto, and southern Sarasota counties, in addition to several pre-Parade of Homes advertisements in print and online media. This year we offer an array of opportunities for marketing your company with new sponsorship levels. A Sun Coast Media Group representative will be contacting you soon. If you should have any additional questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact the CDBIA office at (941) 625-0804. You can speak to your rep directly or contact the CDBIA.
Watch This Everyday and Change Your Life
Try to think less about what you’re going to get and care more about what you’re going to do.
Click Name of Business for their latest news
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Chelsea Place , Senior Care Conference Center
FGCU Renaissance Academy – Punta Gorda
FGCU Renaissance Academy – Fort Myers
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society
As an maintenance man in an upscale hotel, I was asked to repair or replace the television in a guest room. When I arrived, the couple was watching a picture that had static lines going through it and was very fuzzy.
I knew all our spare sets were in use, so I figured what the heck, I struck the side of the TV with the heel of my hand. The picture became clear returned to normal.
“Look, honey,” said the wife to her husband. “He went to the same repair school as you.”
Farr Law Firm Announces Two New Shareholders
Farr Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorneys Brett H. Sifrit and Sara Castro have been named shareholders in the firm, effective January 1, 2020. For the past seven years, attorneys Brett H. Sifrit and Sara Castro have dedicated themselves to the success of Farr Law Firm and have supported the local community by serving as board members of various nonprofit organizations. The Firm is proud to announce that attorneys Brett H. Sifrit and Sara Castro are now shareholders effective January 1, 2020. Sifrit focuses his practice on trusts and estates as well as real estate law. Castro is part of the Firm’s litigation team with a focus on business transactions and civil litigation. “Brett and Sara have each established themselves as excellent attorneys and we are fortunate to count them among the shareholders in the Firm. Brett’s experience as a CPA adds valuable insight to estate planning and tax matters. Sara brings exceptional experience and skill to the broad range of litigation and transactional matters that she handles,” stated firm president David A. Holmes. Sifrit, who was raised in Charlotte County, has been with the firm since 2013 after receiving his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law. Prior to working for the firm, Sifrit worked as a Certified Public Accountant. Sifrit practices in the areas of estate planning, trust administration, wills, tax planning and real estate. Sifrit was accepted into the Florida Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel’s 2017-2018 class for the Florida Fellows Institute, an elite program designed to develop trusts and estates attorneys to become future leaders in the profession. In 2019, Sifrit was recognized as a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star. Castro joined the firm in 2013 after receiving her Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law. During law school, Sara was an Assistant Executive Editor for Stetson Law Review, a Research and Teaching Assistant for Professor Mark Bauer and an intern for the Honorable Susan Bucklew with the federal U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. While with the firm, Castro has worked on a wide range of cases, from multi-million dollar merger and acquisition transactions and business finance transactions to national mass tort and product liability cases involving dangerous drugs and defective medical devices. Castro also regularly counsels business clients across a broad range of matters to understand and minimize risk and liability while implementing effective business strategies and planning to maximize growth and potential.
Valerie’s House Hires Grants and Advancement Manager
New Employee Has Personal Experience with Childhood Grief
Valerie’s House, the first and only organization with its only mission dedicated to helping children grieve, has hired Jennifer F. Clark as Grants and Advancement Manager. Clark served as the Grants Manager for Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples for three years before accepting the position with Valerie’s House. At Valerie’s House, Clark will be responsible for expanding the nonprofit’s reach in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties through community engagement and relationship building, including fostering collaboration and bringing awareness to the mission through public speaking. Clark will also be involved with the children and families at Valerie’s House as a group leader, since she herself lost her own father when she was nine years old and can relate with many of the children at Valerie’s House.
For more information about Valerie’s House or to register a family for programs, visit www.valerieshouseswfl.org/contact-us/, call 239-204-5804, or email info@valerieshouseswfl.org. 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.
About Valerie’s House
As the first and only grief support program focused solely on helping children grieve, Valerie’s House opened in January 2016 and has helped more than 800 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties. The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member. Valerie’s House has two homes: 1762 Fowler St. in downtown Fort Myers and its newest location in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also has a third location in Punta Gorda at First United Methodist Church. Valerie’s House support programs are designed to give children ages 4 to 19 years old and their families a safe place to share, grieve and grow. The overall goal is to lovingly assist children and their caregivers on their journeys toward mending broken hearts. Programs include open-ended support groups and activities to help children, their parents, families and other caregivers to heal after a significant loss in their lives.
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.
