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Friday Facts for November 1, 2019

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  poliva@puntagorda-chamber.com  by noon each Thursday.

PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for January 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 $95, 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, Stephanie & Janet


Chamber Calendar of Events

Please remember to RSVP to: reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 941-639-3720.

November 13: Business Over Breakfast 

7:15 am – 8:30 am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at our breakfast at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road. Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720

November 19: Business After Hours

5:30 pm – 7 pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Centennial Bank, 401 Taylor St., 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.

November 21: 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.

November 27: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon – 1:30 pm. 

Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Ct., Punta Gorda.  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

Downtown Bash Street Party

Saturday November 2nd 4 – 9 pm. Music 5pm. In front of the old courthouse on Taylor and Olympia Ave. Presented by the Downtown Merchants Association and the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce.
Drink, Dine Dance. Free admission, bring your own seat. Not coolers, no pets. Beer, Wind, Soda, Water & Food Vendors.

City Wide Garage Sale 2019-2020 Schedule

8 am – 12 Noon, $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
New Location: Comfort Storage Parking Lot, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
Dates:

  • November 9. 2019
  • December 14, 2019
  • January 11, 2020
  • February 8, 2020
  • March 14, 2020
  • April 11, 2020
  • May 9, 2020

Please contact Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com. All Registrants need to be pre-register with payment There will be no admittance the day of the event. Non-refundable, non-transferable sale held rain or shine… no rain dates.

Heritage Landing Golf & Country Club Sneak Peak for Chamber members only
Nov 21, 8am. RSVP Teresa.m.brown@lennar.com or call 239-900-2262

Click Here for Major Chamber Events


Mission Statement

To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.


New Members

Crown Information Management
Ryan Crusan & Brian Copic
PO Box 971
Winter Haven, FL 33882
800-979-9545
ryan@crowninformationmanagement.com
www.crowninformationmanagement.com
Document Shredding & Records Storage
Sponsored by Pat Oliva

Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.


Partners in Action News

In 2019, we reached a milestone of having 76 of our members upgrade to being a Partner in Action. Already 86% of those businesses have renewed for 2020! Thank you so much. It’s not too late to get your name out there, although the deadline is rapidly approaching. In order to get all of our marketing materials ready for January 1st 2020 as well as materials for the annual Wine & Jazz Festival’s 15th Anniversary, we ask that any business interested in participating at any level email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com before November 20th 2019. Starting at $10,000 and going to $500, there is a level for everyone to promote their business year round. Participants at the top three levels can also schedule their payments throughout the year. Please click here for the details of what each level gets in return. Don’t miss your chance to get your business showcased 24/7 for 365 days!

Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum) 

New Gift Shop Opens at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte – The gift shop at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte has undergone a complete remodel and name change. Known as Waterside Gifts, the shop now offers a refreshed selection of unique gift items for patients, visitors and staff. “My mother was a patient at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte for many years and sadly she passed in 2011,” says Cathy, owner. “When presented with the opportunity to open this new shop in the main lobby, I wanted to find a way to pay tribute to her legacy. She lived on Waterside Street here in Port Charlotte since 1996. That is how Waterside Gifts came to be.” The gift shop is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Customers may also place orders by calling the gift shop directly at 941-766-GIFT (4438) to have items delivered the same day, free of charge, anywhere on campus. Sales and promotions are held frequently and all military personnel receive 10% off regularly-priced gift items every day. The public is welcome to stop by the gift shop during business hours to check out the new décor and offerings.

Captain’s Table (Gold)

Captain’s Table is now serving Brunch on Sunday from 10 AM – 2 PM. Please Come enjoy our Chef’s take on Brunch with delicious dishes while enjoying views of Charlotte Harbor. Lunch will also be available form 11 AM – 4 PM. For more information please call 941-637-1177.

Designer Purse Bingo November 19th Click Here for all the information on this event.

Florida Southwestern State College (Silver) Nov 28th Turkey Trot – early registration

Granny Nannies Home Care (Bronze)

Granny Nannies recently identified a member of our community who is struggling due to a recent diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gherig’s Disease). Her name is Cheryl and she is currently the primary caregiver for her 90 yr. old father (who is strong and doing great!). It is becoming increasingly more difficult for Cheryl to get any sleep at night as it is very painful for her to lay on a bed and very difficult for her to get in and out of a recliner chair. Cheryl is not a client of Granny Nannies but we were told about her situation by a Senior Organization. We would love to be able to gift Cheryl with a brand new “Lift Chair” that would make it much easier for her to sit/stand and, hopefully, begin getting some good sleep at night. Our goal is to raise $1250 for a Lift Chair. Any and All donations would be greatly appreciated. We have spoken with Cheryl and she was amazed and blown away by the efforts of our community to help her and her father.

One Source Accounting & Tax Co. (Bronze)
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Benefit can help employers hire new workers
Employers can take advantage of a valuable tax credit when hiring long-term unemployment recipients and other targeted workers with employment barriers. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a long-standing income tax benefit that encourages employers to hire unemployed and disabled veterans, and other recipients of public assistance. The PATH Act retroactively allows eligible employers to claim the WOTC for all targeted group employee categories that were in effect prior to the enactment of the PATH Act, if the individual began or begins work for the employer after Dec. 31, 2014, and before Jan. 1, 2020. We are a phone call away and would love to help you with your tax needs!!
OneSource Accounting & Tax Co, Mary Anne Simone 315 E.Olympia Ave.,#224,Punta Gorda, masimone@1sourceaccounting.com/www.1sourceaccountingfl.com 

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Bronze)

Calendar of Events:
10 – 11 a.m., Thursdays, thru November 21 at PGI Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda:
Session1: October 31, “You Are What You Eat”. Chef Nathan Buckley will present a four-class series. $12.00/class or $40.00 for the 4 sessions.
Session 2: November 7, “What happens in the pan?” Learn the techniques of sauteing, sweating, searing, and choosing the right cooking oil.
Session 3: November 14, “Improving your parties”. Learn how to hone your entertaining skills to improve your parties and get-togethers.
Session 4: November 21, “Tips to save you money”. Learn money-saving tips while increasing your food knowledge and improving your diet for life.
Open to the public. Registration required. Call PGICA at 941-637-1655.
9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, November 2, Art & Craft Fair at PGI Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. Some of the finest local artists and crafters will be showcasing their works, just in time for the holiday season. It promises to be a fun and memorable experience! Call PGICA 941-637-1655 for more information.

Animal Welfare League (Support) Click here for info on their upcoming raffle

Charlotte Players (Support)

Jack of Diamonds will open on November 7th and run until November 17th. Four Residents of a retirement home have had their life savings stolen by a smooth-talking financial advisor. Pandemonium ensues as the four retirees try to find a way to exact their revenge, recoup their losses and keep the authorities from discovering their plans. Directing this play Is Jenni Elliott. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased over the phone by calling (941) 255-1022, visit our Box Office between 10am-3pm Monday thru Friday or go online at www.charlotteplayers.org. Located at The Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte


Ribbon Cuttings

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.

November 4:  Ribbon Cutting at Visual Arts Center  Fun Arts Festival, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda  12 Noon

November 5: Ribbon Cutting for Pedal Punta Gorda, South Pavilion in Laishley Park, 120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda THIS RIBBON CUTTING HAS BEEN POSTPONED. I WILL LET YOU KNOW NEW DATE WHEN IT IS SET UP.

November 6: Ribbon Cutting at Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea Inc. to celebrate their One Year Anniversary, 117 Herald Ct. Unit 118, Punta Gorda. We love a reason to celebrate here at Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine. To celebrate Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea’s One year anniversary, we will have a special wine tasting next Wednesday, 5-8 p.m. with a short break to go next door for the ribbon cutting at 530. Come celebrate with us!

November 12: Ribbon Cutting at Burnt Store Title & Escrow 150 Laishley Ct., Suite 122, Punta Gorda

November 14: Yesterdays Collectables, Antiques and Vintage Clothing, 4301 Sibley Bay Street, Unit B, (Corner of Hwy 41 & Sibley Bay) Charlotte Harbor

November 18: Hammer and Stain Punta Gorda, 208 Tamiami Trail Ste 112, Punta Gorda

December 5: Ribbon Cutting for MonarchDirect, It will be a big party with Punta Gorda Chamber, Charlotte County Chamber, Englewood Chamber, Venice Chamber and North Port Chamber. The ribbon cutting will be done at the Port Charlotte office, 1264 Market Circle, Suite 6, Port Charlotte. Gathering starts at 4:30 pm and the ribbon cutting will be at 5:30 pm.

December 12: Chelsea Place HomeCare, 126 East Olympia Ave., Suite 301, Punta Gorda.


Fact of the Day

Burger King Cologne

In 2008, fast food chain Burger King released a product that NO ONE could have foreseen. They released their own cologne. Flame, as it was called, had the tagline of ‘Fire meets Desire’. Burger King described the scent as a mix of seduction and flame-broiled meat. The cost for this very unique scent… $3.99.


Question of the Week

I want to move to Punta Gorda. Can you tell me how much my taxes will be?


Events for Week of November 1 – November 10

Remember to click these links to see events that are coming up
Click This Link for Upcoming Events
Click this link for Events coming up in 2020

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. November 1: 7pm -10 pm
Sat.November 2: 7pm- 10 pm  

The Yoga Sanctuary, 112 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 33950
Our Fall schedule is well under way at The Yoga Sanctuary. As we come to the beginning of the Holiday Season, we are delighted to introduce more events at workshops that hopefully your audience will find interesting.
Yogi Walkers: A 4-week Series, Fridays, November 1st – 22nd 7 – 8:30am $75
The path you walk today will determine where you are tomorrow. ~ Toni Sorenson Come walk the paths of Punta Gorda, and follow it up with a rejuvenating yoga practice! Experience the consistency of movement, along with yoga week to week, to jump start or supplement your fitness journey, with a little help from a built-in buddy system in this group environment. Walk at your own pace, get your steps in, and feel great the rest of the day at the start of your weekend! Each yoga class will be designed to complement and balance out the body after walking. No yoga experience is necessary—only comfortable sneakers, the willingness to move, and the openness to explore! For more information call 941-505-YOGA (9642), email info@theyogasanctuary.biz, visit www.theyogasanctuary.biz or see our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/yogasanctuary/

Family, Friends & Fun Exhibit Opens at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
On November 1 at 6 p.m., the public is invited to an exhibit opening in the inventions museum at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. “Family, Friends & Fun: Edison & Ford in the Florida Sun” depicts some of the experiences the Edison and Ford families shared while in Fort Myers. The new exhibit also showcases some of the interesting people that visited them and several artifacts are included that have never been shown to the public before. Exhibit opening attendees will receive a complimentary beverage (beer, wine, or soda), light hors d’oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Admission is free for Edison Ford members; $10 for non-members (does not include admission to the remainder of the site).

The Homeless Coalition
Riverwood “Driving Out Hunger” Golf Scramble
Join us on Saturday, November 2, 2019, for the 8th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” fall golf scramble. Held at the Riverwood Golf & Country Club, 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte, this event is a four-person scramble with men’s, women’s, and mixed teams. There will be a delicious continental breakfast and southern-style barbeque lunch. The cost is $85 per person. Registration begins at 7:30 am on the day of the event, and shotgun is at 8:30 am.
The Homeless Coalition works toward driving out hunger in our community with our Hot Meals program and weekly Food Pantry, offering a variety of foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables. The Pantry distributed food to more than 4,600 people in the last year, of whom 25% were seniors. Our Hot Meals program is open 365 days per year and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to our Emergency Safe House Shelter residents, and dinner is open to the general public in our Coalition Café. All children residing at the Shelter also receive a healthy snack at the end of the day — the Shelter reserves twenty beds for Veterans who need a roof over their heads. Please contact Darcy Woods at 941-627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot. Your support assists the Homeless Coalition in continuing to provide programs and services to our community members in greatest need.

Spa One Day Spa & Salon
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 4TH! Spa One will be there doing complimentary massages, consultations, and mini treatments. We will have our talented staff of Massage Therapists and Estheticians at Anytime Fitness Center on Tamiami Tr. in the Burnt Store Promanade Shopping center. We will be there from 9am-12pm. Will be holding raffles too!! WOW come by and see us! For more information you can call Spa One Day Spa and Salon – 941-505-6111

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church
11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955-1402
Phone: 941.639.0001   Fax: 941.639.1069
Seminars answer the difficult questions
Timothy Taylor, Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home Licensed Representative Advanced Planning Specialist, Arlene Chase, elder affairs attorney specializing in trusts, probate and wills and Tim Stewart, Pastor at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church will discuss funeral home arrangements and memorial service plans. The seminar is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. All speakers will be available for questions following their presentations.
Brittany Ingman CRPC, Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch, will share information about second time around estate planning. Topics to be covered will include figuring out what is “yours,” “mine,” and “ours” of a blended family. Attendees will learn how those decisions impact account titles and estate planning. Her presentation is scheduled for 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Nov. 13 at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. A brief question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. The workshops are hosted by the Endowment Committee of the church and are designed to bring interesting and informative subjects to church members and the community at large. There is no fee for either of the seminars, but registration is required. For more information, or to register for either of the workshops, contact the church office at 639-0001 during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, or by e-mail to endowment@bspconline.org
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church is a congregation committed to reaching up, making disciples, changing lives. The church is located at 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, two miles south of the US 41/Burnt Store Road intersection.

The Punta Gorda Symphony Friends (formerly the Charlotte Symphony Phantoms)
Upcoming events include:
Composers Luncheon
The Punta Gorda Symphony Friends (formerly the Charlotte Symphony Phantoms), is holding its first monthly “Composers Luncheon” of this concert season on Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. The luncheon will be held at the Punta Gorda Woman’s Club, 118 Sullivan Street, and is open to the public. Guests are welcome. The program will be a short presentation by Dr. Sharon MacLaren, President of the PGSymphony Friends, presents an enlightening introduction to the composers featured in the November 10th PGSymphony concert program. The luncheon menu will be a Caesar salad, grilled chicken and cookies for dessert. The cost is $15.00, which includes a complimentary glass of wine. The “Composers Luncheons” have been popular and fun events, so mark your calendar and pre-register by calling the PGSymphony Office at 941-205-5996 by noon on Tuesday, November 5th.

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church plans patriotic concert
A Tribute to Veterans concert is being planned for Nov. 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. The proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Southwest Florida Honor Flight and to Paws for Veterans. The Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization who transport veterans to Washington, D.C., at no charge, to visit monuments. The Paws for veterans devotes its energy to providing our nation’s heroes with the medical help they need using service dogs, while simultaneously saving the lives of dogs that would otherwise be facing euthanasia. Headlining the concert are Brian Gurl and friends with a traditional American show as they pay tribute to the veterans and celebrate the grand old flag. The performance will showcase an uplifting message of harmony and exhilarating arrangements of songs by: Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Mariah Carey and Lee Greenwood. The performance starts at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:15p.m. There is no reserved seating. Special entry for guests with wheelchairs or walkers is available by informing the parking attendant upon arrival.
Concert tickets are $20. Eating is limited so purchase tickets early. Credit card processing fee of $1 will be applied. Tickets are available at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, 2 miles south of the U.S. 41/Burnt Store Road intersection during the week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Visit Southwest Florida Honor Flight on line at www.honorflightswfl.com and Paws for Veterans on line at www.pawsforveterans.com 

The CHARLOTTE COUNTY CONCERT BAND presents SOUNDS OF AMERICA
The Charlotte County Concert Band, under the artistic direction of Mr. Bob Miller, has planned a special program to open their 2019 – 2020 concert season. The band’s first concert will be on Friday night, November 8, at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda.
We hope that you will join the band on Friday night, November 8, at 7:30 for this concert of music that celebrates America. The Charlotte Performing Arts Center is on the campus of Charlotte High School located at 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda, 33950.  Tickets are available online at www.charlottecountyconcertband.com or at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center the night of November 8

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Harvest for the Harbor 2019 Click Here for all of the details

Rendezvous Dance Party USA Dance #6126
Date: November 10, Sunday (Always the second Sunday of the month)
Time: 2:00-5:00PM
2:00-2:45 Ballroom Lesson
2:45-4:00 General Dancing
4:00-4:15 USA Dance #6126
Madison Time Line Dance
4:15-5:00 General Dancing
Location: Punta Gorda Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda, FL
Fees: $12 USA Dance Members   $15 Non-members. This is open to the public.
Includes refreshments and snacks
Contact: 614-439-8545(Robin)
Email: usadance6126@gmail.com(Laura)
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 taught in SWFL since 2018
Additional Information: High Quality Sound System
Historic Building with a Wooden Floor


Member Information

Click Here for General Info Flyers

USA Dance Chapter Charlotte Harbor #6126 Ballroom Dance Lessons

Welcome All Levels of Dance-Open to the Public

Due to your past support, we discovered there was a need for our own USA Dance Chapter. We are no longer a part of #6049. We are a new chapter #6126. We can’t wait to see the friends we know, and the friends we will meet.

“Physical exercise can reduce the signs of aging in the brain, and dancing has the most profound effect.” (Frontiers in Human Neuroscience). This is a recent study.
Date: November 6, 2019 and every Wednesday until further notice.
THERE WILL BE NO LESSONS ON NOVEMBER 27. ENJOY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SAFE TRAVELS.
Time: 6-7  Beginning East Coast Swing( 3 weeks)
7-8  Intermediate Rock & Swing: East Coast Swing, Lindy, Jive, Rock & Roll
8-9   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 Non-members Contact: 614-439-8545(Robin)
Email: usadance6126@gmail.com(Laura)
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
They have lived and taught in SWFL since 2018
Additional Information: Historic Building, Wooden Floors

Message In A Bottle Weddings And Vows

Tell Her That You Love Her All Over Again… Renew Your Wedding Vows At Message In A Bottle Weddings And Vows, In The Secret Wedding Chapel, In Port Charlotte, Florida, And Receive A $30 Gift Certificate For Dinner (Just The Two Of You!) At Las Margaritas De Camila Mexican Restaurant! Call 941-623-5467 for more info.

The BEAN on 41 Coffee Shop

is now serving cold-brew Nitro ! – Stop by and enjoy a free slice of sweet potato pie with any specialty coffee or tea now through November 15th. Just mention your chamber membership for a free taste of Sweet Shari’s pie! Tuesday nights are open bible group at 6pm with music, prayer and bible discussion with Moni and friends. We are looking forward this season and attracting our folks to the “green” BEAN. Our water is triple filtered. Our beans are locally roasted for freshness.  www.thebeanon41.com. Need a coffee cater? 239.314.6808 direct line.

Girls on the Run 5k

We are looking for volunteers to help 150 girls cross the finish line.  If you are able to give us a few hours on Saturday, December 7 at Laishley Park to cheer our girls on, we would be very appreciative! Please click below and find the area that suits you best. From the bottom of my heart ❤ the girls and I thank you. Girls on the Run 5k Volunteer Sign Up

The Charlotte Players is looking for individuals who are interested in working in the box office Monday through Saturday at the Langdon. We are also looking for individuals to run the box office for evening performances at Charlotte Performing Arts Center during the months of January through March for 7 shows.
Necessary skills:
Computer literate
Have communication skills
Able to donate 3 hours 1 or more days a week (mornings or afternoons)
Willing to go through a training period
No difficulties hearing on the phone
If you are interested please contact Steve Pignataro at 941-255-1022 or email steve.pignataro@charlotteplayers.org
Sign up to Take Your Marketing Dollars Further
The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) markets our beautiful destination to visitors from around the world. The VCB’s strategic marketing plan positions the area as a leading vacation destination in Florida through a variety of different advertisements, such as print, video, social media, and digital. The new and improved co-op program offered by the VCB gives your business the opportunity to be a part of these national, strategically-placed advertisements, reaching millions of potential visitors, for a price you can afford. Don’t miss your chance to put your business in front of more potential visitors than ever before, and make the most of your marketing budget. Co-Op Opportunities are First Come, First Serve. SIGN UP TODAY

Sea Grape Gallery is proud to announce that during the month of November they will be showcasing the artwork of Donna Pape, oil painter. Donna always loved art. While in high school she was exposed to all aspects of art but took a real interest in oil painting. Now living in Florida, she gets much of her inspiration from personal experiences like memorable vacation spots. As Donna explains, “I take photos of places I think are interesting and would make a good painting – I like to paint things that make me happy and people and places that bring wonderful memories”. She enjoys painting colorful Florida tourist spots hoping these paintings will bring back memories to those traveling to our beautiful area. Donna will be available at the Gallery during November’s “Wine Walk” to describe her art and the creative processes she uses to produce her wonderful works of art. Donna’s art can also be viewed on Sea Grape’s website at www.seagrapegallery.com. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. The Gallery is always open until 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month for “Wine Walk”. To learn more about Sea Grape’s Guest Artist Program call 941-575-1718.

 

Senior Friendship Centers, Charlotte county, is holding its third annual “Healthy At Home” holiday donation initiative through November 28th. Every year during the holiday season, Senior Friendship Centers strives to provide gifts to those who visit our Friendship Cafés or receive our Home-Delivered Meals. Our clients rely on Senior Friendship Centers for daily hot meals as well as invaluable social activities. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation have the same risk for heart disease as smoking and increases the likelihood of mortality by 26 percent. Many of our clients have little or no nearby family support and the holidays are anything but joyful. Our “Healthy At Home” initiative provides a little holiday cheer as well as much needed gifts, which also may be the only gift they receive at the holidays. Our donation sites this year are: The Cultural Center in Port Charlotte (accepting donations through November 8 only), the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, 252 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, Consulate Health Care at 18480 Cochran Boulevard, Port Charlotte, and four locations of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s office: in Punta Gorda at 7474 Utilities Road, in Englewood at 11051 Wilmington Boulevard, and in Port Charlotte at 992 Tamiami Trail and at the Promenades Mall. Click Here to see the flyer with all of the info. Click Here to see more info.

Charlotte Local Education Foundation

The Golden Apple Teacher and Support Employee of the Year Gala will be held at Holy Trinity Event Center, Port Charlotte, on Saturday, January 11, 6:00 pm. Presented by CLEF and our generous Community Sponsors.
November 8, VIRTUAL tickets available online: CharlotteSchoolFoundation.org
VIRTUAL ticket cost:
Nominees plus one guest – no charge
Nominees’ friends/family – $30 each (limit six tickets)
CCPS employee – $30
General public – $50

Charlotte Local Education Foundation needs VOLUNTEERS light office duties/MENTORS for students. Background check required. Contact CLEF at 941-255-7500, ext. 294


Point to Ponder

11 Optical Illusions That Reveal Your Personality Type


Thought for the Week

Learning never exhausts the mind.


Member Newsletters

Click Name of Business for their latest news

All American Pet Resorts Punta Gorda

Archway Institute

Charlotte Arts & Humanities

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Chelsea Place, Senior Care Conference

Copperfish Books

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda

Florida International Air Show-All About Parking

Gulfshore Opera

Key West Express

Military Heritage Museum

Premier Auction Group

United Way


Special Offers for Chamber Members

Paradise Golf Click Here for Special Offer

Air Trek Click Here for Special Key West Offer

Storm Smart Click Here for a special offer for Chamber Members.

Sleep Inn & Suites Click here for a special offer for Chamber Members.

LaQuinta Inn & Suites Click Here for Offer

Twin Isles Country Club


Joke of the Week

Be Careful

Two mountaineers reached a huge, deep fissure in a glacier.

“Careful here,” says one of them. “My mountain guide fell down there last year.”

“I bet you felt bad about that,” says the other.

He quipped, “Not really, it was pretty old and missing a few pages.”


Applause Section

Suzanne Graham inducted into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame

Suzanne Graham, Director of Governmental Affairs of Massey Services was inducted this October by the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) to the Florida Housing Hall of Fame for her dedication to improving the building industry locally and throughout the state of Florida. Since 1990, the primary mission of the Florida Housing Hall of Fame is to honor men and women who have made significant and lasting contributions to housing in Florida, the building industry, and the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA).

Suzanne Graham is the Swiss Army knife of the building industry. With unyielding energy and enthusiasm, Suzanne has spent over 25 years building her company and framing the industry for success by advocating and forming relationships locally and around the state. As FHBA’s second female President, and never shy to tackle an issue, she fought the good fight to ensure FHBA was housed and staffed for stability and success. Her steadfast commitment to the industry, mentoring of the next generation and off-the-chart energy is legendary. Whether it be with membership, conservation issues, impact fees or sending a quick text to many legislators, Suzanne has worked behind the scenes on many issues facing the building industry leading to a victory.

In 2005, Suzanne became a Florida Certified Building Contractor and was the first woman to become president of the CDBIA and became the second female president to serve the Florida Home Builders Association As a female builder, she has opened new doors for other women in the industry. She has helped build a foundation and shatter the glass ceiling for women to follow, frame others’ successes and weather proof many through trials and tribulations Suzanne also led the charge through the end of one of the worst building crises our industry has seen, in addition to having to spearhead the conversation of selling the Florida Housing Center and leading a search for a new CEO/Chief Lobbyist of FHBA and helped lead the FHB PAC to one of the most successful fundraising events in its history. While she may be one of the strongest voices for our industry, Suzanne has also been a true success behind the scenes in many instances. The induction into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame was held in was held at the Casa Monica in Saint Augustine during the Florida Home Builders Association Fall Conference.

Suzanne was presented by Paul Thompson, who served as the CEO of the Florida Home Builders Association during Suzanne’s presidency.


Sincerely,

John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce

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