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Friday Facts for November 5, 2021

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

For Our Community and All Our Members. From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on November 2, 2021.

For Our Members Only

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR NOVEMBER 2021.

Our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM during the Bob Alexander Radio Show is on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. The process is very simple – no need to visit the studio. Bob will call you, set up a recording time and it’ll be done over the phone and inserted directly into the programming of this very popular show. You get the option to record two x 2.5 minute slots or else simply record one and have it aired twice during the show. Bob will be able to let you know exactly during which hour it will air. The cost is an incredible $110 (payable to the PG Chamber, not iHeart). To register for the show, simply email John Wright. The rest we’ll take care of for you. Only ten businesses per month, so don’t delay. Offering you a great way to promote your business, advertise an event or simply to show your community support.

For Our Community and All Our Members

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – Shop with a Cop provides children with positive interaction and one-on-one time with law enforcement during the holidays. Shopping is done each year by deputies from the Sheriff’s Office along with officers from the Punta Gorda Police Department, Florida Wildlife Commission and Florida Highway Patrol. Children grades 2-5 are selected by their school counselors. This program is funded with support from our local Walmart stores, as well as donations from community members and partners. For more information, or if you wish to donate, please contact Chris Hall at 941-575-5227 or by email at Chall@ccsofl.net

City of Punta Gorda Police Department Narcan Distribution Event for all community members Saturday, November 6th from 10am – 12pm. You can be a lifesaver and stop fatal overdoses.

Charlotte County – Charlotte County distributes a monthly report via email. The report contains information about ongoing facility projects, programs and services, construction industry activity, employee head counts and vacancies, economic development initiatives, professional development accomplishments, department awards, mosquito control efforts, tourism events and statistics and more. It can be delivered right into your email inbox at the end of the third week every month. All you need to do is sign up. Send an email requesting to be added to the distribution list to: PublicInformation@CharlotteCountyFL.gov

The Charlotte County Veterans Council has scheduled a Veterans Day Ceremony for 11 a.m., Nov. 11 at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, 20499 Edgewater Drive in Port Charlotte. The ceremony will include a joint color guard and a groundbreaking for memorials dedicated to veterans and first responders. The First Responders Memorial will honor Charlotte County first responders including sheriff, police, firefighters and EMTs. The Military Service Memorial will honor all veterans of U.S. military services. Both memorials will be topped by eternal flames.

City Wide Garage Sale, 2021-2022 Schedule

8am – 12 noon, $15.00 per entrant, Parking Lot at 1133 Bal Harbor, Punta Gorda FL

You get two parking spots – one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide.) Setup 7am. Trailers require 2 spaces (4 parking spots) – $30

Dates:

November 13, 2021

December 11, 2021

January 8, 2022

February 12, 2022

March 12, 2022

April 9, 2022

May 14, 2022

Please contact the Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com. There will be NO admittance the day of the event.
Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable. Sale Held Rain or Shine, No Rain Dates

 


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Where’s John Now?

Take a Tour of a Local Business and Chamber Member with John. CLICK HERE to find out where he visited this week.

This video will be shared here in Friday Facts, on our Chamber website, and on our Chamber Social Media pages. If you would like to have a visit from John please contact Tara Zajas at tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call the office (941) 639-3720 to schedule a date. [/box]


Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

Networking Events – November 2021

November 10: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at LeRoy’s hosted by Chapman Insurance Group for Business over Breakfast! LeRoy’s is located at 201 W. Marion Ave. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

November 15 (MONDAY): Business After Hours 5:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at The Animal Welfare League located at 3519 Drance St. Port Charlotte and will be hosted by Pay It Forward. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

November 24: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Isles Yacht Club located at 1780 W. Marin Ave. Menu choices are: fruit plate with chicken salad or French dip sandwich. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. NOTE: Cancellations not accepted after 3pm on Friday before event. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex

ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR CHAMBER LUNCHEONS ARE ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE 


All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Please Support Our Local Businesses!


Partners in Action News

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – We have a great line up this weekend at the Tiki Bar! We have fan favorite Gas House Gorillas Friday, November 5th at 7PM. On Saturday, November 6th, Zombie University takes the stage at 7PM. Karibbean Groove will finish off the weekend on Sunday.

The Dockside Grill will offer full lobsters with all of the fixings for $21.95 on Friday and Prime Rib on Saturday. TT’s Tiki Bar….always sizzling!

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Hello November! I don’t know about you, but I am loving coffee on the lanai with the cooler mornings! There are still twice the sales to listings, that will “gobble” up the inventory! Only time will tell if we have the typical slow down for the holidays. Curious about the market? Have questions? Let’s meet for coffee and talk! Della Booth, Broker cell 239-699-4493

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am until 1pm. October Newsletter!

The Parrot Entertainment Magazine (Gold In Kind) – Latest issue.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) –  is your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. We offer all types of custom window treatments for any business or commercial setting with 2 locations to serve you. Call for your FREE In-Home consultation! 941-637-0015 / 941-828-0000

Isles Yacht Club (Silver) – IYC Charity Cup Series! The Isles Yacht Club Series is a multi-faceted fundraising competition for the benefit of Valerie’s House and Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. For more information or to see sponsorship opportunities, click here.

WENG Radio (Silver in Kind) – Classic-Country Bash Slated for November 20th at Mosaic Arena!

C.A.R.E. (Bronze) – Ladies and Gentlemen the greatest event of all time is FINALLY BACK! The 2022 C.A.R.E. Ball is officially scheduled for Saturday January 29, 2022 |6:00pm | located at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in downtown Punta Gorda. This year’s theme is “Under the Big Top” featuring a traditional three course sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. To purchase your tickets/ sponsorship opportunities visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/mDF/. Come one, come all to hottest event in town!

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Let us get you in the holiday spirit with A Nice Family Christmas! Langdon Playhouse, November 5-14. It is Christmas Eve and a young newspaper reporter who is on the brink of being fired has been assigned a last-chance story about a typical family Christmas – HIS family’s Christmas. Up next The Peace River Trio, November 16th. A very talented and entertaining Folk group performing songs from the 60’s and 70’s. Also “a little bit of country and a little bit of Rock-n-Roll. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.

Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – See the GO Divas November 7th at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. Join the GO Maestro Club!

Military Heritage Museum (Bronze In Kind) – November 13th: Salute to Veterans Golf Scramble at St. Andrew’s South Golf Club
Happenings At The Gulf Theater!

Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know a local Halloween tradition began over 90 years ago?

Gator Wilderness Camp School (Support)Turkey In The Hole Saturday, November 20th. Food! Games! Tours! Auction!

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Peace River Gardens Annual Gardens Aglow tradition is back and better than ever! Join us for 10 nights in December as we light up the Gardens with thousands of lights, roast s’mores, sign carols, and even visit with Santa. This evening walking tour is fun for the whole family! Purchase your tickets now on Eventbrite. Come see the Gardens in a whole new light!

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support)TENNIS TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER – ‘Tis the Season Vivante Tennis Tournament – Benefiting Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, will be held Friday to Sunday, November 19th– 21st, 2021, at the Vivante Tennis Center, Punta Gorda FL. PLAYER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Registrations limited, sign up now! The tournament kicks off on Friday night with a Sponsor/Player Party. Match play Saturday & Sunday. Food & prizes!! SPONSORSHIPS with benefits now available at www.VivanteTennisTournament.com. Contact Barb Robinson, at 941-628-3664.


Member Information

Punta Gorda Women’s Club – The Punta Gorda Women’s Club is having a fundraiser on Saturday, November 13th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The title is “Ties that bind–Aprons through the years” presented by Charlotte Todd. Charlotte is a very interesting speaker and will have a display of mannequins dressed in historical costumes to illustrate her presentation. There will be “sweet treats” and beverages served, as well as door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and an opportunity to win a raffle basket. All this for $20 a ticket. Purchase your tickets by calling Ellen Say at 941-505-9605 or e-mail at bruce2el@yahoo.com.

Nanette Leonard Public Relations – The 40th anniversary of Asbury Shorts USA will be celebrated on Friday, November 12th at the Gulf Theater, Military Heritage Museum (900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, Florida), it was announced today by Doug LeClaire, Founder/Director. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in person at the Museum or online by going to https://gulftheater.org.

Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier County. Contact Christine Carey to volunteer, mentor, refer families, fundraising opportunities, and/or donate (christine@valerieshouse.org or 239-841-0382). We can also schedule Valerie’s House Tours. Valerie’s House’s website: www.valerieshouse.org

Coastal Expressions & Wine – PGI Uncorked! Friday, November 12th from 4-8pm and Saturday, November 13th from 2-8pm. $25 entry fee per day. Taste wines from multiple vendors while enjoying Hors d’oeuvres. Live music. Click here for more details.

Nino’s – Thanksgiving Dinners for the community – Do you know someone who is struggling to make ends meet, or a shut-in? Would they enjoy a donated Holiday Meal? Nino’s Bakery & Restaurant is now offering their annual “Take n Heat” Thanksgiving meal. You can donate the cost of a meal. Our local Southwest FL Boy Scout Council scouts will help with delivery. You can also purchase meals for yourselves! RESERVE NOW for pick up Nov. 24th (noon to 8 PM). To reserve, call the Bakery at 941-833-8912. See more info on our website.

Divine Global RecoveryThanksgiving Art Contest for students Saturday, November 20th at Los Dos Cristianos at The Orange House from 9am- 11am.

Vision Quest Leadership LLC – Nonprofit Leaders Collaborative Meeting, Tuesday, November 9th from 4-5:30pm. Nonprofit leaders gather to collaborate and learn. November topic: Work of Leaders™. Gain tips, ideas, and education in a fast-paced format. This month’s meeting is VIRTUAL. Please register here for ONE attendee ($20): https://vision-quest-business-builders.mykajabi.com/offers/VRBuTggm or TWO attendees ($35): https://vision-quest-business-builders.mykajabi.com/offers/YbK2wzYs. Zoom link will be emailed by November 8th. Questions? Contact Joanne Cumiskey at 517-304-7676 or joanne@vqleadership.com.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Can you guess what our Frappe of the Month is? Why not check us out on Facebook and Instagram to find the latest updates and news on our House Made Syrups and Sauces. I will give you a little hint, it goes with the season…

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? We are here to help you out this year. Come down and see the amazing selection of Farmstead Gourmet Cheeses we have. Our Cheesemonger’s can create you the perfect Charcuteries Board to pair with dinner. Give us a call ahead to order a Friends-Giving, Thanksgiving, or Event Party Charcuterie Board To Go, perfect for any gathering.

Englewood Beach Waterfest – Waterfest is BACK! We kickoff the weekend with PowerUP, the kickoff party at The Lighthouse Grill on Thursday, Nov 18th 5-9pm. Friday night is our Block Party, this year held at the Englewood Shopping Center, right in front of Obee’s. Our Race Weekend includes the World Championship Races on Saturday, and Sunday, our Family Conservation Center (FCC), and multiple food and drink vendors. Tickets are available online, and at select locations – visit our website for more information today www.EnglewoodBeachWaterfest.com

King Fisher Fleet – King Fisher Fleet is now accepting reservations for Christmas Light Canal Cruises. Christmas Light Canal Cruises run every evening from December 1st to December 31st. For reservations or more information on Christmas Light Canal Cruises, call (941) 639-0969, or visit https://kingfisherfleet.com/christmas-light-canal-cruise/.

Blenz Nutrition – Check out this month’s Yellowstone themed tea’s or stop in for this month’s Apple Pie shake! So good for you, you can even have it for breakfast!!

Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda – Hampton Manor Premier Assisted Living and Memory Care of Punta Gorda offers support of activities of daily living while enabling our residents to remain as independent as possible. Our community should open their doors by the last part of this years quarter, however we are actively taking reservations to offer a locked in pre-opening rate for the first two years. Please contact Amie Conti, Community Development Manager at (941) 201-8053 or email amie@hamptonmanor.co. Visit our website at www.hamptonmanor.co to view our virtual tour of our Cape Coral community that is similar to Punta Gorda.

Drug Free Punta GordaCoalition Meeting Tuesday November 9th 11:30 am – 1:00pm.

PattiVanTonder.com –  “Share Healthy…Be Wealthy” Seminar Tuesday November 16th at 6 PM

Punta Gorda Woman’s Club 118 Sullivan St. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. This is a FREE informational seminar that will explain how you can get healthy and change your families lives for generations to come. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired and you want a better life…you need to be there.

Punta Gorda Symphony Punta Gorda Symphony is resuming activities of two popular adult enrichment programs: the Composers Luncheons organized and run by its volunteer affiliate group Symphony Friends, and the Behind the Notes lecture series featuring Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti and guest musicians.

Team Punta Gorda – We are holding an exciting online auction to raise money for TEAM Punta Gorda. The auction starts on Thursday November 4, 2021 at 7:00am and ends on Tuesday November 9, 2021 at 11:00pm. Click here for more details.

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – People in grief are often having the hardest time of their lives. You are not alone when suffering from grief. GriefShare is returning to Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, beginning n Wednesday, November 10th. This is a 13-week program that will be held at the church on Wednesdays from 10am-noon in Room 3/5. You can sign up on our website at anytime bspconline.org, scroll down to Care & Support, click on Griefshare and click on https://bit.lyBSPCgriefshare, or you may call the Church Office 941-63-0001 or Jon Shattuck at 941-661-5470 with any questions or information at (941)639-0001. Griefshare can make a difference. We welcome you with open hands.

Twin Isles Country Club – Saturday, November 13th 11am – 3pm Open House. Come join us and experience being a golf, tennis or social member at Twin Isles Country Club!

The Punta Gorda History CenterSouthern Supper 1920’s Style Saturday November 20th, 5pm at Hurricane Charley’s.

Charlotte County Concert Band – The Charlotte County Concert Band under the direction of Bob Miller, returns to the Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 5, at 7:30 with a concert entitled “America Strong” that will honor our military veterans as well as the many heroes who served on the front lines during the recent pandemic. We hope that you will join the band on Friday night, November 5, at 7:30 for their opening concert. The Charlotte Performing Arts Center is on the campus of Charlotte High School located at 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda. Tickets are available online at www.charlottecountyconcertband.com or at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center the night of the concert.

YMCA of Southwest Florida – Join us for the 25th Annual Tropical Nights on November 6th at Palm Island Resort at 5pm. Dinner, cocktails, silent & live auctions!

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Vendor space is available at the annual “Art and Craft Fair,” Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, to be held on Saturday, November 6, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is your opportunity to show and sell your wares to hundreds of guests. For more information, please visit PGICA Art and Craft Fair or call 941-637-1655. The 5th Annual BOB – The Beyond Ourselves Bash Benefitting the Peace River Wildlife Center and The Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County, Tuesday, November 9th at Twin Isles Country Club. More details here!

Fisherman’s VillageNovember calendar of events. Fishermen’s Village will herald in the Holiday Season with their spectacular  “Lighting of the Village” Saturday, November 13, the official kick off to the Festival of Lights!

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – On Friday, November 26 at 6 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 46th annual Holiday Nights celebration with a tree lighting ceremony. Guests can participate in the countdown with Dave Elias from NBC-2 when the historic Mysore Fig on the Ford property will be lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music. Female vocalists, The American Sirens, will perform shortly after the tree lighting.

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge 2606 – November 6th Veterans Parade 10am-Noon. For information or to register, contact Charles Moores 860-595-7482

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition.


Community News

Bianca’s Friendsgiving Special:
Friday, November 19th – 7:00 pm – 10:00pm
118 Sullivan St. Punta Gorda
Join the shenanigans with Bianca as she welcomes stand-up comedian Steve Miller, Drag Queen Beneva Fruitville, and Drag King Nick D’Cuple to help her throw one of the best FRIENDSgiving’s Punta Gorda has ever seen! Click here to order your tickets TODAY!

Light Up The Night:
December 3rd – 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Downtown Punta Gorda – Corner of Marion Ave. & Taylor St.
Christmas Celebration & Tree Lighting

The Fresh Jersey Tomatoes:
6th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
Benefitting children receiving services from Charlotte Behavioral Health Care
November 3rd – December 6th

Holly Days Garden Tour:
December 3 and 4, 2021 10am – 5pm
Tour 6 decorated gardens in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte
Refreshments offered
Poinsettias and hand crafted items for sale
Tickets ($20) available from club members, by email at puntagordagardenclub@gmail.com, or at 6 gardens locations on the day of the tour
Further information: www.pggc.org, or the club’s Facebook page


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – Newsletter

Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – November Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Copperfish BooksNovember Newsletter

Lifestyles After 50What’s Happening in August

Loveland Center – Exciting Updates

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Gardens at a Glance News

Punta Gorda Mural SocietySeptember Newsletter

SandStarNewsletter

Team Punta Gorda Team Talk

The Yoga Sanctuary – October Newsletter


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 links. For assistance with this document, please email tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Animal Welfare League

Calenda Real Estate Group

Centennial Bank

Charlotte Community Foundation

Charlotte Players

Denise Henry –ReMax Anchor Realty

Farr, Farr, Emerich,Hackett, Carr, and Holmes Law Firm

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital

Granny Nannies Home Care

Gulfshore Opera

Hoff’s Air Authority

Pickleplex of Punta Gorda

State Farm Agency -Mike Martin

Superior Carpet & Upholestry Cleaning

Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, & Young, PA

Port Charlotte Florist (In Kind)

Support Partners