Friday Facts for January 31, 2020

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.

Fabulous Opportunity to Sip Wine with Mindi and Eric
As an added part of the Wine and Jazz Festival Weekend, Mindi Abair and hubby Eric Guerra will be hosting a musical wine tasting at the Orange House Wine Bar on Sunday February 23rd from 12pm-2pm. Cost is only $20 including a small plate of “nibbles”. Tickets are limited so to make your purchase go to https://www.chamberstaging.com/product/wine-tasting-with-eric-mindi/

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


Chamber Calendar of Events

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

Click Here for Major Chamber Events

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/


New Members

Mission Statement

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

Kitchen Classics, LLC
Miranda Fields
4265-K Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
941-629-6990
info@kitchenclassicsonline.com
www.kitchenclassicsonline.com
Kitchen Remodeling
Sponsored by Freddie Cinquina Jr
of Connect Print & Promotions, LLC

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


Partners in Action News

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:

  • 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Active Shooter Preparedness Seminar – Presented by Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Training Officer Mark Bala, learn the products, tools, and resources to help you prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident.
  • 12:30-1:45 p.m.: Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed Training Course – In this 2-part course, find out when and how to perform hands-only CPR, and become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Both fast, easy to remember and can help you save a life.
  • Public Safety Demonstrations – Hands-on action stations to include hands-only CPR and stop the bleed tourniquet training. These stations will be open and offered all day.

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.

Click Here for February Events.

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)
January 31- Not Guilty Band at T.T.’s Tiki Bar from 7:00-11:00 PM
-Lobster Pot Friday’s at Dockside Grill from 4:00-10:00 PM. For reservations, please call 941-637-6770 ext. 141
February 1- Deven Starr at T.T.’s from 2:00-5:00 PM
-American Made Band at T.T.’s from 7:30-11:30 PM
-Comedy in the Library at Dockside at 7:00 PM. For tickets, email degame@att.net
February 2- Jack’d Up Band at T.T.’s from 1:00-5:00
February 4- Kelsey Miles (Solo artist) at T.T.’s from 6:00-9:00 PM
February 5- Totally B Band at T.T.’s from 5:00-9:00 PM
Prime Rib Wednesday’s in Dockside Grill. For reservations, please call 941-637-6770 ext. 141
February 6- HipSquad Band at T.T.’s from 5:00-9:00 PM.

Saturday Farmers’ Market (Gold)
Click Here to see their February Newsletter

Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)
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)
Mind Games with Bill Gladwell February 1, 2020, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

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
2/1 and 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! 


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.

February 5, 2020: Twin Isles Country Club’s Grand Re-Opening of their new Golf Course. 301 Madrid Blvd., Punta Gorda

February 6, 2020: Dentists of Port Charlotte, 1720 Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Port Charlotte. (Next door to the Metro Diner)

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


Fact of the Day

No Spiders

If you have a fear of spiders, your next move should be to move to the continent of Antarctica. Why? Because there are no spiders there. It is the ONLY continent where there are no spiders.


Events for Week of January 31 – February 9

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 31: 7pm -10 pm
Sat.February 1: 7pm- 10 pm 

CHEC Punta Gorda
Learn How to Help our Honeybee Survive & Survive an Africanized Bee Attack. Thursday Feburary 6, 2:30pm-4:00pm at CHEC Punta Gorda, 10941 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda. Come join us and hear Master Beekeeper and Wildlife Enthusiast Trudy Norsworthy lecture on these two very relevant and timely subjects. Space is limited so reservations are mandatory. Call 941-575-5435 today to reserve your seat!

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.

The Yoga Sanctuary
Introduction to Yoga Series, Fridays, thru – February 21st, 12pm – 1:15pm, $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. Learn pose anatomy and alignment, ways to personalize the practice for specific issues or injuries, and the foundations of yoga philosophy. 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. For more information visit TheYogaSanctuary.biz or call 941.505.YOGA (9642).

Soul Dance Temple
Intro to Flamenco ongoing class on Mondays at 7 PM and Saturdays at 10 AM. Drop in for $20, or register monthly, $60. Learn the art-form of the gypsies, gain strength, coordination and focus, lose and maintain weight with this aerobic-type feet percussion and clapping intro technique class, great workout while having fun. www.souldancetemple.com, call 941-347-7280.

Live Entertainment at Fishermen’s Village Center Court:
Sat, Feb 1, 12 -4 pm – Paul Nagel
Sat, Feb 1, 5-9 pm – Dan Meadows
Enjoy shopping, dining, music and the view at Fishermen’s Village located off W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. Full details at www.fishville.com!


Member Information

Click Here for General Info Flyers

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.

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.

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!!


Thought for the Week

Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace – Dalai Lama


Question of the week

Can you give me a list of prices for available doublewides in Clearwater?


Member Newsletters

Click Name of Business for their latest news

ARCHway Institute

Charlotte Players

Chelsea Place, Senior Care Conference

FGCU Renaissance Academy – Punta Gorda

FGCU Renaissance Academy – Fort Myers

Gulf Shore Opera

Paradise Golf

Suncoast Country Oprey

Suncoast Humane Society


Joke of the Week

Field Trip

A fifth grader class was on an educational field trip. As they rode along in the school bus, the teacher noticed that one boy was lying facedown in the aisle of the bus with his hands over his eyes.

“Why are you lying in the aisle like that?”

“Well,” said the boy, “If you don’t see anything, you don’t have to write anything.”


Applause

Local Women Leaders Recognized

Marianne Lilly of ReMax Harbor Realty and Cozi Ingerham of Four Seasons Air Conditioning, were recipients, respectively, of the “2020 Realtor of the Year” and “Business Partner of the Year” award at a January 7, 2020, ceremony held at the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda. The awards were conferred by the Realtors® of Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte-North Port & DeSoto, Inc. in recognition of accomplishments by the women and their companies to improve and enhance the community. “We are so honored,” Lilly said, “to have been recognized by such a great organization of Realtors®.” Having grown up in Punta Gorda, Lilly has been selling real estate in the local area for over 15 years with RE/MAX Harbor Realty. Her list of community activities includes her membership at the Punta Gorda & Charlotte County Chambers of Commerce, the Friends of the Library, the Women’s Council of Realtors and TEAM Punta Gorda.

Cozi Ingerham has worked since 2011 as the Community and Business Liaison for Four Seasons Air Conditioning. “The owners of Four Seasons, the Hamiltons, are amazing people,” she said. “They treat everyone well. Customers, employees, you name it. They are wonderful.”Cozi is active with the Punta Gorda- Port Charlotte-North Port & DeSoto Women’s Council of Realtors, and the

Englewood and Venice Boards of Realtors, as well.  Although both women expressed appreciation for the recognition, they wanted it known that much of the credit goes to the organizations for which they work. “We couldn’t be as involved in community activities as we are without full support from our bosses,” Ingerham said. “These awards are as much for them as for us.” Contact: Marianne Lilly 941-764-7585; Cozi Ingerham, 941-421-4471 

Sincerely,

John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce

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