Friday Facts for October 22, 2021

There will be no Friday Facts on November 29th due to the Holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

For Our Community and All Our Members.

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 October 19, 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 – Recently, we have had several thefts of lawn equipment to include; blowers, weed eaters, pump sprayers and some mowers. Our deputies have come across some lawn maintenance equipment but have run into the problem of finding the owners. If possible, please document (make, model & serial #) and if possible, mark each piece. Some owners have spray painted their items a specific color & etched their names into items. Business owners – If possible, remove cash and valuables from business when not open for customers. Periodically check all security equipment and update lighting, cameras and security system if needed. If you observe suspicious activity after hours, at a closed business please call our non-emergency number 941-639-0013. 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.


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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 – Oct./Nov. 2021

October 27th : Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at the Four Points Sheraton located at 33 Tamiami Trail. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Menu choices: Chicken caesar salad, veggie wrap with fries, dockside burger and fries or coconut shrimp and fries. 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

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 Durance 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.


All the Following Information is for Our Community. Please Support Our Local Businesses!


Partners in Action News

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Lobster Pots are back! Please join us on Fridays at the Dockside Grill located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside. We offer the full lobster with all the trimmings for only $21.95. Come back on Saturday for our Prime Rib special that you won’t want to miss! After dinner, head on down to the tiki and dance the night away to Tropical Avenue playing on Friday. Saturday is a can’t miss event featuring a tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel! VIP tickets are now on sale! Please click for more details! The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!

Bayfront Health (Gold) –  Bayfront Health Port Charlotte announces that it has received certification from DNV as a Primary Plus Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical conditions.

“Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is committed to making our stroke care program the best it can be – and this means partnering with physicians for ongoing improvements in quality and clinical practices, and investing in the latest tools, techniques and innovations,” says Tara McCoy, CEO of Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. “This certification demonstrates to our community that Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is performing at the highest level, and that we are dedicated to providing the best possible stroke care.”

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Local 7 day rolling residential real estate stats for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port: 138 New listings, 170 Sold (closed), and 199 Pending (new contracts). The only thing pacing this market is the lack of inventory. If you would like to talk about real estate or numbers let’s meet for coffee! Call Della Booth 239-699-4493

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

Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Silver) – Tuesday, October 26th 5pm – 7pm Art Exhibition and Reception! Open to the public to view the unique and colorful expressive works Gina Battle is known for. Click here for more details!

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) – Join us for PARTY FOR A CAUSE at River City Grill November 1st at 5:30 pm. Featuring a live DJ, FREE Photo Booth, Raffle baskets, heavy hors d’oeuvres and the best cocktails in town. Tickets are $25.00, they can be purchased by contacting Cindy Grigiski Phone: 239-699-1569 Email: cindy@puntagordanails.com or in person at Bank of OZK or Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique. All proceeds benefit The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies.

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

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 entrepreneur during the 1890’s turned out to be more than she appeared?

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

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (Support) – The Giving Circle is an organization that donates $500,000 every year to non profits. The top 20 charities receive a portion of the grant every quarter. It doesn’t cost anything to vote, and you can vote every 7 days. Please sign up and vote for Octagon! Please use this link that will take you directly to our voting site Please vote and share with all your friends on FB, email, Instagram, etc…. Thanks so much for your support!!

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)Plant Sale! October 23rd 9am-1pm. Boo-Day! October 30th 1pm-6pm.

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

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 children & families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier County. Please contact Christine Carey to find out ways to volunteer, mentor, refer families, fundraising opportunities, go on tours, & donate to our Valerie’s House families (christine@valerieshouse.org, 239-841-0382, www.valerieshouse.org)

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

Connect Print & Promotions: We are proud to serve the Punta Gorda Chamber Community: Commercial Printing Logo & Graphic Design Next-Level Promotional Swag Branded Apparel Signs & Graphics (888) 978-3437 kim@connectpromo.net www.connectpromo.net

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Saturday, October 23rd 10am-2pm National Drug Take Back Day. Time to get rid of your unused over-the counter and prescription medications!

Pedelec – Join us for the inaugural Full Moon Friday Night Bike Ride! This is a slow paced social ride for all ages. The ride starts and ends at the Gilchrist Park Gazebo, with a stop for ice cream along the way. Friday, October 22, 2021 at 7pm to 9pm. Starting at Gilchrist Park Gazebo. Helmets, lights, wests and other equipment are welcome.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Are you excited for Apple Cider!?!? Did you know that we House Make our very own Apple Cider? Come down today and watch as our baristas steam your apple cider fresh from their steaming wands OR even order it cold…because we all know Florida can get HOT.

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – This next coming week is filled with some amazing holidays and I’m not just taking about Halloween. We also have the pleasure of celebrating National Chocolate Day which of course we LOVE. For all our beer lovers out there, we also get to celebrate National American Beer Day! Most of our Craft Beer wall if filled with United States Beer so come down and see what you can have to celebrate with us.

Englewood Beach Waterfest – Waterfest is BACK – and this year we are on track with multiple events all weekend culminating with the 2021 OPA World Championship Powerboat Races! 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. These popular, family-oriented cruises tour residential canals to view Christmas lights, displays, and decorations on homes, boats, seawalls and docks. Boat rides through the Punta Gorda canals during evenings in December to enjoy this unique display of community Christmas spirit has been a Punta Gorda Christmas tradition for 40 years! 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/.

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.

Covenant Business Planning and Solutions – Difference in Perception of How Well the Business Is Doing by: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP That may not sound like the basis for much partnership tension, but it is. If a partner thinks the business is doing great and the other disagrees, problems spring up over things like business expansion, partner pay, employee pay, and distribution of funds toward debt…continue: https://covenant-business.com/business-partnership-series-5/ Our client objectives: INCREASING YOUR INCOME    DECREASING YOUR TAXES     IMPROVING YOUR NET WORTH Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!

PattiVanTonder.com – The “Share Healthy…Be Wealthy” Seminar Thursday November 11th 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.

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – Driving Out Hunger Fall Golf Scramble Saturday November 6th. Click here to register or here for sponsor opportunities.

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.

SCORE – Score Port Charlotte will have mentors available on Friday October 29 9AM—11:00 AM – Charlotte County Development; Sun Trust Bldg.; 18501 Murdock Circle # 302; Port Charlotte; FL33948

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – Burnt Store Presbyterian Church invites you to join us Sunday, November 7th, at 3 p.m. for a Patriotic Sing-Along event to honor Veterans who have so faithfully served our country. The program will feature our Praise Team, Chancel Choir, special musicians and our audience, who will be able to participate by joining us in song. We look forward to welcoming you at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda. 941-639-0001.

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.

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!

Loveland CenterIt’s showtime! Joins us Wednesday, October 27th from 4pm – 6pm to tour our newly constructed dance studio, performance space and learn about the Loveland Players and this exciting day program opportunity! Fisherman’s VillageOctober calendar of events. November calendar of events.

The Yoga Sanctuary – The Yoga Sanctuary is going to Costa Rica and you can too!

Sea Grape Gallery – Sea Grape Gallery is proud to announce that during the month of November they will be showcasing the artwork of two guest artists, Jane Dickinson, acrylic painter, and Mario Delgado Malagon, photographer.

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

CHARLOTTE COUNTY OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK Saturday, October 23rd 2021 Laishley Park, Punta Gorda www.afsp.org/CharlotteCo Funds raised from the Out of the Darkness walks allow for funding of research, create educational programs, advocacy for public policy and support of survivors of suicide loss.

For more information please contact: Amy Vogel, Walk Chairperson Southwest Florida Chapter 941-202-3105 CharlotteCoOOTD@gmail.com

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


Newsletter

ARCHway Institute – Newsletter

Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – October Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Cooperfish BooksOctober 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

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.

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New Executive Director Position

We are excited to announce our search for a new Executive Director of Punta Gorda Chamber!