Friday Facts for November 12, 2021

Friday Facts!

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

**Please note that all entries for the Friday Facts email for the week of Friday, November 26th are due to Tara (tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com) by Monday November 22nd at 5pm due to the holiday week.
Thank you!

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 9, 2021.

For Our Members Only

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR DECEMBER 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 – Holiday shopping online this year? Here are some tips to avoid scams.

  • Research sellers before you buy. Search online for the name of the seller and product, plus words like “complaint” and “scam.” Always read reviews!
  • Compare products. Even with the chip shortage, shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Check prices, delivery dates, and even discounts or coupon codes.
  • Paying by credit card gives you more rights to dispute the charge if something goes wrong. And if someone tells you to pay by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash, stop and find another seller. That’s how scammers tell you to pay.
  • Keep records. Save copies of your receipts and order confirmations from online orders. Hold onto them until you get what you ordered and know you won’t return things.

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


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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 – Nov. / Dec. 2021

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

December 8: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association with breakfast provided by Gator Wilderness Camp School. PGICA is located at 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

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.

  • All registrants need to be pre-registered with payment.
  • There will be NO admittance the day of the event.
  • Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable.
  • Sale Held Rain or Shine, No Rain Dates

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 one of your favorite bands. Also, we ae now taking reservations for Thanksgiving Dinner. Please call 941-637-6770 for more information and to secure your reservation. The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Happy Friday! Rolling 7 day residential market stats for our area: 131 new listings, 193 pending(new contracts) 143 sold (closed listings). Thinking of selling after the new year? Let’s talk Della Booth, 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) – 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 that Jacob Wotitzky, an early merchant in Trabue (Punta Gorda), initiated a unique “home delivery” system?

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.


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.

“Tis the SesSun Lunch” Sunday, December 5th Noon – 3pm at Nino’s bakery and Restaurant. Donation $45For tickets or information call 941-815-1901 or email dorothypolson1@gmail.com

Nanette Leonard Public Relations – TODAY! 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.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Are you looking for the perfect hostess/ hosting gift for this Thanksgiving? Everyone loves coffee and tea. Come down and let us create you the perfect handmade basket full of international fresh roasted coffee’s (Dark, Medium, Decaf) and Tisane/ Herbal or Caffeinated Loose-Leaf Grade A Tea.

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Are you excited for Christmas next Month? Give the perfect gift for loved ones by creating them a personalized chocolate Advent Calendar. Come down and pick them out their favorite chocolates and give them the perfect gift each day of December this year.

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.

Punta Gorda Pub Crawl – THE 11th Annual PUNTA GORDA PUB CRAWL & FOOD DRIVE FOOD TO BENEFIT THE HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK. puntagordapubcrawl@gmail.com www.puntagordapubcrawl.com

The 11th Annual Pub Crawl and food drive in downtown Punta Gorda is looking to have hundreds of participants help by bringing canned goods to the event. Date: Feb. 26th 2022, Time: 10:30AM- 1PM Food drive & Pub Crawl Sign in on Virginia St. in front of The Ice House PubCrawl starts at 1:30 last hour 7:30- 8:30PM. Click here for more details!

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. The 2021/2022 season awaits! Subscriptions and seating for single tickets are now available online.

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 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.

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 Festivalof Lights! December calendar of events.

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.

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!

Charlotte County Master Gardener Volunteers:

Charlotte County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold a Plant Sale Expo from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2021. The event will take place at Centennial Park, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte, 33953. There will be hourly gardening workshops and landscape plants propagated by Master Gardeners, rain barrels, garden art, books and used gardening equipment for sale. Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions and provide University of Florida, IFAS/ Extension research based, unbiased gardening information. All funds collected benefit community horticultural outreach education programs in Charlotte County.

For information, contact Holly Bates at 941-764-4340 or holly.bates@charlottecountyfl.gov

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


Applause

Farr Law Firm Receives U.S. News 2022 “Best Law Firms” Honor- The Farr Law Firm was recognized in the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2022 “Best Law Firms” report, receiving a Tier 1 ranking in trusts and estates law and real estate law and receiving a Tier 2 ranking for outstanding work in litigation-construction in the Fort Myers metro area.

Guy S. Emerich, Jack O. Hackett II and David A. Holmes, directors at Farr Law Firm, were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Emerich was recognized by Best Lawyers© for his work in trusts and estates and received this honor for the sixteenth consecutive year. For the seventh year in a row Hackett was named by Best Lawyers© in the practice of real estate law. This marks Holmes’ fourth appearance in Best Lawyers© for his work in litigation-construction. The 2022 “Best Law Firms” rankings can be seen in their entirety by visiting bestlawfirms.usnews.com

The Homeless Coalition Mosaic Alleviates Hunger & Homelessness – We are pleased to announce that the Mosaic Company graciously presented The Homeless Coalition with a generous gift of $25,000 through its granting process. These funds are designated to The Homeless Coalition’s Hunger Prevention Program and will allow us to continue feeding over 101,200 hot meals. Mosaic’s ongoing support throughout many years continues to help The Homeless Coalition to serve those in need.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – Newsletter

Animal Welfare League – Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. November Newsletter

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Cooperfish BooksNovember Newsletter

Loveland Center – Exciting Updates

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

Punta Gorda Mural SocietySeptember Newsletter

SandStarNewsletter

The Yoga Sanctuary – November 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!