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.
Volunteers Needed! Your Chamber needs your support for the stuffing of the quarterly newsletter – Monday February 3, 2020 9AM to approx. 1PM. If you can help out, even if it is for an hour, please call the office (941) 639 3720 or let me know hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com.
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.
January 29: Networking Luncheon – 12 Noon – 1:30 pm Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. This will be the State of the City Message given by our Mayor Nancy Prafke. 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
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.
Heart, Body & Mind Home Care
Sandi Ahlbrand
12670 World Plaza Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33907
941-347-4421
sahlbrand@hbmhomecare.com
www.hbmhomecare.com
Home Health Care
Sponsored by John Wright
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. Vendors participating and in attendance at the Health, Safety and Women’s Expo in no way implies Bayfront Health’s approval or endorsement of their products or services. The CPR class is designed for informational purposes only; it is not a certified class.
Saturday Farmers’ Market(Gold)
Click Here to see their January Newsletter
Charlotte Players (Bronze)
Click Here for Bill Gladwell event.
Charlotte Players are happy to bring Top of the World, A Carpenters Tribute to The Charlotte Performing Arts Center on January 30. Debbie Taylor and her eight-member “Top of the World” band play the Carpenters hit songs such as A Song For You, Superstar, Top of the World and Yesterday Once More. The show performs arrangements from the Carpenters songbook with layered harmonies combined with musicians who showcase their creativity on the drums, guitar, saxophone, trumpet, flute, and many other instruments. Charlotte Performing Arts Center is located at 701 Carmalita St in Punta Gorda. The show begins at 7:30pm. Preferred tickets are $49 and Regular tickets are $44. For more information, call (941) 255-1022 or online check out a preview video of the band at www.charlotteplayers.org.
“Top of the World” is the first of six shows Charlotte Players is hosting at CPAC this season. Upcoming are the popular Edwards Twins musical impressionists, singer Kitt Moran’s salute to Johnny Mercer, “Sister’s Easter Catechism,” and tributes to Liberace and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Visit the website for more information.
OneSource Accounting & Tax Co.(Bronze)
Individual filing begins Jan. 27.
The IRS announced that it will begin accepting individual 2019 returns on Jan. 27, 2020, and business returns beginning Jan. 7, 2020. Many software companies will accept tax returns before Jan. 27 and then will submit the returns when IRS systems open. Updating of the e-file system to allow for the recent extender legislation is currently in process. Most tax software will prevent you from e-filing these forms until allowed by the IRS. The IRS cannot issue refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. It is anticipated that the earliest EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards starting on February 28, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the tax return.
OneSource Accounting & Tax Co
Mary Anne Simone 315 E.Olympia Ave.,#224,Punta Gorda,
masimone@1sourceaccounting.com / www.1sourceaccountingfl.com
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)
Painting, pottery, jewelry, weaving, sculpture, glass and photography Classes begin 1/13 – Register for Classes & Workshops at VisualArtCenter.org. View “Plein Air Exhbit” and “Mural Rendering Exhibit” on display thru Jan 30. 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.
WORKSHOPS Unless otherwise noted workshops are held at the Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda. To register online, visit visualartcenter.org. For more info, call 941.639.8810
Etched Wine Glasses with Belinda Duclos Wednesday, January 29 at 6:00pm. Cost: $40 (includes supplies, wine & snacks). Let’s get together for some fun! We will create a set of playfully etched wine glasses that are dishwasher safe and won’t fade over time, unlike those painted ones!
Pine Needle Baskets Workshop with Kathryn Erickson
1/25, 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.
January 24, 2020: Jones Family Insurance,
312 Mary Street, Punta Gorda
January 30, 2020: Soul Dance Temple, 2705 Tamiami Trail, Suite 314, Punta Gorda (In Towles Plaza).We will have refreshments at the studio for the ribbon-cutting. Immediately after, there will be a gentle Yoga class followed by a mix of Flamenco, Israeli Dancing, and Belly Dancing class free for chamber members interested in trying it out.
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 24, 2020: wellBeing Acupuncture, 1401 Tamiami Trail, Suite B, 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
Why Do We Call It Spam?
Why are junk/unsolicited emails referred to as Spam emails? It is NOT in reference to the canned meat. Instead, it’s a Monty Python reference. On December 15, 1970, the British Comedy Group Monty Python premiered a sketch called “Spam”. In this sketch the word spam was used 132 times.
Events for Week of January 24 – February 2
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 24: 7pm -10 pm Bob Page Trio and the best of Blues.
Sat.January 25: 7pm- 10 pm What? Can’t make it this Friday?!? Don’t fret, the Bob Page Trio will be right back at it again this Saturday. And of course, for those of you who can’t get enough, twice is always nice!
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
Saturday 1/25 Intro to Flamenco Technique for Adults at 10 AM. Flamenco/Classic Spanish for Adults at 11 AM. Free Intro to QIGONG at 12 PM to 1PM. 941-347-7280. Free Intro Class with Jim Wilton. Qigong Exercises are the foundational practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (TCM)
The purpose of these exercises is to maintain physical, spiritual and emotional health. Come learn this ancient Chinese practice to improve your health and happiness.
Sunday 1/26 Real Astrology 101 – Electromagnetism – Workshop 3 PM to 5 PM. We are electromagnetic. The 12 signs are focal points of solar energy. 12 Jungian Archetypes of psychologist Carl Jung. Introduction. Energy. What you need to know that is not taught in schools. Why we need to know. Why it has been misunderstood, and suppressed. 3 Basic Factors Learn the Basics. Coffee or tea. For more information visit www.souldancetemple.com or call 941-347-7280.
Live Entertainment at Fishermen’s Village Center Court:
Fri, Jan 24, 5-9 pm – Bruce Newman and Tiki D
Sat, Jan 25, 12 -4 pm – National Slide Guitar Champion Kraig Kenning
Sat, Jan 25, 5-9 pm – Singer Steve Flagg
Sun, Jan 26, 4-8 pm – Singer Paul Nagel
Enjoy shopping, dining, music and the view at Fishermen’s Village located off W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. Full details at www.fishville.com!
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society Join us for a fun evening as we Celebrate our 25th Anniversary with a Reception at the Visual Arts Center (VAC) on Thursday January 30th from 6-8pm. Click here for more info.
Member Information
Click Here for General Info Flyers
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
“Is one of your financial goals to get debt free in 2020? Are you confused about your options and what is the best way to do if? Consolidation? Debt negotiation? Bankruptcy? To get answers to all your questions, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at mmartella@icardmerrill.com or 941-206-3700 to schedule a confidential, complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation to come up with a plan to eliminate your debt in 2020 and enjoy a debt free, stress free life.”
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 hereClick here for all info. Click here for Joy Dibble painting.
FRANTZ Eye Care Botox special. Click here for all info.
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+.
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!!
ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO SAVANNAH WITH ONE-WAY FARES AS LOW AS $44*
Allegiant today announces a new nonstop route to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) from Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) beginning June 6, 2020. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new route as low as $44.* The new seasonal route via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) will operate twice weekly. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com. *About the introductory one-way fares: Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by Jan. 16, 2020 for travel by Aug. 15, 2020. Price displayed includes taxes, carrier charges & government fees. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com.
“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 HereClick 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.
Thought for the Week
Never frown, because you never know who may be falling in love with your smile.
Question of the week
Can you book me a log cabin in the Punta Gorda mountains? From someone who was currently staying in a city hotel.
Member Newsletters
Click Name of Business for their latest news
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Chelsea Place Senior Care Conference
FGCU Renaissance Academy – Punta Gorda
FGCU Renaissance Academy – Fort Myers
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society
Joke of the Week
Sign Says Yield
A hesitant driver, waiting for a traffic jam to clear, came to a complete stop on the freeway ramp. Traffic thinned, but the driver still waited.
Finally, a furious voice from the vehicle behind him cried, “The sign says to yield, not give up!”
Sincerely,
John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
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