September 2011                       Judy Brentano, Editor

Thanks to TEAM volunteers, the garden is going to be ready for planting three weeks ahead of schedule. Project Leader Heleen Schoutten reports that the 20ft x 4ft beds, weighing in at 300 pounds each, have been constructed ahead of schedule!

A grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation made it possible to add raised beds which are handicap accessible.

Applications are now being accepted for the plots. For more information, go to  www.charlottecounty fl.com/communityservices/parkpages.SCRP-Garden/

Please mark your calendars for a special meeting of TEAM Punta Gorda - November 16, 2011 at 7 p.m.

to be held at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association.  The address is 2001 Shreve in Punta Gorda.

Our featured speaker is none other than John Rhodes of Moran, Stahl & Boyer of Lakewood Ranch, FL. John was engaged by the Enterprise Charlotte Economic Council to lead the development of a strategic plan for our area. You'll want to hear what he has to say.

And remember, we'll be collecting cans of food to benefit the Good Samaritans of Charlotte County.

This is an annual event you will not want to miss!

A recent analysis of metropolitan areas by Zillo, and published in Forbes, listed Punta Gorda 25th in home prices on the rise. We are now listed as "recession-resistant" for real estate.

On the other hand, Money Magazine left us off the 100 best places to live.  The list is based on criteria such as median family income, crime stats, job growth, education, leisure and culture and - get this - commute time. It seems Punta Gorda lags behind on "median age [too high]; number of theaters, restaurants, bars, libraries, museums, college & universities [too low]; median family income [too low]; and auto insurance premiums [too high]."

Fundraising continues to bring yet another historic building - the Quednau/Hindman House - to the Punta Gorda History Park.  The Historical Society sucessuflly raised $65,000 of their goal of $150,000 for this project. With the eagles ready to return to their roost in the park, the house must be relocated now. So on September 17, Flint & Doyl will move the house in order to meet the birds' deadline!

You can help by buying an inch of the house for $25, or more if you like, by contacting the Society at 941-380-6814 or 639-1007. 

What began as an idea in the TPG strategic plan, is now its own entity.  Thanks to the leadership of Gene Murtha and the assistance of Mary Ann Hughes, Claire, Phelen and Theresa Murtha, this organization has come into its own with numerous organizations and individuals joining on to help in its formation.

The idea behind the History Center is to serve as a repository for papers, artifacts and collections of historical materials.

With the economy where it is today, we at TEAM Punta Gorda want to do our part to make things affordable.  So in that regard, we are pleased to annouce that we are offering our beautiful Destination Punta Gorda coffee table books at a really low price.

That's right, an unbelievably low price that you can't afford to pass up! Now through Christmas, we are offering the books for sale for $10 each. Yes, that is $10 a book.

These make great gifts for friends, relatives up North, and clients. Just pick up the phone and call our office at 941-639-7498 to place your order.

Did you know that I-75 is finally going to be widened right by us?  Word is out that the FL DOT is going to begin work this month to six-lane the highway from the Tuckers Grade exit to just south of North Jones Loop Road.  Plans are to add another lane and a wide shoulder on both the northbound and sounthbound sides.  The bridge at Tuckers Grade as well as over Alligator Creek will also be widened. 

The project should be completed in 2013.  They even have a website you can check to follow the construction www.I75OnTheGo.com 

Loaner Bikes on the Lam

Sad but true, someone stole two of our yellow loaner bikes from the Four Points by Sheraton location.  However, not to be deterred, we are adding four new bikes to a location at the Wyvern Hotel.

There is going to be a new bike shop in town located in the Herald Court Center which may become another location in the near future.  So soon you should see yellow bikes everywhere!

If you or your company would like to sponsor a loaner bike to the program, please contact us at 941-639-7498. 

September 23: 11th Annual Maine Lobster Bake, Port Charlotte Beach Complex.  Cocktails 5:30, dinner 6:30.  $60 per person for lobster.  941-629-7278 for reservations. Benefits the Charlotte County Historical Society.

September 30-October 1: REEL Ladies Fishing Tournment. Entry fee is $90. For information visit www.flatsmasters.com or call 941-637-5953

October 1: GNO presents the 4th Annual Bar Stool Open.  Fee is $25 per person, benefits Dollars for Mammograms. Call Denise Dull at 941-626-9438 or Kris Peterson at 941-815-1888.  

October 4: Artisans' Atelier and FGCU will host the "Shades of Autumn" party celebrating their one-year anniversary in Herald Court Centre.  Come for demonstrations, exhibits, prizes, food, beverages, and an anniversary cake!  Music will be provided by Les DaCosta, The Saxman. Festivities run from 5 to 8 p.m.

October 7:  Oktoberfest will be held on Taylor Street in front of the Old Courthouse.  Beers, brats and oom-pah-pah!  Free admission. 

October 8-9:  Jim Morris presents Octoberfish Fall Festival in Laishley Park. Check out www.wikx.com for more information.

October 8:  TEAM Port Charlotte hosts a golf tournament "Putting the Neighborhood Together" to raise funds for their organization. Fee is $55 per person. Port Charlotte Country Club is the host. For information www.teamportcharlotte@gmail.com

October 15:  Ultimate Rib Fest in Laishley Park.  Food, vendors, The Boogiemen and ribs! Admission is free. www.UltimateRibFest.com for more information.

Judy Brentano, Editor, can be contacted at jbrentano@mindspring.com

TEAM Punta Gorda
941-637-8326