TEAM Punta Gorda

 TIPS FOR PREVENTING THE FLU 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you're sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing.
• You can still spread those nasty germs up to seven days after getting sick. 

If you become ill:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Over-the-counter meds may relieve some flu symptoms, but check with your doctor before taking any.
• Consider layered apparel for body temperature changes.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Don't share cups or utensils.

For more information, www.cdc.gov

. . . IS GETTING EASIER

Path from Fishermen's Village looking toward the new link on W. Olympia

You  may have seen all the work going on across Olympia from the Visual Arts Center. Well, now you can enjoy the fruits of all that labor. On January 16 at 3 p.m., the City will cut the ribbon on one more link in the Ring Around the City.

This is the completion of Linear Park III, which runs along the green belt between W. Olympia and Shreve Street.

It connects Gilchrist Park via Linear Park I to the Shreve Street Multi-Recreational Trail that goes past the History Park.

There are some very interesting plants at the entrance to the link gently swaying in the breeze. Inquiring minds wanted to know about those plants. One person said it looked like something out of Dr. Seuss. Well, it was the plant used on the Addams Family that Morticia had, according to Joan LeBeau with the City. The plant is called the Song of India, or Pleomele [plee-OH-muh-lee]. The stalk allows the plant to move in the breeze, making it look like it is alive.

But back to the Ring. We have more good news on the progress of the Ring by the old Benedetto's. The City has issued the construction permit and work started on January 10. The project will consist of "a stained concrete harbor front walk with a seating wall, decorator lighting and some seawall replaced behind the hotel." This is the part that will finally connect the walkway that goes under the U.S. 41 south bridge and Gilchrist Park.

And to make it more fun, why not grab one of those free yellow loaner bikes and pedal your way around the Ring? We're pleased to report we had over 128 folks use the bikes in November. It's too soon to tell about December, but our intern from Charlottte High School, Kristina Schulz, will soon turn in a report. Kristina is volunteering with TEAM to earn community service hours for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Just a note, you can no longer pick up a bike at the Sheraton Four Points. The bicycles are no longer located at that location but we have expanded the one at Laishley Park Municipal Marina across the street.

Yes, it's that time of year! Two of the biggest events are right around the corner. The 7th Annual TEAM Punta Gorda Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 30.

It will be held at St. Andrews South at 1901 Deborah Drive in Punta Gorda. The registration fee is $80 per player and includes a chance to win some really neat prizes. Breakfast and lunch are also included. Mulligan packages are only $20 and include a FREE Handy Sandy.

Mark your calendar, get a foursome and don't miss out. The tournament is limited to the first 100 players who sign up. Registration forms are available online at www.teampuntagorda.org, at St. Andrews pro shop and various locations around the city. Proceeds benefit TEAM Punta Gorda's continuing operations and projects. Event Chair Karen Wedemeyer is still in need of more committee members. Please consider volunteering for this important event. Email team@teampuntgorda.org if you are willing to help out. 

A notice has gone out from the Marine Unit of the Police Department to the boating community to be on high-alert for manatees lumbering around Charlotte Harbor. Due to the drop in water temperature, the big lugs are searching out warmer waters.

Please be extra careful and abide by all manatee protection zones, idle speeds and minimum wake zones.

The nonprofit group, Save the Manatee, has some good information on their website www.savethemanatee.org about how to protect these lovable creatures, or you can call Marine Officer John Kennedy at 941-628-4525. Email him at jkennedy@pggorda.us  

 First, to answer the question, "What's happening with Mote?" The City Manager received an update on the progress of Mote Marine's much-anticipated building in Punta Gorda. Mote is moving forward in the areas of business planning and preliminary site design. The facility is to be located on the north side of the former City Marketplace.

Their new lecture series will begin on Thursday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. with check-in time of 7 p.m. The topic will be: "Mote Marine Laboratory - Past, Present and Future."

This is a special lecture by Dr. Michael Crosby, senior vice president for Research at Mote. The announcement states, "He will share how Mote was founded in 1955 in a one-room lab in Placida and will reveal the latest developments at the lab, now a world-class marine research institution based in Sarasota and hosting exciting new programs in its original home, Charlotte Harbor."

The lecture will be held at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St. in Punta Gorda.

The second lecture is set for Wednesday, January 30 with check-in at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. "Science Cafe: Go Fish! A discussion About How Dolphins and Humans Hunt for Fish" is the topic. Location - Laishley Crab House, 150 E. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda.

Per the press release,"'Go fish' is more than a game for devoted anglers and for dolphins catching prey. Learn about the skills needed to make the catch from Kim Hull, senior biologist in the Dolphin Research Program at Mote and from Charlotte Harbor angler Josh Olive, Publisher of WaterLine Weekly Magazine.

"The Science Cafe allows guests to join the discussion. Food and drinks for purchase will be available."

 RSVP to Rachel Kraemer at 941-205-3970 ext 103.

Artist's rendering of the Freedom Fountain.

City Council took up some collaborative projects initiated by TEAM at a recent meeting. They approved the location of a second community garden within Punta Gorda, this one to be located behind the Public Safety Building on U.S. 41. Thirty plots will be available.

Council also discussed and approved the Veterans Freedom Fountain project. Located at the front of Laishley Park in the Kiwanis Veterans Garden, the proposed new fountain will be a lasting tribute to our veterans.

We've written about the concept of the fountain presented by TEAM's beautification committee, and now it is full speed ahead. TEAM is looking for a group of volunteers to assist in raising funds for the Veterans Freedom Fountain.

Throughout the season, various events will be held which would require willing volunteers from TPG to donate two hours of their time to help sell raffle tickets or solicit donations.

If you are willing, please contact Suzanne McCormick scm619@embarqmail.com 

Starting this month, we will tell you about new things to do and places to go in the city that come across our desk.  

Over on Sullivan Street, The Orange House and Wine Bar located at 320 Sullivan is slated to open this month. They will offer wine, coffee, small bites and desserts. The website is still under construction. Call 941-505-8233.

Jerry Presseller has opened the Big Cheese Eatery, 209 W. Olympia St. He will be open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, 4-8 p.m.

The Artisans Atelier in the Herald Court Center has new hours. They're now open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Kingfisher Fleet, located in Fishermen's Village, is launching a new route, this one to Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island. The all-day cruise will be on Fridays, and starts the beginning of February. Call 941-639-0969.

Editor's Note: Many have asked about those funny two-wheelers with people standing on them running around the city. Segways2U is open during snowbird season, from November 19 until March 31. They are located in the Cedar Point Offices at 318 Tamiami Trail, Suite 216, and are open from 9 a.m. until sunset, Monday through Saturday. Sunday segue tours and rentals are available by reservation. Call 855-873-4929.

Now you can stay a little longer in paradise. Allegiant has extended its service route into Punta Gorda due to popular demand. This one is a non-stop flight from Springfield's (IL) Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to Punta Gorda. The flight schedule will now be effective through June 3. www.allegiant.com

Be sure to check them out.

Remember - all our artists and merchants need your support, so Shop Local/Buy Local and have fun!

 

January 13, 20 & 27: Punta Gorda Historical Society offers tours of the History Park on Sundays starting at 2 p.m. Tour the gardens and hear all about the flora and fauna that inhabit it. $5 donation will go toward the rebuilding of the Quednau/Hindman house. 941-380-6814.

January 19-20: Sullivan Street Craft Fair. Sullivan Street between W. Retta Esplanade and W. Virginia Avenue. 941-639-3720.

January 21: Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade. 941-916-0282.

January 26: 5th Annual Hands Across the Harbor 8K Run/5K Walk, 15- and 20-mile bicycle ride. 941-505-8880.

January 26: 2013 Walk for the Poor at Sacred Heart Church. www.svdppuntagorda.org

January 26: 2nd Annual Charlotte Harbor Chili Challenge & Beer Festival, Laishley Park. For information  www.smugglersevents.com 

February 9: "Share the Love for the Kids Home Tour" benefiting New Operation Cooper Street and the Back Pack Kidz. Tour nine private homes in Punta Gorda Isles. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of tour. Tickets are available at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association and the offices of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and Charlotte Country Chamber of Commerce. 941-637-1655.

February 9: Eagle Open golf scramble fundraiser benefiting the Peace River Wildlife Center. Twin Isles Country Club. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. $80 per player. To register contact Jacanne Duffy at 941-505-6600 or jacanne@gmail.com 

February 10: Punta Gorda Historical Society presents The Fiddle Crabs, 10 a.m. to noon at the Farmers Market in the History Park. 941-380-6814. 

February 17: History Park Benefit Car Show, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Food available plus a 50/50 raffle. 941-380-6814.

March 9: Here Come the Mummies! Annual FunkFest. Advance tickets on sale at Tiki's on W. Marion Avenue.

March 30: TEAM Punta Gorda Annual Golf Tournament at St. Andrews South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive. $80 per player includes greens fees/golf cart, breakfast and lunch. Raffles, prizes and fun! Benefits TPG's all-volunteer organization's operations throughout the year.

April 6: Pedal and Play in Paradise! Registration now open. www.pedalandplayinparadise.com

Judy Brentano, Editor, jbrentano@mindspring.com 

 It's easy to donate to TEAM PUNTA GORDA. Just click on the link!   http://www.teampuntagorda.org/ceo.html

941-637-8326