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TEAM Punta Gorda Newsletter |
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Bill and Vicki Welsch, Editors |
July-August 2014
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TEAM Turns 10!
Message from TEAM CEO
As August 13, 2014 approaches, many of us are reflecting on how far this town has come in the 10 years since Hurricane Charley paid us a visit.
Despite the daily challenges of recovery after the storm, a small group of community leaders and merchants started meeting in the fall of 2004 to discuss ways to envision a remarkable future for Punta Gorda. Thus was born TEAM Punta Gorda.
Once TEAM volunteers worked with residents to create a visionary master plan, the hard work of implementing that plan began--and continues today.
We are proud of our ten years of achievement and encourage you to join us for more great things to come in our delightful community.
Nancy Johnson
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So, What Has Been Accomplished in 10 Years?
Click on the link below to go to a report on the City of Punta Gorda website entitled "Results Through Collaboration: The Power of Partnerships" for a great review of our community results since Hurricane Charley.
Click: Power of Partnerships
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Media Alert!
Tune in to WINK News on August 13
Reporters from WINK News are doing extensive coverage on the August 13 anniversary of Hurricane Charley, including coverage of TEAM and our efforts to rebuild the community.
Tune in the evening of August 13 -- the feature will air either at
9 p.m. or 10 p.m..
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Waste Management Presents Check to TEAM
We thank them for their continued support!
Standing in front of a TEAM Punta Gorda "Beautiful Bike in Paradise," Todd Peres and Stephanie Kissinger (right) of Waste Management, present a check for $2,000 to TEAM CEO Nancy Johnson and TEAM Fundraising Chair Jason Green."
Waste Management is the largest environmental solutions provider in North America, serving more than 20 million customers in the U.S. and Canada. The company is committed to developing new waste solutions that can help communities and organizations achieve their green goals, including zero waste.
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Time for "Skills and Drills!"
The Peace River Riders Bicycle Club is hosting a Skills and Drills clinic on:
Sunday afternoon, August 10, 2014 at 2 p.m.
Cyclists of all skill levels are welcome to attend. There is no fee for Peace River Riders Bicycle Club members with up-to-date membership. This workshop will be open to the Public for the nominal fee of $10. We are limiting this to the first 30 riders so register now if you want to attend. Skills and drills will help you improve your bike handling and group-riding skills. Great for beginners to advanced riders and racers.
Taught by racing/training coach and cycling expert Zoltan Tisza.
Riders are able to park in the parking lot bounded by Nesbit, Virginia, and Olympia streets across the street from the Ice House Restaurant. Zoltan has been racing road and cyclocross since he was 11 years old. He's been head shop mechanic at some of New York's best bike shops.
Register now: http://www.peaceriverridersbicycleclub.com/
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Dates to Save!
Upcoming TEAM Events
Join us for TEAM Turns Ten, a celebration of TEAM's years of service to the community.
October 24, 2014
6-10 p.m.
For more info or to become a sponsor and/or buy tickets click here.
TEAM Annual Golf Outing will be held at St. Andrews Golf Club in Punta Gorda on:
March 21, 2015
Stay tuned for details.
Pedal and Play in Paradise annual bicycle event will be held:
March 28, 2015
Over 500 riders of all bicycling skill levels participated in 2014 Pedal and Play and had a great time! Mark your calendar!
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TEAM Leadership Updates
Welcome our new TEAM Committee Chairs!
Michelle Rumreich (far left) and Kathy Oberle have taken on the newly formed TEAM Marketing Committee.
Bob Bechtold (right) and Steve Johnson will be serving as co-chairs for Pedal and Play in Paradise.
This very successful event will be held
March 28, 2015.
Sandra Dressler will be chairing the TEAM Youth Services Committee helping us connect with young volunteers.
Sue Carman has agreed to head up the all-important TEAM Volunteer Services Committee. She will be helping us recruit the folks we need to get things done in the community.
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Have You Heard???
Local tidbits...
Edison College has changed its name to Florida SouthWestern State College effective July 1, 2014.
College's vice president of institutional advancement, Lou Traina, believes the name change is beneficial because it clarifies that the school is a state college where two- and four-year degrees can be obtained.
We have it on good authority that the Turtle Club restaurant on Marion Street is returning this Fall. Great news!
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Summer Storms Coming Soon
Lightning safety tips...
According to statistics provided by the Punta Gorda Fire Department over the last 10 years, lightning has killed an average of 39 people each year across the United States. Florida averages six deaths and 39 injuries a year. Lightning has also averaged over $6 million in damages each year to property in Florida. Most people that are struck by lightning are not killed, but suffer significant injuries such as burns to their skin and, in some cases, cardiac arrest.
For lightning safety tips, please visit:
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HAPPENINGS ON THE HARBOR!
We make every effort to include in our calendar upcoming events. Given how much is going on all the time in our community, it's a challenge.
We invite you to visit the community calendars below for more information about upcoming events:
Every Saturday: Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in downtown Punta Gorda. Lots of great vendors with fresh fruits and vegetables, live music, crafts and other great buys. Visit nearby murals and enjoy some of the great downtown restaurants.
Every Sunday: Visit the Punta Gorda Historical Society's farmers market from
9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the History Park, 501 Shreve St. Shop for veggies, meats, plants and gifts. Call 941-380-6814 for more information.
Tuesday, August 5: Hurricane Charley Presentation, 7 p.m. at the PGI Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St., jointly sponsored by PGICA, Lifetime Learning Program, and Charlotte County Community Services. For more information call 941-637-1655 or go to www.pgica.org.
Wednesday, August 13: 10th Year Hurricane Charley Commemoration Event
11:00 a.m. - 11:55 p.m. Hurricane Charley's Raw Bar & Grill. Presenting hurricane safety & awareness to our community, offering mini CPR classes presented by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, interactive police & fire mobile units and Wayne Sallade from the office of Emergency Management. Hurricane/safety related products vendors are invited to participate. There will also be music, food, drink & fun. Call Bob McCurry at 639-9695 for more details.
Through Thursday, August 14, Starving Artists Show and Sale, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda. Exhibit and sale of original artworks at discounted prices. This is your chance to purchase an original at the Starving Artists Show for a fraction of the price usually charged. 941-639-8810 or www.visualartcenter.org for more information.
Thursday, August 21, Gallery Walk - 5-8 p.m. The Punta Gorda Downtown Merchants Association brings you Art-Music-Live Demonstrations-Shopping & Food!
Saturday, September 13, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Awards Dinner, 6-10 p.m. Isles Yacht Club. Contact 941-639-3720 or www.puntagordachamber.com for more information.
Saturday - Sunday, September 20 & 21, Sullivan Street Arts and Craft Fair - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. Artisans from around the country will exhibit their wares at this annual art extravaganza the length of Sullivan Street in downtown Punta Gorda.
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