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TEAM Punta Gorda Newsletter
TopJoanne and Richard Collins, Editors
                                       October 2015
In This Issue
Message from TEAM CEO
 
Nancy J
As we said goodbye to Chief Butch Arenal last week, one could not help but reflect on the partnership that we enjoy with the Punta Gorda Police Department. We are confident that the culture of community participation that has been created by Chief Arenal will last into the future.   
                                                         
In these times when relations between law enforcement and citizens in other cities is often strained, we thank the leadership of the PGPD and this City for recognizing the value of community partnerships.These busy law enforcement officers are not just available when we ask, but are full participants. Along with the Punta Gorda Fire Department, they work alongside our volunteers to improve the community. When it was time to build our second Community Garden, Chief Arenal not only agreed to locate it in the backyard of the Public Safety Building, but staff pitched in on the build.
 
Several officers and their families have plots in the garden, growing vegetables along with citizens from the neighborhood. Not only did they get involved in the one in their own backyard, but are helping with the next one that we are building in the History Park with funding from the Mosaic Corporation. Pedal and Play riders were delighted last year when the suspects in the Murder Mystery Ride turned out to be public officials. Staff of the PGPD and
PGFD good-naturedly played along. We think that it is healthy for citizens to have opportunities to interact with police officers in settings that have nothing to do with law enforcement. This builds trust and a spirit of cooperation.
 
Many Public Safety staff volunteer their own time for these community projects, as well as those sponsored by the PGPD. This includes their work with area youth such as the Jammer's Youth Basketball League and other worthy projects. We plan to do even more together over this coming year.
 
Our Bicycle Friendly Communities Committee is made up of public and private sector individuals all working to improve cycling and pedestrian safety in Punta Gorda. The PGPD is already leading the way with their bike patrol and their public education efforts. This year we will work together on a Bicycle Friendly Communities Plan. The PGPD will take the lead on the Enforcement component of the plan. We would like to express our appreciation and pledge to work with acting Chief Tom Lewis to continue this great collaboration. 
  
Nancy Johnson
CEO    

TEAM Mixer - Let's Meet on 10/20  Hurricane Charley

Join us Tuesday, October 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Hurricane Charley's for the next TEAM Mixer. We will have a private room off the deck with our own bar. Hurricane Charley's will provide free appetizers for us.That's not all! We will have drawings for prizes throughout the evening.Come out and meet your fellow TEAM members.Don't miss out on a fun evening!


Phase 1 of the History Park Community Gardens

Even youngsters help build - will you?
On Saturday, September 26, the first phase of the build-out of the community gardens began in the History Park.Sandy Dressler, COO, gave her perspective from the construction site.

"From us retired folks to high school students to grandkids, we all turned out to begin building the next Community Garden which will be located at the History Park. Under the direction of Heleen Schouten, this first build went great. My husband and I arrived at 8:45 am and were thrilled to see so many volunteers. Everyone worked hard. I even learned to use a drill! 

At the end of this first day I was tired and plenty sweaty but the camaraderie, the sense of accomplishment, and the feeling I got knowing I was giving back to my community made it all worth it. Come join us...we will be back at work for the next four Saturdays (10/3, 10/10, 10/17 and 10/24) from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Hope to see you there."


Oyster Reef Habitat established
 
Volunteers hard at work laying oyster bags
Hundreds of local volunteers along with TEAM's Maritime Committee participated in creating a new oyster reef habitat adjacent to Trabue Harborwalk.  The pilot program is testing three reef restoration methods: oyster mats, oyster bags, and loose oyster shell to provide a foundation for oyster larvae to settle and form a new oyster reef. 
 
How did this happen?  The Nature Conservancy collaborated with the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, and the City of Punta Gorda.  When everyone comes together, so much happens.  Thank you, volunteers!
 
Want to join us in similar harbor conservation projects?  Contact TEAM about joining TEAM's Maritime Committee.  See you there!
 
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Houses wanted for Paint Your Heart Out
 
Looking for 8 homes to paint in 2016
Do you know that TEAM with Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity are partners in helping elderly, disabled and needy residents paint their homes? 
 
On February 27, 2016, for the third year in Punta Gorda, hundreds of volunteers will join together to  beautify our community.  This will send a message of pride and build a sense of community spirit that will last long after the paint brushes have dried.
 
We are looking for homes that fall within the following criteria:
       - House must be owned
       - House must be located in Salona, Trabue Woods or Charlotte Parks area of PG
       - Houses must be one story, not brick or aluminum siding, and not already painted
          with lead-based paint
      
A nomination form must be filled out and sent in by December 14, 2015 to be reviewed by a Selection Committee.
 
Eight homes will be chosen to be painted.  Candidates will be inspected for feasibility and selected homes' occupants will be notified and arrangements made for necessary preparation work.  If you would like to be selected or know of a home that fits the criteria listed above, contact TEAM at [email protected] 941-637-8326 or Habitat for Humanity at 941-639-3162.
 
 
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Giving Challenge Update
 
TEAM thanks its members who generously donated $5,235 most of which will be matched by the Patterson Foundation. 
 
Our free Yellow Bike Program enables our visitors to easily rent a bike to ride on  Punta Gorda Pathways. Last year over 5,000 riders took advantage of this opportunity.These generous donations and matches will help us "keep the wheels rolling." 

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 Calling All Golfers - Help with Spring Tournament
 
Golfer The scent of fall is in the air and that means it's time to plan for next spring's Golf Tournament scheduled for March 19, 2016. 

Three to five volunteers are needed to coordinate:
    - Publicity 
    - Fundraising 
    - Goody Bag donations

Volunteers will meet monthly October through December, bi-weekly in January, and weekly from mid-February through the tournament date.

Contact Ed Bouton at 703-599-5401 or email him at [email protected]


History Park Community Gardens needs you

Volunteer and help us build the next Community Garden at Punta Gorda's History Park. Join us if you know how to use a pencil, drill a hole, hold a hammer, serve coffee and donuts - or just enjoy keeping us company!

Workdays are: 
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24

 

The History Park Community Garden is a sustainable community project that helps families grow food and learn about nutrition.It creates opportunities for youth, builds leadership among community members, and provides engaging activities for people of all ages to work together for a common purpose.

 

For more info or to sign up, contact TEAM at 637-8326 or Heleen Schouten at [email protected] or call her at 941-505-8040. 
You will be part of history in the making!
 

 Marketing TEAM

New Marketing Chair, Debbie Jones
Debbie Jones recently joined us as TEAM's Marketing Chair. Since this is the first time that TEAM will have a separate Marketing Committee, Debbie is in the process of forming her team, having discussions with related committees to understand each committee's responsibilities and preparing a marketing plan and budget. 

The obvious goal of the Marketing Committee will be to enhance the level of visibility of TEAM Punta Gorda with the commercial and residential communities; promote the excellent work of TEAM's volunteers as they help make the community a better place to live, work and play; and to provide marketing support to other TEAM committees as they encourage new volunteers and donors and host the special events and initiatives in which TEAM is active. 




Dragon Boat Festival -  A New Halloween Event

Try something different

Paddle a Dragon Boat on Halloween!

WOW! The War on the Peace Dragon Boat Festival is October 31 at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. Sponsored by the PG Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte Harbor YC Dragon Boat Club, it celebrates the ever-growing sport of dragon boat racing in support of the Charlotte Local Education Foundation's (CLEF) Scholarship Program, Take Stock in Children.

Teams are needed to participate!


This is your opportunity to get your friends, neighbors, student groups and companies to come together as a Team and have a great time supporting a worthy cause. A Team is 20 paddlers plus a drummer. The final deadline for registering for a Team is October 15. Questions? Go to www.pgdragonboatfestival.com. FYI - if you don't have a team, do not despair! You can register as a individual paddler and we will find you a team. Contact James Williams at [email protected] or call 650-575-9825. 

Start your Halloween celebrations with the Festival and end with the Haunting on the Harbor, Punta Gorda's annual downtown Halloween celebration! Fun for the whole family!
 
  

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

The 2015-2016 Concert Season for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is:
November 15, 2015 - Brahms
December 6, 2015 - Christmas Pops
January 10, 2016 - Tchaikovsky
January 24, 2016 - Mahler
February 14, 2016 - Valentine's Day Pops
March 6, 2016 - Brahms
March 20, 2016 - Beethoven

All performances are held at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center except for the Valentine's Day program, which will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm. Contact 941-205-5996 for ticket information.
 

 Save the DATES for TEAM
 
 
 
   Don't forget to put these dates
   in your iPhone or paper calendar!
 
   
          
 
              October 20, 2015 - TEAM Mixer
              January 28, 2016 - TEAM Annual Meeting
              February 27, 2016 - Paint Your Heart Out
              March 19, 2016 - Golf Tournament
              April 2, 2016 - Pedal & Play Bike Event


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Join the TEAM - Help Wanted!
Great Opportunities Available

 




We are gearing up for a busy time and could use your help. It's a great time to jump in, have fun and join the TEAM! For more information, contact us at:

 941-637-8326
 

 

 
HELP WANTED - Currently seeking: 
  • Fundraising Co-Chairs
  • Volunteers interested in government relations posts
  • Administration, Administrative office and finance volunteers 
  • Construction volunteers for NEW Community garden build
  • Golf Tournament volunteers
  • Fishing Camp volunteers
Additionally, all TEAM committees can always use new faces. Those who are unsure where they fit in should contact Sue Carman for more information.

 
Sue Carman, TEAM Volunteer Coordinator
 

Whats Happening Logo

HAPPENINGS ON THE HARBOR! 
  
We invite you to visit the community calendars below for more information about upcoming events.

 
Oct. 20: TEAM Mixer at Hurricane Charley's, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 31: War on the Peace Dragon Boat Festival save the date, Laishley Park, visit
website www.pgdragonboatfestival.com for details.



Parting Shot
 
Community Volunteers (1st build-out) construct garden in History Park on Sept. 26.
 

Thanks to our "year-round" sponsors