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| TEAM Punta Gorda Newsletter |
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 Joanne and Richard Collins, Editors |
December 2015
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We are so grateful to the Charlotte Community Foundation for inviting us to share their beautiful building at 227 Sullivan St. Our 500 volunteers had definitely outgrown the tiny office we shared with the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce down the road! The Foundation is interested in seeing their building become a center for nonprofits, which we think is a fine idea. We are hoping the synergy between our missions will result in some interesting collaborative community projects. Click on this link to see our lively ribbon-cutting ceremony https://vimeo.com/146377632 - video by Bruce Tompkins.
When the Charlotte Community Foundation asked if we would like to help raise $25,000 in six weeks for needy families, we said of course we can! The Sarasota Community Foundation will match these dollars one to one, which means $50,000 will stay locally in Charlotte County. This fund is to be administered at no cost by United Way. This is a great opportunity to help and it is hard to leave $25,000 in matching funds on the table. Here's our plan: We will ask as many partner organizations as we can to join us for a meeting on Nov. 30 at the Foundation Offices at 4 p.m. to discuss a collaborative campaign. Come if you are interested in this project. Individual donations can be made by going to Charlotte Community Foundation's
website where you will be directed to Community Foundation of Sarasota, or write checks to Community Foundation of Sarasota, but be certain to designate the gift(s) to Charlotte County. We know we can do this if we all work together!
Nancy Johnson
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Upcoming Founders' Day Week TEAM Mixer
Mix It Up at the History Park 
Join TEAM Punta Gorda as we celebrate the kick-off of Founders' Day Week and our new partnership with the History Park.
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Learn about the history of Punta Gorda while strolling through beautiful History Park.
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Come see the progress of our future community garden.
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Enjoy spending time with TEAM Punta Gorda volunteers and members.
Date: Dec.1, 2015 (Tuesday)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Punta Gorda History Park
Refreshments, entertainment, a history scavenger hunt, and prizes are all part of the fun. Cash bar.
For more information on all events taking place in Punta Gorda during Founders' Week, check out "Founders' Week Celebration" at www.puntagordachamber.com
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Making Bikes Beautiful
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| | Isn't it lovely? A work of art! |
Have you noticed the bikes around town that were painted by the Beautification Committee?
TEAM's Betsy Spagnolo and her volunteers began a NEW initiative. They are replacing some of the "older" bicycles with original bikes that are true works of art! This is a new Bicycle Art Project!
The first one is in the garden of TEAM's new office, at the driveway entrance, on Sullivan Street.
Her goal is to have artists brand a bike to the business or location where it will be placed. If you have an artistic flare and imagination, we need you for this fun activity. You'll be part of making our bikes so unique that they will be show-stoppers.
Questions? Contact Betsy at 412-303-8686.
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TEAM Members Recognized for Pedal & Play Efforts
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Steve & Bob accept their trophies
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Steve Johnson and Bob Bechtold were recently honored by the Isles Yacht Club for raising the second most funds for the Leukemia Cup.
In addition, Nancy Johnson awarded them trophies for running an excellent Pedal and Play event this past spring.
Thanks, Steve and Bob!
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Cycling Instructor Seminar 
TEAM's Bicycle Friendly Community Committee announces that TEAM Punta Gorda will host a League of American Bicyclists, Cycling Instructor Seminar, on Feb. 26-28, 2016. The Seminar will be taught at:
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association
2001 Shreve St.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information and registration please contact,
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Calling All Golfers - Help with Spring Tournament
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Please help with 2016 Golf Tournament
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March 19, 2016 is the date of our Annual Golf Tournament. Volunteers are needed for:
- Publicity
- Fundraising
- Goody Bag Donation
Coordination
Meetings will be held monthly during October - December, bi-weekly in January, and then move to a weekly format from mid-February until the tournament date.
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FREE Kids Fishing Clinic
 TEAM's Maritime Committee in partnership with Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) is conducting a series of FREE Kids Fishing Clinics at the Cedar Point Environmental Center in Englewood and Bayshore Park in Port Charlotte. Children ages 8-12 are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is limited and mandatory. Clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include snacks, drinks and a time for the children to fish.
Dec. 12, 2015 Cedar Point, Englewood
Jan. 9, 2016 Bayshore Park, Port Charlotte
Feb. 20, 2016 Cedar Point, Englewood
March 26, 2016 Bayshore Park, Port Charlotte
April 16, 2016 Bayshore Park, Port Charlotte
This hands-on program teaches conservation-based fishing techniques including knot tying, rod & reel use, fish-identification and proper fish handling for responsible and ethical saltwater fishing. All sessions will be taught by knowledgeable and experienced local anglers using Florida Fish & Wildlife protocol.
Volunteers are welcome and donations are appreciated. Contact Bobbi Rogers at 941-475-0769 or bobbi@CHECflorida.org to reserve a spot or to volunteer.
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Houses wanted for Paint Your Heart Out
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| | 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 Dec.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 team@teampuntagorda.org 941-637-8326 or Habitat for Humanity at 941-639-3162.
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Gilchrist Sunset Gathering
 Bring a chair and join the group for a Punta Gorda sunset and evening of inspiring Christmas music for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Peace River Baptist Church Christmas Show and Christmas Musical
"All is Calm All is Bright"
Saturday, Dec. 19, 5-7 p.m.
Gilchrist Park Gazebo
400 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Presented by
The PRBC Sanctuary Choir
Peace River Boys
Jim Reuter at the Piano with
Various Solos and Ensembles
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Ugly Sweater Christmas Run
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| | Wear your best ugly sweater! |
The Foot Landing and Fishermen's Village invite you to participate in the Christmas Run, Walk or Stroll on Wednesday, Dec.16, starting at the Foot Landing, 117 Herald Court, Suite 1117-8, Punta Gorda. Check-in time is 5:30 p.m.; walkers begin at 6:15 p.m. while runners start at 6:30 p.m. It's free!
Come dressed in your ugliest sweater or come as a grinch! For more info, call 941-347-7751.
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Help Wanted - TEAM needs YOU!
 Do you have time to help TEAM?
We can use your help. Here's just a sampling of some of the fun things you can do with just a little bit of your time.
- Become a member of the Outreach Committee and participate in
developing socials or help members with special projects (4-6 volunteers
needed to work tables at special events, mixers, and/or Farmers Market)
- Monitor our Government Relations and make suggestions
- Join the Membership Committee in welcoming new members, obtaining
and coordinating memorabilia. helping with member recognition and more
- Help us paint bikes - not just paint them, but add some artistic flare as
they are displayed around our town!
- Help us with yellow bicycle maintenance or join us with your
enthusiatic support on our Bicycle Friendly Committee
Interested? Just give a call to
Sue Carman, TEAM Volunteer Coordinator
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Holly Days Garden Tour - Dec. 4 & 5
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| | One of the unique decorations in last year's tour |
Don't miss Sparkling Christmas Memories, on Dec. 4 and 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Punta Gorda Garden Club's annual Holly Days Home Tour is always held the first weekend in December. This endeavor supports all of the club's local, state and national projects. The 2014 Home Tour was such a success that they were able to provide scholarships to five local high school students who plan to pursue careers in environmental fields.
Using only fresh and dried natural materials, they decorate four homes in the Punta Gorda Historic District. The Home Tour includes the sale of poinsettias and tour-goers are treated to punch and homemade holiday cookies baked by club members. Suggested donation is $15. Advance tickets may be purchase at the Chambers of Commerce in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte or from individual garden club members. Tickets are also available the day of the tour at any of the home locations.
This year's four tour homes and the church are located at 308 W. Grace, 319 Durrance, 312 Durrance, 507 W. Marion, 612 W. Marion. Call 941-575-4653 or visit www.pggc.org.
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Save the DATES for TEAM
Don't forget to put these dates
in your smartphone or paper calendar!
Jan. 28, 2016 - TEAM Annual Community Meeting
Feb. 27, 2016 - Paint Your Heart Out
March 19, 2016 - Golf Tournament
April 2, 2016 - Pedal & Play Bike Event
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HAPPENINGS ON THE HARBOR!
We invite you to visit the community calendars below for more information about upcoming events.
Dec 1: TEAM Founders' Day Mixer, History Park, 5:30 p.m. See above article.
Dec 4 & 5: Garden Club's Holly Days Tour, Sparkling Christmas Memories,
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. See above article.
Dec 4: Downtown Christmas Celebration and Carol Sing, Corner of W. Marion & Taylor, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Join us in singing your favorite carols around City Christmas Tree. Part of Founders' Day Week. Santa will be there at 5 p.m.!
Dec 5: Christmas Parade, Downtown area, 12 noon. Route is up Taylor Road to Event Center Parking Lot. Judging is in front of Centennial Park.
Dec 16: Fishermen's Village and Foot Locker Ugly Sweater Run, Walk or Stroll, 5:30 p.m. See above article.
Dec 19: Gilchrist Sunset Gathering, 5 p.m. See above article.
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Parting Shot
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| | Punta Gorda's Beautiful Tree |
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Thanks to our "year-round" sponsors
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