DECEMBER 2020 -- Season Suspended due to COVID

Out of an abundance of caution, the Board has elected to suspend membership and all activities for this season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) group continues to meet with significant social distancing, mask wearing, and other preventative measures, but other Association activities including bingo have been suspended. The Board hopes that it can renew and revitalize the Association in November 2021, after the pandemic risk has been mitigated. Thanks to all who continue to be interested in and support the South Punta Gorda Heights Civic Association.

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NOVEMBER 2019 -- START OF 2019-2020 SEASON

Your Civic Association has a great lineup of events for the new season. Go to COMMUNICATOR to see the details. We look forward to seeing everyone again, expanding our membership, and having another great season of fellowship and fun. Remember that our community is "Stronger Together".

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APRIL 2019 -- END OF SEASON

We had a great season, with plenty of activities and fellowship. We registered over 70 members and events were well attended. Tom K. started the season by providing an economic development update about all the projects that are taking place in Charlotte County. There was particular interest in a pending development at Tucker's Grade Road and I-75.

Bingo was revamped this season, got off to a slow start, but found its way in the past few months. It was profitable for the Association and new and exciting approaches are planned for next season.

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NOVEMBER 2018 -- SEASON KICK-OFF

The Civic Association has resumed activities, starting with its very successful Spaghetti Dinner held on Saturday, November 24, 2018.

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See the Communicator link for a calendar of scheduled events.

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There are many changes taking place. The facility has been significantly modified and enhanced including the kitchen, office, storage area, and stage/bingo area. A classroom area is being established in the area where the stage used to be located.

Other changes are taking place as well. Potluck dinners are not going to include a public board meeting, but just an update from the Association President. Speakers will give brief presentations while members enjoy their potluck entrees and desserts. In January, Tom Kessler, Association Secretary will give an update on locate economic development efforts including plans for Tucker Grade area, the Sunseeker development in Charlotte Harbor, and the Murdock development in Port Charlotte.

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Board News

Included below are the Board meeting minutes from prior board meetings.

 

MEETING MINUTES Thursday, April 5, 2018

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The meeting was called to order by President Susan Jones at 6:50 p.m. following the monthly potluck dinner.

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Reading of Prior Board Meeting Minutes from March 8 and March 13 were read. One amendment was made. Approved by Rose Olsen and seconded by Bob Patnode

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Treasurer's Report Linda Modders presented a report, summarizing expenses and income. The current bank balance was reported. Approved by Barbara D. and seconded by Connie E.

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Discussion Highlights:

1. Bingo: Debbie Dabill noted that attendance in March was strong with 25 or more participants.

2. Exercise: Susan Jones on behalf of Wayne Jones noted consistent attendance of 5-to-10 people per class.

3. TOPS: Tom Kessler discussed status and noted that a state-wide meeting was scheduled for the coming week at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center

4. Facility: Susan Jones discussed the storage area, bingo table, kitchen cleaning and inspection, and County plans to inspect the facility once per month.

5. Other topics:

   • Rose Hanson and Carol Kelly have made new seat cushions and repaired others

   • During summer County will strip floor as they do every other year

   • A library has been organized to make it easier to find books

   • Spaghetti dinner committee received a thank you letter from CHEC

   • County is working with FPL to get lights in parking lot

    

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm

 

MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 8, 2018

 

Meeting called to order by President Susan Jones at 10:02 p.m. following Tuesday exercise session

 

Reading of Prior Board Meeting Minutes was not done.

 

Treasurer's Report was not presented. However, Board reviewed major expenses including utilities, insurance, cleaning. CHEC fundraiser was successful, raising over $1100 and providing good exposure to Civic Center and Association

 

Discussion Highlights:

1. Housekeeping issues:

   • Dust mop was purchased, and vacuum cleaner was donated.

   • Storage room shelves are finished. Need to organize contents.

   • Other ideas to make hall more presentable were discussed.

   • Kitchen discussion

     • Kitchen clean-up scheduled for March 22 at 10:30a

     • Topics included need to replace kitchen refrigerator, idea of getting a freezer and practicality of installing a dishwasher.

     • Board discussed idea of reviving a "kitchen committee."

    

1. Membership expansion was discussed:

   • Advertising options/strategies

   • Survey with first fall newsletter

   • Expanding Communicator by adding "Community News" and "marketplace" items.

    

2. Scheduled activities were discussed:

   • Idea of combining craft group and sewing/quilting group next season

   • 2018-2019 calendar

    

Meeting adjourned at 11:20 am

 

MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 8, 2018

 

Meeting called to order at 7 p.m. following the Pot Luck Dinner by Susan Jones, President

 

Board Meeting Minutes. Secretary Tom Kessler read minutes from January 19 and February 6, 2018 Board Meetings. Approved: Bob/Evelyn

 

Treasurer's Report. Linda Modders reviewed finances. Approved: Rose/ Wayne

 

Discussion Highlights:

1. Board discussed interest in identifying community concerns (potholes, over growth, playgrounds, pickle ball opportunities, etc.)

2. Housekeeping issues were discussed:

   • Shelving in storage area

   • Vacuum cleaner

3. Scheduled activities discussion:

   • Move monthly pot luck dinner to second Thursday (Approved Rose/Fran)

   • Advance notice for March 24 chicken fried steak dinner

   • Help for April pancake breakfast and for weekly Bingo, which is main fundraiser

   • Craft group meeting every other Wednesday

   • Exercise class every Tue/Thu at 9am

   • Potential activities for 2018-2019 season were discussed

    

Meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm

 

MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, Feb 19, 2018

 

Opening - Meeting called to order by: Board President Susan Jones Time: 3:30 pm                    Ceremonial: None

 

Old Business There was discussion about various maintenance items related to building, building shelves in storage area, getting rid of older, inoperable items, conducting a general "decluttering" of kitchen and office, and reorganizing the library.

 

New Business

1. New ideas were discussed:

• Hold appreciation dinner for police, sheriffs and EMS.

• Have community cookout.

• Establish hospitality group so that when people come to events they feel welcome and comfortable.

• Identify community issues and priorities and develop strategy to have those issues addressed by the County or other responsible parties.

1. Discussed "marketing" efforts including advertising in Charlotte Sun and whether that is an effective use of marketing funds.

 Adjournment Time: 4:35 pm

 

MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, Feb 6, 2018

 

Opening

• Meeting opened by: Board President Anna Derose Time: 7:07 pm                    Ceremonial: Pledge of Allegiance

 

Reports

1. Secretary Debbie Dabill read minutes from prior meeting. Minutes were approved as read.

2. Treasurer Rose Isaksen provided summary of Association finances

   • Income sources included various dinners between Jan 2 & Feb 3 and the recent pancake breakfast

   • Expenses included maintenance, postage, bingo supplies and food

   • Bank balance was presented

   • Motion to accept financial report was made and seconded

    

3. Linda Modders summarized TOPS activities, stating that this year's statewide TOPS Start Recognition Days will be held in April at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda

4. Evelyn Moore offered a reminder of the Tues & Thurs exercise class held at the facility starting at 9am

5. Linda Modders discussed the new craft class which takes place on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month, starting at 10:45am, after the TOPS meeting

6. Rose Hanson also reminded the Board and members about the Sewing and Quilting class held on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 10am. The next class is on Tuesday, February 13th. If anyone is getting rid of foam pieces or egg-crate foam please consider donating them to this group. There are insufficient number of chair cushions for the hall and the group can work on making more.

7. John McPherson had nothing to report.

8. Debbie Dabill, Secretary, stated that bingo participation was low this year. The Association has lost five members and that is a significant reason. Attendees were encouraged to participate as it is a good value for $11.

 

Other Discussion

1. There was discussion about the number of Association members. The Board observed that there are benefits to membership including getting a very good price on the building for events such as weddings and family events.

2. The Chicken Dinner is scheduled for next Saturday, February 17th. The theme is pirates. Help is needed for setting up, serving, and cleaning up the facility afterwards.

 

New Business

1. President Anna Derose explained why a new slate of officers was not presented to the membership in December and January. She proceeded to present a new slate of officers as follows:

• Director - Dawn Patnode

• Director - Gloria Fair

• Director - Evelyn Moore

• Past President - Anna Derose

• Treasurer - Linda Modders

• Secretary - Tom Kessler

• Vice President - Brenda Goodwin

• President - Susan Jones

• County Liaison (primary and alternates) - Linda Modders, Gail Marie Jimenez, and Gloria Fair

 

The slate as presented was nominated by Bob Patnode and seconded by Rose Olsen with no additional discussion

1. Newly elected President Susan Jones awarded certificates of appreciation to Rose Isaksen, Debbie Dabill, John McPherson, and Anna Derose.

2. Rose Isaksen reminded members of a fundraiser for Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) scheduled for March 10th. The cost is $15 and includes a spaghetti meal. She needs volunteers and needs to know within the next week.

Adjournment Time: 7:36 pm