PGI Floridians

Sandy Helt

www.pgifloridians.org

September, 2010

OVER THE TOP: Hang on to your hats, Floridians! You are not going to believe the active summer we’ve had. Here’s a quick re-cap of the events you supported. If you recognize yourself in any of these scenarios, give yourself a standing ovation.

“Send in the Clowns”- a July trip to Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Our journey down memory lane introduced us to circus life circa 1906 through photos by renowned photographer, Frederick W. Glazier. The only thing missing was cotton candy and peanuts!
“We’re pleased as Punch”- That’s what Prez Judy and Newcomers Prez Rebecca said as they surveyed the seventy-four members who crowded into the PGICA in July to enjoy brats, burgers, and dogs. It was another gathering of the clan with bodacious food and fellowship. This writer is specifically blaming Helen C. for a 5-lb.weight gain after being forced to ingest candy bar loaded brownies.
“Who’s carrying a Torch?”- None other than our Dine Around group who added their voices and appetites to the great food at the Torch Bistro in July. Unfortunately, we lost Bob B. in all those sparkly beaded curtains.
“Pushing the Envelope”- Movie Time introduced us to a new dimension in film making. Be proud, Floridians. We were among the movie-goer’s who placed “Inception” on the highest dollar-gross opening of a recent movie. Not a bad way to spend our 401k’s, followed by delectable dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
“To Infinity and Beyond!”- No, we did not visit Buzz Lightyear. However, we DID enjoy an amazing show at the Planetarium at the Calusa Nature Center and learn more about animal life in Southwest Florida.
“Green Eggs & Ham”- Truthfully friends, on the buffet line, green eggs and ham LOOK as unappetizing as they sound. But…that was the only complaint when we attended the dinner theater at Broadway Palm in August to experience the fun of “Seussical”. Every bit as entertaining for us adults with young hearts.
“Best thing since sliced bread”- That’s how several members described their August Dine Around trip to the Village Fish Market. If you have any doubts, please tempt your taste buds with their brilliant onion rings added to any seafood dish.

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD: September brings its own good agenda. September 2, Meet & Greet, should be on your calendar at Jack’s in downtown Punta Gorda. There are Early Birds and Two for One’s and much sharing of summer travel to be done. So, get yourself there for happy hour at 5 p.m. and ordering dinner before 6 p.m. A call to Bill Schindler at 575.6309 secures you a seat.

PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES: I’m pretty sure YOU don’t want to miss the next Ladies Lunch, September 8 at noon. To guarantee your spot at the table, call Cynthia Cowdrey, 575.5671. The price of admission: bring a dish to share and plan to entertain the group in your home at some future date. It’s that simple.

IT’S MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY: The next Membership Meeting is 7 p.m. September 13, at the PGICA. It will help you unravel the tangle of Charlotte County transportation opportunities. Have you been faced with a situation where you needed a ride or know a neighbor who needed a ride and you couldn’t help? Let’s admit it, we’ve all hit times when we were incapacitated and couldn’t drive. Find out what’s available, who to contact, and what’s “free”.

AT THE TOP OF MY LIST: Please do not miss this Out & About trip, September 15. Recently opened in St. Petersburg, the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Art Center is receiving rave reviews. This amazing exhibit of glass sculpture features a twenty foot tower of glass designed on site. We’ll car pool from Bal Harbor at 8 a.m. Museum fees are $16. Lunch will follow at Too Jay’s, St. Pete. RSVP to Darlene Rosen, 505.1492.

GOOD TO GO: Dinner at the Olde World Restaurant, North Port, is our Dine Around September 21. There’s something to please every taste at this versatile eatery. RSVP to Jeanne or John Kapps at 575.9966. Social hour is at 5 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m.

PENCIL ME IN: For an interesting evening with great food, you can’t beat Food & Friends. Scheduled for September 24 or 25, contact Diane Lowy, 347.8900 or Sharon Long, 347.8196, and offer to host a small gathering of Floridians in your home. You provide the entrée and ask your guests to bring the rest. If you’ve already served as a host/hostess, feel free to sign up to be a guest at one of our monthly Food & Friends dinners.

ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH: Here’s a heads up on our gala Holiday Party, scheduled for Monday, December 13, at the PGICA. Always a hit, its catered by Cheffy and provides a chance to put on your holiday bling and dance the night away. Start planning now. This has become a much-anticipated joint Newcomers and Floridians event.

THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS: Thanks to fore-sighted Prez Judy, the Floridians have a limited number of tickets reserved for several Saturday matinee shows at the historic Florida Repertory Theater in Ft. Myers. The series begins October 30 with the comedy, “Noises Off”. Because of the matinee time, 2 p.m., and a group purchase, discount tickets are reasonably priced. Keep in touch with Pineapplegrams for further information.