TEAM Punta Gorda members involved in city projects

(Reprinted from the Charlotte Sun – May 11, 2007)

by Judy Brentano – CEO – TEAM Punta Gorda

Everywhere you look these days, you see progress in our city!  Check out the corner of Taylor and Olympia to see not just another new parking lot, but also a beautifully landscaped pocket park.  Nearly 50 TEAM Punta Gorda volunteers, under the watchful eye of City Planner Joan LeBeau, planted more than 400 shrubs donated by TPG and spread truckloads of mulch to add another landscaped gem to our city.  Soon large palms will be planted, decorative lights and park benches will be added, and a TPG-donated “Racks with Plaques” bicycle rack will add the finishing touch to this beautiful spot. We would like to thank our troop of “green thumbs” and give special recognition to Jerry Presseller of Presseller’s Deli for donating beverages and lunch to the beautification workers. 

And speaking of bicycle racks, your organization or you can donate to the City’s “Racks with Plaques” program, which will provide bike racks at various sites throughout the city.  For $260, not only is the donor’s name placed on the bike rack, but you will also have a place to park your bike!

TEAM’s beautification efforts were recognized by the City at its Arbor Day Celebration in Gilchrist Park when we were presented with a Special Commendation.

In keeping with our mission to assist and collaborate with other non-profit groups in Punta Gorda, TEAM volunteers assisted at two highly successful events this month.  Over 50 of our volunteers helped staff the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup and Festival at Laishley Park and we helped several organizations in setting up and staffing many venues at the annual Punta Gorda Block Party. 

Besides volunteering, TPG serves in an advisory capacity to other groups and was recently invited to serve on the Historic Mural Society’s new advisory board.  We will continue to help identify buildings suitable for murals while researching fundraising and sponsorships to help the Mural Society reach its goal of replacing 10 destroyed murals.

TEAM welcomes three new members elected to its Board of Directors.  Roger Peterson became our new president, succeeding Roger Kress, who will serve in an ex officio role; Tom Kerr, the head of our Community and Economic Development Task Force, was elected vice-president; and Marilyn Thomas, our Public Education and Communications team leader, was elected as Director.

As part of our public education effort, I gave several power point presentations this past month.  Not only was I able to update nearly 200 people about our activities, but we gained many new members, increasing our membership rolls to more than 1900.  If your group is interested in learning more about TEAM Punta Gorda, speakers are available.  If you’d like more information about us, visit our website at www.teampuntagorda.org  The Image Gallery is constantly updated with photos of TEAM volunteers and events. 

TEAM Punta Gorda is a 501 [c][3] non-profit organization whose mission is to serve as a collaborative resource uniting our citizens in accelerating revitalization to achieve the potential of our unique waterfront community.  For more information, visit our website or call 941-637-TEAM [8326].