PGI Floridians
John
Miller (505-5035)
jmiller941@embarqmail.com
www.pgifloridians.org
July, 2009
“THOSE LAZY, HAZY DAYS OF SUMMER” - They’re here, aren’t they? Hope you’re relaxing near a pool, boating on the water, or vacationing in an extra-special spot. We year-round Floridians are basking in the charm of our Punta Gorda surrounds and taking advantage of all the outdoor festivals. Every weekend there’s another fishing tournament, Stone Crabs game, farmer’s market, craft festival, juried art event, car show, etc. Gilchrist and Laishley parks are full, and, the Interactive Fountain has become a happy hub for children of all ages to play in the refreshing, dancing waters. If you have visitors, take them on a tour. Look for the Floridians brick pavers! Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy our many outdoor dining facilities. It’s the BEST of times!
FOOD FACTS - Have you ever watched a group of Floridians eat pizza? I tell you, it’s not a pretty picture! I witnessed this phenomenon at our last membership meeting, where 12 large pizzas were devoured by 45 people in less than 10 minutes!! We won’t even discuss the ice cream and cookie frenzy. Guess the energy put into playing Mexican Train, Phase 10, Mah Jongg, and cards just pushed us over the edge. Don’t you just love those people who sit down to learn a new game and then WIN it! At our table, newbies Elaine, Roger, and Don aced the Mexican Train dominoes, walking away with all the glory. There were quiet, sedate “click-clicks” from the Mah Jongg tables, but that poker group got a bit out of control. Next time we’ll put a limit on the amount of fun they’re allowed to have!
BBQ COOKOUT TIME! - Not to give you the impression that all we do is EAT, but……guess what’s coming up next? July 13 Membership meeting, 5 PM, at the PGICA pavilion will be grill-out night. The Board will be grilling hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs. Members are asked to bring side dishes and BYOB. RSVP to John Miller, 505-5035.
MEET & GREET SCORES AGAIN! - A much more manageable group of Floridians showed up at Jack’s for our monthly Meet & Greet. Good fellowship, summer discounts, and early bird specials made it a successful evening for the group. Come join us on August 6, 5 to 7 PM at Jack’s for chatter and drinks. Stay for dinner, if you wish. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the group.
“LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER!” - Just ask the jolly group wh0 attended the Venice Theater’s production of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” We feasted on the largest portions of delectable food ever served…..at Luna’s, next-door to the theater. (Ask Helen Connelly how many people her 10 oz. bowl of rich lobster bisque served?) Then, settled into an evening of happy memories and great music created by a talented cast. Hand-holding and laughter were the order of the day! This was our Out & About and Dine Around group event in June. What’s ahead, you ask? Keep tuned for Pineapplegrams. Some of the Floridian activities will take a hiatus during the summer months, but Dine Around is planned again for July.
“MOVE OVER RACHEL RAY!” - Floridians’ Food & Friends is coming through! Thanks to hosts Stan and Darlene Rosen and John and Judy Berger, good food and great friendship were re-visited in their homes in June. Upcoming date: July 24 with hosts Marilyn and Ted Goodwin. RSVP to Lorraine Geiser, 833-3111, if you’d like to be included. The host family opens their home to guests who bring a dish to share. Your obligation: someday return the favor and open YOUR home for Food & Friends. In fact, Lorraine is looking for a host for October 23 and would appreciate a volunteer.
“WHAT ARE THOSE LADIES DOING NOW?” - Norma Angus hosted the June Ladies Lunch. Quiche and salad went well together and Mimosas added a special sparkle to the day. Kudos to our hostess! July 8, Ladies Lunch, is the next event. Contact Cynthia Cowdrey, 575-5671, to get in on the fun. You never know-that little green guy with the big eyes and pile of money may show up!
“HELP ME IF YOU CAN!” - Movie Time-ers were alive and well until they attended “The Taking of Pelham” in June. The traumatic fall-out of this movie thriller created such consternation among the group that they sought refuge at Madison’s in the Mall and retreated into a vicious cycle of soup…salad…soup…salad, etc. Somehow the group survived and are already planning their next Movie Time outing. Watch for Pineapplegrams!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE! - The Nominating Committee is looking for “a few good men/women” to step up to the plate and make a difference on the 2010 Floridians Board. Our current Board has served well, in many different positions. We’d like to give others a chance to be a part of the decision-making process and lend us their ideas and interests. It’s not a huge commitment when we each take a small part. If you’re currently serving on the Board and/or in a committee capacity and wish to continue, please let Chair Terry Miller, 505-5035, know soon. If you’d like to join the Board, please call her. A slate is presented in October, so Terry would appreciate knowing your interest by September 15. Duties begin in January 2010; there are many helping hands to get you started.
A SPECIAL FRIEND - We said “good-bye” to Floridian friend, Anne Moeller, at our last membership meeting. Mary Jollett shared loving memories of their growing up years and the joys of sisterhood as they each moved to Punta Gorda. Anne’s service to the PGICA and the Floridians was marked by planting a butterfly bush at the Civic Association in her memory.
DON’T BE BASHFUL! - If “big groups” aren’t your thing, try us out during the summer! We’re smaller in number with many of our members going north. This is a good time to “meet a few” and get to know us better, in a smaller group setting. Contact John Miller, 505-5035.
Sandy Helt (575-2408 or shelt941@comcast.net)