Ballyhoo
Ballyhoo... your local calendar of events
Explore Presidential Politics, then share some laughs or buy some furniture ...
Englewood Helping Hands ...
EHH is accepting non-perishable donations. Look for the Blue Barrels at: Englewood Bank, Boca Grande Club, Lighthouse United Methodist Church of Boca Grande, Sun Porch/Bella Vida walkway and United States Post Office in Boca Grande. EnglewoodHelpingHand.org
Benefit Bonanza ...
Smart Studio is holding a Birthday Benefit Bonanza! This yearly tradition features deep discounts on original paintings and benefits the Hurricane Relief locally. Now to Friday, March 31 Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 370 Park Ave., Boca Grande.
Comedy/Mystery ...
Experience Dinner at the Flemmings presented by the Lemon Bay Playhouse now through Sunday, April 2, at 96 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood. Tickets $25 LemonBayPlayhouse.com
Murder ...
Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express. Shown at The Langdon Playhouse, now to Sunday, April 2, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. Tickets $25 charlotte-players.ticketleap.com
Trunk Show ...
Meg Carter Jewelry & Walker & Wade will be holding a Trunk Show at The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Garden Room from Friday, March 24 through Sunday, March 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please contact Janet Jaskowiak for more info (941) 964-4548.
Trunk Show ...
Newlin’s Gifts & Deo DuPont Jewelry are presenting a Trunk Show at 141 Park Ave., Boca Grande, on Friday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call (813) 658-8867.
Global Issues ...
Russia: Preparing for the Post-Putin Era with Keynote Speaker John Beyrle Friday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at the Community Center Auditorium, 131 1st St., W. Boca Grande. This is a free event.
Musical ...
A romantic roller-skating cult hit musical Xanadu. Presented by the Venice Theatre, Friday, March 24 to Sunday, April 16 shown at the Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave., W, Venice. Tickets $31 VeniceTheatre.org
Arts Festival ...
The Rotary Club of Englewood presents the 41st Annual Rotary Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, March 25 to Sunday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. W. Dearborn St., Englewood. Original artwork, live music and every imaginable handmade item is on display.
Run/Walk 5K ...
The ISNP Community Music 5K Race. supports the Imagine School Band. The event is on Saturday, March 25 at 8 a.m. at the Imagine School North Port, 2757 Sycamore St, North Port. Register at RunSignUp.com/FL/NorthPort/ISNPMusic5K
Tunnel 2 Towers ...
Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation is hosting a Charity Golf Outing Saturday, March 25, 8:30 a.m. Long Marsh Golf Club, 20 White Marsh Rd., Rotonda West. Contact Harold Kennedy (941) 698-0918 for more info.
Parade ...
Bike Parade and Woman’s Club Spring Fair will be held on Saturday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. parade begins at 5th Street; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spring Fair will be held immediately after parade at the Community Center, 131 First St., West, Boca Grande. Call (941) 964-0827 for more info.
Free Concert ...
The Lighthouse Methodist Church is presenting Dr. Wojciech Wojtasiewicz, renowned organist and pianist on Saturday, March 25 at 4 p.m. Reception following concert. 300 Gilchrist Ave., Boca Grande
Boca Grande Live ...
The Neil Diamond Story with William Florian. Monday, March 27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Outdoor performance at the Friends Pavilion. Tickets $40 FriendsOfBocaGrande.org
The Silver Foxes ...
The 29th Annual Silver Foxes Show. Tuesday, March 28 to Sunday, April 2. Presented by the Venice Theatre, shown at the Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice. Tickets $26 VeniceTheatre.org
BG Live Continues ...
Upgrade your experience and join William Florian for a workshop on songwriting, music, touring and jamming! Tuesday, March 28 at 10 a.m. Held at the Crowninshield Community House, 240 Banyan St., Boca Grande. Register at FriendsofBocaGrande.org
One Giant Leap ...
The Johann Fust Library Foundation is honored to present Carol Armstrong who will speak about her husband’s book “Bok’s Giant Leap: One Moon Rock’s Journey Through Time and Space” on Tuesday, March 28 at 4 p.m. 1040 West 10th Street, Boca Grande. This is a free event but registration is required JFLFBG.org or call (941) 964-0211.
History & Heritage Lecture ...
Pulitzer prize-winning historian & journalist Kai Bird & Martin Sherwin capture J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life & times. Kai Bird will be speaking on Tuesday, March 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the Auditorium, Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St W., Boca Grande. Tickets $40. friendsofbocagrande.org
Labyrinth ...
Anne Bonney will lead a guided tour of the Preserve’s new Labyrinth on the Hill. Wednesday, March 29 at 9 a.m. 3120 Gasparilla Pines Boulevard, Englewood. See LemonBayConservancy.org for more info.
American Presidents & Politics ...
Pulitzer prize-winning historian & journalist Kai Bird will be discussing The Outlier: The Unfilfilled Presidency of Jimmy Carter on Tuesday, March 29 at 4:30 p.m. in the Auditorium, Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St W., Boca Grande. Tickets $40. friendsofbocagrande.org
Chamber Mixer ...
Wednesday, March 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Southern Design Living, 2980 Placida Rd, Englewood. Come mix & mingle with members from the Englewood and Boca Grande Chambers for double the networking! Bring a door prize to promote your business. Bring cash for the 50/50 Drawing. Come do some networking & noshing – made to order crepes, music and beverages
Pancake Breakfast ...
Boca Grande Lighthouse Methodist Church is holding their Annual Pan- cake Breakfast Ministry. Breakfast served from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 30. 300 Gilchrist Ave., Boca Grande. E-mail sonrisas37@aol.com for volunteer sign-up or additional information.
Faith And ...
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Speaker Series presents The Good Life? with Dr. Paul Blaschko Thursday, March 30 at 4 p.m. 390 Gilchrist Ave., Boca Grande. (941) 964-2257
J. McLauglin ...
Art After Dark, a multimedia show featuring photographs by Susan Wood on Thursday, March 30 at 8 p.m. 360 Park Ave, Boca Grande.
Passover ...
A politically charged play by a bold new American voice, Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu. Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 9, presented by the Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers. Tickets $30 LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com
Global Issues ...
Understanding Turkey & Its Rise in the Great Power Game Friday, March 31 at 11 a.m. at the Community Center Auditorium, 131 1st St., W. Boca Grande. This is a free event.
Golf Tournament ...
29th Annual Hank Wright Golf Tournament benefiting the Boca Grande Health Clinic will be held on Friday, March 31 at 8:30 a.m. Register at bghcFoundation.com/special-events
Ageless Creativity ...
A juried display by Shell Point artists and artisans. Saturday, Apr. 1 to Saturday, May 25. Displayed at The Shell Point, Tribby Legacy, & Overlook Galleries. TribbyArtsCenter.com
Auditions ...
Royal Palm Players are holding auditions for upcoming events on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. Join the fun!! Contact info@royalpalmplayers.com for more details.
Easter Festival ...
On Saturday, April 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., children up to age 12 are invited to Gulf Cove United Methodist Church for an Easter Egg Hunt. After the egg hunt, there will be family games and a bounce house for the kids. Free food and crafts will also be available. Located at 1100 South McCall Rd. Port Charlotte. The church can be reached at 941-697-1747 or GulfCoveUMC@gmail.com.
Opera ...
Southwest Florida Symphony performs A Night at the Opera Returns with Conductor Radu Paponiu and Robert Van Winkle as the Narrator. Saturday, Apr. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. Tickets $20 swflso.org
Cinematic Sounds ...
Punta Gorda Symphony performs at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Ctr., Sunday, Apr. 2 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. PGSymphony.org for tickets or call (941) 205-5996.
Symphony ...
Gulf Coast Symphony presents Music of the Night. Sunday, Apr. 2 at 7 p.m., Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. Tickets $39 bbmann.evenue.net
Musical ...
Tootsie -- this laugh out loud love letter to the theater will be performed at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Tuesday, Apr. 4 to Sunday, Apr. 9, 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. Tickets $49 bbmann.evenue.net
Vet Speaks ...
Sarah Babcock, The Island Vet, will be giving a talk on the Aging Dog. The event will be on Tuesday, April 4 at 10 a.m. in the Woman’s Room at the Boca Grande Community Center,
Ongoing Local Events
FARMERS MARKETS/FOOD
• Venice Farmers Market
Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice
• History Park Sunday Market
Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at History Park, 501 Shreve St., Punta Gorda.
• South Gulf Cove Farmer’s Market
Sundays in South Gulf Cove from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Gulf Cove Homeowner’s Association Clubhouse, 14859 Ingraham Blvd., Port Charlotte.
• Blue Pagoda & Evolution
Orchids
Will be at the Pink Pony Courtyard on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Picnic Basket
The Gasparilla Inn Bakery, The Inn is excited to introduce The Picnic Basket. Adjacent to The Inn’s entrance and open daily.
• Sinclair’s Food Truck
Hudson’s Grocery Park presents Finger Licking Weekends now on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. until food is gone.
FITNESS
• Boca Barre & Buns
Using weights, resistance bands and barre technique, the class helps you regain strength, stamina, flexibility and balance. Some mats will be provided or you may bring your own. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Multi-purpose room of the Boca Grande community center. Cost is $10 per class.
• Hatha Yoga
Yoga classes will be held Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Houghton Room. Class is suitable for all levels of ability, and beginners are always welcome! Please bring your own mats. Classes are $15 each. Contact Virginia at (941) 380-5845.
• Musical Chairs
Sit and get fit while movin’ and groovin’ in your chair. Musical Chairs is an hour of mostly seated movement done to fun and upbeat music. This class is designed to improve your cardiovascular health and build muscle while taking it easy on your joints. Classes held in the Boca Grande Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room. Thursdays, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Cost is $10 per class.
• Qigong
An ancient Chinese practice of mindful movement that can be viewed as a combination of Tai Chi and Yoga but is easier to learn and more accessible for all ages, body types, and abilities. Fridays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 10 a.m. Classes held in the Houghton Room, cost is $15 per class. For more information call the Friends office at (941) 964-0827.
• Balance and Stability
Taught by John Mannion, at the Boca Grande Community Center’s Multi-Purpose Room. Classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Cost per class is $10. Exercises may be done sitting or standing; a sturdy chair is provided. For more information call the Friends office at (941) 964-0827.
• Community Croquet
All ages are welcome to join the fun at Boca Grande Community Croquet held Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m on the Community Center great lawn. The worldclass instructors will provide everything needed, so all you need to do is show up and play! Light refreshments provided. For more information, call Hans Peterson (978) 929-9000. This is a free event.
ENTERTAINMENT, EDUCATION
& LESSONS
• Movies in the Boca Grande Community Center’s Houghton Room
Movies are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. Stop by the Friends of the Boca Grande Community Center office to pick up a movie schedule. For more information call the Friends office at (941) 964-0827.
• Boca Grande Camera Club
We explore the ever-changing world of photography! New members welcome. For information email Boca Grande Camera Club at 33921cameraclub@gmail.com.
• Boca Grande Duplicate Bridge Club
The Duplicate Bridge Club will offer sanctioned games Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Games held in the Crowninshield House. There will also be a newcomer’s game for those players with 50 or less masterpoints. All players must register online at bgdbc.org or call Kathleen at (352) 801-9523. Lessons begin in January. The goal for games and lessons is to provide a supportive and friendly community.
• Boca Grande History Center
The Boca Grande Historical Society announces The History Center located at 170 Park Avenue is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (941) 964-1600.
• Mah Jongg
A friendly Mah Jongg game is offered Wednesdays beginning at 1 p.m. in the Special Interest Room at the Boca Grande Community Center. The club plays American Mah Jongg using the current National Mah Jongg League card for its commitment to “friendship and charity.” The club also follows the rules on the card and website. Come when you can, leave when you want. New players always welcome. For more information, contact Chrys Hyde at chryshyde@gmail.com
• The Gasparilla Inn & Club Tours
A guided historical walking tour of The Gasparilla Inn is offered twice weekly throughout the season on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The walking tour meets on The Front Porch of The Inn at 10:30 a.m. and will take approximately one hour.
SHOPPING & CLOTHING
• Closet of Hope at Gulf Cove UMC
Free clothing for children & adults the 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church. Call (941) 697-1747 to reserve a time, but walk-ins welcome. Present photo ID at the door showing residence in Charlotte or south Sarasota County. One clothing bag per month per family. Donations accepted when open. 1100 S. McCall Rd. (Rt 776), Gulf Cove/Port Charlotte.
• Boca Bargains
Boca Grande’s Boca Bargains is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Visit bocagrandewomansclub.org for updates.170 Park Ave., Boca Grande.
Food donations needed!
Please continue to support The Englewood Helping Hand blue barrel campaign. This off island mission supports and helps those in need right in our backyard!
There are blue barrel locations around Boca Grande in front of the Barnichol, at the registration building at the Boca Grande Club, at Parsley-Baldwin Real Estate, at Englewood Bank & Trust, at the Post Office and two more barrels at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church.
Here are some suggestions:
Tuna Fish, Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Meats, Ramen Noodles, Cereal/Pancake Mix, Canned Veggies, Rice/Snacks, Canned Fruit, Pasta/Mac & Cheese, Soups/Chili, Canned/Dried Beans, Evaporated Milk, Peanut Butter/Jelly, Canned Sloppy Joe, Deodorant/Razors, Bar Soap, Feminine Products, Condiments, i.e., Ketchup, Mustard, etc.
Interested in volunteering, or have questions, call Jane at (941) 223-2367 for further information.
Boca Grande Church Service Schedule
• Lighthouse United Methodist Church - 300 Gilchrist Avenue.
Worship service held at 10 a.m. (in-person & live-streamed on Facebook). bglighthouseumc.com
• First Baptist Church - 421 4th St. W. In-person worship is at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Adult Sunday School is at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
(941) 964-2386
• Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church - 240 Park Avenue.
Weekday mass at 8 a.m., Saturday Vigil mass is at 5 p.m., Sunday
masses at 9 & 10:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturdays 11:30 a.m. to noon.
(941) 964-2254
• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church- 390 Gilchrist Ave. Sunday worship is at 9:30 a.m. in-person & live-streamed on YouTube. Pastoral care is always available by calling (941) 964-2257, ext. 1.
standrewsbocagrande.org