TEAM Volunteers Making a Difference

March 2025

Volunteers Help Revive East Punta Gorda Garden

The community garden on Virginia Avenue is ready for planting. The city-owned land is being cultivated as a vegetable garden worthy of harvesting for the betterment of the neighborhood. It is being managed by Community United Services, a local nonprofit organization. CUSI Managing Director Anna Callwood had this to say about the event: "In the spirit of community - collaboration! Thank you TEAM Punta Gorda volunteers for taking the lead in the February 25 cleanup. Returning scorched and weed-filled soil/beds into good beds to produce vegetation for harvest will make our efforts appreciated by the neighborhood and its community-at-large.

Photo: Left to right: Arlene Gadsden, event coordinator Betsy Spagnolo, Stephanie Ross, ViVi Yost, Roger Yost, Rod Bostic, and Joan LeBeau.

Water Quality Ambassadors Enjoy Peace River Cruise

Citizens for Clean Water Continues Monthly Monitoring

Citizens for Clean Water project coordinator Karen McCague reports that a dozen volunteers have been trained and are performing monthly monitoring in PGI, BSI, Peace River and Alligator Creek waterways. Additionally, CPCC is awaiting DNA analyses of the samples collected from Debbie, Helene, and Milton. Meanwhile, the January Charlotte Harbor Ambassador Training program (CHAT) offered by Heal Our Harbor at the Punta Gorda Four Points by Sheraton has produced a new roster of clean water advocates. The group recently enjoyed a post graduation river cruise.

See contributed photos by Jim Austin at www.jimages.com.

TEAM Food Drive for SVDP

An Overwhelming Success

Four trucks from St. Vincent de Paul picked up a "ton" of nonperishable food and personal supplies from the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association the morning following TEAM's "drive through" February event. Volunteer efforts were coordinated by TEAM and PGICA's " Friends, Fun and Community" social club. It was a great turnout. Thank you PGICA for partnering.

Pictured: Betsy Spagnolo, Judy Bishop and Darcey Hanley.

New Signs for Punta Gorda History Park Organic Garden

The newly designed sign at the entrance (pictured here) clearly identifies the partners in this legacy TEAM community garden project. The QR code accesses TEAM's website. The second sign on the fence highlights TEAM's premier sponsors and provides instruction on signing up for a plot. The 2024-2025 season is fully subscribed. TEAM is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 season.

Andrea Cappuccilli Joins TEAM Board

Punta Gorda YMCA Associate Executive Director Andrea Cappuccilli has joined the TEAM Punta Gorda Board of Directors. Andrea looks forward to “being a part of change and connecting through people and organizations, learning more about our community and providing support wherever needed.” She has extensive experience in event planning and volunteer coordination.

Punta Gorda's Premier Cycling Event is March 22, Saturday

Online registration closes March 20. Click here to learn more and join the fun. Please WATCH OUT for hundreds of riders of all ages on Saturday, March 22 on Punta Gorda streets.

Stay informed about programs and events at TEAM's website and on Facebook.

TEAM Punta Gorda is a volunteer-driven organization committed to making Punta Gorda a wonderful place to live, work, and play. We invite your time, talent, and treasure. Contact TEAM at 941-637-8326 or by email at team@teampuntagorda.org.

Learn more at www.teampuntagorda.org. Please recognize and support these TEAM platinum and diamond sponsors. Their support means the world to all of us.