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THE GIFTED GATOR BOUTIQUE Charlie Popp, cpopp2@centurylink.net 513-479-0114

The Gifted Gator of Punta Gorda is proud to spotlight one of our newer artists to our fine
establishment. Her name is Cathi Schneider and she recently moved here from Shelton,
Connecticut. It is always interesting to me to know how people found this area. She told me that
a friend of hers had bought a house in Englewood and when she visited her friend she just fell in
love with the area. As all of you know, this area is really easy to fall in love with!

Cathi has been sewing for years and absolutely loves it. She has sewn bridesmaid dresses and
has made costumes for dances to name just a few of her projects. One of her sewing creations
for the Gifted Gator are aprons. It seems as if aprons are coming back into vogue these days. I
remember when I was little my mother would wear one of those half aprons that tied around
your waist. Now if you try to find a cute apron you will pay big bucks for it but if you come to the
Gifted Gator, you can find some beautiful ones for a very affordable price. Cathi

In addition to aprons, Cathi also decorates bird houses. These bird houses
are very small and just adorable enough to decorate your lanai or living
room.

One of her other sewing
creations that you can find
at the Gifted Gator are her
“Vixen Visors.” These are
made to fit over the visor
in your car. They have
pouches sewn right into
them to hold that handicap
card or your sunglasses or
your mail. Who doesn’t
have the need to have
extra storage pockets in
your car to keep track of
important papers that you
tote around?

In addition to her creativity with the sewing machine, Cathi was a
professional dancer, a certified dance instructor, a certified artistic and
rhythmic gymnastics coach and a certified rhythmic gymnastics judge. She
still loves to dance and volunteers in the fitness salon at the Charlotte
County Cultural Center.

Cathi is not only creative but she has also been a dedicated police officer in
her northern community for thirty-one years. Her most enjoyable time spent
on the force was when she had a K-9 police dog for eight years as a partner.
Unfortunately, Cathi was
injured on the job when she
was broadsided by a drunk
driver. Due to her injuries,
she had to retire and made
the decision to move to
sunny Florida. She lives
here with her ‘baby’, a
German Shepherd named
Beauregard. We thank Cathi
for her service and we
welcome her to the area and
to the Gifted Gator.

The Gifted Gator of Punta Gorda continues summer hours of 9:30 a.m.
to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. We have great ideas for birthday gifts,
gifts for your grandchildren, gifts for yourself. All our arts and crafts are
made by local artists and we welcome you to come in and browse!
We are located in the PGICA at 2001 Shreve St. Stay cool!!
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