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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Carol Duncan, 941-815-0999, clduncan.1@embarqmail.com

REMINDER: In order to participate in any class (unless otherwise stated) you must preregister
and pay the fee at least three days before the date of the class. You may call and charge the
fee by credit card or stop in the office and pay by cash, check or credit card. You will not be
enrolled until the fee is paid. Most classes have a minimum enrollment requirement and the
class will be canceled if that number is not met. All classes offered at the Punta Gorda Civic
Association are open to the general public. Register at the PGICA office or call 941-637-1655.
Please provide your telephone number and an e-mail address when you register so you can be
notified in case of a class change or cancellation.

BEYOND PGI: Happy New Year! There will be no program on January 2 so that you might “wind down” from the
holidays.

SANDWICH SEMINAR: Tuesday, January 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Let’s Talk About Knee and Hip Pain You are not
alone on your journey to pain-free living. Have your questions answered one-on-one for all your hip and knee
ailments. The seminar presented by Dr. Mark Davis, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon is designed to educate patients on
their options, both surgical and non-surgical. RSVP is required for this free lunch provided by Bayfront Health. Call
941-637-1655 to register.

ROBOTICS DEMONSTRATION: January 23, 3 to 4 p.m. Four championship and award-winning robotics teams from
Charlotte High School will demonstrate their entries in the FIRST TECH CHALLENGE robotics competition. These
students are competing for a place in the national championships. Come and support the Punta Gorda students.

ART, OIL PAINTING: Monday, January 8, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., (second class January 15, if needed). Jan Britland
teaches a fun and easy day long class using the “Bob Ross Technique”. Beginners are encouraged to attend. All
students get to take their finished painting home with them the same day. The $50 fee includes a canvas and all
materials needed to complete the painting. Class size is limited, so call PGICA 941-637-1655 to register. Wear old
clothes, bring your lunch, and enjoy a full day of painting. This class is offered monthly. Reminder - payment is required
when registering.

LET’S GO FISHING: Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday
January 10. An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on
Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics to be covered include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging,
knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh and
salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment will be demonstrated during the
class and there will be a number of useful hand-outs issued to students. The class is geared towards beginning anglers,
but more experienced fishermen will pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Captain
Ralph Allen who might even reveal the locations of a few local hotspots! The course is open to all members of the
public. The cost for the class is $45 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

CHOIRPLAY: Mondays, January 8 through February 26, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Back by popular demand! We are looking for
members to have some musical fun and join the PGICA choir. This is a new pop, rock, gospel and country choir concept
backed by top classical orchestral arrangements in a fun, relaxed social setting. Group singing has been scientifically
proven to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. So if you like to sing and can carry a tune, please join us. Cahal will provide
practice CD's, so you don't have to read music, nor will there be auditions. Just come along, and if you like it, join us.
There will be eight rehearsals at the Civic Association and a concert March 4 at 7 p.m. Cost is $80 which includes
practice CD’s and sheet music. Instructor is Cahal Dunne, composer, pianist, comedian, story teller and television
personality. Check out the website www.choirplay.com. Register at the PGICA office or call 941-637-1655.

JANUARY BASKETWEAVING CLASS: Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 9 a.m. to Noon. LARGE FRUIT
BASKET. Learn to weave a large fruit basket. Pre-requisite: One beginner basket weaving class or prior
basket weaving experience. This class will consist of three, 3-hour sessions. This continuous weave basket
will be woven around a wood base. New techniques will be taught while previous skills will be reinforced.
The $70 class fee includes all weaving materials necessary to complete the basket. Class size is limited to
six students. Register by close of business January 3. Refer any questions to the instructor, Teresa Comeaux,
941-347-7640 or tascomeaux@hotmail.com.

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