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NEWCOMERS CLUB Frank Riccio , flymo_77@hotmail.com , www.newcomers.peapps.com

How many murals are there in Punta Gorda? Ever wonder how and when they originated?
What is the story behind each mural? How do they depict the history and evolution of our
town? Get these answers and many more at our April 17 general meeting. Kelly Gaylord,
president of the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society, will share the history, evolution and
details of the murals. Join us for
an informative evening to learn
more about the rich history of our
city. We will enjoy a potluck dinner
after the presentation. Please sign up on the website and
indicate what you would like to bring (appetizer, side or main
dish). As usual bring your own beverage. We realize sometimes
it’s not convenient to bring a dish to a potluck, so if you can’t this
time don’t make that a reason for not attending. There’s always
more than enough for everyone.

Baseball anyone? Join us for an evening of fun and watch the Charlotte Stone Crabs take on Palm Beach on April 21 at
6:05. The Charlotte Stone Crabs are a minor league baseball team based in Port Charlotte. This is a home game located
about 20 minutes over the bridge. Tickets are $8 per person. Make checks payable to PGI Newcomers and bring the
check to the April 4 happy hour. Payment is due by April 6. A section of seats will be blocked for the outing. The gates
open at 5 and likely there will be a tailgating activity planned prior to the game. There are also food and beverages for
sale inside the ballpark.

Are you ready for Cinco de Derby? This year Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby are
on the same day so we are taking advantage of it by having a big Cinco de Derby event.
Please join us for a fun-filled celebration at the PGICA on May 5 at 3:30. As usual Donna is
planning fun games for everyone to play. Some type of horse race will likely be involved; the
Kentucky Derby will be on the large TV; and tacos and nachos will be served. Bring your
favorite beverage – margarita, horchata, agua fresca, or whatever you prefer. Come join in
the fun, cheer on your favorite horse and do it while meeting some new people or catching
up with existing friends. Sign up by May 1 for the event via our Newcomers website.

Wow, the Men’s Lunch Bunch got a threefer with their recent lunch outing to Ice House Pub. Good food, good company,
and the owner John Berry talked about the history of the Ice House. Did you know that when it started producing ice in
1901 (in the darts room), the Ice House had ammonia pipes running through the floor since ammonia absorbs heat when
it converts from a liquid to a gas? The bar half of the building was added in 1913 when ice cube technology was
developed, requiring a tall roof since the cubing machines were 30 feet tall. Who knew that? The Men’s Lunch Bunch
meets the second Wednesday of each month. The next outing is April 11 at Laishley Crab House. See the Newcomers
website for more details and to sign up. Wonder what fun facts about that area they will report on? Thanks Phil.

Calling all the Newcomers women for the next Ladies Lunch Bunch scheduled for April 11 at Angela’s Cafe Italiano.
Enjoy the unique setting, diverse menu selection and good conversation with your fellow Newcomer women. It’s a
delightful place to have lunch while getting to know others. See the Newcomers website for more details and to sign up.

Club members continue to enjoy the monthly hosted dinners
and participation shows it. Seventy-six people participated
and dinners were hosted in ten different homes. These
smaller gatherings are an ideal way to get to know people a
little better in a quiet setting. Contact Mike Koeneman at
pgi.newcomers.hosteddinner@gmail.com to join in on the
fun.

Everyone loves our happy hour the first and third
Wednesdays of each month. They take place in the golf
course setting of St. Andrews South Golf Club and start at
5. Complimentary appetizers are served and our bartender
Bob mixes up some great beverages. This event is open to
Game Night prospective members, guests and members. Come share
some cheer and mingle with someone new. This is a great
way to check out what the Newcomer’s club is all about in a casual setting with some nice views of the golf course.

Help give our newest members a warm welcome to the club. Our new members include: George and Sharon Paulikaitis,
IL; Darla and Marc Reynolds, OH; Haskell and Connie Rhett, NC; Jim and Barb Regan, WI; Guy and Diane Sharpe, MN;
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