Steadfast Punta Gorda citizens met in Brooklyn



Pat and Richie Oliva moved to Punta Gorda almost 25 years ago from their hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. That’s also where they met and fell in love at a block party attended by their extended Italian families, two generations after their grandparents had emigrated to the United States. In the years after they met, Mr. Oliva “convinced” his wife to […]

100 Voices

Charlotte Symphony presents ‘Carmina Burana’ with more than 100 local voices

At a recent chorus rehearsal, the energetic sound of well-trained voices invaded the ears with sophistication and thrill. As part of the complex coupling of chorus and orchestra, Carl Orff’s cantata, “Carmina Burana” — based on 24 medieval poems found in a collection of the same title — delivers a rare musical experience to Southwest Florida. The masterfully challenging body […]

Dressing up the Rockettes

Precision fitting, constant repairs and upkeep are an important part of the routine

If you ever need someone to sew your shadow back on, a la Wendy in “Peter Pan,” Stephanie Pocock’s your woman. As wardrobe supervisor for the national theater tour of the Rockettes, she’s fixed costumes at the last minute and averted many a wardrobe mishap. “Things happen all the time,” she says. “It’s a tight schedule.” The Rockettes can perform […]

This week on WGCU TV



. THURSDAY, NOV. 4, 9 P.M. Pioneers of Television: Variety Funny stars take us behind the scenes of popular variety shows, from Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town to Laugh-in, more. Kelsey Grammer narrates. . FRIDAY, NOV. 5, 8:30 P.M. Untold Stories: Illuminating Tradition: Edison Festival of Light The Edison Festival of Light is an extraordinary blend of entertainment, pageantry, […]

ARTS BRIEFS



BoogieMen concert benefits SWFL Honor Flight The Cultural Center of Charlotte County and The BoogieMen are teaming up to sponsor another benefit concert. November’s beneficiary is Southwest Florida Honor Flight. “Dancin’ in the Aisles: A Salute to Our Veterans” will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, in the Cultural Center Theater. Founded 21 years ago, The […]

Edison College student honored for writing



Earlier this year, 18-year-old Edison State College/Charlotte campus student Korina Chilcoat entered Creative Communication’s national essay contest for students in grades 3-12. Her essay, “Who I am is What I’ll Figure Out,” was selected as a top 10 winner — the competition’s highest honor. Essays were selected for literary merit, creativity, and social significance. Ms. Chilcoat was the only student […]

Sea Grape Gallery names November Artists of the Month



From Nov. 8 to Dec. 13, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two artists: Don Melander, a 2-D watercolor and pencil drawing artist, and Cynthia McIntyre, a 3-D fused glass and jewelry artist. Mr. Melander has spent the last 35 years studying the art of watercolor and pencil drawing and has won many juried awards across the country. Ms. McIntyre […]

‘Noises Off’: Sardines, slamming doors and madcap merriment

ARTS COMMENTARY

I have to admit I was in a foul mood when I arrived for opening night of “Noises Off” at Florida Repertory Theatre. It had been that kind of day — that kind of week — with missed connections, technology snafus, interviews that kept being postponed or didn’t happen at all. Some weeks just turn out that way. So truth […]

How community foundations help everyday heros

GIVING

There is a well-known story about the famous baseball pitcher Dizzy Dean that has an important lesson to be learned for all fundraisers. A reporter once asked Dizzy what type hitters gave him the most trouble. Dizzy thought for a moment and then answered, “There are only two: left-handed hitters and righthanded hitters.” Going back to basics is always helpful. […]

HOROSCOPES



¦ SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Taking sides in a workplace or domestic dispute could prolong the problem. Stay out and stay cool. Then you can be friends with both parties when things settle down. ¦ SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A friendship has the potential to become something more, and with this week’s aspects favoring romance, you […]