2015-01-22

Welcome to the neighborhood



I just bought my first house, and I wanted to make a good impression on my neighbors. But I always seem to be getting myself in trouble. Last week, my friend Barb came to visit. She and her husband spend half their year up north and the other half down here. When she’s in town, we like to get together […]

PUZZLE ANSWERS



KOVEL: ANTIQUES

Charles Hart’s articulated decoys continue to fascinate

Carvings of birds, especially ducks and other wild species, are collected by those who consider the best examples to be art, while other examples are to be used as decoys when hunting. While both types of decoys can be found at antiques auctions and shops, most are sold in auctions or shows that specialize in decoys, wood carvings and related […]

ARTS AND EXCURSIONS

Spice up your calendars with this sampling of seasonal offerings

With the season in full throttle, deciding which activities most deserve your time can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some of the events at the top of my list. Share the Love for the Kids Home Tour Jan. 31 You don’t have to be a fan of HGTV to enjoy a good home tour. It’s always fun to see […]

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO



THEATER Lettice and Lovage – Through Feb. 15 at the Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $18 adults; $12 students. lemonbayplayhouse.com or 475-6756. Nana’s Naughty Knickers – By The Charlotte Players Jan. 23-31 at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St. $18. charlotteplayers.org. Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story – On the MainStage at Venice Theatre through […]

FILM CAPSULES



LATEST FILMS

‘Blackhat’

What happened to Michael Mann? The director who gave us filet mignon with “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Heat” and “The Insider” is now serving spam with “Blackhat,” which on paper should’ve been good but in reality absolutely, positively isn’t. Overwritten and underwhelming, “Blackhat” should have been a taut cyber thriller, a movie of espionage and intrigue that’s very much […]

REAL ESTATE COMMENTARY

Could Punta Gorda become Florida’s next college town?

Charlotte County Economic Development may have scored a win in bringing a branch campus of Western Michigan University to Punta Gorda. The partnership reportedly will involve a hangar at the airport and use of the long-vacant Impac building on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda. The economic and demographic impact to Punta Gorda Isles and the downtown historic district could be […]

House Hunting:

13769 Long Lake Lane, Port Charlotte

This custom-built estate home offers one of the best scenic water views in Riverwood with desired southern exposure. The open, three-bedroom, 2½-bath layout of more than 2,600 square feet includes many extras — an aquarium kitchen window, home theater with surround sound, central vac, oversized pantry, three-car garage with enclosed storage and upgraded storm shutters. The lanai features a spa […]

Encore Bank completes Port Charlotte branch remodel



Encore Bank at 2120 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte has been remodeled. The building now features a clean, modern, welcoming aesthetic to match the community bank’s five other locations from Sun City Center to Naples. The bank now looks and feels like an elegant living room, with alcove shelving, a flat- screen television and comfortable seating. Fresh coffee and cookies are […]