WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

On Saturday Nov. 7, the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge is hosting the fifth annual Veterans Appreciation Parade in Punta Gorda. This week’s theater

 Cheating Cheaters - The Lemon Bay Playhouse presents “Cheating Cheaters” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 -7, Nov. 11-14; and 2 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15 at the Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. 475-6756.

This week’s symphony

 Gala - The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s “Pre-Opening Night Gala” starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. The cocktail reception gala includes live entertainment by members of the orchestra, food stations, a wine and champagne bar and door prizes. Tickets are $75; 205-9743.

Thursday, Nov. 5

 Historian - “An Afternoon with Roxann Read” starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Charlotte County Historical Center, 22959 Bayshore Rd., Charlotte Harbor. The local author and historian will sign her latest work, “Image of America: Port Charlotte,” from Arcadia Publishing. 629-7278.

Muscle Car City holds a free monthly Cruise-In for show-car owners and spectators on the third Saturday of each month.  Writers’ Event - Autumn Writer’s Week takes place at the Edison State College Auditorium, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda. A college literary magazine release and small reception is set for 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by guest speakers. Presented by the Peace River Center for Writers. 637-3514.

 Reception - A Wine and Cheese Artist Reception is set for 6-8 p.m. at Presseller Gallery, 209 West Olympia, Punta Gorda. 639-3956.

 Woodturners - The Peace River Woodturners Inc. meet from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. 505-0043.

 Awards - The “Harvest of Arts” Awards Reception starts at 7 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda. Toast the winning artists in this year’s 21st Harvest of Art. Light refreshments. 639-8810.

Friday, Nov. 6

 Bazaar - A Christmas Craft Bazaar is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., today and Saturday at New Day Christian Church, 20212 Peachland Blvd., Port Charlotte. Features vendors, crafts, décor, lunch and a rummage sale. 625-4947.

 Jay Smith - Singer Jay Smith performs at 7 p.m. at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. Tickets are $7 at the door for the performance and the Friday Night Dance.

 Quilters - The Peace River Quilter’s Guild meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Church of Good Shepherd, 401 W. Henry St., Punta Gorda. 833-3379.

 Oldies - Jimmy Jay & the Jaymen perform oldies, variety and dance music from 5-9 p.m. Center Stage at Fishermen’s Village. Free.

Saturday, Nov. 7

 English Faire - The second annual Canterbury Faire starts at 9 a.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 401 W. Henry St., Punta Gorda. Enjoy a medieval theme with games, vendors, crafters and fun for the entire family. 625-8780.

 Veterans Parade - The Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 is hosting the fifth annual Veterans Appreciation Parade in Punta Gorda. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the corner of Taylor Street and West Marion Avenue, featuring more than 80 entries. 625-7923 or e-mail rjbone1@aol.com.

 Concert - The second annual KIX Country Concert for the Cure starts at 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Sports Park, with Jaimie O’Neil performing. $10 parking, no coolers or re-entry. teresaevan@clearchannel.com.

 Adult Ed - An Adult Education Expo takes place at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy demos by dance groups, art instructors and computer instructors who will provide entertainment and show prospective students what they can expect to learn. 625-4175, ext.253.

 Annual Run - Main Street Punta Gorda presents its third annual Harbor Run/Harbor Walk at 8 a.m. The starting lines are at Gilchrist Park this year. Musical entertainment is being donated by Michael’s Hibiscus Band. 575-9099 or info@mainstreetpuntagorda. org.

 Memory Walk - An Alzheimer’s Memory Walk is presented by the Alzheimer’s Association at 9 a.m. Center Court t Fishermen’s Village. (727) 578-2558.

 Country Tunes - A country music concert featuring Nashville favorite Chris MacArthur is set for 5-9 p.m. Center Stage at Fishermen’s Village. Free.

 Peter Pan - The Little Green Theatre Company and the Performing Arts Development Cooperative present “Peter Pan,” a children’s ballet, today and Sunday at the Woman’s Club, 118 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda. Tickets: $9; open seating. E-mail cotillion@comcast. net or tickets@padc.info.  Farmers Market - A farmers market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the area around the old Charlotte County Courthouse on Taylor Road in downtown Punta Gorda.

Sunday, Nov. 8

 Authors Event - The Peace River Center for Writers “Celebrate Authors” event is set for noon-5 p.m. at Fishermen’s Village. Meet and greet area authors and learn about their latest books.

Monday, Nov. 9

 Comic - Legendary comic Gallagher performs at Visani, The Comedy Zone, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $26.75. http:// www.visani.net.

 Book Club - The Lifelong Learning Institute’s Book Club meets from 1-4 p.m. at Edison State College, Punta Gorda Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, for a discussion of “The Red Heart” by James Alexander Thom. 637-3533 or visit www.edison.edu/charlotte/ lli.

 Open Mic - An open mic event takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Center Stage at Fishermen’s Village, presented by the Peace River Center for Writers. Free and open to the public. 637-3514 or e-mail prcw@edison.edu.

 Jazz Guitarist - “Catch a Rising Star: Mimi Fox Trio” performs at 7 p.m. at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. 625-4175, ext. 221 or www.ccjazz.org.

 Monday Dance - A Monday Night Dance takes place from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, with entertainment, cake and coffee. Cost: $4. 625-4175, ext 253.

Tuesday, Nov. 10

 Wood Carvers - The Charlotte County Woodcarvers Club meets from 8 a.m.-noon at the Punta Gorda Boat Club, 802 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 505-4246 or 639-1947.

 Top Artist - The Artist of the Month Proclamation is set for 9 a.m. at the Charlotte County Administration Building, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte. Artist Maggie Ruiz is being honored by the board of county commissioners with a proclamation recognizing her as the November 2009 Artist of the Month. She will be exhibiting at Charlotte Community Foundation, 1675 W. Marion Ave., Suite 111, Punta Gorda. 637-0077 or 764-8100.

 Film Series - The second Tuesday Film Series starts at 6 p.m. at the Mid-County Regional Library, 2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., featuring “The Grocer’s Son” in French with English subtitles. 613-3166.

Wednesday, Nov. 11

 Art Workshop - A “How to Sell Your Artwork” workshop by artist Alberto Cruz is set for 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda. $45 members/ $55 nonmembers. 639-8810.

 Musical Benefit - The King’s Singers perform at 7:15 p.m. at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda, to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Tickets: $40-$50. 697-4839.

 Veterans Event - A Veterans Day Observance is set for 3-6 p.m. at Fishermen’s Village.

 Memorial Wall - The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall opens at 10 a.m. at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda and closes Nov. 15. The wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam memorial in Washington, D.C. stweetyvb@embarqmail.com or Jabba941@yahoo.com or 625-3295.

 Themed Lunch - A Key West Luncheon starts at 11 a.m. at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. Enjoy Key West fare for $10; $11 at the door. 625- 4175, ext. 212.

Thursday, Nov. 12

 Doll Club - The Port Charlotte Doll Club meets from 10 a.m.-noon at the Cultural Center of Port Charlotte, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. 286- 1446.

 Montype Workshop - A monotype workshop is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda. $50 members/$65 nonmembers. Artist Barbara Albin will show you how to make a single original print inspired by the artwork of Toulouse-Lautrec. 639-8810 or www. visualartcenter.org.

 Lecture - The Distinguished Lecture Series offers “Global Adventures” at 1 p.m. at the Edison State College Auditorium, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda. $10: friends of the Lifelong Learning Institute are free. Dr. Marc Melser and his wife Cindy present their experiences on the South Africa Medical Expeditions. 637-3533.

 Book Club - The Readers Advisory Book Club meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Punta Gorda Library, 424. W. Henry St., Punta Gorda, to discuss recent books members have read. 833-5460.

 Camera Club - The Photo Adventures Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Vizcaya Lakes Activity Center, 4052 Hollis Ave., Port Charlotte. 627-3832.

 Gala - The Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra have teamed up to present the first ever “Pre-Opening Night Gala,” set for 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, 4400 Lister St. in Port Charlotte. The gala kicks off the symphony’s fall season of concerts, titled “Music We Love.” Tickets: $75. 205-9743.

Upcoming events

 Bazaar – The 39th annual Christmas Bazaar is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 13-15 at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. Free. Enjoy an array of great handmade crafts, plus treats, free pictures with Santa and more. 625-4175, ext. 253 or www.theculturalcenter.com.

 Quilters - The Peace River Quilter’s Guild meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Church of Good Shepherd, 401 W. Henry St., Punta Gorda. 833-3379.

 Opera Singer - “An Evening with Thomas Stallone” starts at 7 p.m. at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. 625-4175, ext. 221 or www. theculturalcenter.com.

Ongoing events

 Military Exhibit - “A Pledge of Honor: Five Branches of the U.S. Military” exhibit salutes the men and women of the U.S. military through Nov. 14 at the Charlotte County Historical Center, 22959 Bayshore Rd., Charlotte Harbor. 629-7278.

 O’Grady Exhibit - The Reta O’Grady exhibit is on display at Edward Jones Investments, 3941 Tamiami Trail, Suite 3173, Punta Gorda, through the end of November. 637-6787 or 764- 8100.

 Smith Art - The Ron Smith exhibit is on display at the Presseller Gallery, 209 W. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda, through November. 639-3956.

 Cruise-In - Muscle Car City holds a free monthly Cruise-In for show-car owners and spectators on the third Saturday of each month from 4-7 p.m.

 Lautrec - The Lautrec Celebration is on display through Nov. 21 at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda. The collection features more than 20 “Lautrecs” lovingly recreated by the VAC’s artists. 639-8810.

 Happy Yoga - Classes are offered every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at South County Regional Park, 505-8686; every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harold Avenue Center, 627-1074; and every Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Women’s Resource Center in North Port. 426-3710.

 Tai Chi - A free, informal gathering to practice tai chi is held every Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Gilchrist Park.

 Digital Exhibit - The “Digital Images Exhibit” is open at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Charlotte County, 1532 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte now through Nov. 30. 575-0948 or 627-4303.

 Auto Flea Market - Muscle Car City hosts an Auto Flea Market and Car Corral from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month. There is no charge for booth space and the event is free to the public.

 Yoga - Yoga classes with Virginia Williamson are held at the Punta Gorda Club, 2905 Tamiami Trail, Mondays and Fridays at 10:45 a.m. Non-members are welcome to drop-in for $10. 380-5845 or LitheandEasyYoga. com.

 Video Games - Get Your Game on @ Your Library from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at Mid-County Regional Library, 2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte. Join the video gaming night for teens ages 10- 19. 613-3166.

 Camera Club - The Photo Adventures Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Vizcaya Lakes Activity Center, 4052 Hollis Ave., Port Charlotte. Meetings are devoted to all forms of photography.

 Community Awareness Day - Every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon, local businesses are available for advice, information and services at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. Free blood pressure checks are offered weekly, and other services, such as free glucose checks, vision and hearing screening, BMI check and more, are offered on various weeks. 625-4175, ext 253.

 Open Market - Every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there is an Open Market for all vendors, businesses, and anyone who has anything to sell, held in the Fountain Room of the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. Tables are $25; 10 percent discount if you sign up for the month. 625-4175, ext 253.

 Tea Room - The Cultural Center of Charlotte County hosts a Tea Room every Thursday, with pastry chef preparing a mix of finger sandwiches, pastries and a variety of teas. Cost: $10; reservations required. 625- 4175, ext 253.

 Line Dancing - 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday in Center Court at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Cost: $3. (941) 575-8188.

 Quilt Breakfast - Every other Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Breakfast Club is held at the Quilt Lover’s Hangout, 13494 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers. Come hang out, work on your projects and watch a demonstration. Cost: $8. (239) 995-0045.

 Belly Dancing - Sun Flea Market & Kidstar in Port Charlotte offers belly dancing lessons from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Friday; $8 per person. 255-3532.

 Dance Lessons - Sun Flea Market & Kidstar in Port Charlotte offers line dancing and lessons from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday; $3 per person. Address: 18505 Paulson Dr., Port Charlotte. 255-3532.

 Food Drive - Sun Flea Market & Kidstar in Port Charlotte is having a food drive for people and pets every Friday through Sunday until Nov. 29 to benefit St. Vincent De Paul and the Animal Welfare League. Bring non-perishable food from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and get 10 percent off in Kidstar. Address: 18505 Paulson Dr., Port Charlotte. 255-3532.

 Ceramic Workshop - Sun Flea Market & Kidstar in Port Charlotte offers classes in ceramics from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Donations made will go to the Animal Welfare League and St. Vincent De Paul to feed the needy. 255-3532. Address: 18505 Paulson Dr., Port Charlotte. 255-3532.

 Flea Market - On the first and third Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a flea market is held in the Fountain Room at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. 625-4175, ext 253. — Send calendar list ings to events@

floridaweekly.com.