Stuff the Trunk
Year One…..It started with a simple idea. Help all the children at East Marion Elementary School by collection school supplies. The FAC (Forest Advisory Council) supplied local businesses with boxes and a list of supplies that were most needed. It was a great success.
Year Two……This year with the help of local businesses and COPS (Citizens On Patrol) this year was GREAT!!! Again another simple idea, let’s do the boxes and use a pickup truck on weekend to collect supplies. Then Ernie Barney of the COPS suggested we use their cars on the weekends.
The COPS and their cars brought real attention to the school supply drive. Thus we call the drive “Stuff the Truck”. We had ten businesses and the library help. Ann and Charlie at Wigglers Bait and Tackle raised supplies, $150 by raffling off a rod and reel, and having a yard sale. The COPS raised $500 and supplies. In total with the help of the businesses and the Communit the FAC raised $1000 and many, many boxes of supplies.
All the money was spent on supplies for the children and delivered to the school. It took a van and a pickup truck to carry them all to the school. this was a community effort. It took many hands to make this happen. Thanks to all for your help! Let’s make next year even greater.
Hebrew-Roots-In-The-Forest
The meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. at the Forest Community Center. The approaching Fall Holy Days: Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot. For info contact: Ken or Jan Gordon at onespirit56@gmail.com
New Business
Celestial Florist and Gifts will now deliver in Forest Corners and surrounding Marion Co. area. Same day service of cut flower, fresh arrangements, potted plants and gift baskets. Credit cards accepted. Call Tilby 288-4444 or 1-800-flowers.
St. Joseph Events
A dinner will be held on Sat. Nov. 4th from 3 to 6 p.m. The menu is to be announced. The affair will be held in St. Joseph’s hall. Please join us. The St. Josephs Christmas Bazaar will be held on Dec. 5th Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will have tables of new and nearly new items, jewelry and bakery items inside. There will be many more tables and rental tables. If you want to rents a space your table will be $5.00 or use our tables for $10. Please call 625-4222 for info. Lunch will be available.
Get Your Motor Running
The 6th Annual Steel Horse Stampede motorcycle ride is gearing up for its 55 mile journey through Marion County on Nov. 7th under the leadership of Hospice of Marion County. The event serves as a dfundraiser to benefit patient care at Hospice of Marion County. Last year about 450 riders raised more than $12,000 in this event. Participants may pre-register by calling 854-5218 or register the day of the event. Cost is $25 for the first rider, $10 for a passenger; the donation includes a light breakfast, a barbeque lunch, door prizes and entertainment following the ride.
Flags
In various brilliant colors and symbols, flags have been importand designations throughout history. We have country flags, state flags, city flags, organization flags and business logo flags. If you have a boat you need to know navigational flags, if you go to the beach you need to know these beach condition flags:
- Green = Low Hazard
- Yellow – medium hazard
- Red – high hazard
- Purple – dangerous marine life
- Red with a black square – gale warning
- Double Red – hurricane
If you are a Nascar fan you know what these flags mean:
- Yellow – caution
- Black -signals a specific car to proceed to the pit
- Red – stop race
- White- final lap
- Checkered- end of race.
As you look around, you will see Florida flags, the F.O.E. flag, church flags plus many seasonal flags hanging on porches.
Thrift Stores
Hospice of Marion County Thrift stores will host Lion’s Club vision-hearing-diabetes screenings. Dates scheduled are:
- Oct 3 – Silver Springs Shores store on Maricam from 10 to 2
- Oct 17 – at the Belleview store in the K-Mart shopping center from 10 to 1
- Oct 24 at the Jasmine square store on R. 200 from 10 to 2
November is National Hospice Month. Hopice is holding a Shop Hot Nov. 2nd – 14th. Get a passport at one of the Hospice thrift stores. Get the passport stamped and then visit the other 2 stores and get it stamped there. At the last location deposit it in a special basket for a grand prize drawing.
HELP Agency
Lutheran student Fellowship, a group of college students from Florida and Georgia, will be coming to the Forest the first weekend of October to do a work project with the HELP Agency. Led by students from Gainesville, they will stay overnight and have meals at Forest Lutheran.
Children’s Diversity Program
The White Buffalo Society plans to participate in the 8th annual 1 Ocala 1 America for the Children Diversity Program to be held Thur. Oct. 8th at 6 p.m. at the E.D. Crosky recreation Center in Ocala. the WBS has participated each year under the direction of Chief Two Ponies KLebes and their education teams by presenting Native American educational programs through the visual and performing arts. The event is free and open to the public. For participation or attendance you can call Ira Bethea at 427-6498.
100th Birthday
Kolo Harrison Bodine extends a very warm thank you to all! Kolo was so pleased, honored and impressed by the hundreds of caring relatives, friends, neighbors and former students that attended her 100th birthday celebration in Aug. You lit up her life!!! The news media was grand!
Red Hats
The first Ladies of the Forest chapter of the Red Hat Society visited our local Eagles Aerie 4216 and Aux. for a grand dinner, giggles, music, dance and all had a wonderful time! How nice to have such a club in our area. Their hospitality was outstanding. There is room for membership in the Aerie and Aux. Call the club for info.
Forest Library Feature Films
- Oct. 7 – “On the Town” a musical with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra
- Oct. 21 – “Ghostbusters” When you see a Ghost who do you call?
- Nov. 18 – “Phantom of the Opera” Who is it that lurks in the shadows?
- Dec. 2 – “The Nutcracker Ballet”
- Dec. 16 – “The Polar Express”
Movies are shown on Wednesday afternoons at 2 PM FREE at the Forest Public library… Free Popcorn too! The Library will be closed on Wednesday Nov. 11th for Veterans day. Lets all honor our veterans by flying the Red, White and Blue.
Welcome Dirty Worms
Dirty worms is a new company in Ocklawaha offering home grown worm castings, one of the best and cleanest fertilizers available. Promotes growth in gardens, lawns and container plants. Contact Debby at 62-2637 for worm castings, worms or worm cocoons.
Creepy Crafts
Friday October 30th the Forest Public Library is offering a creepy crafts afternoon. It will start at 2pm. Call the library for additional information. Free!
Family Paint Out
The Monroe Regional hospital is looking for artists to paint ceiling tiles, size 20×20 or 20×40 to bring cheer to the patients and staff. The Holcomb/Linares family of artists Bennie, Cherylanne and Michaela Linares along with Gramma Holcomb spent one weekend painting 5 large scenes and 5 smaller tiles that features Florida scenes and wildlife. They were delivered just before school and college began in Vermont. They provide the tiles.
Advertising
If you have a business and want to get your ad out there, ask someone to put a magnetic business sign on their car while they are driving around. Maybe a $20 per month compensation would be a good price for both of you. A good trade.
Thank You
A big Thank You from Lou Struzinski for the privilege of providing glasses and hearing aids to the people of the Forest through the Lions Club over the years.
New Section
In the January edition we will have a special section for Ocklawaha and one for Belleview, news and ads from those areas to expand our coverage. Help us by sending any news items to dianaharris@ocaIa.com. Thank you for your continued support over the last 6 years.
Another New Business
A new thrift shop has opened in Ocklawaha.!! Budget furniture is next to Ma Barkers Bar and has a great selection of gently used furniture, beds and housewares. Layaways available. M-Th 10-4, Fri. and Sat. 10-5. 352-246-9948
Help COPS Give back to the Troops
The COPS patrol will be collecting items to send to the troops for the holidays. Non-food items are in short supply in many areas where oour troops are stationed. Items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, liquid soap, deodorant, feminine supplies, writing materials, DVD’s, books shampoo, lip balm, etc. are sorely needed. Sat. Oct. 24 from 9 to ??? we will be collecting money and items out in the Winn Dixie parking lot. Please help us with a donation. Boxes will be sent the first of No. in plenty of time for the holidays and to avoid the rush. For more information call Jackie (288-9655) or Emie(625-6816).
The Final Countdown
Nov. 12thwill be the last of the space shuttle launches this year. Next year there will be only five more, so try to get out to the cape and see them. It is an experience you won’t forget. The dates are Feb. 4, Mar. 18, May 14, July 29 and Sept. 16
Choral Celebration
Our annual Choral Celebration will be held Friday Dec. 11 from 7 to 9 at the community center parking lot. Santa Claus will be visiting with his bag of toys for little kids. Area organizations will provide cookies and hot cocoa. Please bring a chair, we have only 70 and there are usually over 200 people. Area church choirs and other groups will entertain us with Christmas music followed by the candlight singing of Silent Night.
Haunted House
The Haunted Pirate Ship will be Sat. Oct. 31 from 7 to 9 in the community center. Treat ot trunk is held in the parking lot from 5 to 7 by area businesses and organizations. A part of the haunted house will be available at that time for the “under seven” group.
Girls Night Out
If you like to scrapbook, make home made greeting cards, or just want to get away and do your favorite craft for a few hours, you can! Join us for the GNO every 4th Friday of the month thru the winter in the Community Center. Start time 5 p.m. I will supply a two page layout for scrapbookers to make or, if you’re not a scrapbooker, do 3 greeting cards and matching envelopes. Fill the rest of the evening with your choice of crafts. Cost $10. Now is the time to get started on those homemade gifts and decorations for the holidays. Don’t miss the fun, callJackie at 288-9655 for more information.
After School Program…
Has started at Forest Lakes Park. True to his word David Houk and the Turning Point Mentoring Center started the after school program in the FLP Community Center this Sept. It has taken a long time to get to this point. Lots of hard work was done by the community, David, his family, his church and it’s supporters. Now, each afternoon 15 or more children come to the center to do their homework with the help of a tutor. Then they have a snack or two, play organized games or watch movies until closing at 6:45. After a successful fund raising campaign here in the Park, the long anticipated basketball court was completed. It will be enjoyed by young and old alike. Stop in and visit the Center, see the great work that is being done for our children. Talk to David or Elizabeth if you would like your child in this program. There is still room.
Cruise in at the Diner
A new classic car “Cruise In” is starting at the Dam Diner on 464-C by the Ocklawaha Lock/Dam on Friday nights. Come just to look or show off your old car. Throw in a lawn chair or two and spin a few old yarns about the good old days. Cruise starts at 4, goes to 8 p.m. For more info call Russ 288-9655 or the Diner 288-8332.
Advertising rates
The advertising price for a space in Forest Comers Quarterly will go up to $15 for the Jan. issue, or $55 per year, a savings of $5. It still remains the lowest priced advertising in the area. Now in our 6th year, we offer our readers many articles of interest and enjoy wider distribution.
Fishing in the Forest
We used to have 600 lakes in the Forest, many of them have become swamps. We still have many lakes for fishing, it just depends on how, when or where you fish. The Ocklawaha River is a nice place for medium or small crafts. There are also several lakes with boat ramps; Half Moon, Mill Dam, Lake Bryant, Fore Lake and Lake Eaton. Most charge fees for launching. For the elderly and handicapped we have fishing piers with easy access. There are many small lakes and ponds where you can fish from shore or put in your small boats. Our best fishing is when the weather is cool. You can get honest information about the best places from Wigglers Bait Shop 625-1156. Wildcat is one of the most family friendly Lakes. It has a wonderful pier and boat ramp and has been one of the hottest spots for fishing this year. Remember to read your regulations; some lakes are catch and release, usually for black bass. The Moss Bluff Dam is another spot to fish. Ron at Moss Bluff Bait can fill you in onthe catches there. We are a very loving community and are glad you are supporting our beautiful Forest.
Moving around ••••
Wigglers have moved to building at the comer of Lakota Rd. (NE 145th Ave Rd.) and Rt. 40, Marie’s has moved to Rt. 40 where Jakes used to be. There is a new manager at the dairy, now called Cafe in B tween. Go visit them all .
Ghost Towns
Third in our series of old communities in the area that no longer exist is St. Francis. Once called Old Towne, St. Francis lies along the St. Johns River in the southern part of the Ocala National Forest. At one time it was a booming steamboat port with a postoffice open from 1888 to 1909. “The Florida Facts” was the weekly newspaper. St. Francis had a hotel, a health resort, a sanitarium, a general store, a warehouse on the wharf and hundreds of acres of citrus. The devastating freeze of 1894 destroyed the economy of the town and people gradually moved on to greener pastures. It is now the site for a hiking trail that passes a natural undisturbed spring. There remain parts of an old levee and an old railroad bed.
Forest COPS Program
It’s been a busy summer for the COPS program. Even with the snowbirds away we were able to patrol. 791 hours in June, 696 in July and 641 in Aug. Three teams have been doing security checks all summer and will continue until alI residents return from vacation. COPS joined forces with FAC to collect more than $1000 and lots of school supplies for the “Stuff The Trunk” drive last month. We want to thank everyone who dropped either $$$ or supplies in our buckets. All money and supplies went to East Marion Elementary school. In August we were sad to see Lt. Mark Keller transfer to a new position in the Silver Springs District, but Lt. Al Ramirez has taken his place and is very supportive of our group. Over the summer we had 12 of our patrol attend the Volunteer Emergency Response Training course. With this additional training they will be able to further assist the Sheriff’s Dept. with local disasters, medical emergencies, traffic control and searches. Have 4 hours a month you can spare? Join the Patrol and help make a difference in your community . For info calI 402-6040
Where to Take Visitors
- Take a hike and picnic at Alexander Springs, south of rt. 40 east of rt. 19. This is a beautiful natural spring with swimming, canoeing and camping. $4
- Go to Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale. Thur. Fri. and Sat. evenings, $7-$25. Excellent country music!!
- Go to Market of Marion Flea Market. no charge.
- Spend the day at Silver Springs, a good 4-5 hours to enjoy the treasure right in our back yard. $34
- Try a unique Carriage tour of the area horse farms. Ocala carriage.
- Go fishing at Carney Island, Rt. 25 outside Ocklawaha. Playground, picnic, swimming beach.
- Visit Don Garlits drag racing museum, 1-75 at exit 341.
Something for everyone.
Too Short
As a child the summer days were endless, three whole months 10 play. But the summers were too short. In your twenties the summer days were endless, three whole months to fill with kids at home. But the summers were too short. In your forties the summer days were endless, three whole months of peace to enjoy. But the summers were too short. In your old age the summers are endless, three whole months of loneliness to fill. But the summers are too short. author unknown
A Dog Tale
My dog’s “mischievous behavior” is a constant trial to me, and continuous entertainment for my family. After years of quiet greyhounds and intelligent Aussies, Lacey has managed to tear up everything they never touched. She has eaten ink cartridges, photos, newspapers, books and blankets. She has learned how to leap over tall fences with a single bound and burrow under others, but after a brief run-around in the neighborhood she is back, grinning. Her redeeming features are total friendliness with everyone, her love of stuffed animals and her love to cuddle, plus her one brilliant blue eye. While having company recently we returned home to discover all our shoes where scattered all over the yard. I found this “Easter egg hunt” in the dark with a flashlight, and I’m sure she was grinning all the while.
Christ Cafe is Back
Come meet your friends at the Christ Cafe at the Forest United Methodist Church. Open Fridays from 11:30 to 1 pm they offer a delicious lunch to all that stop in. Love offering accepted.
Trunk or Treat
The Friends of the Forest Public Library invite young and old to come in costume to our annual “Trunk or Treat”. Held this year on Sat. Oct. 31st from 5 to 7 in the community parking lot in front of the Forest public Library. Prizes for costumes and treats for all. If you are interesed in being a “vendor” please contact a member of the Friends or leave your name and number at the Library.
Kids Klub
Wednesday Nov. 4th, the Kids Klub will meet at the Forest Public Library. This is an after school event running from 2:30 to 4pm. Crafts, games and fun for school age children. No preregistration, just come.
Another New Business
A new thrift shop has opened in Ocklawaha. Budget furniture is next to Ma Barkers Bar and has a great selection of gently used furniture, beds and housewares. Layaway is available. Open M-Th 10-4, Fri. and Sat. 10-5 246-9948
Calendar
October
- 3 -Flea Market Comm. Ctr. Art Show 9-12
- 7 -SHARE sign-up
- 9 -Cornerstone Cafe 7p.m. Comm. Ctr.
- 12-Forest Advisory Council 7 p.m. Comm. Ctr.
- 14-Friends of Forest library10:30, library
- 23 -Art Club 10 Comm. Ctr.
- 24 -SHARE pickup
- 31-Haunted House, 7 – 9 Trick or Trunk 5-7
November
- 4-SHARE signup
- 7-Flea Market
- 9 -Forest Advisory Council 7 p.m.
- 11 -Friends of Forest Library 10:30 library
- 13 -Cornerstone Cafe 7 p.rn. Comm. Ctr
- 21 -SHARE Pickup 28 -Art Oub potluck 10:00
December
- 2 SHARE signup
- 5 -Flea Market & the Ocala Christmas Parade 5:30
- 9 -Friends of Forest Library 10:30 Library
- 11-Choral Celebration 7 p.m.
- 14-Forest Advisory Council 7 p.m.
- 19-SHARE pickup
Additional monthly events held at the Community Center:
- FaithFamily Fellowship Church every Sun.a.m. and Thur. p.m.
- County Clinic 2nd and last Wed.
- Torah Hebrew classes 2nd and 4th Sat.
Area events:
Oct. 3-Oct0berfest-Silver Springs
Oct. 9-11 Mt. Dora Bicycle Festival
Oct. 10-Marion Co. Chili cook off
Oct. 24- Harmonicats- Orange Blossom Opry
Oct. 24- Mclntosh 1890 Festival
Oct. 24-25- Craft Fair-Mt. Dora
Oct. 30- Nov. 1-Hot Air Balloon Festival-Apopka
Oct. 31- Nov. 1- Micanopy Fall Festival
Nov. 7- Steel Horse Stampede for Hospice
Nov. 7- Corvette Show-Silver Springs
Dec. 13- Harley Owners Toy Run – Silver Springs
Halloween Events:
Oct. weekends:
- Halloween Horror Nights-Universal
- Howl-o-scream-Busch Gardens
- Mickeys-not-so-scary Halloween-Disney
- Halloween Spooktacular-Sea World
- Ghost and Gravestone tour-St. Augustine
- Fright Nights-Silver Springs
- Haunted Pirate Ship-Comm. Ctr.,Forest Comers
50 years ago: The day the music died, Buddy Holly died in a plane crash.
40 years ago: Woodstock was held in N.Y.