April-June 2010
Wounded Knee VIP Visits the Forest
The White Buffalo Society in the Forest hosted a lunchon forGary Rowland, headman for the Firelighting Tiopaye and director of the
Wounded Knee Museum in South Dakota. Bill, noted professional photographer and Estelle Marder, writer/author, are Rowlands host here in the Southeast. The topic discussed with Laughing Eyes Holcomb and Two Ponies Klebes, (chief administrators for the WBS),was “Museum needs and Educational Events.” The Museum at Wounded Knee has a wishlist and donations are welcome.
Fire lightning Tiospaye, P.O. Box 208, Wounded Knee, South Dakota 57794
Cooking With Tea
The Friends of the Forest Public library held a “Cooking with Tea” meeting ,Bengal Spice, Chicken Salad and mango Tea Party Punch
were two of the ten dishes to sample. The program was so new, exciting and tasty that another program will be planned in the
future for the public. Watch for it!
Pajamas??
The First Ladies of the Forest Red Hat Society Chapter recieved a “double-dare” from a Vermont chapter. The dare: that our chapter
have a Pajama Brunch in a public local restaurant. The River Edge Restaurant, owned by Jan and AL was chosen and the staff and
customers erupted in many giggles and belly laughs. A triple-dare has been extended by Queen Mum Pat. For help in planning call
625-2279.
New Community Center
The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department was recently awarded a $560,000 Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to renovate the former Forest Public Library into a community center, expected to be completed in late winter. The new Community Center will compliment the Forest Library , Sheriff’s substation, tax collectors office, recycling center and fire department located on adjacent parcels. The center will provide additional space for the many activities and services offered by comunity groups throughout the area. Representatives from the Department will work closely with these groups to best accommodate their needs.
In 2007, the Department was also awarded $350,000 in CDBG funding for picnic facilities, a playground unit and boardwalk
trail to the new Forest Library building. The total Federal Contribution to this project site is $910,000. For more information,
please contact the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department at 671-8560.
WATER CONSERVATION AND YOU
Nia Haynes, Coordinator of Marion County Utilities will be the guest speaker at the Fort McCoy Public Library on Thurs. April 15th
at 11 AM. She will offer tips for conserving water, inside and out.
STORYTIME FOR CHILDREN
Toddler’s Story time will happen every Tuesday morning at 10:30 from April 13 thru May 18th. Toddlers are ages 2-3. Ages 4 and up
are preschoolers and their programs will include stories plus activities. The Preschool program runs every Thursday at 10:30 AM,
April 15th thru May 20th.
A GIFT FROM IRAQ
Terry Norsworthy, who is stationed in Iraq with the Florida National Guards 631st Maintenance Co., had a flag flown over his base
dedicated to the Friends of the Forest Public Library and the Forest Public Library. He sent the flag home. Girl Scouts did the
flag raising ceremony at the ribbon cutting event at the new Forest Public Library. His flag flies over the library daily. Sandi
and Terry Norsworthy have been members of the Friends of the Forest Public Library for 8 years.
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
April 11-17th is National Library Week. Come visit your new Forest Public Library. Receive a free entry coupon for a yet to be
announced daily door prize and another entry coupon when you apply for a library card or update your present card.
RECYCLE BY MAKING NEW PAPER OUT OF OLD
Liz Robson will bring her talents to the Forest Public Library and teach everyone how to create lovely paper, even seed filled
paper, out of shredded paper. This activity is open to all and will happen during Plant It Week. Keep your eyes open for posters or
call the library for further information. 438-2540.
HEALING CANCER FROM THE INSIDE OUT PART 2
In April, Laurie Brander, a Creative Health Institute trained and certified raw food coach, will continue discussing how your diet
can effect your well being to heal, even reverse some medical conditions. The lecture will be given at the Forest Public Library
and is open to the public. The time and date to be announced.
AHOY READERS! FOREST PUBLIC LIBRARY LAUNCHES ITS SUMMER READING PROGRAM
“Make a Splash – READ!” is the theme this summer at the Forest Public Library. Children will explore the world of water and water
fun through stories, songs, games’ and other activities about oceans, rivers, lakes, and pools and the creatures that live there.
Sail by on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. beginning on June 22nd for stories and activities. Don’t miss our special guests and movies on
Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. beginning on June 24th. All programs are free of charge.
SPRING IN THE GARDEN
April: is the time to bring your houseplants outside. Put them in a shady, sheltered spot. Water and fertilize. Replenish your
mulch to conserve moisture. Replace your cold weather annuals with bright, cheerful warm season replacements.
Salvias, marigolds, asters and zinnias are good choices.
MAY: Check roses for thrips, mites and black spot. Plant caladium, cannas, and gladiolus bulbs for summer color. Plant collards,
okra, sweet potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Examine your lawn for chinch bug and mole-cricket.
JUNE: Pinch back the tips of new growth to create fuller bushes. Fertilize your flowers and veggies. Divide and repot houseplants.
WEDNESDAY MOVIE MATINEE
Twice a month the Friends of the Forest Public Library sponsor a FREE MOVIE at the Library.
During Spring Break the matinee will feature “UP”, a movie that is good for all ages. Julie and Julia will be the feature on April 25th. May 12 the feature is Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull.
All movies start at 2PM. Free popcorn. Check with the library for the June movies.
COPS
The COPS patrol was honored this quarter when several of our members recieved Community Service awards from the Forest Advisory Council. Many of our members volunteer a great many hours in the Community beyond the hours given to patrolling. It was great to see volunteers recognized for their work!
Judy Cambell was named Woman of the Year and Bill Stewart was named Man of the Year. Holly Stewart and Sandy Feiss were given Community service awards for their work with SHARE and the Salvation Army. Stephanie Urso, secretary at the Forest Sheriff’s office, was recognized for the great work she does for the Forest Sheriff’s office, and COPS patrol.
This quarter the patrol assisted with traffic control for the opening of the new library. The COPS Patrol will be honored
and thanked by Sheriff Dean at a dinner at the Marion County livestock Pavillion April 8th. Our patrol is the top team in total
man hours countywide. On April 13 nine more members will be certified for the VERT (Volunteer Emergency Response Team) Program.
This program is under the supervision of the Sheriff’s dept. and trains COPS volunteers in traffic control, search and rescue and
emergency treatment. This training is in addition to what is required of the regular patrol. After training we will have a total
of 21 of our 70+ COPS volunteers certified as VERT team members ready to assist the deputies where ever needed in Marion County.
Summer is quickly approaching and many of our patrol will be returning north for the summer. We could use more volunteers to
help year round. To join this great community service team, call Ernie Barney 626-6816 or the Forest Sheriff’s office 402-6040.
Resurrection Sunday…You are invited!
Solid Rock Bible Church is planning on celebrating the Lord’s Resurrection with a Sonrise service at 7:30 followed by a fellowship breakfast at 8:30 on Sunday April 4th. Special music and ministry will be part of the day of worship and includes Bible Study at 10 a.m., SerVice at 11 :00 a.m. and special evening service at 7:00 p.m. www.solidrockbiblechurch.com
PLANT IT WEEK
Florida Yards and Neighbors are sponsoring the first annual Plant it Week in honor of EARTH DAY.
There are daily events planned during April 19-24th. Kayak trips, hikes, certified yard tours, workshops and a native plant sale are some of the events offered. There will be posters and information available as the event grows closer.
KIDS CLUB
The Forest Public Library offers afternoon activities for days when the kids have a half day of school:
April 28, May 26 and June 9. The activities start at 2:30 in the meeting room of the Library. Open to all school age children.
EARN YOUR G.E.D.
Every Tuesday and Thursday from March 2nd through May 27th the blue GED bus will be parked At the Forest Public Library at 2 pm. The bus is cosponsored by CTAE/Marion County School Board and is available to all who want to earn their diploma.
AHOY READERS! FOREST PUBLIC LIBRARY LAUNCHES ITS SUMMER READING PROGRAM.
“Make a Splash -READ!” is the theme this summer at the Forest Public Library. Children will explore the world of water and water fun through stories, songs, games and other activities about oceans, rivers, lakes, and pools and the creatures that live there. Sail by on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. beginning on June 22nd for stories and activities. Don’t miss our special guests and movies on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. beginning on June 24th. All programs are free of charge.
Ghost Towns
Fifth in our series of old communities in the area that no longer exist is Kismet. Founded in 1884 by the Kismet
Lind Improvement Co. near Lake Dorr in the National Forest, Kismet once was a thriving community. There was a 50 room hotel for
winter visitors, a post office, sawmill, tavern and school. The citrus orchards surrounding the town grew until the 1889 Big
Freeze destroyed all the groves. Many people packed up and left. The hotel was dismantled and hauled to Eustis, where it was rebuilt as the Grand View Hotel. It was eventually torm down in 1955. Settled by people from Ohio, W. VA., Ky,, and Missouri, Kismet fell apart as fast as it appeared. In 1890 the sawmill burned down. The grave of Duke Alexander, for whom Alexander Springs was named, is currently part of of a housing subdivision on the north side ofcr445. Final traces of the town, the tombstones, were removed when no relatives could be located. Today, only one lonely Kismet road sign still stands.
Hurricane and Storm Ready Expo 2010
Everyone is invited to participate April 17th 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a community wide event for hurricane readiness. The event will be held at the Ocala International Airport. Hurricane Hunter aircraft, MC Emergency Management, MC Public Schools, Veterans, TORC and local military groups and many more community organizations will participate. There will be food, fun and lots of life saving information given out at the Expo. For more info call MC Sheriff’s Emergency management. 369-8100
Community Awards
Awards were presented in Feb. at our 25th Anniversary. The Man of the Year award was presented to Bill Stewart, Judy Campbell took home the Woman of the Year award. Sandy Feiss received the Volunteer of the Year award, Winn Dixie was named Business of the Year, and Forest Lutheran and SHARE were named Contributing Organizations of the Year.
“Welcome to the Community” certificates were given to Cafe b-tween, Maries, East Marion Feeds, Cabin Pub and the new Forest Library. The large crowd enjoyed refreshments afterwards, and enjoyed Pastor Tony’s repeated references to our turkey float.
In the Forest
Alexander Springs is a freshwater spring that issues 70 million gallons of 72 degree clear water daily.
Archealogical excavation has indicated human habitation since 1000 a.d. A 67 unit campground near the springs can accomodate tents or RV’s. Hot showers are provided. Swimming is open year-round along with snorkeling, scuba diving and canoeing. Also available is the 1 mile loop Timucuan Indian Nature walk and a 22 mile loop trail for mountain bikes. There is a concession stand and large picnic area facing the beautiful Spring. Pets and alcohol are prohibited, and there is a day use fee. For the more serious hiker, a spur trail connects to the Florida NationalScenic Trail with 67 miles through the Ocala National Forest.
Bombs in the Forest
The Pinecastle Bombing Range in the National Forest south of 40 and west of 19 is a 5,760 acre area leased to the Navy for target practice. The planes or helos come in from Jacksonville or an aircraft carrier, fly low over the forest and drop their bombs, some at night. So if your windows are rattling and you dogs are barking at the noise, that’s what you are hearing.
A Dog Tale
Rusty, a Forest resident, is a Miracle Dog. A tiny white, fluffy Bichon he has been through more than 10 lives. First
he was a hurricane rescue dog,( who knows what he went through!!!) Recently he was attacked by a stray pit bull in his own
yard and suffered critical, life-threatening injuries. After months of surgeries and hospitalization he lost one leg. Home again, he goes about his daily walk as if he has all 4 legs. He sometimes bounces around like a puppy, much to the delight of his owner who has paid thousands of dollars to help him maintain a good life. A brave duo.
Daily Flea Markets
You could go to a flea market every day of the week starting with the biggest one:
- Monday: Webster
- Tuesday: Lecanto Cowboy Junction
- Wednesday: Deland
- Thursday: Eustis
- Friday: Daytona Beach
- Saturday: Belleview Market of Marion
- Sunday: Waldo
Bunches of goodies to find!
Sayings from Grumpy
- The journey of a thousand miles begins with a leaky tire and broken fan belt.
- Don’t be irreplaceable. If you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted.
- Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
- If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.
- A closed mouth gathers no foot.
- Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer.
The Final Countdown…
This year there will be only three more space shuttle launches, so try to get out to the cape and see them. It is an experience you won’t forget. The dates are May 14, July 29 and Sept. 16.
Mothers Day Luncheon
Honor someone special in your life at the 6th Annual Mothers day Luncheon to benefit Hospice of Marion County 0n Sat. May 8 at
Bonefish Grill. The award-winning Bonefish Grill at 4701 SW College Rd. in Ocala, has graciously donated their facility and food
to celebrate the women in your life. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a leisurely, elegant lunch with your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin or friend; gentlemen are welcome, as they may want to escort their favorite lady. The cost is $25 a person and the doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Entertainment will be provided by The Good Vibrations Quartet and the Ocala Storytelling Guild. The menu features grilled Atlantic Salmon or Chicken Marsala. A vegetarion entree is available upon request. Each guest will receive a small gift to take with them. A silent auction and 50/50 drawing will take place and door prizes will be awarded. Proceeds benefit Hospice of Marion County Children’s Programs. Reservations: 854-5118 by May 1.
Charlie Sez
Fishing in the Forest has been very different this year. The weather has been a big factor. We had a very hot summer, then the temperature dropped suddenly to an early cold winter. This abrupt change affected the fish. It got so cold that fishermen were netting tilapia as they gathered at the top of the water; and specs have been bedding later because of the unusual weather. This has been a historic winter for this area, but Spring is here now and fishing should be Great!!! We’ll see you at Wigglers.
Where to take Visitors for $5 or less
- Visit Silver River Museum weekends (Mastodon bones, fossils, Seminole history)
- After dinner in downtown Ocala, take a ride around the square in a horse and buggy.
- Visit OBS during exercise time and watch the jockeys breeze the horses.
- take your fishing pole and go to Moss Bluff Dam for a quiet morning fishing.
- Take some sand buckets, a lunch and sun screen and spend some time on Ormand Beach.
- Drive down to Tarpon Springs for an afternoon checking out sponges and Greek food.
- Try Geocacheing in Ocala National Forest, popular past time.
- Take a tour of the Golden Flake potato chip factory. Call ahead first.