Ice Cream Socialize
Forest Lutheran is holding an “Ice cream Socialize” every Friday from 1-3 at the church on rt. 40. Please come and enjoy a summer afternoon.
Summer Fun at the Library
Friends of the Forest Public Library announces that July movies will be held twice a month:
July 14: The Water Horse
July 28th What about Bob?
Aug. 25: Grumpier Old Men
Other summer fun at the Library:
- July 1 Finding Nemo (candy Sushi)
- July 6 High Seas Adventure (pirates)
- July 8 Sponge Bob Movie
- July 13 Squish Squash (alligators)
- July 15 Art Vaughngo
- July 20 Splish splash summer (manatees)
- July 22 Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs
- July 26 Life’s a Beach (Hula Sand Art)
- July 29 A Torrent of Talent (talent show)
Miss Robin has a wish list for supplies: jelly size jars, old cds, clothes pins, brown or gray socks, stuffing, play sand and brown paper bags. Just bring them to the library.
Friends of the Library
Membership for the Friends is open to all only $3.00 per year for social or active participation. Lots of exciting programs are in the making right now and your volunteering an hour or so would be very welcome. Mr. Greg tells us he is bringing “Magic” to the Forest this fall. WOW how exciting. Can’t wait for more!
National Guardsman Home
One of our own National Guardsman Sgt. 1st class Terry Northworthy of the 631st maintenance Co. has just returned to the USA fom Iraq for a 30 day furlough. His first on top of the list was to take his wife Sandy to the Chinese Buffet, have a pizza, and a big juicy American hamburger as well as see his relatives and friends. This will mean a trip to New England and more. So when you see him say “Hi, Thank you and welcome home Sarge.” That’s how we feel about all our veterans that served. Thank you and we appreciate all you do.
WATCH OUT For Children
When school is out children can be anywhere. When they are having fun they don’t always think of road so you must do that for them. When school reopens they will again be gathering at bus stops.
EARLY VOTING
There will be early primary voting in August. Be sure to register if you have not already registered so you can participate. Check for candidate meeting during the month so you will know who is running.
Green Parking at the Library
There seems to be some confusion as to how one is suppose to park at the Forest Public Library. When you park have your car straddle the grass. If you do this and your car leaks, the fluids will be filtered by the sand. If you spill on the concrete, the oil, etc. will be washed by the rains into the drain and from there it will go into the ground water. So green up, straddle the green!
Ghost Towns
6th in our series of Ghost Towns is Electra. Electra was located about 4 miles south of Hwy. 40 on the east side of 314A. Founded about 1848, the community was officially named by Marty Fears Waters in 1882. It is believed that Electra had three different post office locations over the years. One was a post office/general store one block south of the current Electra Cemetary. A later Post Office was built by Chas Harris on 314 A 1/2 mile north of the cemetary, in operation until 1931, and the building still stands.
Electra had a school house used as the voting precinct and meeting house on the east side of 314 A just south of the current Moose Lodge. There was a turpentine still in the area and the Harmony Baptist church once stood behind the cemetary but was later moved to Ocklawaha.
Before Hwy. 40 the only route to Volusia County was a dirt road that crossed 314 A named Volusia Road. A short distance north of Electra was Sellers Road which ran east to the Sellar’s home. Wm. Bowman was one of the first burials at Electra in 1885 (As the property was owned by him.) In 1908 the Federal Government bought up the majority of private property around Electra for the Ocala National forest, leading to the demise of the community.
In Memory of Nick
We are very sorry to report that one of our outstanding residents, Nick Wehring, had passed away. A former deputy sheriff in Cincinnati Ohio, Nick has been a resident, off Levy Hammock rd. for a long time. He always set up at the flea market at the community Center, was an active member of Forest Advisory Council and Friends of Forest Library. We will miss him. Here is an article from his granddaughter.
My Experience in South Korea
For the past 9 months I have been teaching English in Ansan, South Korea. Today South Korea is peaceful and prosperous. Many people from Russia, Eastern Europe, India and Pakistan come here searching for a better life. This kind of freedom would not have been possible without the aid of American forces during the Korean War.
When I told my students (ages 6-17) that my grandfather, Nick Wehring, served in the Korean War they all said “Please tell your grandfather that we are so grateful for his sacrifice so we could be free.”
In Seoul there are dozens of memorials, dedicated to the strength, honor and valor of Korean and American soldiers. At the Korean War memorial and Museum in Seoul there is a five city block long hallway with bronze plaques, listing all of the names of American soldiers that fought and died defending Korean liberty. There is even a plaque that reads, in both Korean and English, “Lets pray for the cherished memories of the souls of all the defenders of the Republic of Korea.”
I have never felt more proud to be an American than I did visiting that memorial. I see daily how thankful the Korean people are to the American troops of the past and the present. I am told by my students and their parents how vital it was that America stepped in to help. My own grandfather, who died recently, was a veteran of the Korean War.
To all veterans of the Korean War, please know that your efforts and sacrifices were most definitely not in vain. The Korean people have not forgotten you.”
Solid Rock Bible Church News
Join us and be blessed at a patriotic morning service on July 4th at 11:00 a.m. Children’s church and nursery available! A Sonshine Youth Group day is planned for a Suday in July! Sonshine Group follows the 10:00 bible study and 11:00 service. Lunch, games, prizes and snacks are provided until 4:30 p.m. Bus pickup is available. The date of this is to be announced.
Our first Bible Fellowship in May was a great blessing.! We will be meeting again on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m Bring your bible (and a pot luck dish if you can) and be prepared for great spiritual nourishment and fellowship! See you on June 30th. For more info call 625-6500
Red Hats at Hard Rock
The First Ladies of the Forest Red Hat Society Chapter is going to Hard Rock and more. Ladies in the Forest that are over 50 years young, are real good sports, enjoy laughing and are interested in membership in the Royal Family can call the Queen “Mum” at 625-2279. The Royal family has adopted the HELP Agency as their charity for 2010. Remember while school is out more food is needed at HELP. Do what you can every little and big help is appreciated.
Happy Birthday
Matt Jordan of the Forest Crime Watch turned 91 on June 10. Matt is an outstanding citizen and community volunteer. Not only does Matt patrol twice a week for the Forest COPS, but volunteers a day a week to shuttle patients around Munroe Hospital. Matt sets a fine example for us all. Kudos to you for all you do and many more birthdays.
Security Checks
Did you know that the Sheriff’s Dept. will check your house and property weekly if you are away for more than two weeks. Many of our ‘snowbirds’ take adantage of this valuable service each year. According to Lt. Ramires, theft and vandalism of winter homes was down last year. Even if an incident occurs it is more likely to be solved since evidence is fresh.
At this time the COPS are doing 96 homes at least weekly. Applications can be found at the Forest Sheriff’s office on Hwy. 40 8-5.
COPS
The Forest COPS Patrol celebrated it’s 4th birthday May 3rd. Since the beginning 4 years ago they have completed 33,379 hours patrolling the community. This unit patrols more hours and miles than any other COPS unit in Marion Co.
On April 15th the Sheriff’s office held the annual appreciation dinner for the many COPS units. Forest COPS President Ernie Barney (800+ hours) and Secretary/Treasurer Judy Campbell (700+ hours) were honored for their many hours served.
Patrol hours: March 958, April 829,& May 539.
With the winter residents gone and security checks up, the patrol could use more volunteers.
Have a few hours to spare? A minimum of 4 hours a month is all that’s required, plus a sound background and driving record. Details and sign ups at the Forest Sheriffs Office 8-5, M-F.
Harmony in the Streets, a summer program for kids will be held this year at the Ocklawaha Baptist Church July 6-9. For more info call the Sheriff’s office. Also the COPS patrol will be helping with the security at the Methodist Church’s vacation bible school in July and the annual collection of school supplies this summer.
Are You Ready?
We are just on the edge of the busiest part of hurricane season. Are you prepared? Now is the time to get those supplies together and make a plan. Don’t know what to get together? The Division of Emergency Management has prepared a great little Booklet to help. Call 352-625-3205 or look on the web at www.marionco.com to get the information you need to protect your family and property now.
Gathering School Supplies
It doesn’t seem possible but it is time to think of school and school supplies again. The HELP Agency is looking for school supplies, as are many of the local churches. The Arnette House in town can use school supplies year round. Contact any of the above if you wish to donate.
HORSES ‘N’ HEROES
Founded in 1997 by Mrs. Mindy Morrow, this charity allows under privileged girls seven and up to get close to horses. Since 2005 Horses ‘n” Heroes has been located on a farm in Citra. Five days a week, from 1Oa.m. to 5 p.m. the girls in the program learn how to ride, how to care for the horses and how to run a farm. Currently there are 35 girls involved in the program.
Due to the current economic situation Mrs. Mindy is having a hard time keeping the program going. She is always looking for donations or sponsors. The girls, themselves, are also trying to raise money and sponsors to put them through the local Marion Saddle Club Horse Shows, something they work all year to do. Come to the Horse Show, September 18-19 to see the girls in action. Free Admission. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
For more information contact the Horses ‘n’ Heroes founder and trainer at 352-629-5280.
We met one of the girls involved in Horses ‘n’ Heroes when she was selling hot dogs and homemade fudge to raise money. We asked her to write an article and she did the above story.
Appleton Museum Events
July – First Sat. programs for children
Trips N Tours program
Educational Art Film
August 8 – Last day to view Appleton Biennial 2010
9-30-Appleton closed for summer break.
Kola
Our neighbor Miss Kola Bodine has fallen and injured her back. Greeting cards would cheer her up. Send them in care of 176 NE 168th Ct. Silver Springs, 34488. Her Red Hat family will take them to her on their visit. Lady Bodine will be 101 years old in August. Just Fantastic!! Happy days and Happy Birthday cake is on the way.
VFW Auxilliary
Did you know that the Ft. McCoy Veterans Home has a VFW amd Auxilliary now? Call the home for more info, they will be glad to hear from you.
Sayings from Grumpy
1. The roman numerals for 40 are XL
2. The easiest way to find something lost is to buy a replacement.
3. Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else.
4. The sole pupose of a child’s middle name is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.
5. Birds of a feather flock together and poop on your car.
In the Forest
Ocala National Forest will hold a Free Day at several day use locations on Aug. 14-15. Included are: Mill Dam, Lake Eaton, Lake Dorr, Farles, and Fore Lake. The Springs are not included.
Meet the Candidates
Forest Advisory Council will host a Meet the Candidates night the end of July or first of Aug. Each candidate will speak on their opinions, have a table to distribute campaign material and meet the public. Call 625-6021 to participate or to confirm the date.
School Supplies
Forest Advisory Council will again be collecting school supplies for East Marion Elementary School. Collection boxes will be placed in area businesses in July and the COPS will be holding a “Stuff the Trunk” campaign to collect supplies. These items will be given directly to the school to dispense to all students as they need them.
Christmas in July
Forest United Methodist Church will have a Christmas gift shop on July 17 from 9 to 1. Lunch will be available, plus many homemade gifts, jelly and baked goods.
Support the Forest Public Library
If you have not already toured our wonderful new library make a point of stopping in. There are many programs going on. The Friends will not be meeting during July & August but will resume the 2nd Wed. in Sept. at 10:30 am. Come join us, support your local library.
Where to visit for under $5
- Free putting at Pine Oaks
- Start your family tree at the genealogy dept. of Marion Co. Library
- Tour the horse farms by driving along Rt. 27
- Play Frisbee golf at Greenways Sand Trails on Baseline Rd.
- Take your dog out for socializing at Millenium Dog Park
- Go to Mill Dam for an afternoon of swimming, picnicking and fishing
- On a Monday go visit Webster Flea Market