The Forest Matters Another Seabreeze Publication VOL. 31 NO. 4
www.seabreezecommunications.com
APRIL 2024
FPOA President’s Update One of our neighbors has written asking me to discuss a safety issue regarding those who use our sidewalks to walk their dogs every day. Our pets are not all good-natured and instinctively may react protectively when startled. When approaching dog walkers from the rear it would help to let the walker and the pet know you are coming by announcing your presence with a soft greeting to keep the pet from being startled and reacting negatively. At night, dawn and dusk please wear bright clothing when walking, biking or roller skating on our streets. Dark clothes tend to blend in with the background. Bright clothes or a small light worn front and back will allow the driver of a vehicle to notice you from a safe distance. When you read this the work we all have waited so long to start and be finished should be completed. The paving, road striping and the sidewalk cleaning were to be done before the publish date of this letter. We were aware the paving would
inconvenience some and tried to plan the work to minimize the time necessary for the work to be completed. Those who had their road repaved should consider the fact it will not be needed again for 20 to 25 years. We are getting close to the time when some of our neighbors travel to more temperate climes for the summer. There is a form that needs to be completed to inform the gate access officers about the details of your absence. It is available on the website or at either entrance gate. Once filled out they can be left at either gate or emailed to: jordan.buffington@ fsresdential.com. It is important we know how to reach you while you are away. This information will remain confidential. No one not on your acceptable list on DwellingLive or on this form will be able to visit your home while you are away. Elections will have taken place in March to choose representatives for single-family homeowners who will be
board members of the Forest Property Owners Association (FPOA) for the 2024-25 year. Results of these elections will have been announced at the annual meeting of the FPOA on March 25. At the FPOA organizational meeting on that date which will include board members from the 14 subassociations along with representatives of the four phases of the aforementioned homeowners, officers of the Board of Directors will be elected for one-year terms. Your correspondent has had the privilege and pleasure of serving as the president of the FPOA Board of Directors for the past six years. Were I re-elected for one more year my additional responsibility would be to prepare a successor to take over for me in March of 2025. Stay well, Chuck Patten, President, Forest Property Owners Association
What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates? By Debbie Hughes, Horticulture Director When I first moved to Florida more than 30 years ago, I didn’t know anything about gardening in this climate. The soil, heat, and lack of a real winter created new challenges. While I loved gardening in the other states that I lived in, I was truly blown away with the diversity of plants that can be grown here all year long.
Several begonias are featured in the new begonia garden just outside the Moonlight Garden and Edison’s study.
In the rural area that I grew up in, gardens weren’t that impressive to me. They were nice in their own right, but with such a short-lived experience, what was I to do the rest of the year? Our garden endeavors included growing vegetables and fruits in the summer months so they could be canned or frozen for use during the rest of the year. Summer months were also when my grandma and mother grew their favorite flowers and when we mowed the grass. Does a year-round garden require a lot of work? It sure does! Anything worth doing usually takes some extra effort to be successful. It didn’t take me long to realize how different gardening in Florida is and I was thoroughly impressed when I What’s Blooming on page 5
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Latin Dance With Angela Wednesday, April 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dance Lesson, 8 to 11 p.m., Dance Party, Entry: donations The first Wednesday of each month, SBDAC celebrates the art of movement with Latin dance with Angela. Popular local singer and dancer Angela Hicks will lead attendees with pointers in popular dance styles such as rumba and salsa. Doors open at 6 p.m. to the 6:30 to 7:30 class in the Grand Atrium, followed by dancing until 11 p.m. where everyone can practice their new moves. The Forest Matters
No dance experience required! No cover and open to the public! D.J. Julz Wednesday, April 3, 8 to 11 p.m., Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar open from 6 to 11 p.m., Donation entry Julio Osegueda with the stage name of D.J. Julz (Hoolz) was born in Long Island, N.Y. Of Dominican Republic descent and currently residing in Southwest Florida, he became a D.J. in 2007. Accommodating so many styles and cultures of music, Julio’s love for music is second to none! His résumé includes providing music in international waters through Carnival Cruise Lines. D.J. Julz (Hoolz) specializes in being able to mix multiple genres of music to ensure his crowds are experiencing top notch times. Cinematic Impressions PRSRT STD Artist: Reynier llanes US POSTAGE Opens: April 5, 6 p.m., PAID FT MYERS FL closes: April 25, 5 p.m., PERMIT 751 Grand Atrium, Entry: donations Reynier Llanes is a CubanAmerican artist devoted to painting different techniques from a very young age. For years, he has been passionate about exploring the intricacies of brushes, textures, and the
build-on over a variety of supports. He has demonstrated a mastery of either watercolors or oils on canvas or paper. His immense talents as a realist painter can be appreciated in the bigger formats as well as the small, detailed ones. The last were selected for this exhibition. The Nostaljah Band Friday, April 5, 7 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar opens from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Donations encouraged Nostaljah is a dynamic reggae band that brings an authentic and soulful sound to the stage. The band is steeped in the rich tradition of reggae music, with a modern twist that reflects their diverse influences. Formed in 2015, Nostaljah has been captivating audiences with their unique blend of reggae, R&B, and neosoul. The band’s infectious energy and positive vibes have earned them a devoted following both at home and abroad. Famous Author Lecture And Lunch Enjoy a lunch, lecture, question and answer, and booksigning with bestselling author Caren S. Neile. Monday, April 8, 12 to 2 p.m., doors open: 11:30 a.m., Grand Atrium Author: Caren S. Neile General admission: $45, table of eight, $360 General admission is first come, first-served seating. Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., MFA, has taught storytelling studies Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center on page 4