The Forest matters - Feburary 2024

The Forest Matters

FPOA President’s Update

During the winter months at dusk and dawn it is important when walking, skating or biking on our sidewalks or streets to wear bright clothing, or, better yet, a small light in front and back. These two suggestions will help differentiate you from the background for drivers of vehicles.

Since the hurricane we have struggled to keep up with the failure of coach lights throughout The Forest. The light system consists of a pole, a metal and glass head fixture, the lamp in a socket and an electric eye controlled on and off mechanism to detect the arrival of night and morning. These items are the responsibility of the FPOA maintenance person. The electrical service to the coach lamp is the responsibility of the homeowner.

At the end of last summer a survey was taken at night which found over 200 lights still inoperable. Another survey taken by your correspondent and spouse just before Christmas found 88 still not operating with about 25 barely working. While some progress had been made unfortunately the fact remains the situation is not a static one. Some lights which were fixed have failed for many reasons. Plus, our maintenance person works during the day, so, if a light not working is not reported to the main gate office there is no way to know it is out. Also, the corrosive nature of the floodwater from the hurricane continues to work to destroy the connection from a home to the lamp in some situations, especially in older homes where the electrical connection used less modern materials. With all this information at hand

it has been decided to hire a professional electrician who knows our community to work to bring the entire system to a total operating status. During this time when it is determined the electrical service is not operating the electrician will notify the homeowner and quote a price for repairing it. The homeowner can choose that opportunity or hire someone else to fix the problem. It is possible the lack of electrical service may only be a switch inside the home not turned on.

When the entire task of repairing the system has been accomplished notification of an outage by calling the main gate office by the homeowners, or their neighbors when they are away, will allow our maintenance person to keep up with making sure the entire system remains operational.

The members of the FPOA Board of Directors are your contacts to use to offer suggestions or place complaints about the operation of our community. A list of members and their contact information can be found at our website: https:// theforest.connectresident.com.

We are aware many streetlights are not working. They are the sole responsibility of Florida Power and Light (FPL). FPL is aware of the problem, and has us on a list of work still to be done.

Our plans to repave those streets in The Forest in need of this work include Cotton Tail Court, Bear Cub Court, Forest Boulevard from the main gate to Bobcat Drive and Pheasant Court. This will probably take place before you read this. Advance notice will be given to the homeowners affected.

Power washing of sidewalks and curbs throughout The Forest will take place over the next two months. We will be using only high pressure water for this. No chemicals will be involved.

There may be some misunderstanding about the purpose of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Simply put, it is in place to help our neighbors make decisions on changes to the exterior of their homes and the landscaping surrounding it which conform to our rules, bylaws and deed restrictions. The form which will engage the committee can be obtained on our website and at the main gate. It needs to be completed by the homeowner and turned in to the main gate along with detailed plans showing the changes to be made. If a discussion about the changes is needed the homeowner will be contacted by the committee and a meeting will be held. A positive vote by the ARC is needed for the homeowner to proceed.

The Forest community annual meeting will take place in March. Notices about this event will be sent to all residents in late January.

Last, but not at all least, the fountain system at the main gate pond has been replaced and is operating. A pair of swans immediately took up their traditional stations to guard against airborne intruders.

Chuck

Patten, President, Board of Directors, Forest Property Owners Association

The 86th Annual Edison Festival Of Lights

Parade – Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 To 10 p.m.

The Edison Festival of Light is a three-week celebration that takes place each February to honor the contributions that Thomas Alva Edison made to our Fort Myers community!

The history and culture of the Southwest Florida area is celebrated with several events including the hands-on STEM focused day where over 100 different booths are set up that allow kids and their families the opportunity to explore science and innovation by taking part in experiments like snow creation and robotics! The festival

also features a day of Junior festivities like the Fun Run and Parade where marching bands, families and local businesses dress up and entertain the crowd along a onemile route.

The festival concludes with the Grand Parade of Light, our signature event that attracts international visitors and more than 200,000 participants and attendees.

The Grand Parade is the largest lighted night parade in the country and features out of town special entertainment in the parade, large floats that have decorative lighting arrangements, imaginative costumes, marching bands and more!

STEMtastic Day Of Discovery

Feb. 10 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Caloosa Sound Convention Center

STEMtastic invites all children and their families to participate in this exciting day of discovery. This event is free to the public.

There will be over 125 exhibits to explore and food available for purchase.

Edison Mutt Strutt

Dogs will take over Centennial Park on Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dog lovers, families, vendors and pet agencies gather for fun, food and mutt strut! Pooches and owners in costumes or their finest bling – even a few doggie floats mixed in! We will have wiener dog races and the Pet Parade.

The event is free to the public and only requires a small registration fee for contest participating pups. Medals are awarded in several categories including the infamous look-alike and Mayor’s awards.

No admission required to enjoy this great event! This event is taking place along with The Edison Food Truck Wars.

Grab your “mutt” and join in on the loads of fun activities for pups and people alike at the annual Edison Festival of Light Mutt Strutt!

Edison Junior Fun Run

Feb. 11 – 12 to 1 p.m

Hundreds of young participants turn out to show their determination and pride. The Junior Fun Run is open to children in grades 5 and below.

Fourth and fifth graders run a mile, third graders run three-quarters of a mile, first and second graders run half a mile, kindergarten students run one-quarter mile, and students under 5 years old run 50 to 75 yards. The Fort Myers Track Club helps to make this a fantastic, active event for the children and many children run year after year.

Edison Festival Of Light Junior Parade

Feb. 11 –1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Florida’s largest youth parade showcases the creativity and talents of hundreds of Southwest Florida children and their families. Over 100 units including floats, marching bands, dancers, street performers, clowns and dignitaries parade their way around the Downtown River District. The annual event has been taking place in Southwest Florida since the 1940s and gets better every year! The Junior Parade is held during the day and is a smaller version of the Grand Parade. It’s old-fashioned family fun for participants and spectators. Come join us and be part of the tradition!

Southwest Florida Reading Festival Marks Its 25th Anniversary

Saturday, March 2

The 25th Southwest Florida Reading Festival will be held this year on the outdoor downtown campus of the Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers, Fla.

The event, which is free to the public begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. The day is packed with a plethora of events for children and readers of all ages.

Parking

Paid parking is available on downtown streets. Also a flat rate of $10 will get you into the Main Street Parking Garage at 2286 Main St. Cash or credit cards are accepted.

Food

A host of food trucks will be available in addition to a popular deli that will have box lunches for purchase.

Download The Mobile App

The easiest way to keep track of festival activities is to download the mobile app which will be under the phrase SWFL ReadFest. Festival programs will be available at the

event and on the website www.readfest.org

Name A Character Raffle Tickets

Enter for a chance to name a character after yourself or a friend in an upcoming book by Alda Dobbs, Alexandra Alessandri, John Patrick Green, Kristan Higgins, Melinda Leigh, Terri Libenson, Sarah MacLean, Nina Moreno, Vanessa Riley or Lauren Wolk!

Authors

Authors scheduled to attend the reading festival include suspense authors Jeffery Deaver, Lisa Unger and Ben Coes, along with historical fiction writers Sarah Penner and Charles Todd. Award-winning writer, artist and animated series creator Dan Yaccarino tops the list of youth authors, which also includes Sunshine State Young Readers Award winners Karina Yan Glaser, Karen Kilpatrick, Laura Martin and Joe McGee. Featured teen authors include Florida Teens Read award-winning writer Lamar Giles and fantasy novelist Adalyn Grace.

From romance to thrillers, sci-fi to humor, and graphic novels to nonfiction, an array of genres are represented.

The Southwest Florida Reading Festival features author presentations and book signings for all ages, writing awards, digital resource demonstrations, crafts and more. In fulfilling

by the Fort Myers Track Club and includes chip timing and an after-event awards program.

Visit www.edisonfestival.org to register.

Edison Grand Parade VIP Tent

Over the years, the Edison Festival 5K Race has gained international notoriety. Well over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators take over the streets of the Downtown River District. Register your team for this 3.1-mile race for fun! This professional event is coordinated from start to finish

(Fire, Life or Death) 911 Sheriff (Noise, Trespassing, etc.) 477-1000

(Authorizing Guest) 482-6666

Raccoons) (888) 404-3922

Feb. 17 – 7 to 11 p.m.

Step into the VIP tent for an exclusive experience at the 86th annual Edison Festival of Light parade. Indulge in a delectable array of fabulous food and drinks, meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds. As you savor each bite, a talented DJ keeps the atmosphere alive with toe-tapping beats and infectious tunes. With VIP parade seating, you’ll have the best view on the parade route, allowing you to immerse yourself in the spectacular sights and sounds of

the festival’s mission to promote reading, literacy and library services, every child and teen in attendance will receive a free book at the event

“I am thrilled the Library System’s signature event has reached this amazing milestone of 25 years promoting reading, literacy and library services in Lee County,” said Mindi Simon, director of the Lee County Library System. “Having attended every event, I am so impressed by the range of authors we’ve brought to the community and the dedication of library staff and volunteers who create this world-class event each year.”

A way to be involved with this year’s festival is to sponsor authors’ meals, hotels, flights and other event costs. Opportunities range from $25 to $1,000, and contributions can be made securely online through the festival website. This new program is called “Adopt An Author.”

Proceeds from “Adopt An Author” benefit the Southwest Florida Reading Festival, which is free and communitysupported through donations, sponsorships and grants.

Visit ReadFest.org for a full list of participating authors and their biographies, along with additional event and donation information. More information also is available by calling (239) 533-4832.

this grand celebration. Join us in this unforgettable VIP tent experience and elevate your parade experience to a whole new level of extravagance.

Grand Parade VIP tickets: Adult $60, child $30. Purchase tickets at www.edisonfestival.org.

Street Seats – $15

Street seats are folding chairs that line the parade route in the downtown area. They are sold by various nonprofit organizations in the area as a fundraising effort.

Reserved street seating can be purchased through one of the nonprofit organizations below for $15 each. All seats are located on Edwards Drive and Jackson Street in Downtown Fort Myers.

For more information visit the festival website at www. edisonfestival.org or email info@edisonfestival.org or call (239) 334-2999.

Registration Now Open For 26th Annual Minnesota Twins Golf Classic On Feb. 15

The Annual Event Will Support Lee Health Cancer Institute

On Feb. 15 the annual Minnesota Twins Golf Classic will be back in full “swing.” At the 2024 event, golfers will raise funds in support of Lee Health Cancer Institute’s lifesaving programs.

The tournament will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Topgolf in Fort Myers, located at 2021 Topgolf Way. Participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the annual event. In addition to a fun game of golf, the event will feature in-game competitions and prizes, and the opportunity to interact with multiple Minnesota Twins celebrities.

Funds raised at the event will benefit Lee Health Cancer Institute and its treatment, research, education, state-of-theart technology and innovations. Through donations and support, the institute is able to provide

Institute

cancer care and financial difficulties by providing qualified uninsured and underinsured patients with care.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available for the 26th Annual Minnesota Twins Golf Classic. Individual registration is $250. Individual golfers will be assigned to a team of five and partnered with a Minnesota Twins celebrity. Registration for a team of five golfers is $1,000, which includes tickets for five players, a Twins celebrity golf partner and a commemorative hole sign featuring autographs from all Minnesota Twins players.

The Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 tournament is the Twins Fantasy Camp. A variety of additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested in becoming a sponsor may select a sponsor package when completing the online tournament registration form to be contacted by a Lee Health representative. Registration ends on Feb. 8. To register and learn more, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Twins.

About Lee Health Foundation

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples. Over the last year, the foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call (239) 343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.

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