The Forest Matters Another Seabreeze Publication VOL. 31 NO. 1
www.seabreezecommunications.com
JANUARY 2024
FPOA President’s Update Responsible, knowledgeable and effective committee chairs and those who serve on their committees are essential to the operation of our community. In the past month we have lost two important chairmen. That we have replacements to take over the offices speaks well for The Forest. It is essential for everyone who has a pool on their property to understand the importance of having it protected. A pool cage or fence is essential to keep out unwanted intrusions. The Forest Property Owners Association annual assessment payment and, for those who have Hotwire services, the payment of the annual cost of this service, are due Jan. 1, 2024. Invoices have been mailed recently and there is a grace period which ends on Jan. 31. Late payment penalties will be assessed after that date.
The cleaning of sidewalks will commence as soon as we have decided on a vendor to do the work. We will obtain a service which uses only high pressure water to do the cleaning. Chemicals used in the past tend to kill the grass and other plantings along the walks. Road resurfacing will commence sometime in January or early February. There are four projects planned: Bear Cub Court, Pheasant Court, Cottontail Court and Forest Boulevard from the main gate to Bobcat Drive. Residents on these four streets will be inconvenienced for 24 to 36 hours in that usage of these thoroughfares will not be allowed once the work commences. This work will be repeated every 25 years, or, for the more romantic, every quarter century. The starting date for each job will be scheduled two or more weeks in advance, so planning for the inconvenience can be made.
Once the paving is finished the removal of the speed humps and their replacement by speed calming tables will commence. The place where the speed hump is now on Bobcat Drive will change to be further from the curve just to the south. Finally, road striping will start once all the work described above is completed. Reflective white paint will be used to help designate the sides of the more dangerous curves. By the time you read this, the Christmas holiday will have passed and planning for the New Year observance will have begun. It is hoped everyone has had a wonderful time with friends and family during the holiday season. Chuck Patten, President, Board of Directors, Forest Property Owners Association
Enjoy The Arts In Style As An ArtFest Garden Council To Fort Myers VIP Club Member Present ‘Awesome Experience ArtFest Fort Myers As A Very Important Patron On Friday, Feb. 2, join us in the VIP Club at Caloosa Sound for the opening night party and savor delectable culinary delights from some of the finest restaurants in our area, complemented by great wine and ice-cold beer. The evening will also showcase 75 festival artists and a free pops concert, “Symphony on the Sound,” performed by the Gulf Coast Symphony and presented by Publix. As a VIP, you will also enjoy VIP Club parking, which is reserved exclusively for you adjacent to the art festival. Throughout the festival weekend, luxuriate in the VIP Club, an exclusive retreat reserved for ticket holders that offers a serene oasis amidst your artful shopping. The VIP Club provides culinary indulgences, beverages, and the convenience of reserved parking throughout the day. This exclusive experience is priced at $135 per person. To relish the ArtFest Fort Myers VIP Club and bask in the creativity of over 200 artists as a very important patron, visit ArtFestFortMyers.com and click on the VIP Club button or contact us at (239) 768-3602. The Forest Matters
Blossoms’
Save The Date, Feb. 13 For Strolling Flower Show
ArtFest Fort Myers, an annual juried fine art festival, unfolds on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the grand opening night event on Friday, Feb. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the vibrant Fort Myers River District. Immerse yourself in an unparalleled experience featuring over 200 professional artists from around the country and worldwide, including the largest high school art exhibit and competition in Southwest Florida and a diverse range of interactive PRSRT STD art experiences designed for US POSTAGE children of all ages. PAID FT MYERS FL For further information, PERMIT 751 please visit ArtFestFortMyers. com or contact us at (239) 768-3602 or info@ ArtFestFortMyers.com. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #artfestfm. ArtFest on page 4
The annual Strolling Flower Show, presented by the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, will be held on Feb. 13, at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. “Awesome Blossoms,” this year’s theme, is free to the public; donations will be accepted to help defray show expenses. The public will serve as the judges for the three entry categories – most tropical, best interpretation of the theme, and my favorite design. The three winners will be announced at a future thank you luncheon. The featured artist for the show is Heidi Love Larranz. The Strolling Flower Show has a long history of being presented annually by the Periwinkle Garden Club, a member of the Garden Council. Space for show arrangements is limited; designers from the various Garden Council affiliates should request a space from Anina Bachrach, aninabach@aol.com, no later than Jan. 15. Sponsors for the show are being sought and should contact aninabach@aol.com. The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council was formed in 1957 and now comprises various clubs, societies, and affiliate members in the area. The council assists in educating and beautifying the community and improving the environment. The council is a member of the National Garden Clubs, the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, and American Public Gardens. For additional information about the council and the strolling flower show contact Susan Fero, SDF40@aol.com.