The Forest matters - March 2024

The Forest Matters

FPOA President’s Update

There have been many changes occurring in The Forest over the past few months. A personnel change of note is the addition of a new maintenance person. His name is Peter Greco. He is skilled in carpentry, plumbing, electrical service and you will be seeing him around our community fixing, painting and replacing many of the fixtures we use every day.

One of our pride and joys is the beautiful Cuban laurel tree in the park at the big curve on Timberlakes. The electrical service to its lighting has been restored. Please take a moment to drive by and enjoy the sight.

The annual meeting of The Forest community will take place on March 25 at The Forest Country Club. The first notice was sent out in January, and you will be receiving the second notice at the beginning of March.

The long awaited repaving of four of our streets will have started by the time you read this. Following this work will be the removal of the speed humps and their replacement by speed calming tables. Once all this is finished the complete

restriping of all our roads will commence. None of this could occur until an agreement was made with the county to remove the illegal humps.

The pressure cleaning of our sidewalks was delayed by the fact we had construction taking place at many homes. Contractors used them for parking and storage of materials. It was decided to wait until most of this work was completed.

The problems with the coach lights in The Forest now have a solution. There may be some misunderstanding of these issues which needs further explanation. Each single-family home has a coach light system of its own. Each is independent of all other similar systems. The duties involved in each system have two entities responsible: the homeowner for maintaining the electrical service to the light and the FPOA for servicing and maintaining the coach light itself. The hurricane did damage to almost every system. The project of repair started last summer. Along with his other duties our maintenance person was not able to bring the project to a close, and, because the damage done to the wiring by the corrosive flood water continued unabated

Annual Hibiscus Show

Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers

The James E. Hendry (JEH) Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society announces its 71st Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale on Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. This free hibiscus show is the oldest, largest and best attended of all Florida’s hibiscus shows, attracting several hundred people annually. This continuing show is made possible through the generosity of community sponsors.

“The event will showcase hundreds of different hybrid hibiscus blooms in a variety of colors and forms which will be judged in several different classes including amateur, collector, open collector, commercial, miniatures and seedlings,” explains Beth Meehan, president. In addition, more than 400 hybrid hibiscus plants will be for sale for $20. All credit cards are accepted. Parking and admission to the Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale is free.

This is the best opportunity Southwest Floridians have to add to their hybrid hibiscus collection as these plants are not available in local garden centers. This delicate and beautiful plant grows abundantly in Florida’s subtropical climate. Members of the chapter who are experts in the care and growing of hibiscus will be available to provide advice. Several senior American Hibiscus Society judges will also be available to answer any questions regarding the rule for judging blooms.

Anyone who would like to learn how to grow, graft and hybridize this attractive tropical flowering plant can do so by joining the James E. Hendry Chapter, AHS at the show. The show is the highlight of the year for the chapter; monthly meetings are held at The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers on the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Details on the JEH Chapter and pictures of all the blooms that will be available for sale can be found on the chapter’s website www. hendrychapterhibiscus.com.

it was necessary to employ someone to concentrate solely on this job. We have hired such a person. He expects to have all the items which are the Association’s responsibility fixed by the end of March or sooner. It still will be the responsibility of the individual homeowner to maintain the electrical service to the light. After completion it will be possible for our maintenance person to maintain the coach lights themselves into the future. During the holiday season many of our residents flew what could be considered holiday themed flags. According to our Scrooge-like flag regulations, this was prohibited. An amendment to this rule was proposed and passed at our last FPOA board meeting. In the future from December 1st through January 10th holiday themed flags in good condition and good taste will be allowed.

Stay Well, Chuck Patten, President, Board of Directors, Forest Property Owners Association

38th Annual All

Florida Exhibition

March 1 Through March 30

10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Fla.

This annual show is the most anticipated of the year. As the name suggests, this exhibition features pieces created by artists working in a wide variety of media from all over the 65,000 square miles that make up Florida. The juried entries come together for an award-winning and exciting exhibition representing today’s contemporary Florida artists. The exhibition will be on display March 1 through 30. 38th Annual All Florida Juried Exhibition Dates

Exhibit Dates: March 1 to March 30

Opening Reception: March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Pick up accepted work: April 1, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

$1,000 cash for Best in Show, Second Place – $300 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials, Third Place –$150 cash, Jurors’ Choice Award – Artist Membership ($75 value), American Art Collector Award of Excellence – One full page advertisement in American Art Collector Magazine

Laura Guerrero is a Colombian-American curator and arts administrator based in Miami, Fla. She is the programs coordinator overseeing exhibitions at Oolite Arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Virginia, where her specialty was contemporary Australian Aboriginal art and

Laura Guerrero

Emergency (Fire, Life or Death)

Sheriff (Noise, Trespassing, etc.) 477-1000

Gatehouse (Authorizing Guest) 482-6666

FPOA Office (Rules, Lighting, etc.) 482-1109

Mosquito Problems 694-2174

Animal Services (Unleashed dogs) 432-2083

FL Fish & Game (Gators, Raccoons) (888) 404-3922 Forest Country Club 482-8378

What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?

By Karen Maxwell, Horticulture Specialist

It only happens once every two years. On March 3, from noon to 4 p.m., Edison Ford Winter Estates will host Art in Bloom – Fort Myers, a floral interpretation of the new art exhibit “Rebirth and Renewal,” showcased in the oldest home in Fort Myers, Edison’s Caretaker’s Cottage.

Dating to approximately 1847, it is said that the old cottage was built with repurposed wood from the original downtown fort. Over the years, Art in Bloom – Fort Myers has produced stunning arrangements for themes such as Ford’s Garage, Edison’s Jungle and Berne Davis’ 100th birthday. According to Megan Kissinger, Edison Ford’s resident artist and show curator, “Rebirth and Renewal” provides artists a chance to celebrate recovery – whether from Hurricane Ian, a personal struggle, or from the pandemic – in any medium, including paint, sculpture or wall hanging.

Partnering with the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council (the local umbrella organization for 14 garden clubs and eight garden groups), this year’s event will also serve as a tribute honoring two floral designers who participated in every Art in Bloom – Fort Myers event since its inception, and sadly both passed away in September of 2023.

These eclectic designers were frequent winners, acknowledged for extraordinary talent with seemingly uncomplicated executions of arrangements that belied the novelty and complex use of pedestrian materials in their floral interpretations.

The concept of Art in Bloom originated at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and it has become a ritual of spring throughout the country. Unlike other locations, Art in Bloom – Fort Myers is open to any member of a garden club associated with the Garden Council, with or without formal

training, and the winner is determined by People’s Choice voting. The show does not require conformance to National Garden Club (NGC) standards – i.e., the dying of flowers is permitted in this show.

In September of 2023, Winnie Stone, just two weeks shy of her 101st birthday and Suzy Valentine, who would have probably declined sharing her age, both passed away. Stone, originally from Boca Raton, moved to Fort Myers after Hurricane Andrew and was a longtime member of the Royal Palm Garden Club and a mentor to Fort Myer’s floral design group known as Potpourri. She inspired many with an attitude that anyone can design, make it fun, do what you like, and then she would apply her critical eye and demonstrate how to make it better, often employing the “Winnie Twist” to a flower or element in the design. Stone, a national judge, was a great friend of Marty Ward who started the Cape Coral Garden Club and together they tutored many to become sanctioned National Garden Club judges, including Paula Novander, one of this year’s designers.

As bold as her beloved Stifftia chrysantha blooms, Suzy Valentine never shied away from choosing the biggest or brightest art pieces, and she tutored students to choose materials from their own garden or borrow from a friend’s garden. Also an NGC judge and a member of Gulf Coast Garden Club in Bonita Springs, Valentine spent many years in South America and with her late husband David Southall (a noted botanist and nurseryman), she never tired of sharing her horticultural expertise with any willing learner.

Valentine believed that good floral design must reflect good horticulture – the understanding of how plants grow, and a Valentine design celebrated good horticulture with the economy of readily sourced garden materials, both alive and dried, in a vibrant manner. This year, all designers are encouraged to incorporate the style and essence of Winnie and Suzy in their floral arrangements.

The public is invited to visit the Art in Bloom – Fort Myers floral and art show on March 3, at Edison Ford Winter Estates from noon to 4 p.m. The show is included with admission and free for Edison Ford members.

Consumer Alert

Veterans: Guard Against Identity Theft

Identity theft can happen in a lot of ways: a stolen wallet, a missing phone, or a hacked online account. Then there are impersonators – scammers who pretend to be almost anyone. They’ll tell you almost any story to get you to

trust them, so they can steal your money or information. If you’re a veteran, there’s another risk: sharing information with someone who claims they’ll help with paperwork and filing benefits claims. But instead of helping you for free as they’re supposed to, dishonest advisers charge you – and may take and misuse your information, too.

What are some ways to protect yourself from identity theft targeting veterans?

• Don’t pay to file – or get help with – VA benefits claims. It’s free to apply for any type of veterans’ benefits. Scammers may offer to help you for a fee or a percentage of the benefits you get. Don’t do it. Get free help from an accredited representative.

• Don’t work with anyone who pressures you. Take your time to review paperwork and consider all your options, including doing nothing. Don’t sign blank paperwork to be filled in later. Also, be sure your VA benefits are deposited

directly into your account – and not the account of an adviser, assisted living facility, or nursing home.

• Safeguard your personal information. Never share your VA login credentials or password. Check out VA’s advice on setting up multifactor authentication on your VA accounts.

• Get help if your VA benefits or services are affected. Call the toll-free VA Veteran Identity Theft Helpline: (855) 578-5492.

• Check your credit report regularly. You’re able to get a free copy of your report every week from each of the three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Finally, if you encounter identity theft, report it at IdentityTheft.gov. When you report, you’re telling law enforcement what happened and you also get step-by-step instructions on how to recover from any type of identity theft.

REAL ESTATE

Amazing Golf course Views! FAIRWAY WOODS sec.11, 16201 FAIRWAY WOODS DR. #1308

Great Room concept with Fireplace, formal Dining, lg. eat-in Kitchen w/ Island. Huge Master bedroom w/ stunning newly updated Master Bathroom! Oversized 2-car garage.

$344,900

Golf course & Lake Views! 16541 HEROn cOAcH WAY #503

1707#Ft/2328#Ft.Total. 1st. Floor, 2Bd/2Bath,1-Car Garage,Turnkey Furnished, $310,000

16675 FOREST BLVD. #202

Turnkey Furnished, 2bed/ Den/2bath,1604#ft.liv./1972#ft.total, Great Room Concept, Kitchen with Stainless appliances. Kitchen & Baths with high end Cabinetry, Granite & Tile. Wood floor in living areas. Den w/ hurricane slider out to private balcony. Lg. 28’x9’ Lanai with spectacular views

$410,000

16679 FOREST BLVD. #202

1464 # Ft. Liv/1872 # Ft.Total. 2Bed/2Bath/Carport, With Amazing Long Views Of Golf Course & Water. Beautifully Updated Throughout W/Cabinets, Solid Surface Counters, New Appliances, Master & Guest Baths W/Updated Cabinetry, Sinks, Faucets & Showers With Stunning Tile Work. Furnished.

$349,000

16675 FOREST BLVD. #204

Oversized end unit, Great-Room floorplan, turnkey furnished & ready to Entertain. 1636#ft.liv./2070#ft.total2bed/2bath, 28’x9’ Lanai with storage. Amazing Water & Golf course views.

$315,000