New Park Manager On the Job - Friends Of Rainbow Springs

Winter Issue 2013
Volume 2, Number 4
New Park Manager On the Job
Our new Park Manager, Charles E. Smith, Jr., has arrived
with over 10 years of experience with the Florida State
Parks. After his military service, he began as a Park Ranger
at Florida Caverns. He has been Assistant Park Manager
and Park Manager at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State
Park. Most recently he has served as Assistant Park
Manager at Florida Caverns State Park.
Charles was born and raised in Florida, first in Clewiston
and later in the Panhandle. He has been married to his
wife, Takiyah, for almost 15 years, and they have three children. His daughter, Chariyah, 14, and his sons, Charles III,
11, and Charleston, 9, are all enrolled in Dunnellon schools.
It is a pleasure to welcome Charles and his family to Dunnellon and Rainbow Springs State Park. We look forward to
getting to know them better, and working with Charles to make Rainbow Springs State Park an even more wonderful
experience for our visitors.
— Marylou Klein
Yes There Will Be Santa Over the Rainbow
For a while it looked iffy, but thanks to the response from both new and experienced volunteers our favorite winter
event will become a reality. The lighting crew has been working hard to deliver an even lovelier display than last
year. These hard-working volunteers, as well as the ones who came before them, put in many long hours in hot,
cold, and rainy weather to accomplish this goal. We are grateful for their dedication and stamina. Thanks to all of
you.
In addition to all the work put in ahead of time, this event could not occur without the help of volunteers during the
December weekends when visitors flock to the Park to enjoy the magic. Elves and story-tellers, Santa House helpers,
and those who work in the Gift Shop and Concession Stand all help to make this a special time. If you would like to
participate this year, contact me at (352)489-8809, after 3 PM, or at the Park on Mondays, at (352)489-7331.
Our Gift Shop will not be open on Preview Night, but will be open during the evenings of the event, from 6 to 8:30.
The Concession will offer hot chocolate, coffee and hot apple cider. Bring your friends to enjoy a beverage on the
veranda while gazing at the lights and listening to the holiday music. Take a stroll down to the waterfall, or visit with
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Santa House.
— Linda Booth
Page 2
FORS NEWSLETTER Winter 2013
Volume 2, Number 4
Message from the President
FORS Board of Directors
It was with sad and heavy hearts that many FORS volunteers said good-bye to
Ginny and Joe Julavits. They have moved back to Alabama to be close to their
family. Ginny volunteered at the Park, and at the Dunnellon Public Library.
Joe was Manager of the Concession Stand. He did an outstanding job giving
our visitors an enjoyable snack or dessert. They will be missed. We hope
they are happy and healthy in their new home.
President - Ralph Kaleshefski
Vice-President - Art Ross
Secretary - Marylou Klein
Treasurer - Diane Kahler
Until we find a new Concession Stand Manager, Audrey Strahan has
graciously offered to serve in that capacity.
Ralph
Ralph Kaleshefski
Sad News from Paines Prairie
The Paines Prairie Park Manager has informed us of the sudden death of Park
Ranger George Jackson, who served in Rainbow Springs State Park until 2003.
We extend our sympathy to his wife Sandra, and his daughter Kirsten.
Board Members:
Laurie Baker
Terry Blaes
Linda Booth
Nelly Broos
Betty Dau
Linda Green
Rosemarie Kleuker
Audrey Strahan
Operations Managers:
Concession Gift Shop - Audrey Strahan
Message from the Park Manager
Recognition Bricks
I am pleased to be able to introduce myself to all of you. It is a pleasure to
have joined the Rainbow Springs team. I consider myself fortunate to have
this opportunity to join a team with such a fine reputation for its quality and
service to the many guests that visit the Park.
This Park Manager’s position offers new and exciting challenges to me. My
experience in the military service, as well as over ten years of working in
Florida State Parks is the background I rely on as I move into this new position.
Now I look forward to assuming my new responsibilities that include working
with and leading staff, volunteers and FORS members as we work together to
provide the best resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting, and
restoring those natural and cultural resources.
I hope to meet more of you in person in the days to come as you spend time in
the Park, and share my enthusiasm for the challenges ahead. Glad to be on
board.
Are you looking
for a memorial gift,
a way to mark a special event,
or recognize someone special?
Consider purchasing a
Recognition Brick
to be placed at the kiosk
on the entrance walkway
to Rainbow Springs State Park.
The cost of a brick is $50,
and applications are available
at the Toll Booth,
or by calling 352-465-8555.
Sincerely, Charles
Charles E. Smith, Jr.
Tel: (352) 465-8536
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FORS NEWSLETTER Winter 2013
Volume 2, Number 4
New Patrol Boat On the River
The Park has a new patrol boat, thanks to FORS. As yet un-named, the 16foot pontoon boat by Fiesta of Hudson, Florida, is powered by the excellent,
eco-friendly electric motor from the old boat. This new acquisition is in the
boathouse ready for action on the tranquil waters of the Rainbow River, protecting the pristine head springs from powerboats, fishermen, and other unauthorized activities.
We are seeking applications for Captains both from previously active volunteers, and any new interested folks. The primary requirements are:
1) Completion of the USCG boating course, which can be done on-line
2) Membership in FORS to comply with insurance regulations
3) Ability to take patrols on weekends, and for shifts of various lengths
4) Attendance at monthly meetings to discuss rules, regulations, and
procedures
Insurance regulations do not allow us to use the boat for pleasure cruising or
family rides. Wives are encouraged to become Captains to be able to accompany other Captains, as two sets of eyes are better than one. Linda and Glenn
Smith have volunteered to handle administrative details, as well as
being active Captains.
— Art Ross
Page 3
Future Interesting Events
November
30
Bird Walk
8 AM
Headsprings Parking Lot
December
11 Preview Night
6—8 PM
Santa Over the Rainbow
12 Rain date for Preview Night
6—8 PM
13-15 Santa Over the Rainbow
6—8:30
20-22 Santa Over the Rainbow
6—8:30
26-27 Lights Only
6—8 PM
28 Bird Walk
8 AM
Headsprings Parking Lot
January
13
30
FORS Board Mtg 1 PM
Bird Walk
8 AM
Headsprings Parking Lot
February
13 FORS Board Mtg
22-23 Cracker Days
1 PM
Volunteer Opportunity
Some SOTR Reminders
*Do come to Preview Night and enjoy the lights and the food and visiting
with friends. Our Gift Shop will be open for viewing the tree, but not for
sales on this night. If the weather looks questionable, call (465-8555) to see
if the Preview is postponed to the following night.
*Volunteers working during SOTR should arrive by 5:30 or earlier, park in the
RV lot and walk in through the rear path.
*Elves meet in the CSO Building at 5:30 to dress in their costumes, and then
head to their assigned locations.
Happy Holidays to All!
— Linda Booth
The Membership Committee is
planning to set up an information
table on selected weekends to
inform park visitors about FORS
and our programs, encouraging
them to become members.
Needed: 2 volunteers for 4 hours
each time. Contact Ed
Dessain or Ralph Kaleshefski if
interested.
Membership Report
Welcome to New Members Gordon and Connie Hart!
Thanks to Members renewing into 2014 and beyond!
Beverly Cleland, William Clements, Margaret Edmiston, Jim and Winnie Guerdon, Elizabeth Hale, Claude and Connie
Henderson, Peter and Barbara Hulse, Paul and Sandra Marrafino, Joy D’Etta Melghem, Robert and Marie Ulanowics, and
Wilhelmina Vanderheyden.
The Supporters of Rainbow Springs State Park
The Friends of Rainbow Springs (FORS)
invite you to become a member of this important Citizens Support Organization (CSO)
Donor and Membership Application
Donor information (Business or Lifetime memberships may be designated for specific events*)
Name
_________
Street Address
____
City
State
Annual Membership: Date
Renewal? Yes
Phone
______
Email
______
Zip Code
No
______
____________
Signature
Associate ($10)
Individual ($15) _____
Family ($25) ___ _
Associate Business ($50) ______
*Business/Group ($100) ____ *Patron($500) ____ *Founder($1.000) ____ ________________________
*Event you wish to sponsor
□ Call me about FORS events, Dedication Options, Recognition Tree, Legacy Grants, or other donations.
We will be happy to supply a copy of our current IRS 501(c)3 status letter for your tax-deductible gift file.
Make checks payable to FORS. Return to FORS, Attn: Membership, 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432.
Membership dues are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM
THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA..
REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE STATE .
Membership has its privileges!