New Park Manager On the Job - Friends Of Rainbow Springs
Transcription
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 Visit us on Facebook 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!