March/April 2019 Newsletter
Don’t forget to visit our website at rifca.net
Bruce Squillante - Newsletter Editor
Bruce Squillante - Newsletter Editor
Newsflash - Election Results
ANNUAL MEETING – JANUARY 20, 2019
At our Annual Members meeting on January 20, 2019 RIFCA members selected the 2019 Board and Street Directors:
President Bruce Squillante
Vice President Henry Burden
Treasurer Bob Croson
Secretary Julie Squillante
Street Directors and Assistants:
The Island Read Miller/Otto Bazak
Island Road Pam Jacobs/Jan Croson
OxBow Bruce Rosborough/Julie Burden
Sleepy Hollow Gail Beals/Shirley Bland
Lazy Lane Robin Evans/Camille Cromer
RF Peninsula Doris Whelan/Lucy Shephard
Congratulations to the new Board and best wishes for another successful year. Meetings of the Board of Directors occurs on the first Monday of each month while in season. The meetings are open to all members. RIFCA members are encouraged to discuss River Forest issues with their Street Directors or any member of the Board.
President Bruce Squillante
Vice President Henry Burden
Treasurer Bob Croson
Secretary Julie Squillante
Street Directors and Assistants:
The Island Read Miller/Otto Bazak
Island Road Pam Jacobs/Jan Croson
OxBow Bruce Rosborough/Julie Burden
Sleepy Hollow Gail Beals/Shirley Bland
Lazy Lane Robin Evans/Camille Cromer
RF Peninsula Doris Whelan/Lucy Shephard
Congratulations to the new Board and best wishes for another successful year. Meetings of the Board of Directors occurs on the first Monday of each month while in season. The meetings are open to all members. RIFCA members are encouraged to discuss River Forest issues with their Street Directors or any member of the Board.
Clubhouse Improvements – Windows and Hoods
If you walked through the Clubhouse the last two months, you have seen the remarkable transformation of the lanai with the beautiful picture windows now installed. The process of getting new windows has been over a year long dream with many hours of hard work from Jan and Bob Croson. The amount of effort to bring our Clubhouse the new windows cannot be understated. We had to find a contractor willing to take on what was a large task to us, but to the contractor was relatively minor in scope. Hours of interviews finally led to a solid contractor who got the job done. Jan had to hire an architect and have plans drawn up. Hours of work and preparation led to the transformation that follows:
January 9, 2019: Demolition
January 9, 2019: Demolition
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January 11, 2019 - Initial Framing
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January 14, 2019 - Anchors Installed and ready for inspection
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January 15, 2019 - Studs and bracing complete, ready for windows
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January 25, 2019 - Windows installed, drywall inside started
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January 27, 2019 - Exterior Completed - Interior baseboards installed
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February 4, 2019 - Exterior Painted
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Needed Kitchen Repairs - Range Hoods
You have probably noticed the new stove hoods in the kitchen. What you may not know is the sweet story behind the improvement that all RIFCA members helped create. As background, for many years the old GE fan and hood that stood above the ovens in the kitchen did not work effectively. The fan is a requisite safety device and helps remove cooking odors, airborne grease, fumes, smoke, and heat from the surrounding area. The old GE fan was a single unit covering all three ovens.
The 2018 RIFCA Board decided that it was time to put new a new fan (or three smaller ones) in the kitchen. Bruce Squillante was appointed the job of finding affordable fans and the contractor to install them. Bruce called the contractor who remodeled his and Julie's home looking for help. As it turned out, the contractor and his fiancé were looking for a venue for a small wedding ceremony.
The bride's health made acting quickly a necessity. They needed to have the wedding on January 19, 2019 but that was the same day as our Annual Meeting. The Board discussed the unique circumstance and agreed to move the Annual Meeting to January 20 to make room for the wedding. So in a way, all RIFCA members were a part of this nice wedding.
The groom, our contractor, was greatly appreciative of our flexibility. He set out to install our range exhaust hoods the week before his wedding. The pictures below and on the following page show the work performed.
The new stainless steel range exhaust hoods look stunning and work beautifully. On the mornings of the Country Breakfast, the difference in the odors before and after the installation are quite noticeable. They are just the first step in the revitalization of our kitchen over the coming years. Take a close look at the kitchen, you may also have noticed that we replaced one of the ovens.
The 2018 RIFCA Board decided that it was time to put new a new fan (or three smaller ones) in the kitchen. Bruce Squillante was appointed the job of finding affordable fans and the contractor to install them. Bruce called the contractor who remodeled his and Julie's home looking for help. As it turned out, the contractor and his fiancé were looking for a venue for a small wedding ceremony.
The bride's health made acting quickly a necessity. They needed to have the wedding on January 19, 2019 but that was the same day as our Annual Meeting. The Board discussed the unique circumstance and agreed to move the Annual Meeting to January 20 to make room for the wedding. So in a way, all RIFCA members were a part of this nice wedding.
The groom, our contractor, was greatly appreciative of our flexibility. He set out to install our range exhaust hoods the week before his wedding. The pictures below and on the following page show the work performed.
The new stainless steel range exhaust hoods look stunning and work beautifully. On the mornings of the Country Breakfast, the difference in the odors before and after the installation are quite noticeable. They are just the first step in the revitalization of our kitchen over the coming years. Take a close look at the kitchen, you may also have noticed that we replaced one of the ovens.
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ARE THERE ANY GRANDPARENTS OUT THERE?
BY Carol Kennedy
This true story is an all time favorite from the first, Taste of Chocolate for the Soul. Enjoy….
The Granmum Bag
It started as a last minute grab of the handiest tote bag in sight – the old silver one will do just fine! This bag was the beginning of a new tradition. It will carry a few more things that my grandson can't do without. I soon learned this Granmum Bag would hold unimaginable moments and hours of grandmother fun.
That first day, I stuffed the bag with books and toys I thought my five month old grandson might love. Today, that five month old is nearly three years old and I wouldn't think of walking into his house without that old silver, mid-size tote bag. Jonathon had to name the bag- it's the Granmum Bag. It's a special, magic bag to Jonathon and me, creating unforgettable moments. It holds Jonathon's favorite books of the month, crayons, paints, little cars, and tiny, little boy flashlights.
As Jonathon grows, so does the Granmum Bag. We moved from his first books like, The B Book and Dr. Seuss to Veggie Tales and The Cookie Tree, Baby Goofy and Toy Story books. My eyes glisten as his eyes sparkle and whole body shakes when he spots the Granmum Bag. As my husband, Deeda, and I would enter, he'd exclaim, “Hi Meema and Deeda. Where's the Granmum Bag?'
It became so heavy I had trouble carrying it across the room due to my carpal tunnel issues, but Jonathon didn't mind. He grabs it, picks it right up and drags it across the room. He's strong– at two he was three feet tall and weighed 36 pounds. Once I realized it wasn't going to hurt him, I let him carry the Granmum Bag for me. He loves to help people, especially the ladies! He even has a special grandma wink as he crinkles up his nose. Grandmas will say, “Hey, he's flirting with me!”
Jonathon claims his favorite books with each visit and it keeps Granmum on her toes. As a reading specialist, you can imagine my joy as he grabs a book. I have to remember which book was his favorite last week, and which new one I might need fto add. He picks favorites and memorizes the story line, picks out words and phrases, objects and numbers. So, each trip Granmum freshens up the Granmum Bag with some of the old, and some of the new books and toys. We can't forget stickers. He was peeling and placing stickers before he was a year old. People would say, “He's too young. He can't pull the stickers off yet.” And Granmum's reply? “You want to make a bet?”
I watched Jonathan advance from identifying colors, shapes, letters, and numbers to words. Prior to our visits I'd scurry to book stores, garage sales and Dollar stores. I'd look for just the right book to put in the new book spot in the Granmum Bag. I found the most special gems at discount stores or garage sales, like one of his favorites about a blue monster and a special tree. He loved that one so much that he wore the cover thin and Granmum had to fix it with her magic scotch tape. He exclaimed, “Oh Granmum, you fixeded it!”
I'd try to find little books that matched what he was interested in, like baseball. That's when the book about the baseball team fit perfect into his little world. His little world was fast becoming my little world. My first plan of attack at the stores was no longer a little something for Granmum like a purse or pair of shoes. No, I'd rush to the Jonathon department, in search a new Granmum Bag item.
Always hiding at the bottom of the Granmum Bag is my old cell phone. It isn't connected, but it still lights up, takes pictures and will dial numbers such as 911. He'll power it up and pretend to make a call, and then he begins to do the cell phone dance. I never realized we had certain moves when we answer a cell phone. For instance, we tilt our head a bit towards the phone; then lower it in that direction and begin moving our right hand and gesturing. Suddenly, Jonathon begins to do that, and I'm thinking, “Oh my, do I do that?'” And sure enough when I answer my cell phone I do that little dance step. What a reminder of how our kids and grandkids model exactly what we do.
Jonathon even held the Granmum Bag hostage once. Deeda and I would arrive early in the morning and plan to babysit the entire day. When mom or dad would arrive home, he would be so happy and hug them, saying, 'oh Mommy's home, or Daddy's home' and kiss on them for a while. He understood that the down side of their arrival was the departure of Meema and Deeda. So, while I was in the bathroom, he dragged the Granmum Bag into his bedroom and hid it behind the door. As we are scurrying to leave, he says, “Granmum, why don't you read one more story in my big boy room.” I said, okay, and I start searching for the Granmum bag. Jonathan says, “No Granmum, let's read one of Jonathon's books.” Eagerly I mutter, “okay,” wondering where my silver bag might be.
He points to the white wooden rocker, our favorite reading chair, and says, “Please sit here Granmum, and Jonathon will sit on your lap.” And so we did, and he'd scoot back into my belly and we'd read his favorite book about a funny dog or the big blue fuzzy monster. Hugs and kisses are exchanged as we turn each page. Oh, how I love to squeeze him and hug him. I finish the book and he doesn't want to leave my lap, which is fine with me. Deeda yells, “Come on. We have a two hour drive.” I kiss his cheeks again—and he's holding on tighter. Like, I'm going to let go of him?
His Mommy calls out, “Jonathon it's time for Granmum to drive to her house.” It's then I spot the Granmum Bag slumped behind his bedroom door. I grin from ear to ear, and ask him if he could help me drag the heavy bag so Deeda could load it into the van. He complied with an “Okay Granmum, Jonathon will help you.” I'm guessing the hiding had served its purpose and he got two more stories out of me. What a special place that old silver bag holds in both of our lives and hearts. There are more than mere books and toys in it. There are pieces of me and pieces of my grandson, intermingling, becoming one.
Jonathon is all-boy, smart and well-rounded. He loves baseball, throwing stones with Deeda, and finding special treats in the Granmum Bag. I know he loves to be active, and I am trying to prepare myself for the day when he will no longer ask for the Granmum Bag. Maybe there will be a time when Granmum and Deeda don't have to carry the old silver bag up the stairs. I hope that day is a long way away. I don't even mind it when our grandson hides that old silver bag, just so Granmum will stay a little bit longer.
To date, grandson and I have changed the front cover of the Granmum Bag a few times to match his interests. Super Heroes seem to be the popular design now. I have asked him on a few occasions what kind of books he would like me to put in the bag now that he is 8 and he just says, 'oh, you know the ones that are like story books….' I had to think about that one, so I asked, 'well, aren't they all story books?' He reminds me, 'well, chapter books are just too long for me to read before I go to sleep….' Oh, I get it now, the shorter ones that can be finished in a few minutes before sleep. I double checked with his mom, and she said, 'yes, he likes to complete something once he starts it.'
I am so pleased with the special place the Granmum Bag has held in his heart. He is in the top of his class in his reading skills too! The bag has a special place in Granmum's heart too.
Reprinted with permission from author, Dr. Carol Kennedy. This is an excerpt from her TASTE OF CHOCOLATE FOR THE SOUL BOOKS.
Check out her website www.drcarolkennedy.com
The Granmum Bag
It started as a last minute grab of the handiest tote bag in sight – the old silver one will do just fine! This bag was the beginning of a new tradition. It will carry a few more things that my grandson can't do without. I soon learned this Granmum Bag would hold unimaginable moments and hours of grandmother fun.
That first day, I stuffed the bag with books and toys I thought my five month old grandson might love. Today, that five month old is nearly three years old and I wouldn't think of walking into his house without that old silver, mid-size tote bag. Jonathon had to name the bag- it's the Granmum Bag. It's a special, magic bag to Jonathon and me, creating unforgettable moments. It holds Jonathon's favorite books of the month, crayons, paints, little cars, and tiny, little boy flashlights.
As Jonathon grows, so does the Granmum Bag. We moved from his first books like, The B Book and Dr. Seuss to Veggie Tales and The Cookie Tree, Baby Goofy and Toy Story books. My eyes glisten as his eyes sparkle and whole body shakes when he spots the Granmum Bag. As my husband, Deeda, and I would enter, he'd exclaim, “Hi Meema and Deeda. Where's the Granmum Bag?'
It became so heavy I had trouble carrying it across the room due to my carpal tunnel issues, but Jonathon didn't mind. He grabs it, picks it right up and drags it across the room. He's strong– at two he was three feet tall and weighed 36 pounds. Once I realized it wasn't going to hurt him, I let him carry the Granmum Bag for me. He loves to help people, especially the ladies! He even has a special grandma wink as he crinkles up his nose. Grandmas will say, “Hey, he's flirting with me!”
Jonathon claims his favorite books with each visit and it keeps Granmum on her toes. As a reading specialist, you can imagine my joy as he grabs a book. I have to remember which book was his favorite last week, and which new one I might need fto add. He picks favorites and memorizes the story line, picks out words and phrases, objects and numbers. So, each trip Granmum freshens up the Granmum Bag with some of the old, and some of the new books and toys. We can't forget stickers. He was peeling and placing stickers before he was a year old. People would say, “He's too young. He can't pull the stickers off yet.” And Granmum's reply? “You want to make a bet?”
I watched Jonathan advance from identifying colors, shapes, letters, and numbers to words. Prior to our visits I'd scurry to book stores, garage sales and Dollar stores. I'd look for just the right book to put in the new book spot in the Granmum Bag. I found the most special gems at discount stores or garage sales, like one of his favorites about a blue monster and a special tree. He loved that one so much that he wore the cover thin and Granmum had to fix it with her magic scotch tape. He exclaimed, “Oh Granmum, you fixeded it!”
I'd try to find little books that matched what he was interested in, like baseball. That's when the book about the baseball team fit perfect into his little world. His little world was fast becoming my little world. My first plan of attack at the stores was no longer a little something for Granmum like a purse or pair of shoes. No, I'd rush to the Jonathon department, in search a new Granmum Bag item.
Always hiding at the bottom of the Granmum Bag is my old cell phone. It isn't connected, but it still lights up, takes pictures and will dial numbers such as 911. He'll power it up and pretend to make a call, and then he begins to do the cell phone dance. I never realized we had certain moves when we answer a cell phone. For instance, we tilt our head a bit towards the phone; then lower it in that direction and begin moving our right hand and gesturing. Suddenly, Jonathon begins to do that, and I'm thinking, “Oh my, do I do that?'” And sure enough when I answer my cell phone I do that little dance step. What a reminder of how our kids and grandkids model exactly what we do.
Jonathon even held the Granmum Bag hostage once. Deeda and I would arrive early in the morning and plan to babysit the entire day. When mom or dad would arrive home, he would be so happy and hug them, saying, 'oh Mommy's home, or Daddy's home' and kiss on them for a while. He understood that the down side of their arrival was the departure of Meema and Deeda. So, while I was in the bathroom, he dragged the Granmum Bag into his bedroom and hid it behind the door. As we are scurrying to leave, he says, “Granmum, why don't you read one more story in my big boy room.” I said, okay, and I start searching for the Granmum bag. Jonathan says, “No Granmum, let's read one of Jonathon's books.” Eagerly I mutter, “okay,” wondering where my silver bag might be.
He points to the white wooden rocker, our favorite reading chair, and says, “Please sit here Granmum, and Jonathon will sit on your lap.” And so we did, and he'd scoot back into my belly and we'd read his favorite book about a funny dog or the big blue fuzzy monster. Hugs and kisses are exchanged as we turn each page. Oh, how I love to squeeze him and hug him. I finish the book and he doesn't want to leave my lap, which is fine with me. Deeda yells, “Come on. We have a two hour drive.” I kiss his cheeks again—and he's holding on tighter. Like, I'm going to let go of him?
His Mommy calls out, “Jonathon it's time for Granmum to drive to her house.” It's then I spot the Granmum Bag slumped behind his bedroom door. I grin from ear to ear, and ask him if he could help me drag the heavy bag so Deeda could load it into the van. He complied with an “Okay Granmum, Jonathon will help you.” I'm guessing the hiding had served its purpose and he got two more stories out of me. What a special place that old silver bag holds in both of our lives and hearts. There are more than mere books and toys in it. There are pieces of me and pieces of my grandson, intermingling, becoming one.
Jonathon is all-boy, smart and well-rounded. He loves baseball, throwing stones with Deeda, and finding special treats in the Granmum Bag. I know he loves to be active, and I am trying to prepare myself for the day when he will no longer ask for the Granmum Bag. Maybe there will be a time when Granmum and Deeda don't have to carry the old silver bag up the stairs. I hope that day is a long way away. I don't even mind it when our grandson hides that old silver bag, just so Granmum will stay a little bit longer.
To date, grandson and I have changed the front cover of the Granmum Bag a few times to match his interests. Super Heroes seem to be the popular design now. I have asked him on a few occasions what kind of books he would like me to put in the bag now that he is 8 and he just says, 'oh, you know the ones that are like story books….' I had to think about that one, so I asked, 'well, aren't they all story books?' He reminds me, 'well, chapter books are just too long for me to read before I go to sleep….' Oh, I get it now, the shorter ones that can be finished in a few minutes before sleep. I double checked with his mom, and she said, 'yes, he likes to complete something once he starts it.'
I am so pleased with the special place the Granmum Bag has held in his heart. He is in the top of his class in his reading skills too! The bag has a special place in Granmum's heart too.
Reprinted with permission from author, Dr. Carol Kennedy. This is an excerpt from her TASTE OF CHOCOLATE FOR THE SOUL BOOKS.
Check out her website www.drcarolkennedy.com
RIFCA Night Out with the Everblades
One of the new benefits of being a RIFCA member is the ability to participate in “RIFCA Nights” events. On January 29th, 26 RIFCA members had a fun night at the Florida Everblades game. We got reduced price tickets and a free T-shirt for everyone who attended. In the 3rd period RIFCA was recognized as one of the groups attending the game.
Okay, maybe it was a little cold, but it was a lot of fun. The group sales manager even donated a signed hockey puck for the group. As for the game, it did not look very good for the Everblades, as they we down 4 to 1 in the third period. However, they came back to score 4 goals in the third period to win the game 5-4.
More “RIFCA Nights” are planned.
Okay, maybe it was a little cold, but it was a lot of fun. The group sales manager even donated a signed hockey puck for the group. As for the game, it did not look very good for the Everblades, as they we down 4 to 1 in the third period. However, they came back to score 4 goals in the third period to win the game 5-4.
More “RIFCA Nights” are planned.
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January 20, 2019 Annual Meeting and Dinner
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. . . and now some words from our Sponsors
SunStreaks Salon
Hello, I am Celeste Blake owner of SunStreaks Salon in the Winn Dixie Plaza. SunStreaks salon has been here for 18 years serving our community. SunStreaks Salon is a full service salon offering haircuts, color, high lights and permanent waves. Nail services offered are manicures, pedicures, gel polish and acrylics.
Darla Smith rents a space and operates Naturally Pampered in the salon offering a wide variety of facial services as well as permanent make up. I have younger stylist for our trend setting younger crowd or those young at heart clients. I have a few seasoned stylists for the mature clients that like a traditional perm and roller set. SunStreaks also offers a full retail center and carry Matrix, Biolage and Redken. Darla has an all natural organic skin care line. Celeste is also an AVON representative and carry's a few items in stock such as their famous Skin So Soft.
As for a little back ground information on the owner Celeste Blake, I am a life long East Lee county resident. I graduated from Riverdale High School and married my high school sweet heart Randy and we just celebrated our 40th anniversary. I went to hair school at the local vocational school now known as FMIT. We have 3 children our oldest son Ryan Blake is an aeronautical inspector for Boeing in Charleston SC, Chase Blake is our middle child and resides in Lehigh Aces with his wife and 3 handsome sons. The baby is our daughter Ciara Howard she is a 4th grade teacher at Riverhall elementary. I try to stay involved in our community, I am a member of Grace united Methodist church and I am currently the president of the Riverdale High School all sports booster club.
Thank You to all our loyal customers from River Forest and for the new members we look forward to meeting you.
Celeste Blake
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Sir Pizza
Meet one of our newest residents, Captain Chris ONeill. Chris recently moved to the River Forest Community to be closer to his latest business venture Sir Pizza, located just a few blocks away from us on Palm Beach Blvd. He comes to us with vast business and military experience.
He left Indiana after graduation in 1985, enroute to Europe and the 8th Infantry Division (Baumholder, Germany), which ultimately led him down the road to a highly decorated 20 year career proudly serving our great country in the United States Army. During his career, Chris held positions from Infantry M-60 Machine Gunner to Hovercraft Pilot. He was deployed to five full combat tours and several other global conflicts. Subsequently he was recognized with many awards including two Bronze Stars for Valor, The Meritorious Service Medal (x5) and The Purple Heart. His career culminated as the Acting Installation Sergeant Major at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia.
Once retired, he and his family moved to Englewood, Florida to pursue paradise, quality of life and business opportunities. Since then, Chris has successfully owned a large retail store in Venice, a Coastal Angler Magazine franchise, became a nationally published outdoor writer, Founded and was Host of the top-rated Real Saltwater Outdoors (syndicated) Radio Show for ten years, Outdoor TV Show Host on multiple national networks, and guided over 2,500 fishing charters with his company Tail Chaser Charter Services.
Captain Chris was repetitively seen on almost every local news network this past summer informing the public about red tide on the beaches of Boca Grande and SW Florida (even on Fox News and The Weather Channel) as the primary initial face of the SW Florida red tide situation. He has been credited with unveiling the scientific reality/ecological consequences and elevating this ecological disaster to the national stage by means of his relentless social media campaign and videos on the subject that were seen by over 8 million viewers.
In the fall of 2018, Chris abruptly left the outdoor industry and jumped at the rare chance of purchasing and owning the Fort Myers Shores Sir King Pizza, a coveted franchise that comes from the Pizza King family in Indiana. Quickly after purchase, the location went through an intense restaurant rehab project, was retooled mechanically, and reopened for business November 9th, 2018. Since then, with the improved facilities, added menu items and professional employee staffing, sales have increased tremendously, and the business is an anchor in the local community. Additionally, Sir Pizza now boasts Google rankings at the very top of the Fort Myers restaurant list because of their outstanding food and service.
Stop by and see Chris and his team, you'll always be greeted with a smile, and enjoy the best food and service in the industry.
Hello, I am Celeste Blake owner of SunStreaks Salon in the Winn Dixie Plaza. SunStreaks salon has been here for 18 years serving our community. SunStreaks Salon is a full service salon offering haircuts, color, high lights and permanent waves. Nail services offered are manicures, pedicures, gel polish and acrylics.
Darla Smith rents a space and operates Naturally Pampered in the salon offering a wide variety of facial services as well as permanent make up. I have younger stylist for our trend setting younger crowd or those young at heart clients. I have a few seasoned stylists for the mature clients that like a traditional perm and roller set. SunStreaks also offers a full retail center and carry Matrix, Biolage and Redken. Darla has an all natural organic skin care line. Celeste is also an AVON representative and carry's a few items in stock such as their famous Skin So Soft.
As for a little back ground information on the owner Celeste Blake, I am a life long East Lee county resident. I graduated from Riverdale High School and married my high school sweet heart Randy and we just celebrated our 40th anniversary. I went to hair school at the local vocational school now known as FMIT. We have 3 children our oldest son Ryan Blake is an aeronautical inspector for Boeing in Charleston SC, Chase Blake is our middle child and resides in Lehigh Aces with his wife and 3 handsome sons. The baby is our daughter Ciara Howard she is a 4th grade teacher at Riverhall elementary. I try to stay involved in our community, I am a member of Grace united Methodist church and I am currently the president of the Riverdale High School all sports booster club.
Thank You to all our loyal customers from River Forest and for the new members we look forward to meeting you.
Celeste Blake
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Sir Pizza
Meet one of our newest residents, Captain Chris ONeill. Chris recently moved to the River Forest Community to be closer to his latest business venture Sir Pizza, located just a few blocks away from us on Palm Beach Blvd. He comes to us with vast business and military experience.
He left Indiana after graduation in 1985, enroute to Europe and the 8th Infantry Division (Baumholder, Germany), which ultimately led him down the road to a highly decorated 20 year career proudly serving our great country in the United States Army. During his career, Chris held positions from Infantry M-60 Machine Gunner to Hovercraft Pilot. He was deployed to five full combat tours and several other global conflicts. Subsequently he was recognized with many awards including two Bronze Stars for Valor, The Meritorious Service Medal (x5) and The Purple Heart. His career culminated as the Acting Installation Sergeant Major at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia.
Once retired, he and his family moved to Englewood, Florida to pursue paradise, quality of life and business opportunities. Since then, Chris has successfully owned a large retail store in Venice, a Coastal Angler Magazine franchise, became a nationally published outdoor writer, Founded and was Host of the top-rated Real Saltwater Outdoors (syndicated) Radio Show for ten years, Outdoor TV Show Host on multiple national networks, and guided over 2,500 fishing charters with his company Tail Chaser Charter Services.
Captain Chris was repetitively seen on almost every local news network this past summer informing the public about red tide on the beaches of Boca Grande and SW Florida (even on Fox News and The Weather Channel) as the primary initial face of the SW Florida red tide situation. He has been credited with unveiling the scientific reality/ecological consequences and elevating this ecological disaster to the national stage by means of his relentless social media campaign and videos on the subject that were seen by over 8 million viewers.
In the fall of 2018, Chris abruptly left the outdoor industry and jumped at the rare chance of purchasing and owning the Fort Myers Shores Sir King Pizza, a coveted franchise that comes from the Pizza King family in Indiana. Quickly after purchase, the location went through an intense restaurant rehab project, was retooled mechanically, and reopened for business November 9th, 2018. Since then, with the improved facilities, added menu items and professional employee staffing, sales have increased tremendously, and the business is an anchor in the local community. Additionally, Sir Pizza now boasts Google rankings at the very top of the Fort Myers restaurant list because of their outstanding food and service.
Stop by and see Chris and his team, you'll always be greeted with a smile, and enjoy the best food and service in the industry.
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February 2, 2019 Potluck
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Board Meetings
March 4
April 1
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Potlucks
March 2
April 6
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Country Breakfast
March 9
April 13
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Dinner
March 16
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Easter Dinner
April 21
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Notice to River Forest Residents
Bees are of vital importance to our food chain, but they can be frightening
If you see a honey bee swarm, PLEASE DON'T SPRAY IT!
Doug Lints is working with an Alva Bee Removal specialist and can offer a no fee bee removal and relocation from River Forest.
Please call (239) 850-3746 or Rhinodoug@yahoo.com
Bees are of vital importance to our food chain, but they can be frightening
If you see a honey bee swarm, PLEASE DON'T SPRAY IT!
Doug Lints is working with an Alva Bee Removal specialist and can offer a no fee bee removal and relocation from River Forest.
Please call (239) 850-3746 or Rhinodoug@yahoo.com
Donations to the Ronald McDonald House - Pop Tabs
Please save the pop tabs from your cans of soda/beer. Dick Kennedy collects them to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. If you let him know when you have a bag full, he will come and pick them up.
According to the Ronald McDonald House website, Advantage Metals buys the tabs at market rate and then makes a charitable contribution on top of that. Last year the pop tab program brought in $20,000. They even had a Pop Tab Pandemonium day earlier this year.
Contact Dick Kennedy to pick up your pop tabs.
According to the Ronald McDonald House website, Advantage Metals buys the tabs at market rate and then makes a charitable contribution on top of that. Last year the pop tab program brought in $20,000. They even had a Pop Tab Pandemonium day earlier this year.
Contact Dick Kennedy to pick up your pop tabs.
