President's Message: Why FOLKS Gives
The Mission of FOLKS is to protect, preserve, and support Lovers Key State Park. So how exactly do we do that? What kind of commitment does it take?
Time: We take the time for meetings, writing, special projects, and conversations with fellow members and in learning about our stewardship responsibilities.
Work: We get actively involved as tram drivers, in Merchandise sales, and in laboring on site to support the many events that FOLKS presents each year.
Treasure: It takes hard cash to make many of our programs happen such as funding for the Exhibits in the new Welcome and Discovery Center Building. FOLKS Members look into their check books and show their personal commitments.
Richard Donnelly, FOLKS President
|
|
"Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man."
Stuart Udall, Secretary of the Interior 1961-1969
We celebrate this conservation hero: As Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Udall oversaw the addition of 4 National Parks, 6 National Monuments, 8 National Seashores and Lakeshores, 9 National Historic Sites, and 56 Wildlife Refuges. He played a key role in the enactment of the Wilderness Act, The Endangered Species Protection Act, and the Land and Waters Conservation Fund Act.
Lady Bird Johnson and Stuart Udall at Grand Teton National Park, August 1964.
|
|
Songwriters at Sunset wraps up a successful season!
Concert attendance grew to over 600 with very strong BBQ sales. All proceeds from the event go directly to the future Discovery and Welcome Center.
In April, the FOLKS, in partnership with the Americana Community Music Association, wrapped up our third successful season of the popular Songwriters at Sunset concert series at the gazebo on the beach at Lovers Key State Park. From the start, this event has been well attended. The audience has grown from 200 listeners to over 400-600 listeners per show.
The challenge we had was how could it be improved to bring in revenue to support the future Discovery and Welcome Center at Lovers Key State Park. Mid-season, we successfully added a Beach BBQ before the show. With the April show, the BBQ and concert attendance grew to over 600, with very strong BBQ sales. All proceeds from the event go directly to the future Discovery and Welcome Center.
The not-for-profit Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) provided the musicians. They are all local singer-songwriters, mostly "baby boomers" who write and perform their own songs. These artists have been writing songs for most of their lives.
Imagine if an artist like James Taylor or Jackson Brown had never been discovered, but had kept writing music and now had the opportunity to perform on the beach. This is the quality of the music and why more than half of the audience have been to a previous show and return month after month to listen.
Great music, committed volunteers, a superb location, magnificent sunsets, delicious BBQ, Beer and Wine on the beach – this perfect combination is why the Songwriters at Sunset Beach BBQ and Concert series at Lovers Key is so special!
Without the talented songwriters – and an army of wonderful, hardworking volunteers – this event could never take place. We increased our volunteers to over 20 people each month to better serve our guests. We also started running two trams this season to get the crowd on and off the beach more efficiently.
Mark your calendars for next years’ concerts! All concerts are held on the first Thursday of the month. We look forward to seeing you there, especially if you haven’t attended yet!
2018/2019 Songwriters at Sunset Beach BBQ and Concert Schedule:
Thursday, Dec. 6
Thursday, Jan. 3
Thursday, Feb. 7
Thursday, March 7
Thursday, April 4
|
|
140 happy revelers relish the Luau on the Beach
A great time was had by more than 140 happy revelers at the first Hawaiian Luau on the Beach at Lovers Key State Park presented by Friends of Lovers Key. Many volunteers and Park Rangers worked to clear the beach of dead fish from red tide. Fortunately the winds changed direction to blow the red tide out to sea. The night was balmy and beautiful, and the sun set was spectacular. For many it was their first trip to the Park.
 People listened to steel drum music by Steely Pan and enjoyed a wonderful Hawaiian themed meal by Truly Scrumptious. There were limbo and hula hoop contests and a best Hawaiian dressed contest. It was a perfect fun-filled and sociable evening enjoyed by all.
A special thanks go out the many FOLKS volunteers who helped out with serving, set-up, cleanup and tram driving. Thanks and a round of applause to the generous area businesses who helped sponsor the event.
All proceeds from the Luau benefited the Lovers Key Welcome and Discovery Center Campaign fund.
|
|
A View from the Tram at Lovers Key State Park
by John Raymer, FOLKS Volunteer Coordinator
 There are several of FOLKS that drive the tram that include Larry Rusk, Frank Cassise, Tim Horvatich and me. I drive the tram on Tuesdays from 9 A.M. – 4:45 P.M. Come ride along!
One thing that all the tram drivers share is an interest in helping people understand what the park has to offer. We know that we may be the only person that people can ask questions to once they are in the park. Fresh faces and nice attitudes are what people really take a shine to in the park.
The route is about 3/4 of a mile to and back from the beach. We only pick up or deliver people to the South Beach tram stop and to the main stop. Our favorite directions to each other is "Don't get lost!"
If you like people, then the job is great. About half the riders last week had never been to the park before. I like to welcome them and answer their questions, tell them about where the wildlife is, and let them know they are in the right place. On a really good trip we see rays or birds or dolphins from one of the bridges. I like to go slow, wait for them to take pictures, stop and tell them what they are looking at and just be a great guide.
Many visitors are from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois and Midwest places, so joking with them is welcome. We also get a lot of people from Europe. Last week we had many visitors from Germany, France, and England. Ironically, my biggest challenge is to help Americans of all backgrounds feel welcome at our Park. Although some may initially feel uneasy, most will smile and open up If we ask them about their kids or where they live.
The easy days to drive are Monday – Friday. Lots of these visitors are new to the area. I especially like visitors that are genuinely glad to be away from bad weather and appreciate the sun, outdoors and the beach. Saturday and Sunday we have more locals, and they often don't have much to say; they've been here before!
Todd runs the park concessions like Hurricane Charlie's eatery on the beach, rentals of chairs, umbrellas, etc. He also runs the kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals. I try to talk about these in a way that people will want to take advantage of exploring the trails and waters, and that it is safe here. I spend a lot of time explaining the butterfly garden at the gate, and encouraging people to get onto Black Island where you can see tortoises, manatees, alligators, dolphins, osprey, ibis, and fish.
Rangers are super to work with. Their jobs are difficult on a good day, with toilets, trash, cars parked in wrong places, animals in distress and the problems that people sometimes bring with them to the park. The tram driver has a radio, and we call immediately for help with things that are outside our realm. We have beach wheelchairs for people who can't walk the sand. Most are surprised we have these fat tire chairs, and they're amazed we don't charge for their use!
John Raymer
FOLKS Volunteer Coordinator
618-267-6954
|
|
Registration open for Lovers Key Turtle Trot – May 11
Online registration at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/36464 continues through May 11, 2018. T-shirts will be available to the first 500 registered participants (subject to size availability).
You can view or download a flyer, including a printable registration form here.
|
|
Mark your Calendars!
Save the Dates!
2018/2019 Season of FOLKS Special Events
Check our website and upcoming E-News for more details as these events draw near.
13th Annual Turtle Trot and Family Fun Day
May 12, 2018
Songwriters at Sunset Free Live Acoustic Musical Concerts in the Gazebo
First Thursday of the Month
Dec. 6, 2018
Jan. 3, 2018
Feb. 7, 2018
March 7, 2018
April 4, 2018
|
|
Lovers Key State Park Interpretive Events
May, 2018
Friday, May 4
A Walk on the Wild Side
Tuesday, May 8
Lovers Key Fishing Clinic
Friday, May 11
Black Island Bike Tour
Friday, May 18
Beginning Birding
Friday, May 25
Black Island Kayak Tour
Space is limited – Call for Reservations: 239-463-4588 All events begin at 10:00 am. |
|
|
Volunteer Media Coordinator needed
The FOLKS Board is looking for a volunteer to assume duties as Media Coordinator. The position involves writing and distributing press releases, getting to know community leaders and press staff, website content management, and a host of challenging and fun opportunities. The FOLKS Media Coordinator is now even more important to the Park as the new building comes out of the ground and the Capital Campaign to outfit the building moves into high gear!
Come Join us!! Call Rich Donnelly, President: 239 495 7045.
|
|
Spotlight on our Business Sponsors – Artichoke & Co.
 Artichoke and Company has proudly served the South Florida custom catering market for over twenty years. They are capable of catering any event from intimate dinner parties with friends to prestigious galas. With their extensive catering experience – and some of the finest chefs in the industry – the Artichoke & Co. staff have all the resources to create a truly memorable event for all the right reasons.
Each catering menu is individually tailored to fit all of their client’s unique tastes and visions. Whether you contact them via phone, email or website, Artichoke’s team of experienced and devoted planners will make the event of your dreams come true! You can also visit them on Facebook to learn about their special events.
Their planners can handle any or all of the particulars to make your special event go as smoothly as possible, including venue selection, coordinating all rentals, and customizing your menu.
Artichoke & Co. also hosts a weekly Sunday Breakfast Buffet starting at $16.95. The buffet features a made to order omelet station, peel-n-eat shrimp, Bloody Mary Bar, bagels, pastries, and so much more.
Call Artichoke today to begin planning your own dream event. Let them help you create unforgettable great memories for your guests, and for you as you relax like a guest, too.
Artichoke & Co.
11920 Saradrienne Lane
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
dara@artichokeandcompany.com
(239) 263-6979
|
|
2018 Calendars still available!
Features:
- Important dates and information about special park events
- One FREE State Park entry pass ($8.00 value)
- Special messages from select local businesses and more!
Calendars may be purchased at the Ranger Station, FOLKS merchandise table at the Tram Stop, Gift Shop, on our website, the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, and at Dennis Goodman’s gallery where you can meet the photographer.
Proceeds from the purchase of the FOLKS Calendar will be used to fund the highly anticipated Welcome and Discovery Center!
www.friendsofloverskey.org
FOLKS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Citizen Support Organization (CSO) established to protect, preserve and support Lovers Key State Park.
|
|
|
FOLKS would like to thank the following Business Sponsors for their support as we fund raise for the future Welcome and Discovery Center. Please consider visiting their businesses and supporting them as well. Business Partners help support the environmental education mission of the Park.
Add your business to the list!
Contact Rich Donnelly at: president@friendsofloverskey.org
|
|
|
The Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed by the citizens of the community to support Lovers Key State Park and is registered as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your Membership and Donations are tax-deductible.
|
|
|
|
