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Geneva Email News

February/March 2012

Notes:

Geneva School Closing?? - Geneva is now known for three more things, (1) blue T-shirts that say "Geneva - School, Family, Community", (2) sending 100's (maybe 1000s) of emails to get the attention of State and Local elected leaders and (3) intelligent fact-finders who don't take anything lying down. If you have not yet sent an email, please do so and share reasons why you think the school should be saved, e.g., the school’s zone is 97 square miles – including parts of Volusia County, it serves as an Emergency shelter (did you use it during a hurricane?) and local real estate values will go down. (Email addresses for all our officials are at the very bottom of this Geneva Email News.) For updates, visit go to: www.classconnection.org/genevapta. Questions/ ideas, please email the Save Geneva Elementary Task Force at savegeneva@gmail.com. In addition, Seminole County Commissioner Bob Dallari suggested we attend the Feb. 7 Joint Work Session - see below for details. Please attend as many blue shirt meetings below as you can! We need to show we all care!

Pay it Forward: Please remember the two Geneva Food Banks in your giving in 2012: the Community Church of God & the First United Methodist Church of Geneva. Did you know that together they feed over 100 Geneva families per week? Did you know that with your donations, they are able through the Second Harvest Food Bank to purchase food at 19 cents a pound? Your donations to our local Food Banks go far to help families right here in our Village. Let’s pull together to help our neighbors in 2012. See the Food Pantry's below in order to contact one of the food banks.

You can find contact information on Geneva's churches, organizations, cemeteries, Community Center, Museum, Rural Heritage Center, Fort Lane Park, etc. at the bottom of this and in each Geneva Email News.

Events

January 31, Tuesday - FCAT Parents Night for Grades 3, 4, and 5 - a meeting for all parents. Watch for additional information in your child's backpack.

February 4, Saturday - The 11th Annual Geneva Historic Bus Tour is a 90 minute tour that takes place on a comfortable tour bus as it winds its way through historic Geneva. While looking at pictures of how Geneva used to be, you see the historic locations and structures that still exist. (Both busses are now full but a waiting list is being made!) There are two tours - - 9:30 AM OR 11:30 AM and the tours begin and end at the Geneva Community Center. Seats are a $10 donation per person. Call 407-947-4412 or email margieilj@aol.com and leave your name, phone number, number of people, and the bus time you desire. You will receive a return call (or return email) for waiting list. Come early or stay later to enjoy the Annual Pancake Breakfast - see next date just below. (If you have a reservation and find you cannot go, call immediately so someone else can take your seats.)

February 4, Saturday -The annual Geneva Pancake Breakfast takes place in the Geneva Community Center from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. Relax over breakfast with your Geneva neighbors! Come enjoy pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee for a modest $5 per person donation. The money supports the Geneva Historical Society which will also be selling its books, T-shirts, prints, etc. Come have breakfast, meet your neighbors, and then tour the Geneva Museum free from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. No reservations needed for breakfast. You do not have to go on the bus tour to enjoy the Pancake Breakfast.

February 5, 8, 10, Sun., Wed., Fri. - There is a Food Pantry at the Community Church of God, SR 46, which is open on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. If you have donations of food, you can drop them off at the Pantry or mail contributions to the Geneva Inasmuch Community Pantry, PO Box 1164, 695 Cochran Rd, Geneva, Fl 32732. 407-461-7066. Please tell your neighbors who might need help with food about Geneva's Food Pantries.

February 5, Sunday - The First United Methodist Church is starting a Children's Sunday School Program during the service, after 10:30 AM.

February 5, Sunday - Mountain Dulcimer Gathering at 1:00 PM at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E. Main Street, Geneva. Bring your dulcimer and learn to become a better player or try one out to see if you might like to learn. We are all learning. If you need help with tuning or getting started, come around 12:30. Questions: Genevahgs@aol.com. $5 donation.

February 5, Sunday - Free Beginning Lessons in Choreographed Ballroom Dancing for couples on Sundays from 2:30-4:00 PM at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E Main Street, Geneva. For questions please call 407-349-9255.

February 5, Sunday (and every Sunday) - Looking for a great way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Why not learn to Square Dance! It is a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends. For information on how to sign up for classes, please call 407 542 3799 or email brendawhitaker51@yahoo.com. Visit us at www.BrendonSquares.com or stop by the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E Main St, Geneva, any Sunday afternoon between 4:30-6:30 and see how much fun square dancing can be.

February 5, Sunday - Every Sunday at 5 PM are Free Music Lessons for all stringed instruments at the Community Church of God in Geneva at the corner of Hwy 46 and Cochran Rd. For more information call 407-474-7847.

February 5, Sundays - The First United Methodist Church of Geneva is having a study of “What Methodists Believe”, Sundays through Feb. 19, at 6:30 PM. Join them to learn about United Methodist history, structure, and beliefs. The groups will meet in Ward Hall on the Church Street side of the Methodist Church.

February 6, Monday - The Geneva Citizens Association Annual Meeting and election of Officers & Directors will be at 7:00 PM at the Geneva Community Center. The business agenda will include a financial report, new and old business, introduction of Amy Lockhart who is a candidate for Seminole County School Board election in 2012, and fielding of questions. We will again have an Indoor Farmer's Market set up at the back of the room with Resthaven Farms with hydroponic tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, etc. and Frederickson Apiaries with honey bee and hopefully strawberries and strawberry plants.

February 7, Tuesday - 9:30 - 11:30 AM, Joint Board of County Commissioners/School Board Session. We are urged by Commissioner Dallari to show up wearing our GenevA+ Blue Shirts, to keep the pressure on the school board to do right by our students and our wallets. Public comments will NOT be allowed, but as Yogi Berra once said, "You can hear a lot just by listening!" The meeting will be held in the BCC Chambers on the 1st Floor at 1101 East 1st St., Sanford (County Services Building). Please send emails to the County Commissioners (addresses below) to request that the meeting be televised since many of very interested folks cannot make a morning meeting. (There will be blue Geneva T-shirts available outside the meeting, if you want one.)

February 7 & 9, Tuesdays and Thursdays - The Methodist Church has a Walking Group which meets on the south side of the church on starting at 5:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to join the group!

February 7, Tuesday - The first grade is putting on their play called "Jungle Party" at 6:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room at the historic, wonderful, Geneva Elementary. Guaranteed to please! Bring your camera!

February 7, 8, 9, & 11 (Evenings from 6-9 PM, & a Sat. morn) - A four-session Beginning Bird-Watching Course for all ages is offered by the Seminole Audubon Society in partnership with Seminole County Natural Lands. It includes classroom and field experience: use of bird-watching tools, how to look at and identify birds, creating wildlife habitat and more. Cost for the full course is $30.00. Classes will be held at the Ed Yarborough Nature Center in the Geneva Wilderness Area, 3485 N. CR 426, Geneva. The class will include a field trip to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. To register send your name, address, telephone number or email address to Seminole Audubon Society P.O. Box 2977, Sanford FL 32772-2977. For more information call 407-977-4389, e-mail seminoleaudubon@gmail.com. For information on other Audubon trips contact Shirley Folse at 407-977-4389 or go to www.seminoleaudubon.org.

February 7 & 10, Tuesday & Friday (and every Tues. & Fri.) There is an open AA group that meets at the Church of the Nazarene, 205 W SR 46 in Geneva on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:00 PM. For more information on Alcoholics Anonymous, copy and paste www.cflintergroup.org/pdf/meeting/lg_meetingguide.pdf into your browser.

February 7, Tuesday - This is the first day to sign up for a space at the 10th Annual Geneva Community Yard and Craft Sale on March 3 - This is a community wide, over 50 table, yard & craft sale at the Geneva Community Center, First Street. There is indoor space to rent with a table provided for $15 OR outdoor 10X10’ spaces for $10 (you provide your own tables). For a form to reserve a space, click on >> http://www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva/Yard Sale app.htm or email GenevaHGS@aol.com, or call 407-349-5697. We advertise for you in all the local papers, place an ad in the Orlando Sentinel, put on Bulletin Boards, etc. Collect your junque or make some crafts and come have a good time making a little extra money. Sponsored by the Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc.

February 8 & 11, Wed. & Sat. (and every Wed. & Sat.) - The Thrift House is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 3 PM. Before you go to town to buy anything, check the Thrift House. They have everything! It is located in the house on Church Street behind the Methodist Church building / playground. All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. For donations or questions, call 407-493-4383.

February 8, Wednesday (and every second Wednesday of the month) - The Geneva Village Homemakers meet at the Geneva Community Center at 10:00 AM. Come meet all our members and find that we are just plain folks who have a good time and also give service to our community. This all-ages group has a Card Club, Book Club, Quilt Club, and Dinner Club. Come visit and see if you might like to join in our fun, friendship, service, and usual potluck lunch. Questions? Call Robin at 407-349-0040.

February 8, Wednesday (and every Wednesday) - The fun and delicious Wednesday Night Community Dinners are from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall in Geneva. Dinner, dessert and drink for $5.00. Please come join us for food and fellowship. Open to the whole community so meet your neighbors over a great homemade meal! Check the sign in front of the Church for the menu of the day.

February 9, Thursday (and every Thursday) - The First United Methodist Church of Geneva has a Food Pantry every Thursday afternoon from 12:00 to 2:00 PM (new time). Go to the right side door of the church hall. For more information or to make donations of food or money, contact Stacey at Staceymwpp210@yahoo.com or 407-754-7948. The Pantry is open to any residents of Geneva who need food. Please tell your neighbors who don't get the Geneva Email News about Geneva's Food Pantries.

February 9, Thursday (and every Thursday) - All Levels Yoga Class at the Geneva Community Center. Enjoy the benefits of a stronger body, increased flexibility and a peaceful mind right here in our village! 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM. Cost is $8. For more information contact Emily Bellairs at 407-349-0346 or treeposeyoga@yahoo.com.

February 10, Friday, 7:45 – 8:35 AM, Donuts for Dads at Geneva Elementary. All Dads, Grandfathers, Uncles and “Like-A-Dads” are invited to join their Mustangs at school for this popular annual tradition! Come on Dads!

February 11, Saturday - Dinner & Movie Night at the Geneva Bijou. Come around 6:30 PM if you want to dine on some fine, locally crafted pizza. Then enjoy the night of old-fashioned fun at 7 PM at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E. Main, Geneva. $5 donation per person ($3 donation for kids under 16). Send your email address to GenevaHGS@aol.com to get on the movie club list and you will find out more about the movies to be shown.

February 12 & 26, Sundays (and every 2nd and 4th Sunday) - A new exhibit of Children's Carriages (on loan from Mr. Bill Nygren) is now at the Museum of Geneva History. We have assembled eight examples of children’s carriages manufactured between 1850 and 1910 which reveal a richness of materials and an appreciation for graceful lines and careful workmanship. Just as the automobile confers a certain status on its owner in our society, carriages did the same for the generations that preceded the auto. There is also a display of handmade toys. The Museum is open from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and is located next door to the Community Center on 1^st Street. Admission is free. Check out Geneva's interesting history on our website: http://www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva.

February 14, Tuesday – 1:30 PM (not usual 4:30 since it is Valentine's Day), School Board Meeting. Wear your blue GENEVA+ shirts and attend this meeting to hear, first hand, the latest on possible school closings and budget issues. Public comments will be allowed and many schools are expected to attend. Held at the Educational Support Center, 400 East Lake Mary Boulevard, Sanford (between 417 and 17-92). (There will be blue Geneva T-shirts - $5 - available outside the meeting, if you want one.)

February 17, 18, 19, Friday, Saturday & Sunday - The next terrific Spot Light Theatre production which will be performed at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E. Main Street, Geneva, is "The Boyfriend". The Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 PM and the Sunday show will be a matinee at 2 PM. Tickets: All students, children, and seniors are $12; Adults - 1st three rows $18, all other rows $15. Visit their website at www.spotlighttheatrecf.org.

February 18, Saturday - There is a Gun Safety Class for men and women taught by Dawn Kight at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E. Main Street, Geneva. It runs from 9 AM - 1 PM. The class cost is $35. Participants need to bring a handgun, ammunition, cleaning kit and targets. You must pre-register by contacting Dawn Kight at 407-491-4171 or dmkight4@att.net.

February 18, Saturday - Like to act and sing? The Spotlight Theatre is having Children's Auditions for their next performance "Alice, the Musical" at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E Main St., Geneva. It is a wonderfully retold story in song, dance and drama. The auditions are for ages 5 to 18 and run from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. There are many openings. Come with a short monologue and also one song of your choosing - either sung with a CD or a'capella. (The performances in Geneva will be May 25, 26, 27. There will be other performances elsewhere.) For more information, call 407-416-5239.

February 18, Saturday - Come for a free evening of old-time music at the Geneva Jam at the Geneva Community Center. This is toe-tapping and acoustic music -- bluegrass, old country, and gospel for you to enjoy. Hot-dogs, hamburgers, sausage, chips, dessert, and drinks are for sale at a very modest cost from 6:00 to 7:00 PM (or until the food runs out). The music starts around 6:30 PM. If you play an acoustic instrument, come get a chair up front. A 50-50 raffle is held each month where the winner gets half the pot. The other half of the pot and the food proceeds help pay for the upkeep of the Geneva Community Center. Come and enjoy some good music with your neighbors!

February 19, Sunday - The Florida Trail Association is sponsoring a Geneva Historical Trail hike. It will start from the Museum of Geneva History on 1st Street. "We’ll walk a loop of 5.7 miles through town and around Lake Geneva and see around 18 sites of historical interest." The trail starts at 9:00 AM. No registration needed. For more information, contact Steve Rajtar at rajtar@aol.com, 407-325-6269 cell.

February 21, Tuesday - The First United Methodist Church is having their Second Annual Talent Show & Pancake Supper on Tuesday starting at 6 PM. Please contact Sharry Daugherty at 407-349-9297 (leave a message) or send us an email at genevafumc@att.net if you wish to participate in the show. Open to all. No talent?? - - just come eat and enjoy the show.

February 23, Thursday - Geneva Elementary School's 2nd Grade Field Trip to Central Florida Zoo. Remember permission slips!
February 25, Saturday - Can you believe it...already.....???...The First Planning Session for July 4th, 2012 Parade & Festival is at 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM at the Geneva Community Center. Want to meet your neighbors and help, too? Come join the fun and hard-working folks who put the festival and parade together every year. At the meeting we will hopefully pick a theme for the 2012 Independence Day festivities. Put your thinking cap on! There are large and small jobs needed to fill.

February 25, Saturday - Through a four hour seminar, Refuse to Be A Victim, you can learn the personal safety tips and techniques you need to avoid dangerous situations and avoid becoming a victim. Some of the topics are: Home Security, Personal Security, Automobile Security, and Workplace Security. The class is at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E Main Street, Geneva, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The cost is $25 and the class is for men and women. Please contact Dawn Kight to pre-register for the class or for more information - 407-491-4171 or dmkight4@att.net.

February 25, Saturday - 11:00 to 2:00 p.m., Free Shad Rally at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp, Hwy 46, adjacent to CS Lee Park, Geneva. "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough on "Shad Fishing Tactics". Event includes sponsor displays, give-aways, and a raffle, with all proceeds going to Anglers For Conservation - Hook Kids on Fishing Program. Come out and help celebrate the annual American shad run on the St. Johns River and also raise funds for the Hook Kids on Fishing Program. Call 407-349-5554 or visit www.thejollygator.com for more information.

February 28, Tuesday – 5:30 PM, School Board Meeting. At this meeting, the School Board will be voting whether or not to close schools (which schools to close will be voted on at their March 13^th meeting). Wear your blue GENEVA+ shirts and let’s fill the audience! Public comments will be allowed. Held at the Educational Support Center, 400 East Lake Mary Boulevard, Sanford (between 417 and 17-92). (If you do not have a Geneva blue t-shirt, just wear blue.)

March 3 Saturday - Don't miss the 10th Annual Geneva Community Yard & Craft Sale - This is a community wide, over 50 table yard & craft sale at the Geneva Community Center, First Street. Come shop! 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Great yard sale bargains and beautiful crafts! Food, too! There is indoor space to rent with table provided for $15 OR outdoor 10X10’ spaces for $10 (you provide your own tables outside). For a form to reserve a space, click on >> http://www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva/Yard Sale app.htm and send in the form, email GenevaHGS@aol.com, or call 407-349-5697. We advertise for you in all the local papers, place an ad in the Orlando Sentinel, put on Bulletin Boards, put in Geneva Email News, distribute flyers, etc. Collect your junque or make some crafts and come have a good time making a little extra money. Sponsored by the Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc.

March 3, Saturday - Nocturnal Animals Hike, 7:30 - 9:30 PM @ the Lake Harney Wilderness Area, Osceola Rd at Fishcamp Road, Geneva. Experience our beautiful wilderness areas on one of our guided hikes and learn more about the “wild side” of Seminole County. Advanced registration is required, as space is limited. Bring water, insect repellent and flashlight. Open to ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $3 per person. Pre-registration required. Call 407-349-0959 for more information.

March 12 & 26, Sundays (and every 2nd and 4th Sunday) - A new exhibit of Children's Carriages (on loan from Mr. Bill Nygren) is now at the Museum of Geneva History. We have assembled eight examples of children’s carriages manufactured between 1850 and 1910 which reveal a richness of materials and an appreciation for graceful lines and careful workmanship. Just as the automobile confers a certain status on its owner in our society, carriages did the same for the generations that preceded the auto. There is also a display of handmade toys. The Museum is open from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and is located next door to the Community Center on 1^st Street. Admission is free. Check out Geneva's interesting history on our website: http://www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva. eva

March 13, Tuesday – 5:30 PM, School Board Meeting. If the School Board chooses to close schools, this is the meeting where they will vote on which schools will close. Of course, we hope it does not come to this, but please mark your calendar and plan to attend this meeting just in case! We need to FILL the audience with GENEVA+ blue shirts so plan to arrive early! (Note, a work session begins at 1 p.m. and the public is invited to attend this as well, but public comments are NOT allowed.) Held at the Educational Support Center, 400 East Lake Mary Boulevard, Sanford (between 417 and 17-92). (If you do not have a Geneva blue t-shirt, just wear blue.)

March 16 - 23 - Seminole County School system Spring Break, includes, of course, Geneva Elementary School. Classes will resume on Monday, March 26. Keep reading those good books!

March 17, Saturday - Owl Prowl, 7:30 - 9:30 PM @ the Geneva Wilderness Area, CR 426, Geneva. Experience our beautiful wilderness areas on one of our guided hikes and learn more about the “wild side” of Seminole County. Advanced registration is required, as space is limited. Bring water, insect repellent and flashlight. Open to ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $3 per person. Pre-registration required. Call 407.349.0959 for more information.

March 17, Saturday (and every 3rd Saturday) - Come for a free evening of old-time music that you have been hankering for at the Geneva Jam at the Geneva Community Center. There is toe-tapping acoustic music -- bluegrass, old country, and some old-fashioned gospel for you to enjoy. Hot-dogs, hamburgers, sausage, chips, dessert, and drinks are for sale at a very modest cost from 6:00 to 7:00 PM (or until the food runs out). The music starts around 6:30 PM. A 50-50 raffle is held each month where the winner gets half the pot; the other half of the pot and the food proceeds help pay for the upkeep of the Geneva Community Center. Come and enjoy some good music with your neighbors!

March 31, Saturday - Seminole Woods Community Garage Sale. 9 AM to 3 PM. Something for everyone. Enter ONLY on SR 426 by the Gatehouse.

March 31, Saturday - Founder's Day at the Rural Heritage Center. More details in next Geneva Email News.

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Ongoing Geneva Organizations/Churches/Activities

That Welcome You

There is an open AA group that meets at the Church of the Nazarene, 205 W SR 46 in Geneva on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:00 PM.

Geneva's Boy Scout Troop 837, sponsored by the Geneva Methodist Church, meets every Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Geneva. Ages 11 to 17 welcome. Come join us. For more information call Scoutmaster Randy Deavers, 407-718-9584.

BrenDon Square Dancers If you have been looking for a place to go to have fun, meet your neighbors and make new friends this is it. We are located in the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E. Main, Geneva. Our club dances every Sunday from 4:30-6:30. Our next classes for new dancers will be starting soon and are held on Sundays from 2:00-4:00. (If you would like to learn more about square dancing please visit us at brendawhitaker51@yahoo.com.)

Community Church of God - Sunday - Sunday school 9:00 AM, Morning worship 10:30 AM, Music Practice / Music Lessons 5 p.m. and Evening worship 6:00 PM. Thursday - 6:30 Meal and 7:30 Bible Study lead by Brother Butch Quintinn. Please fellowship with us when you can. (See Food Pantry below.)

Cub Scout Pack 837 of Geneva invites all Cub Scout age boys (1^st -5^th grades) to the all-pack meetings on Thursdays at 6:30 in the Geneva Elementary School. For more information about the individual Cub Scout age groups, contact Gary Gettig, Cubmaster, at ggettig@cfl.rr.com for more information about this fun family organization.

The Econ Livestock 4-H Club meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 6:00-7:30 PM. Their special interests are steers, chickens, hogs, horses, and sheep. They have won several Grand Champion Awards for their animals. The group also does community service. Anyone interested in joining should call Frances Yarborough at 407-366-2171. New members welcome!

First Baptist Church of Geneva - Sundays - Bible Study at 9:00 AM (for all ages), Worship Service and Junior Church at 10:15 AM and Geneva Men for Christ every other week at 6:00 PM. Wednesdays -Awana (K-grade 8) and Cubbies (3-5) at 6:00 PM (during the school year), Youth Activities at 6:00 PM, and Adult Bible Study: Growing Together from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (nursery provided for children up to 24 months.) Ladies' Bible Studies are ongoing. Check out the Events Calendar online or call: www.firstbaptistgeneva.com, (407-349-5411).

The First United Methodist Church of Geneva invites everyone to attend Church at 10:30 AM. Adult Sunday School is from 9:00 to -10:00 AM. There is a covered dish lunch the first Sundays of the month after the service. Christian Day Care is provided for the community. On Wednesday nights (5:30 to 6:30) there is a Community Dinner ($5) for anyone who wants some good homecooked food. Also see the Thrift House & Boutique below. genevafumc@att.net 407-349-9596 (See Methodist Church Food Pantry below.)

Inasmuch Food Pantry at the Community Church of God, is open on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. If you have donations of food, you can drop them off at the Pantry or mail contributions to the Geneva Inasmuch Community Pantry, PO Box 1164, 695 Cochran Rd., Geneva, Fl 32732. 407-461-7066.

The Methodist Church Food Pantry is open every Thursday afternoon from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. For more information or to make donations, contact Stacey at Staceymwpp210@yahoo.com or 407-754-7948.

Historic Fort Lane Park off Jungle Road on beautiful Lake Harney is owned and operated by the all-volunteer Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. and is open to the public for picnics, family reunions, meetings, informal weddings, primitive (self-contained) camping, etc. The screened pavilion can be reserved for group activities by calling 407-312-2204. When the Park is reserved for an activity, a donation toward the upkeep of the park is expected. Website: Fort Lane Park

Geneva Cemeteries - The two cemeteries in Geneva are: Geneva Cemetery on Cemetery Road, PO Box 831, Geneva, FL (407-349-9299) and Stewart Memorial Grounds on Little Fawn Lane (407-349-5349) - For history and a list of those buried in the cemeteries prior to 1999, go to this website > http://www.rootsweb.com/~flsemino/gencemetery.htm

Geneva Church of Christ - Sunday: 10:00 AM Bible Classes, 11:00 AM Morning Worship, 5:00 PM Evening Worship. 407-349-9998.

Geneva Church of the Nazarene on SR 46 has Bible Study at 7:00 PM on Wednesday and Sunday service at 11:00 AM. For more information on the new church’s happenings call Pastors Dewey & Caroline Jones at 321-704-9789 or email drjonesky@gmail.com.

The Geneva Citizens Association, since 1895, has as its purpose “to preserve the antiquity and personality of the Village of Geneva”. Meetings are held as needed and all Geneva citizens are encouraged to attend. For information, contact Richard Creedon, 407-349-1266.

The Geneva Community Center on First Street is available for rent for special, private and organizational functions. It is air-conditioned, heated, and has a kitchen. It is available by the half or whole day to all residents at “old fashioned rates.” All proceeds go towards the upkeep of this historic building built by the WPA. The Contact Person for Geneva Community Center is Lisa Reddy. If you want to schedule the Community Center just call her 407-719-4479 (phone), 407-349-2580 (fax), abstractor815@gmail.com. This is a service provided by your Geneva Citizens Association and is all volunteer.

Geneva Elementary School Volunteers - Dr. Tina Irwin, principal of the A+ Geneva Elementary School, loves to have “Dividend” support for the young people at the school. If you would like to help in any way with kids or in the office, go to the School Administration Desk or call 407-320-4950. You do not have to have a student at the school, just a desire to have fun helping children. Also, any day is a good day to join Geneva Elementary School's PTA.

Geneva Evergreens - This is a ministry for seniors, 55 years and older. The Evergreens hold a luncheon on the last Friday of the month at 11:30 AM or go on a field trip. The meetings are open to all Seniors. The church supplies the main dish and everyone brings a covered dish, either side dish or dessert. For more information about the Evergreen's programs, call the Geneva Baptist Church at 407-349-5411.

The Geneva Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., an all-volunteer organization, was founded in 1952 to preserve the history of Geneva for future generations. The Society owns and operates the Museum of Geneva History and Fort Lane Park and also has historical activities throughout the year. If you would like to join us, contact Cindy Simonton, 407-312-2204 or email GenevaHGS@aol.com. Check out Geneva's interesting history on our website: http://www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva.

The Geneva Village Homemakers is a lively group that meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Geneva Community Center at 10:00 AM. This group of over 50 members has a meeting and then indulges in a hearty potluck lunch. The members enjoy trips, speakers, volunteering & contributing to the benefit of the Village of Geneva. Within the club is a Dinner Club, Card Club and Book Club which members can participate in. For more information contact Robin at 407-349-0040.

The Geneva Wilderness Area on HWY 426 (including the Ed Yarborough Nature Center), Lake Proctor Wilderness Area on SR 46, and the new Lake Harney Wilderness Area (off Osceola Rd at Fish Camp Rd) are all managed by the Seminole County Natural Lands Program. For information on activities call 407-349-0551. The Nature Center can be used for birthday [parties and retreats! Call for information.

Girl Scout, Brownie, and Daisy Troops have room for girls at Geneva Elementary School. If your daughter would like to be in a troop, call Shari Krummenacker at 407-349-1267. Also call her if you would like to volunteer or help in any way.

Hoofing It 4-H Club - If you are interested in joining this club, please call Sharon Roberson & Liz Jett at 407-349-4070, mrobo3@bellsouth.net.

Messianic Torah Study is held every week in Geneva. Basic biblical Hebrew classes are also held by Rabbi Ed Glass. The study and class are open to everyone. Call for day and time: 1-386-589-1375.

Museum of Geneva History - The Museum is open on the second and fourth Sundays of each month OR by appointment by calling 407-349-5697. The building is full of Geneva history and artifacts. It has an old-fashioned bedroom, kitchen, and store along with information on the FEC Railway through Geneva, archeological finds, military history, antique musical instruments& phonographs, and a violano on loan (a player piano / player violin). We also have Geneva history books, T-shirts, historical prints, license plates, caps, etc. All donations are tax deductible. Check out Geneva's interesting history at our colorful website: http://www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva (all lower case letters except the “G” in Geneva).

New Bethel A. M. E. Church - The Church is located at 600 Cochran Road in Geneva and meets every Sunday @ 10:00 and 11:00 AM. All are welcome.

Oak Grove M. B. Church - on Old Lake Harney Road, Sunday School - 9:30 AM and Sunday Worship - 11:00 AM. Tuesday is Bible Class at 7:00 PM. Thursday is Youth Group at 7:00 PM. All are welcome.

The Rural Heritage Center, 101 E. Main Street, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the rural lifestyle of the communities of Black Hammock, Chuluota, Geneva and Snow Hill. Watch for events and announcements taking place at the historic Geneva school house - RuralHeritageCenter.net. For information on reserving a room, or to contribute in some way, email RuralHeritageCenter@gmail.com or 407-792-0758.

Snow Hill Baptist Church on Snow Hill Road has its services on Sundays at 11:00 AM and Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Everyone welcome. Chairman Eddie J. Howard & Deacon John Kelly Jr., email: anointedx4@aol.com

The Thrift House and Boutique at the First Methodist Church is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM - 3 PM. It is located in the house on Church Street behind the church building and playground. All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. All the monies raised go toward Church Missions. For donations or questions, call Tootsie at (407) 493-4383.

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For interesting History on the Village of Geneva, go to the Geneva Historical Society's website: www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva (all lower case letters except the “G” in Geneva).

If you would like your Geneva-based, nonprofit organization and/or event to be mentioned in the Geneva Email News, send an email to GenevaHGS@aol.com. We only list events and organizations that are in the Geneva area or are specifically related to our rural-type Living. Volunteer Editor - MJM

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For any who would like to contact the "Powers That Be":

School Board Chairman - Dr. Tina Calderone

Tina_Calderone@scps.k12.fl.us

School Board Vice Chairman - Karen Almond

Karen_Almond@scps.k12.fl.us

School Board Member - Diane Bauer

Diane_Bauer@scps.k12.fl.us

School Board Member - Sylvia Pond

Sylvia_Pond@scps.k12.fl.us

School Board Member - DeDe Schaffner

Dede_Schaffner@scps.k12.fl.us