Civic Association gets official day as part of anniversary
At the Tuesday, Feb. 23 Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting, the North Fort Myers Civic Association learned that the day was officially proclaimed “North Fort Myers Civic Association Day.”
Commissioner Tammy Hall, a North Fort Myers resident and strong supporter of the group, penned the proclamation. “The Board Of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim February 23, 2010 as North Fort Myers Civic Association Day,” said Hall in her proclamation.
This was the 10th year anniversary of the group, whose mission is to do all “for the betterment of North Fort Myers.”
A celebration was held at Community of Christ Church, where the board meets. The board includes Erik and Kurt Brillhart, Lauren Reynolds, president Gregg Makepeace, Connie Besco, Lee Cummins, Bill Hanners and Jack Howerton.
Behind the scenes is always Bonnie Makepeace, who served cake and cheer at the event.
Carmen Salom, executive assistant to Hall, read the proclamation for the commissioner, who had to travel to Washington, D.C. that night.
The anniversary meeting was also the annual meeting of the group, led by president Makepeace, in which many past and present members attended.
The board was in full attendance, and is diverse in age as well as occupations.
Connie Besco has been a board member for the last six years, and noted as did Makepeace that more board members are now needed.
“North Fort Myers is a very important, very good place to live. We need more involvement,” she said. “It is important to have an organization to go to when there is a problem or issue facing the community.”
When asked to comment on the diversity of the board, Besco noted the three youngest members.
“We have young people involved who are outstanding. They did our Web page, e-mail, and have brought technology to us.”
Erik Brillhart is one of the youngest members, and has been on the board for four years. “I feel that collectively if we all volunteer and do our part we can see the changes we hope for.”
Co-pastors Brenda and Lee Cummins hosted the event at their church.
“We’re looking for three to four seats on the board,” Makepeace said.
Community supporter Jim Toth was recognized, along with Mike Tisherman, considered the “founding father” of the group, as well as Capt. Brad Gossman from the North Fort Myers Alpha Station who is also a strong supporter with Hall, Salom, along with many others.
In his speech, Makepeace not only recapped the year and history of the Association, but also talked about goals for 2010.
Besides planning on continuing candidate forums for elections, the group also wants to hold informational meetings and sessions with local fire and police representatives, so the public can know what is priorities for them.
Other subjects include single member vs at large commission districting and Hometown Democracy issues, tax issues and utility issues.
The two biggest items on their agenda for 2010 include the on-going planning for the already approved new North Fort Myers Community Center/Disaster shelter and possible expansion of the library.
The library is so busy and is host to so many programs, Makepeace and Besco said, that expansion would be a key benefit to the community.
The board meets the second Tuesday of each month, in the Community Room at the church.
Salom said, “When Commissioner Hall could not be here because of her travels I jumped at the chance to to be at this celebration. They are a great organization, with wonderful members.”
A quick calculation, Makepeace reported, was that 1,500 citizens have attended special meetings in the last five years – many of the same at the different meeting.
Pastor Brenda Cummins of the church said, “Your support has helped the quality of life in North Fort Myers.”
For more information on the Civic Association, call Makepeace at 567-0740.