Geneva Email News*
January – 2017
Happy New Year!
First, a Few Notes of Geneva Interest:
Geneva History Tidbit – Lewis Thornton Powell is the Confederate soldier that was involved in the Lincoln Conspiracy and whose skull is buried in the Geneva Cemetery. Three of his sisters married into influential Geneva families: two of them married Hart brothers, early settlers that lived on Hart Road, and the other to a son of the Lassiter’s, another prominent Geneva family. The whole story of Lewis Thornton Powell can be seen in a slide show on February 4th. See February 4 below for more information.
www.Nextdoor.com – Concerned about all the break-ins lately in Geneva? Join Nextdoor and hear from your neighbors and the County on what they have experienced. Nextdoor is also a way to know what is going on in your specific Geneva neighborhood. You sign up by your address and are joined with the neighbors in the part of Geneva where you live.
The WalkingTree Folk School at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E Main, is looking for volunteers & also paid teachers. They are looking for volunteers who would like to learn or have skills such as instrument making, woodworking, stained glass, etc. and, if interested, participate in a program that could lead to a paid position. They are also needed to help at events such as Founder’s Day & festivals around Orlando or to assist in classes and everyday operations of the school. AND the Folk School is looking for teachers/instructors who would like to be paid to teach their skill or hobby. Depending on the subject, they may be paid an hourly rate plus expenses. If you are interested, contact the Folkschool at 407-497-5072 or walkingtreefolkschool@gmail.com. We need you!
The drive to pay for our Honor Monument for Geneva’s Veterans is more than half way to its goal of $4500. Keep track on the donation thermometer in front of the Community Center. The monument will be stone to replace the old wooden sign and to honor all vets – past, present and future. Since Geneva has no governmental entity, we depend on our individual citizens, organizations and churches to donate to what we care about. Let’s show our vets that Genevans truly appreciate their service! To donate or for more information, call 407-314-0115.
Geneva Links:
– Info on Geneva – Parks, Cemeteries, Churches, Places to Hold Events/Parties, Youth & Adult Organizations, etc. – www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva/geneva_organizations.htm.
– Geneva Historical Society – www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva/
– Fort Lane Park – www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva/fort_lane_park.htm
– Rural Heritage Center & WalkingTree Folk School – https://ruralheritagecenter.net/ (it is slow to load)
– “The Dispatcher” is a monthly newsletter from Seminole County Sheriff. – www.seminolesheriff.org
– Crime Watch Map for crimes the past month in Geneva area. – Scroll down below map and click on date you want to see. http:/seminolesheriff.org/page.aspx?id=10
– Nextdoor is a social networking service for the Geneva neighborhoods. Get news about your neighborhood events, County safety warnings, etc. Go to www.Nextdoor.com.
January Events
(Events written in blue ink are newly added events. Events in black ink are those which take place every week or month.)
January 1, Sunday – Happy New Year and get your good luck started for 2017 by joining fellow Genevans for our annual Peas & Plenty New Year’s Day Meal. Pork and chicken will be provided; you bring the fun, fellowship, and (if you can) a family-favorite covered dish to share. Lunch runs from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Rural Heritage Center & WalkingTree Folk School, 101 E Main (old brick school). This is a fun Geneva get-together and a great way for new Genevans to meet their neighbors. Don’t miss it.
January 2, Monday – Start off the new year by learning a new folk skill. The WalkingTree Folk School at the Rural Heritage Center, 101 E Main, Geneva, is looking for those interested in specific classes this year. As enough people sign up for a class, the class will be held. There are personable instructors ready to teach calligraphy, ceramic pottery, clay pottery, basic/intermediate computer, or homesteading/sustainability. There are also woodworking classes to make a 29-stringed folk harp, mama’s sewing stool, full-sized dulcimer, cigar box dulcimer, or a children’s class using a kit to make a cardboard dulcimer (requires parent to be with child). Call 407-497-5072 or email walkingtreefolkschool@gmail.com to say you are interested in any of the above classes and to get cost & possible dates for classes. www.protopage.com/walkingtreefs.
January 3-6, Tuesday to Friday – The Winter Break Eco Adventure Camp by the County’s Natural Lands Program will be held again at the Ed Yarborough Nature Center, 3485 N. County Road 426, Geneva. The camp is for 7-12 years old. The cost is $132 /wk. Extended day is an additional $15/wk. The hours run 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (extended Day: 7:30 AM -5:30 PM.) Application and information can be found at www.seminolecountyfl.gov/naturallands. Scholarships are available through Seminole County at 407-665-2170 OR through the Audubon Society at 407-797-4636, seminoleaudubon@gmail.com, OR through bethflw@aol.com.
January 4 & 6 (every Wed & Fri.) – The Community Church of God’s Inasmuch Food Pantry, located at the NE corner of SR 46 & Cochran RD, provides fresh & healthy food for Geneva residents in need. Open Wednesdays 9-10 AM & Fridays 8-9 AM. The pantry can always use donations of food, toiletries, necessities and tax deductible donations. Drop them off during open hours or call the number below for pickup. Mail contributions to Inasmuch Community Pantry, PO Box 1164, Geneva, 32732. Information: Rick Hughes, genevafoodpantry@gmail.com,407-461-7066.
January 4 & 7 (every Wed. & Sat.) – The Thrift House in Geneva is open from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. There are daily specials so check them out. Also “like us” on Facebook at FUMC Geneva Thrift House. The Thrift House is located on Church Street behind the Methodist Church playground. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. Volunteers needed. Information – Stacey atStaceymwpp210@yahoo.com, 407-754-7948.
January 5 (every Thurs.) – The First United Methodist Church of Geneva has a Food Pantry open every Thursday from 1 – 3 PM – – right side door of the church hall. Open to any resident of Geneva who needs food. For more information or to make donations of food or money, contact Stacey at Staceymwpp210@yahoo.com or 407-754-7948. Be a good neighbor and tell those who don’t have email about both of Geneva’s Food Pantries.
January 5 (every Thurs.) – The Young Adult Bible Study meets in the Fellowship Hall at the First Baptist Church of Geneva at 7:00 PM. All young adults welcome.
January 5, Thursday – This is the deadline to register for the next Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) session that begins on Saturday January 7 at Geneva Archery. It is a 5-week archery instruction program at Geneva Archery Range, 3855 CR 426, Geneva, from 9:00-10:00 AM. JOAD is open to any youth, ages 8 to 20, and is designed to grow with the youth archer. The cost is $80 for the five week course. Register early as only 20 students per session are accepted. Registrations accepted on the www.GenevaArchery.com registration page. Email confirmations are sent out prior to class start, and payment is due the first day of class. No online payment available. For further information, go to www.GenevaArchery.com or call head coach at 407-221-7764.
January 6 (every 1st Fri.) – Genevans are invited to a Prayer Vigil for our Seminole County Law Enforcement Agencies & Seminole County Sheriff Deputies that occurs at 12:15 PM at 1225 E. Broadway in Oviedo.
January 6 (every Fri.) – If you’re looking for a little local healthy fun, come sip some home-brewed sweet tea and relax with us on Friday evenings at 6:30 PM at Yoga at the Ol’ Barn. These beginner level Yoga classes are Vinyasa Flow with a little bit of restorative postures and include a short meditation afterwards. The classes are held at the Ol’ Barn Junktiques of Geneva, 2993 W Osceola Road, Geneva. Info – 407-617-5703.
January 8 (usually every 1st Sun.- but not on New Years Day, 1/8 instead) – The Dulcimer Gathering meets at the Rural Heritage Center & Folk School, 101 E. Main St, Geneva at 1:00 PM. Beginners welcome, too. A dulcimer is one of the easiest instruments to play. Try out one of our dulcimers to see if you might like to learn or bring your own dulcimer and have fun learning to play it better. Questions: Mary Jo – GenevaHGS@aol.com, 407-349-5697.
January 8 (every Sun.) – Brendon Square Dancers – If you have been looking for a place to have fun, meet your neighbors & make new friends this is it. Located in the Rural Heritage Center & Folk School, 101 E. Main St, Geneva, our club dances every Sunday from 4:30-6:30. More info: mikelinde@bellsouth.net. Stop by any Sunday afternoon & see how much fun square dancing can be.
January 8 (every Sun.) – Mini Music Jam at the Community Church of God on SR 46 every Sun at 5 PM. Bring a musical instrument, your voice, and learn with us. We’ll help you learn to play a stringed instrument. Free. 407-474-7847.
January 8 & 22 (every 2nd & 4th Sun.) –The Museum of Geneva History is open from 2:00 – 4:00 PM OR by appointment – 407-349-5697. A new display is a “Touch It Table” especially for kids.” The Museum is located at 165 1st St. , next to the Community Center, admission free, but donations appreciated. Displays include local archeological finds, pioneer crafts, mercantile, family genealogy records, Civil War, toys/musical instruments, etc. Listen to a violano, Edison Phonograph, and a Radio that plays Bing Crosby, George & Gracie Allen, etc. We also have new Geneva T-shirts, hoodies, caps, prints, history books, and the new Historic Walking/Driving Tour for sale. Check out some of Geneva’s interesting history at www.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva.
January 9, Monday – Seminole County School’s 2017 School year starts back up. Find that backpack.
January 9 (every Mon.) – Cub Scout Pack 837 meets at 6:00 PM at the NW corner of 1st and Main in the old Baptist Church building (320 1st street). The Geneva Community Church of God is proudly our charter organization and the desire is to make this age-old, time-proven program available to even more families in Geneva. It is for boys in the 1st through 5th grade or ages 7–10. If you have questions, contact Randy Deavers at 407-718-9584, pack837geneva@gmail.com.
January 10 (every 2nd Tues.) – Got a story you’d like to tell? The Writer’s Group is for anyone who wants to learn or likes to write – an autobiography, a song, a poem, a play, as well as a short story or novel. While the name may suggest that the group is for writers, its membership is open to anyone who has a story to tell. Writers will meet separate from poets and songwriters allowing the two groups to focus on their works. Come and learn more & meet others who are interested. The group meets at the Rural Heritage Center & WalkingTree Folk School, 101 E Main Street, at 7 PM. Questions: Richard Gustin, rgustin@chessie.us.
January 11 (every 2nd Wed.) – The Geneva Village Homemakers meet at the Geneva Community Center, 161 1st St., at 10:00 AM. Come visit and find that we are just plain folks who give service to our community, go on local trips, and just have a good time. This all-age group also has a Card Club, Book Club, and Dinner Club for those members who are interested in such activities. Those who are employed are also welcome to join and participate in evening or weekend happenings. Questions, contact Robin at 407-349-0040 or skibtdrvr@aol.com.
January 11 (every Wed.) – Awana Kid’s Ministry at the First Baptist Church of Geneva starts with pizza at 5:45 PM and check-in at 6:15 PM. The program starts at 6:30 PM. Awana is for kids from age 3 through the 6th grade. The R.E.A.L. Youth meet at the First Baptist Church of Geneva on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM. These youths are 7th thru 12th graders. Everyone welcome.
January 12 (every 2nd Thurs.) – The Seminole County Legal Aid Society has formed a Free Seminole County Veteran’s Legal Clinic that takes place at the Seminole County Public Library, 215 North Oxford Rd., Casselberry, 1 – 4 PM. They will determine the lawyer best suited to address the veteran’s legal issue and the communications are treated as attorney/client privileged. Genevan – Sherry Eisele is one of the volunteer attorneys at the monthly clinic and you can call her with questions, Sherry – 407-539-1638 or 407-405-8801.
January 12, Thursday – The Rural Heritage Center & WalkingTree Folk School is having its Annual Meeting at 6:30 PM in the Center. Come see what’s going on at the Rural Heritage Center this coming year and what is up with the Folk School which is newly named the WalkingTree Folk School after the beautiful Walking Tree at Fort Lane Park.
January 12 & 26 (every other Thurs.) With all the processing and genetically modifying of our foods, here is an opportunity to eat organic! Join our HEALING Co-op (Healthy Eating And Lifestyle IN Geneva) and pick up an amazing basket of certified Organics every other Thursday. The cost is less than $2/pound and the food is wonderful! Interested? call Trish Deer at 407-733-7514.
January 12 & 26 (usually every 1st, 2nd, & 4th Thurs. – but not Jan. 5) – Cub Scout Pack 765, Geneva’s WOW Pack meets on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursday nights at 6:30 PM at the Living Word Church of the Nazarene on SR 46. We are a parent run, Scout, and family-centered pack. Email GenevaPack765@gmail.com for more information. Boys in the 1st through 5th grade or ages 7–10 are welcome to join!
January 13, Friday – Geneva Elementary School’s PTA Spirit Night is at Chuck E. Cheese in Waterford Lakes from 3-9 PM. Eat at Chuck E. Cheese and support your school.
January 16, Monday – With all the break-ins lately in Geneva, there is interest in finding out about the Neighborhood Watch Program Discussion. Consider forming a Neighborhood Watch which can help deter crime in our village, by helping to be the eyes and ears for each other and for law enforcement. Neighbors watch & report suspicious activity in the neighborhood. They get to know each other, building an even stronger community. A meeting has been set up at 7:00 PM at the Geneva Community Center and Will Stone, Sheriff Deputy-Seminole County, will be there to tell about the program and answer questions.
January 21 (every 3rd Sat.) Geneva Farmer’s Market – Join us in the Village of Geneva every 3rd Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM now outsideat the corner of 1st & Main by the Rural Heritage Center & Folk School. It is always wonderful to spend time with old friends and enjoy some old-fashioned items that quaint village life has to offer! For more info, visit www.ruralheritagecenter.net, go to Facebook: Geneva Heritage Farmers Market, or call Trish – 407-733-7514.
January 21, Saturday – The workshop: Making Music with Friends: Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly are coming to the Rural Heritage Center & WalkingTree Folk School again, 101 E Main Street, Geneva, 1:00 to 8:30 PM. There are continuous workshops for the Mountain Dulcimer on topics such as Chording, Strumming & tuning; Reverse Tuning; Folk Play-a-long in DAA; Playing on 4 Equidistant Strings; and Arranging Songs & Tunes. In the evening the “husband-wife duo blends gorgeous vocals with an astounding array of instruments including the mountain dulcimer, old-time banjo, tin whistle, guitar, mandolin, feet and more.” The evening concert is open to the public for $10 (early) or $15. For more information, workshop costs, registration, contact Sheryl at sherylchapman@earthlink.net or 321-223-7350.
January 21 (every 3rd Sat.) – Come for a free evening of old-time music with “jammers”, aged 12 to 83 at the monthly Geneva Jam. There is toe-tapping acoustic, bluegrass, traditional country, and old-fashioned gospel music to enjoy in the Geneva Community Center, 161 1st St. If you play an acoustic instrument, find a chair up front and join us. If you are learning, sit in one of the front rows and just play-along. Hamburger, hotdog, chili-dog, or sausage dog meals start at 6:00 PM and the music begins at 6:30 PM. A 50/50 raffle is held where the winner gets half the pot, and the proceeds from the food go to the upkeep of the Community Center. Info: 407-349-5271.
January 24, Tuesday – The first graders are going on a field trip to Crayola Experience on Tuesday. Fun! Remember permission slip!
January 26, Thursday – Spring and Class Picture Day and 4th & 5th Grade Parent Night are at Geneva Elementary on this day. The 4th & 5th Grade Parent Night is in the evening at 6:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room of the School.
January 28 (last Sat. of month) – The Community Church of God Men’s Fellowship Breakfast group meets & eats at Geneva General Store/Restaurant, SR46, at 8:00 AM. All Geneva men are invited to join the group. Info: Rick Hughes, 407-461-7066, genevafoodpantry@gmail.com.
February Preview
February 4, Saturday – Join Natural Lands staff, Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College staff, and the Central Florida Astronomical Society for an evening of exploring the wonders of the night sky. Program includes guided constellation laser tours of the sky and peering through large telescopes of many of the sky’s best celestial objects. This program runs from 6:00-10:00 PM and is at the Lake Harney Wilderness Area, 2395 Osceola Fish Camp Road, Geneva. Children must be at least 9 years of age and accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5 / person and pre-registration is required. Register at any active park: Red Bug Lake Park, Sanlando Park or Sylvan Lake Park OR call 407-665-2211 to register in Geneva or for more information.
February 4, Saturday – The Geneva Historical Society is presenting a narrated slide show by the Martins entitled “Lewis Thornton Powell – Geneva’s Link to the Lincoln Conspiracy”. The program takes place at 7:00 PM at the Geneva Community Center, 160 First Street, Geneva. Learn about Powell’s Florida childhood; his parents and siblings in Geneva / Oviedo; his service in the Civil War; his meeting Booth; the deed, trial, and hanging; the burial of his skull next to his mother in the Geneva Cemetery; and the found location of the remains of his body. A fascinating true story to be told. Save the date.
February 12 & 26 (2nd & 4th Sun.) –The Museum of Geneva History is open from 2:00 – 4:00 PM OR by appointment – 407-349-5697. A new display is a “Touch It Table” especially for kids. The Museum is located at 165 1st St., admission is free but donations appreciated. Displays include local archeological finds, pioneer crafts, mercantile, family genealogy records, Civil War, toys/musical instruments, etc. Listen to a violano, Edison Phonograph, and a Radio that plays Bing Crosby, George & Gracie, etc. We also have Geneva T-shirts/hoodies, caps, prints, history books, and the new Historic Walking/Driving Tour for sale. Check out Geneva’s interesting history atwww.usgennet.org/usa/fl/county/seminole/Geneva.
February 18 (every erd Sat.) -The Rural Heritage Center Farmers’ Market is from 9 AM to 2 PM outside at the corner of 1st and Main, 101 E Main. It is always wonderful to spend time with old friends and enjoy some old-fashioned items that quaint village life has to offer! For more info, visit www.ruralheritagecenter.net, or go to Facebook: Geneva Heritage Farmers Market or call Trish – 407-733-7514. Buy some unusual Christmas gifts!
February 18 (every 3rd Sat.) – Come for a free evening of old-time music with “jammers” from the ages of 12 to 83 at the Geneva Jam. There is toe-tapping acoustic, bluegrass, traditional country, and old-fashioned gospel music to enjoy in the Geneva Community Center, 161 1st St. If you play an acoustic instrument, find a chair up front and join us. If you are learning, sit in one of the front rows and just play-along. Hamburger, hotdog, chili-dog, or sausage dog meals start at 6:00 PM and the music begins at 6:30 PM. A 50/50 raffle is held where the winner gets half the pot, and the proceeds from the food go to the upkeep of the Community Center. Info: 407-349-5271.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
*If you know someone who would like to receive the Geneva Email News via email each month, send his/her email address to GenevaHGS@aol.com and ask to be put on the email list. We send “blind copy” so no one sees your email address except you. Volunteer editor – MJM
If you would like your nonprofit organization, and/or non-profit educational 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 village folk. Volunteer editor – MJM