We're getting very close to the Grand Opening of the Interpretive Center at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida. Opening ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 12.
The Cadkin Foundation is the largest private donor to the construction of this Center. Alan is a charter member of the original committee of seven who decided that it was critical to educate both residents and visitors about environmental issues in southwest Florida. Locating the center at the Slough (say "slew") which is vital to the ecological health of this area was the most practical plan. This committee called itself Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve (often shortened to Friends of the Slough). The Cadkin Foundation donated seed money to start the planning process about seven years ago. Since then, Alan has left the board of directors of the Friends, but Jackie remains a member of the Advisory Board. Aside from being active in the Friends, Alan has just received his 10-year pin as a docent (guide) at the Slough where he takes visitors on 1 1/2 hour guided walks. Jackie has just completed training as a docent and will soon be guiding walks as well.
Because Blake was such an avid reader and self-educator, we felt that supporting the Resource Center at the Slough was a proper tribute to him, and he was very happy when we proposed it to him. The Resource Center will contain a library of books, computer stations, and audiovisual materials to be used initially by Lee County environmentalists, docents, and volunteers. It is our goal to eventually make this center available to the general public, but that will require time and funds. To this end, the Cadkin Foundation has raised over $10,000 from our own donations as well as that of family and friends for The Blake Cadkin Memorial Fund which will be used solely to support the Blake Cadkin Memorial Resource Center. Each item in the Resource Center will have a golden sticker stating that this material was provided by the Blake Cadkin Memorial Fund.
An additional honor within our family comes in the form of the logo for the Friends of the Slough which was created and donated by graphic artist Tammi Cripe. (Tammi is married to Joe Cripe, Jackie's son.) This logo has been described as brilliant, and has provided nearly instant "brand recognition" for the Friends. At the Grand Opening, a representation of the logo with tribute to Tammi as creator and donor will also be presented and permanently displayed at the Interpretive Center.
On Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m., the Interpretive Center at the Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve will officially open. It will be an emotional occasion for the Cadkin clan, and we invite you to join us.
We can provide you with info about nice facilities which are available very near the airport, the Slough, and us.
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