Community Resource Advisory Board Ann Alsop Brian Peterson Norman Calhoun Karen Swanbeck Tom Myers Eileen Peco Betty Davis Simpson Just like an infant beginning to walk the baby first discovers to stand on his or her own two small feet. As hard as that is, the baby soon learns that there needs to be balance and a firm foundation before he or she takes their first steps. So too has the Community Resources Advisory Board, more affectionately known as CRAB, taken its first few steps. The nine volunteers of this advisory board have spent the first half of the year developing a mission statement, identifying important community resources and creating a framework for prioritizing projects. Enlightening discussions ensued and creative thinking prevailed. With the assistance of Town consultant Carol Cunningham, the CRAB members collectively moved forward with two projects. On October 22, the chair of CRAB presented two items to the Town Council. The first explores the Matanzas Pass Preserve and what opportunities exist for the Town to become an active partner with Lee County and the Friends of the Matanzas Preserve in their continuing efforts to make the Preserve a better place. CRAB believes the Preserve is an important natural resource. As a result of several fact finding public meetings and presentations from key volunteer groups, a draft of a potential work plan was written. The Preserve can be the starting point for the implementation of the "Hidden Path" system, a safe pathway located off Estero Boulevard. The Matanzas Pass Preserve - Restoration, Master Site, and Resource Management Plan is a five year old document which needs to be reviewed and updated, according to Roger Clark, Land Stewardship Manager for Lee County. CRAB recognizes all of the dedication and hard work which has made the preserve the wonderful place it is today, and looks forward to exploring ways to work with Lee County and the Friends of the Matanzas Preserve to continue the stewardship of this important resource. A second project is a leadership program, which looks to be an exciting undertaking. Town Council has approved and funded a pilot program for a Community Leadership program. The CRAB members all agree one of the most important resources of this community is its citizens. This program is designed to have 20-25 participants learn about the way the Town of Fort Myers Beach operates. It, too, will highlight the numerous community resources of the Town and how each plays an important role in making Fort Myers Beach unique. The charge of CRAB is to develop a five-session program that is both fun and informative. With the help of Town staff, committee chairs, and Carol Cunningham, CRAB has scripted the pilot program, which will begin in April of 2002. The objective of the program is to better educate voters, cultivate future leaders, and strengthen the relationship between Town government, residents and volunteer organizations. This may be your first opportunity to ride a trolley, go on a guided boat tour of the bay or sit in the Council Chambers. Now that CRAB has taken its first two steps, our balance is good and foundation firm. The members of CRAB are ready to take more steps forward in 2002.