1 / 6
PROVIDED
2 / 6
PROVIDED
3 / 6
PROVIDED
4 / 6
PROVIDED
5 / 6
Chris Schroder, as a member of the Cape Coral Fire Department in 1981. PROVIDED
6 / 6
Chris Schroder in recent days. PROVIDED
[expand]
close
By WENDY SCHRODER
Special to The Breeze
Chris B. Schroder is a pioneer of Cape Coral, his life marked by a variety of experiences. Over the years, he has worn many hats: grocery store manager, firefighter, photographer, banker and most recently, author of a children’s book.
As a child, Chris’ experiences began in 1957, when his family left Savannah, Georgia, for Lee County, Florida. His grandfather, Leighton McRae, settled in Fort Myers after taking a position as the area’s first trust officer at First National Bank. While awaiting the completion of their new home, the family rented a house in Fort Myers before moving to Cape Coral in 1959, becoming the 12th family to settle in the then-new community.
Reflecting on his childhood in Cape Coral, he mentions the wide-open spaces of Cape Coral’s early days were endless opportunities for Chris and his brothers, Aage and Leighton, to explore. They spent their days riding bikes, golfing, fishing, and boating, making the most of their childhood days.
Chris looks back on the early days and simply states, “You knew everyone in town so you had many people that would help you.” Growing up in such a close-knit community provided a strong support network and helped shape his life.
Chris began his education at Edison Park in Fort Myers, then attended Tropical Isles, North Fort Myers Junior High and North Fort Myers High before graduating from Cypress Lake High School in 1970. He spent several years as a volunteer firefighter while working as assistant manager of Big Johns Grocery. Chris later opened a photo studio and became a career firefighter in 1975, retiring from the fire department in 1997.
After retiring from the fire department, he accepted a position at Cape Coral National Bank. In 2003, he started his new adventure – retirement and writing a children’s book.
He married Wendy Stott in October 1978, and together they have shared many of his life experiences.
When asked about his motivation for writing the book, he explained, “I was inspired to write this book from knowing others that just could not grasp this concept of saving. I thought if I could write it down in a simple manner, I could help them understand. Many members of my family and friends loved the book and encouraged me to have it published so children may learn a valuable lesson.”
Publishing a book involves more than writing; it requires finding an illustrator, an editor, printers, creating a website, and marketing. Chris shared, “I was fortunate to create my story and work with Lisa Bohart as illustrator and Sven M. Dolling as editor. Despite challenges, I’m thrilled my book is published.”
Chris’s book “Nifty Twins Meet The Easter Bunny,” encourages young readers to appreciate the importance of saving. Twin boys, given equal opportunities, grow up with different outlooks. After receiving magical jelly beans from the Easter Bunny, Thrifty learns to balance enjoying life with planning for the future, while Knotso rushes through life and ultimately regrets missed opportunities. To see more about the twins, check out their website: niftytwins.com.
To meet Chris and other local authors, Cape Coral Parks and Recreation is hosting a new event this year. Come to the Local Authors Book Signing and Sales event and see authors share their passion, discover new stories and support local artists. The event will be at Rotary Park Environmental Center, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information visit meetup.com or call Rotary Park Environmental Center at 239-549-4606.