The work begins !
Bob Becker became chair of RJRD after a startling rash of resignations. He moved meetings from Village Hall to the Masonic Lodge so that the RJRD could begin establishing its own identity separate from the Village. He reached out to Tim Franklin to question how Tim arrived at his recommendations to the previous board. (see insert)
Other new members of RJRD: Meg Slifcak, Ralph Waszak Jr, Jeff DeLuca, and Bill Smith. Judy Soroczak became the administrative assistant.
Bob investigated the successful partnership of the CVNP and their Friends' group, the CCVNP. He followed up by inviting Jamie Walters (CCVNP volunteer management) on May 8th, and Leah Whidden (CCVNP fund development) on September 11th to address RJRD and its partner groups.
e board was able to recognize that the majority of residents chose the "ALL -IN" scenario from the Master Plan options, and declared that this would be the direction moving forward.
Bob investigated the successful partnership of the CVNP and their Friends' group, the CCVNP. He followed up by inviting Jamie Walters (CCVNP volunteer management) on May 8th, and Leah Whidden (CCVNP fund development) on September 11th to address RJRD and its partner groups.
e board was able to recognize that the majority of residents chose the "ALL -IN" scenario from the Master Plan options, and declared that this would be the direction moving forward.
Jeff DeLUca
Soon after being appointed to the Park Board, Jeff DeLuca began working on his "Clean and Green" initiative to give park visitors a great first impression of Richfield Heritage Preserve.
The first projects were "cool-weather friendly" - removing the dilapidated tent platforms along the main roadway. Next came spring clean up around the buildings. On days that Jeff couldn't be on site, FoCH's Corey Ringle kept the momentum going by showing up and making RHP the place to be EVERY Saturday morning. Thus, the tradition of "Weekend Warriors" took root.
Professionals were hired to trim tree branches along the main drive, repair the main road and install culverts, begin repair on Amity roof and other tasks. Long awaited special projects came to fruition: Restoration of bridle trails thanks to the Ohio Horseman's Council, Summit County Chapter. Historic signboards were installed by FoCH with help from Ohio Questers and NorthCoast Signworks. Buckeye Trail Association returned with first year upgrades for the Trail segment that runs through RHP.
Emergency projects like the bracing Amity floor, removal of fallen trees from pathways, and removal of destructive seeds from multitudes of hitherto unknown barberry thickets took place when needed. But the vast majority of volunteer hours were on spent on un-glamourous repairs and routine maintenance: raking, weeding, painting, trimming. Pat and Sandy Norris took care of mowing the lawns along with Jeff and with help from Molly Eastwood. Assured Partners Insurance Company renovated Far Away Pines meadow. Progressive Insurance Company upgraded Storybook Trail and scraped Gemini Cabin.
The highpoint was seeing the Park come alive again. Dr. Chris Stanton of Baldwin Wallace University began broadcasting "Live from Lake Linnea", short clips that were part biology class, part enticement to explore the Park. The Richfield Firefighters held their second annual 5K run along park trails with breakfast served in the newly re-opened Gund Hall. Timbernook Day Camp returned. Visitors were squired around on guided tours. Hikers, dog-walkers, photographers, Scout troops, and artists all came to experience the Park.
The first projects were "cool-weather friendly" - removing the dilapidated tent platforms along the main roadway. Next came spring clean up around the buildings. On days that Jeff couldn't be on site, FoCH's Corey Ringle kept the momentum going by showing up and making RHP the place to be EVERY Saturday morning. Thus, the tradition of "Weekend Warriors" took root.
Professionals were hired to trim tree branches along the main drive, repair the main road and install culverts, begin repair on Amity roof and other tasks. Long awaited special projects came to fruition: Restoration of bridle trails thanks to the Ohio Horseman's Council, Summit County Chapter. Historic signboards were installed by FoCH with help from Ohio Questers and NorthCoast Signworks. Buckeye Trail Association returned with first year upgrades for the Trail segment that runs through RHP.
Emergency projects like the bracing Amity floor, removal of fallen trees from pathways, and removal of destructive seeds from multitudes of hitherto unknown barberry thickets took place when needed. But the vast majority of volunteer hours were on spent on un-glamourous repairs and routine maintenance: raking, weeding, painting, trimming. Pat and Sandy Norris took care of mowing the lawns along with Jeff and with help from Molly Eastwood. Assured Partners Insurance Company renovated Far Away Pines meadow. Progressive Insurance Company upgraded Storybook Trail and scraped Gemini Cabin.
The highpoint was seeing the Park come alive again. Dr. Chris Stanton of Baldwin Wallace University began broadcasting "Live from Lake Linnea", short clips that were part biology class, part enticement to explore the Park. The Richfield Firefighters held their second annual 5K run along park trails with breakfast served in the newly re-opened Gund Hall. Timbernook Day Camp returned. Visitors were squired around on guided tours. Hikers, dog-walkers, photographers, Scout troops, and artists all came to experience the Park.
( Special thanks to IVY who took almost all of the pictures for this page.)
March 18, 2017 We began with the removal of tent platforms at Hickory Hill. It was snowing
March 25, 2017 Continued removal of tent platforms at Hickory Hill
Venture Crew 2335 moved a fallen tree and re-conditioned an elaborate stone drain on the Buckeye Trail
April 1, 2017 sweeping and raking around buildings
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April 8, 2017 Cleaning Amity House fire circle
April 15, 2017 Buckeye Trail improvement
April 22, 2017 Earth Day!
A "doubler header" clean up day! First came the removal of tent platforms at Beechcliff - completely knocked out in one session. Next, a delicious lunch was served free to all of the morning's volunteers. Finally, a class in ecological balance and a hike to identify and destroy garlic mustard along Pine Lake Trail
photo by Ivy
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April 29, 2017 Cleaning Gund Hall interior |
First week of May professional fix of the culvert at Sandy Creek & the road wash out by Coach House
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May 6, 2017 Weekend Warriors take the day off: Richfield Firefighter 5K run/ 1K walk & Pancake Breakfast
Gund Hall re-opens!
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Event Boss Mickey Rzymek with Fire Chief Phil McClean
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park history with FoCH volunteers Cynthia McWillams, Betty Vandermeer, Lynn Richardson, and Tom Rockwood
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May 13, 2017 tent platform removal at Waterfront unit
photo by Ivy
May 20, 2017 Building a boardwalk over the mud pit at Storybook Trailhead
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May 27, 2017 Cleaning Kirby House fire circle
Red Nose Day ...at least per Sandy who brought us all red noses to wear.
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Taking a break on the new benches made by Pat.
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salvaged table top becomes a bridge over the newly cleaned drainage ditch
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catch basin for Kirby's hillside garden spring re-discovered
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volunteers ready to tackle overgrowth on the patio
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June 3, 2017 - day off - community garage sale. FoCH's sale at the top of the RHP drive and raises $1,250.00 to help support the park!
June 10, 2017 Removal of lower pasture fence - and more
"Before"
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"After" .............................................photos by Ivy
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LEFT: waster water treatment plant overgrown with tree saplings.
ABOVE: Boy Scout troop 810 cut back the vegetation to an acceptable level.
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The work crew Du Jour
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Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 810 of Broadview Hts.
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June 15, Progressive Insurance Company - Storybook Trail Enhancement
Back Row: Sarah Land, Cortenay Lester, Travis Wills, Becky Richardson Fovozzo / Middle: Ashley Faulisi / Front : Caleb Capron, Kelly Hoynes
June 13, 2017 Hauling wood chips up to the site from which Progressive could distribute them
Pat Norris and Molly Eastwood reenacting American Gothic on the back of Molly's pick up truck. Some people just have to turn everything into fun.
June 17, 2017 Cleaning Coach House and North House fire circles
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"Let me tell you, it was really awesome to find a salamander in our work space, and have the park biologist right at hand to identify it. This one is a young Northern Red Salamander. We found an old one, kind of a dusky darker color."
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June 24, 2017 sorting out stuff at Kirby House garage
photo by Ivy
July 1, 2017 yard clean up at Chagrin and Adirondacks. Barberry Destruction
ABOVE: Two volunteers cutting down the buckthorn growing too near a shelter. RIGHT: fire circle at the Adirondacks moved. BELOW: Barberrians taking out barberry along the Buckeye Trail
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All Summer: mowing and trimming
Pat Norris mowing the Lake Linnea dam
Weed Whacking by Jon Antalvari
Dance of the Mowers: like a couple in pairs' figure skating, Pat and Sandy Norris partner up in fluid motion to get the job done.
July 8, 2017 Fence Post Removal
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July 15, 2017 Hauling Boards, Hauling Tables, Fixing Bridge Rails
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Cobbledam Bridge west upstream railing: before
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Cobbledam Bridge west upstream railing : after
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Cobbledam Bridge east upstream railing: before
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Cobbledam Bridge east upstream railing: after
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The crew at the end of a long day's work. Tired but happy.
Invasive plant removal. Summer edition
One moment in an on-going quest:
taking out purple loosestrife from the edge of the lower lake
July 22, 2017 Chagrin Valley Cabin. Rain cannot stop determined volunteers. They just moved the work indoors!
Before
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After
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Victory over the forces of Entropy
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July 29, 2017 Chores - clearing fallen branches, hauling trash, re-conditioning Waterfront fire circle,
August 5, 2017 Amity & North House
No pictures available,sorry. Photographer's day off. Betty Vandemeer, Dorthy Hooper, Meg Slifcak, & Sandy Norris worked cleaning at North House. Corey Ringle, Nancy Kanik, Pat Norris, & Clive Fetzer hauled debris out of Amity basement. Tom Rockwood took on landscaping chores around North House, and Chris Stanton worked in Coach House. Clive returned on August 8th to mop and detail North House.
August 12, 2017. Crew 1: boathouse Crew 2: timber clean up
Boy Scout Troop 64 from Concord Ohio swept out the boathouse, cleaned the boats and moved them into the boathouse. Then they hiked up the sawmill to split and stack firewood.
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Crew 2 worked on a tree that had partially fallen across the main road south of the Gas Cut. Pat Norris & Jeff DeLuca had previously chainsawed enough of the trunk to clear the road. The Saturday crew continued clean up operations, cutting and hauling smaller branches and stacking logs for later use.
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August 19, 2017. All about Amity: bracing Amity floor, clearing out Amity Garage, and more.....
The crew gets instructions from Tim Ochwat. We wonder if this is really going to be possible.
Clive Fetzer and Ashley Schiavone supporting the beam.
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Rick Schiavone holds the beam in position while Time Ochwat secures a support post.
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The issue of bracing Amity floor was first broached by the RJRD's architectural consultant, Tim Franklin, in spring 2017. Drainage around Amity has been a problem since before Richfield acquired the property. Prompt extra support was needed while continuing to work on a full scope water remediation plan for the house.
The first step was to ask Richfield contractor Tim Ochwat for an on-site consultation. He assessed the problem then drew up plans. FoCH purchased the materials. Work started with a prep day to remove wet debris from the basement floor. On "Beam Day" , Tim assembled the beam and support posts in Amity basement, assisted by Corey Ringle and Rick Schiavone. Positioning marks were placed on the ceiling. Step ladders and support beams were strategically positioned on the floor. When all was ready, the rest of the crew came in and lined up along the beam. On a count of three, eleven people lifted the massive beam to the top of the ladders. Next, the strongest crew members lifted the beam the rest of the way to the ceiling while support posts were wrangled into position and secured.
The first step was to ask Richfield contractor Tim Ochwat for an on-site consultation. He assessed the problem then drew up plans. FoCH purchased the materials. Work started with a prep day to remove wet debris from the basement floor. On "Beam Day" , Tim assembled the beam and support posts in Amity basement, assisted by Corey Ringle and Rick Schiavone. Positioning marks were placed on the ceiling. Step ladders and support beams were strategically positioned on the floor. When all was ready, the rest of the crew came in and lined up along the beam. On a count of three, eleven people lifted the massive beam to the top of the ladders. Next, the strongest crew members lifted the beam the rest of the way to the ceiling while support posts were wrangled into position and secured.
The beam is up! We did it!
Corey Ringle, Meg Slifcak, Will Richardson, Lynn Richardson, Nancy Kanik, and Jeff DeLuca pause for a moment while Ivy Cz documents the occasion. Team members Barb Starr, Rob Richardson, Clive Fetzer, Ashley Schiavone, Rick Schiavone, and Tim Ochwat were intent on preparations elsewhere. Photo by Ivy Cz
While Tim, Corey, and Rick were working in the basement, everyone else cleared out Amity garage. Jeff brought up the front end loader to haul trash. Salvageable materials were sorted and moved to other areas of the property.
Jeff sawed up this tree which had fallen across the path to Spif's Garden
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Ivy, Clive, and Nancy cleaned up lumber around the approach to the Eagle Scout bridge at the gas Cut.
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Amity garage. Emptied and ready for demolition.
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August 26. Painting the office/ classroom building and conversion of Seely Cabin
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September 2, 2017 The Weekend Warriors celebrate Labor day weekend with more painting
Elizabeth
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Kitty
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Maddie and Ken
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Jon Antalvari, Pat Norris, Nancy Kanik, Ken Gaume, Maddie Gaume, Clive Fetzer, Sandy Norris
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September- Week DAY Warriors get into the act
Sandy & Kitty washed the garage door
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Jon painted the parking lot picnic table
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Tom caulked windows
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September 9 painting the Gund Hall outhouse
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September 13 Tour Guide Training
September 16 & 17 Bridle Trail work day
- sponsored by Summit County Chapter OHC
- sponsored by Summit County Chapter OHC
Rob Roher, Early Morning Master of the Rakes. And weed whips. And shovels. And......
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Trail routes had been mapped out in advance. Volunteers were divided into work crews and sent into different areas of the park to turn trail dreams into reality. The Summer Barn was the base of operations and the place where lunch and supper were served.
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The Invitation
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The result: brand new bridle trails are born!
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Test "Drive"
September 22 & 23 setting up for Kirby Birthday party
Nancy ( on left) spent about three days power washing the windows of Gund Hall. Elizabeth teamed up with her whenever possible.
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Tom posted the event banner at the top of the driveway on Broadview Road.
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September 30 preparing for Crowell Howl - building a fire circle at Gund Hall lawn
October 7 Seely Cabin clean out
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The Wild Things come out on the evening of October 7 as Richfield's Chamber of Commerce and Town Trust present
" Crowell Howl"
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October 14 removal old porch at Oviatt House
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October 21 Assured Partners - reconditioning Far Away Pines
The team from Assured Partners took down the tent platforms at Far Away Pines, hauled all the debris away, cleaned out the fire circle, raked and trimmed the path down to Scarlett Spring.
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Wednesday, Oct 25 Progressive Insurance Team scrapes Gemini Cabin
October 28 clipping seeds to control the spread of barberry
The day designated for emergency , late-season seed clipping turned out wet and rainy, with rain soon turning to sleet.
Nevertheless, seeds clipped this year are prevented from sprouting into dence patches of disruptive briars next year. Above: Elizabeth & Csontantos and Lynn Richardson. Right: Sandy Norris
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November 4 Seely Cabin ceiling removal, barberry control, confirmation of historic signage placement
November 11 Leaf clean up on bridle trails, barberry control
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Team OHC and friends
November 18 Drenching rain precluded fence line clearing, but the assembled group moved on to cleaning Gund Hall kitchen.
November 19 placement of interpretation signs for Kirby House, Kirby's Mill, Garfield Hall , and the Lower Lake
The installation crew with Bill Hamilton ( kneeling, at right ) from North Coast Signworks. Plus a few FoCHs.
The idea for interpretive signs at the Kirby estate was proposed by FoCH soon after the people of Richfield voted to preserve the property in 2014. After conceptual approval by the Park Board, FoCH engaged graphic artist Lisa Perisutti to design the signs using historic images from The Richfield Historical Society and other sources. Multiple discussions on sign content and placement took place between FoCH and the Park Board. North Coast Signworks as selected to produce the signs. A grant form Questers of Ohio helped with sign production. North Coast Signworks donated the installation.
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November 23 - thoughts on Thanksgiving Day
Inspired by my many Friends of Crowell Hilaka
If Richfield Heritage Preserve at Crowell Hilaka could write everyone letter, I do believe this is how it would read on this very Thanksgiving Day.
My Dear Leap friends,
Whose big hearts are so selfless, I relish that you love me with all your hearts and have given me my last chance. I am beyond grateful that all of you value and enjoy my inner beauty. Many thanks for conserving my unique ecosystems, tributaries, and secret waterfall. I have great respect and I cherish the reveal of all of my layers of history and amazing stories. Thank you for sharing my story book forest. On my grounds I encourage you to escape often, visit your imaginary place and create your own Ithilien. My green cathedral forest is a magical sanctuary for those who believe. Sincere gratitude for making me a public park which is Innisfree to all who wish. My spirit will find you every full moon trail if your heart is pure and your aim is true.
If these old walls could talk they would say, I am relieved that I won't be diminished in haste. I have so much more to give. Much gratitude for my friends who are taking the time to find a re-purpose for my many special historic dwellings. Many memories have been lived here with hopes of more to follow. I embrace the positive energy that continuously flows and surrounds me; like rays of warm sunshine that fall on the highest point of Summit county. Many thanks for building and maintaining my winding trails; with the future of discovery that connects people, horse and place. I have deep appreciation for the time that has been taken to tend my historic gardens and understory of my old growth forest. Tonight many woodland creatures find home and peace at Crowell Hilaka. I stand tall, look up to the starry filled sky with a clear mind, a strong heart and a wide smile I breathe deep with contentment. .........that all is well at Ohio's Hidden Treasure! My future is bright and I will continue to teach wisdom and emulate beauty to my many friends. This is my forever gift to all of you on this Thanksgiving Day!
- Beth Sanderson
Vice President, Friends of Crowell Hilaka
If Richfield Heritage Preserve at Crowell Hilaka could write everyone letter, I do believe this is how it would read on this very Thanksgiving Day.
My Dear Leap friends,
Whose big hearts are so selfless, I relish that you love me with all your hearts and have given me my last chance. I am beyond grateful that all of you value and enjoy my inner beauty. Many thanks for conserving my unique ecosystems, tributaries, and secret waterfall. I have great respect and I cherish the reveal of all of my layers of history and amazing stories. Thank you for sharing my story book forest. On my grounds I encourage you to escape often, visit your imaginary place and create your own Ithilien. My green cathedral forest is a magical sanctuary for those who believe. Sincere gratitude for making me a public park which is Innisfree to all who wish. My spirit will find you every full moon trail if your heart is pure and your aim is true.
If these old walls could talk they would say, I am relieved that I won't be diminished in haste. I have so much more to give. Much gratitude for my friends who are taking the time to find a re-purpose for my many special historic dwellings. Many memories have been lived here with hopes of more to follow. I embrace the positive energy that continuously flows and surrounds me; like rays of warm sunshine that fall on the highest point of Summit county. Many thanks for building and maintaining my winding trails; with the future of discovery that connects people, horse and place. I have deep appreciation for the time that has been taken to tend my historic gardens and understory of my old growth forest. Tonight many woodland creatures find home and peace at Crowell Hilaka. I stand tall, look up to the starry filled sky with a clear mind, a strong heart and a wide smile I breathe deep with contentment. .........that all is well at Ohio's Hidden Treasure! My future is bright and I will continue to teach wisdom and emulate beauty to my many friends. This is my forever gift to all of you on this Thanksgiving Day!
- Beth Sanderson
Vice President, Friends of Crowell Hilaka
November 25 - fence line, furniture, & barberry
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November 26 Trail Tracker class
Cheif Trail Tracker Jenny Austin shows student Sandy Norris how to note trail problems with GPS
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Trail trackers on the job!
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Trail Tracker class
December 2 - Fence line & barberry
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after
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December 9 - Window board painting and barberry
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December 16 - Cleaning Gemini
December 25 - emergency gate repair
Even on Christmas Day, the park elves are hard at work! Tom Rockwood reported a gate malfunction early in the day. Pat and Sandy Norris came over, found that ice had forced the chain out of the drive sprocket, and made the repair. Tom and Pat returned at dusk along with Doug Kepler to ensure that the the gate closed at dark. Which it did- Happily Ever After.
December 31 Barberry
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Fierce though frozen determination motivates these barberrians to fight the scourge of barberry in the park