Friends of RHP - 2024 projects and activities
Friends Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RJRD
Much of the year was spent listening to RJRD discuss what they wanted in a new MOU. The one they finally approved with which to open negotiations had us acting as a kind of fund-raising department of the RJRD. We had looked at that kind of arrangement in our early days, but a 501c3 non-profit is responsible to ensure that donor funds are deployed as the donors intend. We discussed this with RJRD in 2017. RJRD was not comfortable with Friends in either a decision-making or oversight role. No Problem! We took on clearly outlined roles that RJRD assigned to us. This worked well for several years. But this time, RjRD decided to allow the Friends MOU to expire.
We've worked with an expired MOU before (in 2018 & 2019). In itself, expiration doesn't have to be a big deal. We still have ongoing agreements to restore Garfield Hall and Kirby's Mill. That said, 2025 brought a slew of new regulations and restrictions from the Park Director. We have many questions, many of which we brought to the regular RJRD meeting on January 27, 2025. We're hoping many of the concerns will be addressed at the February RJRD meeting
No matter what, the Friends will do what we can to support RHP.
Much of the year was spent listening to RJRD discuss what they wanted in a new MOU. The one they finally approved with which to open negotiations had us acting as a kind of fund-raising department of the RJRD. We had looked at that kind of arrangement in our early days, but a 501c3 non-profit is responsible to ensure that donor funds are deployed as the donors intend. We discussed this with RJRD in 2017. RJRD was not comfortable with Friends in either a decision-making or oversight role. No Problem! We took on clearly outlined roles that RJRD assigned to us. This worked well for several years. But this time, RjRD decided to allow the Friends MOU to expire.
We've worked with an expired MOU before (in 2018 & 2019). In itself, expiration doesn't have to be a big deal. We still have ongoing agreements to restore Garfield Hall and Kirby's Mill. That said, 2025 brought a slew of new regulations and restrictions from the Park Director. We have many questions, many of which we brought to the regular RJRD meeting on January 27, 2025. We're hoping many of the concerns will be addressed at the February RJRD meeting
No matter what, the Friends will do what we can to support RHP.
WINTER WONDERS 2024 WAS SPONSORED BY
Title Sponsor
Allied Witan Company
Presenting Sponsor
Plumbing Tech
Constellation Level -- $250 & Up
HTZ Design & Build
Nancy Kanik
Petros Homes
Karen Smik
Village Auto Body
Asterism Level -- $100-$249.00
Empaco Equipment Corporation
Richfield Chiropractic Center
Snap-on Business Solutions
Kids’ Crafts Sponsor
Richfield Chiropractic Center
Title Sponsor
Allied Witan Company
Presenting Sponsor
Plumbing Tech
Constellation Level -- $250 & Up
HTZ Design & Build
Nancy Kanik
Petros Homes
Karen Smik
Village Auto Body
Asterism Level -- $100-$249.00
Empaco Equipment Corporation
Richfield Chiropractic Center
Snap-on Business Solutions
Kids’ Crafts Sponsor
Richfield Chiropractic Center
Kirby's Mill featured on WKYC TV! The "Growing STEM" segment- sponsored by Swagelok-
https://www.wkyc.com/article/tech/science/growing-stem/restoring-kirbys-mill-to-preserve-legacy-ohio-inventor-growing-stem/95-488d6e4f-5dfa-4d60-b8e8-2c0722355179 Host Betsy Kling interviews Friends' member Joanie Gottschling. Transcript here
https://www.wkyc.com/article/tech/science/growing-stem/restoring-kirbys-mill-to-preserve-legacy-ohio-inventor-growing-stem/95-488d6e4f-5dfa-4d60-b8e8-2c0722355179 Host Betsy Kling interviews Friends' member Joanie Gottschling. Transcript here
Thank you to the 14 [Friends board and advisors]of us who were at the hike to help the 17 visitors who joined Lynn on the hike. What a great topic. I learned some new things and as usual, Lynn. Made it very interesting. Loved the root beer floats! Thank you all. -Joanie Gottschling
Wednesday, August 21 Friends' quarterly meeting 7 pm at The Lodge. All welcome. Refreshments served.
Topic: Meet our Partner Groups working in RHP!
Topic: Meet our Partner Groups working in RHP!
Wow, what a turnout! 64 people for the hike. We know the interest about the buildings and the history is alive! Corey was fantastic with her knowledge and sharing it. I can't thank everyone enough for being there to be a docent: Rachel, Terry, Heather, Bert, Sandy and for doing merch., Lynn for writing up the docent sheets, Gary, and following the hikers Nancy and Clive; and Clive bringing the water. Calista and Frank came as hikers but helped answer questions and became a part of the team. Karen for getting everything out to media etc and Chris for coming to take pictures. We also were the last folks to see in inner workings of Garfield with the floor all opened up since the joist and flooring will be going in this week and it will be all covered up. For some, it was an emotional time. People who had been to camp there or saw Amity in it's before state, were AMAZED at the transformation. I couldn't have been more satisfied the way it all came together. Teamwork makes the dream work! Thank you all. - Joanie Gottschling
Restoration of Garfield Hall started in May. The damaged areas were primarily caused by water seeping on on the east side of the building where the porch roof had been dismantled. Damaged portions removed in June. The famous springs were brought to light!
Saturday, May 4th assisted at RJRD's Second Annual Goat Derby
We provided a $250 sponsorship of the event, rented vendor table space, gave tours of Amity House to our major donors (that limitation was set by the park),designed and organized a craft activity for kids: decorating and wearing their own derby hats. Sandy Norris donated the hats and decided to give them away for free. It was a HUGE hit for the 76 lucky kids who recieved and proudly wore their hats at the event.
We provided a $250 sponsorship of the event, rented vendor table space, gave tours of Amity House to our major donors (that limitation was set by the park),designed and organized a craft activity for kids: decorating and wearing their own derby hats. Sandy Norris donated the hats and decided to give them away for free. It was a HUGE hit for the 76 lucky kids who recieved and proudly wore their hats at the event.
Saturday, May 4th Migratory Bird Hike
Thank you Betty, Chris, Nancy, Clive, Corey for making the bird hikes a success. We had 21 for the first and 23 people the second hike. Saw or should I say "heard" many birds and Chuck will be sending us the list. The weather held off for us (not so the goat derby) and we had some first timers to the part there, former scouts and making connections. No donations. It was good to see some families with kids there. - Joanie Gottschling
Thank you Betty, Chris, Nancy, Clive, Corey for making the bird hikes a success. We had 21 for the first and 23 people the second hike. Saw or should I say "heard" many birds and Chuck will be sending us the list. The weather held off for us (not so the goat derby) and we had some first timers to the part there, former scouts and making connections. No donations. It was good to see some families with kids there. - Joanie Gottschling
April/May created historical display for Amity House
Sunday, April 28 2pm docent training at Kirby's Mill
Wednesday, April 17 7pm annual meeting at the Lodge
Resuming quarterly membership meeting by popular request
Resuming quarterly membership meeting by popular request
Monday, April 22 submitted full application to Champion Kirby House and LOI for Garfield Hall
Assisted at the RJRD-sponsored "Total Eclipse of the Park" April 8
Work continues on Amity House restoration
Also in 2024
Also in 2024
- RJRD reviewing their MOU with Friends. A year-long consideration of our role on RHP.
- RJRD rescinded the Invasive Species Management Plan that had been approved in 2019. The Park Director explains that it can continue as before, except under the direction of park staff ( previously under the direction of RJRD board member Jeff DeLuca). Resources and facilities still being addressed. Our crew continues to monitor and to work on herbaceous plants that can be controlled without use of herbicide.