FoCH 2013 & 2014
FoCH Meeting Preview: The Future of Crowell Hilaka
5/26/2013
Regarding the future of Camp Crowell Hilaka:
There are four possibilities that I can see:
1. Girl Scouts keep the camp and re-open it.
2. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to us.
3. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to an organization that will use it as a park or a camp.
4. The land conservancy buys the camp and sells it to an individual or private organization that prohibits access .
1. Girl Scouts keep the camp and re-open it. Not likely in the current regime. If it did happen, it would be because of some outside force – either the courts or public pressure. More concerns have been raised recently - not just over camps- but about decisions being made at GSUSA. There are related lawsuits pending in Tennessee, Iowa, Alabama, and New Jersey. I hope GSUSA will hit the brakes on this crisis, but so far there are no signs that it will do so in time to help GSNEO. If by a miracle it did, we could go back to being awesome GS volunteers running awesome programs. OR we could negotiate a shared responsibility/ownership plan so that we don’t put a lot of work into something that can get sold out from under us at a later time.
2. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to us. This worked for Camp Little Notch in New York State. This might be a possibility IF we had a good business plan for running the camp ourselves AND enough pledges of financial backing.
3. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to an organization that will use it as a park or a camp. We can either volunteer for the new organization or go pro-active negotiating partial ownership of some aspect in exchange for responsibility.
4. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to an individual or private organization that prohibits access. In which case we are pretty much done.
As you can see, there is a lot that is out of our control. But we still have options. All of the options call for a goal and a business plan: which just means what WE are willing to do and how we want to do it. Scenarios 1 & 3 come with a ready-made clientele and mission. Scenario 2 is wide open- but it’s unlikely that we could survive financially by only catering to troops who got blocked out of GSNEO camps. So that means broadening the clientele base. And if we broaden the clientele base- to say, families; what is it that we would offer?
We aren’t going to develop a full-scale business plan on June 6. For one thing, we are still hoping for the Girl Scout Miracle. But we want to get a sense of general direction. What would you be OK with? What would you actively support? What would be be unacceptable? The sky is the limit- because we pick a goal first- and THEN work out the details of how to get there.
Some examples:
- “just keep it a camp- allow families” - most family camp grounds allow RV’s because that’s the demand. Nothing wrong with that. We’d have to install hook-ups. But if that were our only business plan, a lot of land would be turned into parking lot. It makes me cringe. If it were the only way to survive so that kids could use the place, I might be convinced. But not happy about it.
- “ bring back the horses- build a full service equestrienne center” - Always a lot of interest in this. Girls LOVE horses. Richfield/ Bath are “horsey’ places- so there are probably lots of the necessary support services around. Downside: expensive start up & maintenance. There is probably a reason most riding stables around here closed years ago.
“ focus on arts and science/ bring in school field trips” We have the capability. The GSUSA consultant Glen Chin even suggested that the old buildings inspired arts programs. Downside: Schools tend to look for cheap field trips
“full service spa/ retreat center” Similar to horses – nice idea, but expensive and requires specialized expertise. Bigger issue: if we are about kids (especially girls) being able to experience nature and learn life skills – how does building a spa promote that?
I have a feeling that we will come up with something unique that we haven’t hit on yet. But we will. Just because something has a downside doesn’t mean we can’t do it. There’s pros and cons to everything. But whatever we settle on has to be do-able and worth the bother of doing. So write down your thoughts and bring them on June 6
Lynn
5/26/2013
Regarding the future of Camp Crowell Hilaka:
There are four possibilities that I can see:
1. Girl Scouts keep the camp and re-open it.
2. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to us.
3. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to an organization that will use it as a park or a camp.
4. The land conservancy buys the camp and sells it to an individual or private organization that prohibits access .
1. Girl Scouts keep the camp and re-open it. Not likely in the current regime. If it did happen, it would be because of some outside force – either the courts or public pressure. More concerns have been raised recently - not just over camps- but about decisions being made at GSUSA. There are related lawsuits pending in Tennessee, Iowa, Alabama, and New Jersey. I hope GSUSA will hit the brakes on this crisis, but so far there are no signs that it will do so in time to help GSNEO. If by a miracle it did, we could go back to being awesome GS volunteers running awesome programs. OR we could negotiate a shared responsibility/ownership plan so that we don’t put a lot of work into something that can get sold out from under us at a later time.
2. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to us. This worked for Camp Little Notch in New York State. This might be a possibility IF we had a good business plan for running the camp ourselves AND enough pledges of financial backing.
3. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to an organization that will use it as a park or a camp. We can either volunteer for the new organization or go pro-active negotiating partial ownership of some aspect in exchange for responsibility.
4. The Land Conservancy buys the camp and sells it to an individual or private organization that prohibits access. In which case we are pretty much done.
As you can see, there is a lot that is out of our control. But we still have options. All of the options call for a goal and a business plan: which just means what WE are willing to do and how we want to do it. Scenarios 1 & 3 come with a ready-made clientele and mission. Scenario 2 is wide open- but it’s unlikely that we could survive financially by only catering to troops who got blocked out of GSNEO camps. So that means broadening the clientele base. And if we broaden the clientele base- to say, families; what is it that we would offer?
We aren’t going to develop a full-scale business plan on June 6. For one thing, we are still hoping for the Girl Scout Miracle. But we want to get a sense of general direction. What would you be OK with? What would you actively support? What would be be unacceptable? The sky is the limit- because we pick a goal first- and THEN work out the details of how to get there.
Some examples:
- “just keep it a camp- allow families” - most family camp grounds allow RV’s because that’s the demand. Nothing wrong with that. We’d have to install hook-ups. But if that were our only business plan, a lot of land would be turned into parking lot. It makes me cringe. If it were the only way to survive so that kids could use the place, I might be convinced. But not happy about it.
- “ bring back the horses- build a full service equestrienne center” - Always a lot of interest in this. Girls LOVE horses. Richfield/ Bath are “horsey’ places- so there are probably lots of the necessary support services around. Downside: expensive start up & maintenance. There is probably a reason most riding stables around here closed years ago.
“ focus on arts and science/ bring in school field trips” We have the capability. The GSUSA consultant Glen Chin even suggested that the old buildings inspired arts programs. Downside: Schools tend to look for cheap field trips
“full service spa/ retreat center” Similar to horses – nice idea, but expensive and requires specialized expertise. Bigger issue: if we are about kids (especially girls) being able to experience nature and learn life skills – how does building a spa promote that?
I have a feeling that we will come up with something unique that we haven’t hit on yet. But we will. Just because something has a downside doesn’t mean we can’t do it. There’s pros and cons to everything. But whatever we settle on has to be do-able and worth the bother of doing. So write down your thoughts and bring them on June 6
Lynn
June 6th, 2013: FoCH Meeting This Evening
Last minute reminder - FoCH annual membership meeting this evening 6:30 Richfield Historical Society Museum
All are welcome
Free Ice Cream
- update on the local and national legal issues
- discussion of direction for C/H
-presentation everything we know so far about the Kirby mill
- Voting members* will elect the FoCH board for the upcoming year and decide whether to reduce the minimum number of board members to 5.
* voting members :
at least age 12 years old
provide at least one form of contact information to FoCH
not currently a member of GSNEO board or staff
dues ( $5) paid for 2013
FoCH permits proxy voting per our bylaws.
Richfield Village resolution to support FoCH purchase
10/3/2013
On Tuesday evening, the Richfield Village council passed an emergency resolution supporting FoCH’s intent to purchase the property currently known as Crowell Hilaka from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. The resolution acknowledges the historic, cultural, and environmental value of the property. The formal document of Richfield Township’s endorsement was similar- not simply the short notation as I originally thought.
Both the Township and the Village resolutions note that the property is zoned as a Conservation District, intended to preserve historic and scenic areas, protect ecological balance, and to reduce the flooding problems associated with intensively developed areas. Having the endorsement of both the Township and the Village gives our plan an official stamp of approval which will make it easier to attract pledges.
Corey gave a great presentation to Village Council using a power point made by Kelly Clark. The problem with any discussion of CH is that there is so much to say that it’s hard to fit it all into a short speech! Besides the power point, she had a large, painted map of C/H on a floor easel; and a smaller display board showing how the mill produced electricity and can be used for STEM education programs. During her talk she touched on the topography , history, and current recreational facilities very briefly. Then she moved on into our plans for future operations- including a very nice description of zipline networks. Then we got into the pledge campaign and the timeline etc. A slam dunk. If we had more time, I have no doubt at all we’d be able to raise the full amount.
Lynn
Open House at Crowell Hilaka
10/13/2013
Guided Tours of Crowell Hilaka
Time is running out! If you are dedicated to preserving the past, conserving precious green space and protecting our future, please join us on Sunday, October 20th for guided tours showcasing an irreplaceable Ohio treasure, Crowell Hilaka. Crowell Hilaka is currently for sale through Western Reserve Land Conservancy.
Formerly the estate of inventor James Kirby, this beautiful 336-acre property has two self-clarifying lakes, captivating historic homes, as well as the Kirby Mill — recognized on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Friends of Crowell Hilaka are soliciting pledges and raising the money needed to secure the property as a community resource and a premier recreational facility. We invite you to become a funder. Please come to our open house to learn why this land is so important to Northeast Ohio.
Sunday, October 20th 12 noon-3:00pm
South Entrance: 3771 Oviatt Road, Richfield, Ohio 44286
North Entrance: 4374 Broadview Road, Richfield, Ohio 44286
Thank you. We look forward to seeing you next Sunday. If you have questions or need more information before then, please visit our website www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org
or email: [email protected]
or call 216.921.8789 for more information
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After the Open House
10/28/2013
Come November, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy will decide if they can complete their purchase of Crowell Hilaka . Since last Sunday’s open house, pledges have been rolling in steadily. After just one week we are almost at $9,000 combined pledges and donations. We will keep counting up the pledges right up until the minute the Conservancy makes their decision.
Comments from the website:
from Akron: “I have been there for 1 tour and am amazed at the jewel in our midst. I commend your efforts.”
from Rocky River: “In the 1960's I was a Girl Scout leader for an intermediate group of girls, grades 4 through 6. We had many wonderful camping trips to Hilaka and Crowell. Fond memories were resurrected when I read the article in the Plain Dealer. Good luck in your laudable efforts to save Crowell/Hilaka.”
from Richfield : “I am hopeful for the day my girls and their girls can camp there again!! “
from Kent: “How do I become a member of Friends of Crowell/Hilaka and to what address would I send a donation? “
Tuesday Meeting notes and some thoughts
1/16/2014
SUMMARY
Lots of ideas: some, like the Funday/Campout/Movie Night were new and need worked on from scratch. Some, like flier and business plan, have starts but need upgrade.
We do need to divide work into committees and then recruit experienced people to take part
in attendance: Corey Ringle / Donna Speigler / Lynn Richardson / Rob Richardson/ Karen Kelsie / Jenny Austin / Linda Fleming/ Jeff Trellbig [?} / Chris Naizer / Judi Zivic/ Cookie Krizmanich/ Lucy Hanigosky / Barb Starr/ Pat Boczar
Wow. An enthusiastic group. I thought we were going to have a small tidy business meeting and plod along. Instead it was like fireworks ( but in a good way! )
after some time on introductions and bringing people up to speed on current status ( which continues to be completely uncertain) we moved into agenda which is not presented chronologically here
Money
- Dues for 2014 were collected ( Donna kept track of $ and origin).
- We voted for FoCH to join RHS as a corporate member. We can pay them out of our funds for now to establish the membership . Pat suggested we individually add add extra money to pay for this . Discussion tabled for lack of time.
- re crowd-sourcing: Kickstarter is for businesses only – no land acquisition allowed. “GoFundMe” – no one had experience with ( Indigogo- forgot to mention)
Communications
- going around with teams to flier news boxes was labor-intensive and not as effective as we need. can’t reach everyone/ some get lost/ black and white format not eye-catching enough
- fliers? / post cards ? / business cards? Some way to let Richfield Resident know that Crowell Hilaka exists/ The benefit to the community / WHY it should remain undeveloped and used for recreation/ what’s there
- Corey showed her C/H business cards
- Donna really recommended something (whose name I didn’t catch) like larger business card? Art Museum has them.
- A suggestion: we should all have these cards and give them to anyone we meet who was a GS in north region letting them know of the effort
- We need a short slogan that appeals to Richfield Residents
- suggestion that our logo be updated. Mill pin was suggested
- Facebook campaign – for fast circulation. question: what is message we are trying to deliver there
Good point brought up: whatever we are communicating, we need to have a business plan so that people know WHAT they are contributing to. We currently have a set of goals, but we have to have a more formal plan.
Strong suggestion that we need to be going door to door and talking to some of these affluent people. Much like a political campaign.
Events
Corey has been in contact with Michelle Jester – a GS leader/ Richfield resident who really wanted to get her kids into camp & bring in their parents with the idea that once they see it they will love it & support it. However- GSNEO allowed one open House. They aren’t going to open the camp for hiking/ events/ etc because the entire point of their selling it is that they do not want to be responsible for it. But idea evolved :why not sponsor a Sunday/ Funday event on the Village Square? This idea rapidly took off as a camp in / family movie night – an event which has been successful elsewhere. Could be a way of getting Revere school kids involved.
Posh fund-raiser event at the Tavern- getting the Chamber of Commerce involved
Suggestion to get Jim & Laura Fry to host something at their place: Stone Farm
On the way out the door a few people got into a conversation about holding a Mardi Gras event early March
we forgot to bring up Flier distribution at Hinckley’s Buzzard Day- but that’s coming up.
Meeting Minutes 2/11/2014
Hello All!
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us last week for our meeting. Please review the minutes and add/change as necessary:
Present: Pat Boczar, Lucy Hanigosky, Cookie Krizmanich, Lynn Richardson, Rob Richardson, Corey Ringle, Donna Spiegler, Barb Starr, and Judi Zivic
General Comments and Questions:
- Judy shared her involvement with the Cleveland Restoration Society and how they work with built environments to preserve historical buildings.
- Discussed name. It has been suggested before that Crowell Hilaka is difficult to pronounce and spell. Would we consider changing the name, but we already have "brand recognition" with girl scout alumni as well as the village and city who drive pass the signs every day. Decided to refine google search engine so visitors can search us by Kirby, Richfield, etc. Let's start a discussion for the key words.
Slogan:
- Like "Preserve" over "Save". Makes us sounds less desperate.
- Like "Ohio's" over "Richfield's". Reaches out to a larger audience and we can always print brochures just for Richfield if we want to reach out to a target audience.
- Lots of discussion on hidden. We had a few other suggestions. Endangered seemed popular too. Do we want to have a poll?
- Treasure liked by all. Making the slogan "Preserve Ohio's hidden treasure"
Business Cards:
- Save money and keep it single sided.
- Vertical Card with white ariel font in black strip to reach Crowell Hilaka Preserve Ohio's hidden treasure
- Only the website, no facebook
- Email: do we use donate or contactus @friendsofcrowellhilaka.org?
- Use the "office" phone aka Donna's land line with FoCH voicemail.
- Use the Richfield Historical Society address
Brochure:
- Add membership / mailing flap (thanks Judi for sending a great template)
- Change font to Ariel (keep 12pt)
- Change green to black with white letters, no all caps, photoshop mill wheel.
- Reduce pictures and simply to 4 main topics.
- Middle fold to have map, revised logo
- Map to add location names
- Group discussion said to reduce photos, later discussion with Mike Wheeler said to keep them.
- Please see attached back. I'm still working on the map side. Should be sending out soon.
General:
- Pat suggested "hidden" have an advent calendar like promotional board. Big map with fold up flaps revealing what's underneath.
- EarthFest 2014 (Sunday, April 13th from 8:30m-5:00pm at the Cuyahoga County fairgrounds). Please e-mail Beth Sanderson for more information.
- Jenny, please post time and date of the Buzzard Day.
- Judi and Cookie worked on a time line for us.
- Suggested Committees from the January 14th Meeting Minutes:
Business Plan – Corey Ringle and Jenny Austin. Would like to bring in Mike Wheeler, Lori Spencer, and Meg Slifcaf. If you are interested, please let me know ([email protected])
Membership (dues and contacting) – Donna Spiegler (organizing database and dues collection) and Beth Sanderson (phoning non-computer members and researching membership incentives). If you are interested, please contact Donna ([email protected])
Marketing – Barb Starr for pricing and ideas. Sarah Spiegler is monitoring our facebook. Barb, please let us know if you are interested in the position.
Website – Rob Richardson. ([email protected])
Political (Levy and Bond) – Lynn, Corey, Lucy, Jenny (2-person rotation) If you are interested in attending town hall meetings or pulling the community into FoCH, please e-mail the group. I'm available tomorrow, Lucy, will you be interested in joining me?
Recreation – Corey Ringle. I'm going to reach out to Ruth Josek.
Education Liaison – Kelly Clark and Ruth Aveson.
Historian / Research – Lynn Richardson.
Fundraising – Lucy Hanigosky (Lucy would head community outreach and fundraising. If interested in spear heading an event, you would be in charge, but report to Lucy as you progress, just in case, god forbid, something would to come up. That way we have two deep leadership. There were a lot of great suggestions for fundraisers, would the following folks be interested in spear heading some of the events we noted below?)
Mardi Gras: Cookie
S’more Enchante Evening: ?
Plant Sale: Beth Sanderson
Richfield Garage Sale: (June) Lucy Hanigosky
Community Outreach –
Buzzard Day: Jenny Austin
Richfield Community Days: (August)
Sunday Funday: (June) Corey Ringle and ??
Please let me know if I left anything out. Look forward to hearing from everyone as we continue to develop the logo, slogan, cards, and brochures. And as always, thank you everyone for all your hard work!
Respectfully submitted, Corey.
May message to E-mail list 5/2/2014
Richfield Township and Richfield Village are in series of discussions about formation of a joint park district. IF they can agree, THEN the issue would be placed before the people of Richfield in November. The citizens of Richfield ( both Township and Village ) would decide if they want Crowell Hilaka enough to pay for it. One of the main areas of concern: The township’s only revenue comes from property taxes. More houses = more income. There is room for lots of houses in the 300 acres of Crowell Hilaka. On the other hand, there are many people in Richfield who moved there because it is rural & too many housing developments would destroy that. This is something that only Richfield residents can decide for themselves.
What we can do to help:
- Lower the cost to Richfield by making a pledge to Friends of Crowell Hilaka. Support matters! The $33,000.00 pledge from the Buckeye Trail Association has come up many times in the discussions – as much for the commitment it represents as the actual dollar amount. The beauty of a pledge is that you can help save this land AND help preserve the historic structures ( which might not be included in the Joint Park District Plan). If the deal falls through or the park district doesn’t need our help, then you pay nothing.
- Donations help spread the word. Promotion costs money: brochures, fliers, signs etc. Donations are tax-deductable. http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/pledgedonate.html
- Hands on help. Our meeting on May 13 ( 7pm at Richfield Historical Society Museum) will include a training session on How to Present the Best of Crowell Hilaka. Useful talking points for casual conversations, booth staffing, and school presentations with FAQs and fun facts.
also -We are accepting items for our rummage sale and plants for our plant sale. We need helpers for the June 22 Sunday Funday. We are forming committees for the second “S’more Enchanted Evening” Fundraiser, bylaws revision, and Camp Clean Up Day
AND if you live in Richfield...........contact your government officials. Formation of the Joint Park District costs nothing, but provides a way for the communities to create a plan to be placed on the ballot in November.
Lynn Richardson
May 13th Meeting Agenda
Good Evening My Fellow FoCH-er's!
Our next membership meeting is Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00pm at the Richfield Historical Society's Museum (3907 Broadview Road, Richfield, 44826). We have a lot to prepare for as we have a plethora of fund/friend-raisers over the next few weeks!
Agenda:
- Update about community and other organizations interest.
- Plant Sale: We need volunteers and plants! Memorial Day weekend. See flyer for more information: http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/events.html
- Richfield Community Garage Sale: We need volunteers and donations. I would like to introduce a new tradition. We have so many creative people in our group. Bring FoCH art. Photographers bring your picture of camp to be sold, artists and crafters bring your FoCH inspired works, bakers, etc. Let's get some unique pieces to really draw folks into our booth and show them how beautiful Crowell Hilaka is!
- Richfield Park & Rec / FoCH Sunday Funday: Volunteers to share our story and run small crafts and games.
- Script: We have created a script to help those new to FoCH share Crowell Hilaka's story, tell about our efforts, and what they can do to help. We will review, edit, and practice so everyone feels comfortable at walk-thrus and fundraisers.
- Marketing: Did you take brochures and flyers? Please check to see if your locations need a refill. Brochures will be available at the meeting.
- Merchandise: Do you have any pins, patches, shirts, etc? Let's collect them into one location for the upcoming fundraisers. (Lynn I think I have all your stuff at RHS, Lucy I can grab your from you later) Any floating clipboards? We are missing two.
- Code of Regulation Review. We have a small committee reviewing. Either and update or a vote to change. Either way we will have a discussion.
- Finally, Board Members, we need your bio and picture! If you don't have a picture, please come dressed (from the top up since it's a portrait). I'll have a camera ready!
Thank you to everyone for all your time and efforts! We couldn't have been this successful without everyone's efforts!
Your friend, Corey.
FoCH Update, June 2014
Discussions continue between Richfield Township and Village on the formation of a Joint Park District ( JPD ) that could preserve Crowell Hilaka. A JPD will allow citizens of both communities to be able to decide the issue by voting on it.
Friends of Crowell Hilaka sent out large picture post cards to every household in Richfield last week, urging them to contact their township or village officials. The mailer included a tear-off coupon to be returned to these officials. So far 58 coupons have been returned - all in favor. But time is running out. A vote on the JPD may take place as early as June 5.
If you would like to help the neighborhood canvass team in the next few days, contact Corey Ringle[email protected] or 216/ 299-1051. Team members visit just a few houses at a time, meet the neighbors, and let them know that they can make a difference by contacting their officials. Talking points are provided.
Raising awareness/ raising money both in and out of Richfield: our next project is a table at the community rummage sale on Richfield Village Green. Saturday, June 7. 8am – 3pm. We are talking about Crowell Hilaka AND selling odds & ends from a couple of estates. We can use help setting up ( 7 am at the Historical Society Museum) and staffing our table. If you are able to volunteer a couple hours, just show up.
Next meeting of FoCH is Tuesday, June 10. 7pm. Richfield Historical Society Museum updates on the JPD progress; vote on revised bylaws; discussion of upcoming events
- Lynn Richardson
Update, July 2014
RJRD ( Richfield Joint Recreation District) beginning work on Crowell Hilaka
The RJRD is in the driver’s seat to get Crowell Hilaka protected and managed for public access. If successful, Crowell Hilaka will be owned by the citizens of Richfield- both Township and Village- starting next year. As you read this, members of the RJRD board are being appointed. Once the board is formed, they will be working to meet required deadlines for the November ballot.
Thank you to EVERYONE who went door-to-door, or donated toward the brochure and mailer campaigns, or helped at an event! Friends of Crowell Hilaka was very influential in helping to build support for the RJRD. We hope to keep providing education, support, and the means for those living outside Richfield to contribute to preserving this beautiful heritage site for everyone to enjoy.
Got it done!
- FoCH by-laws have been revised to reflect our support of public access.
- FoCH website www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org updated to show our support of RJRD.
- FoCH brochures distributed, revised, and available for more distribution
- FoCH tables at Richfield Community Garage Sale and at Richfield Food Truck Rodeo
Next up!
- FoCH pledge drive to buy the property is on hold. If RJRD delegates any responsibility to FoCH, those who have already pledged will be given the opportunity to maintain their pledge under new terms. Donations to support the promotion campaign are still welcomed and are tax deductible. http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/pledgedonate.html
- Richfield Community Day - Sunday, August 10. FoCH has applied to sponsor an ice block sledding activity. Besides being fun and unusual, it gives us an excuse to highlight Kirby history
- Friends & Fund Raising Event. October 11 at Farm Flanagan. The Planning team has room for creative individuals.
- Open House at Crowell Hilaka. Western Reserve Land Conservancy says it is very likely they can arrange at least one open house this fall. Date TBA
- $$$$$ Decisions to be made. With all of the upcoming opportunities to promote Crowell Hilaka, the FoCH board has some decisions to make at our meeting this Tuesday, July 8; at RHS Museum. Meeting time: 7pm. Besides the upfront cost of various events and literature, we need to consider ads & promotional items ( such as T-shirts & yard signs). Everyone welcome. The more input we have into these decisions, the better.
Hope to see you on Tuesday,
Lynn
[email protected]
RJRD ( Richfield Joint Recreation District) beginning work on Crowell Hilaka
The RJRD is in the driver’s seat to get Crowell Hilaka protected and managed for public access. If successful, Crowell Hilaka will be owned by the citizens of Richfield- both Township and Village- starting next year. As you read this, members of the RJRD board are being appointed. Once the board is formed, they will be working to meet required deadlines for the November ballot.
Thank you to EVERYONE who went door-to-door, or donated toward the brochure and mailer campaigns, or helped at an event! Friends of Crowell Hilaka was very influential in helping to build support for the RJRD. We hope to keep providing education, support, and the means for those living outside Richfield to contribute to preserving this beautiful heritage site for everyone to enjoy.
Got it done!
- FoCH by-laws have been revised to reflect our support of public access.
- FoCH website www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org updated to show our support of RJRD.
- FoCH brochures distributed, revised, and available for more distribution
- FoCH tables at Richfield Community Garage Sale and at Richfield Food Truck Rodeo
Next up!
- FoCH pledge drive to buy the property is on hold. If RJRD delegates any responsibility to FoCH, those who have already pledged will be given the opportunity to maintain their pledge under new terms. Donations to support the promotion campaign are still welcomed and are tax deductible. http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/pledgedonate.html
- Richfield Community Day - Sunday, August 10. FoCH has applied to sponsor an ice block sledding activity. Besides being fun and unusual, it gives us an excuse to highlight Kirby history
- Friends & Fund Raising Event. October 11 at Farm Flanagan. The Planning team has room for creative individuals.
- Open House at Crowell Hilaka. Western Reserve Land Conservancy says it is very likely they can arrange at least one open house this fall. Date TBA
- $$$$$ Decisions to be made. With all of the upcoming opportunities to promote Crowell Hilaka, the FoCH board has some decisions to make at our meeting this Tuesday, July 8; at RHS Museum. Meeting time: 7pm. Besides the upfront cost of various events and literature, we need to consider ads & promotional items ( such as T-shirts & yard signs). Everyone welcome. The more input we have into these decisions, the better.
Hope to see you on Tuesday,
Lynn
[email protected]
Update, July 2014
RJRD ( Richfield Joint Recreation District) beginning work on Crowell Hilaka
The RJRD is in the driver’s seat to get Crowell Hilaka protected and managed for public access. If successful, Crowell Hilaka will be owned by the citizens of Richfield- both Township and Village- starting next year. As you read this, members of the RJRD board are being appointed. Once the board is formed, they will be working to meet required deadlines for the November ballot.
Thank you to EVERYONE who went door-to-door, or donated toward the brochure and mailer campaigns, or helped at an event! Friends of Crowell Hilaka was very influential in helping to build support for the RJRD. We hope to keep providing education, support, and the means for those living outside Richfield to contribute to preserving this beautiful heritage site for everyone to enjoy.
Got it done!
- FoCH by-laws have been revised to reflect our support of public access.
- FoCH website www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org updated to show our support of RJRD.
- FoCH brochures distributed, revised, and available for more distribution
- FoCH tables at Richfield Community Garage Sale and at Richfield Food Truck Rodeo
Next up!
- FoCH pledge drive to buy the property is on hold. If RJRD delegates any responsibility to FoCH, those who have already pledged will be given the opportunity to maintain their pledge under new terms. Donations to support the promotion campaign are still welcomed and are tax deductible. http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/pledgedonate.html
- Richfield Community Day - Sunday, August 10. FoCH has applied to sponsor an ice block sledding activity. Besides being fun and unusual, it gives us an excuse to highlight Kirby history
- Friends & Fund Raising Event. October 11 at Farm Flanagan. The Planning team has room for creative individuals.
- Open House at Crowell Hilaka. Western Reserve Land Conservancy says it is very likely they can arrange at least one open house this fall. Date TBA
- $$$$$ Decisions to be made. With all of the upcoming opportunities to promote Crowell Hilaka, the FoCH board has some decisions to make at our meeting this Tuesday, July 8; at RHS Museum. Meeting time: 7pm. Besides the upfront cost of various events and literature, we need to consider ads & promotional items ( such as T-shirts & yard signs). Everyone welcome. The more input we have into these decisions, the better.
Hope to see you on Tuesday,
Lynn
[email protected]
RJRD ( Richfield Joint Recreation District) beginning work on Crowell Hilaka
The RJRD is in the driver’s seat to get Crowell Hilaka protected and managed for public access. If successful, Crowell Hilaka will be owned by the citizens of Richfield- both Township and Village- starting next year. As you read this, members of the RJRD board are being appointed. Once the board is formed, they will be working to meet required deadlines for the November ballot.
Thank you to EVERYONE who went door-to-door, or donated toward the brochure and mailer campaigns, or helped at an event! Friends of Crowell Hilaka was very influential in helping to build support for the RJRD. We hope to keep providing education, support, and the means for those living outside Richfield to contribute to preserving this beautiful heritage site for everyone to enjoy.
Got it done!
- FoCH by-laws have been revised to reflect our support of public access.
- FoCH website www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org updated to show our support of RJRD.
- FoCH brochures distributed, revised, and available for more distribution
- FoCH tables at Richfield Community Garage Sale and at Richfield Food Truck Rodeo
Next up!
- FoCH pledge drive to buy the property is on hold. If RJRD delegates any responsibility to FoCH, those who have already pledged will be given the opportunity to maintain their pledge under new terms. Donations to support the promotion campaign are still welcomed and are tax deductible. http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/pledgedonate.html
- Richfield Community Day - Sunday, August 10. FoCH has applied to sponsor an ice block sledding activity. Besides being fun and unusual, it gives us an excuse to highlight Kirby history
- Friends & Fund Raising Event. October 11 at Farm Flanagan. The Planning team has room for creative individuals.
- Open House at Crowell Hilaka. Western Reserve Land Conservancy says it is very likely they can arrange at least one open house this fall. Date TBA
- $$$$$ Decisions to be made. With all of the upcoming opportunities to promote Crowell Hilaka, the FoCH board has some decisions to make at our meeting this Tuesday, July 8; at RHS Museum. Meeting time: 7pm. Besides the upfront cost of various events and literature, we need to consider ads & promotional items ( such as T-shirts & yard signs). Everyone welcome. The more input we have into these decisions, the better.
Hope to see you on Tuesday,
Lynn
[email protected]
Meeting Minutes for September 8th Meeting
We had a great meeting Tuesday evening! If you were able to join us, thank you so much for your time! If we missed you, here's a brief synopsis of what was missed:
Your pal, Corey.
We had a great meeting Tuesday evening! If you were able to join us, thank you so much for your time! If we missed you, here's a brief synopsis of what was missed:
- At our last meeting we announced the good news that the RJRD Board was formed and the levy submitted for this November's ballot. They are a wonderful group of folks who work hard to accomplish a lot. If you are interested in attending a meeting, they meeting the second and fourth Monday of each month. Please visit: http://www.richfieldvillageohio.org/VillageHall/RichfieldJointRecreationDistrict.aspx for more information.
- Now that the RJRD has been established, volunteers are focusing their efforts on the campaign. Please see the e-mail blast below on how you can help promote issues 10 & 11 to preserve Crowell Hilaka. Other things you can do include liking their facebook page and sharing posts and pictures, join us at the upcoming open houses, and help us go door to door in the community. If interested please e-mail myself ([email protected]) or sign-up for e-mail information from the campaign (http://www.richfieldtogether.org/).
- We had a great time at the Hinckley Garage Sale and Crowell Hilaka Clean up Day this passed weekend. Thank you to everyone who shared their time! We really made Crowell Hilaka sparkle!
- Lucy Hanigosky gave an update on this weekend's Open House and volunteer instructions. If you are volunteering, we need to you sign-up. Please e-mail Lucy ([email protected]) or sign up with Sign up Genius (http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b44a4af229-crowell). Volunteers, please plan to arrive at noon on Sunday. Meeting will be at 12:15 sharp and Lucy will provide a clipboard of information to you. Please wear your FoCH or Crowell Hilaka shirt, comfortable shoes, and dress to be outdoor for the entire time. Also, please bring a camp chair and water bottle. Most importantly, bring a smile! Looking forward to a great time!
- Finally, the members of R Strategy Group (on behalf of Coalition for a Greater Richfield) joined us to give a brief lesson on public speaking, the campaign language, and how we can help as FoCH. If you missed it, please sign-up for the e-mail blast. We need folks to help get the word out! Big thank you to R Strategy Group/Coalition of a Greater Richfield for their time and expertise promoting these issues. (for more information on R Strategy Group, please visit: http://rstrategygroup.com/ They are a pretty talented group who have helped coalitions support a variety of issues)
Your pal, Corey.
Friends of Crowell Hilaka update - October 2014
The best tool we have to help preserve Crowell Hilaka is the place itself! The four open house events allow people to get a look at the property and get a sense of its potential. One down, three to go! Let’s get the word out to friends and neighbors. You may use this non-political template to make fliers to distribute at your church, school, job, or activity meeting place:
http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/uploads/4/3/4/1/4341799/ch_open_house_flier_2014_with_credits.pdf
The next opportunity to visit the property is this Sunday, October 5. 2-5 pm . Volunteers will be posted at especially scenic locations to take pictures of your whole group that you can upload onto the Richfield Together page.
We can ALWAYS use more volunteers! Instructions and orientation provided on site. Contact Corey Ringle [email protected] or 216/299-1051 to volunteer this Sunday. To volunteer at later events, sign up here: http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/ .
Signs supporting Ballot issues 10 & 11 have sprung up all over Richfield! If you would like a sign to display in your yard, or want to contribute to, or help with the campaign, please visit www.richfieldtogether.com .
The Richfield Together campaign is the most viable option for preserving Crowell Hilaka. So imagine your FoCH board’s dismay when we found out that as a non-profit organization, we aren’t allowed to contribute funds to that effort! After much tearing of hair and gnashing of teeth, we realized that there WAS something we could do to help with campaign costs. And we did it! Last year many, many people collectively pledged several thousands of dollars toward FoCH’s purchase of the property. We turned out to be a few million dollars short. But were hoping to contact these generous supporters sometime later to ask if they could re-direct those pledges toward some possible restoration project on the Kirby estate at CH. However. The campaign is a higher priority. We are in the process of contacting supporters, releasing their pledges, and urging them to write a check for that amount to the Coalition for Greater Richfield. We are happy to report that many already have! Imagine our beloved president Corey, in a dramatic stance upon the top of the gas cut, crying out “ RELEASE the PLEDGES – And let slip the Dogs of War!” Kinda stirs the blood, doesn’t it? Anyway. Please give whatever you can to the Coalition for Greater Richfield at www.richfieldtogether.com.
Meanwhile, we had a fundraiser already set up. We consulted with members of the Coalition to see if we should turn it over to them – or even cancel it. They said it sounded like a great event and we should keep it rocking.
Music for the Millwheel will go on as planned October 11 at Farm Flanagan’s massive 19th century barn. Doors open at 7. Concert starts at 7:30. Music by Cleveland Jumping Fleas, Backroom Boys Bluegrass Band, Tina Bergmann & Bryan Thomas. Technical support by Woodsy’s of Kent. Concessions, campfire ( weather permitting) available during intermissions. To learn more: http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/music-for-the-millwheel.html Proceeds will go toward as-yet-undetermined projects at CH. ( We have a list! ) . Final approval for any work will, of course, be up to the RJRD board representing the people of Richfield.
Next Friends of Crowell Hilaka meeting : Tuesday, October 14th, 2014 at 7:00pm:
- Update on Richfield Joint Recreation District and timeline.
-Update on Coalition for a Greater Richfield and timeline.
-Tinker’s Creek Green on the Green, Hudson: Report and thank you
- Music for the Millwheel, Flannigan Farm: Report and thank you
- Crowell Hilaka Open House: Still looking for volunteers
- Update on Oct 18th open house
- Update on Oct 26th open house
-Third annual Christmas Cookie Sale
- Finances: Committee Update
- Marketing: Update (brochures) (social media)
- New Business
We’re normally a pretty casual group. A little more intense and excited in the past couple months, but still friendly. Visitors welcome!
Lynn Richardson
Friends of Crowell Hilaka update - October 201410/3/2014
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