What Makes Geauga a Gem - Geauga Park District

Respect your Trust
Geauga Park District has earned the trust of voters for 50
years, and we respect your trust. Our goal in each issue is
to explore some aspect of Park District fi scal operations
and to make the process clear and understandable.
Implementing an Efficiency-Focused Process
In an effort to make the most efficient use
of resources agency-wide, Geauga Park
District has formed a task force to analyze
and improve efficiency at all levels focused on
data-driven studies. No topic, no process, no
department will be off-limits.
Modeled after Regional Transit Authority’s
TransitStat and Baltimore City’s CitiStat, the
goal of Geauga Park District’s E 2 initiative is
to assign teams of staff members to learn
firsthand how consolidating operations,
eliminating inefficiencies in time and effort,
and streamlining processes can help the Park
District provide the quality of services that
patrons have come to appreciate in a more
efficient way.
The first area of study has been electricity
consumption. An E 2 team has already begun
evaluating electrical usage in sample areas
8 VOICES OF NATURE • www.geaugaparkdistrict.org
of the Park District’s facilities to find ways to
conserve, with the goal of reducing the overall
cost of electricity. Some energy-saving tactics
will include ensuring heat, air conditioning,
and hot water demand times match building
business hours; educating staff on conserving
electricity; and controlling light usage or
converting to new lighting technologies as
available.
Changes will occur over time as areas of
concern are identified and teams develop and
implement solutions. Even then, however, the
process will not end; these teams will continue
to monitor and review data over time. It is
Geauga Park District’s hope to provide real
data and real results to its invaluable patrons.
Be on the lookout in future issues for updates
on E 2 , including cost savings and service
improvements to your Geauga County parks.
Geauga Park District Welcomes
New Park Board Commissioner
Geauga Park District is pleased to introduce you to its newest Park Board member.
Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Timothy J. Grendell, who has the
authority to appoint Park Board members under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1545,
selected Michael J. Petruziello for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2012.
Mr. Petruziello has expressed his dedication to preserving and maintaining current
park properties. Upon learning of his appointment, the new Park Board member said he felt humbled, elated
and honored to give back to his community: “I look forward to working with the other board members and
bringing another perspective to the table.”
Michael Petruziello lives with his wife Carmella in Chester Township.
Together they have three children and four grandchildren. He has worked
since 1995 as chief operating officer of Quality Quartz of America, Inc.
in Mentor, which manufactures and supplies fused quartz products for a
variety of industries including fiber optic, investment casting, semiconductor,
biomedical and lighting. Previously he was president of Quality Quartz of
America; president and owner of Romanco in Cleveland; and head of sales
at Pyromatics, Inc., of East Cleveland. In 1971 Mr. Petruziello was honorably
discharged as a United States Army sergeant.
“We are happy to have him as part of the team and for the perspective he
will bring,” said Geauga Park District Executive Director Tom Curtin. “His
unique professional background will benefit the Park District.”
Departing from the three-member board is Dr. Mark Rzeszotarski, who
served 15 years in his position. Geauga Park District and Park Board
members John Leech and Jim Patterson express their appreciation to Dr.
Rzeszotarski for his faithful service.
ARTS IN NATURE
Nature Writers’
Coffee House
Friday, June 1, 7-10 PM
The West Woods Nature Center
Don’t miss the opportunity to
mingle with writers of all ages
and literary expertise. We honor
winners of Geauga Park District’s
17th Annual Nature Writing
Contest, who will read their works.
Refreshments served.
Hiram Rapids Stumblers
in Concert
Saturday, June 2, 7-8:30 PM
Big Creek Park, Amphitheater
Enjoy high-energy traditional folk
and bluegrass music under the
stars. Refreshments served. Held
indoors in the Cherry Room if
inclement weather.
Shutterbugs Camera Club
Thursday, June 7, 7-9 PM
The West Woods Nature Center
Summer photo opportunities
abound in the parks, making
this an ideal time to check out
the camera club. All levels are
welcome to a short instructional
session followed by assignment
critiques. See “Things to Do” on
our website for details.
Woven Wire Nest
Pendant Workshop
Tuesday, June 12, 6:30-8:30 PM
The West Woods,
Mastin Classrooms
Create a necklace featuring a
charming sterling silver bird nest
with pearl “eggs.” Fee: $22 for
materials and instruction. Ages
12+. Waiver required for ages
12-17 attending without an adult.
June at a glance
6-1 Writers’ Coffee House
6-2 National Trails Day Hike
6-2 Hiram Rapids Stumblers
in Concert
6-3 Learn To Canoe
6-7 Shutterbugs Camera Club
6-9 The Great Toad Count
6-10 Caveman Crawl
6-12 Timbertots
6-12 Geauga Walkers
Hike & Picnic
6-12 Nest Pendant Workshop
6-16 Observatory Park Grand
Opening Celebration
6-17 Hikin’ on Horseback
6-17 Timbertots
6-18 Muskrateers
6-19 Crinkleroots
6-21 Grandparents in the Park
6-21 Hound Hike
6-22 Summer Solstice Canoe
6-23 Backcountry Ledges Hike
6-24 Home Grown Butterflies
6-26 Geauga Walkers
6-28 Jam Session
6-29 Fun with Fireflies
6-30 The Switch Band
in Concert