What Makes Geauga a Gem - Geauga Park District

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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
Maple Town Tune Traders Jam Session Thursday, June 28, 7-9 PM The West Woods Nature Center Singers and musicians: Share songs and tunes in all genres each 4th Thursday. Acoustic and gently amplified instruments and vocals. Snacks to share welcome. Informal evening gives everyone an opportunity to sing or play to the accompaniment of others. The Switch Band in Concert Saturday, June 30, 7-8:30 PM Big Creek Park, Amphitheater Enjoy live music from this local group playing classic rock with a little country for added flavor. Refreshments served. Held indoors if inclement weather. EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS National Trails Day Hike Around the Reservoir Saturday, June 2, 10 AM-12:30 PM Headwaters Park, Rt. 608 Parking Area Lace up your walking shoes and accompany a naturalist on this 7-mile hike around East Branch, including the restricted east side. Meet at the main parking lot off Rt. 608. Dress for the weather, and bring water and a trail snack. The Great Toad Count Saturday, June 9, 1-2 PM The West Woods, Turkey Ridge Toad tadpoles are testing out their new legs as they hop out of the ponds and explore the forest. If it’s a “good year,” we’ll be hopping, too, as we count the abundance of amphibians on the trail and learn a little about their life cycles. June programs in detail Geauga Walkers Tuesday, June 12, Noon-2 PM The West Woods, Turkey Ridge Annual Potluck Picnic - Bring a passing dish and table service to participate. Walk from noon to 1 before the picnic. Tuesday, June 26, 1-2:30 PM The Rookery Join other active seniors on weekly hikes, 1-1½ miles long and held yearround. A naturalist leads listed hikes. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule: 440-279-2137. Hikin’ on Horseback Sunday, June 17, 10 AM-1 PM Beartown Lakes Reservation, North Point Bring your own horse for this leisurely naturalist-led trail ride on the Whitetail Trail and private trails adjacent to Beartown Lakes, a total of 6 miles under saddle. HELMETS REQUIRED. Participants trailer their horses to North Point Shelter Parking Area to meet a naturalist. Anticipate hills, gravel and bridge crossings, as well as flowers, butterflies and wildlife in field and forest. Hound Hike: Pace with Your Pooch Thursday, June 21, 6:30-7:30 PM Headwaters Park, Rt. 608 Parking Area Grab your walking shoes and leash to enjoy this pup-friendly walk. Dress for the weather. Only one, non-aggressive dog per handler. Must be able to fully control your dog, kept on leash at all times (8 ft. max). Summer Solstice Canoe Friday, June 22, 7-9 PM Headwaters Park, Boat Launch Celebrate the summer solstice (the Learn To Canoe longest day of the year) while afloat on the beautiful waters of the East Sunday, June 3, 1-5 PM Branch Reservoir! Must call Park Headwaters Park, Boathouse District office to register June 15-21. Learn basic canoe-handling Ages 12+ with adults with canoeing ng techniques in this Red Cross course for experience. Only one 7- to 12-year- safe canoeing on flat water. Fee: $10 old allowed to ride in the middle of for instruction. Ages 10+. No private canoes or unregistered people, please. Dress to get wet or muddy. Bring water and a change of clothes in case the canoe overturns. Timbertots: Life Under a Log (Ages 3-5 w/adult) Tuesday, June 12, 10-11 AM or 1-2 PM Sunnybrook Preserve, Lodge Sunday, June 17, 3-4 PM Headwaters Park, Crystal Lake Picnic Area Discover a whole world of critters living under just one log! Held outdoors, weather permitting, so please dress accordingly. Program is designed for the specified age group; older or younger siblings will not be considered registered participants. each boat. Wear shoes to get wet or muddy, and bring water and a change of clothes just in case the canoe overturns. Backcountry Hike Saturday, June 23, 10 AM-Noon The West Woods, Deer Run Shelter Join a naturalist on an off-trail adventure to explore the hidden beauty of The West Woods. This is a rugged hike with slippery, wet and muddy conditions off trail. Playing with Fire: Fun with Fireflies Friday, June 29, 8:30-9:30 PM Observatory Park At this “illuminating” experience for big family fun, come see the Firefly Light Show and learn the secret of the lightning bug beetle’s chemical candle-power. Also play the “semaphore signal” game that shows how fireflies find the right mate among different species’ flash patterns. NATURE INDOORS Home Grown Butterflies Sunday, June 24, 2-3 PM The West Woods Nature Center Join Greater Mohican Audubon Society president and life-long butterfly enthusiast Cheryl Harner as she presents a program focusing on Ohio’s native plants as nectar sources and host plants in the home landscape, then learn what to plant to support their life cycle in all stages. Muskrateers: Streamlife Safari (Ages 9-11) Monday, June 18, 9 AM-Noon Swine Creek Reservation, Valley Muskrateers venture into a forested stream to discover wildlife like crayfish, rainbow darters, salamanders and stonefly larva! Children should be dropped off by their parents at 9 AM and picked up at noon at Valley Shelter. Held outdoors, even in light rain, so dress for the weather. Wear suitable shoes or boots for wading in a rocky stream; no sandals please. GENUINE GEAUGA Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run Sunday, June 10, 9-11 AM The West Woods Run the wooded hills of The West Woods – caveman costumes optional! Registration begins at 7:30 AM; 5K race begins at 9 AM. Applications available at the Meyer Center, The West Woods Nature Center and on our website’s Bulletin Board. Advanced registration fee: $20; additional fee charged for day-of-race registration. Course is primarily well graded dirt and gravel with minimal pavement running. Unique awards for winning runners and most creative costumes. Walkers welcome! Proceeds will benefit the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure. Observatory Park Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, June 16, 7 PM-Midnight Observatory Park Join us for this family-friendly evening to celebrate the opening of the internationally recognized Observatory Park. Opening ceremonies are from 7-8 PM and family activities are from 8-9 PM. Concert begins at 9 PM with stargazing from 10:30-Midnight. Guests with limited mobility will also be able to tour the grounds in the Park District’s EZ Go Cart, available for short six-person tours. Grandparents in the Park: Summertime Fun Thursday, June 21, 10-11:30 AM The Rookery, Great Blue Heron Lodge Grandparents and grandchildren celebrate the first day of summer with indoor and outdoor activities and summertime snacks! Please bring a snack to share. Crinkleroots: Search for Streamlife (Ages 6-8) Tuesday, June 19, 9:30-11:30 AM Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge Crinkleroots venture into a forested stream to discover wildlife like crayfish, salamanders and mayfly larva! Children should be dropped off by their parents at 9:30 a.m. and picked up at 11:30 a.m. at the lodge. Held outdoors, even in light rain, so dress for the weather. Wear suitable shoes or boots for wading in a rocky stream; no sandals please. www.geaugaparkdistrict.org • VOICES OF NATURE 9
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What Makes Geauga a Gem - Geauga Park District

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