January, February, March, 2015

FRIENDS
OF
METRO
PARKS
FriendsTALK
LORAIN COUNTY
news
2015
Board of Trustees,
Support Staff & Leaders
2015 Trustees
Cheryl June-President
Barb Fieger-Vice President
Fred Bartin
Pamela Pastor
Char Kline
Bob Goard
Rita Harned
Paul Rothacker
Pamela Amann
Vannesa Klesta-Park Liaison
Elaine Clark- Recording Secretary
Ruth Horvath- Treasurer
FRIENDSTALK
Volunteer Staff:
Designer:
Spotted Banana Creative
Studio/Karleigh Potemry
Photographer:
Roger Brownson
Coordinator:
Rita Harned
12882 Diagonal Rd., L
aGrange
,
O
H
4405
0
Corps Leaders
Donna Lauffer-Train Corps CVC
Charlotte Herstek-Lakeview Corps
Judy Sako-Wellington Corps
-Public Information Corps
Pam Pastor-Raptor Corps
Maxine Miller- Mill Hollow
Ruth HorvathWildlife Observation Area
Char Kline-Columbia Station Corps &
Miller Nature Preserve-Desk Corps
Darlene Falco-Fedor-Miller Nature
Preserve-Garden/Host Corps
Donna Azok-Schoepfle Gardens
Melody Penfound- French Creek/
True North
Support Staff
Dotty Moseley-Membership Secretary
Patti Czipa & Pam Pastor- Hours Secretaries
Donna Wolf-Friends Volunteer Coordinator
Bobby Vaughn-Miller Nature Preserve Nook
Ruth Horvath-WOA Nature Nook
Karen Smith-Splash Zone
Teen Corps Leaders
Cheryl June, Dave Smith,
Elaine Clark, Pam Pastor,
Shane Clark & Paul Rothacker
y,
r
a
u
r
b
e
January, F
15
0
2
ch
r
a
M
Contact: [email protected] for news related ideas...
d
n
e
i
r
F
ks in Lorain County,
r
a
P
o
r
t
e
Inc.
s of M
Do you shop at GFS?
If you regularly shop at GFS, then you are familiar with the phrase
when you check out “is this for a specific organization?” Did you
know that Friends of the Metro Parks is registered with GFS and
for every purchase that is made with us as the designee, then we
earn a rebate from GFS which is paid out twice a year. So the next
time you go to GFS, during your check out process when the cashier
asks “is this for a specific organization” please answer, “yes, this is
for Friends of the Metro Parks”. Your purchase will then be added to
our other purchases and allow us to earn a larger rebate which in turn
allows us to support the Lorain County Metro Parks even more! We
appreciate your support!
Annual Garage Sale
Do you have cabin fever? Are you looking for something to do after the
holidays? We will have our garage sale on Saturday, January 31st from 8 am
– 4 pm. There will be many assorted items available for sale as well as Nature
Nook inventory. We will also have available food and drinks. This is a cash
and carry, and we will accept cash and credit cards, NO checks please!
Have stuff you don’t want?
We are gearing up for our annual garage sale and we want your stuff. As you pack up
your holiday items and look to the new year and decide you want to “clean out”, please
keep us in mind as we would like to have your donations for our garage sale. The drop
off dates are Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 8 am–2pm and on Tuesday, January 27th
and Wednesday, January 28th from 5:30 pm–7:30 pm at the Carlisle Visitors Center.
We are looking for Holiday decorations, cookbooks, arts and craft items, DVDs/CDs,
books, unwanted gifts, kitchen items, home décor, jewelry and family/board games.
Please NO shoes, clothes, electronics or broken items. We will gladly write you a tax
deductible receipt for your generous donation.
Letter from the President:
Hello Friends
Hope you all had a Wonderful Holiday Season!
As with every year, it has been a busy time for LCMP and Friends volunteers. Halloween fair was an average year but it
did see a RECORD BREAKING NIGHT! I am unable to find my notes but remember a 6400 attendance night. Wow!
The trail attendance was 21,767 for the 6 nights with 9698 riding the Choo. This year I was able to actually see the trail
thanks to my friend Elaine. What an awesome sight. It takes a lot of work for the staff to put this together and a tremendous amount of volunteer hours and hard work to run the stations and up top jobs. A HUGE thank you to all of you that
spent your Friday and Saturdays at the park volunteering!
As I write this Holiday Lights is near the end. By the numbers I have seen, we have had great attendance and VERY busy
nights inside. I am sure the weather has had a lot to do with this. In case you did not know, the Choo has a car for the disabled. What a great addition and it has been used.
Well, I will have numbers for you in the next newsletter and at the annual dinner.
Just in case you had not heard – the park Levy passed. A big thank you to all for your support of LCMP. It was an interesting experience to be involved with this levy. The last levy I put a sign in my yard but this one I was fortunate enough to be
able to help in a small way. I look forward to the plans for the next ten years with Cascade being one of them.
Don’t forget the 2nd Annual Garage Sale will be in January. There is an article in the newsletter and watch the papers. It
was a HUGH success last year and helped to fund the Raptor Center cages donated by Friends. We hope this one will do
as well.
Keep sending in the Chip A Grams! We have had four winners, Josie Laugh, Louise Bartlow, Jim Sexton and a park staff
person: Jim Mueller. Those of you that frequent Carlisle will have seen Jim. He is an avid supporter of Friends and is
always helpful and friendly. He truly goes above and beyond. Thank you for recognizing these volunteers – they do go
Above and Beyond!
I must say though that ALL of the Park Staff deserve recognition for the job they do and the support they give Friends. Remember them the next time you visit the park! They keep you safe, maintain the buildings and park areas, put on programs
and all the behind the scenes jobs that keep the parks running. Thank you!
One other thing before I close, as previously discussed, we are trying to update the membership system. In doing so, I have
a volunteer computer programmer that has stepped up with some ideas. However, he asked if we have any other programmers out there that could help. He figures it would take a couple of you to work up what he has in mind.
Well, time to close! So I give you ALL special Recognition for the jobs you do! Thank you! Friends would not exist without all of you – my most humble appreciation for all that you do…..
Cheryl June, President of Friends
Maple Sugaring Breakfast
I know its hard to believe, but Maple sugaring time in the parks begins the end of February! Once again Friends
will be hosting Pancake Breakfasts both Saturday and Sunday during Maple Sugaring. The first weekend of the
2/28 and 3/1 we will share the weekend with Midview. But the other weekends will be hosted by Friends.
Please mark your calendars. Donna will be emailing and calling to fill the spots! So: March 1st, March 7th and
8th and March 14th and 15th.
Thank you for helping out! Hope to see you then!
2
A
Thank you to the Friends Volunteers
that submitted names for recognition.
Each month a name will be drawn
from the current submissions received
and the winner will receive a $10 gift
card for the Nature Nook.
We urge all the volunteers and staff to be on the lookout for Friends volunteers that go ABOVE AND BEYOND!
And a big thank you to all the volunteers recognized this time.
The Board of Friends wants to thank all of you for your efforts and dedication to Lorain County Metro Parks. Friends of Metro Parks is here
to support Lorain County Metro Parks with volunteer services and financial assistance. It takes the efforts of all of you to meet our goals.
Our latest list of winners: Josie, Lough, Louise Bartow, Jim Sexton, and Jim Mueller (park staff)
A big THANK YOU to our submitters: Char Kline and Marjian Mitchell
An impressive list of volunteers. Thank you all. Please keep the nominations coming. Recognize a volunteer that goes above and beyond! Fill out
the CHIP A GRAM and submit before the third Monday of each month and one of the volunteers will win a $10 gift certificate for the Nature Nooks.
Columbia Station Murder Mystery
Auditions
Thanks to the volunteers who
helped at the Santa Lunch. The kids
enjoyed the pizza, crafts, games, and
seeing Santa. Thanks to all those
volunteers who help with leading
hikes. It won’t be long before we’ll
be preparing for the Easter Bunny,
so get your ears on.
Char Kline
Columbia Station Corps Leader
3
Auditions for “you know the old slaying” will be Tuesday, January 6 at 7pm at
the Carlisle visitors center. Auditions are
a cold reading from the script.
Show dates are Fridays and Saturdays
May 1. 2, 8, 9 with seating at 6:30 and
dinner at 7:00
Tickets are $30 per individual, $58 per
couple. Group rates available.
FRIDAY, May 1 ONLY - Friends
members may purchase tickets for this
performance only for $25 each.
Reservations for the murder mystery
will be taken beginning February 15.
Please call 216-544-3865 for
reservations or more information.
Volunteer Hours
Adkins, Eirene 104.00
Adkins, Gay
108.00
Amann, Pamela
63.00
Bailey, Michael 35.50
Baldwin, Don
16.00
Bankovich, Christine 21.00
Barker, Jane
50.15
Barlik, Charlotte G
53.25
Barlik, Robert C
126.00
Barnes, Patrick 7.00
Bartholomew, Phyllis 18.00
Bartin, Connie 12.50
Bartin, Fred
92.00
Bartow, Louise 58.25
Bates, Paula
68.75
Bayless, Maureen L.
31.50
Beam, Linda
24.00
21.00
Belcastro, Patricia
Biddle, Susan
22.00
Bodnar, Dawn 51.50
Bofinger, William
34.50
Braat, Susan
5.00
Breda, Cindy
40.50
Breen, Elaine
4.00
Bridge, Steven
27.00
Brownson, Roger
31.00
Buchanan, Ann H.
37.00
Burns, Bonnie
24.00
Cerullo, Joyce
3.25
Cestaro, Ginny 27.50
Clark, Elaine
71.00
Clark, Shane
49.00
Cox, Catherine 4.00
Cunningham, Carol
2.50
Czipa, Patti Ann
141.00
Daniels, Caroline
7.00
Dillon, Eileen
13.00
Dowdell, Deborah
161.00
Driver, Brenda 84.00
Dunn, Jeremy
1.50
Dzoba, Elizabeth
19.75
Eging, James
22.00
Ester, Robin
56.00
Falco-Fedor, Darlene 45.00
Farmer, Karen
3.00
Farrell, Cathy
76.00
Farrell, Vince
5.00
Ferris, Linda
124.00
Fide, Lisa
39.00
Foldes, Nick
42.00
Foy, Dan
39.00
Fravel, Phyllis
16.00
Friedel, Dave
31.50
Fryberger, Jill
3.50
Galvin, Barb
47.50
Gelenius, Deb
21.50
George, Heather
48.50
Gerhan, Sandi
2.50
Gerhardinger, Marilyn 27.00
Gilbert, Debbie 167.00
Gildenmeister, Cheryl 245.00
Gordon, Bev
8.00
Grasmehr, William
91.00
Greiner, Sharon
16.00
Griffiths, David 39.00
Habenicht, Tara
39.50
Hamilton, Pam 38.00
Hank, Mary
51.75
Hank, Ron
28.25
Harbeck, Evelyn
8.00
Harned, Rita
87.00
Hawkey, Eugene
25.00
Hemminger, Doc
27.00
Hemminger, Judy
13.50
Herrmann, Harry
42.75
Herrmann, Jane
55.25
Hildebrandt, Alison
134.50
Hille, Ken
26.00
Hille, Laurel
45.00
Holland, Bob
48.75
Holland, Marge 52.50
Hunter, Gil
11.50
Huntley, Gary
15.00
Jalowiec, Jonathan (Bud) 7.00
Jenkins, Chuck 29.00
Jenkins, Sandy 40.50
Jones, Gail
24.00
Jordan, Pat
20.00
Joviak, David
85.00
Joviak, Nancy
75.00
June, April A.
15.00
June, Cheryl
184.00
Kapur, Jan
16.50
Kasick, Nadine 51.50
Kasubinski, Joanna
18.00
Kazay, Marcie
90.00
Kline, Charlotte
369.00
Klingshirn, Nancy
24.50
Knechtges, Darlene
21.00
Knowlton, Emma
8.00
Kocsis, Sandra 26.00
Koontz, Norma 70.75
Koury, Maxine R.
24.00
Kovatch, Kathy 26.00
Kratt, Sharon
16.00
Krutowskis, Pat 16.00
Kuznar, Patricia
15.75
Lapp, Monica
59.75
Lauffer, Donna 150.00
Lauffer, Jeff
51.00
Lauffer, Lori
82.00
Lauffer, Ron
64.50
Layton, Jo
61.00
Le Scoezec, Jeannine
48.00
Lee, Dick
48.00
Lough, Josie
16.00
Lynch, Jennifer 30.25
MacIntyre, Dot 40.00
Magdos, Shelley
Maines, Douglas
Masica, Bill
Masica, Ethel (Tudy)
Meyer, Olivia
Miles, Betsy A
Miller, Maxine 120.00
Miller, Nancy K.
Mitchell, Marjean
Moorman, Fran
Moseley, Dotty 93.50
Mueller, Barbara
Mueller, Paul
Murray, Judith 4.50
Nash, Patsy
Novinger, Jim
O’Hara, Beverly
Pabin, Theresa 111.50
Painter, Shirley 131.00
Pastor, Pamela 237.00
Penfound, Melody
Perkins, Janis
Platt, Vincent
Resar, Margaret 7.25
Roessler, Gretchen
Romot, Elsie
Rothacker, Paul 94.00
Roule, Terri
Sako, Alyssa
Sako, Charlie
Sako, Judy
Sauer, Alexandra
Schoen, Mary
Sexton, Jim
Singleton, Jan
Smith, Dave
Smith, Karen
Solderitsch, Albert
Solderitsch, Joyce
Spencer, Nancy
Swanson, Carl
Tessman, Joe
Thompson, Martin
Timms, Clara
Torres, Marilyn
Traylor, Julie
Urban, Jeff
Weber, Eva
Weber, Tom
Weil, Charles
Welsh, Eugene
Welsh, Patricia
Wenger, Daniel G.
West, Amy-Jo
West, Anthony
Wickman, Pauline
Wiech, M. Snow
Zimmerman, Pat
25.00
29.00
55.50
93.75
7.00
42.25
56.00
25.00
21.25
5.00
5.00
28.50
15.25
25.00
11.00
30.25
17.00
76.25
62.00
26.00
24.75
28.75
89.00
3030.00
11.00
232.50
7.00
118.50
85.00
11.50
11.50
56.50
73.00
32.00
47.00
9.00
4.00
16.00
110.25
71.25
68.75
104.00
1.25
1.25
36.50
14.50
14.00
160.00
14.00
7.50
A
Membership SystemHelp Needed
As we have mentioned prior, we are
looking to upgrade our membership
system. It is not working correctly and is
causing many issues. We have contacted
EMERGE, and they have given us some
quotes. We have also looked into other
packages, the one that would work is $325
per month which is WAY out of our
budget.
Recently I have met with a computer
programmer who is willing to put in
volunteer hours to work on a new idea for
our membership system. However, he is
asking if there are any other computer
programmers out there that would be
willing to work with him on this new idea.
He feels one or two others might get the
job done. By the way, it appears the new
idea would be cloud based and would not
have a monthly cost to it.
Chip E Munk and Friends Thank You for your spectacular volunteer efforts!
VOLUNTEER TIME CARD
Don’t
Forget... to Mail Your Time Card!
Please fill out and return to:
Friends of the Metro Parks
12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Attn.: HOURS
Or Email Hours To:
[email protected]
VOLUNTEER TIME CARD
Please fill out and return to:
Friends of the Metro Parks • 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050 • Attn.: HOURS
Or Email Hours To: [email protected]
ADDRESS:_______________________________________
NAME:__________________________________________
PHONE:_________________________________________
NAME: ______________________________________
ADDRESS: ______________________________________
EMAIL:__________________________________________
PHONE _____________________________________ EMAIL: _________________________________________
Please
in hours on
a monthly
basis
Please turn
in turn
hours
on
a monthly
basis
Hours for Month___________________________
Hours for Month ____________
Corps or
Corps or Event
Event
Activity or
Activity or Reservation
Reservation
Hours
Hours
Curious about what the Board does? Ever wonder how all the amazing events are put together and organized?
Maybe you already have a good idea of what they do and how it’s done but want to know more details...
Good news! This is where you can find answers to fulfill your curiosity and simmer that wondering mind!
Keep a lookout in the next several issues for more Board member stories.
Pam Amann
I grew up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the land of Mr. Rogers, and while we may have had Mr. McFeely, King Friday the XIII,
and Daniel the Tiger growing up, we never had a Metropark system. So when moving to Lorain County twenty years ago, I
didn’t quite know what to make of the Metroparks, but I knew I wanted to be a part of what they had to offer!
So upon my retirement, I realized that I now had time to give to our community through volunteerism and that one of the
first places to volunteer was as a Friend of Lorain County Metroparks. After having been a Friend for several years, the opportunity presented itself for me to do even more for the Metroparks by becoming a Board Member. As a board member I
have been a Nightly Leader for Holiday Lights and a Leader for the concessions during the Halloween Walk. Presently I’m
learning the ins and outs of the Breakfast with Santa program and am looking forward to participating in as many activities
as possible as a Board Member.
The Lorain County Metroparks system is a wonderful addition to Lorain County and I’m very excited about playing a part
in promoting this county-wide resource.
Cheryl June
Job of the President
Well, the editor has asked all the Board members to write up a description of what we do on the Board. So let’s see, job
description….. Board President – leads the monthly Board meetings; liaison with park staff; responsible for the Annual
Dinner. Sounds simple? My monthly responsibilities can include meeting with Corps leaders and volunteers to help
resolve any issues that arise. Working through issues that come up between Volunteers and Park staff and meeting with
Park staff when necessary. Answering emails….
One of the greatest joys I have is meeting and getting to know all you Volunteers!
Although I am terrible with names and always have been, I do recognize your faces!
(psst.. name tags!) And of course it goes without saying – The president’s job would be
very difficult if it wasn’t for the Board Members. Each and every one of the Board
members brings a different perspective to the position. It takes the whole Board to keep
the Friends organization running as smoothly as possible.
6
Maple Sugaring at Carlisle Reservation
Warm fires, sap cooking down into syrup, watching the rest of winter melt away. Sugar Shack friendships with a dose of learning too!
All these things and more await you at Carlisle Reservation during the Maple Sugaring season starting mid-February. LCMP’s Maple
Sugaring Program is designed to provide park visitors with the opportunity to learn about the history, geography, science and
economic importance of one of Ohio’s oldest agricultural process through first-hand interpretation and hands-on, personal
experiences. Our objectives through providing Maple Sugaring programming are to provide FACTUAL, RELEVANT information in
a PROFESSIONAL and sensible manner, to provide HANDS-ON, unique EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES to promote LEARNING
and of course to provide an opportunity to have FUN!
Here is the basic schedule of our Maple Sugaring month, with more information on the requested programs to come as we get closer
to February. If you are interested in helping, please let Mary Ewers, Senior Naturalist at Carlisle Reservation, know by phone
(440-458-5121 x232) or email ([email protected]). We love to see new faces around the Sugar Shack! The more the merrier.
Setup: Sunday February 22, 2015, 9:30am-3:30pm
9:30am–12 pm Bucket, spile, etc. washing OR Tree Tapping. When signing up be sure to let us know which activity you’re interested in.
12pm-1pm Potluck
1pm-3:30pm Cleaning out Sugar Shack, etc OR Stacking Wood in Piles, inside and out. When signing up be sure to let us know which activity
you’re interested in.
Public Program Days: Feb 28, March 1, March 7&8, 14&15 11:30-3:30 pm daily. All volunteer positions available
(see descriptions below)
Requested Program Days: Monday through Friday March 2-20th. Evaporator Pan Attendant and Shackhand volunteer positions available
(see descriptions below)
If you have any availability during the week, please consider signing up for these shifts. Although we tend to only think of the weekends as the
Maple Sugaring program, this program runs 7 days a week for three weeks! Any assistance you can offer will be greatly appreciated! If you’re not
sure what each of the volunteer jobs entail, look to the descriptions at the bottom of this article. We hope to see you at the Sugar Shack this year!
Cleanup: Saturday March 21, 2015, 9am-noon (with a hot dog/leftover lunch from 12-1pm)
Bucket, spile, etc. washing OR Cleaning Out Sugar Shack, putting away equipment
AVAILABLE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY POSITIONS:
Program/Sugar Bush Assistant
Assisting the Naturalist Staff with both requested programming and weekend public programming by leading hikes to tap trees in the Sugar Bush.
Will only be necessary during actual program times.
Evaporator Pan Attendant (AM/PM)
Watching the evaporator pan, refilling the pan with sap, filling the arch with firewood, and also following the daily pan setup/shutdown procedures. Responsible for keeping the daily Sugar Shack logs. When necessary, this person will also fill jars with the finished product. More
information on this position will be given during a later orientation. This person will also be in charge of counting and recording the number of
visitors to the Sugar Shack.
Shackhand
Behind the scenes maintenance – Behind the scenes maintenance - shoveling snow on walkway and salting close to sugar shack, sweeping inside
sugar shack, refilling wood racks inside the Sugar Shack, and restacking wood outside as necessary. Will also assist the Evaporator Pan Attendant
with setup /shutdown, and also canning the syrup when necessary. Morning shackhand will also assist with sap collection at 11am. Evening
shackhand will be responsible for checking the donation bucket, and turning in any donation money to the Nat staff.
Sap Collector
Daily at 11am, two to three individuals are needed to assist with the collecting of sap from the trees in the Sugar Bush and taking it back to the
Sugar Shack. This will include operating a motorized vehicle on potentially icy trails, and possibly operating a sump pump to transport sap to the
large holding tank in the Sugar Shack. This is also weather dependent; if the sap is not running on a particular day sap collection will be cancelled
by 10am.
Sugar Shack Interpreter
Presenting interpretive information about the Maple Sugaring process inside the Sugar Shack during weekend program days. Also assisting to
direct visitors to other program offerings inside the building and loading people in the Choo as needed.
Historical Interpreters
Presenting historical information about Maple Sugaring in an informative way outside the Sugar Shack during weekend program days.
Little Green Choo Engineer
A member of the Train Corps that will drive the Choo during the weekend program days, weather permitting. This person is also responsible for
the startup and shutdown of the Little Green Choo, along with recording the number of riders Saturdays and Sundays during the program.
Floating Volunteer
To assist the other volunteer positions as needed, particularly loading the Choo passengers, sugar shack interpretive information, as well as sap
collection from the Sugar Bush.
FriendsTALK
12882 Diagonal Road
LaGrange, OH 44050
news
July, August, September 2014
Miller Nature Preserve
Thanks to everyone who helped with the
“Candyland” display. It couldn’t have been done
without you!! If you haven’t stopped by to see it, try
to before it is taken down. Also, thanks to those who
helped with the Santa Breakfast. I know the kids had
an enjoyable time. Those who attended the thank you
“picnic” at Miller had a good meal and a fun evening.
Sorry more volunteers were not able to make it. As
always, I appreciate all your help and the dedication
you give to the Lorain County Metro Parks.
If anyone is interested in volunteering at Miller that is
not already in the corps, just give me a call and I will
get you started.
Char Kline
Miller Corps Leader
440-315-7192
10,000 Rides in 2015 - can you help us with a few?
There is so much more at Schoepfle
Garden than just gardening. Most of
our volunteers never get their hands
dirty, unless they want to. With the
children’s garden and the carousel,
tram and programming, there is
almost never a day during the
growing season where something is
not going on at the Garden. The SG
Corps runs a gift shop and provides
information to visitors in our visitor
center, where guests can view a video
on the history of the garden, get a
drink or snack or admire the
Vermilion River valley from the deck.
The corps members also drive our
tram sharing the story of the garden
with visitors at least two days a week.
We have produced a new tram guide
so even if you can’t identify an oak
from a pine tree, you can share the
garden using our helpful guide. The
carousel runs three days a week with
some extra days during the summer
for our visitors. Operating the
carousel is not that hard (it’s like
turning on and off a light switch)
and you will be the most popular
person in the children’s garden that
afternoon. This year our goal is
10,000 rides at the garden between
the carousel and tram so we hope to
be busy all season long. And if you
would like to get your hands dirty,
we can have you help care for some
of the plants throughout the garden.
Weekdays, weekends and an
occasional evening, there are plenty
of opportunities for every member of
Friends to find a way to share the fun
at Schoepfle.
Join us Wednesday February 11th at
10am or Saturday February 14th at
10am to find out more about
volunteering at the garden, sign up
for shifts and learn how to be a tram
driver or carousel operator.
Questions? Give Matt a call at the
garden at 440-965-7237. Know
someone who might like to help us
and needs to join Friends? Have
them sign up to attend the Friends
orientation meeting on Sunday F
ebruary 15th at 2pm here at
Schoepfle Garden.