FRIENDSOF

METROPARKS

LORAIN COUNTY

FRIENDSTALK Volunteer Staff:

Designer: Spotted Banana Creative Studio/Karleigh Potemry

Circultion & Mailing: Bev O’Hara

Photographer: Roger Brownson

2013-2014Board of Trustees,Support Staff & Leaders

2013-2014 TrusteesCheryl June-PresidentBarb Fieger-Vice PresidentJennifer Lawson-TreasurerFred Bartin Pamela PastorChar Kline Elaine ClarkRita Harned Paul RothackerDave SmithVannesa Klesta-Park LiaisonRuth Horvath-Recording Secretary

Corps LeadersDonna Lauffer-Train Corps CVCCharlotte Herstek-Lakeview CorpsJudy Sako-Wellington Corps-Public Information CorpsPam Pastor-Raptor CorpsMaxine Miller- Mill HollowRuth Horvath- Wildlife Observation AreaChar Kline-Columbia Station Corps & Miller Nature Preserve-Desk CorpsDarlene Falco-Fedor-Miller Nature Preserve-Garden/Host CorpsDonna Azok-Schoepfle GardensMelody Penfound- French Creek/ True North

Support StaffDotty Moseley-Membership SecretaryPatti Czipa & Pam Pastor- Hours SecretariesDonna Wolf-Friends Volunteer CoordinatorMarge & Bob Holland-Miller Nature Preserve NookRuth Horvath-WOA Nature NookKaren Smith-Splash Zone

Teen Corps LeadersCheryl June, Dave Smith, Elaine Clark, Pam Pastor & Shane Clark

Contact: friends_talk_2007@yahoo.com

for news related ideas...

Lakeview Park, home to the Historic Rose Garden and Easter Basket, hosts a variety of recreational opportunities including swimming, sunbathing, lawn bowling, beach volleyball, picnicking as well as programs and special events offered all year long. With all that we have to offer, there are lots of fun opportunities for volunteers! Some of our major events include our big Egg Hunt, Mother’s Day Tea, annual Beach Party, concerts, Trick-or-Treat at the Beach and Christmas at Lakeview. Volunteers most often help kids and families at craft and game sta-tions during various programs. For some programs, volunteers can help setup, prepare materials for and help with cleanup. If you enjoy spending time in the Rose Garden, you can volunteer to help prune and deadhead the roses. There are many ways to help at Lakeview and we’d love to have you join our volunteer team!

Thank you,Jadelynn Maldonado

Lakeview Recreation Leader(440) 245-1193

Lakeview Park

Murder MysteryTickets for the 9th annual Murder Mystery “Murder Ahoy” by Craig Sodaro will go on sale February 15, 2014. Tickets are $30 for individual and $58 per couple or $28 per person for groups of 8 or more. Reservations can be made by calling 216-544-3865.

F

riends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc.

1 2882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH

44050

FriendsTALKnews

January, February, March 2014

Hello FriendsThis is a very special issue of Friends Talk this time. You will note it was mailed to you. There was a lot of information we wanted to be sure you received.

In this issue are articles from the Corps leaders describing their Corps activities and the parks they support; contact information for the Corps Leaders, Nook Managers, Hours Secretary, membership Secretary and volunteer coordinator. In addition, there is an article about the 10 year Plan from the park director.

Many of you have never met the Board so a picture of the Board members and the Park Liaisons has been included. Stop and say Hi when you see us. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of us. If you ever feel you would like to sit on the Board, please let us know. We are always looking for new people. If you have special talents and would like to help out, we would also like to hear from you.

Please take a moment to fill out the form regarding your contact information. It is very important that we have updated information and your preferences on how to contact you. Our Volunteer Coordinator, Donna Wolf, relies heavily on emails. It’s a big job filling volunteer positions for the big events or when requested by the Park. Current email and phone numbers are a must.

Your volunteer hours as of December 1st are included and also the list of volunteers honored with Chip A Grams. Keep them coming. It’s wonderful that we are able to honor those of you that go above and beyond.

We currently have a committee working on volunteer recognitions. If you have any suggestions please send them to the Corps Leaders. We value each and every one of you and are trying to find ways to recognize all your hard work and dedication to the park and to Friends.

Included is a proposed change to the Code of Regulations. Please review this carefully. This will be up for vote at the Annual Dinner. This proposed change has been drafted after conversations with an attorney/accountant. The proposed change will save Friends money that can be used to benefit Lorain County Metro Parks.

Halloween Fair was good this year. Not a record breaker but very good attendance. A LARGE thank you to the Park Staff and ALL THE VOLUNTEERS that spent their Friday and Saturdays with us at the Halloween Fair, Wow!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a Happy Holiday Season!

Friends would not exist without all of you – my most humble thanks for all that you do…..Cheryl June, President of Friends

Letter from the President:

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Information CorpWe provide information at various venues including senior fairs; Lorain County Metro Parks and Blood Drives. Volunteers are called upon 3 to 4 times a year for various events. A general knowledge of the part system is helpful. If you are interested in volunteer, please contact Barb Fieger at 216-544-3865.

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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.

Magical Mystery TourHello Friends! Take a ride on the bus and visit a section of the Lorain County Park system. Where are we going? It’s a surprise. We will visit several areas of the park which you may or may notknow exist. The Bus Boards at 8:30 am at the Carlisle Visitors Center and Departs at 9:00 sharp on Saturday, May 17, 2014. We will return at approximately 12 noon. This tour only seats 26 people, so make your reservation soon. The Tour is only open to Friends members and their immediate Family. The Tour itself is Free, BUT you can order a Box lunch for only $6.00. Call the Park reservation system to hold your spot and order a lunch 440-458-5121. See you on the bus!

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 service and financial assistance. It takes

the efforts of all of you to meet our goals. The following is a list of volunteers that were nominated for their outstanding service.

Donna AzokMike BaileyNan Baker (2 nominations)Jane BakerChrsitine BankovichJane BarkerCharlotte Barlik (Winner)Louise Bartow (2 nominations)Dawn BodnarMarianna CarneyDebbieDempsey (Winner)Doriel (no last name)Mary EllisKaren Farmer

Linda Ferris – (two time Winner) April Hanlon – (Winner)Rita HarnedAlison HildebrandtMargo Hirth (5 nominations)Marge Holland (3 nominations)Bob HollandRuth HorvathKathy KovatchLori LaufferRon LaufferCarol LeiningerDot MacIntyreJudy Murray

Patsy Nash (2 nominations)Shirley PainterKaren PayneSandy Pitts (2 nominations)Marjorie RodgersCharlie SakoJoe Tessman – (Winner) (2 nominations)Jim ThompsonJeff UrbanCharles WeilPauline Wickman (4 nominations)Donna Wolf

In addition to this impressive list, the following corps have been submitted:

Raptor Corps • Teen Corps • Paddleboat Volunteers

Also, a park staff person was nominated by a visitor:

Aimee Potonic

An impressive list! 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.

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.

A

Chip E Munk and Friends Thank You for your spectacular volunteer efforts!

Schoepfle GardenSchoepfle (sheff ‘ flee) Garden is located in Birmingham, Ohio and it encompasses 70 acres of magnificent botanical gardens. In the gardens you will see rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hostas, shade plants and many varieties of shrubs,topiaries, and trees. There is even a Children’s Garden that has a carousel with restored carousel horses for children to ride on and enjoy.

Otto Schoepfle purchased the property and house, formally his grandparents, in 1936 and spent over thirty years improving the property and creating beautiful gardens. He traveled to Europe to learn about plants and often returned home with many new varieties of plants for the gardens. In 1969 Otto donated the gardens to the Lorain County Metro Parks.

There are several opportunities for volunteers to help at Schoepfle Garden. Matt Kocsis, the naturalist, is in charge of the volunteers and he encourages us to find things to do that interest each individual. Here is a list of opportunities for volunteers at Schoepfle Garden:

1) Work in the gift shop – greet visitors, sell items in the store and assist when groups have a party or gathering in the meeting room. Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM – 1:30 PM & 1:30 – 4:30 PMSunday 12:30 – 4:30 PM2) Work in the gardens – pull weeds, dehead and transplant perennials3) Drive the tram – give tours to small groups of people by telling them about the beautiful gardens. Thursday 10 AM – 1 PM, Sunday 1 – 4 PM4) Operate the carousel horses for the children. Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday 1 – 4 PM

Every year Matt takes us on an excursion as a thank you for volunteering. In the past several years we visited Schoepfle Gardens and the Holden Arboretum. We also went on a field trip to Put in Bay in September for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. That field trip was also open to the public to enjoy.

We hope this particular park interests you if you choose to volunteer for the Lorain Metro Parks. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and help Matt and his staff. Our first meeting of the year will be on Saturday, February 1st at 11:30 AM. The meeting will include a potluck lunch. Our year of volunteering runs from March thru October. I hope to see you at the potluck in February.

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Code of Regulations Proposed ChangeThe Current Code of Regulations states:

8.2 The accounts of the Treasurer shall be audited internally by an Audit Committee of Friends each fiscal year and by an accounting firm appointed by the Board of Trustees every third (3rd) fiscal year, and at such other times as are deemed appropriate by the Board.

The Proposed change to the Code of Regulation:

The accounts of the Treasurer shall be audited internally by an Audit Committee of Friends each fiscal year and by an accounting firm appointed by the Board of Trustees when the Treasurer that is currently in the position steps down or is removed from the position and a new Treasurer is appointed.

This change was a suggestion made by an Attorney that had reviewed the Code of Regulations.

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: Friendsofmetroparks@hotmail.com

NAME:__________________________________________ ADDRESS:_______________________________________ PHONE:_________________________________________ EMAIL:__________________________________________

Please turn in hours on a monthly basis

Hours for Month___________________________

VOLUNTEER TIME CARD

Corps or Event

Activity or Reservation

Hours

VOLUNTEER TIME CARDPlease fill out and return to:

Friends of the Metro Parks • 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050 • Attn.: HOURSOr Email Hours To: Friendsofmetroparks@hotmail.com

NAME: ______________________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________PHONE _____________________________________ EMAIL: _________________________________________

Please turn in hours on a monthly basis

Hours for Month ____________

Corps or Event Activity or Reservation Hours

Board

1st row left to right – Ruth Horvath – Secretary, Cheryl June – President, Barb Fieger – Vice President, Jennifer Lawson – Treasurer2nd row left to right – Elaine Clark, Vanessa Klesta, Char Kline, Fred Bartin, Rita Harned, Pam Pastor

3rd row left to right – David Smith, Paul Rothacker, Grant Thompson

The Vermilion River Reservationfirst full weekend in December the museum is decked out for an 1800’s Christmas with reinactors showcasing a certain event at that time. Volunteers are needed to sell and take tickets, make and sell refreshments, and assist in the event where needed.Throughout the year the park needs volunteers to help with many of the other events such as Halloweeny, home school classes, winter days, pioneer craftsmen classes, preschool events, summer concert series, etc. Whenever Mill Hollow staff is away from the Carriage Barn’s visitor’s desk, a volunteer covers for them...answering the phone, taking messages, promoting the park and

its events, answering questions and doing whatever is necessary to keep things running smoothly. During the summer months, the park is especially busy with shelters and the Barn being used for picnics, parties, celebrations, and get-to-gethers. The Carriage Barn is nearly always in use on weekends for showers and birthday parties. Volunteers assist in making sure that visitors are given directions and have a great experience during their stay. Being a volunteer allows you to meet interesting people and be a part of many fun filled events. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Maxine Miller at 440-988-2377.

The Vermilion River Reservation consists of two adjacent areas separated by the Vermilion River—Mill Hollow on one side and Bacon Woods on the other. On the Mill Hollow side are the Benjamin Bacon Museum and Carriage Barn. During summer Sundays, volunteer docents guide visitors through the original settler’s house, built in 1845. The

Wellington Reservation Program OverviewWellington Reservation is inviting all Friends Volunteers to attend the Spring-Summer program overview. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 7:00 pm.This is a great opportunity to visit the park and meet the Wellington Volunteers. The program schedule is set up for the season and you can see in advance which programs you would like to be part of. * Paddle Boats May 24 thru Labor Day * Explorer Club ( Childrens Program) Tuesdays * Easter Breakfast & Egg Hunt * Full Moon Hikes * Fishing Derby * Misc. programs throughout the seasonOne of the best functions is our appreciation dinner for the volunteers that have shared their time and efforts to make Wellington Reservation “The place to be.” We also use this time to listen to suggestions for improvement of the next season’s programs. We value our volunteers and their ideas. Remember to check the Arrowhead as a reminder to attend our overview meeting Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 pm. We are looking forward to seeing some new faces. If you have any questions or need more information please call Judy Sako, Wellington Corps Leader 440-647-5486 (home).

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WOA ---> WIAThe WOA- Wildlife Observation Area – is now known as the WIA – Wildlife Interpretive Area. The naturalist staff has updated the nature space to the Dino Discovery Room. Volunteers can greet the public, answer questions, learn about birds and other native wildlife species, take care of sales in the Nature Nook, and interact with visitors etc. The WIA is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm every day except for major holidays. The naturalists are available to answer questions as well as providing information and activities for volunteers to utilize. To learn more about volunteering in the WIA, please contact Ruth Horvath at 440-281-3521 or Ruth34@aol.com.

Maple Sugaring Program Kicks Off Mid-February

A more knowledgeable man about the parks and nature in general is hard to find. It has been a joy to go on the Mystery Bus Tours and hear him talk about the history of the parks and his many enjoyable stories.We would like to welcome Vanessa Klesta as our new Park liaison. She is the Public Relations person and is a real dynamo. Not only does she

work full time but volunteers as well. Whether it’s with the park, as a Red Jacket or at the pet shelter, she can always be seen with a smile on her face. We look forward to working with her.

Thank You Grant & Hello VanessaThank You to Grant Thompson and Hello to Vanessa Klesta!The Board of Trustees says goodbye to Grant Thompson as the Friends liaison. Grant took over as liaison after the retirement of Becky Voit. He has been with the Lorain County Metro Parks over 26 years. He is currently the Chief Naturalist for the park system.

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As winter winds down and spring quickly approaches, the forest bursts to life! During warm days of late winter, trees pump sap upward to the branches to aid in leaf production. On nights when the temperature drops below freezing, the sap is pumped back underground to prevent the water solution from freezing in the branches. The quick rising and falling of sap is called a “run”. To collect sap for maple sugaring, we need a combination of cold nights coupled with warm days to keep the sap “running” up and down the trunk of the tree. When spring is in full effect and the new tree buds begin to burst into bloom, chemical changes take place in the sap making it sour, ending the maple sugaring season. Sugar maple trees have the highest concentration of sugar in their sap than any other tree; on average around 2%. This isn’t very much sugar; in fact, it takes approximately 40 buckets of sap to make one bucket of syrup! This transforma-tion takes place by adding just one ingredient: heat. The sap is heated to boiling temperatures in an evaporator. After the water evaporates off, you are left with sweet, sticky syrup.LCMP’s Maple Sugaring Program is designed to provide volunteers and 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. Are you interested in learning more about this process and getting your hands sticky as we make maple syrup at Carlisle Reservation? If so, be sure to contact Sr. Naturalist Mary Ewers by the end of January (mewers@metroparks.cc or 440-458-5121). There are a number of different volun-teer positions – both in front of guests and behind the scenes. You’ll find that Maple Sugaring is a lot of work, but also rewarding and fun! To learn more about what this program entails, please let Mary know. We’ll see you in February!Maple Sugaring 2014 Important Dates:Setup Workday: Saturday February 15, 9:30am-3:30 pmEvaporator Pan 101 –Thursday February 20, 10-11amPublic Program Dates - February 22 & 23 March 1 & 2 March 8 & 9 noon-4pm each dayRequested Program Dates – Monday Feb 24 – Friday March 14 Monday-Friday dates are available, exact schedule TBDTeardown Workday: Sunday March 16, 9am-noon

Friends Facebook Page The Friends Facebook page is up and running: “friends of lorain county metro parks”. This will be a closed group. Please request membership in order to access the page. We will be posting volunteer opportunities, you will be able to send in hours and communicate any needs or questions. Thank you to Elaine Clark, Jennifer Lawson and Pam Pastor for getting us up and running.

Teen Corps started in 2007 to give young people an opportunity to spend time in the park and work with the public. We are a junior volunteer group to the adult Friends members. We can be seen doing crafts and games with children, working in the Dark Maze at Halloween Fair, spon-soring craft night at Holiday Lights, helping the naturalists with their events or working around the park. The Teens usually put around 1100 volunteer hours in a year. Over the course of the years, the teens have gone to The Wilds, shad-owed Zoo Crew at the Cleveland Zoo, visited several animal rescues and rehabilitation sites and camped down south. We have had over 15 teens graduate as Teen Corps mem-bers and come back to help us with big events.Have you had an opportunity to visit with Chip E Munk?? Guess who?The teens have been an amazing group and we look forward to their continued success and growth into adulthood.

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Miller Nature PreserveMiller Nature Preserve opened in May of 2011. There is a visitors center, a Nature Nook gift shop, The Orchid Room Cafe, which is open daily from 11-6 and can be reserved for parties or meetings, the 5000 square foot Conservatory contains seven distinct plant collections which include; Orchids, Bonsai, Palms, Bromeliads, Desert, and Carnivorous Plants. The Seasonal Displays are changed four times throughout the year featuring plants in season at the time. In the short time Miller Nature Preserve has been opened it has added many new features including outdoor gardens, The Butterfly House and an outdoor patio. The most recent addition just completed in October 2013 is a 3/4 mile straight trail that connects the park with a neighboring develop-ment. More looped trails will even-tually be added on the 83 acres of land that the park owns.

Group tours for the Conservatory and Gardens can be booked for you

club or organization by contact-ing the park. There is a large listing of weekly classes. Anything from planting, cooking demos, drawing classes, crafting and seminars on a variety of subjects regarding the conservatory. The listings can be viewed on line at www.metroparks.cc.

There is always a need for volun-teers to help in the gardens with plant care, hosting, and conducting group tours.

The park is located at:2739 Center Road, Avon, OH440-937-0764

Conservatory Hours: 10-6 daily (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day)Park Hours: 8 am till sunset daily

Teen Corps

VOLUNTEER UPDATE:Please fill out the following information and return to Carlisle Visitor Center:

Name: ___________________________________________________________ Please Print Clearly

Current Address: __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ Please Print Clearly

Email Address: ___________________________________________________

Phone Number (Or Cell) ____________________________________________ Preferred number to contact you

Friends Talk:____Mail Friends Talk to my House____Do Not Mail - I will read Friends Talk on the Park web site

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Located at Carlisle Reservation, next to the Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd, LaGrange, Ohio. These birds are property of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Only through their permission and through the US Fish and Wildlife Service is this facility possible.

Mission Statement:The Raptor Center of the Lorain County Metro Parks is a facility committed to the professional care and management of non-releasable raptors. As an educational center, not a rehabilitation facility, our mission is to foster a respect for these masters of the skies and their habitats through innovative education and conservation programs.Deemed unreleasable to their wild homes due to serious and permanent injuries, the residents of the Center are true ambassadors to all wildlife. They help us to understand that we, as humans, are not alone in this world; our actions and reactions will determine the fate of wildlife and wild places.Let’s soar over to the Raptor Center and find out what it takes to work with these beautiful birds. Ready, set, soar…..Well here we are, so the first thing we need to do is knock on the door and wait to hear “clear” or “not clear”. This is our way of knowing that there is someone in the center and either they have a bird out or not. From the sound (or lack of sound) no one is here, so let us enter. Upon entering, the first thing we need to do is look at all the notes to see if there are updates or new information. There is something new, so let’s take a closer look. According to this note, I am to let you know the basics for becoming a Raptor Corps Volunteer:• All volunteers will be a member of Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc.• Must be over 18 years of age• Commit to volunteering at least 4 hours (two shifts) per month.• Must be able to complete all training, duties as assigned regardless of weather, mandatory meetings, participation in either a Volunteer Work Day or a Rodent Run Bagging Session per calendar year, attend and/or assist with one educational program, and holi-days. There are some holidays that the CVC is not open. These birds are depending on you!• Communication is critical! Due to the nature that you are working with live animals!• There are benefits to this opportunity; Cleaning and maintenance is a must for them! We need to accommodate their needs, so that we can have the privilege of working with and for protected Ohio wildlife.• Participate in programs with the naturalists.• It is such an honor to have these beautiful birds on our fists! Finally, let’s meet our Resident Raptors:• Aphrodite: Red-tailed Hawk • Arrived to LCMP September, 1996 • Right wing injury • Cannot fly and requires step perches.• Cali: Red-tailed Hawk • Arrived to LCMP May, 1998 • Left wing injury and left eye missing• Oliver: Barred Owl • Arrived to LCMP May, 2003 •Right wing injury • Totally unable to fly and requires stepped perches and ramps to ambulate• Seneca: American Bald Eagle • Arrived to LCMP May, 2003 •Right wing injury •Totally unable to fly and requires step perches.• Smokey: Eastern Screech Owl • Arrived to LCMP July, 2005 • Loss of vision in left eye• Havoc: Peregrine Falcon • Arrived to LCMP November, 2005 • Severe left wing injury• Stewart: Barred Owl • Arrived to LCMP August, 2007 • Right wrist injury • Limited flight capabilities• Murray: American Kestral • Arrived to LCMP August, 2009 • Blind in right eye and lost range of motion in his left shoulder• Artemis: Turkey Vulture • Arrived to LCMP August, 2010 • 100% imprinted on humans (mental injury)Now that we have walked through the center and met our residents, the last thing is this: To be a volunteer with this Corps is such an honor and privilege. I have had the honor and privilege to be the Raptor Corps Leader for at least five years. I have met and worked with some incredible people who share my passion of working with these incredible birds. I have also had my share of sorrow. With honor and privilege comes heartache when one of these birds pass away. These birds are “family” and everyone is affected when some-thing happens, be it good or bad.As of this writing, I have 13 active volunteers(2 that are on temporary leave) under me and each and everyone of them are very hard and dedicated workers and without them, our Center would not be what it is today!

Greetings and welcome to the Raptor Center!

Friends of the Metroparks is hosting its first Indoor Garage Sale on Saturday, February 1st at the CVC from 9 am to 4 pm. We are looking for donations of the following items for the sale: Books, CDs, DVDs, kitchen items, unwanted gifts, holiday decorations, craft and sewing supplies and decorative items. Please NO clothing, shoes or broken items. You can drop off your donations on Saturday, January 25th at the CVC from 9 am to 2 pm or on Friday, January 31st from 9 am to 2 pm. We will also have marked down Nature Nook items for sale as well. Hot dogs and sloppy joes will be available. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Metro Parks. We will be asking for volunteers in all areas and requests will go out soon.

Dear Friends, December 3, 2013

As we bring 2013 to a close and embark on a new and exciting year, I am honored to be offered an opportunity to again say thank you to each and every one of our Friends. On behalf of the staff and the Board of Park Commissioners, we are extremely grateful for all of the work that each of the Friends does in each of our parks. We cannot say thank you enough for all of your contributions.

As most of you know, we have been working diligently to complete our next 10 year plan. We expect this to be finalized by mid-January and we are excited about bringing this forward to share with you and the rest of the community. The focus for us over the next 10 years is to further enhance and improve our existing facilities, to seek new recreational opportunities throughout the area, and to connect existing facilities. Along with many projects, this will include Cascade Park in Elyria, Wellington trail extension, trails and associated work in Grafton, and trail and water recreation opportunities along our rivers and lakes.

We are also at the end of our previous levy cycle, so we will be gearing up for another campaign in 2014. To maintain the high standard of care at our facilities, while achieving some of the new exciting opportunities discussed, it will be imperative that we are successful in our campaign. We are confident that each of you will be able to assist us with this campaign. As our finest representatives, we will be humbly counting on each of you to help where possible. We can use your help in so many different ways: from making sure that people get their ballots cast, to putting up signs, to making phone calls, to writing letters to the editors. We know that most of the people love our parks, we just to be sure that these same people support us at the ballot box. Assistant Director Jennifer Bracken will be coordinating many of these efforts and would like to hear from you as to how you can directly assist. She can be reached via e-mail at: citizenscommittee@gmail.com.

Along with the Board and staff, I am so very appreciative for your expertise, caring attitudes, commitment, and hard work that you contribute on behalf of the Lorain County Metro Parks. We would not be so incredibly successful without each and every one of you. We anxiously anticipate your continued support and collaboration as we embark on our exciting projects and ventures.

Sincerely,

James E. Ziemnik, DirectorLorain County Metro Parks

Indoor Garage Sale

Message from the Director/Secretary for The Lorain County Metro Parks

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Contact InformationThe following is contact information for the Corps Leaders, Nook Managers, Membership Secretary and the Hours Secretaries. Please make a note of the

following contact information for your future reference:

Corps Leaders:Darlene Falco-Fedor – Miller..................................................................falcofedor@aol.comChar Kline – Miller...................................................................................bossmare25@windstream.netCharlotte Herstek – Lakeview ................................................................Phone: 440-282-3742Donna Azok – Schoepfle.........................................................................azok6905@gmail.comMaxine Miller – Mill Hollow...................................................................maxinemiller@oh.rr.comPam Pastor – Raptor.................................................................................blackcatsbroom@hotmail.com *Melody Penfound – FCNC/True North.................................................penfound@oh.rr.comDonna Lauffer – Train Corps..................................................................lauf610@oh.rr.comJudy Sako – Wellington............................................................................cjsaber3@yahoo.com

Teen Corps Leaders:Elaine Clark...............................................................................................eclarkwaltripfan@yahoo.comDave Smith (IT).......................................................................................djs20022002@gmail.comCheryl June................................................................................................presidentoffriends@yahoo.comPam Pastor *Paul RothackerShane Clark

Volunteer Coordinator:Donna Wolf................................................................................................wolf1022@windstream.net

Membership Secretary:Dot Moseley...............................................................................................snowbird2101@gmail.com

Hours Secretaries:Patti Czipi...................................................................................................manatee660@yahoo.comPam Pastor *

Nature Nook Managers:Karen Smith – Splash Zone.....................................................................szmp@kssmith.comMarge and Bob Holland – Miller............................................................bobjo@hollandcomputers.comRuth Horvath – Carlisle...........................................................................ruthh56@aol.com

Editor of Friends Talk: Karleigh Potemry......................................................................................karleigh@spottedbananaCS.com

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Dunn, Jeremy 47Dzoba, Elizabeth 4.5Eging, James 52Ellis, Mary 3.5Farmer, Karen 15.5Farrell, Cathy 32.95Fedor, Darlene 24Ferris, Linda 69.5Fide, Lisa 71Fieger, Barb 51Foldes, Michael 47.5Friedel, Dave 22.5Fritinger, Janice 6.5Fryberger, Jill 59.75Galvin, Barb 34.75Gerhardinger, Marilyn 20Gilbert, Debbie 120.25Gildenmeister, Cheryl 150Grasmehr, William 70Greer, Camille 3Griffiths, David 26.25Habenicht, Tara 33Harbeck, Evelyn 16Harned, Rita 82.5Hemminger, Doc 2.5Hemminger, Judy 8.5Herrmann, Harry 34.5Herrmann, Jane 26.5Hewitt, Bill 3.5Hewitt, Joann 3.5Hicks, Bonnie 10.5Hicks, Edmund 20Hicks, Theresa (Terri) 28.25Hilderbrandt, Alison 83Hille, Ken 19Hille, Laurel 32.75Hirth, Margo 141.5Hoening, Teresa 3Holland, Bob 125.5Holland, Marge 164.5Hudak, Marge 4.25Huntley, Gary 17.5Jones, Gail 19Jordan, Pat 20Joviak, David 68Joviak, Nancy 68June, Cheryl 224.5

NAME Volunteer Hours

Adkins, Eirene 48.5Adkins, Gay 67Amann, Pamela 35Anton, James 27.25Anton, Yvonne 24.25Austin, Arlene A. 12Azok, Donna 46Bailey, Michael 63.5Balchak, Ed 6Balchak, Rosemary 6Bankovich, Christine 68.5Barker, Jane 50.75Barlik, Charlotte G 35.75Barlik, Robert C 297.5Barnes, Patrick 48.5Bartin, Connie 3.75Bartin, Fred 47Bartow, Louise 9Batcha, Joe 2.75Bayless, Maureen L. 29.25Beam, Linda 20Belcastro, Patricia 11.25Biddle, Susan 4Bodnar, Dawn 40.5Bofinger, William 40.5Breda, Cindy 43.25Bridge, Steve 52.75Brown, Elizabeth 8Brownson, Roger 58Buchanan, Ann H. 15Burns, Bonnie 14Carney, Jim 3Carney, Marianna 13.5Cestaro, Ginny 78.5Clark, Andrew 20Clark, Elaine 132.5Clark, Shane 94.5Cox, Catherine 16.5Crowther, Laurie 31Czipa, Patti Ann 196Daniels, Caroline 27.5Diederich, Carrie 7.5Diederich, F. Lynne 7Dillon, Eileen 1.25Dowdell, Deborah 96.75

13

Volunteer

Hours

14

Kaltenbach, Linda 8.75Kapur, Jan 15Kasick, Nadine 41.75Kazay, Marcie 56.5Kline, Charlotte 204.25Klingshirn, Nancy 64.75Knechtges, Darlene 33.5Knowlton, Emma 20Kocsis, Sandra 42.5Koury, Maxine R. 12Kuznar, Patricia 10.5Lauffer, Donna 73.75Lauffer, Lori 103.25Lauffer, Ron 21.5Lawson, Jennifer 127Lawson, Sarah 20Layton, Jo 63.5Le Scoezec, Jeannine 93.5Lee, Dick 39Lynch, Jennifer 39MacIntyre, Dot 23.5Maines, Douglas 3.5Marion, Marilyn 25.5Marlette, Bea 54Masica, Bill 46.75Masica, Ethel (Tudy) 95.5Meyer, Diane 17Miller, Nancy K. 32Moseley, Dotty 56.5Murray, Judith 39.5Neal, Judy 5.75Norris, Carl 4Norris, Charlotte 4Novinger, Jim 5.5O'Hara, Beverly 31O'Hara, Ralph 2Pabin, Theresa 115.5Painter, Shirley 106Pastor, Arryona 62.5Pastor, Pamela 255Penfound, Melody 107.5Plas, Beatrice 21Platt, Vincent 14.5Poley, Rosemary 83Quinones, Bruni 33.75Ramos, Minerva 3.5Reichel, Jon 20.5

Resar, Margaret 9.5Roessler, Gretchen 37.25Rogers, Marjorie 33Romot, Elsie 17Rothacker, Paul 39.75Roule, Terri 10.5Rowe, Loretta 13.5Sako, Alyssa 11Sako, Charlie 67.25Sako, Judy 147.75Sauer, Alexandra 71.5Schneider, Mary 8Sedano, Mary 3.5Sexton, Jim 191Singleton, Jan 58Smith, Christopher 50.5Smith, Dave 82.5Smith, Karen 68.5Smith, Timothy 32Spencer, Nancy 39Swanson, Carl 40Tessman, Joe 54Thompson, Jim 47Thompson, Martin 9Timms, Clara 11.5Urban, Jeff 136.25Vassily, Sharon 2Weber, Eva 59.75Weber, Tom 54.5Weil, Charles 80.25Welsh, Patricia 14.5Wenger, Daniel G. 30West, Amy‐Jo 8West, Anthony 17Whipple, Virginia 7Wickman, Pauline 199Wyder, Frank 4Zimmerman, Pat 23.25

MembershipHours

The Train Corp is composed of a group of dedicated and friendly volunteers who assist with major events at Carlisle. Our biggest events are the Halloween Fair, Holiday Lights and Maple Sugaring programs, although we do run a limited weekend and evening summer program. The number of volunteers varies for each event and includes people to drive the train, load people on and off and in general interact with park visitors.The train itself is not the traditional train but a tractor with a fiberglass body resembling an engine and three passenger cars designed to transport up to 27 passengers.Aside from the events, the volunteers are involved in set-up and tear-down of decorations for each event. Like the Post Office, we work in all kinds of weather, rain, snow wind and cold. To keep us well fed and rested, however,we have several pot-luck lunches throughout the year. If this sounds like a lot of fun, you’d be right! We hope to see you join the Corps! Contact information: Mary Ewers Donna Lauffer Senior Naturalist Train Corp Leader 458-5121 322-8400 mewers@metroparks.cc lauf610@oh.rr.com

Train Corp

15

TrueNorth Cultural Arts has a unique partnership with Lorain County Metroparks. French Creek Nature & Arts Center in Sheffield is home to the wonderful nature-related programs and park facilities we have come to expect here in Lorain County. In addition, French Creek is the cultural arts center of our park system.

For several years, True North and the Lorain County Metroparks have partnered to build and strengthen individuals and communities through the performing, visual, and literary arts. The vision is two-fold: to educate, equip, and empower individuals so they can embrace and succeed in all creative arts; and to envision and encourage communities where those creative arts can flourish.

TrueNorth has two theaters—the Mainstage Theater hosts our larger productions, and our Family Life Theater is a smaller, more intimate setting.

In addition to the theater productions, TrueNorth has a Chorale, an Orchestra, and a Big Band. Our Art Galleries represent over 40 local and national artists and gallery shows complement the theater productions. Once-monthly concerts are scheduled on the second Friday of the month with local musicians, and the TrueNorth Jamborees, which occur quarterly, are an open-mic experience for musicians and poets.

Volunteers at our park are needed for all events. Greeters open the doors, welcome patrons, give directions, etc. Ticket-takers ensure that everyone has a ticket, and scans the tickets using a hand-held scanner. Programs people pass out programs to all patrons. Ushers help patrons find their correct seats. Concessions provide snacks for all programs. Volunteers are also needed for park activities listed in the Arrowhead and for animal care.

Volunteering at TrueNorth is a fabulous way to contribute to the community and to the Metroparks. In exchange, you are exposed to some of the best art, music, and theater in the area.

Visit our website at www.TNCArts.org, our Facebook page Truenorth Cultural Arts, email us at truenorth@metroparks.cc, or give us a call at 440-949-5200, ext. 221. We’d love to see you!

TrueNorth at French Creek Nature & Arts Center

INDOOR

The Friends of the Metro Parks will sponsor an Indoor Garage Sale on Sat-urday, February 1, 2014 from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. (no early bird sales)

Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, Ohio You’ll find a variety of treasures, plus marked down Nature Nook inventory items for sale

Cash or credit cards only….NO CHECKS

Accepting Donations—In order for our garage sale to be a success, we need your help! We will accept public donations for this sale on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carlisle Visitor Center (address above). We are collecting the following items: Holiday Decorations Cookbooks Art and Craft Items DVDs / CDs Books Unwanted Gifts Kitchen Items Home Décor Jewelry Family / Board Games

Please NO shoes, clothes, electronics or broken items