Letters to Editor
Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer
November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and I am urging our community to join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to Wage Hope in the fight against the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Our pancreatic cancer community is made up of volunteers, advocates, survivors and caregivers; all trailblazers who are fighting for progress no matter what it takes. It means we never surrender in our pursuit to change patient outcomes. It means the five-year survival rate at just 6 percent must change. We must Wage Hope in the battle against pancreatic cancer.
In July, I lost my grandfather to pancreatic cancer just six months after his diagnosis. My family understands firsthand the urgent need to Wage Hope for all those diagnosed with this very difficult disease.
On Nov. 13, we will be wearing Purple for a Purpose in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Day. The mayor of Chardon has issued a Proclamation to make November 2014, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in our community. Chardon is the first in Geauga County to Wage Hope and we are hoping that next November, Chardon will be joined by many of other cities and townships in our area.
Please join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in raising awareness about this horrific disease. My grandfather lost his battle, but as long as I am alive I will continue to fight for him and the thousands of others who are diagnosed every year. Wage Hope this November and participate in the Purple Stride — Cleveland in June 2015.
Please visit www.wagehope.org and join us in our efforts to Wage Hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Jamie Lynn Miller
Hambden Township
Step Up for Geauga
As a life-long Geauga county resident, I am deeply concerned with the direction taken in the operation of Geauga Park District.
The dismissal of Tom Curtin as park director disturbed me, but attempting to keep an open mind, I volunteered to serve as a park commissioner.
As a longtime park volunteer, an employee of such organizations as the Nature Conservancy and Cleveland Metroparks, and a successful small business owner, I felt I was uniquely qualified. It is, of course, entirely possible that others have better qualifications.
However, imagine my surprise in finding that no one who valued conservation over recreation on a highly political questionnaire was considered. This clearly demonstrates a personal agenda from Judge Grendell which does not appear to be supported by our community.
I voted for Judge Grendell when he ran for state representative because, when the county commissioners picked him to represent them in a ruinous and silly lawsuit against the sheriff, he stalled for months while waiting for them to come to their senses. It didn’t work, but I appreciated his efforts to do what was best for the county.
I would ask his honor to again step up for the good of Geauga County and halt the recreational development until an impartial survey can be conducted.
Thank you for listening to my opinions.
Charles Fletcher
Burton Township
Honor and Privilege
It is an honor and privilege to serve as Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge.
Thank you to all of those who voted to allow me to continue to serve Geauga in this judicial capacity.
With the Court’s outstanding staff, the Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court will continue to work hard to protect Geauga County’s children and families and its residents’ assets and property.
Judge Timothy J. Grendell
Probate/Juvenile Court
Time for Some Sunlight
It’s time for the Geauga Park Board to throw the doors wide open and allow full participation in deciding the future of the Geauga Park District. The manner in which they have conducted their affairs is a disservice to all Geauga residents.
They say there are plans to conduct a survey of residents to find out what we want in our parks, but they have already undertaken significant operational and programmatic changes as if they already know.
After being offered free, professional services for the purpose of conducting the survey, they seem intent on trying to do this with park employees. This would have been a bad idea even before they slashed personnel.
To place this burden on a now smaller staff seems a stretch.
The Geauga Parks’ staff is comprised of hard-working, dedicated people doing their very best under difficult circumstances and chaotic leadership. If there is a firm willing to provide highly professional pro bono services, this board should jump at the opportunity if they really are interested in saving taxpayer dollars.
A flawed survey producing flawed data would truly be a waste of money and staff resources. Let the staff concentrate on their actual jobs, what they’re trained to do, and do best.
Valid surveys require a professional, objective and unbiased approach. There is a real risk that this board will direct a slanted survey that simply delivers a predetermined outcome.
The parks belong to the people, not the board. It’s time to show they realize this by slowing down and seeking input from a wider cross-section of county residents.
Tony Festa
Russell Township
Headed in Right Direction
On behalf of Operation Black Knight, I would like to thank all Newbury residents for passing the emergency levy on Nov. 4.
Thank you to the Newbury District’s staff and union for voting to make large concessions to keep our school district in the black long enough to pull out this unofficial victory.
We also would like to thank our amazing alumni from all over the country for their constant coverage of events and encouragement. The effervescent atmosphere you fostered through social media during this campaign played a big role in our success.
Our committee members and volunteers worked up until the final minutes of Election Day, making calls and sending messages assuring residents who hadn’t cast their vote were able to get to the polls. For your dedication, we thank you.
The very slim margin tells us we still have work to do in order to bridge school and community, but we are headed in the right direction. The fine citizens of Newbury have chosen to support their youth and community. Let us move forward together as one, unified group. We want to encourage all citizens to attend board meetings and become part of the positive energy that is re-emerging from our district.
With much gratitude to you all.
Kimya Matthews
Newbury Township
Expression of Love
The animosity saddens me. Those of us hoping to protect the wonderful park system of Geauga County have been called many names including, but not limited to, elitists, malcontents, liars and coyotes howling at the moon.
I see our efforts, though, as an expression of love. Love for our community, our country and of life.
For me, it is about protecting the clean air and water and diversity of nature that sustains us. It is about love for our children and grandchildren and our hope for a healthy and wondrous future for them.
It’sn’t that the dream of everyone, not just those of us “howling at the moon?”
Kathy Flora
Thompson Township
Generous Support
The Bainbridge Area Food for Friends appreciates the generous support it receives from community members. We are pleased to report that our food pantry is well stocked and are distributing nutritious food to more than 40 families this holiday season.
Neighborhood associations, school groups and businesses including Lowes Greenhouses and Mazzulos have facilitated numerous collections. The contributions and community food drives are essential in enabling our volunteer-run, locally-funded pantry to meet the very real needs of those who are at risk.
Continuing and selfless support has helped many of our neighbors over the past 24 years. Thanks to all!
Mark Fagerholm, President
Bainbridge Area Food for Friends
Here for the Duration
I will not be intimidated or scared off. I am here for the duration. I love the Geauga County District Parks and I will voice my opinion about how I want them to be operated.
A letter addressed to me personally and addressed and mailed on your (Judge Grendell) letterhead does not scare me. I want to be able to use the parks as they were meant to be used.
The Naturalists that work at the parks are phenomenal. They have all been there for years and know how to please the public. John, Dan, Dottie and the rest of them all have their special gifts to share with the public in different and meaningful ways.
The programs have all been tried and proven to be drawing in the children and adults alike. All these people are anxious to learn about nature in the parks as they are now. They don’t come to play baseball and soccer or any other ball field game. They want to learn about the birds, flowers, trees and streams.
While at the last meeting, I was told that we have been as a whole picking on the staff at the park. There is NO word that said a bad or discouraging thing about any of the employees of the park. They are all wonderful and have all been very helpful whenever approached with a question.
The gentlemen who build and maintain the trails or who cut the grass are always so polite. They stop to be sure you are safe before going on with their jobs.
The Rangers also have helped with any question or problem I have had. Thankfully, I have not needed any assistance but there was help for a friend who needed an ambulance.
I am also very tired of being called a liar and one who misrepresents. The other name that gets to me is entitled. I am a Geauga County resident and have been for more years than I would want to tell. It’s none of your business how old I am.
I also was not aware that we need more trails for walkers. It was my knowledge that all bridle trails, multipurpose trails and roadways were open for walkers and joggers. Walkers and horses have always gotten along wonderfully with sharing trails. Bicycles do not conform because of speed and purpose.
An old farmer’s adage is not about vinegar and honey. It goes, “You can catch more flies with honey than you can vinegar.”
So I guess I will howl at the moon like a coyote, and I will be here for the duration. I will not flap my arms like a bird.
Regarding the bylaws (Consistent with the purpose set forth in Article 1, park activities, including Preservation, Conservation and approved outdoor Recreation will include and may be conducted on park land pursuant to the provisions of O.R.C.1545.09 and 1545.11 and subject to the Rules and Regulations as amended from time to time by the Park Board.) This sounds like the board can make any changes anytime they want.
I am not surprised to see Mr. Mucci resign from his position. He is a very intelligent person and saw no reason to remain in this battle with the knowledge and understanding that the people had a right to speak about their beloved parks.
Joy Keco
Bainbridge Township
‘Peace and Joy’
Each year during the Christmas Season, we wish each other “peace and joy.”
Have you ever wondered about the source of peace and joy in the world and where it goes after Christmas?
Why do so many fail to seek and find True peace and True joy year ’round?
God is the source of True peace and joy; these are two of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).
We are invited to partake of these fruits and receive True peace and True joy all year long. How do we do that? Search for the Truth! The Truth is a person! He is Jesus!
By choosing to entrust ourselves to Jesus, living a virtuous life filled with prayer and serving other people, we allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us as we share the peace and joy of Christ with others.
Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the stranger/unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, do good to others as you would like others to do to you.
Make this the year that you seek True peace and True joy not just for a few weeks before Christmas, but all year long.
Have a Blessed Advent!
Theresa Burling
Chardon Township
