Letters to Editor
Tea Party or Tea Free Party?
I thought the tea party was for less government, more efficient government, less government spending, fewer government employees, etc.
However, regarding Judge Grendell and his spending, they seem to be the tea free party with no objection to the huge increases for his court, improper spending on expensive newspaper ads regarding the park district ads and bloated staff hiring and pay increases.
What gives? Even the the two tea party Geauga commissioners are essentially silent regarding his honor’s spending and hiring.
Indeed, what gives? Could it be the judge is given free reign by them because he appointed a tea party leader as his first park commissioner appointee?
I don’t agree with many of the tea party folks on a number of issues, but I respect folks who are at lease consistent in their views and don’t sway with the political breeze.
In the case of the tea party or is it the tea free party, they have neither my agreement on important viewpoints nor respect.
John G. Augustine
Parkman Township
Qualifications
Paige Orvis had 19 years in marketing and communications for the Geauga Park District. Why was she let go?
She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing degree from Kent State University. She has also served on the Geauga County Tourism Board and is a graduate of Leadership Geauga. She is currently on the board of directors for University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.
With all these qualifications, why on earth would you fire her from a position in the Geauga Park District? This is the kind of knowledge that helped to make the Geauga Park what it is today, a wonderful park, for all ages of people to go and enjoy nature.
To save money by cutting payroll is no excuse, as somewhere in time it will show, that a person of this quality was needed to help make the park what it is.
Right now the park is being run by the wonderful personnel that are left. Yes it is, and they all have a background in nature and a feeling for keeping the park a pleasure for anyone coming to enjoy all the activities available.
You cannot keep pulling out the pieces of the backbone and not expect damage. Right now every employee has many more tasks to do trying to cover the work of the four employees that were let go.
I see that Commissioner Claypool asked to take the grant for the City of Chardon to complete the Maple Highlands trail off the table. The Maple Highlands Trail has been in the works for many years. And, because of the tedious work of Tom Curtin (GPD executive director also let go), land was purchased so that miles of the trail were obtainable north of Chardon and that trail is now open.
I also see Kim Laurie is a NOACA alternate for Geauga County Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri and liaison to the board of commissioners of the Geauga Park District for Judge Grendell’s Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court.
Why was Engineer Joe Cattell not picked as an alternate for Spidalieri or Claypool? Did they pick Kim because she was a candidate for the Lake County commissioner’s seat and lost? Does anyone see a connection here?
Kim was at the last Orchard Hills meeting of the Protect Geauga Park and videoed the entire meeting, perhaps to take back to the judge for his approval or disapproval. I believe we shall see more of Kim at future meetings for this kind of taping.
I am wondering how Geauga County got along before her being hired by Judge Grendell and being paid out of his department. As she moves around so much to different meetings, I wonder if her paycheck is the reason the judge needed more money for his department.
Joy Keco
Bainbridge Township
Frozen Fest Happy Faces
On Feb. 1, Geauga Park District hosted an event known as Frozen Fest at The West Woods park. This event was a four-hour celebration of winter, and what better place to celebrate than Geauga County, Ohio?
Despite the event taking place in the middle of a snowstorm, the first-ever Frozen Fest drew 1,703 visitors — attendance which we believe to be more than any special event in Park District history. Positive feedback continues to pour in, with this event being free to everyone who attended.
The entire day was filled with happy faces and people who were amazed by all that Geauga Park District has to offer. From the elaborate facepainting to the snowflake sugar cookies to the winter princesses, the event proved to be quite popular.
Seeing this, the staff was clearly energized to give back and see so many people having such a wonderful time in the park. The afternoon also included 65 snowshoe rentals, which are still available free of charge every day of the week between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center.
Additionally, 100 regional artists contributed to the Frozen Artistry Community Art Exhibition, featuring 335 portrayals of winter as Nature’s art form. This display remains at The West Woods Nature Center through April 19.
Many thanks abound, especially to our steadfast corps of volunteers. I also want to express a big thank-you to our staff. Their success is the result of a recent reorganization and realignment of quality people with quality skills. Their passion, excitement and desire to do a great job on this event is definitely recognized. I can tell you they are looking forward to the next big event.
Finally, I want to thank the attendees. We are proud to serve you through new and exciting initiatives. In a time of speculation and fear mongering associated with “take back our parks,” it is nice to see positive people prevail who recognize a common sense approach to park utilization. Our Geauga Park District is better than ever. We will continue to welcome all county residents of every age, every ability, and at all times of the year to come Connect with their Geauga County Parks.
Thank you for your continued support for your Geauga Park District and the quality services and programs we provide. We look forward to serving you now and in the future.
John Oros, Interim Director
Geauga Park District
