Letters to Editor
Things Can Change Quickly
As a resident of Geauga County for well over 35 years, I was particularly disturbed by the last park district commissioners meeting this month.
I am one who has witnessed and participated in the growth of our park district since Don Meyer was director many years ago, and have applauded the work of past probate judges, highly qualified directors and the many professionals who knew why park districts were formed and had a deep understanding of natural areas and their value and place in the world.
The Grendell-era and the last commissioners meeting, in particular, is a great example of how things can quickly change.
Past probate judges would never stick their nose in park business or use park newsletters for their own political or personal gain. They put competent, knowledgeable people in place and let them do their job.
Past probate judges would never put any commissioner in place who does not “have a clue.”
Past probate judges would never fire or remove several court employees for financial reasons and then hire a park commissioner, for court work, in a rather secretive way.
Past park commissioners would never have hired a director without doing any interviewing of the many competent individuals who applied for the position.
Past park commissioners would never have hired a director who thinks park lands are primarily places to give trapping buddies places to “do their thing.”
Past park commissioners would encourage rather than severely limit public communication at commissioners meetings.
Past park commissioners would clearly indicate what was to be discussed in executive sessions.
Past park commissioners would treat people who applied for a position with respect, having the courtesy to respond to all and giving the most competent an interview opportunity.
Past park directors would treat employees as they would like to be treated themselves and not threaten or denigrate them.
Past park directors would not consider plastic turtles for a playground more important than the protection of endangered turtles.
I could go on and on regarding the good points of people involved with our parks in its productive past and what they would not do.
The one ray of sunshine at the June meeting was Commissioner Jeff Orndorff for voting “no” on the appointment of John Oros as director, explaining he felt there should have been an interviewing process prior to such an important decision.
Maybe I shouldn’t have stated this fact as it might be a reason for Judge Grendell to fire him.
Abuse, misuse of power and incompetence are good reasons why we need a method to remove people from power sooner than waiting for the next election opportunity. Presently, state law does not offer sufficient means. Too many years of the wrong person in power can mean irrepairable damage and/or destruction of a treasured institution.
Let’s not let that happen to our Geauga Parks.
John G. Augustine
Parkman Township
Rotarians Doing Good in NE Ohio
Service and generosity describe the 2,000+ Rotarians in Northeast Ohio. These are civic-minded community members in the counties of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Medina, Portage, Summit and part of Lorain.
These Rotarians belong to 53 different Rotary Clubs in these counties. They are part of Rotary International which is in over 200 countries.
The motto of Rotary International is “Service above Self.” Rotarians are committed to doing good in their communities and in the world. On a weekly basis, they come together in fellowship to break bread, join leaders, share ideas and take action.
Giving dictionaries for third-graders, scholarships to high school students, beautifying communities, building safety towns, feeding the hungry, working with and helping special needs individuals, adopting families at the holidays, giving food baskets at Thanksgiving, honoring dedicated community members, supporting programs for children, supporting local schools, helping with community events, supporting non-profits and local charities are just some of the activities that Rotarians do in their communities.
They partner with clubs in other countries to help with disease prevention, maternal and prenatal health, literacy and education, clean water and sanitation, and economic development. In the most recent disaster in Nepal, Rotarians in this district committed to over $52,000 to send shelter boxes to Nepal. These shelter boxes are used for temporary housing.
This year, so far, our Rotarians have contributed over $90,000 to our communities by using club funds and matching funds from Our Rotary Foundation.
In addition, they have spent over $150,000 in International Projects and donations. The more impressive number is $750,000+. That is the amount of funds that local Rotarians raised and spent locally in Northeast Ohio.
So when you contribute to a Rotary fundraiser, or attend one, you are part of this generous aid to our local communities.
The most celebrated international project of Rotary is the effort and commitment to eradicate polio from the world. Rotary is so close to achieving this goal as there are only three countries left where Polio is endemic. According to the latest report, this year, only 28 new cases were found.
This is great news considering that when Rotary started the quest to eradicate polio there were 350,000 cases of polio worldwide.
Perhaps you have heard of the group, been asked to go to a fundraiser, donate to a fundraiser, or sponsor an event. Rotarians are busy (over 28,000 volunteer hours) and they raise money to help locally and internationally. Most recently, our clubs participated in Rotary Days, where Rotarians invited their communities to be part of a fun-filled day.
Rotary also has many programs for youth. There is a high school Interact Club, a college level Rotaract Cub, foreign exchange student opportunities, speaking contest and leadership development.
As the 2014-15 District Governor of this District 6630, I am proud and humbled to represent this organization and very excited to share our vision with you.
If you would like more information about Rotary, please contact me at mdavanzo@zoominternet.net.
Michael P. Davanzo
District Governor 2014-15
