History of the Friends of Crowell Hilaka
Summary:
We started as an online group promoting Crowell Hilaka within Girl Scouting after GSNEO announced they were closing the camp. (June 2009 )
We developed work parties, activity programs, research, camping "scholarships", and encouraged participation in GS governance process. ( June 2009-April 2011 )
Then we worked with other Camp Friends groups trying to save camping and democratic process as a basic part of Girl Scouting. ( April 2011- early 2013 )
Then we held a pledge campaign to buy the camp ourselves through Western Reserve Land Conservancy. ( late 2013 )
Then we worked with WRLC, Richfield Historical Society, Richfield Village council and Richfield Township trustees to promote formation of the RJRD. ( early 2014)
Then we worked with the Richfield Together campaign to promote purchase of the camp by Richfield citizens. ( late 2014)
Now we are working for the citizens of Richfield with RJRD to protect, preserve, enhance and promote Richfield's beautiful new Heritage Preserve. ( 2015- present)
Timeline
2021 FoCH projects and activities
2021 The full Spring Wildflower Walk.
2020 FoCH projects and events
2019 FoCH projects and events
2018 FoCH projects and events
November 2017 - installation of Kirby historic signboards. Donated by FoCH with assistance from Questers.
April, 2017 - Partnership agreement with RJRD signed. The work rolls on.
August 14, 2016 - KIrby's Mill parade float by Jim Gremba makes its first appearance at Richfield Community Day
May 7, 2016 Assisted with OHC Derby Day
May 5, 2016 - work plan presentation to the new RJRD Governance Committee
April - July, 2016 working with the Buckeye Trail Association to re-route the Trail through Crowell Hilaka
March 14, 2016 - contract negotiations with RJRD continue
2015 summary
September 27, 2015 - FoCH hosts Kirby Birthday Party
August 24, 2015 - RJRD grants permission for FoCH to raise funds for the restoration of Kirby's Mill, pending detailed plans
July 13, 2015 - RJRD issues proclamation of appreciation to FoCH. Resolution 08-2015
February 2, 2015 - FoCH obtains 501c3 designation
January 2015 - FoCH submits proposal to RJRD outlining what we can contribute. Early projects include tree protection
November 4, 2014 - Issues 10 and 11 pass! Richfield Joint Recreation District to purchase and operate Crowell Hilaka.
September & October 2014 - FoCH coordinates four open houses at Crowell Hilaka, which are presented by the Coalition for a Greater Richfield.
October 11, 2014 - Music for the Millwheel
October 3, 2014 - FoCH notifies supporters that previous pledges are released: encourages contributions to Coaltion for Greater Richfield
September 7, 2014 - FoCH organizes a property clean-up day
July 10, 2014 - First meeting of the Richfield Joint Recreation District is held. The very packed “get it done” agenda: http://www.richfield-twp.org/files/07-10-2014rjpd.pdf, A report of the meeting is here.
June 2014 - Richfield Joint Recreation District formed.
June 2014 - Campaign to support formation of Joint Park District between Richfield Township and Richfield Village for acquisition of Crowell Hilaka
April 2014 - Buckeye Trail Association pledges $33,600 for preservation & public access
March 2014 - GSNEO grants Conservancy nine month extension to raise funds
February 2014 - New logo, tag line, promotional brochures developed. Website updated. Goals clarified: Community Heritage, Science Education Programs, Outdoor Recreation, Nature Activities, Arts and Cultural Events
January 2014 - FoCH renews it’s mission to preserve Crowell Hilaka. We began compiling a list of possibilities
December 20, 2013 - Richfield Village Council asks Conservancy if they can request a contract extension from GSNEO
October 20, 2013 - FoCH hosts Crowell Hilaka Open House with Conservancy sponsorship
October 1, 2013 - Richfield Village endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
September 19, 2013 - Richfield Township endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
September 6, 2013 - Summary judgement sent back to lower court for correction. Re- appeal funded by individual Girl Scout members ( not through FoCH )
September 2013 - Richfield Historical Society endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
August 30, 2013 - FoCH launches publicity / fund-raising campaign
August 27, 2013 - FoCH meets with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Funds in excess of $4,000,000 are needed to secure the urchase of the property from GSNEO when contract expires between the Conservancy and GSNEO in November 2013.
Summer 2013 - Camp Lejnar and Great Trail Camp sold. Recognizing that Crowell Hilaka cannot return to Girl Scouts, FoCH withdraws from the legal effort to give GS members a voice.
May/ June 2013 Uncertainty and hope
April 2013 - Partnership offers submitted to GSNEO board
January 8, 2013 - Appeal filed
December 8, 2012 - FoCH and Camp Friends hold Christmas cookie sale to pay for appeal
September 26, 2012 - Case dismissed via summary judgment
Sept 23, 2012 - FoCH distributes black armbands outside Crowell Hilaka during GSNEO-sponsored closing ceremony
August 2012 S'more Enchanted Evening Fundraiser for legal fees
June 2012 - Injunction denied. Case to proceed to trial
March 12, 2012 - Request for injunction on camp sales filed on behalf of GSNEO membership
February 2, 2012 - Crowell Hilaka promotional video posted on YouTube. Produced by Kerrin Winter-Churchill, featuring Emma's Revolution singing "Swimming to the Other Side".
December 2011 - Request for arbitration denied. FoCH and Camp Friends begin raising money for court costs to give members a voice in GSNEO
October 29, 2011 - General Assembly votes for resolution to re-evaluate the property plan. GSNEO board dismisses resolution.
April 16, 2011 - Announcement that GSNEO intends to sell Crowell Hilaka along with 4 other camps. Begin coordinating with other camp Friends’ groups to call for re-evaluation of property plan.
March 3, 2011 - FoCH offers to help with repairs / Board response
February 2011 - Richfield Historical Society becomes FoCH's fiduciary sponsor
July 18, 2010 - Billboard at south entrance to correct address glitch
January 5, 2010 - Grants for camping at Crowell/Hilaka
December 13, 2009 - FoCH meeting
December 2009 - Letter sent to people living near Crowell/Hilaka
November 9, 2009 - FoCH volunteers to sell cookies
November 2, 2009 - FoCH begins Sunday Fundays to showcase the camp
October 19, 2009 - "Kaleidoscope" TV show appearance
October 8, 2009 - Hikes and a geocache
September 28, 2009 - questions sent to BZ and others at GSNEO, and BZ's response
September 27, 2009 - FoCH meeting at Amity House porch
September 15, 2009 Partial reopening of Camp
September 3, 2009 - Agenda for 9/27 meeting at Amity House
September 2, 2009 - GSNEO board response to the posters
Fall 2009 - GSNEO forms Vision 2012 to give members input into camp decision: http://www.trefoilintegrity.org/news--documents.html for survey results
August 21, 2009 - FoCH proposals to maintain Crowell/Hilaka after shutdown
August 19, 2009 - Promotional posters designed by artist Lisa Dabramo: Poster A, Poster B and Poster C. Design “C” was chosen to be printed by FoCH. Distributed by volunteers to libraries and community gathering places in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Summit counties
August 10, 2009 - FoCH incorporated
August 4, 2009 - Visit by Glen Chin, GSUSA properties specialist
Proposal to GSNEO Board of Directors for initiatives to help Camp Crowell/Hilaka
August 1, 2009 - Friends of Crowell/Hilaka web site on line. This was our first Frequently Asked Questions page.
September 20, 2009 - Council-sponsored meeting at GSNEO's Macedonia office to discuss the suspension of usage of Crowell/Hilaka and the repairs the camp needs.
July, 10, 2009 - Officers, committees and membership
July 1, 2009 - Follow-up meeting called by GSNEO to meet with Friends groups.
June 30, 2009 - FoCH's mission statement
June 25, 2009 - first FoCH meeting
June 18, 2009 - Rob Richardson creates Friends of Crowell Hilaka E-mail group
June 15, 2009 - Information meeting about the fate of CrowellHilaka
2021 The full Spring Wildflower Walk.
2020 FoCH projects and events
2019 FoCH projects and events
2018 FoCH projects and events
November 2017 - installation of Kirby historic signboards. Donated by FoCH with assistance from Questers.
April, 2017 - Partnership agreement with RJRD signed. The work rolls on.
August 14, 2016 - KIrby's Mill parade float by Jim Gremba makes its first appearance at Richfield Community Day
May 7, 2016 Assisted with OHC Derby Day
May 5, 2016 - work plan presentation to the new RJRD Governance Committee
April - July, 2016 working with the Buckeye Trail Association to re-route the Trail through Crowell Hilaka
March 14, 2016 - contract negotiations with RJRD continue
2015 summary
September 27, 2015 - FoCH hosts Kirby Birthday Party
August 24, 2015 - RJRD grants permission for FoCH to raise funds for the restoration of Kirby's Mill, pending detailed plans
July 13, 2015 - RJRD issues proclamation of appreciation to FoCH. Resolution 08-2015
February 2, 2015 - FoCH obtains 501c3 designation
January 2015 - FoCH submits proposal to RJRD outlining what we can contribute. Early projects include tree protection
November 4, 2014 - Issues 10 and 11 pass! Richfield Joint Recreation District to purchase and operate Crowell Hilaka.
September & October 2014 - FoCH coordinates four open houses at Crowell Hilaka, which are presented by the Coalition for a Greater Richfield.
October 11, 2014 - Music for the Millwheel
October 3, 2014 - FoCH notifies supporters that previous pledges are released: encourages contributions to Coaltion for Greater Richfield
September 7, 2014 - FoCH organizes a property clean-up day
July 10, 2014 - First meeting of the Richfield Joint Recreation District is held. The very packed “get it done” agenda: http://www.richfield-twp.org/files/07-10-2014rjpd.pdf, A report of the meeting is here.
June 2014 - Richfield Joint Recreation District formed.
June 2014 - Campaign to support formation of Joint Park District between Richfield Township and Richfield Village for acquisition of Crowell Hilaka
April 2014 - Buckeye Trail Association pledges $33,600 for preservation & public access
March 2014 - GSNEO grants Conservancy nine month extension to raise funds
February 2014 - New logo, tag line, promotional brochures developed. Website updated. Goals clarified: Community Heritage, Science Education Programs, Outdoor Recreation, Nature Activities, Arts and Cultural Events
January 2014 - FoCH renews it’s mission to preserve Crowell Hilaka. We began compiling a list of possibilities
December 20, 2013 - Richfield Village Council asks Conservancy if they can request a contract extension from GSNEO
October 20, 2013 - FoCH hosts Crowell Hilaka Open House with Conservancy sponsorship
October 1, 2013 - Richfield Village endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
September 19, 2013 - Richfield Township endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
September 6, 2013 - Summary judgement sent back to lower court for correction. Re- appeal funded by individual Girl Scout members ( not through FoCH )
September 2013 - Richfield Historical Society endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
August 30, 2013 - FoCH launches publicity / fund-raising campaign
August 27, 2013 - FoCH meets with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Funds in excess of $4,000,000 are needed to secure the urchase of the property from GSNEO when contract expires between the Conservancy and GSNEO in November 2013.
Summer 2013 - Camp Lejnar and Great Trail Camp sold. Recognizing that Crowell Hilaka cannot return to Girl Scouts, FoCH withdraws from the legal effort to give GS members a voice.
May/ June 2013 Uncertainty and hope
April 2013 - Partnership offers submitted to GSNEO board
January 8, 2013 - Appeal filed
December 8, 2012 - FoCH and Camp Friends hold Christmas cookie sale to pay for appeal
September 26, 2012 - Case dismissed via summary judgment
Sept 23, 2012 - FoCH distributes black armbands outside Crowell Hilaka during GSNEO-sponsored closing ceremony
August 2012 S'more Enchanted Evening Fundraiser for legal fees
June 2012 - Injunction denied. Case to proceed to trial
March 12, 2012 - Request for injunction on camp sales filed on behalf of GSNEO membership
February 2, 2012 - Crowell Hilaka promotional video posted on YouTube. Produced by Kerrin Winter-Churchill, featuring Emma's Revolution singing "Swimming to the Other Side".
December 2011 - Request for arbitration denied. FoCH and Camp Friends begin raising money for court costs to give members a voice in GSNEO
October 29, 2011 - General Assembly votes for resolution to re-evaluate the property plan. GSNEO board dismisses resolution.
April 16, 2011 - Announcement that GSNEO intends to sell Crowell Hilaka along with 4 other camps. Begin coordinating with other camp Friends’ groups to call for re-evaluation of property plan.
March 3, 2011 - FoCH offers to help with repairs / Board response
February 2011 - Richfield Historical Society becomes FoCH's fiduciary sponsor
July 18, 2010 - Billboard at south entrance to correct address glitch
January 5, 2010 - Grants for camping at Crowell/Hilaka
December 13, 2009 - FoCH meeting
December 2009 - Letter sent to people living near Crowell/Hilaka
November 9, 2009 - FoCH volunteers to sell cookies
November 2, 2009 - FoCH begins Sunday Fundays to showcase the camp
October 19, 2009 - "Kaleidoscope" TV show appearance
October 8, 2009 - Hikes and a geocache
September 28, 2009 - questions sent to BZ and others at GSNEO, and BZ's response
September 27, 2009 - FoCH meeting at Amity House porch
September 15, 2009 Partial reopening of Camp
September 3, 2009 - Agenda for 9/27 meeting at Amity House
September 2, 2009 - GSNEO board response to the posters
Fall 2009 - GSNEO forms Vision 2012 to give members input into camp decision: http://www.trefoilintegrity.org/news--documents.html for survey results
August 21, 2009 - FoCH proposals to maintain Crowell/Hilaka after shutdown
August 19, 2009 - Promotional posters designed by artist Lisa Dabramo: Poster A, Poster B and Poster C. Design “C” was chosen to be printed by FoCH. Distributed by volunteers to libraries and community gathering places in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Summit counties
August 10, 2009 - FoCH incorporated
August 4, 2009 - Visit by Glen Chin, GSUSA properties specialist
Proposal to GSNEO Board of Directors for initiatives to help Camp Crowell/Hilaka
August 1, 2009 - Friends of Crowell/Hilaka web site on line. This was our first Frequently Asked Questions page.
September 20, 2009 - Council-sponsored meeting at GSNEO's Macedonia office to discuss the suspension of usage of Crowell/Hilaka and the repairs the camp needs.
July, 10, 2009 - Officers, committees and membership
July 1, 2009 - Follow-up meeting called by GSNEO to meet with Friends groups.
June 30, 2009 - FoCH's mission statement
June 25, 2009 - first FoCH meeting
June 18, 2009 - Rob Richardson creates Friends of Crowell Hilaka E-mail group
June 15, 2009 - Information meeting about the fate of CrowellHilaka
