Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve. Our Story
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. ( ate 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)
On January 1, 2022, we changed our primary name from "Friends of Crowell Hilaka" ( aka FoCH) to Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve
Timeline
January 1, 2022. Our primary name became "Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve", while retaining ownership of our original name.
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 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
