Posts tagged ‘volunteers’
Many faces of The Captain- Settlers’ Watch- Lorain 2017
Photo Mark Teleha
As I started to write this post with regard to the tree carvings at Settlers’ Watch and their journey
( yes you will see they have travelled over time) I realized we were coming up on the 10th anniversary of the first carvings. Time, bugs, road salt and weather have taken their toll.
But it is “The Captain” who has changed and was on life support for a year or more. We spent hundreds in chemicals and treatments and this is his story.
Born 2007 The Captain had a rough birth- CVSI had raised money to carve some of trees taken down by Ohio Edison – 19 of them along 2nd street making the street uglier and without any softness or much worth .
We had just started the carving – first up Lorain Portside Sign to coincide with the Lorain Bicentennial August 2007
when a change in the plan for the new sewers blindsided us. Originally these were going to bypass the area BUT as with all things plans change and trees marked for carving were taken down ( without warning) and piles of materials were stored on the site. We had already taken donations and the carvings were contracted.
This meant since they chopped down his tree and the one destined to be Eric Barnes Eagle we had to purchase other pieces of wood to be carved into the Captain and Eric Barnes Eagle off site.
The eagle when finished was safely stored at inside at the City of Lorain but the Captain went to Black River Landing.
He was supposed to be sealed and not stored on concrete due to the heat coming up from the concrete and in direct sunlight- this didn’t happen . Unfortunately, in the ensuing months of not being maintained , the toll taken by summer and winter the Captain started with issues.
2007-2008
Photo Mark Teleha
When we finally brought him back to the site he was very dry and whilst the other carvings took a gallon of sealer for all 4 he took 2 gallons by himself, he was soaking it up like a sponge but he and the other carvings finally had a home
Photo Mark Teleha
There he stood spring , summer , fall and winter for the next 4 years
Lorain365
His other problem is he attracts seagulls – these seagulls have a tendency to sit on his hat and poop – that poop eats away at the sealer opening his wood up to the elements and bugs .In 4 years he went from this to this
And his issues continued:
It was one day (during Pride Day 3 years ago) as we went to give him a coat of sealer we noticed what looked like a bullet hole in his back. No! not a bullet hole BUT wood wasps had made their homes in him, and the Heron and Lighthouse.
The Heron and Lighthouse were a quick fix but the Captain had a attracted seagulls who delighted in sitting on his hat . Their guano had eaten through the sealer and the wood on the top of his head leaving a huge hole in his head – just brilliant for collecting water. .
Research was started as how to preserve him and his crumbling insides- Many hundreds of dollars later we tried with preservatives , bug deterrents – drilling holes in him filling him with the wood chemicals, stabilizing wood pieces and plugging him up. We reached out to professionals all over the country. We added a hat over his carved head until we could deal with the damage and the seagulls. We had to leave his head open to access his insides.
Photo Lorain 365
Try as we might, his rotted insides didn’t react well and the chemicals actually reacted with the sealer and the Captain turned a dark mahogany.
He was literally flaking to death – his ship’s wheel would find the stanchions falling to the ground, his arms where the wasps and insects had done the most damage were hollow and flaking off, shedding with every week. It looked like curtains for the Captain. Obviously none of the “professional fixes ” were working we had to
stabilize him whilst we experimented – otherwise the Captain was sunk.
His hat was retied onto his head ,back to front to protect his face , his cracks and holes filled with a special wood compound but
would it harden- would it stay- could we carve it -like the can said?
We worked on the top of his arms and shoulders , replaced the wheel stanchions . covered his top half with a black bag to keep out the water and painted his lower half with a white preservative- and there he sat for most of last summer, fall and winter.
Photo Lorain 365
The unveiling was done with much trepidation this June
The test areas seemed to be holding so the next step filling the insides- no more bugs but cavities were still a huge problem, experiments with special insulation foam and various fill products seemed to work- he was less hollow and stable. Where the foam etc leaked out we could carve it and it held the wood product alright and so we left him without his black bag and the water was shedding off him .
So there we were – what next? Obviously we couldn’t leave him looking like he was and we could no longer seal it with the varnish- The men in the know-( his surgeons) decided house paint.. but that would look awful I thought but something has to be done to cover and seal the patches etc. House paint it was – Tudor Brown ( can you guess where that came from)- well it looks good on my house) – the problem was he looked flat and semi glossed… a bit softening and highlighting, the Captains face changed again –
He is a little grayer ( more like driftwood than mahogany this time around) – but then who wouldn’t be grayer after all he has been through- I know I am! Fingers crossed and if you would like to donate to the Captain’s Hat
If you can see your way to helping to fill the Captains Hat – 100% percent of your donation goes to the project. We are a 501C3
Make checks payable to Charleston Village Society- ( Captain’s Hat in the memo line)
1127 West 4th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052
There is still work to do at the very base and if this fix holds then hopefully he will remain at his helm for a few more years …Oh and his hat was put back on just incase a seagull alights!!!
Memory Lane – The Ladies who lunched and accomplished
I received a phone call yesterday from Barbara MacGregor and memories of good times in Lorain surfaced. I wrote about some of them in this post
I was in my very early twenties when I first arrived, a Mrs. Osmundson of the “Lorain Chapter of the Welcome Wagon” knocked on our apartment door and there followed the introduction to the Ladies of Lorain.
These ladies , some of whom have passed away , then introduced me to the “volunteer aspect” that was and is Lorain. The ladies that saved the Palace Theatre, built Lorain Community Hospital, literally ran the entertainment for Lorain International , planned the ” Hospital Follies” and fundraisers, celebrated the “anniversaries” and gently bullied administrations, newspapers and public servants to join in and refused to take No for an answer . They organized their projects and committees with a battle plan and strategy that would have made any General proud.
Ruth Calta, Jean Schaeffer, Marylou Connone, Lori Hoke, Barbara MacGregor, Corky Bruck, Charlotte Zakowski, Jane Baran, Jane Norton, Lou Kepler, Alice Weston, Phyllis Pfaff, Sally Bobel , Lilly Yuzon, Sally DeLuca , Miriam Snyder , Jean Anne King , Lee Mattei, Darlene Brown , Mrs. Robert Bostwick, Mrs. Dave Herzer , Carol Kramer, Frances Cellozzi, Marie Bonaminio,
and so many others whose names have faded with my memory . Some of these ladies are still volunteering and making a difference in Lorain everyday.
Barb had called to tell me of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Palace Theatre and of burning the mortgage
http://lorainpalace.org/theater/
“December 10, 1977 was a landmark date. On the stage of the theater that night following a Christmas musical program, the mortgage was burned ceremoniously, thanks to the generosity of many groups and individuals.”
Oh those were the days before the mortgage could be burned though fundraising took place at 319 Broadway ( the annex)
” Forty civic groups participated in this week long street fair, Stores soon to be torn down were converted as if by magic into an old fashioned ice cream parlor, a “Second-Hand Rose” shop, a casino, a book and plant store, an open air barbecue, international shops, etc. The Saturday night “Great Gatsby Party” at the Palace climaxed the week’s activities.
Civic Center Madness – Oh and it was, the ladies served lunches , painted poppies on pianos, sold artifacts-
I still have a little chair -was left after one auction in a terrible state – it was headed for the dumpster when Ruth Calta decided I should buy it for a dollar – and you didn’t say no! – rehabbed and upholstered is still with us – a memory of can do!
I was just a young newly married transplant when Jean Schaeffer decided I needed to be introduced.
There was so much joy- energy – a pushing ahead through problems- these were the “can do ladies” and they did and they pulled each volunteer along with them in their net of enthusiasm. These ladies who saved a theatre and built a hospital. The Great Gatsby Party – what great fun – The Palace Players and Henry 8th night- not to be forgotten-
Cover Arcade MJ
As Barb and I talked, I remembered a time of energy and of loss of those ladies no longer with us- 40 years of life tends to do that. Still the Palace is there a testament to perseverance and pride- still needed in this old town.
Lorain Dudes- Maintenance-The Watch- The Walk -The Site
February– who knew there would be a window of weather where those who volunteer for the areas known as “Settlers’ Watch”,
Photo Lisa Miller
Admiral King Tribute Site
PHOTO Lisa Miller
Photo – Lisa Miller
could get out in the sunshine and do some maintenance.
This is a very large area- Three completely different “honorings” of Lorain’s heroes – military, pioneers and her history. It takes a great deal of work to maintain and if I am honest more than I thought it would take.
It is something the powers that be should remember when the come up with grandiose ideas of – this and that locally- all well and good to have the grand openings etc BUT maintenance is the key to all things – from streetscapes, potted palms, to housing and buildings.
If you haven’t walked the walk ( in more ways than one) you will see over the past few years there have been, so many rose beds, perennial flowers, shrubs, trees, and secret gardens added
May and June literally burst forth with fragrance and color. However, it takes a huge amount of love and effort to keep this area in the “oldest neighborhood” ticking over. 
The additions , the repurposed the plants and trees donated
ALL take maintenance, talk and more talk and meeting just doesn’t cut it. The little lighthouse shed lost some shingles over the winds in January. The flags put out to honor were looking forlorn . Seeing a break in the weather the littlest volunteers ( who take this job very seriously) and old ( er) granddads took on a task .
The morning’s work went well , although I did mention to Gavin he didn’t have to say the pledge of allegiance for every flag he took out and replaced. (PHOTOS Lisa Miller)
Braedyn took his “military policing” of trash pick just as seriously
And after all was done a sit down to reflect the job ahead this spring and summer-
whose truck is that anyway????
Meanwhile Gavin decided to check the work of the “big boys” – seems it passed muster.
–PHOTO- Lisa Miller
At the end of a couple of hours the policing of the areas, the flags changed out and a seagull back on its perch.
There is a great deal to do everyday when the weather gets warm- Will you consider spending a day “honoring” – weeding , raking ? CVSI is always looking to add to our volunteers to walk the walk not just talk the talk………
Call 440-246-6046 or Email cvsilor@yahoo.com http://www.loraincounty.com/charlestonlorai/
To be continued……….
History Regurgitated- Ohio Preservation Meeting
The 501C3 of which I am Co – Chair ( Charleston Village Society Inc) ( if you have been reading this blog has been around since the late 1980’s and a 501C3 since 1993) was invited to meeting on grant applications etc. for historic preservation funding
CVSI is completely reliant upon donations, cash and in kind. We are an ALL volunteer organization.
http://www.loraincounty.com/charlestonlorai/
Introductions were made in that crowded room ( they weren’t expecting such a large turnout)- boding well for historic preservation one would think. The list of communities with “Historic Preservation Districts” included Lorain- I don’t believe 90 percent of those attending “knew” where those are – BUT I can tell you where at least one district is found. The state designation encompasses the area of Lorain’s oldest neighborhood and the area Charleston Village Society oversees ( AN ALL VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION) IN PLACE BEFORE THE STATE DESIGNATION.
My optimism changed quickly to DEJAVU – as the power point presentation got started. Wait a minute! I have seen the same sort photos, different years and different locations , the same power point presentation , even the same jokes when people filled Lorain City Council Chambers in 1993.
The historical rhetoric continued -how to apply – what you need to do, what the benefits are etc. Yes, same spiel I heard nearly a quarter of a century ago. We were excited then, the state was excited there was already a “community based preservation group”( Charleston Village Society Inc) – fully involved with city leaders and the county . The speech I heard today by JEFF SIEGLER
DIRECTOR OF REVITALIZATION
Jeff attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he received his bachelors degree in economics management. While working for a historic tax credit developer In Richmond, Virginia Jeff completed his Masters of Urban and Regional Planning at Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in urban revitalization. Prior to becoming the Director of Revitalization at Heritage Ohio, Jeff worked as the Director of the Lancaster Special Improvement District and Main Street Lancaster.
I had heard in essence heard before – you see we had his predecessor of long ago Kevin Kuchenbecker “talked” us- the BOD of mainstreetlorain”- into joining a Main Street program that was unwieldy , in 1999/ 2000 and was not designed for the area , Lorain is an entitlement city- which means we can’t get the same benefits non entitlement cities can access ( Funny that was never brought up when we were being “courted”)- “mainstreetlorain” organization 1996 had already encompassed an area far bigger than what a Main Street usually covers and I and my Co – Chair Rich Robbin did bring that up and told
not to worry it would be handled!
. Oh the problems were surmountable we were informed ( only they weren’t)
artwork Chris Ritchey
Maybe a time to revisit that piece of history as Charleston Village Society Inc was a founding member of mainstreetlorain and on the board of the Main Street program in Lorain and at one time I was a volunteer director for 7 months so the organization didn’t go belly up. Main Street ( Lorain) eventually became Lorain Growth Corporation http://www.loraingrowth.com/ .
I have been involved up to my eyes in Lorain
but it was almost insulting to see that nearly a quarter of a century on these “historical preservation ” way forwards are stuck back in the last century and can only regurgitate the rhetoric
a healthy down -town has to have a healthy neighborhood and vice versa-
now what decade in the past was that ever mentioned??? ( sarcasm ) ,
you have to work together with local officials
.
To people who have, over the decades , been there done that, worked with 8 administrations, countless number of council people , not to mention police chiefs, fire chiefs civic organizations, educational institutions, we are not any farther ahead than when we met in the meeting room of the Broadway Building with Heritage Ohio in 1999/2000 and in 1993 when we went under the architectural review. In fact, we have lost a lot of significant homes and buildings and our downtown- well what can I say Channel Five said it all
So let us see what benefits we, as a neighborhood ,have derived from being in a state recognized district for these many years.
Lorain has a number buildings on the National Historic Register
Oh and yes one with a hairnet controversy -Broadway Building, another with promises not fulfilled as the rain comes down – Eagles Building – look at them now (with fresh eyes).
How can that be? What doesn’t seem to be told or at least made very clear is that IF PRIVATE MONEY IS USED to rehab , tear down, paint a building pink there is nothing “Historical Preservation” can do!!!
The only time they have teeth is when “public monies” are used at any level. Have ANY of the historically significant homes in this neighborhood been cherished by the “Historians from Ohio”? We can’t even find funding to preserve the headstones of Lorain’s founding families in the little cemetery on 6th.
I don’t think they even know the history of this- Lorain’s oldest neighborhood. Within walking distance of my old house
( not historically significant except for maybe the window connection and the artisan who came to Lorain )
Captain Wilford’s Home
There is the Captain Wilford House, which housed the Captain his wife Fanny Gillmore of the Gillmore Civil War letters
and we haven’t even touched on the rest of the Gillmore family although you can find the series here .
Just take a walk and look at that house now.
Admiral Kings’ birth place – you may remember Admiral King
( Gov. Kasich sent a lovely proclamation when we designated the “tribute site across from his birthplace Gov Kasich wished him well in his retirement – hmmmmm not sure his office staff knew the history of the Commander of the US Fleet (WW2) as he had been dead 50 years – can you retire from death??? We informed them of their error and we received another proclamation but without the fancy gold seal 😉
Photo Lisa Miller
The little historic park- the earliest surviving green space in the county 1807 saved from condos ( you know the importance of a public square statement) not by Ohio but by a bunch of “history boneheads of Charleston Village Society” – history boneheads – designated by Editor John Cole (Morning Journal)
The History Park- 1812- 201 hundred years – a recorded city park – Veterans Park Lorain Ohio
The only thing I can see we benefit from in being a state preservation district is the fact if public monies are used in our neighborhood to rehab then there are standards to be met eg. windows unless the house is historically insignificant and when the city or country needs to demo a property we ( CVSI) are usually asked to provide a letter stating why we as an organization ,whose mission statement includes preservation of the neighborhood, don’t object – see an example file here
CVSI Gow House
Then to be told by the speakers, Oh it is a local issue, get ordinances passed, accountability is local and you need to take before and after pictures etc. etc. well that was it- accountability HA!
I had to leave before I regurgitated…… I have 25 years for publicizing before and after and before and it has become “history’!
The Charleston Village Society Float in the international parade and the big blue box from 1992
Ah and 24 years later ……https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2016/05/17/money-where-your-mouth-is-part-one/
Time to get off the soap box.
Another Day – Pride- Lorain- 2016
This year’s Pride Day 2016 ( Lorain County)- thankfully – found the volunteers not having to fight Mother Nature , unlike 2014
However true to form we had Lorain Rotarians continuing their mission
http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20160521/lorain-county-pride-day-beautifies-communities
“Phil Dore, a former president of the Lorain Rotary Club, was part of a contingent that undertook the sprucing up of Settlers Watch in Lorain. He said that the newly minted park is just up the road from his home, but the rotary club has been deeply involved in the park since the beginning.
“We’ve been doing this now since 2009,” he said while taking a short break from his work. “
Charleston Village Society http://www.loraincounty.com/charlestonlorai/ is very fortunate in the continuing loyalty of our volunteers to the area known as Settlers’ Watch,
Eric Barnes Heroes Walk
and Admiral King Tribute Site.
Photo Lisa Miller
This is a huge green space- taken out of the rubbish dump and tangled growth of vacant lots .
The transformation could not have been even remotely possible without the partnership of the City of Lorain , the help of Lorain County Solid Waste and community donations and the volunteers from the neighborhood, CVSI Executive Board and so many others who quietly give back, including our constant gardener. Without Joe and his love of the space we would be in dire straits. Another successful Pride Day 2016.
Thanks to all the people who continue to help in so many ways. Take a walk and “smell the roses”- and a special thanks to Joe our constant gardener!!!!
Photo Lisa Miller
Photos are also a collage of Lisa Miller and others with their phones.
Charleston Village Annual Report/ Finances -2015
Charleston Village Annual Report for 2015
The in-kind donations continue to help us thrive and survive with all the projects we have taken on in this Lorain’s oldest neighborhood. For every dollar in cash we receive three times the donations with in-kind support of materials labor and equipment. We could not attempt these projects or their upkeep without the partnerships and in kind donations.
Such as the continuing sponsorship of our website https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/category/charleston-village/ a thanks to Emerge http://www.loraincounty.com/charlestonlorai/
As in previous years 100% of all money collected goes toward the project for which it is designated.
We filed our IRS form for our non- profit for 2016 and were, I am pleased to say, accepted
E-File Postmark: Filed January 19th 2016- accepted January 19th-2016
The Charleston Pioneer Cemetery
continues to be in the capable of hands of Diane Wargo Medina and she has given the cemetery a new page on Face Book https://www.facebook.com/Charleston-Cemetery-of-Lorain-Ohio-1593581127589624/
After many years of patiently waiting a new sidewalk replaces the old
and you will notice the old wooden light poles that have stood forlornly waiting for removal have finally gone! Thank you Councilman Faga! Diane has continued to support and look for support for the cemetery and has recently plotted the burials
Without Diane’s volunteers and passion this oldest cemetery would be non-existent. She has been the driving force once more re planting, clean-up, preserving the history and the headstones. You can find the listing of the names here https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2016/01/11/a-cemetery-tale-charleston-village-lorain/
Diane gratefully received a donation from Black River Genealogists to carry on her efforts in preserving history.
Settlers’ Watch:
Photo by Mark Teleha
Our constant gardener Joe, has planted some wonderful new plants and shrubs. The old bed, that was running amuck with over growth behind the bench, at Eric Barnes Eagle has been revamped. The shrubs and plants were moved elsewhere on the site and replaced with a wonderfully fragrant rose garden thanks to a donation for the roses.
This summer should find honeysuckle and roses blooming together. The plans are for the overgrown plants around Eric Barnes Eagle to be thinned and more roses and a color scheme of “red white and blue” honoring the patriotism and sacrifice of the sons of Lorain reflected in the planting.
All of the carvings have now been moved from the tree lawn, where they were exposed to salt etc. and are waiting for warmer weather to be refurbished and placed on the concrete plinths( Thanks to Falbo Concrete) in and amongst Settlers’ Watch and Eric Barnes Heroes Walk.
The Captain continues to be stabilized thanks to Frank Sipkovsky and Ernest Ritchey.
Once again members of Lorain Rotary – thanks to Phil Dore– were there in force on Lorain Pride Day to weed, whack and mulch. Without the volunteers we would be in a sorry state.
Just behind the fence and grapevines , the fruit of which was literally gobbled up by the thirsty birds this year, you will see two new additions . Thanks to the Lorain Port Authority and Lorain Growth Corp the “Lighthouse Shed” was donated to the area – art work by Chris Ritchey 2002. The shed had a refurbish and will be used to not only provide a welcome but a place to store the things needed for the gardens.
Ed Cummins
, local artist, donated and designed our very own hat tip to recycling (remembering that Settler’s Watch is 100% repurposed and recycled materials) and to Lorain’s maritime history. You will see the characters of the pioneers sailing into the harbor and the “trials” that would await them in the forms to the various sea monsters.
The Admiral King Tribute Site
Many, many thanks once again to the Lorain Utilities Dept. – under the direction of Ariel Vasquez and his crew.
We replaced the flags, they only last a few weeks due to the wind and weather coming off the lake. Thanks to the Veterans Council of Lorain we received enough flags to line the walk leading to the flag pole. Unfortunately, we cannot plant along the walk way as the water supply is limited. We are hoping in 2016 we will no longer need a bucket brigade. Therefore, we are having to pace our volunteer, as our constant gardener, Joe Artim, has been busy with the hundreds of new plantings along Eric Barnes Heroes Walk. Admiral King Day is being suggested by the State of Ohio and is going through the process of recognition.
Eric Barnes’ Heroes Walk
Phase two of the Marine Monument garden has literally grown to be a beautiful and peaceful place, thanks to the design and co-ordinated plantings. The plants represent the red and gold of the US Marine’s flag and the red, white and blue of the United Sates flag. This year there have been nearly 200 new plantings of shrubs and perennials along the walkway. We were also pleased to get donations – in kind of trees and plants and shrubs and once again Don Mould’s have been very generous to the site. Chuck Becker for his donation of trees, Lupines and daisies. Donation of a new US Marine Flag by Mr. K. Kramer replacing the torn one earlier this year
You literally CAN walk with the butterflies along the path as there are now 26 butterfly bushes lining the walk. The gardens are maturing and the fragrances carried on the breeze are delightful, thanks to the planting design of Joe and Ariel.
The Crime Watch Program continues to quietly watch out for neighbors.
Lorain 365
Outreach and Promotions Committee
Once more the committee decorated for the Trains and Trees at Black river Landing this year the Lilac tree was replaced with Lorain’s Industry tree. The tree designed by Renee Dore, had representation of Lorain’s industry past and present. This tree was especially thought provoking due to the loss of those recognizable industries. The Maritime Tree was also displayed this year. Thanks once again to Frank and Carolyn Sipkovsky, Renee Dore, Lisa Miller, The Weismans, Ernest Ritchey and Gavin Beres .
Renee Dore has also continue to be our “speaker’s bureau” giving talks to various organizations.
Peggy Gillmore-
(Josephine Jean) Gillmore
4th Street, Lorain Ohio
Following up on finding a home for some of the artifacts from Peggy Gillmore’s basket. I am pleased to say we donated the original hand – drawn early map of the neighborhood to the Mayor’s office, which was framed, takes pride of place on the 7th floor.
Handwritten Gillmore Map date unknown
Matt Weisman graciously donated framed prints of the maps of early Lorain , now on the walls of city council
We also were able to give to the Office of the Mayor and the citizens of Lorain the United States Flag that flew over the Nation’s Capital, (boxed for display) along with the proclamation honoring the young men from Lorain who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We returned the old pulpit Bible from the latter 1800’s (damaged when the church was hit by the 1924 tornado)’s to Rev. Donahue and Christian Temple Disciples of Christ (5th Street). Gary Fischer (CVSI Executive Board member) an architect was given the old blue prints for Mayor Braun’s house on 5th and Oberlin. .
Our financials for the year end as follows. However once again for every dollar donated 100% of the donation went toward the project for which it was donated. This is an “ALL” Volunteer organization
CHARLESTON VILLAGE SOC. End of year financial report 2015
Main Account/ Captain’s Hat
Starting Balance carry-over 2014 = $101.01
Donations 2015 = $764.10
Expenses 2015 = 0
Ending Balance $865.11
Cemetery Fund
Starting balance carry-over from 2014 =$ 290.97
Donations 2015 = $327.00
Expenses 2015= $59.64
ENDING BALANCE 2015 = $558.33
Raffle Account
Starting balance carry -over from 2014= $43.35
Donations 2015 = 0
Expenses 2015 = 0
ENDING BALANCE 2014= $43.35
Settlers’ Watch
Starting balance carry-over 2014 =$ 307.02
Donations 2015 (Cash/Checks) = $ 260.00
Expenses 2015 = $481.50
ENDING BALANCE 2015= $85.52
Admiral King Tribute Site
Starting Balance carry- over 2014 = $221.71-
Donations Cash 2015 = $35.00
Expenses 2015= $ 172.88
Ending Balance 2015= $83.83
Eric Barnes Heroes-Walk-
Starting balance carry over 2014 = $139.71
Donations for 2015= $160.00
Expenses for 2015= $200.00
Ending Balance 2015= $99.71
We had a total of cash donations in 2015 of $1,546.10 and our cash expenses came to $913.92for all projects. A full accounting is available upon request.
As you can see our volunteers, partnerships and in kind donors are the power that keeps the projects running. Without the donations of plants, rope, trees, aggregate, concrete, paint, sealer, publicity, photographs and “at cost” and manpower none of these projects could be accomplished and maintained. Our biggest expense is the cost of solar lighting and batteries every year.
Our wish list includes WATER and ELECTRICITY. The in-kind donations from our supporters are, by my estimation, 3 times the monetary value and are priceless. However all cash donations are gratefully accepted and CVSI is a 501c3 – Thank You
Respectfully submitted January 24th 2016 by Co- Chair CVSI Loraine Ritchey
Passing the Captain’s Hat- 2015- Update
The poor old Captain at Settlers’ Watch has and had issues-
Suffering Captain- Batman!!
the “fix” is expensive-
The beginning of the fix
but we have managed to stabilize him for the time being. His bouts with seagull and bird poop ate through the finish ( as it tends to do)- In order to stop the rot, so to speak, we had to get him protective headgear ( until we can get the permanent solution).
The Captain’s hat for us has become a fundraiser supported by the “people” of the hat , Lorainites will recognize the familiar faces ;).
Supporters of the Hat
It has been a huge undertaking to take this area from this
to this in just 6 years
the site today
But we, Charleston Village Society ( 501c3)
http://www.loraincounty.com/charlestonlorai/
are getting a little desperate, once again when it comes to cash flow and since it is coming to the end of the year and we know you must be looking for tax exempt donations we are the place to hang your hat! No amount too large or for that matter too small!
The people of the hat ask you for your generosity- this area is truly unique in the State of Ohio. Eric Barnes Heroes Walk in honor of the young men, from Lorain, who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan- each with their very own tribute garden , we believe is one of a kind.
We are the Hat!!!
Settlers’ Watch, Eric Barnes Heroes Walk, and Admiral King Tribute Site is a huge project and has expanded through the months and years .This site has changed the area and the neighborhood. It has become a place of memory and beauty rather than the dumping ground it once was. The City of Lorain has helped so much , as it is their property, in cutting the grass and cleaning the site of debris, employees who volunteer their time . However, there is only so much they can do , next year the budget constraints will be even harder on this community , the city can only do so much.
Our previous passing the hat campaign was not so successful in bringing in a huge amount of cash- BUT – what was a success was the in- kind donations of plants and shrubs and trees – and man/ woman hours donated.
In fact , one volunteer, Joe our Constant Gardener has contributed thousands of hours. You will find Joe designing, weeding, planting, watering the tender new plants practically every single morning!
Without Joe, I can honestly say the area would not be one tenth the place it is today. In the past few months, thanks to donations and Joe’s ability to grow wonderful, fragrant plants from seeds “he” has planted over 700 perennial, plants, shrubs and trees, watered and cared for them.
We now have the beginnings of a rose garden with over 70 “hardy roses ” the majority of them are award-winning and added 35 new Butterfly bushes of varying types and colours, dozens of Hostas, peonies, wonderful grasses,and profusion of lavender on “lavender hill”.
This does not count the hundreds of tulip and daffodil bulbs and the 2-3 hundred annuals added each spring. It truly is a beautiful walk , especially in the morning sunlight as it shimmers reflected in the lake waters. A golden place where one can truly walk with butterflies
Chronicle Telegram
This year also added was the United States Marine Corps flag and area . This area was planted with the Marines color’s of red and gold and red , white and blue plantings and shrubs.
Each of the tribute gardens for the young men who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan have had their respective areas planted specifically for them. Every day, something new has been added this past growing season including the art work by Falcon Eddie Cummins. situated by the tool shed .
The featured work represents the maritime history of Lorain, a hat tip to recycling, as everything at Settlers’ Watch is made up or consists of recycle or repurposed materials, the same as Eric Barnes Heroes Walk and Admiral King Tribute Site. The “tools” that make up the art work denote the tongue in cheek reference to the donated tool shed from the Lorain Port Authority.
We have had so many wonderful visitors this year ( although it is still Lorain’s best kept secret ( garden) This year, the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Poker Run made the area “Stop One”.
We have a lot left to do – the maintenance of the carvings and removing them from the tree lawn has been on going – This winter they will be refurbished and replaced on plinths in and around the site. This takes a lot of work and the chemicals etc. all cost money.
If you can see your way to helping to fill the Captains Hat – 100% percent of your donation goes to the project.
Make checks payable to Charleston Village Society- ( Captain’s Hat in the memo line)
1127 West 4th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052
and just as important are those volunteer hours – if you can donate a few hours for working in the garden or adopting a flower bed on a scheduled basis -we would love to have your help!
Wont’ you please consider a donation and for those that pledged this would be a good time to honor that pledge 😉 Thank you to all those that have worked so hard and donated this year!
Lorain – Common Core? values and math? PT 4.
UPDATE: According to Lorain County the following information 2835 Pearl Ave will not be demolished and will be receiving some much needed repair work to make it a better rental or sale property.
and actually the reason given for the CDC not filing for tax exempt : ”
Also, tax exemptions can not be acquired if property is rented for profit, regardless of CDC non profit status. This is why the CDCs you mentioned did not file for property tax exemption. They were renting the majority of the properties for income; little was used for office space for the most part”
Readers might remember that is why we in Lorain are paying taxes on 642 Broadway
the then for Profit business Follow the Fish rented ???? the space https://www.facebook.com/FollowTheFishArtAndAdventureTrails I have no update on that aspect of their business arrangement with the City of Lorain since the article April 15 2015 ( oh my ironically tax day) https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/money-for-old-rope-a-taxpayers-question/
Part One– https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/06/15/lorain-common-core-values-and-math-pt-1/
Part Two-https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/06/22/lorain-common-core-values-and-math-pt-2/
Part Three- https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/lorain-common-core-values-and-math-pt-3/
Community Development – not for CVSI- the math doesn’t add up!
artwork Chris Ritchey
Oh! back in the days of ” we can do this – we can make a difference” the Charleston Village members knew we had a tough job if we were to turn this neighborhood around. We knew we weren’t popular with the Community Development Dept. at the time.
” They (CVSI) are nothing but a middle class clique”
according to Chuck Urindriski(sp)
I won’t go into telling you the obstacles that were put in our way by Community Development Dept. at the time. Why? when they were bending over backwards to get South Lorain group recognized as a CDC
“A community development corporation (CDC) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated to provide programs, offer services and engage in other activities that promote and support community development. CDCs usually serve a geographic location such as a neighborhood or a town. They often focus on serving lower-income residents or struggling neighborhoods. They can be involved in a variety of activities including economic development, education, community organizing and real estate development. These organizations are often associated with the development of affordable housing.”
South Lorain CDC- description :
http://www.loraincounty.com/slcdc/
“The South Lorain Community Development Corporation assists homebuyers by providing new and rehabilitated housing opportunities for low-mod income, market rate and first-time, income qualified families and individuals. The SLCDC promotes and encourages private sector commercial investment in the South Lorain Neighborhood.”
And then there was Community Development bending over backwards for Direct Action for Central Lorain http://www.loraincounty.com/directory/display_5235.html
” Direct Action, a non-profit, builds and rehabs commercial and residential properties to generate revenue to provide home ownership counseling, educational and safety programming, youth recreational programs, and other activities to revitalize the Central Lorain neighborhood.”
You would have thought with the interest Community Development had in apparently recognizing the historic worth of “downtown Lorain” and putting in the tools back in 1987- their interest in South Lorain ( a struggling neighborhood and business community) and Central Lorain- also a struggling neighborhood and business community- the mere fact a whole group of people were banding together in a grass-roots effort to promote, stabilize , research the history and therefore historic tax credits etc. and use our own money to rehab the homes would have been met with delight! Far from it!
Once again, we were naïve, we didn’t understand the unwritten rules- no place for this grass-roots group- we had no paid Director ( through government funding) , we were a democratic volunteer organization – the will of the majority- and therefore it seemed the proverbial loose cannon and maybe just maybe this “middle class clique would not fit the “plan”- lack of “control” and we asked too many questions – did not accept the status quo ( in my opinion that is having dealt with Community Development as it was for decades.)
It was the mere fact Lorain Community Development Dept. (at the time) put so many obstacles in our way and were very unhelpful when we went to them for advice etc. we exist today. We basically said, fine we will do it ourselves. You see we had people in the “village” who had expertise in various areas of government, research and who knew the protocol.
We raised money through opening our homes, put in our own money and did the paperwork for our own 501c3. It wasn’t easy, we as a neighborhood were unique, according to the IRS because we had not gone through the regular route of “local government” such as South Lorain CDC and Direct Action. But we managed independently of Sandy Prudoff, Chuck Urindriski(sp) and company of the City of Lorain Community Development Dept. and in 1993 we received , after a great deal of paperwork, our 501c3 and incorporation.
We were never listed on the City of Lorain website as one of their sponsored , non -profits, CDC’s or organizations such as South Lorain CDC, Direct Action CDC and Lorain Growth Corp. CVSI – never received or applied any monies from Community Development – contrary to some of that opinion! But whenever a grass-roots organization was needed for a study or grant funding- we were the first to be contacted.
We have however, through the years sent them a copy of our Annual Report and our Tax Filing status. In fact we have had in recent years after the Foltin administration( which was adversarial in nature) a partnership with the City of Lorain. A partnership which continues today ( hopefully) .
I believe our independent nature ruffled more than a few feathers. We have never received any of the numerous grants as did South Lorain CDC- For example The Stocker Foundation write in their report of 2007 they had given $15,000 to South Lorain CDC using the new houses built in their Annual report
Curious I went to the Lorain County Auditors site to see what had happened to those properties knowing the South Lorain CDC IS NO LONGER A CDC , NON- PROFIT OR ORGANIZATION.
It seems the city had transferred these properties over to the South Lorain CDC in 2006– they were transferred back to the city in 2011 and then the city transferred them to Direct Action of Central Lorain.
Direct Action of Central Lorain has also received numerous grants throughout the years as an example another of Stocker Foundations annual reports 2008
Memory came back into play concerning issues with the City of Lorain and Direct Action-
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2013/08/14/action-slow-for-lorain-houses-demolition/
“Mason said earlier this month that he was frustrated by the delay and that Direct Action was slow to provide paperwork regarding the use of HUD money without producing new houses.
“Something doesn’t smell right,” Mason said of Direct Action, which owns 13 properties in Lorain besides the Lakeview property, according to the Lorain County auditor’s website”
That Woman decided to check the auditors site this morning and to her chagrin found Direct Action of Central Lorain owned 15 properties
I say to my chagrin because Direct Action of Central Lorain owes over $77,000 in back taxes on those properties and has seemingly done for many years:
1015 West 14th- $4,033.48 annual tax bill $489.22
1140 West 18th -$7,589.57 annual tax bill $622.54
1722 Washington -$4,466.16 annual tax bill $877.40
Washington lots – $2,469.21 annual tax bill $157.72
Direct Action headquarters 1850 Washington – $47,828.35 annual tax bill $819.60
1849 Washington -$5,222.13 annual tax bill $509.46
1037 W 22ns – $5,437.60 annual tax bill $751.10
THAT CAN’T BE RIGHT – DIRECT ACTION IS A NOT FOR PROFIT AND THEREFORE DOESN’T HAVE TO PAY PROPERTY TAXES.
I contacted the City of Lorain – I was told the City of Lorain cancelled their contract with Direct Action ( CDC) in August of 2013.
So I contacted the Lorain County Auditors office. There wasn’t any paperwork filed for tax exempt status on any of these properties – OH! OH! been there and done that before .
Howard Goldberg of Lorain Community Development Dept.
http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20121210/updated-goldberg-resigns-lorain-city-post-under-cloud
had neglected to file exempt status on over a dozen properties- a fact brought to light when Black River Historical Society ( now Lorain Historical Society) was caught up in the mess see pages 4 and 5 in the following PDF
Click to access December_4_2008_packet.pdf
Looks like somebody didn’t do due diligence and the paperwork to file exemptions on these properties belonging to Direct Action of Central Lorain.
No exemptions – no taxes …. Oh Lorain all that money and what do we have to show for it?
Ironically, Patrick Metzger who used to be the Director of South Lorain CDC , now in charge of
“The county’s Land Reutilization Corp. — most refer to it as the land bank — was incorporated in May 2012 as a way to deal with structures in need of demolition, identify tax-delinquent properties and redevelop those properties to restore them to their “tax-paying, useful life,” says Patrick Metzger, assistant director of the land bank and director of the Lorain County Port Authority, which is its administrative agent.
will be taking down his old headquarters as 2835 Pearl Ave,( which also owed back taxes. The old South Lorain CDC offices is now owned by LORAIN COUNTY LAND REUTILIZATION CORPORATION and owed
Unpaid Taxes: $39,355.90
Full Year Tax(includes any unpaid taxes & special assessments): $43,396.95
Total Taxes Paid to Date: $0.00 (once again according to the Auditors website.)
Guess South Lorain CDC didn’t file for an exemption either with the Lorain County Auditor and now it has been taken for TAXES???? among other issues I am sure!
My head is beginning to ache BUT good news is Charleston Village Society gets a PASS– We succeeded in our paperwork and managing to stay “profitable ” for the past 22 years we have been a non-profit without a paid Director, without grants and without relying on the previous Community Development Dept.
We have been transparent in all our dealings and reports – we didn’t fudge numbers and we didn’t and haven’t budgeted on “projected income” and when we spent money , every dollar went toward the designated project. We may not have much but we still have it and our records with the IRS are up to date.
Lorain – Common Core? values and math? PT 2.
PART ONE: https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/06/15/lorain-common-core-values-and-math-pt-1/
artwork Chris Ritchey
Twenty eight years- what I could have accomplished in twenty – eight years, time energy money spent elsewhere– I could’ve moved- walked away- from this house I call home.
I could have spent my energy nagging my husband to take those other job offers out of Ohio, even out of the country. I didn’t – I loved this house, although now in hindsight, I am sure I would have found something elsewhere that I would have loved. It didn’t happen because I, and a few others, have clung onto the fact that a neighborhood could be saved – these old houses by Ohio history standards are worthy .
Looking at the early records of this Charleston Village Society – I realized we are failures! We have been flogging that dead horse to no avail. Twenty eight years and the mission statement decided upon so naively as to the doable of just a few blocks . So much talk …………
Our mission , was to preserve the neighborhood, promote the history , to make this Lorain’s oldest neighborhood one of pride, to hold landlords and out of town landlords accountable- to toughen up the accountability with regard to building inspections.
We started with committee meetings, talking to City Council and Administrations , Community Development – and Mayor Olejko:
Ah the way back machine ..
sound familiar
“Residents last night (10/1/91) told a committee , which is formulating a model on how to spend federal and state housing funds….” Morning Journal
and a quarter century later –
http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20150511/lorain-city-council-seeks-resident-input-on-how-to-spend-115-million
1991– Morning Journal 24 years earlier
But Several Landlords said not all landlords are out of town hustlers looking to hold onto dilapidated housing for profit….
That statement is certainly correct….some of those landlords held on to those dilapidated properties were Lorainites… and old slum lords never die their properties just fade away OR DO THEY??
Landlords, they pretty much own the housing stock in this Ward 2 of Lorain and yes they are making money what was known as Section 8 housing now known as a much more affable name – Housing Choice ( Vouchers)
“housing choice vouchers alone pump 1.4 MILLION A MONTH
into Lorain County but The City of Lorain gets 64% of that money EVERY MONTH or approximately $900,000.00 PER MONTH COMES INTO THE CITY OF LORAIN-!!!How about that BIG Business for you – lucrative one would say and that is just the “private” landlords and LLC’s .
Vouchers Per Zip Code
Amherst 44001 1.1%
Avon 44011 4.0%
Avon Lake 44012 0.6%
Col Station 44028 0.1%
Elyria 44035 23.2%
N Ridgeville 44039 1.1%
Grafton 44044 0.2%
LaGrange 44050 0.3%
Lorain 44052 32.5%
Lorain 44053 10.4%
Lorain 44055 21.3%
Sheffield 44054 1.5%
Oberlin 44074 1.5%
Vermilion 44089 1.3%
Wellington 44090 0.9%
100.0%but The City of Lorain gets 64% of that money EVERY MONTH or approximately $900,000.00 PER MONTH COMES INTO THE CITY OF LORAIN-!!!
THAT was just 10 months ago!
From meeting in 1991 ( as covered by the Chronicle Telegram) a quote from Cynthia Shaffer ( another “village person” ) who now has her glass of wine out of this city…
“”Right now ( 1991) you’re giving Lorain away a house at a time , a piece at a time and no one seems to care”
well some of us did care – for all the good it seems to have done ! We have failed in our mission for owner occupied homes and landlord accountability .. these were the stats two years ago and they have changed because we know have South Carolina on the list… more about that later
** All data gathered from Lorain County Auditors site, Ohio Secretary of State June 29th 2013 “Clarification” the only LLC shown below are those that are not under known names – such as Spitzer, Veard, religious communities, funeral homes etc.
The number of LLC’s tracked totaled “197” OWNING PROPERTY IN LORAIN.
THEY OWN APPROXIMATELY 2,289 PROPERTIES / PARCELS BETWEEN THEM
” 193” TRACKED BACK TO “OWNER PLACE OF RESIDENCE”
“146” OUTSIDE LORAIN LLC. ETC OR “75.64 %” percent of ownership is outside Lorain
47 LORAIN OWNED LLC ETC. or 24.35 %
******Breakdown is as follows (OUTSIDE OWNERSHIP) PROPERTIES CAN RANGE FROM 1 PARCEL TO over 100 AT THE TOP END)
AMHERST = 30 REG. LLC = 15.5 %
ELYRIA = 12 REG. LLC = 6.2 5%
WESTLAKE = 11 REG. LLC = 5.7%
AVON = 10 REG. LLC = 5.2 %
AVON LAKE =7 REG.LLC= 3.6 %
NORTH RIDGEVILLE = 7 REG.LLC=3.6 %
SHEFFILED LAKE/VILLAGE= 6 REG.LLC= 3.1%
CLEVELAND = 5 REG.LLC= 2.5%
VERMILION = 5 REG.LLC =2.5%
COLUMBUS = 3 REG.LLC = 1.55%
CALIFORNIA= 3 REG.LLC= 1.55% NOTE AT LEAST ONE CALIFORNIA OWNER HAS 58 PROPERTIES
PENNSYLVANIA= 3 REG.LLC = 1.55%
HURON- 2 REG.LLC = 1.03 %
WELLINGTON= 2 REG.LLC = 1.03%
LAKEWOOD= 2 REG LLC. = 1.03 %
FLORIDA = 2 REG.LLC= 1.03%
BEECHWOOD= 2 REG LLC= 1.03%
NORTH OLMSTEAD = 2 REG.LLC = 1.03%
MEDINA= 2 REG.LLC = 1.03%
GRAFTON= 2 REG.LLC = 1.035
AURORA= 2 REG.LLC= 1.03%
BAYVILLAGE= 2 REG.LLC= 1.03%
CANADA = 2 REG. LLC =1.03% (NOTE: ONE IS FOR A TRAILER PARK)
BRECKSVILLE, COLORADO, TEXAS, AKRON, ARIZONA , TOLEDO, KENT, UNION TOWN, CHAGRIN FALLS, MARSHALVILLE, ROCKY RIVER, MILAN, NORTH ROYALTON, AKEMAN, CHAGRIN FALLS, NEWARK OH, LICHFIELD , STONGSVILLE, SEVEN HILLS, BRUNSWICK , ST. MARY’S, OBERLIN 1 REG LLC
Charleston Village Society report Card : 1987-2015
Owner Occupied – Fail – Landlords accountability – Fail – Building Dept accountability – Fail
To be continued……………..
Growing with Pride – Day 2015- a History of Pride
The Lorain Dudes and Pride in Lorain- Growing year by year
Photos Lorain 365- Lisa Miller
Settlers’ Watch dedicated August 2009– follow link for the videos of the ceremony- Mark Teleha
http://www.locophotogblog.com/?p=385
The story of Settlers’ Watch – Mark Teleha
http://www.locophotogblog.com/?p=390
photo Lisa Miller
Admiral King Tribute Site dedication September 18th 2011
follow the links for the dedication Mark Teleha
http://www.locophotogblog.com/?p=668
Photo Lisa Miller
Eric Barnes Heroes Walk – ( Phase One) November 11 – 2012
follow link for the videos of the ceremony Mark Teleha
http://www.locophotogblog.com/?p=1435
It takes as lot of work and pride to take this site from this
to what it is today . A pride that grows and continues – The Lorain Dude
Pride Day 2010 Settlers’ Watch https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/lorain-dude-discovers-pride-and-settlers-watch/
Photo Lisa Miller
Pride Day 2011 https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/a-pride-full-day-settlers-watch-2011/
Pride Day 2012
Pride Day 2013
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/spring-and-pride-returns-to-lorain-may-18th/
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
That year found the Lorain Dude having a family helper – the other Lorain Dude.
They also found some familiar faces of the Lorain Rotary who have been volunteering at the Watch from the very first day!
Pride Day 2014– the Lorain Dudes were kept home by mum due to the terrible weather but that didn’t stop the faithful
And now a collage of sorts from Pride Day Settlers’ Watch, Eric Barnes Heroes Walk and Admiral King Tribute Site
Screen Shot – Rotary – Dina Ferrer
Photos by Lisa Miller
Lorain Dudes back to work
Link to Lisa Portfolio of Pride
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.815091948576677.1073741883.476252369127305&type=3
The area , thanks to Charleston Village Volunteers, Lorain Rotary, The City of Lorain looks cared for , beautiful and unique.
We would be remiss if we didn’t thank Mr. and Mrs. Perez of 6th Street and the Girl Scouts for the sign and V space for the Charleston Village sign – Thank you so much !!!
And finally another sunset – Settlers Watch- Lisa Miller
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