Jeff Harvey and Paul Olivier, whose terms on the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Commissioners were set to expire at the end of this month, have been reappointed to the board by Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr.
Both Harvey and Olivier originally were appointed to the board in 2018, with Harvey replacing Thomas Shipka and Olivier replacing John Ragan, whose terms expired at the end of 2017. Both were vetted by a selection committee convened by Rusu in 2017 to screen all potential candidates to the board.
The selection committee consisted of 10 community members who had direct contact and long-established relationships with the park. The selection committee interviewed all of the candidates and then made suggestions to Rusu (the sole appointing authority under R.C. 1545.05) on who they believed would make a good commissioner. Rusu said he created this process to give the public more input into the selection process.
Rusu said he was aware of the recent outcry by some residents about the deer “culling” process recently implemented by the park and the public’s desire to have someone they chose to serve on the board. However, Rusu said he is bound by the Ohio Judicial Code of Conduct Rule 2.4 (A), which states that “a judge shall not be swayed by public clamor or fear of criticism,” according to a news release from the MetroParks.
The board has oversight of the park, all of its holdings, its executive director, employees and policies of the organization. Trustees receive no compensation for their service.
During the time that Harvey and Olivier have served on the board, along with the three other park commissioners, they have been responsible for many positive things happening in the park, including:
• Completing more than $18 million in capital improvements with over 35% ($6.5 million) coming from third-party funds.
• Expanding the MetroPark by preserving land and providing recreation opportunities in previously underserved areas of the county, with more than 75 cents of every dollar spent on acquisition coming from third-party sources.
• Winning four Ohio Park and Recreation Association Awards for programs and capital improvements within the MetroPark.
• Restructuring the MetroPark Foundation, which has increased philanthropy with over $1.6 million in permanent endowments aimed at reducing the dependency on tax dollars.
In addition, they have been able to accomplish all of these milestones while still being good stewards of taxpayer funds by maintaining operational efficiency with a minimal budget increase of only 1%or $340,000 over a seven-year period.
“I am confident that by reappointing Mr. Harvey and Mr. Olivier, the park will continue to grow and prosper and be available for generations to come,” Rusu said in the release.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2023-12-04 08:44:372023-12-14 10:34:302 trustees reappointed to Mill Creek park board
Beginning December 2, 2023 – January 2, 2024, the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens will present Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees, which is a family-friendly, admission-free event sponsored by 21 WFMJ/WBCB. This year, 60 uniquely decorated trees by local nonprofits will bring magic to the Davis Center for all to enjoy. Visitors will also be able to view the beautiful seasonal flowers on display. Visitors can experience Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees Tuesdays – Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., closed Christmas Eve December 24, 2023.
On Sunday evenings December 3, 10, and 17, 2023, Fellows Riverside Gardens and the Davis Center hours will be extended until 7:00 p.m. for guests to experience Winter Nights featuring an outdoor light display highlighting the beauty of winter. Inside the Davis Center, take in the beauty of the Winter Celebration tree display, find the perfect gift at the Shop in the Gardens, and savor refreshments available for purchase in Kravitz’s Garden Cafe. Special appearances from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. include Mrs. Claus on Sunday, December 3, Buddy and Jovie on Sunday, December 10th, and Cindy and Mr. Grinch on Sunday, December 17.
One weekend only, Festive Finds will take place inside the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Over 25 vendors will be on-site for last-minute gift and holiday treat needs. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or simply indulging in some delightful seasonal goodies, our vendors will have something special just for you. Festive Finds runs Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
For more information, visit millcreekmetroparks.org or call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2023-11-28 12:55:122023-11-28 12:55:12Holiday Festivities at Fellows Riverside Gardens
The Lanterman’s Mill main parking lot located on East Park Drive will be closed for maintenance activities on Monday, November 27 and will reopen on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. The overflow lot will remain open and available for parking.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2023-11-22 10:11:512023-11-22 10:11:51Lanterman’s Mill Parking Lot Closure
2 trustees reappointed to Mill Creek park board
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffJeff Harvey and Paul Olivier, whose terms on the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Commissioners were set to expire at the end of this month, have been reappointed to the board by Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr.
Both Harvey and Olivier originally were appointed to the board in 2018, with Harvey replacing Thomas Shipka and Olivier replacing John Ragan, whose terms expired at the end of 2017. Both were vetted by a selection committee convened by Rusu in 2017 to screen all potential candidates to the board.
The selection committee consisted of 10 community members who had direct contact and long-established relationships with the park. The selection committee interviewed all of the candidates and then made suggestions to Rusu (the sole appointing authority under R.C. 1545.05) on who they believed would make a good commissioner. Rusu said he created this process to give the public more input into the selection process.
Rusu said he was aware of the recent outcry by some residents about the deer “culling” process recently implemented by the park and the public’s desire to have someone they chose to serve on the board. However, Rusu said he is bound by the Ohio Judicial Code of Conduct Rule 2.4 (A), which states that “a judge shall not be swayed by public clamor or fear of criticism,” according to a news release from the MetroParks.
The board has oversight of the park, all of its holdings, its executive director, employees and policies of the organization. Trustees receive no compensation for their service.
During the time that Harvey and Olivier have served on the board, along with the three other park commissioners, they have been responsible for many positive things happening in the park, including:
• Completing more than $18 million in capital improvements with over 35% ($6.5 million) coming from third-party funds.
• Expanding the MetroPark by preserving land and providing recreation opportunities in previously underserved areas of the county, with more than 75 cents of every dollar spent on acquisition coming from third-party sources.
• Winning four Ohio Park and Recreation Association Awards for programs and capital improvements within the MetroPark.
• Restructuring the MetroPark Foundation, which has increased philanthropy with over $1.6 million in permanent endowments aimed at reducing the dependency on tax dollars.
In addition, they have been able to accomplish all of these milestones while still being good stewards of taxpayer funds by maintaining operational efficiency with a minimal budget increase of only 1%or $340,000 over a seven-year period.
“I am confident that by reappointing Mr. Harvey and Mr. Olivier, the park will continue to grow and prosper and be available for generations to come,” Rusu said in the release.
Read the original article at The Vindicator.
Holiday Festivities at Fellows Riverside Gardens
/in Press Releases/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffBeginning December 2, 2023 – January 2, 2024, the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens will present Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees, which is a family-friendly, admission-free event sponsored by 21 WFMJ/WBCB. This year, 60 uniquely decorated trees by local nonprofits will bring magic to the Davis Center for all to enjoy. Visitors will also be able to view the beautiful seasonal flowers on display. Visitors can experience Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees Tuesdays – Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., closed Christmas Eve December 24, 2023.
On Sunday evenings December 3, 10, and 17, 2023, Fellows Riverside Gardens and the Davis Center hours will be extended until 7:00 p.m. for guests to experience Winter Nights featuring an outdoor light display highlighting the beauty of winter. Inside the Davis Center, take in the beauty of the Winter Celebration tree display, find the perfect gift at the Shop in the Gardens, and savor refreshments available for purchase in Kravitz’s Garden Cafe. Special appearances from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. include Mrs. Claus on Sunday, December 3, Buddy and Jovie on Sunday, December 10th, and Cindy and Mr. Grinch on Sunday, December 17.
One weekend only, Festive Finds will take place inside the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Over 25 vendors will be on-site for last-minute gift and holiday treat needs. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or simply indulging in some delightful seasonal goodies, our vendors will have something special just for you. Festive Finds runs Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
For more information, visit millcreekmetroparks.org or call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116.
Lanterman’s Mill Parking Lot Closure
/in Press Releases/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffThe Lanterman’s Mill main parking lot located on East Park Drive will be closed for maintenance activities on Monday, November 27 and will reopen on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. The overflow lot will remain open and available for parking.