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It doesn’t seem possible that another year has rolled around and that it’s time to make plans for 2004. We need to plan events, decide on new projects and finish old ones. I will welcome any input from all of you and I hope we can keep the lines of communication open.
As I look at the past two and one-half years and contemplate the future, I realize that Shelly has left me some very large shoes to fill. With the help of my fellow officers, the VIP’s and the staff, my wish for all of us is a productive, amicable, interesting, year.
Diane Steimel
QHVA President
Introduction
The Mission statement of Quail Hollow State park is this: To nurture in all park visitors a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. The QHVA was formed to help the park staff facilitate this main goal by providing personal and funds in order to make the public more aware of our park. Many things that we do couldnt be done by the limited amount of staff people that the state has working here at this site. Helping with many important events and programs are just some of the things volunteers do at Quail Hollow State park. We have regular volunteers who garden, keep our gift shop up and running, do trail maintenance, work in animal care, work at the visitors center and volunteer to help Barb or another one of our staff persons with programs. We all enjoy working in this beautiful, serene location surrounded by nature and have helped to enhance the grounds and buildings so that the visitors to our park will be as inspired by Quail Hollow as much as we are.
The Quail Hollow Volunteer Association though closely tied, is a separate organization from the Ohio State Parks VIP (Volunteers In Parks) Program.
What We Have Done: In the past the QHVA has done numerous things to enhance the surroundings in both the structures and the grounds at Quail Hollow State Park. The Herbal Society had the dream of an Herb Garden at Quail Hollow and years ago made it a reality for all to enjoy. It still takes much work to make it so beautiful during the growing season. We also operate the Quail's Nest gift shop, which is opened on Sundays from 1:00-5:00 pm.
Come and look at all the whimsical new merchandise for all the different seasons. Cross Country Skiing facilities are opened to the public when the weather permits. We have many dedicated volunteers, who, for years, have maintained our Animal Care Station. These committed individuals clean, feed and water our program animals. We have two red-tailed hawks and a screech owl to care for plus several snakes that need attended to. I would like to welcome our new group of Animal Care people at this time. It is good to have you with us. Also I would like to extend a big "thank you" for the time and effort the Lake Ecology Club puts into checking and cleaning the bluebird boxes. This makes the naturalist's job a little easier.
Our Fine Furnishing Committee has planned to put some finishing touches on Bart's Bedroom this year. They want to make it looked more "lived in". This committee is also helping the QHV A fund the painting of the downstairs hallway in the manor. This will brighten up the manor substantially because it hasn't been done for many years.
What We Want To Do: Our big project for the year is the picnic shelter that will be put down at Shady Lane. I hope to see some construction starting on this soon. The shelter will make a nice addition to the playground and pond area.
Our next big event will be the Craft and Herb Fair, which is held on the first Saturday and Sunday in May. Come help us out and then take some time to check out all the different booths set up by the various vendors. Some of these items make great gifts for the holidays that soon follow. We have a great group of people coming in again this year. Call the park office for more information on the Craft and Herb Fair.
I hope to see many of you at our events or programs this year. Keep in touch with nature by taking one of our walks or hikes. Quail Hollow is a pleasant place to visit and a great place to volunteer!
President: Diane Steimel - (330)877-6652
Virginia Gamble
Todd Cartner
Dennis Kohler
Scott Karlo
Rich Keslar
Linda Knipfer |
