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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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GREAT NEWS FOR THE PARK DISTRICT and our community!!
We have had 6 people answer our postcard campaign for help! These individuals have decided to step up and run for the open seats on the Board of Commissioners at the April 6, 2021 Consolidated election. We cannot express our appreciation to these 6 individuals for answering our need for commissioners, and being willing to devote their time to serve the community as a member of the Board. Check our next newsletter for more information!
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Thank you Steve !!!
Steve Carlson began helping Grandwood Park in the 1990s when he was Sargent-at-Arms for the Grandwood Park Civic Association (GPCA). The GPCA board evolved quickly as members moved on, and within a few months Steve was President. His love of history, politics and the community came together, and GPCA invited politicians for debates and forums bringing focus to the neighborhood. You could see Steve at most community events, talking to friends, sharing stories and having a beverage.
It was when he was waiting in line for liquor permits for a GPCA summerfest with our then County Board Commissioner, Al Westerman, that they discussed the county and the responsibilities of the County Board. As Grandwood Park is an unincorporated community, it relies on the county for many services, like the sheriff's department, planning, building and zoning, utilities, the health department and permits. In January 2002, Al called Steve to say he was moving, and asked if he was interested in running for his seat.
Steve was elected as the commissioner for County Board District 7 in 2002. A friend, and the state representative for Grandwood Park, Sandy Cole, called Steve to ask what he could do in his district with some capital project money; and how much he would need. Steve knew the community center needed upgrades so he called Al Oller, President of Grandwood Park Park District (GPPD). As a result, a large grant ($400,000) was given to GPPD to help upgrade and renovate the community center.
Over the next 18 years, Steve worked for Grandwood Park and his district to bring focus to the needs of the community. He helped GPPD obtain a long-term lease for the community center parking lot, which was expanded to include Tower park, and Unity Park. Working with the county he was able to get Hidden Park opened to Tower Park and a new adjoining Mill Creek forest preserve just to the north. He brought the new water tower to ensure sufficient water storage capacity, and Lake Michigan water to us at a time when drought threatened to completely dry up the wells.
When Grandwood Lake dam was found to be a danger to the community, Steve helped with the dam rehabilitation project in Lake Park. A five year long project culminating in a grant from Lake County that saved taxpayers millions in potential costs, while enabling GPPD to have a fully permitted, functional and insured dam.
Steve has always been enthusiastic when it comes to neighborhood projects. He’s encouraged involvement in “Save the Lake” days, the Ash Hole project (removing dead ash trees) and the replanting of trees to replace the dead ash trees in Grandwood Park parks. When needed, Steve got involved in problem solving issues with the county for any of his constituents (including lots of permits).
When our pandemic days are over and we are out again enjoying Grandwood Park and our neighbors, we hope to see Steve Carlson enjoying a beverage at one the Grandwood Park neighborhood events.
Thank you, Steve Carlson, for your years of service to Grandwood Park as our
Lake County Board Representative!
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New Appointee to the Park District Board of Commissioners
The Park District welcomes John Kraft to the Board! John is a long-time resident of Grandwood Park and was appointed to the Board of Commissioners at the December 2020 meeting to fill the last vacant seat. John will serve through the end of April.
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Changes coming to the Grandwood Park Civic Association
The GPCA will now hold their meetings on the first Tuesday of each month starting with January 5, 2021 at 7:00 pm.
Along with the new dates and times, comes the changing of the guard. Current President, Meghan Dawson, and current Secretary, Amanda Stautz, have decided to turn over the reins. Their dedication to this board was so appreciated.
The position of President will now be held by Darleen Gano. The position of secretary will be held by Dianna Burns. Vice President Cory Smith, Sargent of Arms Christopher Gano, and Treasurer Summer Gerber will remain in their positions.
We would like to thank Meghan Dawson for her incredible service while on the GPCA board. Meghan served two years as the Vice President and then two years as the President. Her leadership will be missed.
We would also like to thank Amanda Stautz for her service as secretary, where she held the position for 2 years. Great job Amanda!
We would like to introduce our new Secretary, Dianna Burns. Dianna has been a Grandwood Park resident for 10 years. Dianna is married with 3 kids, and works at the Oak Crest School as the elementary art teacher. Dianna enjoys gardening and cooking with her family. Dianna will be a great addition to the new board. Welcome Dianna!
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Holiday Lights Decorating
CONTEST
The participation this year in the Holiday Lights Contest was outstanding! It took us almost 2 hours to make our way through the neighborhood to view all the spectacular twinkling lights. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!
Thank you to everyone who participated this year and we hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday! We look forward to seeing you all in 2021!
Grandwood Park Civic Association
1st Place
Klemperer family
18674 Westwood
2nd Place
Baque family
36440 Edgewood
3rd Place
Fletter family
36273 Yew Tree
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SANTA's VISIT
Ho Ho Ho - was the sound of Santa spreading Christmas cheer on December 20th. Santa was able to stop and talk to all the children (big and small) that came out to see him. Sounds like there might be a lot of lego sets and L.O.L. dolls being delivered in Grandwood Park and The Shires this year!
This year Santa went live on Grandwood Park Civic Association’s Facebook page. He had quite the following with several shout outs! We hope this helped you track Santa on his ride.
Santa wants to remind all the residents to follow the Grandwood Park Park District and the Grandwood Park Civic Association on their Facebook pages.
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Let It Snow
Let It Snow
Let It Snow !
Please do not park on the street during the winter, it makes it difficult for the Warren Township Highway Dept. to do their job keeping our streets clear of snow, and safe
for everyone! Thank you.
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