Garrettsville – What happens when a community comes together? Great things!
On December 12th, the Village of Garrettsville received a gazebo that was donated by the Garrettsville Family YMCA in partnership with the Cleveland YMCA.
What started as a discussion, six months later became reality. In May of 2018, the Euclid Family YMCA closed its doors forever due to financial difficulties. The branch had full amenities and the Garrettsville branch had the opportunity to go to Euclid to pick up a Dip Rack for our weight room. While we were there we realized that there were many items available that could be utilized either at the branch or in our community
On our initial visit we were able to bring back mops, buckets, trash cans, light fixtures, benches, filing cabinets, tables, office chairs, sports equipment and so much more to help cut expenses and add to existing programs to help our branch grow. While there, we inquired about the gazebo, the playground equipment, and picnic tables. We were asked to submit a proposal to Cleveland YMCA’s Association office for permission.
They were excited to have us take whatever we wanted.
In 2016, General Electric had donated a substantial amount of money for improvements to the Euclid branch, including items we asked about. The Association felt if we could put them to good use we could have them. The catch — we had to transport everything ourselves.
The Garrettsville Family YMCA submitted a proposal the Garrettsville Village Council offering the equipment and was approved for the playground equipment and picnic tables. The gazebo was wanted, however, transportation was an issue. All of the other items were retrieved with council’s help; we couldn’t give up on the gazebo!
Months went past, we still discussed the gazebo with our staff and members trying to figure out how to get this to the little ole’ town of Garrettsville. Then the Christmas Miracle happened! A member and a staff member were talking (Yes- 2 women!) and she asked her husband about the move and with his company and staff, he said yes!
So, on 24 hours’ notice, it was time to get the ball rolling! Emails and phone calls to village council, the mayor, the police department — and more people then I probably know about — to discuss final placement, blocking the lot, and making sure the road was clear, flew about
The gazebo was delivered and placed. We are discussing landscape options for the spring to help bring this project full circle. Wink, wink — many volunteers will be needed to accomplish this
A huge thank you to Shippers Highway Express- Jess, Angelo, Jeff, and Vinnie. You guys were professional, safety conscious, and definitely entertaining! The YMCA can’t thank you enough.
A special Thank you to Teresa Camera! Just think, if us two women hadn’t talked it never would have happened! Bottom line — let the women talk
Happy Holidays!
