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2007 and 2008 Activities of the FCDA
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Officers of the French Creek Development Association:
President Dorrie Bommer
Vice President Paul Burik
Secretary Fran Burik
Treasurer John Eldred
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NEWS ARTICLE from The Press, 3-26-08, By Rebecca Turman
Plans for plaza and memorial near station are put on hold
``AVON -- The Avon Planning Commission put plans on hold for a city campus sign and plaza to be built on property to the east of the new Avon Police Station.
During the March 19 [2008] meeting, Paul Burik, the city architect, represented the French Creek Development Association in requesting approval of the site plans for a park plaza with a walkway, benches, memorial stone and a sign box on masonry pillars to be located on city property east of the new police station at 36145 Detroit Road. Along with a land development request for the plaza, Burik requested a special use permit from the commission.
"As you may know, our group is dedicated to making the French Creek District or downtown area more people friendly," Burik said to the commission. "We were looking to create one of these mini parks. We thought there was an opportunity to do so."
The association felt that the land to the east of the police station would be ideal for a mini park since it is at the center of the city and "especially since there is a water retention pond that offers nice views," Burik said.
Burik went on to say that the French Creek Development Association members thought it would also be a good idea to place a sign in the center of the city to advertise citywide events. The sign would be 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall with interchangeable letters, Burik said. "It's not a rolling or scrolling sign," he said. "It's like the sign by the Village School."
According to the plans, the sign would be lined up with the entrance/ exit to the French Creek Square. "This would be set back, and the thought is that while people stop at the light, they will have the opportunity to read this (sign)," Burik said.
Avon Safety Director Bob Allen had issues with the location of the sign. "When you are sitting there at the light, waiting and reading the sign, that's driver inattention," Allen said. "I'm not against your sign or anything. I'm just concerned with the safety."
Burik explained how funding for the mini park would work. "The French Creek Development Association would fund all of this in two phases," Burik said, adding that it would cost around $2,000 to complete. "We aren't asking the city to pay for this."
Avon Mayor Jim Smith asked Burik to collaborate with the Avon Police Department before the commission voted on the plans. "We should work with the chief and come up with something that everyone will accept," Smith said. "I think they do have some ideas of memorializing some things out front."
The commission treated the land development and special use permit requests as first readings and will vote on the items after the association has collaborated with the police department.''
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2006 Christmas Candlelite Walk
Friday, Dec. 1, 6 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 am - 10 pm
Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 am - 5 pm
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas where the participating shops are gaily decorated with roping of holly, red and green flickering candles and pine boughs and the interiors emit the aromas and feel of years gone by. Many shops will feature "Candy Cane Specials" or offer seasonal refreshments in the French Creek District, along Ohio 254, Ohio 611, Stoney Ridge Road and north on Ohio 83, and east of 83 just past Avon Commons. Historic buildings in the district will house antiques, crafts, gift boutiques and galleries.
Free parking available in the municipal lot behind the Police Station.
SCHEDULED EVENTS
Friday, Dec. 1: Santa will be stopping by local shops where there will be snacks, discounts, and free gifts.
Saturday, Dec. 2: Come early and enjoy special activities at each of Santa's stops.
Santa will travel by horse-drawn wagon and make the following stops:
4:30 - 5 pm -- Olde Avon Village, 36840 Detroit Road
5 pm -- Avon Plaza, 36951 Detroit Road
5:30 pm -- COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING at the Gazebo at Heritage Square, southwest corner of Detroit Road and Stoney Ridge Road. (glowsticks to the first 150 children). Welcome Santa; see the tree lighting ceremony; and listen to the Avon High School Choir sing carols.
6 pm -- VISIT WITH SANTA AT THE OLD TOWN HALL OF 1871, southeast corner of Detroit Road and Stoney Ridge Road, and get a gift from Santa; free hot chocalate.
Sunday, Dec. 3: Santa will be stopping by local shops where there will be snacks, discounts and free gifts.
Sponsored by the French Creek Development Association, Avon French Creek Merchants, Avon Lions Club, and Avon Historical Society.
Additional weekend activities
Saturday 9 to 3 Christmas in the Barn -- Avon United Methodist Church - 33771 Detroit Road -- CRAFTS - BAKED GOODS - HOT LUNCH
Sunday 9 to 1 PANCAKE BREAKFAST -- Avon High School, 37545 Detroit Road, (sponsored by Avon Band Boosters)
Sunday 11 to 1 PHOTO OP WITH SANTA at the Vintage House Cafe, 35800 Detroit Road (440-937-5830) -- Santa and Mrs. Claus will be accepting wish lists and taking photos (with immediate printing of the picture). There will also be cookie decorating for the kids. (Friday perch fry and Saturday night prime rib.)
For more information, call 440-934-6119, 440-937-5830, or 440-937-5204, or visit www.frenchcreekdistrict.org
Where to buy "Images of America: Avon"
Author(s): Michelle Budzinski-Braunscheidel, The French Creek Development Association (FCDA), The Avon Historical Society
ISBN: 0738533181, Price: $19.99
# of Pages: 128, Publisher: Arcadia Publishing, Publication Date: 03/15/2006
Book Description: In 1814, Wilbur Cahoon led a group of pioneers to the French Creek, near Lake Erie. They decided to settle at this spot, as the creek could provide them with fresh water and power their sawmills and gristmills. Other businesses began to develop, and a town was born. At first called Xeuma, and later Troy, the town blossomed into an agricultural center.
In 1824, Lorain County was created, and the town's name was changed to Avon. Prosperous citizens of the 1850s and 1860s built beautiful homes and buildings. In later years, Avon survived the creation and demise of the trolley and interurban line, the closure of the wineries during prohibition, the draining effects of the Great Depression, and the loss of life in the World Wars.
Today, Avon remains strong and continues to grow. Many of her century-old homes still stand in the midst of new developments, as a reminder of Avonites' ongoing tradition of hard work and perseverance, which has made Avon the great place to live that it is today.
Author Bio: The French Creek Development Association (FCDA) and the Avon Historical Society have made this book possible. They continue to assist in future development, while preserving the past. Michelle Budzinski-Braunscheidel, a member and past board officer of the FCDA, spearheaded this publication.
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2006 Christmas Candlelite Walk
NEW ARTICLE from The Press, 11-30-05, By Julie A. Short
``Holiday season kicks off with Candlelite walk
AVON -- It's the most wonderful time of the year in Avon as the city readies for the annual Candlelite Walk scheduled for this weekend (Dec. 2 - 4, 2005).
The highlight of the weekend is the arrival of Santa on Dec. 3 by a horsedrawn sleigh down Detroit Road to the gazebo at the corner of SR 611 and Detroit Road. A tree lighting ceremony will take place with music provided by the Avon High School choir. After the ceremony, guests are encouraged to make their way across the street to visit with Santa at the Old Town Hall. The tree lighting is collaborative effort with the French Creek Development Association (FCDA), the Avon Lions Club and the Avon Historical Society.
"Since 1999, we've been lighting the tree and had Santa come to the Old Town Hall," (FCDA) President Carol Hartwig said. "The parks department will be putting up the lights and the Avon Garden Club decorates the gazebo. This is truly a community effort for the whole community to enjoy. Goodie bags will be available for the kids as they visit with Santa."
The (FCDA) was organized in 1993 as a not - for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the city of Avon's downtown district. As such, the association strives towards two specific goals: First, the assurance that Avon's heritage be maintained in an attempt to establish ties between past, current and future generations of residents; Second, that aesthetics and heritage should play a vital role in the future development of the French Creek District.
The French Creek Development Association is dedicated to the beautification of Avon through carefully designed and planned projects. The intent of such projects is to raise community awareness of Avon's past while fostering a sense of responsibility for Avon's future. If you've driven through Avon and seen the red "Heart of Avon" banners throughout the French Creek area or the Centennial Plaza with clock in the front of the Avon Police Department (formerly Avon City Hall), then you've seen the commitment of the French Creek Development Association.
Other activities of the FCDA include an annual barbecue rib and chicken dinner; coordinating the Downtown Ohio/Mainstreet effort; and participating in Avon's city - wide Aunt Teak and Uncle Junque Yard Sale. Last year the FCDA unveiled the monument designating Avon's Little League Park.
"We are always looking for new members" Hartwig said. "Currently we have approximately 15 active members. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm at the Avon Lion's Community Center (Northgate Park)."
The French Creek Association, a different organization entirely, is made up the businesses in the area. The association sponsors the Candlelite Walk. Hours are Dec. 2 from 6 - 9 pm, Dec. 3 from 10 am - 10 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 11 am - 5 pm Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas in the historic buildings. There will be caroling, craft shows, door prizes, elves, Santa and Father Christmas. Call 934 - 6119 or 937-5204 (evenings) for more information or visit www.frenchcreekdistrict.org.
Free parking available in the municipal lot behind the police station. (please observe all no parking signs)
Scheduled Events:
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005, 9 am - 4 pm
CHRISTMAS IN THE BARN
Avon United Methodist Church 33771 Detroit Rd.
CRAFTS - BAKED GOODS - HOT LUNCH
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10 am - noon
DONUT BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Avon Village School
33660 Detroit Rd.
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6 pm
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING at the Gazebo at Heritage Square
(glowsticks to the first 150 children)
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VISIT WITH SANTA AT THE OLD TOWN HALL
(activities sponsored by the Avon Lions Club and the Avon Historical Society)
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Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, 9 am - 1 pm
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Avon High School 37545 Detroit.
Entertainment by Avon's Jazz Bands (sponsored by Avon Band Boosters)''
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PRESS RELEASE, 11-30-05
Contact: Lois Shinko 440-937-5204
2005 FRENCH CREEK CANDLELITE WALK IN AVON, OHIO
The Christmas season begins in full force with the 26th annual Candlelite Walk in the French Creek District of Avon, Ohio. The three-day even will be held on
The historic district is located along Detroit Rd. (Rt. 254) and Stoney Ridge (Rt. 611), one mile south of I-90, and north on Rt. 83 to the railroad tracks.
Once a popular stagecoach stop between Cleveland and Lorain, the French Creek District now includes many turn-of-the-century buildings, some of which have been restored and transformed into antique, handicraft, and gift shops. Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas where the participating shops are gaily decorated with roping of holly, red and green, flickering candles and pine boughs and the interiors emit the aromas and feel of years gone by.
Parking is available in the municipal lot behind the police station and to the west of Countryside Antiques.
Visitors are sure to find many unique and unusual gift giving and decorating ideas as they browse through each shop. Santa Claus and Mr. Scrooge are sure to stop by on Saturday and Sunday.
Stop in at the Christmas in the Barn Craft Bazaar at Avon United Methodist Church, 37711 Detroit Rd., on Saturday from 9am, 4pm. Handcrafted boutique items and home baked goodies will be on sale. Hungry? Hot soup and home cooked food will be available there.
Still hungry? Pancake breakfast will be served by Avon Band Boosters on Sunday Dec. 4 from 9am to 1pm at Avon High School located at 37545 Detroit Rd. Music by the Avon jazz bands will entertain you.
Shopkeepers will feature CANDY CANE SPECIALS, door prizes, refreshments, and other activities to put shoppers in a holiday mood. At dusk the lamplighter will light the luminaries to brighten the paths and walkways, helping to make this Christmas Candlelite Walk a very special one.
Shoppers will be able to "Win a Window" of treasures from the participating shops. Gifts are displayed at the First Federal Savings and Loan of Lorain, 36690 Detroit Rd. No purchase necessary, entry forms can be picked up at the participating shops.
Join in the Christmas caroling and the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree on Sat., Dec. 3 at 6 pm at the Heritage Square Gazebo on the corner of Rt. 254 and Rt. 611. Glowsticks will be given out to the first 150 children.
After the lighting, visitors will walk to the Old Town Hall of 1871 to await Santa's arrival. Goody bags and hot chocolate will be provided by the Avon Lions Club and the Avon Historical Society.
For additional information on the French Creek District, visit www.frenchcreekdistrict.org.
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The annual Avon Christmas Candlelight Walk, sponsored by the French Creek Association, was be held Friday, December 3, 2004, from 6 pm to 10 pm, December 4 from 10 am to 10 pm, and December 5 from 11 am to 5 pm in the French Creek District.
Enjoy an old-fashioned country Christmas in the historic buildings housing antique, craft, and gift boutiques in the District. There was be caroling, craft shows, and door prizes. Call 934-6119 or 937-5204 (evenings) for more information, or visit http://www.frenchcreekdistrict.org
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On Saturday, December 4, 2004, at 5:00 pm, the French Creek Development Association dedicated a monument marking the entrance to Avon's Little League Park which is next to the Avon Police Station. The monument features a brick column topped by a 600 pound, 24 inch diameter concrete ball. The structure is fitted with a plaque that reads "Little League Park".
The French Creek Development Association selected the project because it enhances the French Creek District and identifies the newly improved municipal park, which includes baseball fields as well as a new skateboarding facility. For more information, contact Carol Hartwig at 440-934-2207 or visit http://www.avonhistory.org/org/fcda.htm
The Tree Lighting Ceremony has become a traditional start of the holiday season in Avon. The event was be held on Saturday, December 4th, 2004 at 6:00PM at the Gazebo at Heritage Square - the corner of Detroit Road and State Route 611
Once again, Santa Claus arrived by a horse drawn "sleigh" to illuminate the lights of the City Christmas Tree. The Avon High School Choir sang holiday carols before the ceremony. The Avon Lions, the French Creek Development Association, and the Avon Historical Society helped Santa present children with small gifts at the Old Town Hall of 1871, corner of Detroit and Stoney Ridge, at 6:30 pm, across from the Gazebo.
Start the day on Saturday, December 4, with Santa at a Donut Breakfast, 10 am - 12 noon, at Avon's Village School, located at 36600 Detroit Road.
French Creek Fiber Arts at Olde Avon Village had weaving demonstrations and dulcimer music by Peggy Strang.
Stop in at the Christmas in the Barn Craft Bazaar at the Avon United Methodist Church, 37711 Detroit Rd, on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Handcrafted Boutique items, home baked goodies, hot soup, and home cooked food was available.
Still hungry? Pancake breakfast was served by the Avon Band Boosters on Sunday, December 5, fron 9 am to 1 pm at the Avon High School, 37545 Detroit Road.
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Rib Cook-Out 2004 was a sell out. FCDA raised monies for new sign to be installed at the new Little Leaque Park behind the Police Station.
The sign will be on Detroit Road featuring 24" concrete sphere representing the base ball.
Thanks to all those who came and supported the ongoing effort to improve the downtown area know as the French Creek District.
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Cat's Meow of the Old Town Hall of 1871 is now on sale at:
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"The land was purchased by Avon Township from Clemons Alten for $400. Bates and Dunning built the Town Hall in 1871 for $800. Next owned by the Village of Avon (incorporated in 1917), and now by the City of Avon (1961), it housed the Avon Public Library starting in 1958. It became the home of the Avon Historical Society in 1977." |
Tree House Gallery and Tea Room
36840 Detroit Rd.
Avon, OH 44011
440-934-1636.
Piazza Floral Greenhouse
35638 Detroit Rd.
Avon, OH 44011
440-937-6888.
Pickering Hill Farms
35699 Detroit Rd.
Avon, OH 44011
440-937-5155.
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Gazebo at Heritage Square at French Creek, Avon, Ohio: This park was built by the French Creek Development Association and the City of Avon to serve the Avon community. Dedicated in 1991 |
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As Ohio celebrated it's bicentennial in 2003, many communities organized special events. The Eagle, the Avon School mascot, become the focal point of Avon's celebration.
The French Creek Development Association (FCDA) arranged for over 40 cast stone Eagles to be provided to the art classes of all the schools in Avon, grades three and up.
See more 2003 activities of the FCDA
In 2004, Avon art classes are creating duct tape masterpieces, such as the invertebrate animals on display at the Heritage School on Detroit Road, as part of the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival to be held June 18 - 20, 2004, at the Veterans Memorial Park on Detroit Road.
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