The purpose of the foundation is “Promoting the Quality of Life in the City of Fairlawn,” a most worthy and admirable goal. The FCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit so all donations are tax deductible. Because of the support of individuals and businesses like yours, the Foundation has been able to provide the community with a Fourth of July parade and fireworks display for the past four consecutive years. The Foundation will continue to work on other projects that will improve the quality of life in the community.
Glacier’s Edge at Fairlawn Park
Although difficult to imagine, portions of Ohio have been buried under ice and snow. Fairlawn and most of Summit County is on the edge of the Wisconsinan (14,000 to 24,000 years old), Illinoian (130,000 to 300,000 years old) and Pre-Illinoian (older than 300,000 years) glacier deposits. In fact, there are large deposits of sand, gravel and till – called Eskers and Kames – that provide the undulating hillsides of Sand Run Metroparks. These deposits are left by retreating glaciers.
Glacier’s Edge at Fairlawn Park pays homage to this wonderful, local, geological history.
Phase 1
INCLUDES:
• Oxbow Wetland Overlook
• Short Gravel Trail
• Art Inclusion
• Benches, Landscaping and Educational Signs
Phase 2
INCLUDES:
• Four Season Reservable Shelter with Plaza
• Nature Play
• Reforestation
Phase 3
INCLUDES:
• Community Garden Cottage & Fences
• Restroom/Concession Stand
• Connector Trail to Brunsdorph Bridge
Board of Directors
Joe Dazey
President
Joe Dazey is originally from Uniontown, Ohio. He has been a Fairlawn resident since 2015. Joe has an Associates degree in bank management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Education from the University of Akron. Joe has worked for FirstMerit, Northwestern Mutual Life and Joe joined XXI Financial in 2008 where he works with current clients and helps with developing new representatives.
Edward Holland
Vice-President
Edward Holland attended Walsh Jesuit High School (WJHS), and holds a BS Business in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He is the President of Capital Business Resources, Inc. of Akron. Other community involvement include; Treasurer of Notre Dame Club of Akron, WJHS Finance Committee and a member of the Fairlawn Country Club. He is married and has three children.
Barbara Potts
Treasurer
Barbara Potts has been a Fairlawn resident for over thirty-three years and Ward 2 Council person for the City of Fairlawn since 2004. She is one of the founding members of the Foundation and current treasurer. Barbara graduated from Kansas State University, taught at Delta College in Michigan and was bookkeeper in her husband’s business for seventeen years. She has four adult children and eight grandchildren.
Gary L. Himmel
Board Member
Gary L. Himmel, Esq. has been President of the Fairlawn Community Foundation for 5 years. He is married to Ilona. They have 3 adult sons, Paul, Steven and Keith. Mr. Himmel has an active law practice in Ohio and has also appeared in cases around the country for various clients during his 35 years of practice.
Thomas Luck
Board Member
Tom is the owner of four Lucky Shoes stores, two Stride Rite booteries, nine New Balance stores and one SAS comfort shoes concept store. Tom belongs to the Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce, is involved with the American Heart Association where he founded the Heart Walk of Akron, and active with Stewarts Caring Place, a local organization for support of cancer patients and their caregivers.
Judy Gerdes
Board Member
Judy Gerdes has been an area realtor for thirty-four years. She is an adjunct professor at Hondros College. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer from Venezuela. Her other civil involvements include; Master Gardner, WITAN, Fairlawn Park and Recreation Board member and Acting Director of the Akron Zoo. Judy is married to Charles Gerdes. They have three children and seven grandchildren.
Accomplishments
Over the past six years, since its inception, the Fairlawn Community Foundation has been able to achieve the following accomplishments with the help from your generous donations:
- Fireworks/Parade Sponsored for the past 6 years
- Gasp (Guardians Advocating Child Safety And Protection) Grant – (2014 – 2018)
- Fairlawn City Garden Club Grant – Beautification Program (2014 – 2018)
- Lacrosse Goals Purchased For The City Of Fairlawn Parks And Recreation Department (2013)
- Sign For Soap Box Derby Participant (2013)
- Boy Scout Troop #380 Normandy Trip Grant (2014)
- Logo Scholarship (2014)
- War of 1812 meals for re-enactors (2014)
We couldn’t have done this without the support of generous donors. In order for the FCF to continue to make a difference in the community, please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
Sponsors
Contact Us
Fairlawn Community Foundation
P.O. Box 5304
Fairlawn, OH 44334
p: (330) 668-9500
f: (330) 668-9501
