Hello, neighbors! As March rolls in, bringing Ohio’s classic up-and-down weather—chilly one day, teasing us with the hope of spring warmth the next—we are excited to share the latest from your Board of Trustees and some bright spots for our township.

We’re putting the final touches on the 2025 operating budget, focusing on projects that keep our community thriving. This year, expect a strong road resurfacing effort to ensure safe travels, the purchase of a new ambulance to bolster our emergency services, and desperately needed repairs in Concord Hills Park to preserve its charm for all to enjoy. These priorities underscore our commitment to a township that works for everyone.

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up to craft a new comprehensive plan. Our current plan, established in 2004 and refreshed in 2015, is due for an update. This will be our roadmap for the next 10 years, and we’ll be reaching out for your ideas to shape a future that reflects our collective goals.

With the 2025 budget on solid ground, we’re returning to the fire station project, and the challenge of building Fire Station 2 without raising taxes. Our 2020 strategy funded the construction of station 2 using JEDD funds and no additional debt. Unfortunately, post-pandemic inflation compromised that strategy as we stretched township resources thin safeguarding the township operations. This year, we’re exploring smart alternatives to responsibly complete this project as we promised Concord Township in 2025.

On a celebratory note, let’s give a big congratulations to University Hospitals for their $39 million investment in a new regional cancer hub at UH TriPoint Medical Center. Opening in fall 2026, this cutting-edge facility will transform cancer care for Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula County residents. Located at the UH TriPoint Physician Pavilion, it will offer expanded medical and radiation oncology, infusion services, and clinical trials once exclusive to downtown Cleveland, plus access to top specialists—all under one roof. As UH’s Robyn Strosaker, MD, emphasized, this hub ensures “the highest standard of cancer care close to home,” sparing patients long trips. It’s another milestone for TriPoint, which also launched maternity and Level 2 special care nursery services in September 2024, reinforcing its role as a healthcare cornerstone in our region.

Here’s to a March of momentum and a bright outlook for our township!

Sean Supler, Recreation Director, 440-639-4652

Susie Cobb, Administrative Assistant, 440-639-4650

Rachel Lamb, Program Coordinator, 440-639-4651

INDOOR GARAGE SALE

Stop by the Community Center to check out tables from over 20 vendors! To become a seller, call the Recreation Department to inquire about becoming a vendor. Registration for tables open for Concord Residents on Saturday, February 1, or Non-Residents can register on Monday, February 17, after 9:00 a.m. $15/table

F             11:00 A-3:00 P                  4/11                      Free Admission

Sa          9:00 A- 1:00 P                   4/12

PHOTO CONTEST

Enter your masterpiece in our annual Photo Contest! Categories include Nature (animals, birds, flowers), Places (homes, historical sites, landmarks), People, Black and White, and Unique Concord Scenes. Visit concordtwp.com under Register for Activities for the entry form and vote online once that opens. Questions? Contact the Recreation Department at 440-639-4650.

W                         4/2                       Photo Submission Deadline

T-Su                     4/15-4/27         Online Voting

M                          4/28                    Winner Announced After 4/28

COFFEE WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR Enjoy coffee and pastries while chatting with Town Administrator Andy Rose about current Concord Township news and updates!  the Concord Community Center.

3^rd Thursday of every Month from 9:00-10:30 A

FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY GROUP

This FREE small group Bible study class meets on a weekly basis and welcomes all who are looking to study God’s word with others, read and discuss Scripture, grow in their faith, and be provided with the opportunity and space to have conversation and create fellowship/community.

M          7:00-8:30 P        4/7-5/12             Free

GENTLE YOGA, MORNINGS

Gentle yoga is hatha yoga performed at a slower pace, with less intense positions, and includes extended time for yogic breath work and relaxation. This class is all sitting and reclined poses, no standing. Great for all levels. Bring your mat and wear comfortable clothes. Instructor: Melissa Hopper

T             9:00-10:15 A     3/4-4/29        Winter 2             $75 R/$80 NR (8-week sessions)

Th 9:00-10:15 A 3/6-5/1 Winter 2 $75 R/$80 NR (8-week sessions)

GENTLE YOGA, EVENINGS

This class will teach the basic principles of yoga – breathwork, physical postures focused on stretching, balance and strength, and meditation. Yoga helps improve physical fitness and decreases stress and anxiety. Open to all fitness levels, Beginners welcome. Bring a yoga mat and water.  Instructor: Colleen Stone

M 5:30-6:30 P 3/10-5/5 (No 4/28)   Spring 1        $65 R/$70 NR (8-week sessions)

5/12-6/23 (No 5/26) Spring 1       $50 R/$55 NR (6-week session)

PILATES-YOGA FUSION

Pilates-Yoga Fusion: this fitness system combines the practices of Pilates and Yoga, designed to build strength in the core and improve flexibility & balance. This class is low-impact and no experience is required. Please bring a yoga mat and water. Instructor: Colleen Stone

W  5:30-6:30 P 3/12-4/30   Spring 1 $65 R/$70 NR (8-week sessions)

  5/14-7/9 (No 7/2) Spring 2     

MEDICARE

If you are approaching age 65, this class will introduce you to Medicare and help navigate through terms and deadlines.

W           6:00-7:00 P     4/2        FREE

STAINED GLASS CLASSES

Stained Glass - Stained Glass Butterfly ​or Dragonfly Adults 16+

Invite a beautiful butterfly or dragonfly into your home with stained glass art. Learn how to make a butterfly or dragonfly sun catcher to grace your sunny window. The instructor brings tools, glass, and her knowledge, and you bring yourself and your creativity. Learn how to cut glass and assemble a butterfly with the glass colors you select. No experience is necessary; the instructor will provide all tools and safety equipment for you to use in class. Be sure to dress comfortably, no sandals or open toed shoes. Not recommended for pregnant women due to the chemicals used. Class is limited to six participants. Instructor: Vicki Vessel

W          2:30-5:00 P        3/19-4/16    Ages 16+ $85 plus $20 material fee paid to instructor

CREAMY TOMATO CHICKPEAS A creamy and flavorful tomato sauce plus protein- rich chickpeas and delicious bit of sundried tomatoes makes this an irresistible dish.

Th      6:00-8:00 P    3/27       $27/person     Min/Max: 4/8

CANVAS PAINTING

Painters will follow step-by-step instructions from leading artist, Amber from Ariel Inspired Art Studio & Gallery. Painters are encouraged to express their inner creativity while learning different painting techniques. Painters will create a bright, vibrant, unique work of art on an 8x10" canvas. Paintings dry quickly and will be able to take home at the end of class. *Aprons are provided, but please keep in mind that paint will stain clothing. Dress for mess is recommended.   $20/person

T        6:30-7:30 P  3/4                        Pink Tropical Sunset 

T        6:30-7:30 P  5/6                        Beach Sea Turtles

ROOKIE SPORTS CLUB PROGRAMS

SOCCER (Ages 3-5)

Rookie Sports Club leads an age-appropriate program that utilizes fun games and activities to teach the fundamentals to beginning soccer players. Coaches focus on teaching the basics of dribbling, passing, scoring, and the concept of gameplay. Proper sportsmanship is emphasized in a positive and encouraging atmosphere, enabling children to enjoy learning soccer while also having fun and being physically active. Each week will include developmentally appropriate instruction and recreational, non-competitive gameplay.  parents of 4 year olds can choose if it's more appropriate for their child to play with younger or older children.

Min:12/Max 24: Riverside Maintenance Building

W          5:30-6:15 P        4/16-5/14           3-4 yrs.                $70 R/$75 NR    

              6:30-7:15 P        4/16-5/14           4-5 yrs.                $70 R/$75 NR

KIDS DANCE CLASSES (New TIME!)

Move and Groove (2-4 yrs.)       5:00-5:30 P

This class is designed to get your child active and comfortable in group settings. Interactive movements and fun props will be incorporated. 

Princess Ballet (3-5 yrs.)              5:30-6:00 P

Ballet basics: Learn fun dances to kid-friendly songs from your favorite Disney movies. This class works on balance and starts to incorporate beginner ballet movements.

Hip Hop & Cheer (4-6 yrs.)          6:00-6:30 P

Learn a hip-hop routine to upbeat, kid-friendly music, as well as fun cheers, jumps, and motions.

$47/session

Th   3/20-4/10                           Spring 1               

4/24-5/15                           Spring 2                        

THRIVE

The THRIVE program was designed by an occupational therapist to provide children with the opportunity to learn through play. A play-based class that offers opportunities for physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children can explore, foster their creativity, and tap into their imagination. It offers a safe environment to strengthen executive functioning skills, positive behaviors, and self-regulation. $45/person

T             5:30-6:15 P 3/4-3/25                            Spring 1              

4/1-4/22                            Spring 2

4/29-5/20                           Spring 3

KIDS ACTING

Acting for kids ages 7-17. This exciting program is the perfect introduction to television and film for kids and teens interested in acting for those curious, for fun, or career building. Kids get to do commercials and scenes from their favorite TV shows and movies. Through performance, we work on technique, improve audition skills, build confidence beyond performance, and just have fun!!! You are in good hands with experienced producer/casting director Julie Matthews (see "producers" at marqueeshowcase.com). This 6-week session concludes with a live performance showcase for friends and family on October 29 at 6:00 P Class maximum 30. 

M-F     10:00-2:00 P             7/7-7/25                    Age 7-17         $480/child

TENNIS

All lessons taught by Teaching Pro & Head Coach of Mayfield High School and Mentor High School, Joe Morgan. Your child should wear tennis shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. Please also bring a water bottle for class.

Summer 1

Quick Start Tennis Tots, 5-6 yrs., 3:00-4:00 P

This program is designed for all players interested in learning the great game of tennis using age-appropriate equipment. The practice sessions for this age group utilize a 36’ court and play with 19”, 21”, and 23” racquets and foam balls. The structure for this program consists of warmup activity, a physical skill, a review of physical skills, development of a new skill, and a team game or activity. This will allow for the players to have initial success and create greater enthusiasm for the game of tennis. Please bring a pee wee tennis racquet.

Level 2, 12-16 yrs., 4:00-5:00 P

This program is for both beginning and intermediate players within this age group. The emphasis will be on introducing modern tennis concepts through creative drills and active games. Continuation of proper stroke and footwork patterns will be em­phasized as well. Please bring your own 24-27” racquet.

T, W, Th          $80/student

6/17

6/18

6/19

6/24

6/25

6/26



*All tennis classes are held at Concord Hills Park

ADAPTED RECREATION

Activities are designed especially for individuals with physical, sensory, or developmental disabilities. People of all abilities are welcome to attend. Participants who are not capable of participating independently must be accompanied by a parent or caretaker!

KARAOKE

Come sing and dance with the DJ Steve at the Community Center

F      6:00-8:00P  3/7  $5/person                        

GETTING TO KNOW OUR PARKS 

Join us on our monthly walks to “Get to Know our Parks” series. We will meet the 2^nd Wednesday of the month at a park. Location of park will be emailed to you one week prior to the hike. Instructor: Colleen Royer Min: 5   Max: 15   Age Group: 5 & up

W     6:00-7:00P                 $5/person/month

4/9

5/14

6/11

7/9

8/13

9/10

10/8

MAKE AND TAKE BIRDFEEDERS

Its spring and the birds are hungry J Join us for a make and take Bird snack to take home and enjoy bird watching in your own back yard! Instructor: Colleen Royer  Min: 5   Max: 20   Age Group: 5 &up

Sa   10:00-11:00A     4/19      $5/person        *Community Center

ADAPTED FISHING AT GIRDLED ROAD RESERVATION, SOUTH SHELTER

(12926 Radcliffe Rd. Concord Twp). Learn fishing basics as we fish for bluegill & largemouth bass at scenic Girdled Road Reservation (12926 Radcliffe Rd.) Bring your own pole but we’ll have some to share if needed. Bait provided and meet at the picnic shelter.  Min/Max : 6/12

Sa   10:00-11:00 A           4/26        $5/person     

*Girdled Road Reservation, South



ADAPTIVE YOGA

Accessible and inclusive yoga for any mobility level. This program aims to empower every BODY to experience the benefits of yoga. The class will help you to bring the mind, body and breath together through movement. All levels are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle with you to class.

Min/Max: 5/20

Sa          10:00-11:00 A   5/31-6/21           $40                        Age: 15+             *Concord Community Center

2025 OLD STONE SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Free Open House

F  4:00-5:30 P        4/18       Stone School - Public Tours       

M  8:30-10:00 P      5/12       FULL MOON Stone School Open House             

M  3:30-5:00 P        5/26       Memorial Day Open House

Th 5:00-6:30 P        6/19       'Pre-Concert Series’ - Stone School Tours

Th 5:00-6:30 P        7/17       ‘Pre-Concert Series’ - Stone School Tours             

Th 5:00-6:30 P        7/31  'Pre-Concert Series-‘ - Stone School Tours  

Sa 4:00-6:00 P        8/9         Concord Community Day - Stone School Tours  

Su 4:00-5:30 P        9/7         Stone School - Public Tours     

M  12:00-2:00 P      10/13     Columbus Day - Open House

Tu 11:30-1:00 P      11/11      Veterans Day Tribute – Open House                      

Private tours by appointment are offered from May 1- November 1. Call 440-639-4650 to arrange.

If you have any questions about programs, please call the us at 440-639-4650. 

Heather Freeman, AICP, Planning & Zoning Director/Zoning Inspector

Mike Gerson, Assistant Zoning Inspector

The following zoning report summarizes the Concord Township Zoning board’s actions, permit activity, and Zoning Inspector activities for the year 2024.

• The Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals are made up of citizens appointed by the Board of Trustees, to review and make determinations or recommendations on planning and zoning matters assigned to them.

• The Zoning Inspector is charged with enforcing the zoning resolution in a fair and equitable manner.

• Board activity for 2024 was as follows:
• The Board of Zoning Appeals took action on 29 cases. There was one appeal, six conditional use permits, and 22 variance applications.
• The Zoning Commission took action on five (5) site plan review applications. The five projects included approvals for the following:
• Longwood Plaza
• Taco Bell
• Crossroads Health
• Auburn Vocational School District’s Board of Education Offices
• Auburn Career Center’s Public Safety Training Building

• The Zoning Commission also held one public hearing for zoning text amendments.

•  As far as zoning permit activity, the Township finished the 2024 year with processing 378 permits, 4 less than in 2023. The average number of zoning permits processed annually since 2012 is 363 permits.

• Construction was approved for 45 new dwelling units, 43 less than in 2023. The average number of new dwelling units approved annually since 2010 is 70.

• Additionally, 20 businesses opened their doors, making Concord Township their home. Businesses ranged from light manufacturing, to personal services – including hair and nail salons, retail, restaurants, car wash/detailing and medical and professional office spaces. The vast majority of these businesses located within existing buildings.



• Finally, the zoning office performed 1,144 zoning permit inspections for properties with open zoning permits, and received 163 complaints about potential zoning violations.

As winter hopefully ends, the Service Department will begin to ramp up the construction season. Residents will notice the crews throughout the township performing various maintenance tasks. Ditch maintenance; curb inlet repairs, cold patching, and repairing plow damage. We remind residents to please slow down and move over when approaching crews working in and along the roadway. 

Beginning March 31, 2025, the Service Department will be providing the yard waste drop off. The Service Department will provide a designated material bin in the rear of the Service Department for residents to drop off their Yard Waste. Resident’s yard waste must be in biodegradable bags, no plastic or loose yard waste is permitted. Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, twigs and garden debris are only permitted. No brush permitted. The yard waste drop off will be available Monday –Friday from 7:30am-2:30pm and will end on June 2, 2025 The annual Brush Day’s collection will take place Saturday May 3rd and May 17th From 7:30am -2:30pm. Residents may drop off limbs, twigs, and branches with a diameter of four inches or smaller. No stumps, pallets, contaminated material, lumber, or railroad ties are permitted.

The 2025 Joint Road Resurfacing Project will be going out to bid in the beginning of March. The roads included in the project are Daisey Hill Ct. Karaboo Dr, Ledge Lake Ct, Keystone Dr, East Hill Way, and Little Mountain Rd. These roads will receive resurfacing in 2025 if bids are within the Service Department’s budget. 

The Service Department continues to work with the Lake County Storm Water Department on several maintenance and improvement projects to assist in the mitigation of storm water runoff throughout the Township. These projects are funded using storm water funds.

The Service Department encourages residents with questions or concerns to contact us at 440-350-3225 or by email addresses at concordtwp.com. The Service Department wishes all residents a safe and healthy spring.

From the Chief’s Office

All of us here at Concord Township Fire Department hope that you all are keeping warm during this particularly harsh winter. The cold weather does not impede our ability to provide the very best in emergency services, but it does change how we operate. During long duration events, we may find ourselves bringing in more resources than we normally would. This allows us to rotate firefighters and paramedics through the scene more frequently to allow them to remain warm and hydrated. During a fire we also need to keep all water flowing to some extent to prevent our hoselines from freezing. We also keep our pumps activated which also keeps water flowing to prevent water from freezing in the pump and causing extensive damage and potentially putting firefighters at unnecessary risk.

On February 19 we were honored to celebrate the swearing-in of Firefighter/Paramedic William LaGanke as the newest full-time member of our team. Will’s journey to this moment has been marked by dedication and perseverance. A 2018 Mentor High School graduate, he completed the Fire Academy at Auburn Career Center in 2023 and earned his Paramedic certification in 2024. Since joining Concord Fire Department as a part-time firefighter in May 2023, Will has proven himself as a skilled and committed first responder, always striving to serve his community with professionalism and heart. He is filling the position left by Retired Captain Dennis Calhoun in 2024.

Here is a snapshot of our year-to-date activity for 2025 up to 2/20/2025:

Over the past couple of months we have been busy with community education and outreach. In January we were happy to host Burning River K9 Search and Rescue for a training at Station #1. This was a chance for the dogs to practice their search techniques in a warmer environment.

In February, we were honored to host Concord resident, Tyler Peters, for his Eagle Scout service project! He has built a new flag retirement bin at Concord Fire Station #1. He still has finishing touches to complete once the weather warms up, but the bin is in place and ready to accept your old flags.

On February 10, we hosted the Lake County Fire Investigation Unit where Ray McCarthy of the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office presented a case review. The FIU Team meets monthly to sharpen their skills, learn new techniques, and review ongoing investigations.



We also had the opportunity to educate Riverside students about fire codes and some of the services we provide beyond emergencies.

On February 20 we braved the cold to complete confined space training with our community partner Lake Metroparks. Working together, both agencies are committed to providing a safe experience for visitors to enjoy all that the parks have to offer.

We are pleased to announce that Concord Township Fire Department and the American Red Cross have joined forces to ensure that every household in Concord Township has access to functioning smoke alarms. Please contact Concord Township Fire Department at 440-354-7504 to learn more about this program.

Upcoming Programs:

Emergency Pet First Aid and CPR

This course will teach you how to handle common pet emergencies by applying basic first aid techniques, including CPR.

Our goal is to empower you with practical knowledge and applicable steps to provide immediate care to your dog and cat. This course is for both new and experienced pet owners.

Instructors include Concord Township Firefighters and Dr. Rob Schwartz of the Trinity Veterinary Hospital in Montville.

Saturday April 19 9:30-11:30 AM

Fire Station #1 - 11599 Concord Hambden Road

There is no charge for this class, however registration is required.

The class is for pet owners only - unfortunately, no pets permitted during class.

Additionally, we have other programs scheduled for 2025:

May 5 and September 22 – Community CPR/AED Training

This course trains participants to give CPR and use an AED and is designed for anyone with limited or no medical training.

• Class will begin at 6:00 pm
• Class fee of $60.00 is due the night of the class.

Concord Township Fire Station #1 – 11599 Concord Hambden Rd

June 2 and June 3 – American Red Cross Babysitter Training

Monday June 2 & Tues June 3 4:30 pm-8:30 pm

This 2 day program, is intended to provide youth who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly provide care for children and infants. Attendance both days is required to obtain a certificate.

Cost for the program is $60.00 and is payable the night of the class.

With questions and to register please email your name, contact phone number to: concordfireprograms@concordtwp.com

For updates on these initiatives and other fire department news, please follow us on our website at Concord Township Fire Department and our Facebook page at Concord Township Fire Department Facebook.

Concord Township, Lake County, OH | P: 440.354.7510 | F: 440.354.7511 | www.concordtwp.com