August e-Grapevine

TRUSTEES CORNER

 

We would like to begin this edition with a tribute to R. Mike Warner:

 

In Memoriam: R. Mike Warner (1949–2025) 

The Concord Township community joins together in mourning the loss of R. Mike Warner, 75, a Vietnam veteran and our beloved former Fire Chief, who passed away on July 18, 2025. Mike’s legacy of courage and service, as Fire Chief of Concord Township (1995–2015) and Hambden Volunteer Fire Department (1976–1995), and later a Captain with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, earned him honors like the State of Ohio Distinguished Service Award (2015). A fire instructor, chaplain, and avid motorcyclist, he found “wind therapy” traveling on his motorcycle around the nation with his wife, Becky. Survived by Becky, sons Joseph and Richard, five grandchildren, and brothers Christopher and Scott, Mike faced his final days with unwavering faith and strength, forever remembered as a hero who loved God, family, friends, and country.

Final Call for R. Mike Warner

  

Comprehensive Plan Meetings

This month, we begin our community meetings to update the 2015 Comprehensive Plan for Concord Township, a process initiated by the trustees in late 2024 to guide the township’s next decade. Following last month’s update, a consulting firm has been selected to assist in engaging residents, analyzing economic and demographic trends, and assessing changes since 2015. These meetings offer a vital opportunity for your input to shape our community’s future. Please join us to share your ideas and stay informed on the plan’s progress. Check the township website for meeting schedules and details.


Best wishes for a Great School Year!

“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”—Diogenes

We would like to wish teachers, administrators and students a great “Back to School” year! Learning, growth and collaboration strengthens our community. We hope this year brings new opportunities, inspiring moments and success for all in our schools. The Trustees and our community are behind you and wishing you all a rewarding academic journey.

  

Post Parade Meet & Greet

Get ready for the Concord Community Day Event on August 9th! Please see the schedule of events on our website. Following the parade (11:15-12:15pm) on August 9th, the Trustees invite you to a Meet & Greet at Town Hall. We’d love for you to stop by and chat with us! We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Have a great August!

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Sean Supler, Recreation Director, 440-639-4652

Susie Cobb, Administrative Assistant, 440-639-4650

Rachel Lamb, Program Coordinator, 440-639-4651

Summer 2025 Events and Class Programs


*Classes are held at the Concord Community Center, 7671 Auburn Road, Concord Township, OH 44077

*Unless otherwise noted

Online registration is free!

https://concord.recdesk.com/community/home 


REFUND POLICY

Concord Township reserves the right to cancel or consolidate any program that does not meet the minimum participation number required by the decision deadline. If a program is canceled, a full refund will be issued. Please allow 2-3 weeks for a refund check to be mailed. No refunds will be issued directly to credit cards.


In addition to canceled programs, refunds may only be fully refunded if there is a waitlist with someone able to take your spot, or written request within 3 days of the program. Partial or no refunds will be given if a participant cancels within 2 days of the program.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

An additional email will be sent on Wednesday containing the full schedule, parade and event maps, and all other important details. Looking forward to seeing everyone join us there!

Concord Community Day Schedule of Events!
COED SOFTBALL

2025 OLD STONE SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Free Open House

Old Stone School

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.

ADULTS

MAKE & TAKE CLASSES

Join instructor Joanna Orgovan as she teaches you how to create soaps, perfumes, nail polishes, and more that are free from many of the harmful chemicals used in everyday brands!   Please check our website (or the Adaptive section) for more detailed class information below!


$50/couple


M          6:30-8:30 P       8/4       Summer Bug Soaps   Ages 5+

 

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    8/20               FREE


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                          9/9                     Starry Sunset   

YOUTH PROGRAMS

KIDS DANCE CLASSES

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.

 

Th        8/14-9/4                    Summer 3                  $47/session


ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS

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!

GETTING TO KNOW OUR PARKS


Join us on our monthly walks to â€śGet to Know our Parks” series. We will meet the 2nd 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

8/13, 9/10, 10/8

SENIOR SOCIALS & PROGRAMS

*All Senior Socials & Programs listed below take place at Concord Community Center (7671 Auburn Road) and are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

*Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 440-639-4650 to register!

 

FOOT CLINIC

Foot Care Clinics Call to schedule 440-639-4650


Dr. Saxon, a native of Cleveland’s east side, is a Podiatrist and surgeon at Balance Foot and Ankle Wellness Center. Dr. Saxon is now welcoming new patients at Concord, who are board-qualified in foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He is enthusiastic about participating in the Concord Township Community Center programs and eager to give back to the community. Details: Routine foot care such as toenail cutting, treatment of ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, etc.

The dates are: 8/25, 9/22, 10/27, 11/17, 12/15 Appointments begin at 5:00 P Cost: $30 per visit cash or check


We are also excited to share that Dr. Carissa Sharpe is going to be helping to expand our foot care clinic here at the Concord Community Center. Dr. Sharpe is a podiatrist at Balance private practice in the University Hospitals Concord location physician pavilion. She is board certified by The American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Residing in Concord township, Dr. Sharpe is looking forward to serving her local community with their foot care needs. These services may include toenail trimming, corns and callus trimming, and other basic foot and ankle needs.  

The dates are: 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16 Appointments begin at 1:00 P Cost: $30 per visit cash or check


Senior Citizen Appreciation


We invite you to the Community Center for information, giveaways, and treats. You’re sure to feel appreciated! Wednesday, August 27th, 1:00-2:00 PM. Please give us a call to reserve your spot. 440-639-4650.


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

FIRE DEPARTMENT

In Memory of Retired Fire Chief R. Mike Warner


On Friday, July 18, 2025, Concord Township and the Concord Township Fire Department lost a beloved leader and friend in R. Mike Warner, Retired Fire Chief of Concord Township.


Chief Warner’s dedication to service began early in life. He proudly served in the United States Army, where he exemplified courage, discipline, and devotion to country—values that continued to define his public service throughout his life.

Mike began his fire service journey in 1976 with the Hambden Township Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief. On October 9, 1995, he was appointed Fire Chief of Concord Township, a role he held with distinction until his retirement in January 2016. After retiring from Concord Fire, he continued serving the community as Captain of the Communications Division at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Central Dispatch.


Chief Warner’s influence extended far beyond Concord. As a dedicated member and past president of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association, he was instrumental in advocating for legislative change to support the fire service statewide. His career was recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including:


  • State of Ohio Fire Marshal Distinguished Service Award
  • Hall of Fame, State Fire Marshal (2016)
  • Lake County Blue Coats Award (2006)
  • Heroes for Andy Award (2006)
  • Ohio Police Chiefs’ Association Award for founding the Public Safety Alliance (2012)
  • Chardon High School Hall of Fame (2005)


Outside of his professional career, Chief Warner remained deeply involved in public service. He served as a board member with The Salvation Army and lived out his strong Christian faith as a Chaplain for the Combat Vets Motorcycle Club and the Lake Metroparks Rangers. A proud member of both the Red Knights and Combat Vets motorcycle clubs, Mike was known throughout the region for his warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication.


To those at Concord Fire, Mike was more than a chief — he was a mentor, teacher, and friend. His leadership has left an enduring impact on the department and the Concord community.


We extend our deepest gratitude to his wife, Becky, and sons, Joe and Rick, for sharing Mike with us. His service touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps.


We honor his memory, his service, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. Chief Warner will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Chief R. Mike "Deer Killer" Warner Memorial Run



Hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA®)

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Start Location: Kent State University – Geauga Campus

Registration: 9:30 AM

Kickstands Up: 11:00 AM


Join us in honoring the life and legacy of Chief R. Mike Warner, a dedicated Fire Chief, U.S. Army Veteran, and proud supporter of the fire service and veteran community.


All donations will go toward establishing a scholarship fund in Chief Warner’s name.

  • Open to Riders and Non-Riders
  • If you don’t ride, please stop by the Chardon VFW around 1:00 PM to show your support and help us celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to his community.
  • This is a family fun event with raffle baskets, 50/50, and food!!!

 

🏍 Ride Stops:

  1. Concord Fire Department 11599 Concord-Hambden Rd.
  2. Hambden Cemetery, behind Hambden Fire Department
  3. Cowboy Creamery 14895 N. State Ave., Middlefield
  4. Great Lakes Outdoor Supply 14855 N. State Ave., Middlefield
  5. Final Stop: Chardon VFW Post 6519 752 Water Street, Chardon, OH


CFD Run Stats

SERVICE DEPARTMENT

The Service Department is busy in the summer months performing several maintenance operations throughout the Township. Crack sealing, Dura-Patching, Concrete Slab replacement, and Ditch Maintenance are a few of the ongoing projects. The 2025 joint road resurfacing projects are coming to completion. Ledge Lake Ct, Karaboo Trail, Daisy Hill Ct, and Little Mountain Rd. were all resurfaced including depth repairs and concrete curb replacement were needed. In addition to the road work the Service Department maintains the baseball fields at Town Hall Park and performs Cemetery operations.


Concord Hills Park received resurfacing of the Tennis Courts and Basketball Court. New fencing and new surface coating will be installed in the coming month. The Tennis Courts will be striped for both tennis and pickle ball with portable nets to accommodate pickle ball. We hope to have the courts back open for play in the month of September, weather permitting.


The Service Departments Yard Waste drop off will reopen September 2nd from 7:30 am- 2:30 pm Monday – Friday. The annual fall brush day collections are scheduled for Saturday’s October 4th and 18th from 7:30am-2:30 pm. The Yard waste will also be open on these dates. Residents can drop off brush no larger than 4” in diameter, no lumber, railroad ties, landscape timbers, or stumps are permitted. Yard Waste must be in paper biodegradable bags.


The Service Department encourages residents with questions or concerns to contact us at 440-350-3225 or by email at concordtwp.com/service. We hope all residents have an enjoyable rest of the summer season.

ZONING DEPARTMENT

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

Mike Gerson, Assistant Zoning Inspector


Is your garage getting too full from all the kids toys? Did your teenager just get their drivers' license and now you have another vehicle to park somewhere but don’t have the storage space? Whatever your reason may be, if you are considering building another shed or garage on your property there are zoning regulations that must be followed. The first step to understanding the Township’s requirements is knowing what your property is zoned. Download the Zoning Map here to see what your property is zoned. Once you know the zoning district, this information sheet will provide a useful summary of the requirements, including maximum number of buildings, sizes, and locational requirements. A zoning permit is required for any sized accessory building. Additionally, a building permit from the Lake County Building Department is required for those buildings larger than 200 square feet. Keep in mind your HOA may have additional requirements that must be adhered to as well.


For more information on these and other zoning requirements, contact the Zoning Office at 354-7505 or 354-7506 or visit the Township website at https://concordtwp.com/departments/zoning/. 


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

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