Community Outreach
The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio, Inc. has assisted various organizations in promoting our interest in outdoor sporting activities. The History portion of our Website lists many of these organizations especially as it relates to fishing, hunting and shooting..
In recent years the primary beneficiary of our fund raising activities is The Woods and Waters Club of Cleveland Presidents' Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (See Presidents' Foundation).
The Contribution Committee consisting of Joe DiGiacomo, Ed Walsh and Dennis Kratochvil has identified additional organizations to receive grants. This information is presented in the event an organization or individual wish to supplement the donations from The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio.
The Board of Trustees has approved the following in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Cleveland Treatment Center
1127 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Leonard Charles (L.C.) Collins
Executive Director
216-861-4246
The Cleveland Treatment Center was the first Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs (HOFNOD) program established in the State of Ohio. Then Governor George Voinovich was instrmental in lauching our program, via a grant received from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Currently our program is recognized at the state and national level as a "Best Practice approach" to violence and substance abuse prevention. HOFNOD targets youth 12 to 18 years of age, with a history of being at risk.
The Let It Ride Program attempts to mitigate the effects poverty on the quality of life experiences and well-being of youth with social ecomomic histories of being at risk. It is a work-based learning and occupational skills program, designed as an alternative program with social recreational options, fellowship benefiting both individuals and the groups as a peer support club. Youth are involved in the following occupational areas: outdoor skills such as recreation, park management, conservation, graphic design, video production, theater and creative and business writing. It attempts to bridge the employment gaps between economically challenged families and their counterparties. Let It Ride involves youth in basic skills, enhancement, work readiness skills, occupational skills, life skills and other competencies needed to be productive not only as an individual, but within one's family and the community at large.
In 2005 the Woods and Waters Club donated Archery equipment allowing the Center to expand their recreation program and to participate in a new competitive Archery league.
In 2006 and 2007 we donated additional archery equipment along with equipment allowing them to introduce a pellet rifle program.
In 2008, we donated equipment intended to maintain and secure the archery and shooting program.
Youth Outdoors(YO)
4524 East 49th Street
Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Greg Yost-4-H Extension Educator
(216) 206-1010
yo@clevelandmetroparks.com
Ohio State University Extension 4-H in partnership with Cleveland Metroparks Youth Outdoors(YO) provides a wide range of outdoor adventure activities for urban youth. YO works closely with City of Cleveland Recreation Centers, faith-based youth groups and other urban organizations to create outdoor adventure opportunities for young people. Participating organizations provide at least one staff person per outing and help coordinate youth participation. Youth Outdoors staff and volunteers provide program leadership and skills instruction on activities. In addition, YO provides all necessary equipment, outdoor clothing and food.
Youth connect with us primarily through ongoing YO Adventure Clubs. Monthly outings are designed to meet the abilities of the group, explore natural areas, develop outdoor skills and take advantage of seasonal opportunities. Some of the many activities in 2004 were hiking, fishing, outdoor cooking, night hikes, nature explorations, sream walks, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, tobogganing, team-building, canoeing, kayaking, voyageur canoe, map and compass, GPS, service projects, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing, rappelling and overnight camping. As youth and their Adventure Clubs progress in their abilities, increasing levels of challenge and learning are offered. In 2004, YO provided leadership for 31 Adventure Clubs.
We provided scholarship assistance to allow young people to attend the Ohio 4-H Sea Camp held at Kelley's Island, June 27-July 1, 2005.
In 2006, 2007 and 2008, we once again provided scholarship assistance for the Kelley's Island Summer program.
Medina County Sharpshooters 4-H Club
134 Summit St.
Wadsworth, OH 44281
Kathleen M. Smith-Advisor
330-723-5946
Jim Maple
The Medina County Sharpshooters 4-H Club originated in 1993 as a shooting sports-oriented 4-H club, consisting of young men and women aged 9 to 18 from a diverse background, from Medina, Cuyahoga, Summit and Wayne counties. We have grown in number from 15 in 2003 to over 52. We charge our members a small $20 fee upon enrollment and rely on grants, fundraisers, and donations to carry the program through the year without undue financial burden to our members or their families. The club also makes available firearms for members' use at our weekly meetings. Our members are taught the disciplines of rifle, pistol, black powder, shotgun, hunting and wildlife, and archery in a safe, controlled environment. A respect and enjoyment of shooting sports is fostered through training in safety, usage, and continual practice in these disciplines. The advisors of our club are certified in each area on a state and national level, and are well qualified to pass on this knowledge.
Our members give back to the community through volunteer efforts, such as helping with local shooting events, VFW pancake breakfast, and the Eddie Eagle safety program. Several of our members belong to youth sporting teams such as the Ashland Eagles and are avid outdoorsmen and hunters. Our advisors help with other events, such as the NWTF Women in the Outdoors programs, the Farm Science Review in Columbus, Kelley's Island 4-H camp, Boy and Girl Scout programs, and the training of other adult 4-H advisors. The club's equipment is used at many of these programs, benefiting far more than just the members of our club.
In 2005 and 2006 we donated equipment in support of the shotgun shooting programs.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center
East Cleveland Parks & Recreation Department
14801 Shaw Avenue
East Cleveland, Ohio 44112
Carolyn M. Cockfield-Director
Luther Norman-Instructor
Phone 216-681-2434
Fax 216-681-2812
The Mission of the City of East Cleveland Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide essential services, facilities and programs necessary for the positive development and being of the community through the provision of parks, greenways, trails and recreation facilities while working in cooperation with other service providers in the community in order to maximize all available resources.
The East Cleveland Department of Parks and Recreation provides 112 acres of designated recreation space for its residents. The largest of its Parks, Forest Hill Park was a gift of the late John D. Rockefeller.
For the past 2 years the City has provided Fishing education to over 200 community youth and stocked its pond with Catfish and Bluegill for its catch and release program.
In 2003, The Woods and Waters Club donated archery equipment allowing for the introduction of archery programs for boys and girls ranging from 7-18 years old. We provided a variety of long bows and compound bows, arrows, quivers, gloves, arm guards and targets.
Great Trails Council
Boy Scouts of America
P.O. Box 68
Akron, Ohio 44309-0068
(1601 South Main St.)
Mike Jones-Scout Executive
Telephone 330-773-0415
Fax 330-773-4084
1-800-844-7268
The Great Trail Council services Summit, Portage, Medina and Northern Wayne counties. It owns and operates Camp Manatok and Camp Butler, a 620 acre property known as Manatok Scout reservation. This is the flagship Boy Scout camp of the Council and provides for long-term summer camping, year-round weekend camping, a COPE course and off-season rental facilities. The reservation, located between Rt. 303 on the North and Truxell Road on the South, is available for both Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs.
The Council continues to grow and last year recorded 55,000 camper nights. In 2003, The Woods and Waters Club donated funds to provide shooting equipment for their "skeet shooting" program and their merit badge program.
In 2004 we provided funds to upgrade and expand the Archery program at Camp Manatok. Pictures
In 2005 we provided funds to introduce a new Global Positions System (GPS) Orienting Program. Pictures
In 2006 we provided funds to upgrade and expand the field and target archery programs at the Manatok Scout Reservation.
In 2007, we supplied youth sized BB guns for the cub program along with funding for general maintenance of the archtery and shooting programs.
In 2008, we provided funding for an expanded archery program suitable for year-round use.
Greater Cleveland Council,
Boy Scouts of America
Woodland at East 22nd Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115-3295
Ken Miller-Scout Executive
Thomas Gamble-Director Support Services
Troy Johnson-Program Director
Telephone 216-861-6060
Fax 216-861-3431
The Greater Cleveland Council serves all families in Cuyahoga and Northern Summit Counties through its programs of Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing, Exploring and Learning for Life. These provide more than 25,000 young people a method by which they can explore our world in a nurturing and safe environment. Trained adult volunteers provide the guidance needed for these young people to get the most out of the program. Local churches, schools, fraternal, service, businesses and government agencies offer a meeting place and act as resources for the youth and adult volunteers.
Beaumont Scout Reservation opened in 1946 and is located 7 miles south of I-90 along the Grand River in Ashtabula County, is a full service Scout Reservation on 1260 acres of forest, fields, wetlands and lakes.
In 2003, The Woods and Waters Club donated archery equipment allowing for the introduction of archery programs for boys and girls ranging from 7-18 years old. The equipment has the potential to be used by over 600 Scouts this coming summer, 400 Cub Scouts this coming summer, and an estimated 2000 Scouts and their family members at various weekend programs and events over the next 12 months at Beaumont Scout Reservation. We provided a variety of long bows and compound bows, arrows, quivers, gloves, arm guards and targets.
In 2004 we provided funds to upgrade and expand the archery program at Beaumont Scout Reservation.
In 2005 and 2006, we provided funds to support a number of Camp programs.
In 2007, we supplied youth sized BB guns for the cub program along with funding for general maintenance of the archtery and shooting programs.
In 2008, we provided funding for maintaining and upgrading the shooitng and archery program.
“Turn in a Poacher” Program (TIP)
Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife
1-800-(762-2437)POACHER
Partners in Wildlife Conservation
Since its start 19 years ago, 818 TIP callers have been awarded $ 113,841 for providing vital information on wildlife violations. In all, 1422 poachers have been convicted and have paid fines totaling $ 474,514. A grant from The Woods and Waters Club of Nothern Ohio helps to fund this program.
For each TIP caller receiving an award, almost 2 wildlife criminals have been convicted. For each dollar paid in rewards, $ 4.20 has been returned to the Ohio Division of Wildlife for wildlife management and enforcement. The average TIP payment award is $ 139; the average fine is $ 334.
TIP trustees met on Feb. 10, 2002 and awarded $ 3,665 to 22 recipients who had provided the Ohio Division of Wildlife information regarding wildlife violations. The 39 wildlife poachers were fined a total of $ 18,468 by courts across the state.
T.I.P. Inc. in cooperation with Ohio's National Wild Turkey Federation awarded $ 100 to one recipient for the conviction of 3 turkey poachers (only one was convicted).
St. Malachi Center
2416 Superior Viaduct
Cleveland, Oh 44113
Catherine Saegel-Executive Director
Phone 216-771-3036
Fax 216-771-3659
St. Malachi Center was founded in 1985 to improve the outreach and services that the parish and community of St. Malachi's was doing for the neighborhood. The Center serves primarily low-income residents on the Near West Side of Cleveland, However their doors are open to all those in need. Original programs included tutoring for teens and youth, services for the homeless, and meals for families. Since then the Center has continued to grow and currently serves over 120 individuals daily. The Center has changed the content of its programs to respond to the changing needs of the community. St. Malachi Center has held a variety of programs that focus on outdoor activities for youth, teens and families. As a result of a generous contribution by The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio, fishing is now part of the program.
In 2003, The Woods and Waters Club donated archery equipment allowing for the introduction of archery programs for boys and girls ranging from 7-18 years old. We provided a variety of long bows and compound bows, arrows, quivers, gloves, arm guards and targets.
In 2004 we contributed camping equipment allowing for greater utilization of the fishing and archery equipment donated in previous years.
In 2005 we maintained the archery and fishing equipment and added equipment allowing for the addition of a compas navigation program.
In 2006, 2007 and 2008, we updated and expanded the fishing equipment available to allow St Malachi to double their utilization.
Augustine Rainbow Camp
(located on the grounds of OLA/St. Joseph Center)
2486 W. 14th St.
Cleveland, Oh 44113
Fr. Joseph McNulty
Gary Kasper- Summer Program Director
216-781-5530
The goal of the Augustine Rainbow Camp is to provide a positive day camp experience for the largely urban youth (both handicapped and non handicapped) who participate in the program. The program is also designed to provide job and leadership training and experience for neighboring teens and youth adults.
The Augustine Rainbow Camp also stresses in its programs, Positive Self Image of the child. Activities are designed to enhance one's abilities and self image, while working and playing with others in a group situation. With a camper/staff ratio of 3 to 1, they are able to give each child the individual attention he or she needs. Group fishing activities using equipment and contributions from The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio are now a part of the program.
In 2003, The Woods and Waters Club donated archery equipment allowing for the introduction of archery programs for boys and girls ranging from 7-18 years old. We provided a variety of long bows and compound bows, arrows, quivers, gloves, arm guards and targets.
In 2004, 2006 and 2007, we supplied replacement terminal tackle for the fishing equipment supplied two years ago.
Special Hunt
On June 22 & 23 Darrin Carlson (17 year old MD sufferer confined to a wheel chair) and Kynan Donovan (16 year old born without a left hand) were the recipients of boar hunts sponsored by our The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio and by Jeff Mossbruger of Silver Mountain Taxidermy. Darrin used a cross bow to harvest a 300lb class boar and Kynan used a compound bow to harvest a 200lb class boar. Both boys were excellent shots and respectful hunters. The hunt served as an inspiration for Americans with physical disabilities.
National Wild Turkey Federation(NWTF)
"Women in the Outdoors"
Janet Disque
8323 Eagle Rd. Lot # 86
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-6839
The Ohio State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is host of the 3rd Annual State-wide Women in the Outdoors Event on September 6-8, 2002. This event is sponsored in part by The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio.
The NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program is dedicated to providing interactive, educational, outdoor opportunities for women, the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition.
The courses are intended to have fun and learn new skills:
| Basic Archery | Kayaking | Gun Cleaning & Maintenance |
| Traditional Archery | Sporting Clays | Personal Self-Defense |
| 3-D Archery Shoot | Fly Fishing | Deer Hunting & Tracking |
| Bow Fishing | Fly Tying | Pheasant Hunt |
| Handgun | Lure Making | After the Catch |
| Basic Shotgun | Backpacking | Bird House Making |
| Primitive Cooking | Hiking/Plant ID | Map & Compass |
| Canoeing | Black Powder | Outdoor Survival |
| Bow Hunting & Tree Stand Safety | Knot Tying |
Lake Erie Boating and Fishing Fest
Ohio Department Natural Resources (ODNR)
Wildlife District 3
912 Portage Lakes Dr.
Akron, OH 44319-1599
Reno "Jay" Reda- Wildlife Officer
330-644-3802
On June 1st & 2nd, 2002, the 3rd. Annual Lake Erie Boating and Fishing Fest was held at Pier 32 of the Cleveland Port Authority , directly behind the Lake Erie and Science Center on the Shores of Lake Erie. The event was hosted by the ODNR Division of Watercraft and Wildlife, the US Coast Guard and the Cleveland Police Ports and Harbors Unit. In addition, local Sea Scouts, U.S. Power Squadron, Lake Erie Safe Boating Council, The Woods and Waters Club and others supported the event. The event was the kick-off of the National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1-10). A large number of the 12,000 individuals who participated received gifts promoting fishing and boating. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the Division of Wildlife Lake Erie vessel, a helicopter, Cleveland Police Department SWAT vehicule and various Lake Erie Watercraft and their crews were available for tours.
The head boat, Holiday, provided groups of up to 70 anglers with a one-hour perch fishing trip on Lake Erie. All equipment was provided and fishing licenses were not required for the day. Many first-time fisherman experienced the joys of fishing in a beautiful setting with Downtown Cleveland as a background. The Woods and Waters Club was a proud sponsor of the chartering activities, starting in 2003 and continuing through 2008, providing financial assistance. In 2005, the event was expanded to three days to better visitor interest. Many of our members volunteered their help at the fest.
West Side Ecumenical Ministry(WSEM) Youth Activities
5209 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102
Laura Chalker
Kevin M. Valentine-Teem Initiatives Coordinator
Phone 216-651-2037
Fax 216-651-4145
The mission is to assist individuals and families meet their needs through programs of service and empowerment carried out in active collaboration with neighborhoods, faith-based organizations, and other service providers.
Youth growing up on the East and West Side of Cleveland face many challenges. WSEM'S AmeriCorps Program offers a wide variety of after-school programs to help young people and their families begin to overcome these challenges. These diverse programs serve a wide variety of youth, and calls for an equally wide variety of individuals to serve in our AmeriCorps Program.
WSEM Teen Centers offers at-risk youth a safe haven where they can participate in fun activities and receive support and guidance under the supervision of well-trained AmeriCorps Members. WSEM in partnership with the host churches, operate Teen Centers on the East and West Side of Cleveland.
The centers offer a multitude of programming alternatives, including tutoring and homework clubs, small-group discussions, computer classes, basketball leagues, cultural and educational speakers, supervised recreation and games, life skill classes and field trips. With the help of The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio, fishing is now part of the program.
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
Community Re-Entry
Youth African-American Reclamation Project Jr.(YAARP,Jr.)
1468 West 25 Street
Cleveland, OH 44113-3102
Raberta Foster, Director
Michael R. Sering Associate Director
216-696-2717
Community Re-Entry resettles ex-offenders in the community to reduce recidivism and enhance their quality of life and the quality of life of the community: provide prevention and intervention social services to youth in low-income public housing estates who are at risk for involvement in drug and/or gang activity and future incarceration.
The Young African American Reclamation Project Jr.(YAARP,Jr.) is a community Re-Entry program which provides alcohol and drug prevention and intervention to at-risk youth. It is designed to impact positively upon the lives of young African American males and females between the ages of 12-17 years old who reside in public housing and impoverished neighborhoods. Also, YAARP,Jr. works with youth who have the potential to become involved in the adult criminal justice system. The youth targeted for program activities have multiple risk factors inherent in their environment and in their lives.
Engendered in all of the programming is the philosophy of enabling the youth to "act their way into a new way of thinking." With the help of The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio, we encourage this through fishing and a greater appreciation of outdoor sporting activities.
In 2004 we contributed camping equipment allowing for greater utilization of the fishing equipment donated in previous years.
Merrick House
1050 Starkweather Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
Gail Long , Director
Rocky Melendez
216-771-5077
Merrick House was founded in 1919 by the Christ Child Society and the Catholic Charities. Merrick House today provides programs to the Tremont and Clark-Fulton-Denison neighbors.
Merrick House has opened its doors and welcomed all people. It continues to provide the support, encouragement and guidance people need to function more independently through life.
For each person who participates in Merrick House activities, the "home" is a place for growth and development, learning, sharing, protection, support, empowerment and change. This is what Merrick House strives to provide its neighbors. It is and will continue to be "a great place to hang your hat."
The youth services program provides young people of all ages with an opportunity to participate in activities which are focused on growth and development. By providing inter- city/urban youth with the opportunity to experience a day fishing in the outdoors he/she is encouraged to accomplish a project in a challenging yet supportive environment. Donations from The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio are making this possible.
Fatima Family Center
6600 Lexington Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
La Jean Ray, M.A. Director
Phone 216-391-0505
Fax 216-391-1118
Fatima Family Center, founded in 1973, grew out of the pastoral counseling and outreach ministry of Our Lady of Fatima Church. The services available through Fatima Family Center build on the assets of the family and the community and capture the volunteer spirit. In short, they provide the resources that empower community members to help themselves and each other.
The new 26,000-square-foot Fatima Family Center prominently anchors the Hough neighborhood providing recreational, educational and cultural activities for young and old. It is a place where the community comes together for the betterment of themselves and their neighborhood.
Fatima Family Center summer activities are structured to stimulate, challenge and enrich the interest of campers. Activities include Arts &Crafts, Girl Scouts, Music, Reading, 4-H Nutrition, Math Mix, Talent Time, Dance, Black History, Speakers, Swimming, Bowling, Gardening, Field Trips, Library, Baseball, and other activities. And now as a result of the Community Outreach of The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio fishing for the youngsters and their families can be added to the curriculum.
North Coast Ranger Academy
Boy Scouts of America
Woodland at East 22nd Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115-3295
Tony R. Diggs - District Executive
Luther E. Norman - Chairman, North Coast Ranger Academy
Telephone 216-861-6060 x 135
Fax 216-861-3431
The North Coast Ranger Academy was instrumental in developing and directing three regular programs:
Sea Scout and Merit Badge Comp.
Cub Scout Program - 1st grade thru 5 grade
Boy Scout Program - 6th grade thru 12th grade
In addition, the District Day Camp for the Cities of Cleveland and East Cleveland head annual is directed and coordinated through this organization.
In 2007, we supplied youth sized BB guns for the cub program along with funding for general maintenance of the archtery and shooting programs.
In 2008, we supplied archery equipment suitable for older teenage boys and girls.
Woods and Waters Club members may propose an organization for consideration to receive a grant. Contact any member of the contribution committee with your recommendation.