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Farewell
message from the President
For more than 40 years, I have made my living by writing reports,
memos and letters. As a result, you might think that letter
writing comes to me easily. Wrong. This is one of the toughest
letters that I have ever had to write because I am saying good-bye
to a great bunch of men and women who give generously of their
time and talent for the betterment of International Park and
the City of Toledo. Unfortunately, their unselfish volunteering
quite often is not appreciated. For me, I say thank you from
the bottom of my heart.
During the four years that I have had the privilege of serving
as President of the International Park Advisory Board and International
Park of Greater Toledo, Inc., a great deal of progress has been
made. The Willis B. Boyer, our retired lake freighter, the Beach
Volleyball Complex and the International Festival of Lights
have all improved significantly. The Boyer’s electrical
and plumbing systems have been upgraded. The volleyball program
has grown to over 100 teams in league play and more than 50
new displays have been added to the Lights program. Much of
this progress is due to the efforts of the two Boards, the paid
staff and Toledo MDS Development Corporation that has run the
Lights and the Volleyball under contract.
In July of this year, International Park of Greater Toledo,
Inc., IPOGTI, a nonprofit corporation, sponsored the greatest
Tall Ships event in the history of Toledo. Seventeen sailing
vessels, and one historic fire boat sailed into Toledo on July
16th as part of Ohio’s Bicentennial Celebration. Their
arrival occurred after more than two years of hard work by the
volunteers of IPOGTI. There is no doubt in my mind that more
than 100,000 residents of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan witnessed
this breathtaking spectacle. The weather was perfect throughout
the event. In every way but one, the event was a smashing success.
Unfortunately, due to a number of circumstances beyond the control
of IPOGTI, attendance did not meet expectations and the event
lost money. I commend the Board for its decision to step up
to the mark and pay off all of its debts from its financial
reserves. The decision to do so was painful but it was correct.
Funds are available to pay all of the creditors involved.
It is safe to say that there will never be another Tall Ships
event of this magnitude in Toledo. Our facilities are simply
not large enough to efficiently accommodate such a large number
of vessels. Any attempts to hold a future Tall Ships event must
be carefully tailored to the docks in International Park where
the program can be properly monitored and secured. There are
several key volunteers who may be available to advise any future
efforts to bring some of the Tall Ships back.
Having said all of that, it is now time for me to say farewell.
The last four years have been challenging, tiring and rewarding.
I wish the best of luck to the present and future members of
both Boards.
Sincerely;
Walter T. Edelen, Past President
International Park Advisory Board
International Park of Greater Toledo, Inc.
Current Board Members:
Jacqueline Adams
Rita Barnes
Jerome German
Fred Harrington, PP, LM
Gerald Hill
Geraldine Kruzel
David Mariasy
Peter Petersen, PP, LM
Howard Pinkley, LM
Kelly Rivera
John Shousher, LM
Megan Vahey
Jim Vandenberg
Bob Vasquez
Mike Wolever
Robert Wuest
PP: Past President
LM: Lifetime Member
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