The second Richfield Bicentennial meeting was held on May 7th, 6 pm at Fellowship Hall where a formal Richfield Bicentennial Commission was formed.    Those in attendance, after lively discussions, became the "Commission", and a structure was formed, initial tasks were identified, and members left the meeting with active assignments.

To assure systematic outreach for community group participation and a system of organization, Becky Sheryak was named the Chairperson and the following individuals are to perform direct contact as follows: Mayor Lyons-Government, Karen Smik –Schools, Paul Swan-Community Groups and Churches, and Bill Taylor-Businesses. Meeting participants volunteered to work with one of these leaders so that each category of community neighbors will be contacted in the near future.

The following Mission Statement was created to help define the Commission’s goals: In the spirit of building community pride and unity, this commission is given the task to educate the citizens and visitors of Richfield Ohio about our 200 year history, coordinate bicentennial celebrations, and encourage community involvement among citizens, civic organization, corporations and public agencies.

A brief discussion of a possible Bicentennial Logo, which would represent our year of celebration, brought about questions including whether a contest should be held to create Richfield's Bicentennial Logo. Watch for more information or contact a commission member to share your opinion and thoughts.

Here are our worthy friends and neighbors who currently make up the Commission: Nancy Hartman, Myrtle Haslem (who served on Richfield's Sesquicentennial 50 years ago), Susan Loughry, Scott Luther, Mayor Mike Lyons, Gene and Luella Mortimer, Jan Nagel, Liz Reed, Karen Smik, Becky Sheryak, Dorothy Smith, Paul and Michal Swan, Bill Taylor, Jan Weber, George Zietlow. Any questions should be directed to them, and the Richfield Historical Society has an area dedicated to Richfield's Bicentennial including a calendar of planned events. There are several events listed and the list continues to grow daily.

Let's all ask ourselves, "Why am I living in Richfield?" or "Why did my Company choose Richfield to conduct its business?"   Truly take a minute and actively ponder your reason. Is your family part of the original pioneer families? Did you select Richfield to make your home and raise your family because of its location, environment, or some other reason?

Over the next months and during 2009, watch for educational programs and activities on the rich history of Richfield. Did you know that shortly after the first settlers made their homes in Richfield, there was no summer during the year of 1816 in some parts of the United States and the world? Multiple spring frosts destroyed crops, and a blizzard during July made life even more difficult for early settlers….is this fact or legend?  

Again, all interested parties should come to Fellowship Hall at 6 pm on the first Wednesday of every month. The meetings are intended to be stimulating and brief. The Richfield Historical Society's web site, www.richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org has a calendar devoted to 2009 Bicentennial events and activities updated daily.

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1	2	3
4	5	6 • Bicentennial Proclamations	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24 • Richfield Bicentennial Kick-off Celebration "LAUNCH RICHFIELD" into the next 200
25	26	27	28	29	30	31