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Y! MyWebAtrium offers 20-year deal to turf Lakota fields
Comment: What do you think of the offer?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
LIBERTY TWP. — Atrium Medical Center has offered to give the Lakota Local School District funds to place synthetic turf on its two high school fields, but first the school board wants the community's opinion.
In exchange for $48,500 each year for 20 years, Atrium would have full marketing rights, which would include signage on the fields, said Lakota Business Director Chris Passarge.
The board, which met Monday night, Oct. 13, is expected to make a decision by Nov. 17. Atrium already provides free athletic training services valued at around $25,000 a year.
There are more than 18,400 Lakota students, making it the seventh largest school district in the state. Mason is one of three other area districts to receive similar offers from Atrium. However, with the offer to Lakota, Atrium would not have stadium naming rights.
The first priority, Passarge said, would be addressing the drainage issues at both fields. Pooling water has been damaging the tracks and surrounding athletic facilities.
It is estimated to cost around $400,000 to correct the problem. Turf would be an estimated additional $1.1 million, Passarge said.
The rest of the funds, in addition to Atrium's contribution, would come from other business donations, a reallocation of funds used to maintain the prior fields and rental fees for year-round usage, according to the plan. No additional tax dollars would be required for the project, Passarge said.
Not only will the fields be safer, Passarge said, it would foster more community and student engagement year round. A survey is on the district's Web site, www.lakotaonline.com.
"It has potential to be a win, win if the economics work out," said board President Jamie Green.
In other business, several teachers spoke up about contract negotiations, saying they felt there was not enough urgency to move forward at a faster pace.
"We deserve a fair contract that acknowledges our professionalism and a fair contract of Lakota," said teacher Bonnie Kindler.
Board member Jeff Rubenstein said the board is focused on the needs of the teachers and its responsibility. That in no way means this isn't an urgent matter, he said.
"There seems to be a sense that the progress of negotiations is somehow indicative of how the board feels about the professionalism of the teachers," he said. "I want everyone who is hearing this to know we are taking every step of these negotiations very seriously."
Comments
By LAKOTA WEST GRANDPA FOOTBALL FAN
October 24, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
EVERY SCHOOL WE PLAY THEY ALL HAVE ASTRO TURF, AND FOR THE TAXES WE PAY IN WEST CHESTER SHOULD ALL READY HAVE THE TURF IN PLACE. IF THE ATRUM SAID THEY WOULD KEEP THERE END OF THE BARGIN WE SHOULD GET BOTH EAST & WEST THE TURF.IN THAT THEY NEED TO CLEAN UP AROUND THE PLACE. WHEN IT RAINS YOU HAVE TO WALK IN MUD & WATER TO GET TO THE SEATS . MORE REST ROOMS,HAVE A NICE ENTRANCE ON THE WAY IN MAKE’ IT WHERE YOU CAN HANDLE A CROWED AND BUY TICKETS AT THE SAME PLACE. MORE SEATS OR BLEACHERS
By LAKOTA WEST GRANDPA FOOTBALL FAN
October 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
EVERY SCHOOL WE PLAY THEY ALL HAVE ASTRO TURF, AND FOR THE TAXES WE PAY IN WEST CHESTER SHOULD ALL READY HAVE THE TURF IN PLACE. IF THE ATRUM SAID THEY WOULD KEEP THERE END OF THE BARGIN WE SHOULD GET BOTH EAST & WEST THE TURF.IN THAT THEY NEED TO CLEAN UP AROUND THE PLACE. WHEN IT RAINS YOU HAVE TO WALK IN MUD & WATER TO GET TO THE SEATS . MORE REST ROOMS,HAVE A NICE ENTRANCE ON THE WAY IN MAKE’ IT WHERE YOU CAN HANDLE A CROWED AND BUY TICKETS AT THE SAME PLACE. MORE SEATS OR BLEACHERS
By LAKOTA WEST GRANDPA FOOTBALL FAN
October 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
EVERY SCHOOL WE PLAY THEY ALL HAVE ASTRO TURF, AND FOR THE TAXES WE PAY IN WEST CHESTER SHOULD ALL READY HAVE THE TURF IN PLACE. IF THE ATRUM SAID THEY WOULD KEEP THERE END OF THE BARGIN WE SHOULD GET BOTH EAST & WEST THE TURF.IN THAT THEY NEED TO CLEAN UP AROUND THE PLACE. WHEN IT RAINS YOU HAVE TO WALK IN MUD & WATER TO GET TO THE SEATS . MORE REST ROOMS,HAVE A NICE ENTRANCE ON THE WAY IN MAKE’ IT WHERE YOU CAN HANDLE A CROWED AND BUY TICKETS AT THE SAME PLACE. MORE SEATS OR BLEACHERS
By LAKOTA WEST GRANDPA FOOTBALL FAN
October 24, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
EVERY SCHOOL WE PLAY THEY ALL HAVE ASTRO TURF, AND FOR THE TAXES WE PAY IN WEST CHESTER SHOULD ALL READY HAVE THE TURF IN PLACE. IF THE ATRUM SAID THEY WOULD KEEP THERE END OF THE BARGIN WE SHOULD GET BOTH EAST & WEST THE TURF.IN THAT THEY NEED TO CLEAN UP AROUND THE PLACE. WHEN IT RAINS YOU HAVE TO WALK IN MUD & WATER TO GET TO THE SEATS . MORE REST ROOMS,HAVE A NICE ENTRANCE ON THE WAY IN MAKE’ IT WHERE YOU CAN HANDLE A CROWED AND BUY TICKETS AT THE SAME PLACE. MORE SEATS OR BLEACHERS
By Jawaharlal
October 19, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
I have spoken with Execs from Premier and was told that an offer to MCSD was made and refused on the basis that MCSD did not want to rename Barnitz Stadium.
I do find it very odd that The Atrium is offering severance packages to employees to cut $12 million out of their budget, but can make this offer to other school districts…
By AvgJoe
October 15, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Jabe,you just don’t get it do you? Your last comment concerns two different types of money, public&private. No,I don’t care what private companies and private citizens do with their money,but when part of the publics money is involved I have every right to voice my opinion, just as you. Either you are a student,parent or fan that has interest in seeing this through,however the rest of us that aren’t apart of that small percentage and are apart of the larger percentage with high doctors bills do.
By employee
October 15, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
As an employee at the atrium for almost 10 years i fear for my job. They have let go of so many people in the past week to help the budget. We give the best care that we can with what little staff we are allowed to have. I think that they should worry about the care that is given to our patients before spending so much money on these schools. That money could be used to pay some more employees. I feel for those who lost there jobs, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time (christmas)
By employee
October 15, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
As an employee at the atrium for almost 10 years i fear for my job. They have let go of so many people in the past week to help the budget. We give the best care that we can with what little staff we are allowed to have. I think that they should worry about the care that is given to our patients before spending so much money on these schools. That money could be used to pay some more employees. I feel for those who lost there jobs, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time (christmas)
By Ted
October 14, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
I heard the hospital has talked to Middletown. Only one huge issue - instead of field turf they want a whole new stadium located on the east end of town. Just a rumor but plausible based on the incidents that have taken place over the years. Only a fool would believe they haven’t spoken to Middletown - the real question is what does Middletown want that Atrium won’t pay for?
By getrealppl
October 14, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
By Jabe
October 14, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Wow… the recent news stories where everyone suddenly has insight into how businesses spend money has people thinking that their opinion matters.
I seriously doubt that I would be heavily questioned and or criticized about my intentions if I walked into my neighborhood electronics store with the intent of buying a big new flat screen TV as a gift for a friend who lives in the next town. I don’t really care that my neighbor doesn’t have a flat screen of his own. It’s not your concern!
By Ex-Employee
October 14, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
I would like to add that I find it CRAZY that Atrium can spend money on 20 years worth of turf for a school that’s not even in the community it’s located, but they had to cut retirees’ benifits……I realize that in a big business like that, certain money is alocated for certain things, but it would be nice for Atrium’s board members to get their priorities in proper place.
By middie mom
October 14, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I want to know why the Atrium isn’t helping their local school here in Middletown! It used to be Middletown Regional Hospital and they never helped the school nor the community they are in!1 And apparently they still aren’t going to! Let Lakota do fundraisers to pay for their field. There is help that is needed right here in Middletown! And to boot if Lakotas kids got hurt they wouldn’t even b treated @ Atrium they’d go to the Childrens right by their school! DUH!
By Ex-Employee
October 14, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I would like to inform the public that your caregiver’s in the hospital, i.e. nurses, aides, x-ray techs…, these individuals do not know your insurance situations. In other words, they don’t know if you are insured through a job or government aide. Usually the only people aware of that are the employees at the admit desk & your doctor & social workers (at times). I was NEVER told to hold back direct care for someone because they couldn’t pay. MY CARE & COMPASSION WILL ALWAYS BE FREE!
By middie mom
October 14, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I want to know why the Atrium isn’t helping their local school here in Middletown! It used to be Middletown Regional Hospital and they never helped the school nor the community they are in!1 And apparently they still aren’t going to! Let Lakota do fundraisers to pay for their field. There is help that is needed right here in Middletown! And to boot if Lakotas kids got hurt they wouldn’t even b treated @ Atrium they’d go to the Childrens right by their school! DUH!
By AvgJoe
October 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
LMAO, let the kids parents that play on the field, cover those costs, not the local hospital that shouldn’t be involved in that type of funding anyways.
By Jabe
October 14, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
You know what IS cheaper when the cost is covered? FieldTurf.
By AvgJoe
October 14, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
I’m sure the ‘uninsured & clueless’ don’t use the ER when they are able to not do so. However our health care system doesn’t always allow the opportunity to go elsewhere. Example, the hospital charges $10k where an uncovered reasonable facility charges $3.5k for the same procedure (better service also), but the ‘uninsured & clueless’ are only covered at the hospital, they must go there. Anyways ‘places where people actually have insurance & the ability to pay’ are going to better care providers!
By Ted
October 14, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Not sure what the uninsured & clueless using the emergency room as a primary care physician have to do with providing a school system with funds to install turf. Perhaps if Atrium advertises in places where people actually have insurance & the ability to pay, they in turn will make more money as private insurance reimburses hospitals at a higher rate than medicare / medicaid. Go ahead & criticize them for doing the same things their competitors are doing…
By Jabe
October 14, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Sounds like “whomever” and “browny” is an ex-employee who did a crappy job and was released. I’m sure Atrium is very concerned that you will never, ever go there. I know I would be.
Who cares whether Atrium is a good business or not? That still has nothing to do with getting free FieldTurf for the high schools.
By AvgJoe
October 14, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
It’s not costing anyone anything? I disagree, that money being funneled out of the hospital CAN be used for much better health related items. I support my childs academics, not athletics! Guess what, the tax payers do eventually pay for your turf. Where do you think all the money for Medicare comes from that the hospital receives? If they money stayed with the hospital and assisted more with uninsured and high deductible patients, the hospital would get better word-of-mouth advertising.
By SayYes
October 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Does Anyone ever look around inside our gyms or around the football fields? WE HAVE ADVERTISEMENT ALREADY IN PLACE!!!!!! These people who are complaing about the generous offer Atrium has made in exchange for advertisement OBVIOUSLY do not support our children athletics nor do they come any school event. It’s not costing anything, no one is asking for taxpayers to pass a levy or pay for anything! The complainers need to worry about whatever they are doing on Friday nights and Saturday mornings!
By TURF! TURF! TURF!
October 14, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Does Anyone ever look around inside our gyms or around the football fields? WE HAVE ADVERTISEMENT ALREADY IN PLACE!!!!!! These people who are complaing about the generous offer Atrium has made in exchange for advertisement OBVIOUSLY do not support our children athletics nor do they come any school event. It’s not costing anything, no one is asking for taxpayers to pass a levy or pay for anything! The complainers need to worry about whatever they are doing on Friday nights and Saturday mornings!
By danegd
October 14, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Lakota East has completed their home season. Install the field turf today. West you can catch up later. Turf will save the district money over time and if someone is willing to foot the bill just to place a few signs up so be it. I would trade my soul for a first class facility. Why are we still talking about this? With regards to the level of care at Atrium, I am sure it is much better than those who negitively responed above. Over time the kinks get corrected. Install the turf.
By VietVet
October 14, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
If Atrium is making a habit of offering money to school districts around the area for marketing purposes, one has to wonder why Middletown has not been approached. Perhaps the Middletown schools have been approached and have turned it down. Or, Atrium simply doesn’t want to deal with Midd. schools.Perhaps it’s best that Middletown hasn’t been included. They would just waste the money anyway as they do the taxpayer’s money now, giving us a poor performance while paying high taxes.
By Jabe
October 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
So Lakota is given a chance to improve facilities, essentially for FREE, and the “gray clouds” just can’t stay away. This is an article about installing FieldTurf, not a soapbox to spew negativity. If the prospective donor was P&G, the PETA freaks would be here. If it was GE, we’d be protesting the number of poor, defenseless birds that get sucked into jet engines.
It’s sunny outside and we’re talking about FREE FieldTurf for our football teams. Lighten up or seek therapy for your issues.
By karen
October 14, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Atrium needs to get some credible doctors. That’s where the money should be put instead of concern of West Chester’s projects. Use the money for retirees and give better benefits to the employees, may then they could get some GOOD help. Not hearing any good reviews about the ATRIUM HILTON!!
By karen
October 14, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Atrium needs to get some credible doctors. That’s where the money should be put instead of concern of West Chester’s projects. Use the money for retirees and give better benefits to the employees, may then they could get some GOOD help. No hearing any good reviews about the ATRIUM HILTON!!
By J24
October 14, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Would you also like to rename middletown little west chester and give us some money i mean really they haven’t even cleaned up the storm damage drive by the park at tytus and catalpa & watch out for the potholes ! Middletown needs to take care of itself before it disapears !
By Kyle
October 14, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I’ll echo some other comments already made here. We had a family member in Atrium over the summer and it turned out to be a nightmare experience, and that family member is still recovering in another facility. I tell everyone I know, if you ever wake up and find yourself in there call me and I will come pick you up and take you elsewhere. Maybe someday Atrium will have competent staff to match the pretty decor, but they have better things they could be doing with their money…
By HAIRY HOLE
October 14, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Middletown hospital AKA atrim needs to keep the monies and use it to improve their services to those who sit many, many hrs. awaiting services when they or a family member is ill and suffering waiting prolonged hrs. By being understaffed ????? they are able to have extra monies to GIVE AWAY !!!!! They should loose their nonprofit status. By moving, getting all new facilities, has not improved their services. Just proves that the medical industries are truely laying the old stick it in`em deep
By Jean
October 14, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Increased injuries on artificial turf?
By P.S. ARROWS
October 14, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
If the hospitals are going to get involved with the community they need to do it across the board. The bigger schools(Springboro via Miami Valley ) seem to be the one’s that always benifit. The last time I checked Atrium is the primary hospital in our area. Once again it seems the money goes to the money.
By AvgJoe
October 14, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Maybe we should yank the board member that has a child/ren attending and playing sports at this school, using this as their own personal gain. Atrium board needs to go to hell! How do we get these people replaced? This is about as bad as AIG throwing a fancy retreat at a spa spending nearly $500,000 a few days after our government gave them an $85billion bailout. These higher-than-thou executives p**s me off!
By AvgJoe
October 14, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
It amazes me that they are even allowed to do this. Why would they need advertising? Everyone knows who they are, where they’re located and how they’re raping the health care system. The only advertising they need is to work better with the health-care systems to offer care to those who can’t afford it, or are unable to pay their huge deductables… thank you Bush for insurance companies that push these high deductable plans and push what we were used to out-of-reach prices.
By mee
October 14, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
Didn’t I just read last week where the atrium could not afford to help their own retirees with health care? Now, they can afford $970,000.00 for marketing and signage for the next 20 years. Quite an investment for a non profit organization.