Watch for information about the new online photo contest coming soon in this space! 

Chair's Corner...

By Charlie Loftus 

FOTA Executive Committee     

Ah, the retired life! Here's a typical morning conversation at our house. My wife says, "Sweetie, what are you doing today?" My answer, "I'm going to The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to work on that GeoArboretum stuff." She says, "Have fun, dearest, see you this afternoon." 

Okay, what's wrong with this story? If you guessed that my wife never calls me "sweetie" and "dearest," you've got that right. However, I really had something else in mind-something that I said in the above exchange. Truth is, in conversation I would never refer to our beloved venue as "The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens"! It's just too cumbersome. Actually, I rarely even say "the Arboretum." I say "the Arb." And I'm not alone! 

"The Arb." Short, efficient and kind of catchy, don't you think? I've noticed lots of my fellow volunteers use it in emails, in meetings and at various events. It's friendly, saves typing time and, most importantly, avoids the tongue-twisting, four-syllable word Ar-bor-E-tum! C'mon, try this (assuming no one else is around). Say, "Arboretum" four times in a row. Real fast! 

Which brings us back to the point of this month's Chair's Corner. We thought, why not call our eNewsletter "the Arb"? So we will, beginning with this issue. We hope you like the new look and enjoy reading--and visiting--"the Arb"!

For complete class descriptions and to register for classes, go to opabg.org. Bring your paid receipt to class for admission. No refunds for missed classes. For further information or to register the traditional way, contact Phyllis Merrick, Volunteer Coordinator, at 913-685-3604 or email

volunteercoordinator@opkansas.org

Hands on Flower Photography
Wednesday, October 5, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, $25.00 per person
Want to improve your camera skills shooting beautiful garden scenes, as well as get to enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum? This class is focused on hands-on-photography instruction outside, with members of the Arboretum's Photography Committee as the instructors. There will be plenty of chances to ask questions with both group and individual instruction. Bring your camera (film or digital and camera manual), lenses, tripod, memory cards, spare batteries and knee-pads (if desired). We will have a short lunch break after the outdoor session (bring a sack lunch or purchase one at the Arboretum) and will, as a group, review photos after lunch. Be sure to bring your card reader so the photos can be loaded onto a computer for review. Enrollment limited to 10.

GeoArboretum
Saturday, October 8, 10:00 am to 11:30 am, $10.00 per person
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with a hand-held GPS (Global Positioning System) device. Come learn about this exciting new activity and the Arboretum's own version, called GeoArboretum. Consists of classroom session followed by a hunt for two geocaches hidden at the Arboretum. A GeoArboretum Passport is included with each admission and GPS devices are available for loan during the exercise. Minimum age 18 (or 12 with adult presence). Class size limited to 10.

Reservations for Bird Walks have all been filled through the end of the season.