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Photo Contest
The current season's photo contest runs through January 31. Enter by email -- it's easier than ever! Click here for complete contest rules.
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Chair's Corner...
By Stacey Gilman
FOTA Executive Committee
I first became involved in the Arboretum because my family and I loved coming here. I figured joining the Executive Committee would be a good way to give something back. It didn't occur to me at the time that I would get so much in return.
As many of you know firsthand, volunteering at the Arboretum is a tremendous opportunity. Whether you are interested in gardening, teaching, learning, art, music, shaping the future of the Arboretum or simply meeting new, interesting and talented people, the Arboretum has a place for you. Love holiday decorating? Consider signing up to help with the Luminary Walk! Always secretly wanted to be a treasure hunter or an engineer? Join the Geocaching Committee or get involved in the Arboretum's Train Garden expansion! Are you an artist at heart? Maybe the Photography Committee or one of FOTA's music series is for you! Or, if - like me - your passion is families and kids, as the outgoing chair of Arts for Kids, I can guarantee that that event will appeal to you! The opportunities are truly endless.
The Arboretum wants and needs volunteers and leaders like you. And, whatever aspect of the Arboretum you choose to get involved with, you are sure to enjoy the experience. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at the Arboretum, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
The 2010 Luminary Walk at dusk, in a photo by Mark Higgins.
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Train Garden Update:
Lots of grading is paving the way for the Railroad Tie Walk, sidewalks and two G-scale train systems. Members of the Kansas City Garden Railway Society have been on-site evaluating the final design for Phase I. A bridge has been ordered and work is underway.
The Train Garden fundraising committee has been in full force, developing a plan to match a $50,000 matching gift for the Train Garden. To date, two wine and cheese fundraising parties have been held. There will be a hiatus over the holidays and events will resume in January. But you don't have to wait until next year. Now is the perfect time to make a gift and instantly double its impact. You can make contributions online or send to the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, PO Box 26392, Overland Park, KS 66225. |
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FOTA Chair Teri Shields:
Terishields@aol.com
Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Merrick:
VolunteerCoordinator@opkansas.org
FOTA Coordinator Suzie Swyden:
fotacoordinator@yahoo.com
Send photos and news to:
judy@springvalleynursery.com
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The Arb / November 2011
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
1/2 mile west of Hwy. 69
at 179th & Antioch
913-685-3604
www.opabg.org
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November 25-26 and December 2-3, 5:00-8:30 pm
Holiday Luminary Walk
Join us after Thanksgiving for this joyous traditional holiday treat! In addition to the thousands of holiday lights and luminaries, there's entertainment to please everyone, including Native American flute player Terry Lee Whetstone, Louisburg Cider Mill apple cider and caroling around the Council Ring, Santa Claus for the kids (6 to 8 pm each night), and 'Elvis' singing holiday favorites in the warm and festive Visitors Center, along with lots of other entertainment.
 For a YouTube sample of the special sensory treats you and your family will enjoy, including Native American flute music in the night-time woods (see article below) click here.
Friends of the Arboretum volunteer Margaret Kalal was recently quoted in Johnson County Lifestyles magazine: "Talking with visitors on the candlelit paths, we always hear how awesome their experience is. Especially remarkable is the view of the luminaries across Margaret's Pond. The candles are reflected off the water and it is really a majestic sight to behold."
Tickets may be purchased at the door. Admission is $7 per person; children five and younger are free. Parking is free. No pets please. For more information: www.opabg.org. Photo by Carol Fowler
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 Unique Sounds Will Highlight Luminary Walk The most unique aspect of this year's Luminary Walk will be the haunting sounds of Native American flute player TerryLee Whetstone, who will be creating his ethereal sounds in the stillness of the Legacy Garden woods. TerryLee is a multi-talented musician, artist and poet who continues his Cherokee tradition through performance and education, guided by his spiritual connection to his forefathers. You and your family are sure to enjoy this very special musical treat in the night-time woods. |
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Buy Your Drawing Tickets Online
This year's drawing is a win-win proposition. Your $10 donation entitles you to $10 off on a purchase of $35 or more at area PB&J restaurants (Red Robin, YiaYias and Burnt End BBQ).
Click here to buy tickets online. Prizes include: Dinner for 8 in the winner's home, prepared by a PB&J Chef; Apple iPad; flat screen TV; Garmin Nuvi; and Apple iPod. Prize winners' names will be drawn at the Holiday Luminary Walk on December 3, 2011. Winners do not have to be present.
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Perfect Gift Idea: Honor the Friend or
Family Member Who Has Everything The Celebration Terrace is complete, and paver engraving has begun. Stop by for a look, and imagine how you, too, might honor someone you love and/or admire with a public expression of your feelings that will live forever in a beautiful natural setting. The Terrace is located in the Learning Arboretum, just north of Margaret's Pond, in a high-traffic area not far from the Visitors Center. Download more information here. |
Sculpture Garden Dedicated
 Overland Park officials and Chinese delegates dedicated the International Sculpture Garden on November 5. Eleven pieces are part of the first phase, currently placed around the one-mile asphalt loop trail through the woods. The pieces were created by Chinese artists, including Olathe resident Kwan Wu (pictured here). All the sculptures were donated. Future plans for the sculpture garden call for more than 100 pieces from around the world and construction of a permanent sculpture garden, which will be located southwest of the Children's Garden.
Photo by Karl Yehle |
 Nutcracker Tea Party Friends of the Overland Park Arts invite you to a ballet and tea featuring The Legacy School of the Arts Dance Company. The Tea Party is held at the Ritz Charles, 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park, Kansas, on Saturday, December 3, Noon -2 pm or Sunday, December 4, Noon - 2 pm or 4 - 6 pm. Click here to order tickets.
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