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Photo Contest
The current season's photo contest runs through January 31. Now is the time to get out there in the weather and take pictures no one else had the fortitude to take. With fewer entries there's much less competition this time of year, so don't let Mother Nature stifle your creative vision! Enter the contest by email -- it's easier than ever! Click here for complete contest rules.
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Chair's Corner...
By Teri Shields
Executive Committee Chair
As we finish the year and look ahead to the new I would like to thank all the volunteers, FOTA members, executive committee, and the Arboretum staff for a wonderful two years as Chair. It has been the most rewarding experience, and so much fun. I welcome Dennis Patton coming back on the FOTA executive committee and taking on the Chair position. I can't think of anyone I would rather have at the helm. Terry wood will be serving as Vice-Chair, John Kalal as Treasurer and Carol Saxon as Secretary.
Not only are we welcoming Dennis, we also have several other new executive committee members for 2012. Barbara Taswell Miller, Georgia Erickson and Karl Yahle have all agreed to serve. As we welcome the new members we say goodbye to others who have served on the committee for many years. Thank you Karen Haake (Past Chair), Larry Englekeimer and Margaret Maher Williams.
By Larry Engelkemier
FOTA Executive Committee
Have you been to the Arboretum recently? It is difficult to say which area impresses me most!
I first became involved with the arboretum in the mid 90's and it has been my great pleasure to see it grow and grow and grow!Which area to do I like best?
Well, I just can't say. At times, I like to see the trees when they bloom and later the changing fall colors. Sometimes it is my favorite when the flowers are at full bloom, and sometimes I just like to walk through the entire garden areas and trails.
Now, with the bronze sculptures in place along the asphalt pathway, I just have to pinch myself to say, "This is ours, not just Overland Park's... not just the volunteers, but with the international sculpture display arriving, it will be worldwide."
I am so pleased with the way our volunteers have stepped up to the plate and taken each and every assignment, whether it be setting up for the annual plant sale, working in the greenhouse, lighting luminary candles, or becoming a FOTA member.You can tell ... the volunteers are proud of our special place on 179th street.
Won't you consider being a volunteer who can make a difference? And if you are already a volunteer, thank you for making that commitment! As I leave the FOTA Board this December, I will continue to volunteer and support the Arboretum.
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Train Garden Update:
The Train Garden fundraising committee has been in full force, developing a plan to match a $50,000 matching gift for the Train Garden. 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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Last Minute Gift Idea for a Friend or
Family Member Who Has Everything  |
Luminary Walk Met Weather Head-On
 Among the many features this year, children of all ages enjoyed the gingerbread house, complete with a working model train inside.
Weather was a big challenge. The second night brought gale-force winds, putting volunteer candle lighters' perseverence to the test. The fourth night was canceled due to rain, only the second time in 12 years that has happened. Still, the many tireless volunteers were thrilled that well over seven thousand people were able to experience this very special FOTA fundraising event.
Winners of the drawing were Ron Robson, Olathe, who won the iPad. David Oliver, KC, MO, won the Garmin. The iPod went home with Richard Brockman, Leawood, and the flat screen TV with Ron Lomax, Overland Park. The lucky winner of the dinner for eight was Brad Gasper, Olathe.
LUMINARY WALK PHOTOS BY OUR INTREPID VOLUNTEER MARK HIGGINS, WHO MAKES CREATIVE AND BEAUTIFUL PICTURES EVEN IN THE MOST CHALLENGING CONDITIONS
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January Class Schedule
January 7 Learn to Play the native American Flute, Part 1, 12:30 to 2:00 pm, $25 per person
January 21 Basic Landscape Photography, 10:00 am to noon, $20 per person
January 28 Basic Flower Photographer, 10:00 am to noon, $20 per person
January 28 Native Winter Sparrows, Identification and Habits, 1:00 to 2:30 pm, $5 per person
For more information go to opabg.org and click on 2012 Schedule of Classes. You can sign up online by clicking on Class Registrations.
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'Music for the Birds' Coming Again in February
Watch for more information on the February Music Series, to be held again this year at an area watering hole every Sunday afternoon in February. It's a fun-raiser, as well as a fund-raiser toward the care and feeding of the Arboretum's winter bird population.
One of our bird experts, John Bosnak, sent pictures of two of the beautiful winter sparrows currently at the Arboretum. According to John, sparrows that are present now include Harris's Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Fox Sparrows, Song Sparrows, American Tree Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos. Impressive information, to those of us who can tell a Cardinal from a Bluejay, but scratch our heads in utter confusion over "the little brown birds."
If you want to learn more about these fascinating creatures, sign up for the Native Winter Sparrows class on January 28 (see article above). The experts will enlighten you!
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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 / December 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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