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Photo Contest
The current season's photo contest ends January 31, so enter your best picture now! You can enter by email -- it's easy! Click here for complete contest rules. The next contest runs from February 1 through the end of April.
The photo of the fox sculpture (above) was a winner in the 2011 photo contest. It was taken by Phyllis Luedke. The photo below is by Mark Higgins.
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Chair's Corner...
By Dennis Patton
Executive Committee Chair
 I am excited and eager to be back on the Friends of the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Executive Committee and serving as the chairperson. In many ways I consider this a homecoming. I have had the pleasure to serve on the board for two terms and as chair in 2004 and 2005. My, have things changed while I have been away, and might I say all for the better!
Visiting the Arboretum the last few years has been a challenge, as it seems that at every turn there has been construction. Margaret Pond retaining walls, Serenity Point and the Train Garden are a few places I have encountered the orange fencing. Don't get me wrong, as in this case construction is a sign of progress and building better attractions for the enjoyment of all.
The mission of FOTA is to preserve, enhance and promote the Arboretum. I hope that in the coming months we will be able to continue to accomplish this mission. We are all looking forward to the completion of the Train Garden and of course the beautiful flowers that grace the Monet Garden and other gardens at the Arboretum.
Thanks for your continued support and interest. Working together we can continue to make the Arboretum one of the area's best attractions. |
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FOTA Chair Dennis Patton:
Dennis.Patton@jocogov.org
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 / January 2012
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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Arboretum Bird Benefit Returns
A benefit for the bird feeding program at the Overland Park Arboretum, Music for the Birds, returns to the Sunset Grill on February 12 and 26. The Sunday events feature live entertainment from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
 On February 12, Tim Scott is the featured entertainer. Tim is a Kansas City actor, entertainer and vocalist who has been seen on nearly every stage in Kansas City. He will perform music from Rogers and Hammerstein, Sinatra and others.
On February 26, Noel Scott, vocalist and saxophonist, will feature hits from the 1940s and jazz standards. A former radio personality, Noel has performed in numerous Kansas City nightclubs.
The benefit helps support an Arboretum area called the Bird Yard that features a small house with glass windows for spectacular bird watching. It is surrounded by many bird feeders, regularly refilled by dedicated volunteers.
Click here to order tickets online. Tickets will also be available at the door -- Sunset Grill, 14577 Metcalf ($5 suggested donation). Appetizers, wine and other beverages will be available for purchase. |
Upcoming Classes
 January 28 Basic Flower Photography, 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
February 4 New Volunteer Orientation Class, 9:00 to 11:00 am
February 8 Learn to Play the Native American Flute, Part 1, 10:30 am to noon, $25 per person
February 18 Learn to Play the Native American Flute, Part 2, 12:30 to 2:00 pm, $25 per person
February 22 Learn to Play the Native American Flute, Part 2, 10:30 am to noon, $25 per person
February 25 Birding as a Lifelong Adventure, 10:00 to 11:30 am, $10 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.
Photo by Mark Higgins
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Whistle Stop: Construction is chugging right along in the Train Garden, thanks to unusually mild winter weather. Railroad ties and sidewalks have been laid, and child-size ticket booths have been built at each end of the walk. It is exciting to stop by from time to time to see how quickly work is progressing in this first phase of the garden.
There is still time to make a gift and instantly double its impact, thanks to a $50,000 matching grant. You can make contributions online or send to the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, PO Box 26392, Overland Park, KS 66225. |
Jim Copling 1950 - 2011
One of our most dedicated volunteers passed away December 19. Jim Copling was a greeter for many years and helped in countless other ways. His plan was to reach 1,000 volunteer hours by the end of 2011. However, illness took over in early summer and that was not possible. He loved the Arboretum. He talked about the Arboretum to everyone who would listen, and then some. He greeted on a regular basis for many years and loved talking to the many visitors who came through the door.
 When he wasn't greeting, he and his wife Teresa would be walking the Arboretum trails. Jim was also active in his church and had participated in many volunteer mission trips to South America. The family requested memorial contributions to the Arboretum, along with his church and hospice.
In this picture Jim (center) is talking up the Arboretum to visitors at the 2011 Johnson County Home & Garden Show. There is no doubt that he reached his goal of 1,000 hours. |
Volunteers in Perpetual Motion
 Some volunteers just never know when to quit! Several of the people who have put in a jillion hours each for the Luminary Walk during the past few years decided recently to repaint the stepping stones from the Children's Garden maze. Those very dedicated volunteers are Margaret Kalal (pictured here), Karen McNerney, Janet Reedy, and Teri Shields (who took this photo). Thanks, ladies, for everything you do!
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