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Chair's Corner...
By Dennis Patton
Executive Committee Chair
Change happens every day and most times it is never noticed. The funny thing about change is that if you favor the change then it is just the new norm. But heaven forbid if we don't like the change we many times fight it in an effort to preserve the old norm. No matter whether we like or dislike change, we all must at some point realize that it is a part of our everyday lives.
Why am I writing about change? If you follow the news at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, then you know why. Change is happening all around us. The Overland Park City Council is still working through the process of charging admission fees. The Council is in the process of reconsidering the admission fees to be charged but have reconfirmed that a fee will be charged starting in 2013.
As a result of this change, FOTA is delaying action in setting new membership fees. The Executive Committee feels strongly that our membership rates must be reflective of and in line with admission fees set by the City governing board. We do know that Friends of the Arboretum members will receive complimentary admission to the Arboretum. The Executive Committee fully supports the City's move to charge a fee, as we believe it is needed to help transition public perception that this place is not just another park. The vision and master plan have always been so much more.
It has long been said that the definition of art is in the eye of the beholder. Here again change is at work in the Arboretum. Last fall a series of sculptures were installed on the asphalt loop. There have been numerous comments about what is art and appropriate for the Arboretum.
Please keep in mind, while these changes are being discussed, that the placement of this artwork is temporary. A committee is currently working to develop a master plan for public art. The plan is to create a sculpture park on the Kemper Farm grounds just to the west of the Arboretum.
Art is an integral part of gardens. As gardens continue to grow at the Arboretum, so will sculpture and other pieces to enhance and beautify the gardens. Will everyone like every piece? The answer is of course not.
So are the changes a good thing for the arboretum? The answer to that question really depends on whether you like the results. Like all change, it is controversial. The constant of this change is that it has become very clear that many area residents have a passion and love for this special place.
The Friends of the Arboretum ask for your continued passion and support as we plan for the ever constant change. Your support and input are important.
Please remember one thing about change, and that is the fact it is really the only constant.
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At the Plant Sale...
Butterfly experts explained how to attract and feed butterflies by planting the specific plants they need. PHOTO BY KARL YEHLE
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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
Commemorative Gift and
Donation opportunities can be accessed online. If you are interested in the Friends of the Arboretum "Planned Giving" program, please contact Teresa Stohs.
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The Arb / May 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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Phase I Ribbon Cutting May 30
The Ribbon Cutting for the first phase of the Train Garden will take place on Wednesday, May 30, at 4 pm in the Train Garden. Refreshments will be hosted by the Friends of the Arboretum.
Phase I includes a caboose, child-size ticket booth, landscaping, and three G-scale train systems with a 26 ft. replica of the Truman Bridge. Visitors can watch trains go through the "mountain" waterfalls, across the bridge and under the sidewalk from an observation deck beside the caboose.
Train Garden contributions can be made online or to make your gift by check, make payable and mail to Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, P.O. Box 26392, Overland Park, KS 66225. In the memo section, please write "Train Garden Match."
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Spring Photo Contest Winners Named
Spring Photo Contest winners are as follows:
Adult:
First Place: Allison Doan (shown above)
Second Plant: Phyllis Luedke
Third Place: Mary Elizabeth Eaker
Youth:
First Place: Jeremy Jacobs, age 13
Second Place: Cassandra Mars, age 13
Third Place: Ryan Jacobs, age 10
The other winning photos will be shown as space permits in future eNewsletters. The photo contest has been discontinued indefinitely, but if you have a great picture you would like to submit for the online newsletter, website or Facebook page, it can still be sent to: arboretumphotocontest@gmail.com. We make every effort to give photographers a credit line, so your reward will be fame and glory. Photos taken by anyone under the age of 18 must be submitted by parent or legal guardian.
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Upcoming Classes & Tours
 For information on classes go to opabg.org and click on 2012 Schedule of Classes. You can sign up online by clicking on Class Registrations.
Participants recently enjoyed a Macro Photography Class.
Photo by Carol Fowler.
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Bird Posters Now Available
FOTA Bird Committee member John Bosnak recently compiled his photographs of birds seen at the Arboretum into a beautiful 8" x 11" poster entitled "Birds of the Arboretum." This poster may be purchased through the EEVC Café for $8.00. Framed posters are available upon request for $25.00.
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Volunteer Spotlight
 Bonnie and Dale Jenkins began volunteering at the Arboretum in 2003. Bonnie started first by helping make lunches for volunteer hospitality at special events, plus working the Plant Sale, the crafts tent at Arts for Kids, and lighting candles at the Holiday Luminary Walk. Bonnie was a friend of the late Margaret Cundiff, former owner of the Arboretum property.
Dale began by directing cars in the parking lot at the Luminary Walk and later developing a strong involvement with the prairie restoration project and prairie tours. He also has worked to help set up the Plant Sales, Arts for Kids and the Luminary Walk, and he was an important part of the greenhouse construction project. Often seen in his trademark railroad cap, he is currently on the Train Garden committee and looking forward to the first phase ribbon-cutting on May 30.
Both Bonnie and Dale say it has been a real joy for them to be involved with the Arboretum and feel that in some way they have helped it develop, as well as having an opportunity to meet many other dedicated volunteers.
PHOTOS BY MARK HIGGINS
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Park and Ride to Stems Soirée on June 23
435 South Magazine is sponsoring a Park & Ride to Stems from the Bank of Blue Valley on 119th or First National Bank on College Boulevard. Skip check-in lines and avoid event parking stress for only $10 individually or $15 per couple. Bus leaves on the half hour from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Return trips run from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the half hour.
The Stems Soirée is an annual fund-raising event sponsored by the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. General admission tickets are $85 and patron tickets are $250. Click here for more information.
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