Chair's Corner...
Dennis Patton,Executive Committee Chair  Where did 2013 go? It was an exciting time at the Arboretum. FOTA and the Arboretum staff hosted a number of new and special events during the year. Many of them were memorable, such as the Container Display, Kite Fest and "Kickin' Back in an Adirondack." My most memorable moment of the past year was the unexpected snowfall during the May plant sale which caused the tents to come crashing down on the plants. I am not for sure if I was colder at the spring plant sale or the Luminary Walk! 2014 brings with it the promise of another year jammed-packed with events and activities for the young and young at heart. The next phase of the Train Garden is in the planning stages, and several new events are scheduled. We will continue to update you on happenings through our monthly newsletter and e-blasts. We also hope that you will continue to support FOTA and the Arboretum by renewing your membership throughout the year. The FOTA Executive Committee will continue working toward our mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Thank you for your support! Thank You, Donors! As always, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our sponsors and donors. The following companies contributed mightily to the success of this year's Luminary Walk. Donations of supplies, funds, equipment and services were made by the Louisburg Cider Mill, Lambie Custom Homes, NiteLites of Kansas City, CenturyLink, Van Wall, KC Homes & Gardens Magazine, and The Fresh Market. Hen House provided an outlet for advance ticket sales.  Purple Finch Male
Photo by John Bosnak
Classes for 2014
Two Saturday morning photography classes will kick-start the new year: Basic Flower Photography on January 11 and Basic Landscape Photography on February 1. Both classes are taught by Carol Fowler and Dave Shackelford, two of FOTA's most knowledgeable photographers. Class fee is $23 (this includes $3 Arboretum admission) or $20 for FOTA members. Enroll online Click here. It's not too soon to sign up for one of the Fireside Teas in late Febuary. Watch for the very popular birding classes which start in March, spring break activities for kids, Nature Classes and more! Details online Click here  Photo by Mark Higgins
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Dennis Patton, FOTA Chair:
Dennis.Patton@jocogov.org
Phyllis Merrick, Volunteer Coordinator:
VolunteerCoordinator@opkansas.org
Suzie Swyden, FOTA Coordinator
and Membership Inquiries:
fotacoordinator@yahoo.com
Send photos and news to:
judy@springvalleynursery.com
Commemorative Gift and
Donation Opportunities
can be accessed online.
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The Arb / December 2013
Overland Park Arboretum
& Botanical Gardens
1/2 mile west of Hwy. 69
on 179th Street
913-685-3604
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Arboretum Visitors Center
Holiday Showcase Continues
A tiny bit of the Luminary Walk will linger in the Visitors Center throughout the holiday season. FOTA volunteer Aphrodite Platko used her creative genius to decorate the facility in a most unusual way, using live plants chosen specifically for their tolerance of dry heat, found objects, white poinsettias, tasteful lighting and much more. It all received rave reviews from Luminary Walk attendees. Stop by this month and check out all the clever details in the design.
 Aphro serves the Arboretum in many different capacities. She is a greeter, a wedding coordinator and serves on the education committee. She is constantly using her professional skills to make displays look and function their best. The Visitors Center is the most visible of her many volunteer contributions. As with so many of our devoted volunteers, we are extremely lucky to have her.
Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and unwind at the Arboretum. Photos by Aphrodite Platko (above) and Ken O'Dell
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Volunteering at the Arboretum:
There's Something for Everyone!
Orientations on January 18 and February 15
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will be cultivating a new crop of volunteers in early 2014. Orientations for new volunteers will be held on two Saturday mornings - January 18 and February 15. According to Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Merrick, "We always look forward to showing new people the wide variety of volunteer opportunities we offer. There is something to fit every interest, every schedule and every level of physical ability."
For instance, if you enjoy meeting new people, you could be a greeter in the Visitors Center, serve in the Garden Café, lead guided tours, or help with the many weddings held in the gardens.
Bird lovers can keep the bird feeders filled and monitor the feathered population. And of course there are plenty of garden tasks for those who like to dig in the dirt!
If you enjoy working with children, you can help with the Wizard of Oz party or geocaching classes in March, or assist with Nature Crafts for Kids in the fall.
 Folks with limited time can assist with one of the many special events at the Arboretum, including serving at the upcoming Fireside Tea in February, helping out at KiteFest held on each Sunday in April, or the early May plant sale. The calendar online Click here lists all these events so you can choose the activities in which you're interested.
Volunteers receive free admission on the days they work, and those who work at least 40 hours in a calendar year receive free admission during the following year, excluding certain special events. (FOTA members receive additional benefits.)
Identical New Volunteer Orientation sessions will be held on January 18 and February 15 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the Visitors Center. Register online Click here to attend on one of these dates and learn more. If you have questions, contact Phyllis Merrick at volunteercoordinator@opkansas.org or 913.685.3604.
Above: Volunteer Terry Sinclair lighting Luminary Walk candles. Photo by Mark Higgins
Reciprocal Admissions
Benefit FOTA Members
Friends of the Arboretum charter member Lynda Ochs and her husband Don recently visited the Dallas Arboretum and utilized the reciprocal program offered by more than 200 botanical gardens and arboretums throughout the country. This program is sponsored by the American Horticulture Society (AHS). Lynda and Don enjoyed the elaborate Pumpkin Village, which featured more than 50,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash.
The Dallas Arboretum's daily admission fee is $15 adults/$12 seniors, but Lynda and Don enjoyed free admission, simply by showing their FOTA membership cards. This is one example of how the reciprocal program is benefiting many FOTA members.
For a list of participating gardens, please click on this link to the AHS website.
If you would like to share your free or discounted admission fee experience at another botanical garden through this reciprocal admissions program, please email fotacoordinator@yahoo.com.  Photo courtesy of Lynda and Don Ochs
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