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Tammy Kelly to give site a run
LPF Executive Committee President

Bill Blakecalled from Seward and said cars were pulling off the road because the storm was so strong. We just finished setting up the display tables and placed the beautiful bouquets made by Alice Reed-Dzerk (one of the master gardeners of Sunken Gardens with Steve Nosal and Mark Canney). People were arriving. The clouds surrounded us on all sides. It sprinkled. Should we move to Auld Recreation center which was our backup. No, it is 6:15 and the musicians, Kacy Wanek and her string quartet, just started playing. Let's start early.
   
As you step down into the gardens in August the elephant leaf plants dwarf you giving the feeling of being inside the garden itself. There is no place like it. Cathy Blythe and Mark Taylor approached the podium placed within the tiered fountain and started the Lincoln Parks Foundation program honoring their founding members, Dr. Rickman, Bob Sikyta, Arlan Stromberg, Marilyn Olson, Robert Helm, Phyllis Pauley, Bus Whitehead, Clancy Woolman and Bill Blake.  Early community members of the foundation, Lori McClurg, Charlie Claus and Ron Jochum were thanked for their contributions.
   
The essay writers for the Best Park Story contest used the best words to describe what these workers gave to Lincoln. "The parks give meaning to the neighborhoods. Life doesn't get much better than at Pioneer Park. These love-filled moments still linger in my heart today when I drive by the Sunken Gardens. I proposed to my wife at the gardens." Our contest winner, Larry Beaty says, "We needed a place and it was given to us. It was as if God had selected Pioneers Park as a primary background tapestry for our life in Lincoln. What a wonderful gift has been given to us. The wonderful palette of colors of Sunken Gardens is a feast for the senses, and serves as a source of spiritual renewal. We are grateful to those responsible for raising the funds to rejuvenate this marvelous garden."
  
The Kiosk under the gazebo provides users with information as to where the bricks they purchased are in the garden. A map is also available on the screen to help people identify plants by name and color in the garden. We recommend you stop and cruise through the programs.
   
Mike Seacrest was awarded the first annual Mike Seacrest Park Builder Award for giving so much over the years to the Lincoln park system. Mike currently sits on the Foundation board with Mary Arth, Bob Baldwin, Bill Blake, Christie Dionsiopoulos, Roger Dodson, Albert Hamersky, Karen Hand, Sandra Hilsabeck-Hastings, Pres., Joyce Johnson, Jolanda Junge-Kuzma, V-Pres., Dan King, Bob Northrup, Bus Whitehead, Bill Woito, Treas., Clancy Woolman and J.J. Yost.
   
Sandy Hilsabeck presented the awards along with Karen Hand of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and Lynn Johnson, Director of Lincoln Parks. Then she introduced Joyce Johnson, the chairman of the event who thanked the sponsors, Lincoln Journal Star and Pepsi, and workers of the event. Joyce and her committee designed a perfect evening in the gardens.
   
Lynn Johnson explained the great working relationship the foundation has with the park system and Sandy continued by saying the work is not done. The Foundation has taken on the responsibility to raise funds for the Antelope Valley park system between 21 & 22 Streets north from O Street to R Street. She introduced Susan Rodenburg who has been named the campaign manager for this new project which will change the face of Lincoln.
   
The mayor of Lincoln, Chris Beutler, finished off the evening with his coattails flapping, rain coming and wonderful composure. His papers blew but he read the winning essay to the 170 guests who stood firm in the wake of the storm. The rain held off for people to have a sugar cookie and drink. The effect wouldn't have been the same if we had moved to Auld. After we left it poured rain and watered all the beautiful flowers.