The day has finally come and this position will soon be filled by another. I have loved this job and only wish the very best to the person who takes my place. The past 6 1/2 years have flown by. I've met so many interesting people across the state and in our town. I took this job after having moved & lived in Ark City for only 8 months to meet people and meet people I have. I have been touched by the many good wishes that have come from colleagues and the community since announcing my retirement. Thank you to Ark City and I hope that all realize what a treasure this town is.
Now it is on to new adventures, starting with a trip to Montreal on Monday. This will be a fun trip with lots of sights to see. The hard part will be the Monday after I return - no office to go to. What to do? Read? Write? Relax? I guess that will be the fun part, right? I know once I get into a routine, I'll be fine, but I sure will miss the day to day opportunities this job has presented.
Let the adventure begin......
Friday, June 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Rainy Days and Wednesdays
Another rainy day, but oh so wonderful to see the green, green, green. Spring is here. I can't really complain; we've had such a mild winter. And it is so good to hear the birds in the morning when I'm getting ready for work. Let's hope we don't go directly from winter to summer and hot, hot weather.
My daughter and I have begun the Walk Kansas program. Daily walking and a diet that includes lots and lots of fruits and vegetables. We've decided that we will get healthy and love doing it or else. It's really not so bad, especially when we walk the new hike/bike trail. We start on the trail just behind City Swimming Pool and walk for 15 minutes (we plan to increase as the days go by) and then turn around and return. Our hope is to actually reach the bridge that now goes over Madison Ave. and eventually to walk to the end of the trail. The path is cement, so easily travelled on and the kids (grandkids) are able to ride their bikes or scooters right along with us. The exercise is great and the clear warm/cool air is refreshing.
Eating fruits and vegetable has given us a chance to be creative with the preparation. And if we end up losing a few pounds all the better.
So rainy days and Wednesdays won't stop us. We'll find a way to walk between the raindrops or add a few minutes to tomorrow's walk.
My daughter and I have begun the Walk Kansas program. Daily walking and a diet that includes lots and lots of fruits and vegetables. We've decided that we will get healthy and love doing it or else. It's really not so bad, especially when we walk the new hike/bike trail. We start on the trail just behind City Swimming Pool and walk for 15 minutes (we plan to increase as the days go by) and then turn around and return. Our hope is to actually reach the bridge that now goes over Madison Ave. and eventually to walk to the end of the trail. The path is cement, so easily travelled on and the kids (grandkids) are able to ride their bikes or scooters right along with us. The exercise is great and the clear warm/cool air is refreshing.
Eating fruits and vegetable has given us a chance to be creative with the preparation. And if we end up losing a few pounds all the better.
So rainy days and Wednesdays won't stop us. We'll find a way to walk between the raindrops or add a few minutes to tomorrow's walk.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Arkalalah
Arkalalah 2010 - A Day at the Beach
To me Arkalalah is a real homecoming, with lots of family members returning to Ark City and lots of class reunions. The crispness in the air creates such a familiar feeling. This year's event should prove to be once again a happy time. Several new activities will take place such as a Sand Castle Building contest on Friday; a Christian music concert featuring Nathan Brooks at Central Christian Church on Tuesday; a Pool, Golf, Bowling Tri-Arkalon on Saturday; and a Comedy Show & Concert featuring Comedian Lamont James and The Howlerz.
Of course, most of the activities normally associated with Arkalalah will take place as well. All you can ride for one price will take place on Wednesday evening (6pm - 10pm) and also on Friday (1pm - 5pm). Be sure to purchase your tickets at one ofthe banks or the Arkalalah office before noon on Wednesday, oct. 27th.
The Saturday night Light Show should be especially entertaining as it takes place at the new Bulldog Stadium. And Ten $100 gift certificates will be given away by KPM Computers. (You must be present to win).
T-shirts and Hoodies are available at Graves Drug and Arkalalah booklets, which include the entire schedule of events are available at several businesses, including the Chamber of Commerce.
Come on out and enjoy the old and new events and eat your way through town at the 26 food concessions that will once again grace the streets of Ark City.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A scary scary night
The owls will hoot, the ghosts will boooooo, and all who are in attendance will shiver. That will be the evening events for Saturday, October 9th at the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum. Heather and her crew are working hard to create a scary time for all who darken the doorstep of the Museum. Be there from 6 to 8 p.m. for a frightful time. Oh you might have some fun too and even meet some scary historical folks still haunting the area. Games and a haunted maze will be the domain of ghosts and goblins and scary souls.
cost: Adults $5.00; Kids $2.00 includes admission to the lot and one ticket to the haunted maze.
Extra trips through the maze only $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for kids
Tickets for kids games just 4 for $1.00
Come on out and have some fun. Be ready for anything that might go bump in the night.
cost: Adults $5.00; Kids $2.00 includes admission to the lot and one ticket to the haunted maze.
Extra trips through the maze only $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for kids
Tickets for kids games just 4 for $1.00
Come on out and have some fun. Be ready for anything that might go bump in the night.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Have you noticed how fast time flies? It seems like I was just packing away Christmas ornaments or was it Easter eggs, anyways the Family Reunion has already taken place (always July 4th weekend) and now it's almost August. Time to be thinking about the Renaissance Festival (Aug. 20 -22); Premier BBQ event (Sept. 3-5); Last Run Car Show (Sept. 24 - 26); and of course Arkalalah ( Oct. 26 - 30)
A fun contest we (Cowley County Tourism Alliance) has going on is the "Cowley County Treasure Hunt". We are very excited about it. Participants can pick up a complimentary photo album, which just happens to have 10 clues in it, at the Convention & Visitors Bureau in Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to locate all 10 locations and provide photos of each place (participant should be in the photo too); return to the CVB office with the album to make sure the correct location was found, at which time the participant's name will be placed in a drawing. Prizes include $300.00 VISA card, GPS, and Walnut Valley Festival tickets. The contest runs from July 15th to September 7th. If this contest is a success and we're sure it will be, another contest will be held next year with more locations and more prizes, to celebrate the 150th birthday of Kansas.
It is so much fun promoting our area!!! Even if time flies.
A fun contest we (Cowley County Tourism Alliance) has going on is the "Cowley County Treasure Hunt". We are very excited about it. Participants can pick up a complimentary photo album, which just happens to have 10 clues in it, at the Convention & Visitors Bureau in Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to locate all 10 locations and provide photos of each place (participant should be in the photo too); return to the CVB office with the album to make sure the correct location was found, at which time the participant's name will be placed in a drawing. Prizes include $300.00 VISA card, GPS, and Walnut Valley Festival tickets. The contest runs from July 15th to September 7th. If this contest is a success and we're sure it will be, another contest will be held next year with more locations and more prizes, to celebrate the 150th birthday of Kansas.
It is so much fun promoting our area!!! Even if time flies.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
An interesting event is taking place on Wednesday in Manhattan that Cowley County is a part of. The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Flint Hills Discovery Center will take place on that day at 9:30 a.m. As part of the Flint Hills, Cowley County was asked to take part in the creation of a 4x8 panel that will be placed side by side with the other 21 counties of the Flint Hills. The challenge was to paint a panel representing the county. Donna Martin from Dexter actually painted two panels and including depiction of the Land Rush, the stone bridges, the rivers, the burning prairie, the Helium discovery location, and of course the Flint Hills. Several school children in Eastern Cowley County also painted murals.
What an opportunity for Cowley to be represented up north and what an honor it will be to be part of the Discovery Center. Those visiting the center upon its completion, which is planned for an opening in spring of 2012, will learn about all areas of the Flint Hills, including Cowley County, and including Arkansas City.
What an opportunity for Cowley to be represented up north and what an honor it will be to be part of the Discovery Center. Those visiting the center upon its completion, which is planned for an opening in spring of 2012, will learn about all areas of the Flint Hills, including Cowley County, and including Arkansas City.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
What to do - What to do.
Here's my dillema "What do you do when you give a party (or event) and no one comes?" Last Saturday the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum presented "Wild Hawgs' Day" specifically focused on "man interests". In February they presented the "Women's Fair", which was very well received. The "Wild Hawg's Day" had everything from a poker run, to Double Eagle presenting hunting and gun accoutrements, to Land Rush Leather offering leather apparel. It seems about 50 "guys" showed up throughout the day and enjoyed themselves while there, but the event would have felt more validated if more had attended.
It could be said that "well, it's summer, and folks are on vacation", but this is not the first event to suffer from lack of attendance. Sadly, the words are often heard "there's nothing to do in Ark City". I find it hard to believe that those words are said, because looking at the Community Calendar I always see events going on. In fact, when I get ready to prepare the tent cards which broadcast the calendar of events, I sometimes have to omit an event or six because there are too many to list on the space provided.
You might think that I/we will give up and not promote any more events or create new venues, but no, I/we are optimists at heart and know that if we give a show people will come. Right? Look at Arkalalah - - there are always people in the streets for that celebration. I think folks just don't realize the events that are going on. One can find the events on the website http://www.arkcity.org/; the marquees around town; the Traveler. I would welcome suggestions for getting the word out about events. So, keep informed - check the website for events and tell your friends. We need you to come out and join us -- Let's have some fun.
It could be said that "well, it's summer, and folks are on vacation", but this is not the first event to suffer from lack of attendance. Sadly, the words are often heard "there's nothing to do in Ark City". I find it hard to believe that those words are said, because looking at the Community Calendar I always see events going on. In fact, when I get ready to prepare the tent cards which broadcast the calendar of events, I sometimes have to omit an event or six because there are too many to list on the space provided.
You might think that I/we will give up and not promote any more events or create new venues, but no, I/we are optimists at heart and know that if we give a show people will come. Right? Look at Arkalalah - - there are always people in the streets for that celebration. I think folks just don't realize the events that are going on. One can find the events on the website http://www.arkcity.org/; the marquees around town; the Traveler. I would welcome suggestions for getting the word out about events. So, keep informed - check the website for events and tell your friends. We need you to come out and join us -- Let's have some fun.
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