Inside:

FriendsT H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E F R I E N D S O F M C C O N N E L L S P R I N G S

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Volume 22 Issue 1Spring 2016

Dear Friends, Irish Homecoming

Join Our Important Fundraiser ... Wine Barrel Tasting for the Springs

Founders’ Day, Our Premiere May Event

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Spring time is our season for the 22nd Founders’ Day celebration of Lexington’s McConnell Springs. This year it will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016. Two hundred forty one years ago Lexington and the Bluegrass area was a savanna wooded/grassland a “wonderland” to pioneering settlers who migrated west seeking freedom and the chance to be-come property own-ers. You can experi-ence the life of 1775 for yourself by visiting Founders’ Day at McConnell Springs. We celebrate this day because, according to

Hopefully the long winter is behind us and we can all look for a great stay-cation with our friends “riding” the Bluegrass. The 9th Annual Wine Barrel Tasting for the Springs fundraiser is sponsored by The Friends of McConnell Springs and 16 local wineries in the Bluegrass, all within one hour drive from Lexington. The event will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2016 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the participating wineries. Celebrate the new tasting room for Prodigy Winery at the vineyard about 2 miles south of their previous tasting room. For those who are new to the scene, a short explanation. Participants go to any of the participating wineries to sample a barrel tasting of wine ready for bottling. You choose your own starting point. For a $20/person fee, one receives a commemorative glass and entrance to the barrel tasting. Proceeds go to The Friends of McConnell Springs for educational purposes and preservation and restoration of the park. For more information and directions to the wineries check out our website at www.mcconnellsprings.org, visit our Face-book page, or call 859.327.9800. We look forward to seeing you soon!!

See page 5 for a list of wineries.

history, William McConnell and a group of explorers were camping in the area when word came about the battle of Lexington and the start of the Revolution-

ary War. In honor of that victory, the explorers decided to name our community Lexington in 1779 when the town was founded.

The Founders’ Day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be music; entertain-ment; guided tours of the park; colonial crafts such as blacksmithing, woodworking, quilt mak-ing, weaving, colonial knitting exhibit, colonial tools, Indian artifacts and children’s activities; and a special encampment re-enactment of pioneers.

This is a family event, so bring a picnic lunch and spend the day at this FREE event held at the

Dear Friends...

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Friends ofJohn Kiefer, Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORSExecutive CommitteeIsabel Yates, Chair EmeritusJohn D. Kiefer, ChairJim Rebmann, Vice ChairRichard A. Mathy, TreasurerCharlie Boland, Secretary

Standing CommitteesSteven Rogers, EducationRichard A. Mathy, FundraisingB. J. Webb, NominatingReneé Williams, Promotions & Newsletter EditorMichael Galavotti, Site DevelopmentJamie Millard, Webpage

At-Large Board MembersPeter AndrewSherrell BrownJon HageeKaren HigdonJacob KarnesKelly KeefeElizabeth MaybrierDoug McLarenDoc MuzzyBecci RayFranklin D. � ompson

Parks RepresentativeSteven Rogers

Park NaturalistSteven Rogers

ADVISORY COMMITTEEHelen C. AlexanderBill AllenTucker BallingerMrs. Norwood Cowgill Jr.Lou DeLuca� omas P. DupreeLillian B. GentryBo HenryBarbara Hulette Tim KellyFreda KlotterJames KlotterSusan LanchoGloria MartinJennifer MattinglyPam MillerRoy W. Mundy IICarolyn Murray-WooleyJacqueline NoonanGreg PadgettSusan RidenourCharles W. Stewart

As I noted in my previous “Dear Friends” letter, winter caught up with us with its cold

dreary days. It was not as cold, snowy, nor as long as anticipated, but hang on, winter may still pay us another visit or two before it blows away. We still managed to have some enjoyable events like the Cottonwood Bark Carving competition, and our Annual Luncheon at the Boone Center Faculty Club. The weather didn’t seem to keep visitors away as Steven Rogers, our Park Naturalist tells me, 2015 set an annual record for park visitors. We even managed to get some work and planning for future events accomplished at our An-nual Retreat, January 16. Now it’s up to you to mark your calendars for the upcom-

ing events and continue to check our web pages at www.mcconnellsprings.org for information and updates. Our major fund raiser for the year, the “Wine Bar-rel Tasting,” is scheduled for March 26. Please spread the word, bring a group of friends and join us. Jon Hagee is organiz-ing another great “Irish Homecoming” for April 2. Jon also has organized an outstanding “Author- Speaker Series” for March 8, and April 12, and Peter Andrew has a great line-up for “History to Chew On” starting June 14. And last, but cer-tainly not least, Jim Rebmann is organiz-ing another great “Founders’ Day,” event for May 21. As always, thank you all for your donations and continued support of McConnell Springs Park. We can’t exist without you.

The Friends of McConnell Springs hosted the 22nd Annual Business Luncheon on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at the Boone Center – University of Kentucky. The 35 guests in attendance enjoyed a great meal together, and heard a series of presentations detailing the many wonderful activi-ties that helped make 2015 a record year of attendance for McConnell Springs visitors. Park Naturalist Steven Rogers gave a report on park attendance and activities; Treasurer Dick Mathy provided the fi nancial report; and John Keifer provided remarks sharing his perspective as Chair of the Friends Board. In addition, the Volunteer of the Year was named – Peter Andrew was honored for his many contributions to the life of the park and his dedication to pro-grams such as History To Chew On, and as a board member.

The keynote address was delivered by Monica Conrad, Director of LFUCG Parks and Recreation. A native of Morehead, KY and a former Deputy Commissioner of Kentucky State Parks, Monica brings a wealth of experience and a love for Kentucky into her new role. New initiatives she is leading include a dedicated grant-writing posi-tion for the Parks and Recreation division, to identify and suc-cessfully compete for funding critical to maintain and upgrade local parks facilities, including McConnell Springs. She delivered encouraging words for the work of the Friends board, and the future of McConnell Springs.

All in all the 22nd Annual Business Luncheon was a big suc-cess, and we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those who organized the event: board members Sherrell Brown, Franklin Thompson, and Renee’ Williams.

22nd Annual Business Luncheon Recap

Monica Conrad

John Keifer and Peter Andrew

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I am a longtime resident of Lexington having moved to the community to attend the University of Kentucky, and my wife, Mary, is a native Lexingtonian. I re-cently retired from the University after serving forty-four years as Director of the Disability Resource Center. During that career, I served on numerous commu-nity boards. My family enjoyed exploring McConnell Springs long before it was cleaned up and developed. Most recently I have especially enjoyed the speakers series. My interests include Kentucky, civil war and local history, vegetable and fl ower gardening and genealogy.

I am a 2nd generation native Lexingtonian, a graduate of Lafayette - class of '76, a graduate of UK with degrees in Math and Library Science, and retired from the Fayette County School System after 32 years - 24 years as a Math teacher (at Bryan Station Junior, Lafayette, and Dunbar) and 8 years as a Librarian (at Dun-bar). My current hobbies include basket weaving, knitting, photography, and wood carving. I teach monthly basket weaving classes in Versailles at the County Exten-sion Offi ce. I am on the board of the Kentucky Basket Association where currently I am the newsletter editor and membership coordinator. I found out about Mc-Connell Springs through the wood carving group that meets at the park. I am so glad to have found the park and all of the activities that go on there. I am looking forward to serving on The Friends of McConnell Springs Board and being more ac-tive in the programs offered through the park.

Welcome New Members to the Board!

Welcome Jacob Karnes

Welcome Karen HigdonI am a 2a graduate of UK with degrees in Math and Library Science, and retired from the Fayette County School System after 32 years - 24 years as a Math teacher (at Bryan Station Junior, Lafayette, and Dunbar) and 8 years as a Librarian (at Dun-bar). My current hobbies include basket weaving, knitting, photography, and wood carving. I teach monthly basket weaving classes in Versailles at the County Exten-sion Offi ce. I am on the board of the Kentucky Basket Association where currently I am the newsletter editor and membership coordinator. I found out about Mc-Connell Springs through the wood carving group that meets at the park. I am so glad to have found the park and all of the activities that go on there. I am looking forward to serving on The Friends of McConnell Springs Board and being more ac-tive in the programs offered through the park.

Welcome Karen Higdon

Author Speaker Series Begins this MonthContinuing our new series, we have two very inter-esting programs lined up for March and April. Events start at 6 p.m. The author will be available before and after to sign books and take questions. Refreshments will be provided.

March 8Tom Kimmerer author of "Venerable Trees: History, Biology, and Conservation in the Bluegrass".

In Venerable Trees, Mr. Kimmerer describes how Kentuckians have been living in and amongst venerable trees since the region was settled and how ancient specimens have been integral to the region. In fact, an old bur oak was felled to build the fi rst per-manent structure in Lex-ington. Despite the many

changes that the area has seen, including widespread develop-ment, trees up to fi ve hundred years old still survive.

April 12Author Donald Curtis brings us "Uncommon Valor - Common Virtue: � e Franklin R. Sousley Story".

On February 19th, 1945, after four days of heavy fi ght-ing for the tiny island of Iwo Jima, Marines erected an American fl ag which became one of the most famous photographs in U.S. history. One of those American heroes was Franklin Sousley, of Fleming County, Ken-tucky. This is his story.

Mr. Curtis also has a new book coming out on Coach Adolph Rupp.

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Need a Speaker? - McConnell Springs Speakers Bureau

We can provide you with an interesting program on this vital and key place in the founding of Lexington.

No cost within Fayette County. Call 859.225.4073 to reserve today.

Many thanks are extended to the organizations and individuals who contributed to The Friends of McConnell Springs during the November 15, 2015 through December 31, 2015 period. We are especially grateful to those Friends who continue to support us on a regular basis. All of your contributions directly benefi t McConnell Springs Park. We apologize if there are any errors or omissions in this list, and would appreciate hearing about them. Please contact Dick Mathy at friends@mcconnellsprings.org.

Th ank YOU for Giving....

Founder ($500+)Garden Club of Lexington

Builder ($100+)Mr. & Mrs. Peter Andrew Dr. & Mrs. Joseph P. Bark Mr. Jack C. Blanton Dr. and Mrs. David B. Cassidy Mrs. Robin Fishback Combs Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Costich Ms. Mary Blanton Cotton Dr. & Mrs. Lisle Dalton Mr. Thomas A. Duke Ms. Sharon Wells Fulkerson M.D.Mr. Timothy KurylaMr. & Mrs. A. P. Lawing Lexington Woodcarvers GuildMr. and Mrs. Richard A. Mathy Robert E. Milward Fund Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Seiler Dr. & Mrs. E. C. Seeley Mr. Franklin D. Thompson

Homesteader ($50+)Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Boland Ms. Nancy Sue Braun Ms. Katherine A. Brewer Ms. Mildred Farr Cox Mr. James Currens Ms. Faith Fiene Mr. & Mrs. Alfred J. Gajda Jr.Mr. & Mrs. John Hackworth Mr. & Mrs. Walter A. Hehl Mr. & Mrs. Clement T Imhoff Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Kinkead Jr.Mr. Wallace L. McConnell Mr. Kevin Nelson Dr. James A. Orr, Jr.Dr. Ouida Tisdall Mr. Larry K. Trivette Mr. & Mrs. Gardner L. Turner

Friend ($49 - Under)Ms. Claire Carpenter Ms. Phyllis R. Hasbrouck Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Marks, Jr.Ms. Betty Murphy Mr. Stephen P. Stoltz Mr. Wayne A. Waddell

Additional Th ank You’sIn Honor of Isabel Yates by Ms. Katherine DaltonIn Honor of the Dalton Family by Ms. Katherine DaltonIn Honor of Michael & Marilyn Seiler by Richard & Annette MathyIn Honor of Richard Mathy by Dr. Donald & Marian Soule

Want to give a gift that keeps on giving?Consider giving a present that will last – an engraved paver in the Garden Spring at McConnell Springs. Purchasing a paver helps support educational programming at McConnell Springs. The pavers are 8-inch by 8-inch brick stone.

The permanently inscribed paver will be placed in the central plaza of the McConnell Springs Visitors’ Center where they will be seen for years to come.

To order your paver, fi ll out the order form on page 5.

Notes from the Naturalist...

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by Steven Rogers

The perfect gift idea!Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate a special occasion? Consider giving a present that will last – an engraved paver in the Garden Spring at McConnell Springs. When you give someone this unique present, you also help McConnell Springs, because $85 of each $100 paver is a tax-deductible donation to The Friends of McConnell Springs. Help support educational programming at McConnell Springs with the purchase of an 8-inch by 8-inch brick paver. The permanently inscribed paver will be placed in the central plaza of the McConnell Springs Visitors’ Center. Clip this form and return it with $100 payment to: Friends of McConnell Springs, P.O. Box 12196, Lexington, KY 40581-2196. Yes, I want to support McConnell Springs by purchasing a paver. I have enclosed $100.Name:_____________________________________________________Address:___________________________________________________City, State:_________________________________________________Phone:____________________________________________________E-mail:____________________________________________________

Complete boxes with message to be inscribed on paver. Please print carefully, with one letter per box. Each box presents one character.

City, State:_________________________________________________Phone:____________________________________________________E-mail:____________________________________________________

Spring is going to be a great time to come out to the park and enjoy our new programs and special events. The staff at the park hopes that the new programs

that are offered this year will encourage more people to visit McConnell Springs. Some of the new offerings include Story Walks, a program for young children that will include the staff reading a nature themed story then taking a stroller friendly walk through the park. Another new program being offered this year will be Nature Journaling, a program for teens and adults. During this program park staff will focus on specifi c topics like migrating birds or wild fl owers in

bloom and encourage participants to draw, observe, and journal. We are also excited to announce that McConnell Springs will be host to the 2016 Blue-grass Birding Festival on May 14 & 15. This event is a celebration of all things bird related. The festival has something for everyone so don’t be concerned if you’re not an experienced birder, there will be a host of vendors, exhibitors, presenters, activities, guided birding walks for beginners, live birds of prey program, and more. It is going to be a busy time at the Springs so be sure to check out our calendar of events for dates and times for these and all programs that are going to be offered at the park this year.

Visit one or a few of the following wineries partici-pating in our annual fundrasier: Black Barn Winery, Chrisman Mills Vineyards, Chuckleberry Farm & Win-ery, Equus Run Vineyards, First Vineyard Winery, Grimes Mill Winery, Hamon Haven Winery, Horseshoe

2016 Wine Barrel Tasting Participating WineriesBend Vineyard & Winery, Jean Farris Winery & Bistro, Lovers Leap Vineyards & Winery, McIntyre Winery & Berries, Prodigy Vineyards & Winery, Rising Sons Winery, Springhill Winery & Plantation, Talon Winery & Vineyards, and Wildside Winery & Vineyard.

In honor of our namesake and deeply rooted Celtic heritage, please join us for a conference on the Irish/Celtic culture on Saturday, April 2, 2016. It will be an all-day event, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the park.

Free to all - we encourage you to call the park to reg-ister so we can judge the number of participants.We will be featuring Irish dance and a lot of tradi-

tional music, as well as workshops on Irish genealogy, history & culture. Our goal is to have a friendly, com-fortable day enjoying our enthusiasm for the Celtic/Irish heritage, meeting like-minded people, sharing cultural knowledge & experiences. If you play or sing Irish music, please bring instruments if you want to join in a traditional music session.

An Irish Homecoming: Sharing our Uncommon Culture, Music & Heritage

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAID

Lexington, KyPermit No. 224The Friends of McConnell Springs

P.O. Box 12196Lexington, KY 40581-2196

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FRIENDS is published by the Friends of McConnell SpringsEditor: Reneé WilliamsContributors: Peter Andrew, Jon Hagee, Steven Rogers, Sherrell Brown, John Kiefer, Dick Mathy, Jim Rebmann, Renee’ Williams

McConnell Springs is a natural and historic site at416 Rebmann Lane in Lexington, Ky. The park has two miles of trails that wander around the sinking springs, vegetation, stone fences and vestiges of historic build-ings. McConnell Springs boasts more than 130 species of plants and numerous species of urban wildlife that reside at or visit the park. The unique geologic, natural and historic features are protected, providing environ-mental, cultural and historical education opportunities for the residents of Fayette County and elsewhere.

To learn more about McConnell Springs, call 859.225.4073 or visit www.mcconnellsprings.org.

Our missionThe Friends of McConnell Springs, an independent not-for-profi t 501 (c)(3) organization, works in a partnership with the Lexing-ton-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Parks and Recreation, dedi-cated to the restoration and preservation of McConnell Springs as:• a national historic site, recognized as the pioneer

encampment in the naming of Lexington, Ken-tucky;

• an environmental and educational resource; and

• a passive recreational park.

Founders’ Day (continued)

The Friends of McConnell Springs is a 501 (c)(3) non-profi t organization. Your tax-deductible donation supports the preservation of McConnell Springs and educational programs at the site. Can we count on your support in being a Friend? If so, please mail this form to the address below.

Friends – Memberships

Name: ______________________________________

Address: _____________________________________

City: _______________ State: _______ Zip:______

Donation amount: $1000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $25 other: ______________

Complete the form above and mail it with your membership donation to:The Friends of McConnell SpringsP.O. Box 12196Lexington, KY 40581-2196

Trailblazer ($1,000)Founder ($500+)Preservationist ($250+)

No matter what membership level you give, your generosity is greatly appreciated! Thank you for your sup-port!

Builder ($100+)Homesteader ($50+)Friend ($49 - under)

Check this box to make my donation to The Friends of McConnell Springs Endowed Fund #0527 at the BGCF.

Springs. Hotdogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, and popcorn will also be sold on site. This is a rain or shine event; sunscreen, rain gear and insect repel-lant may be needed. Visitors taking guided tours are encouraged to wear hiking shoes. Check our website for a complete activity listing in mid-April.