Winter 2013 Newsletter - McConnell Springs

Friends THE NEWSLETTER OF THE FRIENDS OF MCCONNELL SPRINGS

Volume 19 Issue 3 Winter 2013

Celebrate 2014 McConnell Springs Style! by Renee’ Williams, Promotions

Celebrate 2014 McConnell Springs’ style by participating in our many activities planned for this upcoming year. Why celebrate? 2014 marks the 20th Anniversary of McConnell Springs Park. Twenty years ago, McConnell Springs was a dumping ground, but The Friends of McConnell Springs came together to raise funds and recapture the site. After clearing hundreds of tons of trash and construction debris, the site was ready to build the Education Center and become the historical treasure it is today. What’s there to celebrate? Lots! Not only is McConnell Springs Park a National Registered Historic site as it has served as a mill, gunpowder factory, and dairy farm, McConnell Springs is the place Lexington was named! That alone is worth celebrating! So pull out your calendars and jot McConnell Springs on the dates below. If you haven’t been out to the Springs in a while, now is a great time to start. Among our list of new activities are: a wine tasting at the Park, a train ride and dinner at Boone Center. But don’t worry, we haven’t taken away our annual events that our patrons have grown to love such as Founders’ Day, History to Chew On, and The Annual Barrel Tasting. We will be adding events as the year goes by so make sure to check the website (www.mcconnellsprings.org) weekly.

See you at the Springs!

Calendar of 20th Anniversary Events

January January 1 – New Year’s Hike – 11 a.m. January 22 - Annual Luncheon – See below for details. February February 8 – Wood Carving for Adults – 10 a.m. - noon - Join the Lexington Wood Carvers Guild for open woodcarving. Adults only please. February 15 - Junior Naturalist – 10 a.m. – Fall in Love with Nature – Youth K – 5th grade get an opportunity to learn about nature journaling. Participants will get to make their own nature journal. March March 18 - Author Series at the Park - We are happy to present the 2nd year of our spring series of talks from local authors. Refreshments are provided. The program begins at 6 p.m. Meet our authors, browse their books, ask questions, get your book signed. March 29 - Wine Barrel Tasting for the Springs - Start at one winery, visit them all. Over 15 wineries are participating in this annual fundraiser. April April 22 - Author Series at the Park April 26 - Wine Tasting Fundraiser at the Park – In Planning Stages Continued on page 5.

Please Join Us at Our Annual Business Luncheon The Friends of McConnell Springs will host our business luncheon on January 22, 2014, at the Boone Center at the University of Kentucky beginning at noon. This is a great opportunity to learn about our activities. We will briefly introduce our new board

Inside:

members, give a park annual report, and review financial data. The cost of the luncheon is $30 per person with reservations being required. You can make your reservation by calling Dick Mathy at 859-2720682 before January 15, 2014. Bring along a friend.

Dear Friends, Contributions, Rita’s Ride to McConnell Springs

Friends of

Dear Friends... Dick Mathy, Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee Isabel Yates, Chair Emeritus Richard A. Mathy, Chair Jim Rebmann, Vice Chair Jennifer Cecil, Treasurer Sherrell Brown, Secretary Standing Committees Laurie Thomas, Education Annette Mathy, Events Richard A. Mathy, Fundraising B. J. Webb, Nominating Reneé Williams, Promotions & Newsletter Editor Michael Galavotti, Site Development Annette Mathy, Volunteers Jamie Millard, Webpage At-Large Board Members Charles Boland Jon Hagee Kelly Keefe John Kiefer Elizabeth Maybrier Doug McLaren Doc Muzzy Greg Padgett Mindy Sexton Franklin D. Thompson Parks Representative Laurie Taylor Thomas Naturalist Laurie Taylor Thomas ADVISORY COMMITTEE Helen C. Alexander Bill Allen Tucker Ballinger Bruce Cotton Mrs. Norwood Cowgill, Jr. Lou DeLuca Thomas P. Dupree Lillian B. Gentry Bo Henry Barbara Hulette Tim Kelly Freda Klotter James Klotter Susan Lancho Gloria Martin Jennifer Mattingly Pam Miller Roy W. Mundy II Carolyn Murray-Wooley Jacqueline Noonan H. Foster Pettit Susan Ridenour Charles W. Stewart

I am excited to let you know that 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of McConnell Springs Park. It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed, but during that time this park has developed into a true Lexington treasure. That would not have happened without your generous support, which has enabled The Friends of McConnell Springs to achieve our mission of restoring and preserving McConnell Springs as a National Historic Site. It is a wonderful environmental, archaeological, and educational resource for the community. The board decided we need to spread the news of this wondrous park further into the community. This coming year the park will have a promotional advertisement in the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Lexington Visitors Planning Guide, which will be available free at tourist locations in the state and around Lexington. We will also be part of their online magazine which will have a link to our web site. We should be able to reach about 200,000 more visitors through the magazine and the online connection. Look for us the next time you see the 2014 Guide. Let me conclude by saying your membership donation is important to us. If you have not done so recently, please consider adding the Friends of McConnell Springs in your year-end charitable giving.

Visit www.mcconnellsprings.org to learn more about Friends activities, events, and fundraising efforts.

Changes on McConnell Springs Friends Board The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Cecil and Dennis Muzzy to the Friends Board. Alicia Kraus has resigned and we thank her for the fine work she has done on the board. Thank you Alicia for the fine work you have done on the board. Jennifer Cecil comes to us from Barr, Anderson & Roberts, PSC, where she is a Staff Accountant/CPA. She is also an active volunteer with the Lexington Humane Society and enjoys traveling, walking her dog, and spending time with family & friends. Her new hobby is learning how to quilt. Mr. Muzzy, known as Doc, is a retired Doctor of Chiropractic. He fills his time as an artist, picture framer, and revolutionary period reenactor. You may have met him at our annual Founders’ Day celebration.

Welcome New Friends! 2

Rita’s Ride to McConnell Springs Grant Recipients

Rita’s Ride to McConnell Springs was created in honor of our long-time Chairman, Rita Keys.

The grant recipients for Rita’s Ride Transportation Grant in 2013 were Yates Elementary, James Lane Allen Elementary, Ashland Elementary and Booker T. Washington Primary and Intermediate Academies! So far more than 420 students have benefited from the grant. This transportation grant was made possible by the generous donations from Rita Keys’ friends and family. The Friends of McConnell Springs were able to create an education grant in her honor. Rita was a tireless supporter of McConnell

Springs and the educational programs the park provides for school groups. The goal of the grant is to increase student access to quality hands-on environmental education and experiences in nature. The grant will provide the successful school applicants with funds for bus transportation to and from the McConnell Springs.

Trees Planted in Memory of Rita Keys

Due to the generous donations of Rita Keys’ friends and family and LFUCG Parks and Recreation, the Friends of McConnell Springs have chosen to plant native trees and shrubs in her honor. The trees and shrubs chosen were Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus), American basswood (Tilia americana), sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) and red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia). The trees and shrubs were planted in early June.

Need a Speaker? - McConnell Springs Speakers Bureau We can provide you with an interesting program on this vital and key place in the naming of Lexington. No cost within Fayette County. Call 859.225.4073 to reserve today.

We Appreciate Our Volunteers! by Dick Mathy, Chair

Each year the Friends of McConnell Springs selects a volunteer(s) of the year who have made a meaningful contribution of their time and energy at the park. A new Volunteer of the Year plaque was commissioned to identify those individuals. This plaque also identifies early volunteers who were spotlighted in our newsletter. Here is the list of the individuals being honored:

Tammy Johnson 1994 Elizabeth McGee 1995 Jerry Nichols 1995 Betty Lebus 1996 Scott Southall 1996 Julia Smoak 1996 Karen Mundy 1996 Sara Lord 1996 Susan Ridenour 1997 Michael Lorton 1997 Bryan Arnet 1997

Lexington Traditional Magnet School 1999 Lee Rambo Bagley 2003 Kelly Johns 2004 Rita J. Keys 2005 Annette Mathy 2006 Dick Mathy 2007 Renee Williams 2008 B.J. Webb 2009 A.W. Turner 2011 Lexington Woodcarvers Guild 2012

We are sorry if we have missed someone. Please let us know so we can correct the omission.

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Thank YOU for Giving....

Many thanks are extended to the organizations and individuals who contributed to The Friends of McConnell Springs during 2013. We are especially grateful to those Friends who continue to support us on a regular basis. We couldn’t do without you. All of your contributions directly benefit McConnell Springs Park. We apologize if there are any errors or omissions in this list, and would appreciate hearing about them. Please send corrections to: Dick Mathy at [email protected].

Trailblazer ($1000+)

Lexington Fayette Urban County Government Lexington Environmental Commission Central Kentucky Ornamental & Turf

Preservationist ($250+)

Lexington Directions Richard & Annette Mathy Society of Colonial Wars Paul B. Whitty, Governor Society of Colonial Wars

Builder ($100+)

Friend ($49 and under)

Daughters of Colonial War KY (in honor of Jim Rebmann) Annette & Dick Mathy (in honor of Mike & Marilyn Seiler) Mr. & Mrs. James Philpott Mr. & Mrs. G. Phillip Points Barbara D. Quisenberry Jean D. Sabharwal Mr. & Mrs. William J. Stanchina, Jr. Steve E. Trager Roberta Watts, Daughters of Colonial Wars Joan Z. Whitman Sandra C. Young

Bryan Station Chapter DAR Liz Harper Thomas Lowe Mr. & Mrs. Rex McConnell John W. McCord, Jr. H. Foster Pettit Bob & Caryl Pfeiffer Jean A. Price-Kagan Stout Printing

2013 In-Kind Donations

Homesteader ($50+)

If you’d like to make a donation using your smart phone, simply scan this QR code which takes you to our donation page.

Tana Allen David Baird Cathedral Of Christ The King Mr. & Mrs. James C. Klotter Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Cotton Lonnie Cox Patricia A. Donohue Gregory A. Freedman Arline Florence Gardenside Green Thumb Garden Club Mr. & Mrs. John W. Girvin, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. W. Boyd Rogers Dr. & Mrs. Nat H. Sandler Frances C. Scott Barbara G. Sterrett Mary F. Vaughn B. J. Webb

Friend ($49 and under)

Colette Cardwell Norman Chrisman, Jr. Nancy K. Florence Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Graham IBM Matching Grant Program Elaine M. Landry

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Warren Anderson, KY Geologic Survey Gary Bertram Sherrell Brown Friends of McConnell Springs Gaye Brothers Lumber John Keifer Andy Ries in memory of Deborah Baird Dr. John Moore Charlie Schwing Jonathan Parks

Our 2014 Sponsor Campaign is still in process. Here are the 2014 sponsors to date:

Forcht Bank Jim Rebmann Kentucky Utilities Co. LFUCG C & R Asphalt LLC Lexington Woodcarvers Guild WT Young LLC Parks and Recreation Dept. Clay Ingels Co. LLC G. F. Vaughan Tobacco Co., Inc.

We also wish to thank our 2013 sponsors who have not been recognized in earlier newsletters:

Kentucky American Water Co., Inc. Vulcan Materials Co. Walter Gross III Family Foundation Burchfield & Thomas, Inc. Dr. & Mrs. David Cassidy Jim Rebmann Clay Ingels Co., LLC Bank of the Bluegrass Mr. James Jones Forcht Bank G.F. Vaughn Tobacco Co. Parks and Recreation Dept. C & R Asphalt LLC Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Stout Printing Co. Shop

Notes from the Naturalist... by Laurie Taylor Thomas

The patio roof that was damaged by a fire on March 15, 2013 has been repaired as of November 2013. The city worked with Myers Jolly architects, the buildings original architects and Allen Brothers Construction to repair the roof. Parks and Recreation as well as the Friends of McConnell Springs and visitors are pleased with the repairs!

Calendar of 20th Anniversary Events continued April 27 - Preston Spring’s Park Cleanup - See page 6 for details. May May 17 - Founders’ Day - Come celebrate Founders’ Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is always an exciting event for our community bringing together history, music, woodworking crafts, pioneers re-enactors and environmental activities. We are working very hard this year to have special events and programs that highlight our community and the park. June June 10 - History To Chew On - Beginning at 6:15 p.m. we sponsor a series of Tuesday evening programs designed to provide educational, yet entertaining insights into history. Subjects include a variety of historical eras, often specifically Kentucky or Lexington related topics. And its not just speakers, we have drama and music as well. July July 8 - History To Chew On July 26 - All Aboard - for a fun train ride through the bluegrass with a delicious lunch along the way. If you are interested, please contact Sherrell Brown at jsb98ret@ windstream.net for more details. August August 12 - History To Chew On August 17 - Ice Cream Social - Hot days can only mean

that McConnell Springs Ice Cream Social will be just around the corner. The event is free and open to everyone who loves ice cream. September September 9 - History To Chew On September 26 - Dinner at Hillary F. Boone Center at the University of Kentucky - Celebrate the 20th anniversary of McConnell Springs! October October 14 – History To Chew On November November 15 - Junior Naturalist -10 a.m. (TBA) December December 6 – Wooden Ornament Carving Class – 10 a.m. – noon - Learn to carve a wooden ornament with the Lexington Wood Carvers Guild ($ - Call Park to register.) December 20 – Junior Naturalist – 10 a.m.- Winter Wildlife Treats – Youth K – 5th grades will get to learn about our local wildlife and make treats for your backyard friends. (Call Park to register.) As we think about the past 20 years and all that has gone into the park and the tremendous amount of activities that we are planning, feel free to offer suggestions, sponsorships, or lend a hand and volunteer as we put together these events.

The Formation of McConnell Springs...Celebrate History! 12,000 years ago - McConnell Springs is formed

Glacial activity causes a water system to form underground.

3,000 years ago - Native American hunting ground

Hunting and gathering tribes roam the land, trapping deer and following the migrating bison. Later, they begin practicing basic forms of agriculture.

1775 -William McConnell sets up camp

William McConnell explores the region with his brother Francis, Mary Todd Lincoln’s grandfather, Levi, and others. McConnell’s group settles near the springs

and sets up camp. They soon hear of the first battle of the Revolutionary War, fought in Lexington, Massachusetts. In honor of that battle, McConnell decides to name his camp Lexington. The group eventually leaves the springs to report back to others and to escape Native American attacks.

1779 - The city of Lexington is founded

Colonel Robert Patterson returns to the area and builds permanent settlements using the name chosen by McConnell in 1775: Lexington. The McConnell brothers also return to develop their earlier- claimed land surrounding the springs.

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Lexington, Ky Permit No. 224

The Friends of McConnell Springs P.O. Box 12196 Lexington, KY 40581-2196

Preston Spring’s Park Cleanup New in 2014 in conjunction with the Lexington Environmental Commission and the Friends of Wolf Run, the Friends of McConnell Springs will be having a park cleanup of Preston Spring’s Park, a stepchild of our McConnell Springs Park. The water flowing at the final sink in our park goes underground and emerges at the historic cave site of Preston Spring’s Park. Two cleanups will be occurring on April 27. For those of you who would like to pick up trash or debris, that will be one type of cleanup and the second will be the removal of bush honeysuckle from the stream area. You also may participate in both because we will all be working in the same relative area. Look for the tent just behind the Historic Marker of the park entrance. Bring gloves and tree pruning implements if you have them. We will have some gloves on site and trash bags for picking up materials. We look forward to your help with this great park. Contact [email protected] for further information.

Happy Holidays! Would you prefer to get this newsletter via e-mail? If so, please send your name and mailing address along with your e-mail address to: [email protected]

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Our mission

The Friends of McConnell Springs, an independent not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, works in a partnership with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Parks and Recreation, dedicated to the restoration and preservation of McConnell Springs as: • a national historic site, recognized as the pioneer encampment in the naming of Lexington, Kentucky; • an environmental and educational resource; and • a passive recreational park.

FRIENDS is published by the Friends of McConnell Springs Editor: Reneé Williams Contributors: Laurie Taylor Thomas, Dick Mathy, Jonathan Hagee, Sherrell Brown, Jim Rebmann, Renee’ Williams McConnell Springs is a natural and historic site at 416 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 buildings. 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 environmental, 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.