Topf Wells, the Dane County Executive's chief of staff, introduced new Park Commisioner, Kay Bongers.

County Executive Kathleen Falk was represented by Chief of Staff Topf Wells, who thanked the volunteers for the gift of their time, a most precious commodity these days. He then introduced the most recent appointment to the Park Commission, Kay Bongers. Kathleen met Kay and her fellow volunteer, Anna Doudlah, while touring Walking Iron Park earlier this year. Topf related that Kathleen was impressed with the recent news about the number and variety of leaf hoppers there, a sign of a healthy prairie. She wanted to see one, but the leaf hoppers did not cooperate. Later Kay sent her a leaf hopper specimen, which Topf swears now holds a place of honor in the County Executive’s office. Apparently it made an impression.

Park Commission Chair Bill Lunney discussed recent acquisitions and projects, and joined Director Ken LePine in expressing his gratitude for the work done by the volunteers. Volunteers received a set of note cards with nature photography, done by Toni Pulvermacher (Toni’s husband Tom is a Parks Department employee).

A number of items were donated by local businesses as door prizes. Johannsens’ Greenhouse and Gifts and Canterbury Booksellers donated gift certificates, Home Savings donated five water bottles, and the Madison Civic Center donated two tickets to one of their events. In addition, several businesses generously supported the picnic. The cookies were donated by Stella’s, and the rolls by Breadsmith at the Homestead Shoppes. Copp’s Foods East and West donated gift certificates for the purchase of the potato salad, and the Mid-west Coca Cola Bottling Co., Inc. donated the beverages. In addition, the Steinhauer Charitable Foundation (Madison Dairy) made a grant in support of the picnic. We thank all of these businesses and appreciate their recognition of the valuable role volunteers play in the park system. You can thank them yourselves by patronizing our sponsors. Our thanks, too, to all the Parks staff who helped with the picnic.