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Page 2. <br /> Mayor Luecke continued, “the unique combination of the Morris and Muessel-Ellison <br />Conservatories, along with Potawatomi Zoo and Potawatomi Park plays an important role in <br />positioning South Bend as a regional destination and a city that provides top-notch quality of life <br />opportunities. We are optimistic, that these new programs will generate even more interest and, <br />more importantly, new revenues that will help keep these great programs alive now and for <br />future generations.” <br /> Lewis also reported on the great accomplishments of the past year at the conservatories <br />and greenhouses. “We made it through another year and it would not have been possible without <br />the support of the Parks Board and staff. It would not have been possible without the support of <br />our Mayor and our council members, especially Dr. Varner, Ann Puzzello, and Tom LaFountain. <br />It would not have been possible without all the volunteers that water, clean, weed, greet visitors <br />and dress up like Freaky Flowers and Elves.” This year 1,760 volunteer hours, which the <br />Independent Sector Research values at an estimated $20.25/hr. were provided by volunteers who <br />dedicated their time, talents and energy to make a difference equivalent to $35,640. The <br />volunteers came from all walks of life. The Boy Scouts, Adams High School’s IB Green, retired <br />postal workers, teachers, gardeners, nurses, senior citizens, PhD’s, housewives, accountants, and <br />residents at the Homeless Center. “On behalf of the Botanical Society, we thank you!” <br />2009 Accomplishments <br />This was a year for firsts <br />? <br /> <br />Hired a facility manager (coming from Fernwood) <br />? <br /> <br />Held our first Halloween event - Freaky Flower Friday <br />? <br /> <br />Held our first “Santa at the Conservatories” <br />? <br /> <br />We’re on Face Book with almost 500 friends <br /> <br />This was also a year for partnerships <br />? <br /> <br />The ND heat project is producing and soon heat will be vented into the facility. <br />? <br /> <br />In January we will start a series of lecture/classes with teachers from St. Joe County <br />Parks. <br />? <br /> <br />A local tour company has added the Conservatories as one of their tour stops. <br />? <br /> <br />We are also a stop in the passport series for college students. <br />? <br /> <br />We connected with the City to design, supply, and plant flora in the filter bed at Leeper <br />Park. <br />? <br /> <br />We supported the West Side Farm Market as an outlet for the Community Garden <br />produce. In return heirloom tomatoes grown were sold as a fundraiser for the <br />Conservatories. <br />? <br /> <br />The IB Green students from Adams High have developed a year plan to help bring the <br />Conservatories to a level of self sufficiency. They wrote a proposal for a grant to help <br />with new safety doors and plant labeling. <br />? <br /> <br />Working with architect Kathryn Schuth, from James Childs, on the master plan. <br /> <br /> ### <br />