Throughout the year I have the privilege of sign-ing letters to our members and other contribu-tors. There are many names I know and manymore I do not know. I am reminded that friends,family, and community members give of theirresources to help Taltree grow. In addition tofinancial gifts, many of you give of your time asvolunteers. All are greatly appreciated.Your giftshelp ensure the long term sustainability of thegrounds, facilities, and programs.

What happens with these gifts? We, the Taltree staff and Board of Directors, takeour fiduciary responsibilities seriously. We have an obligation to be good stewardsof the resources entrusted to us. Every day we strive to improve operational effi-ciency and ask how we can do things better. Whether it is building a new garden,mowing trails, or planning an event, the staff is mindful of using resources wisely.

As we approach the end of our Second Annual Fund Campaign we wish to thankall who have contributed this past year.Your support and dedication enable andencourage us every day as we strive to make Taltree Arboretum & Gardens a placeof learning and refuge; a Natural Inspiration.

Sincerely,Jim HitzExecutive director

Board of DirectorsTimothy BrustBen GabisDamien Gabis, Ph.D., President, FounderMark GabisRita Gabis, FounderThomas Hau,TreasurerJeffrey JohnsonKent Loosemore, SecretaryLarry McAfee D.V.M.James Melton,Vice PresidentDarryl MillerSandra NoeJohn Schreiner

StaffMichael Barrett,

Equipment/Facilities TechnicianCheryl Gross, Business OfficeMike Hilzley Jr., Master

GroundskeeperJames E. Hitz, Executive DirectorMelodie Kennedy, Horticulturist

Debbie Modrowski,Executive Assistant

Bill Neinast,Horticulture/Grounds Manager

Tina Stephens, Factotum

tag along is a publication ofTaltree Arboretum and Gardens,Valparaiso,Indiana

Layout and Design:mixdesign, inc., Schererville, Indiana

Printing:Sheffield Press, Hammond, Indiana

Printed with soy based inks

From the Executive Director

Arboretum HoursOpen DailyApril 1st - October 31stfrom 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CDTNovember 1st - March 31stfrom 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST

Office HoursMonday - Friday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission Fee$3.00/Non-member (age 5 and under Free)Members Free

Taltree Mailing ListTaltree is striving to keep its mailing list up-to-date by remov-ing duplicate addresses, correcting addresses that may beincomplete, adding names of those who would like to startreceiving our mailings, and deleting names of those who do notwish to receive our publications. Contact us at 219-462-0025or info@taltree.org with any changes.Thank you for your help.

Which entrance do I take?Taltree has two addresses:450 West 100 North is the arboretum grounds.A gravel lanewill lead you through some of Taltree’s beautiful woodlandsto a paved parking lot where your journey at Taltree begins.A kiosk, located next to the parking lot, contains our admis-sion fee collection box and provides our visitors with trailmaps, brochures and general Taltree information.

71 North 500 West is Taltree’s mailing address and the entranceto the office building and classroom located by the greenhouse.

WebsiteFor up-to-date information about Taltree’s programs andevents, please visit us online at www.taltree.org.

Facility RentalThe Joseph E.Meyer Memorial Pavilion and the classroom may bereserved for various group activities. For more informationplease contact us at 219-462-0025 or info@taltree.org.

Our VisionTaltree will improve quality of life and increase economicvitality in the South Lake Michigan region by preservinggreen space, establishing significant woody plant collectionsin beautiful display gardens, hosting cultural events andencouraging people to enjoy, appreciate, and take pride inour natural heritage.

tag notes

2 Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | # 3

Q:Fall is obviously clean-up time in the garden,but how much cleanup really needs to be

done and what can wait till spring?

A:The task everyone thinks of first is the cleanupof fall leaves. If you have a layer of leaves on

your lawn too thick to mow over, you need to removeat least some of them by raking, but recent Purdueresearch indicates that mowing over leaves until theyare finely mulched and leaving them on the lawn canhelp build the soil with no detrimental effect to thelawn. Perhaps an initial raking followed by mowing tomulch the rest would work for you. But much of thecleanup in ornamental landscaping is up to the aesthet-ic sense of the gardener. Pulling dead annuals andremoving debris does get rid of some hiding places forpests and diseases and you won’t have to do it in thespring. But some perennials can be left for winter inter-est in the garden. Blackeyed Susans (Rudbeckia) andPurple Cone Flowers (Echinacea purpurea) can give win-ter interest and food for birds. The seed heads of thetall Sedums look quite attractive and the foliage of orna-mental grasses gives good structure in the garden (atleast until the first really heavy snow flattens them!).The spikes of Liatris spicata and the large flowers heads

of Snowhill Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and PeeGee Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) give some pres-ence to the garden until spring. Having said that, noth-ing gives structure to the garden through the winter likesome evergreens, so don’t be afraid to add a few toyour ornamental perennial areas. Even dwarf ever-greens can really “make” the garden in the winter.

Q:As we head into fall and winter in Indiana, I amaware that by spring I will be very eager to see

some signs of new life as early as possible in my garden.Do you have suggestions for creating an earlier springblooming season in my garden?

A:I certainly agree that seeing the first bloom ofspring is such a thrill in this climate. Most of us

do not think ahead enough to remember that thrill inOctober or November when we can still do somethingabout it. You are to be commended! The first and mostobvious addition you can make is spring bulbs. But thinkbeyond the common daffodils and tulips to some earli-er blooming flowers. Crocus, of course, come to mindand are a wonderful addition and you can check thelabels for the earliest blooming ones. But earlier stillare the Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and Winteraconites (Eranthus hyemalis). These bloom, as theirnames suggest, in late winter or very early spring. TheSnowdrops have a white flower that resembles a sus-pended water drop and often bloom early enough thata late snow will cover them, but they perk back up thenext day as though they thrive on that sort of abuse.They also multiply quite readily so they make a greatearly decoration in a bed of Ivy, a woodland setting, ora perennial bed that won’t be up for ages yet. Winteraconites are a groundhugging plant with a cheerful openbright yellow flower. They also naturalize well, thoughnot as quickly as Snowdrops. The tiny Iris reticulata alsoblooms quite early and adds a beautiful vibrant blue tothe mix. All these bulbs can be planted late into the fall,so there is certainly still time to add them to your gar-den. In addition to bulbs, there is a remarkable early-blooming shade/ part sun perennial that I would highlyrecommend. The Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis)blooms in late winter/early spring when we least expectit and when we need it most. It is a bold, large-leavedperennial that gives a solid dark-green structure to yourshade garden all summer long. Those leaves remain all

winter, though in the early spring they do look theworse for wear and should be removed. But then itsends up flower stalks and surprises you with delicaterose-and-cream-colored flowers long before anythingbut the earliest bulbs bloom in the garden. Ideally, thisplant should be placed where it can be seen from a win-dow because in Indiana it often blooms in weather thatis too nasty for you to be outside to enjoy it! It doesrequire patience as it takes a couple of years to reachblooming size and it does seem to resent being moved.But the Lenten rose is a fine addition both as a deep-green foliage plant in the shade and for its remarkableearly spring blooms and it’s well worth the wait. Oneword of caution, the Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) isalso available in catalogues, but usually it blooms tooearly and gets frosted off in our climate.

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You have questionsWe have answers

Photo by Dr. Alice Russell

Photo by Dr. Alice Russell

Chestnut Oak, Rock Chestnut Oak

Chestnut Oak is a medium- size tree 60 to 70 feettall with equal, irregular spread. Native to easternNorth America, Chestnut Oak’s native range inIndiana is primarily in the southern third. However,it does grow as far north as Maine and Michiganand is well adapted to growing at Taltree. ChestnutOak is part of the Oak Islands exhibit at Taltree.

The leaves are lustrous dark green in summerchanging, to dull orange/yellow/brown in autumn.As a member of the White Oak group, ChestnutOak produces acorns that ripen in one year. Thenut is dark brown and is an important food sourceto wildlife. This is a tree that prefers rocky, welldrained soils but also grows in clay and moist soilsthat are well drained. Found growing in the wildwith Black Oak and Scarlet Oak, it is widely pHadaptable. Growth rate is slow to medium.

Featured

Tree:(Quercus montana)synonym: Quercus prinus

Indiana Master NaturalistCertificate Program

A flower is an

educated

weed.-Luther Burbank

A flower is an

educated

weed.-Luther Burbank

4 Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | # 3

A long-time goal of Taltree Arboretum and Gardens has been to offer a program of educationwhich, when completed, would create new advocates for the renewal and restoration of natu-ral resources. Toward that goal Taltree Arboretum and Gardens has joined with the LakeCounty Parks Department and the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service to initiate theIndiana Master Naturalist Certificate program in Northwest Indiana. This program began onSeptember 16, 2006 with the opening class on Basic Botany and Native & Invasive Plants heldat Gibson Woods Nature Preserve. The balance of the program includes an additional 13 three3-hour classes at a variety of locations, including some at Taltree. These classes cover Mycology(Fungi),Water, Wilderness Survival, Astronomy, Fish Biology, Native American History,WinterTree Identification, Mammals (Indiana Wildlife), Entomology (Insects), Glacial Tour of Lake andPorter Counties,Herpetology (snakes, turtles, etc.), Introduction to Birds & Birding, and Grasslands.

For more information contact Todd Hutson, Purdue Cooperative Extension, at 465-3555 ext.26.

Registration for 2006 is sold out. 2007 registration is being handled through the Lake CountyParks and Recreation Department, 8411 East Lincoln Highway, Crown Point, IN 46307 Phone: (219) 945-0543 or (219) 755-3685 Website: http://www.lakecountyparks.com

Kent LoosemoreEducation Committee Chairman

“Keep Looking, Start Seeing” was a new class taught this summerby Beverly Overmyer, Outdoor Writer for The Times newspaper,and Aimee Tomasek, Photography Professor at Valparaiso University.The class participants learned to closely observe nature, capturetheir observations in photographs, and interpret them by writinghaiku poetry, a Japanese form that uses a 5-7-5 syllable arrange-ment when rendered in English.

Here are some of the class participants’ photographs and haikus.Try to match a haiku with its corresponding interpretive photo.

Sponge grows on the armLifeless scaffold grows no moreStill, purpose within

Tear drops of the queenFalling to the forest floorThe prince is nearby

Remnants of the pastOld and new, red, green, hard, softWho used to work here?

KeepLookingSeeingStart

e f

c

a b

d

Reaching for the skyDeep crimson against bright blueStag antlers protrude

A yellow wishboneRemoves itself from the fleshTo nourish new life

A game of hangmanNature’s inviting playgroundDo you know the word?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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1d,2c,3b,4e,5f,6a

For many years, we have been raising trees from acorns and seedlings in our nurs-eries, watching them grow and waiting for the day when they would be planted inpermanent locations.This past spring staff and volunteers moved more than 100trees from the field nursery to Oak Islands, home to the Taltree oak collection,the Welcome Garden, the Audrey M. Hitz Rose Garden, and other locations. Many

of these trees aremore than ten feettall. Five of the treeswere donated toIvanhoe ElementarySchool in Gary. Taltreestaff delivered andhelped students plantthe trees on schoolgrounds. A floweringcherry tree was donat-ed to the city ofHammond as part ofa bike path beautifi-cation project.Taltreestaff delivered andplanted the tree, thenhelped with otherwork along the path.

Projectsandprograms

Projectsandprograms

At times we are asked how the money ($614,725 in 2005) donated to Taltreeis used.The majority of funds received by Taltree goes into projects and pro-grams. Here are some of the major projects and programs that we complet-ed and that required significant funding in 2006.

The Heron Pond Woods restroom, entrance road paving, and the Audrey M.Hitz Rose Garden are new projects in 2006.The restroom is open for visi-tors at this time. Landscaping around the restroom will be completed in 2007.The Rose Garden is well underway with most hardscape work to be completedfall of 2006. In the spring of 2007 we will complete the installation of plantsand the lawn. The main entrance road is now paved. For those of you whocome to Taltree often,you know this means no more dusty vehicles leaving Taltree.

6 Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | # 3

As an educational foundation, Taltree offers many opportunities foreducation in horticulture, ecology, arboriculture, and conservation.Students of all ages participate and learn about the natural world welive in.Taltree education includes interpretive hikes, activities in schoolclassrooms, and various classes offered throughout the year.

Arbor Day is always a special day at Taltree, and 2006 was no excep-tion. This year there were tree and forestry education displays byIndiana Department of Natural Resources Urban & CommunityForestry, US Steel Gary Works restoration projects, and ValparaisoParks Department. US Steel and Valparaiso Parks gave away hundredsof tree seedlings to visitors. Children of all ages participated in a treesearch that gave clues about bark, leaves, and other characteristics tohelp them locate and identify many trees.

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In the past 12 months, Taltree has been given special recognition by twoprominent local organizations. Arc Bridges, Gary, gave Taltree the Quality ofLife award.This award is given annually to those who, in partnership with ArcBridges clients, contribute to improved quality of life for the people of ArcBridges and the region. Arc Bridges also recognized Taltree for “outstandingcontributions and inclusion of people with disabilities” during DisabilityAwareness Month in March. Rotary of Valparaiso gave The Phillip AntommariaMemorial Award for Environmental Excellence for continued dedication tothe protection and improvement of the quality of life in our communities. Thestaff and volunteers are grateful for these awards as affirmation of their hardwork and dedication.

Taltree participated in the Master Gardeners Garden Show last winter. Staff and volunteersanswered attendees’ questions about landscapes, gardening, restoration,and natural resources.

In 2006, graduate students from Indiana State University conducted a researchproject about rare small mammals in Northwest Indiana.They identified a smallfield mammal not previously seen this far north.

A graduate student from Indiana University at Bloomington came to Taltree aspart of a study about upland game bird habitat creation.Taltree has excellent birdhabitat due to the diversity of landscapes (prairies, wetlands, reforestation) creat-ed by staff and volunteers.

Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | # 3 9

For those who love music and art in nature the 2006 summer was terrific.Patrons enjoyed classical, jazz, bluegrass, contemporary, and more from May toSeptember. In July artists from around the region competed in an Art in a Daycontest. Children’s activities and more music were part of the day. The grandfinale to the summer season of the arts was the County Seats Project Auction Gala.

As you can see, there are many educational and cultural activities at Taltree foreveryone to participate in and enjoy.Make plans now to be a part of it all in 2007.

In August, 49 teachers came to Taltree to learn about how our education offer-ings can help them teach ecology, horticulture, and more. The morning sessionwas a presentation of the programs available and a tour of the facilities. After adelicious lunch, participants were able to experience sample interpretive hikesthat their students can take. Results of this day have been excellent with manyteachers scheduling hikes for fall 2006 and spring 2007.

In the process of researching this article, I decided the internet was as good a placeto start as any. A search of the word ‘volunteer’ produced 181,000,000 hits.That is agood indication of how important the concept is to our planet.

In pre-industrial societies, the concept of the entire community helping an individualin need was necessary for survival. If your barn or home was destroyed, you couldcount on your neighbors coming to your aid. Of course, the understanding was thatyou were obligated to reciprocate. It is questionable whether this fits the definition ofvolunteerism,“giving of oneself without the expectation of material reward.”

During times of crisis in our modern society, the people of the United States areincredibly generous with their time, talents and treasure.The outpouring of ‘volunteerism’in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina is a classic example.What receives much lessattention, however, are the hours spent, without compensation, by people supportingcauses that are important to them.The Independent Sector, a forum for volunteerismand charitable giving in the United States, reports the following statistics for 2000:

Volunteers as a % of US population (18 yrs+) = 44%Number of volunteers in US (millions) = 83.9Average weekly hours per volunteer = 3.6Annual hours volunteered (billions) =15.7Value of a volunteer hour in 2005 = $18.04Total value contributed by volunteers (billions) = $283

With 191 million people in the US over the age of 18 in 2000, that is a contributionof $1,288 for each citizen. Considering that we were beginning a recession in 2000and that the value of a volunteer hour in 2005 was $18.04, the current contribution perindividual is much higher.

If these numbers surprised you as they did me, consider for a moment the impact vol-unteerism has had on Taltree.When my wife and I discovered Taltree at the PorterCounty Home and Garden Show in 2000, the prairies were in place, but little else.What did exist was the determined vision of the founders, Rita and Damien Gabis.Theyremain the original volunteers.

But without 100s of volunteers contributing 1000s of hours over the last 6 years, thevision of Taltree would remain just that. For those of you who remember the ‘earlydays,” think of what has been accomplished largely with the help of volunteers:

- The Joseph E. Meyer Pavilion and Gardens- The Welcome Garden- The Welcome Center- Oak Islands- Well-marked walking trails- Trail educational signs- A permanent restroom facility- Music in Nature,Artistic Inspiration,Arbor Day and other events.- And much more

Many more improvements are underway or planned including the spectacular AudreyM. Hitz Rose Garden. Building a new facility or planting a new garden is only the begin-ning. Maintaining what has been created is a never-ending, but necessary job, if Taltreeis to remain the relaxing refuge it is designed to be.

Certainly there are many more ways to contribute to the success of Taltree thanbuilding, planting or maintaining. If you have a little spare time and want to be part ofan important contribution to the area where you live, give us a call and simply say, “Iwant to volunteer.” Everyone at Taltree will be grateful and I promise you a reward-ing experience.

Darryl A. MillerVolunteer Committee Chairman

10 Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | # 3

Volunteers

Founders Society Level $1,000 and Up

Tim & Karen BrustHarvey & Janet ClelandJames & Jill HitzLeonard HitzMary Ann FellerDamien & Rita GabisMark & Terrie GabisCharles & Marcia McCoyFlorence MeltonJim & Barbara MeltonMichael & Theresa MeyerG.William Walker

Benefactor Level $500 to $999

Cancer Health Treatment- Centers, PCMary Alice DolhoverThomas HauDavid & Anita MeyerEleanor & Edgar PeglowPorter County Master-Gardeners, Inc.Rock Solid Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Patron Level $250 to $499

Andrew & Susan ArnoldCalvin BellamyBen & Liz GabisJ.Keith HeinoldRichard & Elizabeth KitchellMax & Judith NagelMaureen PhillipsElizabeth SenguptaEdward & Susan SpeldeMichael & Kathleen UzelacStanley & Beth Virkler

Sponsor Level $100 to $249

Kathy AbelSteve & Viki Adik

Larry AndersonGeorge & Janice AultLarry & Kathleen BerdaWesley & Vera BirkyArden BucherDean & Patricia BucherMark & Lynne DeRolfRay & Denise DrasgaLarry & Arlene DunnLaurie EberhardtJohn & Susan FeasterJames K. GrindleJustin "Chub" HarperHarold & Margaret HeinoldCathy HodgesRuth JarneckeRonald & Rita KarnsFrank KasleKristopher & Heather KempThomas & Melodie KennedyMichael & Linda KiblerHoward & Stephanie KinkadeSharon KishJoanne Kosac-GruberKent & Pat LoosemoreDebbie & Roger ModrowskiWilliam & Alice NaylorCarl & Patricia PhilipsJean J. ReedMary Kay & Dennis RemschneiderNorma & Richard ReynoldsNorah & Rayson SaltKenneth & Patricia ShivelyBill & Liz TaylorTom & LuAnn TroxelAndrew & Maxine VirklerKim VirklerBeth Wrobel

Booster Level $10 to $99

Lonnie & Micky AilesRoland & Terry AlbrechtJim & Virginia BalkeDavid & Christine BentleyRoz BestermanSandra Birky & SonsRichard & Carol BrimerLawrence & Margo BrustWarren BucklerThomas & Maureen Burke

Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | #3 11

FinanceAnnual Fund

Charter Donors

2005

The Taltree Board of Directors is committed to good stewardshipof resources and responsibility to its members and donors tomaximize the value of their support. To facilitate this, theBoard has created a Finance and Audit Committee. ThisCommittee has five members (there is currently one vacancy),at least three of whom including the chair-person, must bemembers of the Taltree Board. Also the majority of the mem-bers cannot be related to the founding family. The committeehas four scheduled meetings per year and reports to the fullTaltree Board at each quarterly board meeting to give boardmembers an opportunity to raise questions or make sugges-tions about the other areas the committee should address.

Our committee has two major responsibilities. The first is tomonitor the Foundation’s assets. To accomplish this, we peri-odically verify asset balances, interview and recommend a firmto perform the annual audit and meet with the auditor toreview the audit results and listen to any suggestions for improvingprocedures and controls.

Our second major area of responsibility is oversight of theannual budget process. We work with the Taltree ExectutiveDirector and staff on the development of the budget, includingnew projects (such as the construction of the permanent rest-room facility). We then recommend a final budget to the fullBoard, and monitor actual performance against the approvedbudget. We have also developed guidelines for approval ofbudget variances, at either the committee level or by the fullBoard, depending on the magnitude of the proposed variance.

Beyond these major functions, our committee undertakes spe-cial projects at extra scheduled meetings. These have includedreviews of the investment guidelines with the Foundation’sfinancial advisory firm and reviews of tax issues with tax counsel.We have also reviewed proposals for special projects, and workedwith the Development Committee to set Annual Fund Goals.

We believe that our job, though not the most flashy of tasks,is a crucial one. We take seriously the mandate to ensureresponsible and careful use of the funds that you, our loyal sup-porters, have entrusted to Taltree Arboretum and Gardens.

Thomas HauFinance Committee Chairman

and Audit Committee

Contributors & MembersFall 2005 to Fall 2006

12 Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | # 3

Penelope CastorArt CollinsCindy EdwardsJoe & Jackie FellerJeannie Finlay-KochanowskiFlanagin's Bulk Mail ServiceJames & Patricia FlisSusan FrohnappleNorman GibsonJim HayesRuth HeinoldGerald & Zenith HitzJohn & Linda JohnsonDenise JohnstonJack & Lynn JonesVictoria JostesDr & Mrs. Scott KaufmanAlfred & Sue KobakNaida L. LehmannEdgar LewandowskiJoseph & Tamara LynchRandy & Mary Lynn MassnerDavid & Bonnie McAfeeRobert & Robyn McBrideHarold McCarronGerald & MaryAnn McCullumHugh & Sandra McGuiganWilliam & Ruth Ann McWhorterDonald & Margaret MoharKathryn MurphySandra & Lewis NoeCory & Shannon NuestPearl & Lucille NuestMyrna & David OverholtSheree PeglowCharles & Diane PribbernowLeonard & Carolyn RathertRobert & Vicki RhodaJames & Susan RushMichael SablichCharles & Eleanor SallmanCorinne SchillerMarta SchweikertJohn SillikerDerrell & Sue SteffenRobert SteuerTim ThomasMachteld & Ian TimsThelma & Edward UrbanskiViktoria VollerErnest & Mary WeigeleDonald WhiteAileen WilliamsKathryn M.WiltfangWilliam & Constance Ziegert

Founders Society Level $1,000 and Up

Mary Ann FellerDamien & Rita GabisCharles & Marcia McCoy Florence MeltonJames & Barbara Melton

Benefactor Level $500 to $999

Tim & Karen BrustFirst Midwest BankThomas HauJames & Jill HitzFrank KasleLeslie PlesacJohn & Jenifer SchreinerBill & Helen Steinbrecher

Patron Level $250 to $499

Calvin BellamyLeonard HitzRichard & Elizabeth Kitchell Kent LoosemoreDarryl & Patricia MillerDouglas & Cynthia PierceDoris SchroederMichael & Kathleen Uzelac

Sponsor Level $100 to $249

Thomas AglerLarry AndersonGeorge & Janice Ault Anthony & Melissa BertigVera BirkyWilliam & Barbara Claypool Gregg CopelandJonathon & Sharon CostasJohn & Janine GabisJames K. GrindleScott GyureHarris BankLaura HartingFrederick & Julia HessPaul Hoernig & Grace Chapman-HoernigRuth Jarnecke Thomas & Kathryn JessenKristopher & Heather Kemp

Howard & Stephanie Kinkade Michael & Cindy LelandLarry McAfeeDebbie & Roger ModrowskiBrian & Ruth Nelson Carl & Patricia PhilipsNorah & Rayson SaltTurk & Isabelle SeelyeJoseph & Joyce ShikanyShirt & Cap ConnectionKarol SiwietzRichard & Karen SmittleLonnie & Carol SteeleLouise TauscheAndrew & Maxine VirklerPat & Mary WheelockBarbara Young

Booster Level$10 to $99

Mary E.AndersDoris BergerRoz BestermanSandra Birky & SonsGordon & Claudi BoydFred & Helen Brust Gwen BucherLester CardwellGrace & Paul Chapman/HoernigTim & Elaine ColeAnne CollinsMary ComerDominic & Patricia Damato Lynn DuttlingerSunil & Sunita DhootF. Ritchey EibelJames & Patricia FlisHenry FlockCarol GarlandDavid & Karen GilmoreJoanne & Wayne GruberValarie & Kevin HallJune & Terry HandJim HayesMartha HessGerald & Zenith HitzPeregrine HollettRobert HoytDenise JohnstonPatricia KearbyMarilyn KesslerDr.Alfred & Sue KobakMr & Mrs Eli LazarEdgar LewandowskiLincolnway AutoDiane LoveRobert & Wilma Luther

Arlin & Sharon MeyerRichard & Carol MichnaJudith MillerSarah MillerDavid & Lorie MorganLarry & Judith MosherNancy E. NelsonSandra NoeAnna Pearman Jody & Robert PiskulaDonald PowersAlex & Jude RakowskiLeonard & Carolyn RathertBob & Vicki Rhoda Daniel Root John SillikerTim ThomasMachteld & Ian TimsCheryl TolbertDebra Tremblay-TothJo WelshDavid & Mary WilsonZann WilsonKathryn M.WiltfangMax Wolverton

General

Adeline and Wilton Simpson FundB & G Seal Coating & SnowRemovalMelvin BohlmannTim & Elaine ColeCrown Point CommunityFoundationSusan CooperKathi DimitriFirst Unitarian Church of HobartDamien & Rita GabisJames K. GrindleJune A. & Terry Hand,Glenn C. HannahTamarin HuelinKankakee Valley Garden ClubWilliam & Wendy MastersCharles & Marcia McCoyMartha MetcalfeDavid MeyerJohn MeyerSarah MilleNIC Technologies, Inc.Steven & Barbara PreslinJean J. ReedClarence & Midge Rivers, Jr.Bill & Helen SteinbrecherStrongbow InnTotal Site Management, LLC

Annual Fundas of Sept. 30, 2006

2006

In Kind

Adventure OutdoorsArt & Nancy CollinsChesterton feed & GardenD & M EnterprisesEarthWise, Inc.Family Express CorporationFirestone Tire & ServiceFour Season’s Landscaping NurseryJohn GardnerJake's Feed & GardenGerry LehmannKent & Pat LoosemoreDavid & Anita MeyerDarryl & Patricia MillerWilliam & Alice NaylorReed's NurserySamuelson's NurserySmalls LandscapingRon WackettWindy Ridge FarmsWild Birds Unlimited

Audrey M. Hitz Rose Garden

James & Jill HitzLeonard HitzRichard & Judith HitzRobert HitzThomas Hitz

Garden Railway

AnonymousIn memory of Anne MeyerJames & Barbara Melton

In Memory Of

In memory of Eric BalogJeanne Shiras

In memory of Judy BrielBrenda Stanczak

In memory of Edward DeuberryJohn & Sonia Kennedy

In memory of Agnes GabisGrace ChapmanHenry FlockDamien & Rita GabisThomas HauJames & Jill HitzLeonard HitzGeorgene KestnerDarryl & Patricia MillerSandra & Lewis NoeBeanie SorrellsEdward & Susan Spelde

In memory of Robin Gudegel BurkeJim & Susan Boscia

In Memory Of Florence MeltonCalvin BellamyTim & Karen BrustChrist & Georgia ChristoffJoyce CraigDamien & Rita GabisJames & Jill HitzDiane HymackViolet LeskoRick & Gay MacDonaldSheilia & James MackeiganCharles & Marcia McCoyAnne & Michael MeyerDavid & Anita MeyerMichael & Theresa MeyerRaymond & Christa MeyerRobert MeyerDebbie & Roger ModrowskiJudy PawlusWilliam C. & Joan SnowGeraldine StermerPat & Mary Wheelock

In Memory Of Anne MeyerDiane HymackJim & Barbara MeltonCharles & Marcia McCoy

Memorial Benches

In memory of Marie BertocchiJames BertocchiJim & Susan BosciaHoly Spirit Catholic ChurchScott & Maureena FosterJudy Peirce

In memory of Dale KeithJim & Susan BosciaKay KeithLake County Master GardenersC.J. LukesNita NixJohn & Laurie PlaceyRonald & Charlene PlaceyLarry & Brenda Stelow

In memory of Walter “Jim” MeyerCharles & Marcia McCoy

In memory of Anne MeyerCharles & Marcia McCoy

Helen Dancy Memorial

Vale of Paradise Garden Club

Restricted for Education

Altrusa Club of the Indiana DunesKiwanis Club of ValparaisoEleanor & Edgar Peglow

Flush fund

Camerata Vocal Ensemble, Inc.Tom & Sylvia CollinsElite Motor Sales, Inc.Fidelity Charitable Gift FundHenry FlockDamien A. GabisHelen M. Harrison FoundationLeonard HitzFrank KasleWilliam & Wendy MastersCharles & Marcia McCoyLeo Mola Florence MeltonDoris Schroeder

2006 Event SponsorsOak $500 +

Chicago Title Insurance CompanyEnergy Tech InsulationJames & Barbara MeltonRLM Inc Taltree Board of DirectorsTicor Title InsuranceSouth Shore Arts, Indiana ArtsCommission,And National Endowment for the Arts

Hickory $350 to $499

James & Jill Hitz

Aspen $200 to $349

A&M Farm CenterCentury 21 Executive GroupEdward Jones - Darl JarneckeFieldhouse FordKennedy Buick/MazdaLanger & LangerState Farm - Sheree WarnkeStrongbow Inn

Dogwood $100 to $199

Bucher TechnologiesDawn FryFirestone International Inc.Home Mountain PrintingLandscape IlluminationLincolnway AutoKent & Pat LoosemoreMcAfee Animal Hospital

In-KindFamily Express, Corp.Front Porch MusicDave HamillaRadio One CommunicationsShirt & Cap ConnectionTown & Country MarketWiseway FoodsWYIN Channel 56

Steve & Viki Adik Larry Anderson Chris & Mary Andrews George & Janice Ault Roy Austensen J. Michael & Jeanne Baird Michael Barrett James & Colleen Barrett Renee Caprile Bob & Barb Claypool Kathryn E. Dimitri Larry & Arlene Dunn Chuck & Debbie Farlow John & Susan Feaster Mary Ann Feller James & Patricia Flis Tom Fouts & Elva Denny Mark & Terrie Gabis Ben & Liz Gabis Damien Rita Gabis James Grindle Tom & Gloria Hau Michael & Robbie Hilzley Michael Hilzley, Jr. & Dennise Tate James & Jill Hitz Leonard J. Hitz Ruth Jarnecke Ronald & Rita Karns Kris Kemp Thomas & Melodie Kennedy Michael & Linda Kibler Keith & Becky Kirkpatrick Neal Kitchell Gerry & Mary Knarr Eli & Judith Ann Lazar Brock & Karen Lloyd Kent & Pat Loosemore Patricia & George Lundberg James& Barbara Melton Joe & Grace Mihalov Darryl & Patricia Miller Roger & Debbie Modrowski Max & Judith Nagel William & Alice Naylor

Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | #3 13

MembershipsFriend

Lewis & Sandra Noe Debbie Pavloff Maureen Phillips David & Connie Pilz Sam Raich III Dennis & Mary Kay Remschneider Richard & Norma Reynolds C. Mark & Shirley Rippy Tina Rongers Rayson & Norah Salt John & Jenifer Schreiner Eugene & Doris Schroeder Turk & Isabelle Seelye Ed & Karen Seykowski Dennis & Marlene Skrabak Bill & Hellen Steinbrecher Bill & Elizabeth Taylor Town & Country Sheet Metal, Inc.Thomas & LuAnn Troxel Mary Trzaskoma Michael & Kathleen Uzelac Walter & Thanne Wangerin Pat & Mary Wheelock Charles Worden Barbara Young Pam Yttri William & Constance Ziegert

Amador & Zenaida AcostaThomas & Monica Agler Larry & Patricia Alt Hal & Jill Antonson John & Helen Arvidson Gilbert & Linda Arzola Jerry & Carol Barrett Dorothy Bass & Mark Schwehn Evelyn Bell Michael & Elizabeth Bendicsen Don & Betty Bengel David & Christine Bentley Larry & Kathleen Berda Robert & Kathryn Bogdan Dennis & Sheri Bogs Peter & Cathryn Bomberger Jim & Susan Boscia Howard & Janet Bowersox Tim & Karen Brust George & Andrea Carberry Lee & Mary Carlson Dave & Bonnie Carmichael Grace Chapman/Hoernig & PaulHoernig Christ & Georgia Christoff Larry & Diana Chupp

Greg Clark Joe & Dora Clifford James & Donna Coady Chuck & Carol Coburn Raymond & Lila Cohen Robert Coican Tim & Elaine Cole Tom & Sarah Conway Bridget Corish Steve Corse & Michele Oswald Spencer & Dana Cortwright Jeff & Kim Coto Pamela Craiger Bruce & Louise Cummings Dominick & Patricia Damato, Jr.Al & Jan Davis Wayne & Nancy DeRolf Jan & Marian Dick C. J. & Carolyn Doane Dennis & Carol Duncan Kenneth & Susan Dywan Laurie Eberhardt & Peter Martin Gary & Judy Engle Charles Esola Richard Evans & ChristineAylesworth Don & Kathleen Evans Jeff Everaert Carsten & Georgia Falkenberg Donna & Doug Flanagin Henry & Rosemarie Flock Andrew & Nancy Fortunak Eric & Laurie Franke-Polz Richard & Sandra Freeman David & Susan Frohnapple Derry & Karen Froman Scott Fulk Jerome & Carol Gabis Greg & Joy Gallagher Larry & Bobbi GallerRob & Jodi GassThomas & Susanne GatesmanWilma Gawthrop David & Gordana GerbickPaul & Annie GianarisJon & Helen GierkeGeoffrey Giorgi Ralph & Robin Gomez, Jr.Ken & Jan GoodmanTracy Hall & Miriam Asya Charles & Helen Hall June & Terry HandLyle & Karen HanselJohn & Katy HardwickJames & Judith HendersonElmer & Beatrice Hess David & Deborah Hickman

John & Mary Hodson Richard & Karen Hug Sallie Iatarola Richard & Jo Ellen IrelandJames & Fiona IrwinShelly Jacobs Raymond & Sarah Jansma Darl & Fontanna JarneckeMichael & Bridget JessenJohn & Linda JohnsonDave & Beth KaminskiFrank Kasle Ray & Rebecca KellerBill & Linda Kelly Marilyn & William Kessler Tim & Tricia King David & Patricia Kings James & Sharon Kish Steve & Robin Klaubo Larry & Jeri Klemz Charles & Joy KolarJim & Julia KoralKen & Bonnie KoskyTom & Debbie KrauseTed & Diane Krebs Stanley Krysa & Emily Krysa Steven & Diana Langer Dale & Helen Lasky Robert S. Longhi Kelly Loretto Robert & Betty Luckett Roger & Patricia Luekens Bruce & Lynn MacLean John & Jean Maczak Cliff Malings Rick & Debbie Markovich Paul & Lois Marks Marie Marshall & James Hylen Casa Marshall Clint Marshall Frank Marshall Marie Marshall Roger Marshall Ross Marshall Fred & Dawn Martin Randy & Mary Lynn Massner Lori Mayrosh Larry McAfee Robert & Robyn McBride Dennis & Verdean McClure Charles & Marcia McCoy Gerald & Mary Ann McCullum John & Kathleen McQuillanWilliam & Rita Meeker Ron Mesarch & Janet Andurs David & Anita Meyer Frederick & Ellen Meyer

John & Audrey Meyer Sarah Miller Lloyd & Margie Miller Bill & Susan ModrakDon & Peg MoharCharles & Sally Mroz Steve & Kristin Muntzing Tom Neff & Janice Keim Lloyd Nelson Phillip & Nikki Norwine Bill Danielle Oeding Roger & Karen Okerstrom Eric & Kathleen Ottum Gary & Beverly Overmyer Lloyd & Christine Overton Edgar & Eleanor Peglow Susan PelosoDante & Lynn Pergher Curt & Joan Peterson Carol Petrie Harry & Mary Phillips Gary & Sherri Pickering Robert & Joyce Plechaty Steven & Barbara Preslin Chuck & Diane Pribbernow Jeff Quackenbush & Alison Dallmer Alex & Jude Rakowski Regional Federal Credit Union-Deneen DiehlDaniel Renner Alan & Donna Resetar Mark & Bettimae Reshkin Thomas Rivera & Lolita Morales-Rivera Chuck & Midge Rivers George A. Rogge Ewoud & Boukje Rozendaal Cruz & Cindy Rubio Tom & Patti Rycerz Timothy & Rebecca Salter Gary Susan Satkamp David Schaberg & Hannah Hill Duane & Ruth Schmidt Michael R. Scobbie & Diana Margis Rich Serletic & Miranda Emmert Craig Shillinglaw & Kris Parker Mark & Sandra ShrallJonathan & Patricia Shute Beckie Smith Martin & Monica Smith Nick & Jeanne SommerDiane Sparks Edward & Susan Spelde Larry & Martha Stanley Ralph & Myrene Steele David & Stephanie Stephenson Edward & Kelly Stevens

MembershipsFamily

14 Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | # 3

Randy & Joyce Thomason Ian & Machteld Tims Ken & Laura Tucker James & Gail Tuminello James & Barbara Turner Ed & Dody Urbanski Jose & Teresa Valtierra Tom & Mary Ann Van Amstel Richard VelascoEldon & Marlene Versteeg Theresa Vertullo Ron Wackett John & Kathleen Walsh Wayne & Joann Weaver Ernest & Mary Weigele John & Deborah Wheeler Ken & Wilma Willard Randall & Dawn Williams John & Carolyn Wolf Robert & Carole Wolf David & Diane Yeager John & Billie Zeha Michael & Micky Zolfo

Kathy AbelBarth AndersonMichael AndersonRobert AultNorman BackusStarlite BakerJo BaloghPeggy BanksDavid BehrensDee BergerRozlyn BestermanBeverly BiehrBrenda BocekMelvin BohlmannJohn BreckenridgeRosanne BrownJody BuchananKaren CandianoBill CarltonRamon CarmichaelCathy CarneyPenelope CastorGeraldine ChamplinClaude ChandlerSuzanne ChickKathryn ChizzoMarilynn ChynowethKevin ClyneMarcus CoachysSusan Coffey

Susan CooperBrian CrettonLinda CronkKaren CurtisMarcy DaileyBetty DanielsSuman DasSandra DasguptaMarshall Del GrecoRita DeRolfMark DeverMary Alice DolhoverThomas DrakeDonna DunajskiCindy EdwardsMary Jo EricksonMarinelle FarlowJeannie Finlay-KochanowskiTaras FossettWayne GruberCecilia GasieckiElla GilbertsonCathy GingerichSusan GlickFred GradyCheryl GrossRobert HamadyJack HannigKenneth HarterMark HartigGreg HeroldMartha HessJonathon HitzJustin HitzJill HollarRichard HorstClifford HudakHugh HussTom IsaksonDan JakubovieDebby JenkinsDenise JohnstonEmily JohnstonRalph JosephJesse JosleynVictoria JostesLori JoyceBob JunceauPaul KacmarikDeborah KarczewskiKay KeithCecelia KenneyGeorgene KestnerMaxine KilburgRichard KirscherKaren Kovalow-St. JohnArnold Lehmann

Edgar LewandowskiDianne MalfeseSusan MannKaren MarshallDiane MartenJane MaxwellJeri MaxwellTerry McCalebHarold McCarronDeborah McGoughMyrna McMurtryRuth Ann McWhorterR.J. MengelMartha MetcalfeCarol MiliciJudith MillerMartha MitchellMichele MitchellDaniel MittenDonna MullKathyrn MurphyGeorge NagyGeorge NeaguNancy NelsonDiane NoeSusie NormoyleDavid OberstPat O'BrienNancy OchsSara PattersonLinda PattonAnna PearmanSheree PeglowMary PersynJudy PierceSharon PurevickSusan RadovichMartiann RecktenwallJean ReedShirley RemijanRichard ReynoldsBob RhodaTracy RongersPatrice RudzinskiRosemarie RuffingSusan RushEugenia SacopulosMartha SandovalJohn SantoroPolly SarivalasElizabeth SchaeferKay SchenckCorinne SchillerBob SchroaderJudy Ann SerwatkaConnie Rae ShoemakerMary Simon

Lorri SkolakKathryn SligerRon SonatyNorma SorensonMarilyn SpringDessie StarrickJay SteeleRobert SteuerSandy StrilichSharon StroguiludisElizabeth SullivanMary SullivanTim SutherlandBrenda TesterGinni ThomasColleen TravisMyrtle TrubeyKathleen TurnerBarry VanDenburghViktoria VollerEmily WarnerNola WegmanBonnie WeitzelJo WelshGerry WernickeScott WestAileen WilliamsKathryn WiltfangJudi WomacJan YudtJoanne ZiantsDiane ZielinskiDonna Zych

Shellbourne Conference Center

Tag Along | fall 2006 | vol 5 | #3 15

MembershipsOrganizational

MembershipsIndividual

Office Supplies:• New Computers• Vertical Hanging File Cabinet for Maps• Flat Screen Monitors

Grounds Machinery & Tools:• Arborist Climbing Supplies

(harness/saddle, rope, accessories)• Craftsman 3/8-inch drive Micro

Torque Wrench• Four-wheel Drive Truck with Snowplow• Global Positioning System (GPS) Equipment• Small Man Lift Vehicle for Pruning• Stihl Chainsaw• Backpack Leaf Blower• OPTIMAL Tree Spade for Skid-steer

ListWishTaltree

Taltree Arboretum and Gardens Foundation, Inc.71 North 500 WestValparaiso, IN 46385

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 194Valparaiso, IN