The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" #44: 8-2-23
President Thad Hall opened the Manhattan Optimist Club breakfast meeting on August 2, 2023, with the flag salute.
Program Introduction:
Bruce McMillan introduced our speaker, Jessica Canfield, his next door neighbor. Jessica is an Associate Professor in the department of Landscape Architecture and Region & Community Planning in the College of Architecture Planning & Design at Kansas State University. Jessica delivered a presentation entitled “Parks, Public Space, and the Hidden Benefits of Landscapes.”
She emphasized that landscape architecture is not about residential yards. Landscape architecture includes parks, playgrounds, campuses, public spaces, trails, etc. She showed a picture of Frederick Law Olmsted who is considered the father of landscape architecture in the United States and who designed Central Park in NY City.
Nicely landscaped areas have many benefits to communities including social and environmental benefits. Contact with nature has many health benefits and reduces stress and anxiety. Parks are especially important for children. Environmental benefits of landscapes include better air quality and supporting pollinators. Economic Benefits include increasing property value and operations/maintenance savings (i.e., by planting drought tolerant plants that don’t require irrigation).
She showed many before and after photos that illustrate how landscape architects design places that connect people to the natural world.
During the question and answer period, Jessica said that she really likes the trees in Manhattan and wishes that more trees would be planted since they are dying/damaged at a rate greater than they are being planted. We also discussed the unfortunate situation with Ash trees (since they are being killed by the Emerald Ash Borer) and several other questions from club members were answered.
Guests:
Thad Hall acknowledged our speaker, Jessica Canfield.
Club Stuff/Announcements:
President, Thad Hall made the following announcements:
Our club will host the District Meeting picnic at Optimist Park on Friday August 18th at 6 PM: all members and families are welcome. Meat and drinks will be provided: there is a sign up sheet for potluck dishes.
The District Meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan on Saturday August 19 at 8 AM: All members are welcome: registration forms are available.
Membership Recruitment Contest: a $100 gift card will be awarded to the member that brings in the most members by the end of September.
Just Tri-It has been scheduled on Aug 12.
The Chili Crawl will be held on October 14th. Tickets are $20.
Next Week’s Program – Wednesday August 9th at 12:00 Noon:
Daphne McNelly, Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency.
August Meeting Schedule:
Wednesday, August 16th at 7:00 AM: LaBarbara James Wigfall, Associate Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Design, KSU.
Wednesday, August 23rd at Noon: Dr. Rana Johnson, VP, Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and belonging, KSU.
Wednesday, August 30th at 7:00 AM: membership meeting.
Adjourned with the Optimist Creed