Lime Hollow News

Thanks to all who attended our Ready to Grow Campaign “Thank You” Event!

On Thursday, May 24th, well over 50 devoted Lime Hollow supporters attended an exclusive “Thank you” affair, held in honor and appreciation of the Ready to Grow / new visitor center campaign contributors of $500 or more. (Further evidence of our wonderful support, over 90 invitations went out -- for a possible, top-attendance of 180 donors and their guests!)

Also in attendance were NYS Assemblywoman, Barbara Lifton, who kindly spoke in support of our mission (Ms. Lifton’s office generously provided in 2006 to help offset the cost of new heating systems at Lime Hollow) – and Bob Messenger, a representative from U.S. Congressman Michael Acuri’s office.

Hors d’oeurvres, wine, and pleasant conversation were enjoyed by all, as Lime Hollow’s management team thanked all in attendance – and then formally recognized contributors who had participated in ‘naming’ opportunities at the center with unveilings of their respective plaques. These included: The Robert P. Bush Memorial Bird Education Room, the “Trail for All” dedicated to an anonymous donor, the Elima Higgins Bridge, the Ann & Victor Siegle Bird Sanctuary, landscaping donated by John & Nancy Gustafson, and a cornerstone-style plaque recognizing the Baldwin Family and architect Brian Buttner for their respective roles in the building’s completion.

Here are excerpts from remarks made by board president, John Hoeschele, at the event:

“Today, I have the privilege of welcoming you to this breath-taking structure and thanking you for your part in making Lime Hollow’s longstanding dream a reality.

Whether your contribution involved painting the walls, staining these beautiful logs, doing the electrical work, installing a stained glass window, or blazing a new trail… Or whether you made a cash donation, purchased a Leopold bench, offered a huge anonymous matching grant, or made what is for us a transformational gift of over $100,000…

You are standing here because your gift of time, talent, financial support, or good old sweat equity has made this million-dollar visitor center possible – and in doing so, made the world a better place. You have stepped apart from the apathetic, in order to become involved. You have risen above the all-too-pervasive cynicism that plagues our time, and shown that you care. You have selected this time, this place, and this organization to make manifest your love of the outdoors…and your interest in protecting at least this 400-acre portion of the outdoors for generations to come…

…[I will] begin our list of key contributors with three extraordinary people. First, a man whose astonishing generosity is only surpassed by his humility. Because I know Dr. Frank Baldwin, from Ithaca, is not keen on the limelight – far preferring good deeds to loud praise, I’ll just read this plaque to you before we have it installed on the exterior of the center: ‘Building generously donated by the Baldwin Family – dedicated 2007, with boundless gratitude and affection.’

Second, our recently retired Executive Director and co-founder, Dr. Charles Yaple: Charlie, without your boundless vision, determination, stewardship, kindness, and leadership – all of this would still be an architectural rendering. We are forever in your debt…

Finally, our newly hired Executive Director, Glenn Reisweber… It is difficult to convey how much we are also indebted to, humbled by, and lucky to be led by this gentleman; still, I’m quite certain any accurate list of descriptive words would include: Energy, optimism, humor, grace, transparency, integrity, intellect, generosity, resourcefulness, graciousness, creativity, constancy, selflessness…”

At this point, board Vice President Susan Mayberry presented a desk plaque and lapel pin to Executive Director, Glenn Reisweber, for his long hours in getting the new center open; Glenn, in turn, finished up the proceedings with thanks to the staff, recognition of pro-bono electrician, Tom Mullins, and pointed out the contributions of Eagle Scout, James McKenna, for his role in the development of our new bird sanctuary.