APRIL 2011
Congratulations to our April Destinations winner, Barbara Rathke, who correctly identified the post on the Joy Path. The post has been used to guide class tours along the Path.

Barbara and her husband, Jerome, have been visiting the Arboretum since 1975 and have been members for 17 consecutive years at the Family level. They used to bring their two boys here to walk the trails and hunt for bugs and butterflies. “Over the years, even though we’ve moved several times within the Chicago area, The Morton Arboretum has always been a constant part of our lives,” said Barbara.

She has taken several classes through the Arboretum’s Botanical Art Program and Teacher Program and particularly enjoyed “Drawing with the Masters.” The most memorable class she took was a tree planting class, where she planted crabapple trees in the rain. Barbara said, “I didn’t think they could be planted while it was raining, but it worked!” Jerome believes the crabapple trees pictured in our spring mural in the Visitor Center were the trees she planted . . . hmmm, perhaps!

Barbara and Jerome also like to come for lunch and, afterward, take a stroll through the wild rose garden. They believe the most notable change to the Arboretum has been the addition of the Children’s Garden in 2005. They remember bringing their grandchildren there, and everyone thoroughly loved it. This summer one of their grown grandchildren living in Arizona will be coming to Chicago for a visit, bringing the Rathke’s great grandchild.

Barbara and Jerome, we appreciate your loyalty and support and wish you and your family many more years of fond memories at The Morton Arboretum.

MARCH 2011
A warm congratulations to Hope Haberer, our March Destinations contest winner for correctly identifying the Outpost as the building in the picture. Her children have many fond memories of their overnight stay at the Outpost many years ago.

Hope and her husband, Mike, have been visiting The Morton Arboretum for more than 15 years and have been members since 1998. “It all started when we received a membership as a Christmas gift,” she said. Over the years Hope, Mike and other family members have been involved in many activities, including biking, hiking and attending various classes. Her daughter, who’s in college now, loves to hike with her.

A class that Hope really enjoyed taking taught her how to set up bird feeders. A special place of interest to her is the Thornhill Education Center because of its history. Hope also brings her Mom to the Arboretum for a drive around the grounds, which they both thoroughly enjoy. We also asked Hope about the most dramatic change she’s seen at the Arboretum while a member. Her answer: the Children’s Garden and the Maze Garden.

“I feel lucky to have a place like this to visit, and it’s so close by,” she said. Hope and Mike, we’re very lucky to have members like you. We know you’ll continue to enjoy our many offerings!

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