February 2009
Looking Back... February 2009
27 February 2009 - 6:59pm
Meanwhile, down the road 4 miles...
If you've been following us for a while, you know that Will and I are on the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association. We're working on mounting a new show, aptly named LINCOLN, this summer at Lincoln Amphitheatre.
We had a Board meeting this morning and our Artistic Director, Scott Lank, gave an exciting update about the scenic design and his selection of designers for the new show.
I teased Scott later: So you're saying you're the only one on the artistic team so far who doesn't have Broadway credentials?
He grinned. He's done that "Lincoln thing" and surrounded himself with the best and the brightest. (Which is not to say that his resume isn't impressive as well.) As a theatre professor at the University of Evansville's celebrated theatre department, Scott has impressed audiences throughout the country with his remarkable productions.
Lincoln Amphitheatre's Communications Director, Laura, snagged Scott after the meeting and shot the first of many videos with him. Please take a look ... now, and when LINCOLN opens in June.
26 February 2009 - 6:47pm
"I'll be a lady of leisure"
Today, our staff bid a fond farewell to this sweet face:
After many, many years of helping to make Santa Claus Land and then Holiday World & Splashin' Safari an especially lovely place, she's decided to become "a lady of leisure."
Over the years, she's appeared as a calendar girl, won a state-wide honor, been featured in a pictorial history book, and even got 15 seconds of fame on "60 Minutes."
She's our dear Frieda.
Since 1954, Frieda has graced us with her formidable presence. Whether working the front gate, helping in the kitchen, sewing a new red suit for Santa Claus, or tending to the park's flowers, she's offered a work ethic and kind humor that has inspired generations of young workers.
We gathered today to honor Frieda, who turned 98 last fall. We told stories, looked at old photos, and ate comfort food (Will's wife told me he ate two fried biscuits).
Frieda's response to all the fuss? I'd like to thank the Kochs for putting up with me all these years.
Afterwards, a lot of private thoughts were quietly exchanged. Chad thanked Frieda for stitching up his britches one day after he split his uniform slacks at work.
She smiled that smile.
Tammy in Group Sales paused for a few words and a hug.
Tom told a great story about putting a new roof on Frieda's house 28 years ago.
She questioned why he'd used a certain roofing material.
"Aw, Frieda, this is the last roof you'll ever need."
He replaced it last year.
And now it's time for an entirely new roof, as Frieda moves to Evansville for her retirement.
We'll stay in touch. And we'll remember her always.
For she planted much more than just flower seeds in her 55 years here at the park.
23 February 2009 - 2:44pm
Screaming headlines
Don't get to do it too often, but today is an appropriate time to write one.
A screaming headline.
One of those over-the-top statements that's a little closer to fiction than reality.
Attention-getting and with tongue firmly in cheek we scream:
Oprah Calls Holiday World 'Wacky'!
Head over here to read the full release, which includes a link to the article.
And ... just curious ... do you agree? Is this a wacky place?
20 February 2009 - 8:33pm
Heavy lifting
Thursday was the first day for moving steel into place at the Pilgrims Plunge construction site.
As far as "going vertical," it's only a few feet...
...but it's progress.
http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/cnFEdYE-OA8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x...
20 February 2009 - 5:31pm
Just ask Aretha
The marvelous Ms. Franklin said/sang it best:
R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find out what it means to me...
Well, a different tune was playing over in the main office this morning.
It was Happy Birthday, but in a minor key. Some young upstart over there decided 40 qualifies as "old."
You know ... one of our "company values" is Respect.
We Respect the Individual.
It's a good value. It's serves us well.
It's been handed down in the Koch and Yellig family from generation to generation.
But today, since there's cake, I guess there's a slight reprieve.
Susan's a good sport.
For such a young'un.
