New Leadership for HBG: 2009-10 
Photo courtesy Ankrom & Co. Photography, 202 Bushnell Building Paulette Thomas, shown here with incoming President Brian Kampman, had served as President since she founded the organization in 2001. She is devoting herself to an intensive two-year program that will qualify her to implement a horticultural therapy program within the future Garden. Brian has been a Board member since 2005 and brings to his position deep experience in horticultural management. Behind Paulette and Brian is the Water Street entrance sign designed by Bev Kitchen, retired from Clark County JVS, and crafted by Board member Fred Aukeman. |
History
Our immediate roots originate with Mark Aukeman, who started a long-running Springfield nursery and greenhouse center called Hollandia Gardens in 1915. Springfield/Clark County has been a decidedly "green" community, with a strong history in horticulture that has evolved into today's thriving nursery farm sector. Mission To establish a public botanical garden for the Springfield/Clark County community. Through the display of plants in creatively designed settings, the Garden is to serve as a center for enjoyment, education, and conservation and as a living exhibit of community pride. Vision Through a guided encounter with the plant world, to provide enjoyment and a sense of wonder for all ages and for residents and visitors alike. To invite a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the dynamics of plant life and thereby the entire living world. To connect our community with the global network of professionals dedicated to the collection of plant species, botanical and horticultural studies, and environmental stewardship. To serve as a community center for a range of activities that include celebration, education and research, and wellness activities. In keeping with the Hollandia name, to connect the community to its rich and continuing heritage in agriculture and horticulture. To stimulate and complement other enhancements along the Buck Creek corridor and throughout the community. Staff
For almost seven years since its founding in the the year 2000, our organization had consisted entirely of volunteers, led by Paulette Aukeman Thomas, Past President. The scope of achievement by this small group, leading to the development of the Master Plan, has been astonishing, and the support of local foundations, businesses, and generous individuals has been most encouraging.
In September 2007, the Board made the bold decision to employ an Executive Director to focus the efforts of the organization and push the Garden project forward. It has chosen Paul Parlato, Dean Emeritus, School of Community Education at Wittenberg University. Paul’s activities have centered on establishing sound administrative procedures and implementing an effective communication program. Highlights since 2007 have been the formulation of HBG's first annual operating budget (we met our targets!), creation of a Power Point show based on the Master Plan (as of 2010 presented to more than 25 groups), and growth in our total of member/donors from 131 to more than 360. These efforts provide a foundation for the next challenge: organizing a major fund-raising campaign, including a dedicated grant-seeking effort. We are grateful to the Springfield Foundation, the Turner Foundation, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Della Selsor Trust and many individual donors, whose grants and gifts for operating support have made our administrative structure possible.
Paul’s appointment coincided with the opening of HBG's first office, provided by the generosity of James and Nike Lagos, in Suite 224 of the historic Bushnell Building (14 East Main Street—across from Springfield’s dynamic Core Block). As of April 2010 the office will move to the equally historic State Theater Building, 2nd floor. Visitors are welcome. Parking is available at the curb or in the lot adjacent to the building.
To contact Paul or Paulette or President Brian Kampman, click here.
Board of Directors Fred Aukeman (Vice President) Gene Clifton, DDS Glenda Greenwood Brian Kampman (President) Holly LeFevre Vicci Lubbers Earl Robinson Ron Shoemaker Paulette Thomas (Founder) Anila Varghese (Treasurer) Shannon Wahl (Secretary) Advisory Board Faye Flack Mark Grimes Ed Hasecke
Debbie Hill Plato Pavlatos Doug Schantz Charles Swaney Kevin Thomas
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