Here’s the latest Campaign news.

Check back often for updates. For 2007 archived news, go here.

Currently

1. •Seeking a non-profit group or Foundation to act as ‘fiscal agent/sponsor’ and coordinate the financial part of the Campaign. I welcome advice or suggestions on this process.
   

2. •Completing 17-page Budget and Business Plan/Capital Campaign brochure
   

3. •Fine-tuning presentation for first of five ‘city partners’ along Lilac Way
   

4. •Preparing to approach Campaign Corporate Sponsors
   

The Campaign to Restore Lilac Way is looking for key Partners, especially with environmentally-focused, nonprofit organizations that could help bring this community revitalization project to life—pooling resources and networks while providing benefits to both organizations. Learn more.

11.5.08

Launched new-and-improved re-designed www.restorelilacway.com web site, with new Graphics and Education sections and bigger page area.

11.2.08

Met with non-profit wizard Dan Hoxworth for advice regarding Campaign Partners. He was a great source of feedback and direction, will be approaching these new groups in days to come.

10.16.08

1. 

   • I am back working on the Campaign after a 2-month hiatus to help care for my father, who died on Oct. 6th at the age of 88. Sadly, he won’t get to see the new lilacs when they are planted. He would often drive on Highway 100, and tell my mom, “I wonder where Karen’s going to plant all those lilacs.” Rest in peace, Dad.
   

2. 
   

3. •Read the great StarTribune article about SLP’s effort to save and restore the 1939 ‘beehive’ barbecue along Highway 100: Picking up pieces of past from area roads, highways. Thanks to Jenna Ross for the great article.
   

9.24.08

1. •Checked out Golden Valley’s lilac plantings, it looks great! Here’s the photos.
   

9.15.08

1. •Updated the web site.
   

2. •Checked out the progress of St. Louis Park’s Roadside Park restoration, it looks great! See the photos.
   

8.20.08

Had a very productive budget and process meeting with Patti Strohmayer at Mn/DOT, she helps me to clearly understand the logistics of this big project and helps with the budget.

8.18.08

1. •Pulling together final budget and Campaign business plan based on 2-year Campaign plan for 3000 lilacs
   

2. •Fine-tuning process chart and schedule
   

3. •To place Lilac Way signage on Highway 100, it must be 'officially designated by the Minnesota Legislature.' Contacted Marcia Honold about meeting with SLP’s state elected officials or their staff to ask the legislature to designate TH100 as Lilac Way. She also recommends speaking with Henn. Co. Comm. Dorfman’s office. 
   

7.17.08

The Campaign sent a letter to the city of Robbinsdale, who is exploring the purchase of Graeser Park. This is an original Lilac Way Park, and home to one of the last two remaining ‘beehives.’ Read the letter to the Mayor, the Sun Newspaper article or the TwelveTv story.

6.30.08

This Campaign web site received over 4000 hits in both May and June. Thanks for checking it out, and spread the word!

6.24.08

3-hour field trip to drive the length of Lilac Way with Mn/DOT’s Patti Strohmayer and Paul Walvatne to determine viable planting locations and discuss process.

6.18.08

Very productive meeting with Mn/DOT.

5.1.08

Had a great conversation with Mary Davy of No-Stress Gardening and Landscaping in Chaska. They are enthusiastic, offered to act as advisory for project, possible support with maintenance. Will continue discussion as project progresses. Thanks, Mary!

4.25.08

Visited Mn/DOT’s ‘Beehive Graveyard,’ the location of former park structures (beehives, benches, tables, etc.) with Mary Wenner (Mn/DOT), Rick Birno and Rick Beane (SLP) to see if materials could be used in Roadside Park restoration at Highways 7 and 100. See what’s in the Beehive Graveyard.

4.23.08

Presented Campaign to a very prominent local, environmentally-focused non-profit organization to discuss partnership. They loved the concept and where I am going with it, are currently developing ideas about how we can partner together. Fingers crossed.

3.31.08

Met with Mn/DOT (Patti Strohmayer/Paul Walvatne/Todd Carroll):

1. •Discussed Campaign’s need to maintain the lilacs after planting
   

2. •Reviewed application process for Mn/DOT’s Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program
   

2.1.08

Design prototype for Campaign Kits is completed.