With this lofty goal in mind, a series of fund-raisers ensued. A wide variety of them were held those first three years.

2006 was eventful for the Park. The Historic Preservation Commission presented us with the Historic Preservation Week Award as the top "historic place." MRHD grant announcements followed, and we received $10,000 for a major upgrade of the Park's lighting system. As one of the designated charities working for Awesome Biker Nights, we netted a check for $5,505. September brought the 4th Annual "Art in the Park," with the artists and food stand reporting great sales! Lastly, we received a Leisure Services Grant from the City of Sioux City for picnic table replacement.

2007 saw many more activities -- a new membership drive, an All America Band Concert, more picnic tables through Leisure Services, and the Morningside Lodge #615 held a July 4th benefit pancake breakfast for us. Our second Awesome Biker Nights June poker run & raffle ticket sales went very well, and in August, the Awesome Board presented us with a check for $5,615, which will help grow our endowment fund. The northeast garden is being redesigned, and another successful "Art in the Park" is in the books.

It was another busy year here in 2008 -- a $750 Junior League grant, matched by Scott Ohlfest, took care of the cleaning & tuckpointing of the brick gazebo; a MRHD grant for $10,000 is enabling us to start on our long-awaited underground sprinkler system; the 2nd Annual Morningside Lodge Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast netted almost $900; we worked the Awesome Biker Nights June poker run and ended July with a $3700 check for those efforts. July 31st was the last day on the job for caretakers Bill & Dawn Tope, who had beautified the Park for eight years; the caretaker position is now open. The Homebuilders Association and WIT construction class rebuilt the back porch on the house; Carter Gardner trimmed trees; Coughlin Landscaping worked on beds, grounds & trees, installed flagstone paths & moved benches; and our 6th annual "Art in the Park" was greeted by an appreciative audience on a beautiful September day.

This year we have lots of activities booked -- WEDDINGS, WEDDINGS, WEDDINGS -- then the 3rd Annual Morningside Lodge #615 July 4th Pancake Breakfast and another "Art in the Park" in September.

BULLETIN BOARD 3rd Annual Independence Day Pancake Breakfast Saturday, July 4th, 7:30 - 11:00 A.M., at the Park Sponsored by Morningside Masonic Lodge #615 Net proceeds benefit the upkeep of the Park The next "Friends" meeting is: July 9th Thursday, 7 P.M., at the Latham House If you have time and talent to lend to our cause, we'd love to have you join us! The Park is now open for the season! To reserve the grounds or house for small group meetings or big events, call Kathleen at 712-276-6016