The Austin Early Risers Kiwanis Club has not forgotten the victims of the Oklahoma City, Okla.

Thursday, August 31, 2000

The Austin Early Risers Kiwanis Club has not forgotten the victims of the Oklahoma City, Okla., federal building bombing five years ago.

Now, a tree will remind all of the American tragedy.

A 15-foot tall burr oak tree, plus flowers and shrubs, has been planted in Horace Austin Park. The tree is dedicated in memory of the 1995 bombing and is located along the Mill Pond Pathway and a gazebo east of the Austin Municipal Swimming Pool.

The tree planting was coordinated by Spruce Up Austin Inc. with assistance from the Austin Early Risers Kiwanis Club and the Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

Tom Graff, parks supervisor for the city, designed the landscaping around the tree. A boulder came from Millie Kane, a Spruce Up member. City parks workers performed the plantings and funded additional costs over and above the Kiwanis organization’s donation.

"We’re happy to be a part of the project," Kiwanis president John Donahue said. "This is just one of the many community service projects the club undertakes each year. Our main focus are the needs of youths and we will be looking into other projects in which we can assist."

The project was dedicated Wednesday morning with Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz present to praise the club members for their effort to beautify the park and create a lasting memorial.

Mike Ruzek, Spruce Up Austin president, and Darlene Thaisen, a Spruce Up board member, also were present.

In addition to Donahue, the Kiwanis organization was represented by Randy Kramer, past president, Steve Leif, treasurer, and the Rev. Pat Kester, a member.

The Austin Early Risers Kiwanis Club meets at 7 a.m. each Wednesday at Jerry’s Other Place restaurant.

The organization has 28 members, and Donahue said, "We’re always looking for new members."

Anyone interested in joining the organization may attend one of the regular Wednesday morning breakfast meetings.