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Oasis snips the ribbon on its new walking track
Reifsteck family leads the first lap

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[July 06, 2016]  LINCOLN - On Friday at noon members of the Oasis Senior Center were joined by members of the Lincoln and Logan County community for a ribbon cutting on the new walking track recently constructed behind the Oasis building.

The day began with a group gathering at the track for the ribbon cut hosted by the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. Logan County Alliance President/CEO and Chamber Director Cathy Wilhite began the ceremony welcoming everyone to the ribbon cut. She noted that the chamber was happy to welcome the new addition to the Oasis and to congratulate the Oasis on their accomplishment.

Lincoln Alderwoman Jonie Tibbs spoke on behalf of Mayor Marty Neitzel and the city council, saying they were happy to see this addition to the Oasis and how it would improve the quality of life for local seniors as well as the community.

Oasis President Bob Parrish spoke briefly saying that the Oasis was very happy to have this track, and he thanked all of those who had a role in bringing the track to the Oasis. He singled out the Reifsteck family, who have given a large portion to the cost of the track in memory of the late Wally Reifsteck.

Tonita Reifsteck also spoke briefly noting the presence of many of her family members who had come out to join her in celebrating this memorial to her late husband, their father, and grand-father.

In honor of the Reifsteck's, Parrish and Wilhite suggested that the Reifsteck family lead the way in the first lap around the track with as many as were willing and able falling in behind.

When the first lap was completed, everyone was invited inside for a light lunch that included sandwiches, finger foods, veggies, crackers, and giant donuts.

Inside, Parrish spoke again inviting not only seniors, but the entire community to come out and take advantage of this new offering to help everyone stay active and healthy.

Tonita Reifsteck echoed that sentiment, saying she for one planned on being out there making laps at least a couple of times a week.

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Also speaking, was Wally and Tonita’s granddaughter, Rachel, a college student in Colorado who is home for the summer. She recalled how her granddad walked every morning, and how that he would get up and out the door while most of the kids in the family were still asleep. She said that her grandfather would be really excited to see this track, and to use it. She noted that he would see it as a place where not only could he come in the early morning, but also a place where he could bring his family to walk with him.

Parrish spoke again saying that he had been asked if there would be benches. He said indeed there would. Two have been ordered thus far, another donation from the Reifsteck family. Parrish said that the benches would be mounted on poured concrete, so they didn’t “walk away.” He also noted that there would be artwork on the benches paying tribute to Wally Reifsteck as well as the Oasis. He said, for that reason everyone should make a point of coming out to see the benches when they arrive.

Tibbs was the last of the speakers before lunch, saying she was on hand representing the city. She wanted the Oasis to know that the city is happy for all that the Oasis offers, and they are happy for the Oasis in all that they have accomplished and for what they do, not only for the senior citizens of Logan County, but the community on the whole.

[Nila Smith]

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