 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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