by Barbara Dixson
Tim Taschwer, pictured above, joined the Executive Board of the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve at a moment when we were primed for growth but unclear on how to move forward. Tim brought the expertise of his professional career as well as his many-decades’ love for Schmeeckle Reserve to the work of outreach and advancement. In the year before his death, Tim shepherded the new Legacy Giving Circle, which provides ways for people to give or pledge a significant gift toward the long-term support of Schmeeckle Reserve. They can do this through planned giving or through living gifts. Tim himself became the first of the inaugural donors to the Legacy Circle through the significant legacy he left to the Friends in his will.
Others who quickly joined in include the following Friends:
Michael and Beverly Gross
Dan and Donna Marx
Bernie Hlavac
Noah and Andrea Zimmerman
Rick and Sarah Wilke
Dan and Donna Marx sit on a bench which they donated to the Reserve. Here’s Dan’s reflection:
We have so many memories of the Reserve (and the UWSP where we met). The Bench picture sums up our relationship with Schmeeckle over the years: hiking, observing, sharing, contemplating, meditating, growing, relaxing, meeting and greeting, children, grandchildren, contributing,…..so much. Donna and I returned to Stevens Point and built our house, our current home, in 1978… the same year Schmeeckle was officially dedicated……so we share that common thread, among others.
Rick and Sarah Wilke on one of their many outdoor adventures. Here’s Rick’s reflection:
My ties to Schmeeckle go way back. When I was director of the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station and Ron Zimmerman was the Assistant Director we put together a proposal for Schmeeckle over a six-pack of Point beer. Ron became Schmeeckle Director. The rest is history.
