Celebrating Service

The lights were bright, the spirits were brighter and the excitement set the pace for the night as friends and family celebrated Kathy Scripps retiring from her role with Memorial Gardens.

After more than 30 years of volunteering to take care of Living Memorial Gardens, Kathy Scripp is trimming her duties.

She is retiring from the responsibilities of the Living Memorial Gardens.

In recognition of her retirement, a reception was held at Beans and Steams Coffee House Friday, May 27.

She entered the door to be greeted with the excitement of a planned surprise party and a buffet of home-cooked foods in addition to the drinks available by Beans and Steams.

“I'm so surprised,” she said as she entered the door. “I didn't expect this!”

She was quickly taken in by the hugs and handshakes from those in attendance.

She started with Memorial Gardens in 1992 at the urging of Kate Holstein.

She remembers when people would bring their children to the Memorial Garden, and at the end of the day the children didn't want to leave.

“For me, I had a hard time delegating,” Scripps said. “This year, [Memorial Gardens] looks better than it ever has."

For as much as it has improved, the committee is seeking to make it better.They are working with Keep Sidney Beautiful for a grant to improve the driveway.

Scripp's involvement in the community isn't focused on just the Living Memorial Gardens as president of the board and as member. She has also served on the Friends of the Library board for several years. She has delivered meals in the Meals on Wheels program, taking meals to home bound residents, keeping the same route for several years.

She is a past president of the High Plains Arts Council, and faithfully attends all programs, taking elderly people to enjoy the shows. She is also a participant and coordinator of her group for Night of Hope. She has befriended many of the residents at Sidney Regional Medical Center's Extended Care Center, and had volunteered for Hospice for at least seven years.

She has been a mentor in the Teammates program for at least five years. She is Past-President of PAC,a Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary International, leader for Brownie Girl Scouts and volunteers to maintain a corner garden near the Sidney Post Office.

She is known as a “truly happy spirt,” whose love and dedication is seen by everyone whom she comes in contact.

She said the biggest change now is she doesn't have to be in charge. Colleen Langdon will be the new president of the Memorial Gardens board.