Date: April 18, 2007
Contact: Russ Whitlock, (830) 868-7128, ext. 228
Johnson City, TX – Park Superintendent Russ Whitlock is very pleased to announce that six individuals representing Gillespie and Blanco Counties will join forces to create a Friends Group for Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park on April 25th. Whitlock was searching for representatives from the local area who had demonstrated a commitment to historic preservation, education, community improvement, tourism, and volunteerism.
The Friends Group Founding Board will be comprised of George Culp, Karen Weber, and Bob Keith of Johnson City, Norm Nevins and Valerie Schafer of Stonewall, and Peggy Welch of Blanco. These individuals share a common interest and desire to support the national park as it preserves and shares with the public the historic properties, life and legacy of our 36th President and of Mrs. Johnson.
Superintendent Whitlock asked this group to help the National Park Service increase its outreach in surrounding communities and level of participation in local events. He asked the Founding Board members to consider a partnership where a Friends Group and the park could offer special events and activities such as the recent Luci Johnson-led bicycle rides on the LBJ Ranch. Whitlock also asked the group to serve as a sounding board for sharing ideas and challenges and keeping the community involved in future planning, development, and opportunities.
The goals of the April 25th meeting are to draft by-laws, establish an agreement with the park, elect officers, and complete application for 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status. The Board will convene a meeting in May to establish initial goals. Whitlock expects that by June the Friends Group will be recruiting for membership.
