The Cowboys may have been playing the Bears on Thursday, December 5, on TV, but according to the crowds lining up at the Arboretum, nobody was watching. So much was going at the 66-acre wonderland. Folks were queued up to wander the beautiful grounds with its holiday decorations and nighttime lighting; young people in long gowns and suits made their way to A Tasteful Place for a private party; and heading to Rosine Hall were the Great Contributors Gala guests including Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum Chair Venise Stuart and husband Larry Stuart, Co-chairs Sharon Ballew and Mari Epperson, Kaki and Shelton Hopkins, Joan and Arboretum Board Chair Alan Walne, Jill Goldberg and Janet Ringle-Bartels.
Waiting patiently in the hall was Lyda Hill. She had rushed home from work to change clothes before heading to two events. The first was at the Arboretum, where she wanted to personally congratulate Brett Ringle, who would be receiving the Great Contributor Award for his late wife, Sue Ringle, who died this past year.
Then Lyda had planned to dash off to Old Parkland for the Dallas Forum get-together. While waiting, someone suggested that with all her support of science and technology, she might consider having herself cloned.
In the meantime, Al and Carolyn Olson and Phyllis and Tom McCaslands were receiving congratulations on their receiving the Great Contributor Award… 2020 Dallas Symphony League Presentation Ball Chair Melissa Lewis was checking out the tables of silent auction items that included bottles of wine, a punchbowl filled with bottles of champagne, clothes and jewelry. When asked about her longer than usual hair, she reported that the Tuesday after the ball, she was getting a haircut to return to a bob… MIA was Dallas Arboretum President/CEO Mary Brinegar, who was in Bermuda for a conference. Luckily, Gardens VP Dave Forehand was present to provide a “sneak peek of the future of the Dallas Arboretum” following the live auction conducted by Wendy Lambert.
As for Lyda, her patience paid off. Spying Brett at the check-in, she snuck up behind him. He turned around and was rewarded with a hug from Lyda. No sooner had the hug ended then Lyda was seen heading for her car.