When you look up “determined” in the dictionary, chances are Mrs. Koch’s photo will be there.
Every season, there are two or three things that just bug her. Drive her crazy.
Up a tree, even
But she doesn’t gripe and complain. She figures out a way to change it.
It’s usually something people whisper in her ear all season long. Our Guests see Mrs. Koch on TV all summer. She’s an approachable person. And approach her they do!
Top of the list last year was the big fir tree in the Christmas Plaza.
“We need a beautifully decorated Christmas tree for the children to see when they first come in the park,” she announced one week in staff meeting.
No one disagreed. She was right (she usually is).
Next week at staff meeting, “Don’t you think we should fix up that tree for next season?”
And the following week …
What about my tree?
Just imagine our collective joy and exultation when Will passed out the 2005 Budget last fall and one of the line items was:
Trim and Decorate Tree in Christmas Plaza.
Hooray!
Joe carefully researched how the huge tree should be thinned and trimmed, so as not to cause any damage.
The great wooly tree underwent a makeover worthy of reality TV.
And then a week ago came the big announcement: The decorations have arrived!
It rained nearly every day that week. But finally, Monday, the work began.
First, the lights were strung.
All 2,700 of them.
And then the huge ornaments were brought out. Giant lollipops, gingerbread men, candy canes, colorful balls, ribbons, snowflakes, and much more.
Kinda pretty, huh?
By the way, Mrs. Koch’s desire to have additional benches placed around the park has also become reality.
And she’s already been granted a very special wish for 2006.
You’ll be able to share next year’s gift with her.
In fact, she’ll insist.
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