News : Cut-a-thon benefits new nature center

With post-storm clean-up underway at Vinton's Riverside Park where the money was raised, stylists from local salons present proceeds from a July 9 Cut-a-Thon to the Benton County nature center fundraising campaign. Kirsten Redlinger (center) of Total Image Salon and Tammy Fett (right, accompanied by daughter Kay) of New Beginnings Salon present $796 to Julie Zimmer, a committee member for the Benton County Conservation Foundation's efforts on behalf of the new nature center at Rodgers Park. The stylists donated haircut proceeds and goodwill donations from a half-day of haircuts at temporary stations in the Riverside bandshell to the campaign to finish, furnish and fund the center. Fett credited a steady flow of patrons and generous donations for what was apparently a very successful afternoon. Rodgers Park and all other county parks, with the exception of Hannen Lake, are presently closed for repairs following the July 11 storm. Park staff said the six-acre nature center lost many mature trees and suffered damage to decking, an air condition unit and a portion of roof over the county conservation director's office, although the main display area and Cargill classroom/activity area were untouched. In addition to those repairs, work continues on a new well for the property before it will be open for public use. Zimmer said Americorps and other volunteers are assisting staff with clean-up and finishing features such as the path between Rodgers and the new nature center.