Track Talk, June 6, 2013

By Pete Petty

Seeing this photo for the first time, one may surmise the ladies may be doing some planting. After all, those are shovels, its spring, it’s raining and they certainly look happy.  All the key factors for successful growing!   Those in attendance at a special event at The McKenzie Community Track and Field in April may recognize these as the Jones ladies and they were not planting but instead providing nourishment to a seed planted a few years back by a very special man in their lives and to our community.  I speak of Aaron Jones and the metaphor he used when describing the gift of land he and his wife, Marie donated for the community field in Blue River.  He referred to it as a seed he was planting to create a special place of recreation and sports enjoyment, especially for the young people in our area. That seed has flourished and now our young people have the use of a world class track and field facility.  The field also boasts of a dog walking trail and a wildlife viewing area with a protective kiosk, and these facilities are used by both young and old.  A truly amazing place for all of us to enjoy and it keeps getting better and better. The ladies in the photograph were breaking ground for yet another growth spurt.  Marie, center, and daughters  Becky, left and Kathy, right, were breaking ground for a multi-purpose building to be constructed at the track.  Mr. Jones’ health prevented his attendance at the  event, however his spirit was certainly there.  In remarks made that day, all three referred to that seed that was planted and how pleased they were to be part of its growth.

Thank   you Aaron and Marie for planting the seed, thank you Jody and Kathy and Seneca Timber for your nourishment and thanks to all others, for the creation of our lovely garden, we know as the “track”

See you at the track….