The Old West Lawrence Applause Committee have recognized residents who have made a contribution to the beautification of the neighborhood. Those who received honors were:

• Marilyn Dobski, for landscaping around the McDonald’s restaurant on Sixth Street.
• Neil and Leni Salkind, for their garden at 734 Ind.
• Rick Frydman and Amy Lee, for their restoration of a neglected bungalow at 600 Ind.
• Mark Lehman and Diana Chamberlain, 639 Miss., for their water garden and new brick sidewalk.
• Ali Dankenbring, a Lawrence High School student, attended a pre-college course in color photography in July at the College of Arts in Oakland, Calif. Ali also attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City last summer. Ali is a student of Angelia Perkins, LHS photography teacher.
• David and Denise Alphson, Rolla, Mo., announce the birth of a daughter, Gabrielle Nicole, born June 29, 2004, in Springfield, Mo. Maternal grandparents are Les and Darlene Atkinson, Lawrence. Paternal grandparents are Charles and Roni Mastel, Edgeley, N.D., and Dwayne and Renee Ollerich, Leawood. Great-grandparents are Harold and Dorothy Steward, Lawrence.
• Violet Blosser, Lawrence, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion, magna cum laude, from Carleton College, Northfield, Minn. She is the daughter of Aaron and Khalila Blosser, Lawrence.
• Sue Finley Evans, Lawrence, will be a featured presenter at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Pembroke Hill School, 400 W. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo. The presentation, “What is the Suzuki Method of Music Teaching?” is open to the public. Evans is a Lawrence Suzuki piano teacher.
• Bill and Jennifer Newton, Apex, N.C., announce the birth of a daughter, Isley Ryan, born Sept. 10, 2004, in Carey, N.C.

Paternal grandparents are Bob and Pat Newton, Lawrence. Maternal grandparents are Tom and Pat Ryan, Johnson.

• The descendants of Benjamin Thomas Ray and Nancy Catherine Webb Ray are having a family reunion from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Lunch will be served at noon. Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish. Coffee, tea and table service will be furnished.