More than 50 volunteers armed with rakes, shovels, pitchforks, tarps and lots of determination braved the high winds and low morning temperature last Saturday to undertake a considerable clean-up of the city’s historic cemetery.
“It was totally a community effort’, said BCF Vice Chair Kristine Passalacqua. “While the volunteers came equipped with the needed gardening tools and high energy, the City provided the equipment and staff to haul away the many, many truckloads of materials gathered by the volunteers.
“BAB was created to bring community volunteers together to assist in the care, maintenance and beautification of our many City parks, open spaces and other sites,” added Ms. Passalacqua.
In addition to the valued support the City provided, two local restaurants Sprankle’s Deli and Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurant donated lunch for all 50 plus participants.
The morning started with local cemetery historian Karen Burns sharing a short history of the cemetery, then the City’s Theron Jones, Superintendent of Parks and Community Services thanked the volunteers and provided guidance on how to properly and respectfully manage the clean-up process.
Terry Scott, BCF Executive Director said it was very heartwarming to be a part of this community action. It was wonderful to watch folks ranging from young families with little kids to older adults, working together to help improve and preserve Benicia’s historical past.
Among the many volunteers were Mayor Steve Young and Dr. Ekaterina Ryjkina, newly appointed General Manager, Kaneka Aerospace located in the Benicia Industrial Park.
Keeping a watchful eye over the work being done was Ernest Meyers, who has been recognized for his 36 years of service with the City of Benicia Parks and Community service and his ten years on the cemetery committee.
“This was a very exciting project for us. We are so grateful for the City and community volunteers that supported this project, said BCF’s Chair David Batchelor.
“Benicia Community Foundation is dedicated to supporting our community and enhancing beautification and building community camaraderie,” he added.
According to Benicia historian Michael J. Hayes “The Benicia City Cemetery represents the entire City in honoring its past citizens and the tremendous service for the benefit of the community. Enough praise and thanks cannot be given to those who rest on the hillside overlooking the town. It is hoped that a new generation will ensure that the City Cemetery will once again be a jewel in the crown of Benicia’s historical past.”
The BAB is currently working on a number of new community improvement projects and will be letting the community know when and how they can volunteer and help make Benicia a better place.
More than 50 volunteers armed with rakes, shovels, pitchforks, tarps and lots of determination braved the high winds and low morning temperature last Saturday to undertake a considerable clean-up of the city’s historic cemetery.
“It was totally a community effort’, said BCF Vice Chair Kristine Passalacqua. “While the volunteers came equipped with the needed gardening tools and high energy, the City provided the equipment and staff to haul away the many, many truckloads of materials gathered by the volunteers.
“BAB was created to bring community volunteers together to assist in the care, maintenance and beautification of our many City parks, open spaces and other sites,” added Ms. Passalacqua.
In addition to the valued support the City provided, two local restaurants Sprankle’s Deli and Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurant donated lunch for all 50 plus participants.
The morning started with local cemetery historian Karen Burns sharing a short history of the cemetery, then the City’s Theron Jones, Superintendent of Parks and Community Services thanked the volunteers and provided guidance on how to properly and respectfully manage the clean-up process.
Terry Scott, BCF Executive Director said it was very heartwarming to be a part of this community action. It was wonderful to watch folks ranging from young families with little kids to older adults, working together to help improve and preserve Benicia’s historical past.
Among the many volunteers were Mayor Steve Young and Dr. Ekaterina Ryjkina, newly appointed General Manager, Kaneka Aerospace located in the Benicia Industrial Park.
Keeping a watchful eye over the work being done was Ernest Meyers, who has been recognized for his 36 years of service with the City of Benicia Parks and Community service and his ten years on the cemetery committee.
“This was a very exciting project for us. We are so grateful for the City and community volunteers that supported this project, said BCF’s Chair David Batchelor.
“Benicia Community Foundation is dedicated to supporting our community and enhancing beautification and building community camaraderie,” he added.
According to Benicia historian Michael J. Hayes “The Benicia City Cemetery represents the entire City in honoring its past citizens and the tremendous service for the benefit of the community. Enough praise and thanks cannot be given to those who rest on the hillside overlooking the town. It is hoped that a new generation will ensure that the City Cemetery will once again be a jewel in the crown of Benicia’s historical past.”
The BAB is currently working on a number of new community improvement projects and will be letting the community know when and how they can volunteer and help make Benicia a better place.