Community celebrates new memorial benches honoring beloved locals

In a recent government meeting, officials provided updates on several community benches dedicated to local figures, highlighting their installation and the positive community responses.

The Bert Wilkstrom bench has been fully installed at Greensfield, where it has received praise from Sandy Wickstrom, who expressed her joy in using the bench and reminiscing about Bert. She has opted not to hold a formal dedication, preferring to enjoy the space privately with friends. The bench features a plaque inscribed with Bert's memorable response to retirement inquiries: \"I'm too old to retire.\"

At Mitchell School, the Casey bench has also been successfully installed. Initially, a mock-up was created for a local race event, allowing participants to see a representation of the bench before its arrival. The actual bench is now in place, and family members, including Casey's daughter, expressed their emotional gratitude upon seeing it.

Additionally, a bench at Cricket Field is in the works, with the concrete pad already prepared by the Department of Public Works and Park and Forestry. Although soccer games have been relocated to DiFazio Field due to lighting issues, community members are looking forward to the bench's installation.

Overall, these projects reflect a commitment to honoring local figures and enhancing community spaces, with residents expressing appreciation for the thoughtful installations.