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Rotarians working to beautify Bishop |
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Tuesday, 15 September 2009 |
Register Staff
The Bishop Sunrise Rotary has been in the beautification business for more than a decade, and it continues to plant flowers and pull weeds in and for the community. The hope is that the Rotarians can show by example that a little effort can go a long way to making Bishop a prettier place.
The tradition started more than 10 years ago when there was a large Bishop community fundraiser to purchase roses for the front of the fairgrounds. Residents bought roses in memory of loved ones, and businesses contributed.
In 1998, Bishop Sunrise Rotary took over the responsibility of caring for the roses – and has continued to do this throughout the years on a monthly basis.
This year, the Bishop Sunrise Rotary recognized the need for a new irrigation system for the plants and rose, so to speak, to the challenge.
 Bishop Sunrise Rotarians in front of the beautiful roses that grace the Tri-County Fairgrounds that the group has been looking after for years: (l-r) Don Matthewson, Jeff Griffiths, Susan Cullen, Joanne Parsons, Todd Lembke, Jim Tatum, Tom Hardy, Brent Bregoff and Phil McDowell. Photo submitted First there was a formal vote to make the decision final, then fundraising efforts began to replace the irrigation and fertilization system. Bishop business owner and Sunrise Rotarian Ed Morris of Bishop Nursery did the installation work. The roses are now flourishing and a sense of pride has been achieved within the club, according to project organizers.
Another beautification project benefiting the city of Bishop is the community garden at the Bishop Sunrise Mobile Home Park.
Last year, a garden was installed by volunteers of the Bishop Sunrise Rotary Club, including help from Eagle and Boy Scouts and the City of Bishop. The garden included raised beds and wheel-chair accessibility. At that time, past Rotary President Susan Cullen dreamed of an orchard at the park.
Last week, this dream was made a reality, through the generosity of Todd Lembke of New Cali Landscapes, who donated seven trees. Chalfant Big Trees offered discounted prices with Cullen donating the first tree to get the orchard started.
“It sure is great having gardeners as members,” Cullen said.
Don Mathewson, Sunrise Rotary president, added, “Our hope is that this encourages businesses to continue to enhance the Bishop experience for both locals and visitors by adding a little life and color to our streets.”
To support or volunteer for Bishop roses or community garden, contact Mathewson at 873-8300.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 October 2009 )
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