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See
The Video!
View
the short video clip of the garden and ribbon cutting
ceremonies! The video clips is a streaming video RealMedia
file that is best viewed with RealPlayer 8. You can obtain
this free software by clicking
here first for complete instructions on how to
make your Web browser video capable.
To
see the Telegraph Herald's coverage of this event, click
here for the NewsDesk
Archive.
 he
sun seemed to be struggling to burst through the overcast
on Friday morning. The flowers were waving gently in their
newly tilled beds, and guests were just beginning to arrive.
By the time the first speaker took the microphone for the
ribbon cutting ceremony, the sun began to burn through the
clouds bathing the entire garden in the warm glow of morning
light. It was spectacular. It was a fitting natural event
as if Mother Nature decided to join in the proceedings and
show her approval of a job well done. It was a wonderful
day in the Marshall School neighborhood.
For
the students of Marshall School and the firefighters of
neighboring Engine House Number 6, it was a wonderful
moment. The journey from a vacant yard behind the firehouse
to a lovely garden complete with gazebo and benches...
even a vegetable garden, reminded everyone what neighborhoods
are all about.
 And
then the principal of Marshall School, Dan Roush, approached
the microphone to make his remarks. Mr. Roush has been
battling a serious illness, and it appears, thankfully,
that he will recover. So his presence at this event couldn't
help be emotional. "We love you Mr. Roush!"
was a hand painted sign in the windows of the upper floors
of the school building across the street from the garden.
Cameras clicked and hands clapped when he said to his
students among the audience, "Mr. Roush is getting
better."
The
park project represented more than just a neighborhood
improvement project. It was a learning experience for
the students every step of the way. Since the park is
on city property right behind Engine House Number 6, the
firefighters joined the students and teachers in planning
and working on the garden. The District's own maintenance
carpenters provided the fencing and gazebo construction,
and present at the ribbon cutting was District Maintenance
Supervisor, Bob White.
Certificates
of appreciation were handed out to all involved, and recognition
was given to the Dubuque Racing Association Foundation
whose funds were key in development the project. Mayor
of Dubuque, Terry Duggan, and several city officials such
as Mike Van Milligan, were also on hand. People from the
Planning Office who helped secure the property for garden
development were there to receive recognition, but most
important, perhaps, were the neighbors who emerged from
their homes to join the throng. These folks are the direct
beneficiaries of this project. It will not only serve
as an oasis of beauty for those who take daily walks past
the garden. It serves as a symbol of how the school building
can become a focal point for neighborhood improvement
and culture.
It
was a wonderful day, indeed.
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