Bringing a longstanding idea a step closer to fruition, members of the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club recently received some funds and handed out certificates of appreciation. They are working on a special Blue Star memorial marker project, to be situated on the grounds of the Escalon Community Center.
Earlier this month, the Garden Club officers met with San Joaquin County District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman, City of Escalon Public Works Superintendent Juston Collins and Steve Moore, retired San Joaquin County Sheriff.
Club member and Blue Star Project Coordinator Judy Scheppmann noted that the club will establish a memorial “to honor the Armed Forces who have defended the United States of America.”
A recent contribution was provided by Supervisor Rickman through a discretionary fund, available to supervisors at their district level, and approved by the full county board.
“It was a pleasure to provide District 5 funding and a check for $3,300 to the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club,” Rickman said, supporting their efforts to erect the memorial marker in Escalon “honoring all families that have loved ones serving in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.”
Scheppmann added that the group met for the check presentation and to finalize the establishment of the Blue Star Memorial, gathering for a meeting at Pizza Plus in Escalon.
“The Garden Club has been fundraising to cover the costs of purchase and construction of the memorial to be located at the Community Center,” she explained.
Along with the District 5 funds from Supervisor Rickman to help the club pay for the expenses, Scheppmann said Collins and Moore have also been key to the effort.
Collins, with the City of Escalon, “has agreed to facilitate the construction and ongoing maintenance of the Memorial,” Scheppmann said, and “Steve Moore has been instrumental in guiding us through the complex processes involved.”
Also on hand for the meeting was Interim Escalon City Manager Jaylen French, learning more about the project.
Scheppmann presented certificates on behalf of the club to Supervisor Rickman, Collins and Moore, in appreciation for their assistance in helping the project move closer to reality.
Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club is a member of the California Garden Clubs, Inc. (CGCI), Pacific Region (PRGC) and National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC). The club meets the first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. – except for a summer break in July and August – and rotates its meetings between the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon and the Farmington United Methodist Church, 25626 Elm St., Farmington. Monthly meetings will resume in September.
Club officers are Co-Presidents Lorraine Nicholson and Amanda Taylor; Co-Vice Presidents Dee Ann Blowers and Diane Coleman; Lynda Stagno, Secretary; Donna Martin, Treasurer; and Joyce Leberman, Parliamentarian.
