Groundbreaking CeremonyThe triple digit heat on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 could not diminish the enthusiasm at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens' Groundbreaking Ceremony marking the commencement of construction of the new Educational Center.
Bartlett Arboretum Association, Inc. Board President Kenneth DellaRocco kicked off the ceremony by welcoming the more than 50 attendees and stated, "we are here to celebrate a major step in a new chapter in the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens." Mr. DellaRocco acknowledged for their participation in the construction of the new building; Mayor Michael Pavia and his staff, Stamford residents and benefactors Richard and Vivienne Silver, Stamford Board of Representatives President Randy Skigen and architect Allan Dehar. Mr. DellaRocco conveyed how essential it is to the Arboretum's educational mission to have the increased classroom size and state of the art equipment.
Mr. DellaRocco announced that the new building would be named the Silver Educational Center after the parents' of Richard Silver. Mr. DellaRocco proclaimed the inception of the Richard and Vivienne Silver Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens Education Award and that the first recipients were Richard and Vivienne Silver. Richard and Vivienne Silver first became involved at the Arboretum a few years ago out of their concern for the children of Stamford. Mrs. Silver stated at the Ceremony,"my heart is with the children of the City and I am so happy that they will have this place to come and enjoy all the attributes the Arboretum has to offer."
Mayor Michael Pavia said the one word that came to his mind while listening to the other speakers was recipe. Mayor Pavia went on to say that the recipe for the new construction was a collaborative effort from Bartlett Board President Ken DellaRocco, City officials especially Randy Skigen and Harry Day, and the private sector - the Silvers.
The Groundbreaking Ceremony speeches concluded with Ken DellaRocco announcing an opportunity to purchase engraved bricks on the pathways to the Silver Educational Center. Proceeds from "plant a brick" will support the educational, outreach, research and horticultural programs at the Silver Educational Center. More information on this program will be available shortly.
The Silver Educational Center is scheduled to be completed in the Summer 2011.
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