Visitors to Aptos Village Park can now enjoy three new benches near the gazebo, thanks to local Lions Clubs.
On Nov. 9, after nearly five years of planning, members of Cabrillo Host, Freedom Host and Santa Cruz Host Lions Clubs gathered to dedicate the new benches in honor of veterans. One of the benches is dedicated to the late David C. Chamberlain, a veteran and charter member of the Cabrillo Host Lions Club.
Barbara Chamberlain sits on the new bench in Aptos Village Park installed by Cabrillo Host Lions and dedicated to her late husband David Chamberlain.
The candlelight dedication included Lions District Governor Benjie Fernandez, Lions District First Vice-President Stan Weitzman, and Cabrillo Host Lions Club President Joanna Dang and members of Lions Clubs from throughout the Bay Area. Santa Cruz County Second District Parks Commissioner Tricia Wiltshire also paid a visit.
Past-District Governor Cabrillo Lion Barbara Chamberlain spoke of the importance of remembering all veterans and their service to our country, then cut a yellow ribbon to officially hand over the project to Santa Cruz County Parks Department and the public.
Parks Commissioners and staff collaborated with Cabrillo Host Lions leaders to select the location. The bench layout was designed by Cabrillo Lion Barry Scott. Lion Jay Johnson and Johnson & Co. installed the benches and boulder that includes a commemorative plaque.
This project continues the Cabrillo Host Lions Club tradition of public service to the Aptos community. The community center in Aptos Village Park was built by Lions volunteers and donated to Santa Cruz County Parks Dept. in 1977.
The Cabrillo Host Lions Club is part of the worldwide Lions Club International, an organization of 40,000+ Lions clubs in 200+ countries with a mission to empower volunteers, meet humanitarian needs, and promote international understanding.
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Contact the Cabrillo Host Lions Club at: cabrillohostlions61@gmail.com or call 408-634-6110
TOP PHOTO: The three new benches at Aptos Village Park.