| Russian Garden Dedication. | ||||
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Russian Garden Dedicated in La Crosse David Bell Honored in Dedication of Besedka
On July 12, 2007, over 200 La Crosse area residents gathered to participate in a dedication ceremony of the Russian Garden La Crosse's International Gardens located at Riverside Park on the Mississippi River. During the event the Russian Besedka a Tribute to David Bell was also dedicated. Located at the point where the Mississippi, Black and La Crosse Rivers meet, the Besedka replicates the Rotunda on the bank of the Volga in Dubna, and depicts Russian beauty and tranquility, so loved by David Bell.
Participating in the event were members of the official Dubna Delegation - Dubna Mayor Valery Prokh, Deputy Mayor Nickolay Madfes, Chief of the Dubna Health Dept. Sergei Riabov and Parks Director Vladimir Negy. Also attending the event were members of the Dubna/La Crosse Student Exchange their chaperone, Ljudmila Leonova. The Riverside International Friendship Gardens was created to be a place of beauty reflecting our appreciation for the diverse cultures that share the earth. The Garden currently features areas which are dedicated to the first four Sister Cities of La Crosse - Russia, China, Germany and France. Future plans for the garden include an area dedicated to native Wisconsin plants as well as areas to feature other Sister City relationships. During the ceremony, La Crosse Mayor Mark Johnsrud and Dubna Mayor Valery Prokh affirmed their support of the Sister City relationship and led a ceremony of planting a tree to dedicate the Russian garden; everyone present was encouraged to follow the Mayors by placing soil on the roots of this new tree. Jim Baumgaertner close friend of David Bell and his wife Katya spoke in David's memory, recognizing the passion and spirit of David and his role in bringing our two cities together. Busya Lugovier, a member of the initial delegation of musicians which visited La Crosse with David Bell provided a beautiful tribute to David and his vision for peace between our cities and all people of the world. Sandra McCormick read the Eulogy which was presented in Dubna at David's memorial service. Presentations by Mayors Prokh and Johnsrud were an opportunity to recognize the many volunteers in the La Crosse area who support the various international projects between Dubna and La Crosse. Mayor Prokh also shared his vision for continued cooperation between Dubna and La Crosse, recognizing the value of the relationship to both cities. Maureen A.Jameson |
