Memorial Dog Park Opens In the memory of Sara Elizabeth Low

When Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh stepped to the podium last Friday to begin the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest addition to the city’s park system, he was greeted with not only lots of cheers from the crowd, but also plenty of excited barks.

The mayor, local dignitaries, and a few canine friends were presiding over the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Sara Elizabeth Low Memorial Dog Park.

Town Park Unveils Bronze Dog Park Statue

A large, rolling section of the Batesville Parks system that sits across from Riverside Park and the municipal golf course, the park is a memorial to Low, the Batesville native who died serving as a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11 on Sept. 11, 2001.

Designed by Batesville Parks Director Jeff Owens, the park’s completion was due to the fundraising efforts of many throughout the community, in particular, local pharmacist Steve Bryant, as well as from the contributions and efforts of other local businesses and city departments.

The project was completely funded by donations from the general public, Owens said at the ceremony.

The park features two sections: one for small dogs and one for large dogs; plenty of room to roam and run; and water fountains for both dog and owner.

Alyson Low, Sara’s sister, also spoke at the ceremony, detailing her sister’s longtime love of animals and the comfort they provide.

“This space represents joy, and companionship, and love — all of which play such an important role in quality of life for both two and four-legged critters. This dog park will be a wonderful new asset to our hometown and the opportunity that it provides for both fresh air and cheerful interaction for both dogs and their people.”

“It’s also meaningful because it’s a reminder of a bright spot in the shadows of lower Manhattan that has given my parents and me an emotional respite after the memorial ceremonies at Ground Zero,” said Low.

“On our walk back to the hotel, we stop at a dog park along the promenade by the Hudson River, and watch the dogs romp in the shallow pools, play keep-away with tennis balls, and do what dogs do best: exist in the moment with a purity of heart. It’s always helped lift our mood and remind us of the good things in life. And the good things in life would still be very much wanted by Sara for us all — her family, her friends, and her hometown.

“It’s my family’s hope that for those who happen to pass by on a day when the shadows in their lives are long, a glance at the dogs rolling in the grass and running with abandon will be a bright spot for them as well.

“It’s a fitting, dynamic, happy tribute to her and to all of those who were lost on Sept. 11 and the celebration of a pet so many of them loved and laughed at. How wonderful to see our hometown constantly outdo itself, providing special experiences for its residents.

“In the memory of Sara Elizabeth Low…enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!”

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Altrusa Sculpture Approved for Four Corners Park

This is the design selected by Altrusa for the northwest section of Four Corners Park from the Yonkers sculpture studio of Randolph Rose Collection.

Altrusa will erect a sculpture in the northeast quadrant of Four Corners Park without the controversy that faced plans for another sculpture in the southeast quadrant last fall.

The Coldwater City Council approved the installation on March 25 of the classic Randolph Rose Collection bronze sculpture "Reading Buddies."

According to past president Carrie Stout, the 47 current local members of Coldwater Altrusa International raised $19,000 for the art piece featuring a boy and a girl reading at each end of a bench with space in between for people to sit.

Stout said, "Bronze is an incredibly durable material that withstands all sorts of weather conditions, and it assures us the sculpture will be around for generations."

Altrusa presented the sculpture to the city to encourage literacy. The group gave the sculpture, "As a symbol of our commitment to the community and to its improvement, both through continued beautification of our Four Corners Park."

The group adopted that corner of Four Corners Park in 1984 and maintains flowers there.

The corner is also home to the Farmer's Market for 13 weeks during the summer.

Another sculpture proposed for the park's southeast quadrant did not receive a similar enthusiastic welcome last November.

Councilman John Petzko and his two daughters provided seed money for the fountain to honor his late wife and their mother, councilwoman Maureen Petzko.

The family suggested, with City Manager Keith Baker, a stylistic modern 15-foot sculpture by Fritz Olsen from the 2023 Grand Rapids Art Walk.

This is the design selected by Altrusa for the northwest section of Four Corners...

Honoring The Late Ward D Councilman Michael Yun

Michael Yun Custom Bench Statue

Jersey City is inviting the public to attend the unveiling ceremony of a bronze statue in celebration and in memory of late Ward D Councilman Michael Yun.

The statue, known as “Achieving the American Dream,” will be erected at 366 Central Avenue in the Heights on Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m., four years to the day since his passing. At its most recent meeting in March, the Jersey City Municipal Council adopted a resolution accepting the statue as a donation from the family and friends of Yun. According to the resolution, the bronze statue is meant to beautify the Central Avenue streetscape while simultaneously celebrating the American Dream and Yun’s memory.

The statue was created by the Randolph Rose Collection, who has been committed to creating the finest work of bronze art for homes, gardens, and public spaces since 1972.

The bronze statue sits on a bench approximately 6 feet wide, to be unveiled on the sidewalk on Bowers Street next to 366 Central Avenue at the request of the family and friends of Yun. The resolution states that he chose to begin his American Dream in Jersey City, while sitting on a bench on the corner of Central Avenue and Bowers Street, thus the sentimental statue placement.

In the Heights, Yun embodied that dream, being a small business owner and community leader for over three decades. He eventually became a public servant, elected as the Ward D Councilman and serving from 2013 until his death in 2020. Yun was unfortunately one of the many lives lost in Jersey to COVID-19 amid the viral pandemic.

The resolution states that Yun’s memory and journey to achieve the American Dream is an inspiration to the next generation of Jersey City residents seeking to start their own dream in the City. At the March 20 meeting, Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh said the council worked to make this happen ahead of the four-year anniversary of his passing on April 6.

“It is our solemn duty, and I know for my council colleagues who worked alongside Councilman Michael Yun, it’s an honor for us to be able to push this forward,” Saleh said. “This bronze statue… it’s going to be a welcome and beautiful presence in the Heights. Public service is very hard… his family sacrificed a lot. Michael Yun sacrificed so much for this City, and this is a beautiful way to remember him. He is the shining example of the American Dream and may he be an example for everyone else in Jersey City and inspire… anyone else to not just start a business but get into public service and serve their community.”

Jersey City is inviting the public to attend the unveiling ceremony of a...