Harvesting Talent and Teamwork

Jason's Garden at Becoming Independent, Santa Rosa

There is a new garden growing behind the building that Becoming Independent occupies on Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa. The garden was planted this summer, courtesy of its benefactors, among them Bill Reinking, Exchange Bank board chairman and Becoming Independent board member, and Dennis Hunter, local real estate professional and a friend of Bill’s.

This new garden was Bill’s dream for the clients of Becoming Independent. The non-profit organization provides opportunities for the developmentally disabled to enrich their own lives through work and companionship with others. He enlisted the help of Dennis who organized the donation of materials and labor to build the 16 raised beds, provide water and electricity for the area and fencing around the perimeter, and make the access to and through the garden wheelchair-friendly. When it was completed, Bill asked his friend if he could name the garden in memory of Dennis’ son. Jason Hunter’s young life was cut short in an automobile accident.

Permission granted, Bill approached his friend, Jim Murphy and asked if JMA would like to help. Jim did not hesitate, and in the true fashion of JMA’s teamwork, he met with JMA project manager Michael Quesenbury who designed a trellis and bench structure and drew up working drawings. JMA superintendent, Matt Van Heusen headed up the construction team which consisted of JMA carpenters, Ray Swanson and Noah Costa, superintendent Larry Braughton and general superintendent Jesse Gladman. Larry moonlights as a Boy Scout Troop leader. He enlisted Troop 150 in Forestville to help make a sign for the garden structure. Boy Scout Tenzing Sherpa routed the letters in “Jason’s Garden” into the Western Red Cedar plank that Larry prepared.

On Friday, July 24, 2009, the small crew worked from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm to complete the structure which consists of eight posts, a trellis and two benches – and the sign welcoming visitors to Jason’s Garden.



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