By Times Chronicle Staff
Two commemorative trees were planted in Osoyoos’s Gyro Park on Sunday, which provided a hands on educational experience for the children in attendance, in memory of two former Osoyoos Home Hardware staff members that died in 2020.
The two commemorative trees were part of 17 trees that were donated by Home Hardware after it received a $3,000 Home Hardware/Tree Canada grant. Fifteen more trees will be planted throughout the community.
The event was organized by Frances Sologuk owner of Osoyoos Home Hardware, who described the two – Tony Batista and Bill Grant – as “wonderful staff members”.
The first tree, a Japanese Maple, was planted in memory of Tony Batista, “who we all knew and loved,” she said.
She also held out praise for the town employees – Brad and Justin – who helped with the tree planting. “We’re just thrilled that these amazing employees came on their day off to do this for us and to celebrate with us. So because of all the negativity in this community, we want to thank you guys very much.”
Sherani Theophilus photo
A kid’s garden workshop was held at the Home Hardware store after the event. Children were invited up front to learn how to plant a tree including how deep the hole should be, what kind of soil it should be planted in, the importance of the roots, what fertilizer is used and why mulch is placed around the tree and so on. Children also had a chance to help fill the dirt around the root ball.
A Japanese Maple was chosen because it will grow about six metres (20 feet) tall in 10-15 years and it was also chosen because of the stunning colour of its leaves each fall.
A plaque will be mounted on a concrete pillar at the base of the tree, the text of which was read out by Tony’s uncle: “In memory of Tony Batista 1967-2020. Not only a special Olympian, but a special person who brought joy to all of us. Miss you, buddy.”
Sologuk also told the kids that the “town crew will come and make sure that this tree is taken care of. Lots of times we don’t know exactly all the work these town workers have to do because they actually look after all the trees.”
A dedication plaque was presented to Bill Grant’s wife Lilian Grant by Frances Sologuk owner of Osoyoos Home Hardware. It read “In memory of Bill Grant 1939-2020, nature is not a place to visit it is home. You will always be part of the Osoyoos Home Hardware family.” Sherani Theophilus photo.
“So again, a big thank you to Brad and Justin, Isabel [Dias, Babista’s niece] and Paul and we’re going to go now and plant a tree in honour of another staff member who was very valued in our store as well as Tony, and his name is Bill [Grant].”
At the second tree planting site further down the hill towards the lake the children’s knowledge was tested when they there were asked by Sologuk to instruct Brad what he should do to properly plant the tree.
The second tree that was chosen to remember Bill was a Hearts of Gold Redbud that is characterized by large heart shaped leaves.
“That’s exactly what Bill had, a heart of gold,” she commented. Saying it is one of his favourite trees, Brad explained that the leaves turn a gorgeous fuchsia pink/purple in the spring. “This tree is in memory of Bill Grant, an amazing employee at the store but an even better person.”
Eager young green thumb – Kids can garden at Osoyoos Home Hardware. Osoyoos Home Hardware photo.
A dedication plaque was presented to his wife Lilian Grant which read: “In memory of Bill Grant 1939-2020, nature is not a place to visit it is home. You will always be part of the Osoyoos Home Hardware family.”
Thanking everyone for coming out to the event she again thanked Brad and Justin “for spending your day off planting trees with kids that you might not have planned on doing.
I’d like to thank my amazing staff, those who are still with us and those who aren’t because it has just made the store an amazing place.”
Osoyoos Home Hardware photo.
