A new "Garden of Hope" established by Munsey Park Women's Club in honor of neighbors and loved ones who lost their lives on Sept. 11 will be dedicated on Sunday, April 28, in Waldmann Park, Munsey Park. The ceremony will be 2:30 - 4 p.m.

The garden and dedication ceremony were conceived by MPWC's children's committee. Children will read a representative selection of original poetry on the theme "Hope for the Future" from a Chapbook of local children's verses published for the occasion. Chorus members from Munsey Park and Shelter Rock schools will sing. Children will also help to plant flowers.

Village Mayor Harry Nicolaides will speak, following welcoming remarks by MPWC President Valerie Siener and children's committee co-Chairs Dorothy Leung and Pam Landeta. The blessing of the garden will be led by Rev. Jimmy Only of the Congregational Church and Rev. Peter Dugandzic of St. Mary's. Vocalist Robin Carucci will accompany the flower planting.

The Garden of Hope includes a spruce and cherry tree and a boulder with a bronze plaque gracing a small landscaped area of the park. The description on the plaque, composed by longtime member and Munsey Park resident Betty DeVries, reads as follows:

"This garden stands as a symbol of love

And strength, for all generations.

As a community we unite in our belief in home and country.

Donated by the Munsey Park Women's Club

To honor those who lost their lives

On September 11, 2001."

In addition to MPWC children's committee, the plan for a memorial garden was enthusiastically implemented by a host of volunteers and donors. The Munsey Park Board of Trustees permitted the garden and lent the advice of the village arborist. Hicks Nursery donated a Douglas fir tree, Fichettii Nursery donated a cherry tree, and DiStefano nursery volunteered to plant the trees and install the boulder.