If you build it, they will come.
Birdstock 2010 occurred on 9/11 at the athletic field adjacent to BRE. This free event, which consisted of a family-style concert, a fundraiser for BRE, welcoming of the incoming elementary school class, formal dedication of Waverly Gate, and presentation of an Outstanding Community Service Award to former BRCC president, Joe LaCava (whew!—we had a lot going on that day!) was a smashing success. Special thanks to Pamela Garvey who came up with the idea for the event, co-chair Felicia Parker, local artist Jane Wheeler, and the many, many volunteers who chipped in and made this event possible.
We celebrated peace, love and community 1960′s style and enjoyed a wide variety of activities and talents. After opening comments by Pamela and Felicia, Pastor Walt Dilg from La Jolla Methodist gave a special dedication in memory of 9/11. He was followed by Bird Rock resident, and former BRE music teacher, Aja Salter, who brought the house down singing the National Anthem, a cappella style. We then had a special visit from Council Member Sherri Lightner who formally dedicated the opening of Waverly Gate and presented Joe LaCava with a tile commemorating his service to the community (congratulations and thank you, Joe!). The tile, which was created by Jane Wheeler, will be affixed to the wall at the end of the Waverly Gate ramp, where it will be surrounded by other tiles dedicated by the community. We then kicked off the event with local bands, beginning with high school favorites, “Neveready”, followed by “Local Cheese”, and finally, “The Jones Revival”, who support many of our events, such as Taste of Bird Rock.
Jane Wheeler and the Bird Rock Artists Guild closed the circle by celebrating our love of the community. Arts and crafts were on display, as well as the opportunity for participants to create their own tiles to be affixed to Waverly Gate, with proceeds donated to BRE. We also had participation from the 5th grade class who provided refreshments, and local restaurant, Rubio’s, who provided food to the participants. In addition to the commemorative events, the great music, art festival, and food, we also had games set up for the children.
Plainly, a good time was had by all.
There are so many great things I could say about this event and the people involved—but I can sum it up like this—it was quintessential Bird Rock, nothing more, nothing less. It was truly a “local” event from top to bottom, bringing miles of smiles, laughter and fellowship, all of which are the hallmarks of this great community. Indeed, Jane Wheeler’s “living” peace sign was a crowning moment for us. We embraced it in a community photograph (special thanks to local photographer Shirley Preiss), and it is a priceless treasure for all to see.
People say a picture is worth a thousand words, this one only needs three—”Love Your Community“—that’s how we do it in Bird Rock!
