Bridgewater Turns out for Monument’s Dedication

Yesterday afternoon, at 4:00 PM, in front of Bridgewater’s new Municipal Complex, citizens, dignitaries, contributors, Girl Scouts, and others all showed up to honor the Township’s march through history at the dedication of the Bridgewater Historic Monument.  

An orange ribbon falls to the ground after its ceremonial cutting by Bridgewater Mayor Patricia Flannery and Veronica Finlay, volunteer project co-ordinator, at the Bridgewater Historic Monument's dedication.. They are joined by Girl Scouts and some of the Monument's many contributors.

It is a very attractive and well-designed addition to the Township complex.  The Monument’s placement physically breaks up the distance between the road entrance and the spacious, open courtyard leading to the main buildings, thus adding an esthetically pleasing aspect to the overall surroundings.

 Yesterday, Mayor Patricia Flannery commented that she could easily observe the Monument from her office window, and had already seen a few people enjoying the beauty of the setting. 

 

People huddle about the Monument after its dedication yesterday.

Designed in a circular pattern, the site provides a low wall opposite the curved granite historical panel which depicts Bridgewater’s development since obtaining its charter from King George II on April 4, 1749.  That semi-circular wall becomes a natural sitting place to pause and to soak in the beauty and the quiet.

It’s far enough away from the traffic of Commons Way and the parking lots which flank it on both sides so as to provide a solitary spot on a pleasant day for a person to sit there for a few moments while enjoying a break.

The weather held out quite favorably under a blanketed sky that kept the sun at bay; yet it still provided enough warmth for this commemorative outdoor event.

 

Mayor Patricia Flannery and Project Co-Ordinator, Veronica Finlay.

The turnout was very good, and people lingered outdoors after the speeches and ribbon cutting, milling about and socializing while engaged in active conversation not only on the spacious patio in front of the buildings, but also at the Monument itself, as some shot keepsake photos of friends and family in front of the granite panels

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It was heartening to see that in a Township as large and diverse as is Bridgewater, there still is a solid infusion of community spirit

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Not wanting anyone to go home hungry, local food businesses sponsored a “Taste of Bridgewater.” 

The Chimney Rock Inn, Maggiano’s Little Italy, the Olive Garden, and Houlihan’s set themselves up inside the courtroom/council area, while Gabriel’s Fountain, Wegmans and Starbucks provided additional food delights and drinks in an adjoining meeting room. 

 

Stop by sometime and check out the Bridgewater Historic Monument.  It was built entirely without any of our tax money.  I think you’ll like it

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Thanks for reading; enjoy your weekend.

(Click on any image for an enhanced view.)