Rotary fundraiser to help ‘Foreman’ reading garden
Posted: February 7, 2013
The Winchester Star
WINCHESTER — The Handley Regional Library will be the beneficiary of the 2013 Rotary Club of Winchester annual fundraiser, Kaleidoscope.
The proceeds will be used for a garden at the Winchester library that will be named in honor of the late Michael M. Foreman, who was a club member and the longtime clerk of the Winchester Circuit Court.
“The garden will be a nice enhancement to the library and downtown Winchester,” said Rotary President Darla McCrary. “The reading garden is a separate initiative of the library from the capital campaign and in need of funding. This gift will enable the library to complete the project for its 100th anniversary this year.”
Foreman, 71, died Oct. 30 at Winchester Medical Center after a short illness.
Born and raised in Winchester, he returned home after college to build a life and a legacy. He was a teacher, assistant principal and supervisor at Handley High School before being appointed clerk of the Winchester Circuit Court, a position he held through three elections and for 28 years.
“We are honored the Winchester Rotary Club has chosen to support the Handley Regional Library with the creation of the Mike Foreman Rotary Reading Garden with its 2013 Kaleidoscope event,” said David Foreman, his son. “This project highlights two of my father’s passions — reading and gardening. This is a wonderful way for the community to remember him.”
Foreman was chosen because of his participation in Rotary Club activities, McCrary added. “He was a bigger-than-life person who wrapped his arms around whatever he did.
She knew him for eight years and said he gave 150 percent to whatever he did.
The library also wanted to honor Foreman, who was a strong supporter of all programs, said director Trish Ridgeway. “This gives a central focus to the garden. He did anything I asked him to do for the library and was always looking out for us.”
The goal of the garden area is to create a community green space to be used for children’s programs and other events, Ridgeway said. “We hope all individuals will enjoy a spot to sit and read and relax.”
The garden is located on the Braddock Street side of the library next to Fairfax Lane. A stone bench and bronze sculpture have been installed depicting a young boy reading.
The annual Rotary fundraiser usually raises about $50,000, according to McCrary. The proceeds will be used to complete the space, adding landscaping, native and sustainable plants, and other enhancements.
“When the garden is finished the sculpture of ‘Innocence’ will be on hand to make sure that there’s always a good seat and quiet friend to read with,” Ridgeway said.
Information
Tickets to the March 23 Kaleidoscope, which cost $200 per person, are available at the library, BB&T, The Final Yard, Bell’s Clothing, H&W Construction, and Yount, Hyde and Barbour. The ticket includes dinner, a chance at a cash prize of $25,000, and a silent auction. Doors open at 5:15 p.m and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.
— Contact F.C. Lowe at flowe@winchesterstar.com