Dear Editor:
Just a note to the Gilroy community and especially to our
neighbors from Eagle Ridge.
Dear Editor:
Just a note to the Gilroy community and especially to our neighbors from Eagle Ridge. As most of you know, I have spent a greater part of my adult life pursuing my dream, Bonfante Gardens. I must admit there have been many ups and down in my pursuit.
Now for the first time in many months, I feel more confident than ever that the park will be a part of the Gilroy community for many years to come. I would like to thank the residents of Eagle Ridge for their support in making the restructuring of our debt possible. I am personally grateful and promise to continue to support Bonfante Gardens’ Board in its quest to be, above all, a good neighbor.
We would not be at this juncture without the dedication of our board. I can still remember back about two years ago when we interviewed community members for our new Board of Directors. Our board is strictly a volunteer board. I distinctly recall telling each candidate that it would probably consist of three to four meetings a year. Looking back these last 26 months, we have had 19 official meetings and not one meeting lasted less than two hours, usually three-plus hours.
The commitment of each board member has been way beyond the call of duty and can only be explained by their love for the park and their belief of its contribution to the community. Each board member; Joel Goldsmith, Al Pinheiro, Patti Hale, Alan Owens (retired), Steve Lowney (retired), and Greg Martinez (newly appointed) has put in countless hours and only because of their efforts are we where we are today and I truly thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Now there is Bob Kraemer (king of e-mails). It goes without question, our chairman has led us through these past 26 months like no other. We could not have done it without his efforts, period. For this I cannot thank him enough. I am deeply indebted to him. There are not words to express my appreciation. Thanks again, everyone.
Michael Bonfante, Arkansas (but a Gilroyan at heart)
Submitted Thursday, June 24 to ed****@****ic.com
