In Memory of Bev Bos
On Saturday, July 16 Sacramento Valley AEYC Board Members dedicated a memorial bench to the late Bev Bos. The Bev Bos memorial bench was placed at the child development center on the American River College Campus.
Bev Bos was a tremendous influence to our association and all ECE Professionals. We were so fortunate that Bev Bos was a local icon with her Roseville Community Preschool, her workshops, and presentations that enabled us to know her better and be close enough to learn from her.
Because Bev was such an icon in our community it was only fitting that we do something to thank her and keep her memory alive. Something that is visible for everyone to see and enjoy.
Our first step was to plant drought tolerant plants in a large cement planter at the preschool. A comment was made that when the children return to school the plants will probably have glitter on them and it will be hard tell what it is. That was Bev. She loved planters and plants. Alongside the planter is a cement statue of a little girl laying down reading a book. I'm sure it will become a seat for some child. Bev’s family, children and grandchildren, joined us last month at the preschool on a 105 degree day to place the plants and planter in a perfect location.
The last step was to find a dedication bench, order a plaque, and receive permission from the college and inviting members and the community to join the dedication. It all came together on Saturday, July 16.
Bev's five children, spouse as well as grandchildren were present. The American River College Child Development staff, Sacramento Valley AEYC Board and members, parents from the preschool and many others from the community were present. Before the unveiling of the bench, family members, staff, board members and guests came up and talked about Bev. We heard so many wonderful stories. It was absolutely beautiful.
We had a collage of pictures on an easel for display, as well as a portrait of Bev on a table that the family brought. Also displayed and given to the family was a framed certificate in honor of Bev posthumously, a SVAEYC Humanitarian Award. It is the first award we have given and most likely the last. She is that special and was a true humanitarian for children.
After all the formalities, the family cut the ribbon by the bench and lifted the cover. They were happy and so appreciative. They sat together for pictures, as did everyone else. They truly loved the bench.
On behalf of SVAEYC, we were so honored to have been able to dedicate this space for Bev's family.
Paul Morehouse shared, “I think I can speak for everyone: today was a day that we, as members of SVAEYC, can all be especially proud.
To have the family members of Bev Bos directing words of heartfelt gratitude to us as a professional early childhood organization was very, very special. Indeed, given the one-of-a-kind person that Bev was, today's event rose to a 'once in a lifetime' experience. And of course we were happy to share the appreciation we received with our friends and colleagues at ARC.
Today was meaningful on several levels for SVAEYC. Some of you can express that much better than me. But it was obvious that for SVAEYC today did not happen due simply to a sense of "public duty" although, given Bev's stature in the world of ECE that cause needed to be served, too. But our presence at the dedication was also very personal. Just hearing Pat Alexander’s introduction and the memories spoken by various board members attests to that. And more than the words was the SVAEYC team effort to make it happen in the first place! (Obviously, those who didn't speak or couldn't be there today are equally important!)
So now there is a bench filling a space that, until today, had been completely inconspicuous; an area people would pass and never notice. Now EVERYONE who passes will notice a very special bench! It's like hanging a beautiful, powerful painting on a bare wall. Suddenly there is life and meaning radiating from a previously empty space. Cool!
I'm feelin' really good about being a part of SVAEYC!”
