Many longtime area residents will recall the efforts of Benita Cole in making Lake Orion always look its best.
Now a new statue and garden in her honor will do the same in Children’s Park.
Benita’s six children will host a dedication of the statue this Sunday (Oct. 7) at 2:30 p.m.
‘It’s going to be brief,? said daughter Lynn Pete. ‘We just want to thank the family and friends that contributed to the statue.?
The public is invited to come and see the statue, which sits behind the gazebo and near the bridge named in honor of Benita’s late husband and former Village Council President Fred C. Cole.
Benita died six years ago after spending most of her life in Lake Orion with Fred. The couple moved to the area from the Upper Peninsula at a young age.
‘She was one of the kindest, most giving people I ever met,? said son Doug Cole.
Doug and Lynn’s older brother, David, as well as younger sisters Gail Armstrong, Rosemary Ford and Patty Jarvis will all be on hand for the ceremony.
The statue’s granite base reads, ‘No one stands so tall as when they stoop to help a child.?
‘She just loved children and she was a mother to many in the community, not just her own kids,? noted Lynn.
The statue was erected in late July and the landscaping work by Brett Landscaping, Inc. was completed late last week.
‘He’s really gone above and beyond the duties,? Lynn said of the landscaping work.
Doug and Lynn also thanked the village for their efforts and said the dedication ceremony will go on ‘rain or shine.?