Opening of Freida Barker Memorial Garden at Buchanan Area Senior Center

by Garrick Stubblefield

On August 8, 2021 I had the opportunity to enjoy the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Freida Barker Memorial Garden at Buchanan Area Senior Center. Back in 2019 the Memorial Garden’s planning began; a ceremony was planned to honor the beautiful accomplishment before COVID19 struck.

Adam Burck, BASC’s Executive Director, was happy to see a good turnout for this important ceremony. Adam has been Executive Director since 2019 and this was one of the first things he was involved in planning. He also mentioned that since the Memorial Garden’s yield came in, they have produced over 650 quarts of vegetables, and also that their produce is all organic.

Freida Barker Memorial Garden, Photos by Garrick Stubblefield

Adams invites one and all to come see the BASC Freida Barker Memorial Garden.

Diana Smuda, BASC Program Coordinator, helps the seniors and volunteers in making the Garden grow. Diana joined BASC last year and enjoys her position there. She just loves walking into the Center Monday through Friday, and seeing and working with all the heart-filled people there.

Freida Barker Memorial Garden Ceremony, Photos by Garrick Stubblefield

Kevin Barker, son of Freida Barker, was very honored in the Center’s naming of the Memorial Garden after his mother, as was his brother Joe. His pride in his mother shone through, as she was very active in the City of Buchanan. Kevin mused how, when his mom would travel to and from town, she would travel about 10mph, which would result in a parade behind her.

Freida Barker Memorial Garden sign, Photos by Garrick Stubblefield

The talented Daniel Carlson of Abandoned Relik (201 E Front St, Buchanan MI) donated his craftsmanship in designing and installing the Garden’s sign. On top of his full time job, he does historic restorations on the 1911 F.S. Carbon Building at 105 Days Ave, founding home of Carbon’s Golden Malted Pancake and Waffle Flour. Dan has been tackling every adventure that comes his way in this fashion for a good 20 years.

For more information on programs/classes you can contact Program Coordinator, Diana Smuda at the BASC at 269-695-7119 or via email: diana@thebasc.org