Wrapping up the Monument Restorations of 2020

Well it has been a summer to remember! So many events competing for attention as we all struggled to adapt to Covid times. And more and more people who recognise the refuge that the DCC affords. 

Covid made the Monument project doubly difficult but it was wonderful to see how people rallied to the cause and that we were able to accomplish as much as we did.  Even now in this unusual weather window (I am writing this with +18º C weather in November!),  we are going to put a final coat of paint on the Pagoda before the onset of winter. The Chorten has seen a lot of initial work: both deconstruction and cleanup has been done but there is much more to do in terms of reconstruction. Alas the weather will not allow any more work to be done this year. But it has been bedded down to protect it during the harsh months ahead and we will resume its repair next spring. The Dagoba has had a wonderful scrub down and face lift with more work to come.

There are so many people to thank in this project. Marta, Marion, Tryg and Trudy, Peter Boag, Lama Mark, Laurel and the students of his retreat, and many other volunteers. We especially wish to thank Kevin Blanchard, Oliver Harte and Hagop Alanjian for their hard work.  Kevin is our local technical genius; he is a continual and invaluable resource. Hagop from Montreal used his magical dental skills in hours of angle-grinding, filling cracks with concrete, prepping and smoothing surfaces to perfection on both the Chorten and Pagoda. He treated the monuments indeed as lovingly as if they were the Buddha's teeth! Oliver brought his building expertise, knowledge and commitment; he was a joy to work with and it was so wonderful to see him back at the DCC  after so many years.

I would sincerely like to thank the many folks who contributed in so many ways to this valuable project. I would also like to thank the board, staff and committee members for all they gave both behind the scenes and on the ground to make this project possible; it was a lot and we couldn’t have accomplished what was done without you. People so freely offered of their time and support to help this project get off the ground and into the air. Let’s keep it flying next year and continue to maintain the monuments for the benefit of all. 

Terry Hagan