On Wednesday, October 17th we officially welcomed the James Hubbell Gate into our garden. Back-to-back with this celebration was a garden tour given to a group of people attending the No Excuses University conference in San Diego. Garden Ambassadors gave tours for a half an hour, and then we kicked off the ceremony.
Here’s me reviewing last minute tour details with the ambassadors:
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
The gate is tied up with a ribbon.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Holt
Just a taste of Rita’s always-remarkable catering:
Photo courtesy of Jeff Holt
Show time! Garden Ambassadors do their thing, informing the guests about the section of the garden at which they are stationed.
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
This ambassador is standing behind a display of student photography detailing the creation of the gate.
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
The entomology club talks to guests!
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
A student plays fiddle for guests who are being seated, just as he promised in his application:
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
Sixth grade students read poetry written about the gate:
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
I greet the crowd and give a speech, explaining “… this is a story of many things: of dreams turned into reality, the making of new friendships, the power of imagination to reshape reality, the generosity of our community to the benefit of children and the doorway to new chapters.”
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
James speaks!
Photo courtesy of Marisa McFedries
L to R: Susi Jones (Executive Director of Pathways), Kevin Ogden (Julian Elementary Principal and Superintendent), Ann and James Hubbell, me, John Wheelock (artistic colleague of James who worked on gate), Mike Gallo (who established the Pamela Gallo fund at the United Methodist Church which funded the gate) and Dawn King (pastor at Julian Community United Methodist Church.)
Photo courtesy of Lay Lay
Snip! goes the ribbon.
Photo courtesy of Lay Lay
The children walk through, as they will be doing for decades to come!
Photo courtesy of Lay Lay
What's not to like? 
So so so cool!!!!! So enjoyed that post. What a legacy is being left for Julian Elementary, and in children’s souls . . .
Thanks Luna! I knew you would love the Hubbell Gate. And of course, the celebration too!
So many good things . . . What a rich day (celebrate such a rich journey)!!! Something inside me couldn’t help leaping a little at the words: “. . . the power of imagination to reshape reality”–singing a song I’m trying to learn myself.
As your heart should leap…..this is something you’ve taught me and modeled to everyone.
the gate is beautiful. What a great day it looks like thanks for sharing the pictures I love the children at all their stations so intently engaged 🙂
Engaged is the word! I wish you could see how charming they are. They take their role very seriously! 🙂
What a wonderful day! Love the pictures. The gate is beautiful. And what a fiddle player!
Yes, it was a wonderful touch! You can tell how much he loves his fiddle!
I sure missed a great event! Congratulations to everyone involved! Generations of kids will reap the benefits.
Anne
Thanks Anne for always being such a cheerleader for our efforts. Today’s class was great!!! We are so lucky to have you teaching us all.
Thank you for so many photos! What a special, special day. You really created a memory for everyone there. I’m so proud of you all.
Thanks Donna, in general for your support, and thanks specifically for the encouragement to have a lot of photos! (I’m still learning about this blogging thing.) I do think it was a day to remember!
CONGRATULATIONS! The gate is spectacular. I wish I could have been there.
Nan McGuire
How nice to hear from you! Our garden has really grown since you saw it last! I still feel connected to the SF gardens through following blogs, borrowing lessons, etc. Hope you are well!