Last year we united as citizen of this wonderful city to honour those we lost, by creating a chain of people across the walking bridge and along both sides of the river on the trails. Last year our goal grew from ~ linking along the walking bridge ~ to creating a complete circle across both bridges and trails. Together we created a chain of hearts across the walking bridge and along both sides of the river reaching all the way to the high water markers on the Southside and nearly to the stone bridge on the Northside (approx. 2800 people). This August we will show our remembrance when we come together to repeat and complete our “hug” of the city as we continue to heal together.

In the winter we were contacted by The City because they wanted to know if we planned to repeat the memorial and what our plans were so that we could minimize events that would overlap on Saturday August 10th. Since then we have formed a volunteer committee made up of several people who helped out last year on very short notice and some new people too. We have been discussing what this year’s memorial will look like and what we can do to have a much more efficient process along the paths and bridges.

Preliminary Planning includes the following:

We will have 4 entry points, one at each trail leading up to the bridges. Each station/entry point will have 2 volunteers that will tell you where to go. Eight more people will work along the trails and bridges. The volunteers on the paths will each be tasked with a certain length of the trail/bridge. Each volunteer will have a black Hands and Hearts shirt. Everyone is welcome to come as early as 5:00 pm (bring lawn chairs and picnic meals). We will be linking hands at 7:00 pm. It will be important for people to arrive prior to 6:30 in order for us to efficiently make the chain at 7.

Schedule · Saturday, August 10, 2019

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Everyone gathers along the river and bridges

7:00 PM – 7:01 PM

Moment of Silence

7:01 PM – 7:45 PM

Walk or drive over to Picaroons for the Musical Performances

7:45 PM – 10:00 PM

Musical Performances from local artists

When the volunteers communicate that we are ready to begin the meditation minutes, 4 flares will be launched from the dock on the Northside (15 seconds apart) to represent the four we lost on August 10th, 2018. That will alert everyone to join hands and form the circle. We will then link for a minute of silence. A single flare will indicate that the minute has passed.

There will be Hands & Hearts Memorial donation jars at each bridge station where you can donate to the fund that will be used to create a permanent memorial monument. There will also be white t-shirts with the hands and hearts logo there for purchase. If you want a shirt they are still $20 – with all proceeds still going to the four family’s memorial funds. They can also be purchased at both Picaroons locations.

We are asking everyone to wear a white shirt, either the Hands & Hearts one or one from home.

Following the creation of our city hug, we are gathering at Picaroons for a prayer from a family member of those we lost, followed by local musicians and bands playing in remembrance and a celebration of life. Much love to all as we remember all those that have left this earthly plain this past year, and other years as well.

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