In this time of national elections, State ballot proposals and local city council candidates vieing for two seats, it may be hard to get excited about the recent refurbishment of three bus stop benches. Two of the three benches are located on Middlefield Road, primarily for the benefit of Menlo Atherton High School students and the third bus bench is located on El Camino Real, near Oak Grove Avenue.

The tree benches were the gift to the city from the Rotary Club of Menlo Park, approx. twenty-five years ago. They have withstood the test of time, but showed considerable wear and tear in recent times.

In a community spirited way, the Rotary Club worked with three local contractors to clean, prepare, upgrade, stain, polish and overall improve their function, looks and appearance. The end result are three benches which now are useful and at the same time an amenity in which to take a sense of pride.

To show their appreciation, the Rotary Club of Menlo Park plans to recognize the three contractors at their regular weekly meeting on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. This is certainly a well deserved celebration for a job well done. The contractors are Bob Rosenberg of Gr8 Work Builders, Inc., Chris Capp of Capp's Pressure Washing and Marechal Pascal Painting.

Special thanks are also extended to Paul Lawson, Community Services Committee Chair and Timothy Leary, DDS, President for their part in making this a realty.

Civic pride can be expressed in many ways. These folks deserve a round of applause for their part in helping make Menlo Park special.