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'Marching through Time' -- Porterville's Community Service Project of the YearDec 04, 2012 (The Porterville Recorder - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Editor's note: This is the eighth and last of several articles on individuals, businesses and others recognized at the Chamber of Commerce banquet. The city of Porterville always has numerous community projects but on Nov. 3, one big project -- the "Marching through Time" mural -- was recognized as the Porterville Chamber of Commerce 2012 Community Service Project of the Year. The project -- a free-standing, double sided mural measuring 10-by-100-feet -- was painted by Glen Hill of Three Rivers. It depicts the town's rich 90-year band history and stands at Centennial Park. "It's amazing to see what a group of very determined, motivated individuals can achieve," said the voice of Wil Lloyd during the video presentation. "The members of the Porterville Mural Committee, under the umbrella of the Porterville Art Association and the Time Marches On Committee, had the vision to honor the deep roots of music ingrained in the Porterville community. Their inspiration included extraordinary band leaders who were instrumental in shaping the fabric of music locally." Stepping forward to accept the award was Denise Marchant, but also in the audience were several key members of the committee, including Dick Hatfield. "It was a great surprise and a great project to be honored," Hatfield said. "I am pleased it was recognized." Hatfield said he knew instantly that the mural had won the moment the video began. "It's hard not to recognize it," he said. Hatfield talked about the hard work that led to the fruition of the project. "This has been kind of my baby for a long, long time -- dating back to the time when Buck Shaffer was still alive," Hatfield said. "I remember working with him and others in conjunction with this. I'm glad to finally have it completed and glad it was honored like it was." The actual planning for the mural began in 2002, with the Porterville City Council approving it in 2007. A personal dream of the late Vedra McElfresh, she moved others to get involved in the project with her enthusiastic and contagious leadership, Hatfield said. He also credits Bill Drennan for his efforts and his expertise with murals in the city of Lindsay and statewide. Design work for the mural began in 2007 when Hill was chosen as the designated artist. The mural painting begins with the town's early band years depicted in black and white hues and continues with Porterville High's orange and green, Monache's blues and golds and ends with a touch of Granite Hill's burgundy colors. The faces of band directors Frank Howard, Bill Robbins, Frank "Buck" Shaffer and Dale Anderson are also painted on the mural. On the back of the mural, a scene of the Sierra Nevada serves as the background for musical notes that drift towards a blue sky. The mural was unveiled and dedicated in April during a ceremony that included the participation of Porterville, Monache and Granite Hills high school bands. Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1045. Follow her on Twitter @Avila_recorder. ___ (c)2012 The Porterville Recorder (Porterville, Calif.) Visit The Porterville Recorder (Porterville, Calif.) at www.recorderonline.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |