Dedication Saturday for gazebo park

by Shannon Brown

The gazebo at 501 Main Street in Thompson Falls has become known as Sherry’s Gazebo Pocket Park.

“Since Sherry owned and operated the Barber Pole business in the adjoining building for years, we decided to dedicate the Gazebo Pocket Park to her,” Gussy O’Connor said.

Sherry Wieckowski retired from the barber business and in 2021, she and Linda Rocheleau interviewed O’Connor for the position of barber and shop owner. Weickowski passed away in April of 2022.

“After just five minutes of talking to Sherry, I felt like I had known her for years,” O’Connor recalls of their first meeting.

The park area and barber shop belong to the Odd Fellows Lone Star Lodge #33, which also manages the building and barber shop. Wieckowski was a member of the Odd Fellows, and O’Connor and Rocheleau are also members. They organized the restoration of the tiny park and its gazebo after a winter of falling apart from the snow. The benches can now offer a place to rest.

“In the spring we found someone to replace the fence and restore the flower beds,” O’Connor said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned by the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce. It will take place on Saturday, July 29, after the construction on Main Street has been completed..

O’Connor’s plan is to have it start by 9 a.m. and to last about an hour. “Bring your lawn chairs.” The park is small, but there is room for some seating. Rocheleau will provide refreshments. Anyone wishing to speak is welcome to do so.

At the City Council meeting last week Monday, O’Connor updated the council on the progress and plans for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Any improvement along Main Street is great. It’s very inviting,” said Thompson Falls City Council member Shawni Vaught regarding the Gazebo Pocket Park.

All those who are interested in joining the ceremony are welcome to attend. O’Connor stated that it will be “a memorial of remembrance of a longtime resident, friend and barber to many: Sherry Wieckowski”

Additional donations for the park can be dropped off at the barber shop in Thompson Falls.