Special artwork enhances the Thorndale community

Pictured from left to right are 9 & Dine and Thorndale Horticulture Society member Esther Spicer, horticulture society president MaryLou Bontje and Steve Pietens of Practical Art. On the right side of the sign are members of the Thorndale 9 & Dine golf group Joan Dymock, Liz Iglesias, John Hopkins, James Iglesias, Adam Kurn and Doug Dymock.

By Nancy Abra

The Thorndale 9 & Dine are a golfing group who mostly live in Thorndale and play on Friday evenings throughout the summer at River Valley Golf Course.

At their year-end golf tournament, they raised some money and wanted to do something special to enhance the streetscape in Thorndale. Together with representatives from the Thorndale Horticultural Society, members of 9 & Dine brainstormed ideas to enhance the garden by the railroad tracks along King Street.

The design that was chosen is an old-fashioned train going through a corn field, reflecting the agriculture and heritage of Thorndale and the surrounding community. The design idea was then given to Steve Pietens and Michael McNeil, co-owners of Practical Art, outside of St. Marys.

Pietens, who also lives in Thorndale, and McNeil donated their time and effort creating the artwork and installing it. Marylou Bontje, president of the Thorndale Horticultural Society, worked with John DeKay, owner of the property by the garden, to make this all come together quickly.

This special artwork is another feature in Thorndale that enhances the beauty and sense of heritage in the community.