When former Town Manager Richard C. Bates retired in June 30, 2019, he told me all he wanted for a retirement gift was a tree.

Well, at the time, all we could give him was this plaque, but I promised I would make that happen.

Now that the Library is complete and we are able to plant trees at Memorial Park we were also able to fulfill that gift request – two years later!

This will definitely bring a smile to Rick’s face when he sees this, I sure he was beginning to think we forgot. 

Sorry it took so long, Rick! 

Thank you to Douglas Cole for helping with this request and for the picture.

Diane Hamilton is executive secretary to the Rockport town manager