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Memorials come in all shapes and sizes, and in the case of Matakana Village Farmers Market pioneer the late Joe Polaischer it will be in the form of a drinking fountain.
Joe and wife Trish Allen were the owners of the former permaculture demonstration property, Rainbow Valley Farm, on Matakana Valley Road.
Joe died, aged 61, on January 14, 2008, after surgery to remove a brain tumour. To mark a decade since his passing, village developers Christine and Richard Didsbury have installed a drinking fountain, under the trees outside the shops, in Joe’s honour.
A plaque on the fountain recognises Joe as a passionate environmentalist and the inspiration behind the Farmers Market.
Trish says it is a touching gesture, which she appreciates.
“The drinking fountain will allow people to refill their bottles, which is in keeping with the zero waste philosophy, so it is also a very fitting tribute to Joe,” she says.
A short dedication will be held at the fountain on Saturday, February 17, at 7.30am, where stallholders, friends, family and members of the public will be invited to remember Joe and his contribution to raising the level of environmental consciousness in Matakana.
