Jeanine and Ed Bottrell spearheaded the drive for the "Sims Fountain".  A portion of the money raised at the Silent Auction that they hosted went into a fund to establish a permanent memorial on the island.  After considering several options, a drinking fountain with a custom bronze plaque.  The decision to place the drinking fountain on the corner of Church and Meridian was made because so many people remember Steve stopping at the bench on that corner to rest on his daily run.  A drinking fountain was something that would benefit other runners and others walking or biking by.  The St. Thomas Lutheran Church graciously agreed to have the drinking fountain placed on their property.  The Township of Grosse Ile generously provided the installation and concrete and held the dedication ceremony before their October 25, 2004 meeting.  A very big thank you to Jeanine and Ed Bottrell, St. Thomas Lutheran Church, and the Grosse Ile Township.  Steve's family also wishes to thank the many others who contributed to this project, as well as those who contributed financially.  Others contributing to the drinking fountain landscaping are:  The Grosse Ile Township (installation of the fountain), Bob and Pat Taylor (landscaping), Ed and Jeanine Bottrell (landscaping with materials purchased at D & L Garden Center), Keith and Ann Fielder (installation of the plaque and lots of other help), Grosse Ile Hardware (special screws for plaque), Grosse Ile Farm Market (mum plants), Buchner Bed & Breakfast (housing the weary).  Stop by and take a drink-with a little Love and Luck (always a good idea).

The custom bronze plaque mounted on the "Sims Fountain".	Township Supervisor Kurt Kobiljak begins the dedication ceremony for the newly installed "Sims Fountain".	Bill Stevenson adds a few words......	Steve's brother, Bob Sims, thanks the Grosse Ile community on behalf of the family.
Virginia Sims, Steve's Mom, cuts the dedication ribbon.	Patty Hanley, Virginia Sims, Bob Sims and Bill Stevenson.	Jeanine Bottrell, the person responsible for the "Sims Fountain" provided music during the dedication ceremony. Thanks Jeanine!	Friends gather for the dedication ceremony.
Most at the dedication waited to try out their new fountain on the corner of Church and Meridian.	Friends linger to chat after the dedication ceremony.	Ed and Jeanine Bottrell (drinking fountain leaders), Virginia Sims, Bill Stevenson and Bob Sims.	Ed and Jeanine Bottrell visit with Virginia Sims, Bob Sims and Bill Stevenson.
The "Sims Fountain".	The "Sims Fountain" with benches, concrete and landscaping provided by the Grosse Ile Township and friends.	Two young islanders make their second stop of the day for a refreshing drink from the "Sims Fountain".

Send mail to hanleyp@lcc.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2004 Friends of Sims
Last modified: 01/14/05