Enough money has been raised to purchase and install a granite bench at Panorama West as a memorial for Joe Scheiring. Scheiring passed away last Aug. 8. He was well known as the organizer of the Fourth of July fireworks that originated at Shady Beach for 20 years.

John Crawmer led the effort to honor the golf enthusiast with a bench on the #7 tee box at the Panorama West golf course. Plans are being finalized for the bench, and the granite ordered. It is hoped the bench can be installed by early summer.

Donations were accepted by the Friends of Lake Panorama, a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. All contributions to the nonprofit are tax deductible.

The main goal of the charity is to raise money for projects the LPA cannot finance. Fundraising is underway for a new playground at Sunset Beach and renovated sports courts at Lake Panorama National. But being able to assist with smaller projects such as the Scheiring memorial bench is another reason Friends of Lake Panorama was formed.

Donors of $500 or more are listed on the Friends of Lake Panorama website. Where significant projects warrant, such as the Sunset Beach playground and the LPN sports courts, a sign recognizing large donors also will be erected near the completed project. Publicity and an annual report will be other ways donors are recognized.

Fundraising is ongoing. A donation form and details on donation options are available on the Friends website, which is www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.