An overflow group of butterfly enthusiasts joined hands in a circle — that became more like an amoeba — to hear and repeat prayers in the Ohlone language, listen to a chant offered by the Rinpoche, partake in a smudging cleaning ceremony and toss flowers and native herbs into the sanctuary to bless the trees and pray for the return of the butterflies. Louise Ramirez, Tribal Chairwoman of the Ohlone-Castanoan-Esselen Nation of the Central Coast presented a plaque to Mayor Bill Kampe, as well as gifts to Helen Johnson and to Bob Pacelli.
Young, old, residents and a few surprised tourists took part. The Sanctuary paths are clean and smooth, the butterfly trees are roped off, and butterfly bench donated years ago via Ro Vaccaro has been repaired and powder-coated. All that we need now is some butterflies.
