The Beth El Temple Men’s Club and the Reservoir Walkers have installed and dedicated a bench to a longtime member who passed away last summer.

A large group gathers at MDC Reservoir #6 for dedication of a bench to David Klau. Courtesy photo

Submitted

On Sunday, May 4, a dedication ceremony of a recently-installed bench was held at Reservoir #6 off Albany Avenue in West Hartford. The ceremony was led by Rabbi Jim Rosen of Beth El Temple in West Hartford.

The bench was dedicated in memory of David Klau, a long-time member of the Beth El Men’s Club, who passed away in August of 2024. David had started a walking group at the reservoir through the Men’s Club over 10 years ago for exercise and camaraderie.  The walks have taken place twice a week, weather permitting, throughout the year and are followed by coffee in Bishops Corner.

Coffee at Bishops Corner after a walk in October 2022. David Klau is on the left in the cream jacket. Courtesy photo

During COVID, after walking, the group started having coffee outside in the parking lot, sitting on lawn chairs that they brought with them. About 10 to 12 people typically share coffee and conversation.  The walks have gained in popularity over the years with an increasingly diverse group of people – including spouses, friends, and even dogs participating.

Walkers on a cool fall day in 2023. David Klau is third from the right. Courtesy photo

After David’s passing, several regular walkers talked about doing something to honor and remember David who was a friend to all of the walkers. We agreed that the Men’s Club, which was founded with the purpose of creating a sense of community, service, and an exploration of Jewish values, should raise money for a bench to be installed at a strategic location next to the path that we walk.

Plaque on the bench dedicated in memory of David Klau. Courtesy photo

The necessary funds were quickly raised, and arrangements were made with the MDC to have the bench installed. It is located almost midway between the front and rear parking lots, just off the main road, and faces the reservoir.

A large group gathers at MDC Reservoir #6 for dedication of a bench to David Klau. Courtesy photo

The bench is a great spot to take a break as needed from the walk, and a place to contemplate our memories of David. The engraved plaque on the bench reads:

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVID KLAU

YOUR FRIENDS FROM

THE BETH EL TEMPLE MEN’S CLUB

AND

THE RESERVOIR WALKERS

More than 50 people, including many from the Klau family, attended the dedication. In addition to Rabbi Rosen, there were several other speakers including members of the Klau family and several of the walkers.

The dedication ceremony was followed by a reception at Beth El Temple.

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