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ENLARGE
While those affected by the Angora fire have faced uncertainty in their lives since the blaze, there is now at least one spot in the burn area that boasts a single beginning and single end.
On Sat urday, be tween 15 and 20 volunteers constructed a large stone labyrinth on a Lake Tahoe Boulevard parcel dubbed "Angora Garden."
On Sat urday, be tween 15 and 20 volunteers constructed a large stone labyrinth on a Lake Tahoe Boulevard parcel dubbed "Angora Garden."
Located at the site of a home de stroyed in the fire, the labyrinth is made up of fist-sized stones marking the edges of a path of smaller stones which winds its way to the center in 11 circuits.
The garden is the idea of Jay Newburgh, a resident of one of three houses on Pyramid Circle that survived the fire.
Newburgh said the garden is her way of giving back to a community that she has seen come together through adversity since the fire.
The garden is the idea of Jay Newburgh, a resident of one of three houses on Pyramid Circle that survived the fire.
Newburgh said the garden is her way of giving back to a community that she has seen come together through adversity since the fire.
"You know, I just wanted to do something," Newburgh said while putting some finishing touches on the labyrinth on Monday.
Newburgh drew inspiration from San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church, which features two prominent labyrinths.
Newburgh drew inspiration from San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church, which features two prominent labyrinths.
"I'm not even Episcopalian; it's not even about that," New burgh said.
Walking a labyrinth is a form of meditation and is even seen by some as a metaphor for the human experience. While Jay hints at the underlying meanings to the design of the garden, she said she's content to let people decide for themselves.
"To me the labyrinth is kind of like a map without any labels," Newburgh said. "You can bring your own meaning to it, or labels to it ... or not."
Walking a labyrinth is a form of meditation and is even seen by some as a metaphor for the human experience. While Jay hints at the underlying meanings to the design of the garden, she said she's content to let people decide for themselves.
"To me the labyrinth is kind of like a map without any labels," Newburgh said. "You can bring your own meaning to it, or labels to it ... or not."
Newburgh bought the Lake Tahoe Boulevard property to construct the garden and estimates she and her husband Henry have spent $30,000 to $40,000 in materials for the project.
Creating the labyrinth was a stroke of positivity in a world that sometimes can seem so negative, said South Shore resident Robert Stiles, who volunteered some time on Saturday to help build the garden.
Creating the labyrinth was a stroke of positivity in a world that sometimes can seem so negative, said South Shore resident Robert Stiles, who volunteered some time on Saturday to help build the garden.
And even if you don't walk the labyrinth, the garden is a great place to have a seat and take in the surrounding views, Stiles said.
"I just thought it was fantastic for her to dig into her own pocket and purchase this property and do something like this for South Lake Tahoe and the fire victims," Stiles said.
Angora Garden is free and open to the public. Newburgh asks visitors to treat the place with respect. The garden is at 737 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
"I just thought it was fantastic for her to dig into her own pocket and purchase this property and do something like this for South Lake Tahoe and the fire victims," Stiles said.
Angora Garden is free and open to the public. Newburgh asks visitors to treat the place with respect. The garden is at 737 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
