SARAH ARNEY The Arlington Times

Some new benches have popped up around Arlington, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Virginia Hatch who recruited cash donations from more than 15 different parties, including individuals, businesses and community service organizations. So far, seven of the 19 benches paid for have been installed. Public Works Director Len Olive said that city crews are installing the benches as they have projects in various neighborhoods. “We’ve got seven in and we still need to apply plaques, too,” Olive said. Meanwhile, Community Transit has been adding two-seater “benches” at bus stops around town as well. Of the full-scale, bench seats with backs priced at $350, the Rotary Club of Arlington bought three benches and the Arlington Garden Club, Cascade Surveying and Engineering, and Jet Landscaping & Fences each bought two benches and the following individuals and organizations have each paid for one bench for bus stops around Arlington: CURRIE Construction Inc., Stillaguamish Elders of Sit in Peace, Herb & Georgia Swift of New Beginning Thrift Store, Robin Miller of Favorite Pastime, Dr. John & Kelly Dykstra, Arlington Kiwanis, Kyle & Kristy Stephenson family, Kyle, Kristy, Jordan Wyatt, Scott & Vickie Solla, John V. Meno, of Edward Jones Arlington office, and Frontier Bank, downtown Arlington branch.