The Buchanans those who do
Giving Back
A Way Of Life
Written By Kelly Barbazette
“ Bloom where you are planted ” is not only one of Joan Buchanan ’ s favorite sayings , but also the mantra she and her husband , Dr . Phil Buchanan , have followed since moving to Gilroy 45 years ago .
From the Garlic Festival to downtown murals to city parks , the Buchanans have rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand in many projects throughout town for decades .
“ It ’ s a whole lot of fun . And we ’ ve met a lot of wonderful people throughout the years ,” Dr . Buchanan said .
The Buchanans met at McGee ’ s , a pizza parlor in Southern California , 52 years ago . They married in August 1964 and moved to Gilroy in 1970 when Dr . Buchanan took over a private dental practice .
Dr . Buchanan still remembers their first day in Gilroy , quickly learning their way around town . He said he first joined the Kiwanis Club and then the Jaycees , a former leadership and community service club .
As the Garlic Festival Volunteer Bread Chairman for 20 years , Dr . Buchanan said he enjoyed working alongside volunteers at the festival and chairing the Barn Dances and “ thank you ” barbecues for the volunteers . He said he is particularly proud of cooking with Gilroy ’ s dynamic cooking duo , Gene Sakahara and Ed Bozzo , over the years . Dr . Buchanan is also a former Planning Commissioner and Parks and Recreation Commissioner who helped establish the Gilroy Veteran ’ s Memorial on the ranch side of Christmas Hill Park in the early 2000s .
He also has volunteered with many community projects , including overseeing the installation of the city ’ s holiday decorations , including the Christmas tree and banners in the downtown , for 43 years .
For her part , Joan has volunteered with the Downtown Business Association since 1972 , and held a board member seat for several years . She has helped with many downtown projects including : securing benches , trashcans and bike racks in the downtown area ; the new pedestrian paseo , that links the public parking lot and the heart of downtown between Fifth and Sixth streets ; and the painting and restoring of the murals on downtown walls , including the one depicting Gilroy ’ s garlic fields on the south wall in the parking lot of 5th and Monterey , and the newly restored train mural on the side of 5th Street Coffee Roasting Company .
“ I like my projects with the Downtown Business Association ,” Joan said . “ I like working with them because there are downtown businesspeople who are really making a difference .”
She also has served on the Public Art Committee , which was instrumental in bringing historical statues downtown . In addition , she helped establish the original Fundamental Elementary School at Brownell and worked to help restore the historic Wiley House on Fifth Street .
In their mid 70s , the Buchanans are elders of the Gilroy Presbyterian Church , where they also served on the building committee for the current church location .
“ The key to everything — Gilroy is a really friendly town ,” Dr . Buchanan said . “ It lets you participate to the degree that you want and you don ’ t have to live here a long time to get involved .”
The couple said they appreciate that Gilroy is not only a town of people with talent , but also a hub for the Bay Area , connecting cities they enjoy visiting , including Carmel and San Francisco .
While Dr . Buchanan retired from his private practice 11 years ago , he teaches part-time at the UOP Dental School in San Francisco three days a week . The couple travels frequently to dental conventions throughout the country . They also spend a lot of time visiting their two daughters and five grandchildren , who live in San Ramon and Mission Viejo .
Joan also enjoys quilting once a week with a group of ladies while Dr . Buchanan enjoys gardening .
“ We ’ re very blessed ,” Dr . Buchanan said .
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G M H T O D A Y M A G A Z I N E MAY / JUNE 2015 gmhtoday . com