BLOOMINGTON, IL – For their many years of service, the City of Bloomington will hold a tree planting ceremony and dedication in honor of two former mayors.

Rich Buchanan served the city as a council member for six years from 1971-1977 before his two terms as Mayor from 1977 to 1985. Not done with civic duty Buchanan was a member of the McLean County Board from 2012-2017. He also spent more than 35 years on the Liquor Commission for the City of Bloomington.

Judy Markowitz has the distinction of not only being the first female mayor for the City of Bloomington, but she is also the first Jewish mayor to serve in the spot. After holding a seat on the City Council for eight years, Markowitz served another eight years, from 1997-2005, as the mayor.

Both leaders are remembered for their many accomplishments while serving the city. Judy Markowitz passed away at the age of 82 on February 15, 2021.  Rich Buchanan passed away on March 3, 2021.

The ceremony will be held on this evening, September 17, 2021, at 4:45 p.m. on the lawn of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

In addition to the tree planting ceremony and dedication, the Tour de Chocolat, the evening of September 17, will also be in remembrance of the two.