The Signal Hill Community Foundation will hold a candlelight vigil in honor of Terry Rogers on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. at the Signal Hill Park Amphitheater.
Rogers, a Parks and Recreation commissioner and board member for numerous foundations in Signal Hill, died at her home on Sunday, Jan. 30.
Rogers served on the boards of the Signal Hill Police Foundation, Signal Hill Community Foundation, Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce, Signal Hill Historical Society and Friends of the Signal Hill Library.
Her service also extended to the Signal Hill Rotary, Salvation Army and Rock for Vet’s Music is the Remedy. She was a frequent volunteer at city events, including Spring Fest, Halloween Carnival, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Hounds on the Hill, and helped sponsor events such as Concerts in the Parks.
“Commissioner Terry Rogers had an incredible impact on our City,” Signal Hill Mayor Keir Jones said in a statement. “Terry was a tireless community champion who continuously went above and beyond for her community. Her passion for serving others will not be forgotten.”
Related Story: ‘A tireless community champion’: Signal Hill Commissioner Terry Rogers dies
On Wednesday, the Signal Hill Community Foundation established the “Terry Rogers Community Action Award and Grant” in her honor.
“The award and grant will help carry on Terry’s legacy by providing funds for local residents to do what she did: bring food to our seniors, support public safety, and fill the gaps of other programs by giving their time to the residents of Signal Hill,” the foundation wrote on Instagram.
Rogers worked in the real estate industry for over 25 years and had lived in Signal Hill since 2007.
“She always looked at the bright side of things. Hardworking, committed, certainly committed to the Signal Hill Community and the Salvation Army,” her coworker Phil Jones said. “She was always a role model. When we had new associates come into the office, she would be the first one to offer them support, advice. Just a wonderful spirit.”
In 2015, Rogers received a Woman of Distinction Award in the Signal Hill business category from Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell.
In a statement to the Signal Tribune, O’Donnell called her a “true champion” who “connected community members with policy members to help them effectively voice their concerns.”
The Long Beach City Council adjourned its Tuesday, Feb. 1 meeting in her honor.
“For those that know Terry, Terry was Miss Signal Hill. She was everywhere, all around the community and just by nature of her work in Signal Hill, she was everywhere in Long Beach,” Mayor Robert Garcia said. “This is a huge devastating loss for that community.”
More details on the Terry Rogers Community Action Award and Grant will be announced on www.iloveisgnalhill.org. Recipients will be announced annually at Signal Hill Concerts in the Park summer events, of which Rogers was a sponsor and volunteer.
Those attending the candlelight vigil on Wednesday, Feb. 23 are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. The Signal Hill Park Amphitheater is located at 2175 Cherry Ave. For more information, call 1-562-989-7330.
