Established in 1908 by 13 women in the Cucamonga area, the  organization was first known as the Cucamonga Current Events Club. At 75 members today, the Rancho Cucamonga Women's Club is the oldest community group in the city. Every year, members hold various events to fund high school scholarships, youth leadership programs and donations to various community groups and local hospitals. For its 100th anniversary in 2007, the group donated $10,000 for the Jane Austen Study Room at the Biane Library.

"The Rancho Cucamonga Women's Club rocks," said Sharon Bedke, the incoming president. "We're not a huge club, but I'll tell you, every one of these ladies have some kind of function in this club. They're all willing to raise their hands to say, `I'll do it.'

Bedke grew up in California, but lived in Maryland for more than two decades when her husband's job moved there. Upon her return, one of the first things she did was join the women's group. "To get to know your community and to make friends, you join a club," she said. In two years time, another tree will be planted in Bedke's honor. "This is the life and breath of our city," she said about the trees.

Mayor Dennis Michael stopped by to commemorate the group and Filippelli for their service to the city. He shared a few jokes, too. "This is the oldest service club in this city. Not the oldest people," he said. "My father's in the Rotary Club, he's 88 so he's topped all of you." Michael presented a certificate to Filippelli and told the club he would work on getting a plaque to mark the grove of trees. "I think what you've done is very beautiful," Michael said. "I never knew this was here until two years ago."

Few know about the shady corner of the Vineyard Avenue park. Located behind a maintenance building, the quiet area stands out from the rest of the park because of its massive trees.

Odom, whose big idea has grown beyond her imagination, can hardly recognize the grove. When asked if she recalls which tree was planted in her honor, Odom said, "Oh heavens, no. I guess one of the bigger ones."

The Rancho Cucamonga Women's Club meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Alta Laguna Mobile Home Park on 10210 Base Line Road. The next meeting is Sept. 14, 2011.