Donations Needed for Susanna Stodden Resting Bench
Help Fund a Memorial Bench for Susanna Stodden
I am pleased to tell all of you that we have confirmed a place to honor Susanna Stodden at Taylor Creek. Last summer, many gave donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Taylor Creek internship in Susanna’s name. And knowing Susanna’s commitment to educating everyone about the natural world, her obvious passion for stewardship and her indelible handprint on the landscape of Taylor Creek – it was obvious that those funds should go to having something tangible at Taylor Creek to honor her. But a few more monetary donations are needed to make this a reality.
Working with Susanna’s immediate family, Darrell Dobson of Friends of Deadhorse Canyon
and the Seattle Parks Foundation we have been able to locate a spot along the trail at Deadhorse Canyon to install a permanent bench that will celebrate Susanna and her commitment to the environment. The attached photo marks the view from the bench. The location is at the top of a steady climbing trail right before you can cross the first bridge. The timeframe for the instillation is for Susanna’s birthday, around the beginning of July.
Hence, the idea that it is a resting spot. A place to sit and rest and absorb the sounds of Taylor Creek as it tumbles by. As we all looked at this potential spot (Susanna’s family, Darrell and I) – out of nowhere – a humming bird came and perched itself upon a nearby tree branch. No other words were needed – this was the spot.
I share this news to remind people that Susanna’s is still in our thoughts at the Slough and at
Taylor Creek and that this is your opportunity, if you would like, to help make this bench tribute to Susanna a reality. With the funds donated to the Taylor Creek and with Susanna’s family fundraising over the holidays, we find ourselves a few hundred dollars short of our needed amount.
If you feel moved to contribute, you can do so anomously. All donations need to be given by the end of March. Any donations given need to be marked “Susanna Stodden bench memorial.” Please send it to the c/o Gary Streicher, Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109.
Also, any funds collected over the amount needed will be used towards a tree planting planned to honor Susanna after the opening of the new facility at the Mercer Slough in 2008.
