Paula Medley, a pillar of the community and protector of the Bashakill, now has her name permanently engraved on the new bench at the South Road Boat Launch.

As the bench reads, it is the name of “an individual who worked tirelessly to keep the Bashakill area a wildlife vista.”

Turning out to celebrate Paula last Saturday night for the dedication event were members of the Bashakill Area Association, longtime dedicated members keeping the organization active and healthy, and sister organizations.

The event was hosted by Leslie and Mark Otto, as well as Jackie Lukowski-Broder.

“We were each other’s friend, sister, parent and caregiver. Our roles always changing with time and circumstance, each of us rising up when the other was low,”  Lukowski-Broder described her close friend. “It has been extremely difficult for me to put into words my feelings over the loss of this partner of mine. It is still difficult.”

Jackie referred to Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer for comfort often.

It was this work that, in looking for words for that afternoon. It was from the “Consolation of Water Lillies” chapter in which she read an excerpt.

“Many people knew Paula over the years and many of you [visitors to the dedication] here knew her pretty well. I miss her but...life goes on. My sister has been a big help during this,” Mike Medley, Paula’s husband, stated in a solemn moment. “I like the permanence of something that’s gonna be here for a long time.  She was a special lady. Not just to me, to a lot of people, so thank you. Thank you.”

Medley stated that he comes here a lot so he’ll be sitting on the bench. He assured that Paula was a “people person” who valued people’s friendship and was very considerate of them. He noted her being a teacher gave her a lot of patience.

The bench’s conception came from Bob Muller who spearheaded the work on the bench. He echoed Mike’s sentiment on the permanence statement.

“I’m glad we have a permanent installation that we can always come by and see,” stated Muller. “People who do come here will see her name and her name will live on and be connected to this beautiful, beautiful view.”