Commemorative benches available at Norma Johnson

Give the gift of remembrance with a memorial bench at the Norma Johnson Center. The project was started two years ago by NJC board member Het Sabo as a way to raise funds for the NJC Foundation. The benches also are a good way for organizations to show their support.

The NJC encompasses more than 300 acres. The Tuscarawas County Commissioners are the owners of the property that makes up the center. The Tuscarawas County Parks Department oversees the operation of several parks in the county including the NJC, part of the canal towpath and Trenton Heritage Park near Tuscarawas.

“Het Sabo and a few other board members worked on figuring out what kind of bench they wanted, and then they had to go to the commissioners to get them to approve the project,” Marsha Freeland said. She also serves as TuscParks education manager.

Currently, four benches are in place. Plaques are placed on the benches in memory of loved ones. Benches are available for a $2,000 donation for the first 10 years, and benches can be renewed after 10 years for an additional $1,000. Some donors will contribute the $3,000 total and take care of the renewal upfront. All donations are tax-deductible.

A form to apply can be found online at www.normajohnsoncenter.com or email the center for more information.

The benches carry meaning for the families. One family wanted a bench for their late 9-year-old daughter, who enjoyed spending time at the center. A private donor learned of their plan and sponsored the bench. Another family purchased a bench for their late son and placed it in a spot where they often pause to rest when they are visiting the NJC. Another man donated to have a bench placed in memory of his wife.

“We ask where they want it to be placed, and then try to achieve that,” Freeland said.

If no selection is made, the center will place the bench and let the family know where it is located. The benches are placed by volunteers.

The funds from the bench project will benefit the center.

“We are thinking about possibly getting a skid steer. And if we get something like that, it will be $50,000 plus,” Freeland said.

Much funding would need to be lined up first, such as grants, agency budgeting and asking the NJC Foundation for help.

Freeland said the former Brandywine Grange building near the NJC is being remodeled for the parks department office and as an activity space. They should move into the space in a few weeks.

There are always activities going on at the center, and schedules are available online. The Luminary Walk is Dec. 7 from 5-7 p.m. The Winter Hike will be held Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. The first Spring Walkabout is scheduled for March 4.

Aside from the bench project, donations are accepted year round for the center.

“Everything donated to the NJC Foundation Board is tax-exempt,” Freeland said. “If someone wanted just to give a donation, they’re more than welcome to do that, and if they want to earmark it for education or equipment, they can do that as well.”

Freeland does have some favorite events. One is the butterfly exhibit, which is held each summer and provides visitors with an opportunity to see and feed butterflies.

The Fall Fest is another favorite. For a small entry fee per carload, children get free pumpkins, face painting and other activities.

“I love getting people out and on the trails,” Freeland said. “We have tables set up through the woods, and then we have different stations. They’ll paint a pumpkin, stuff a scarecrow and then head out onto the trail to visit the children’s craft tables. We get lots of community sponsors to make that happen, and it’s just a lovely event.”

The nighttime luminary event also is a favorite.

“I just think it’s magical in the woods with the lanterns and the trail, and it’s one of my favorites,” Freeland said. “It’s been in the fog. It’s been in the snow. It’s been different times of the year. Sometimes we’ve had a full moon. Sometimes there’s no moon. It’s just very magical.”

Freeland recently returned from a site-seeing and butterfly watching trip to Peru and plans to do a program on what she saw in the country sometime in the future.

Visit www.normajohnsoncenter.com.