Pasco: Special trees grow with memory of those honored

Special trees grow with memory of those honored

By WES PLATT

The city that Suzy Hayes made her own dedicated a tree in her honor Friday, embracing her memory.

For someone who loved the outdoors, I can think of no more fitting tribute for Suzy, who worked for years in the Times' Dade City office. She covered community news and wove herself into the fabric of east Pasco life.

Suzy died in September after a long, courageous struggle with cancer. The tree dedication was part of Friday's Arbor Day ceremony at the garden club building on Fifth Street in Dade City.

The east Palatka holly devoted to Suzy's memory can be found on Church Avenue -- along with trees the Dade City Garden Club and the city have worked together to plant during the past five years or so.

The memorial trees serve as a living monument to people like Suzy. As we walk down Church Avenue during the town Christmas stroll, with the hollies in bloom, we can take time to remember with fondness Suzy and other civic contributors.

The dedication comes courtesy of the families of Pat Carver and Barbara Prudhomme, locals who came to know and appreciate Suzy as much as the rest of us who worked with Suzy.

"She was a real close friend," said Prudhomme, who used to go bicycle riding with Suzy on the Withlacoochee Trail. "She was somebody special. It's a sad time to think she's not with us any more."

"I never met Suzy without a smile on her face," Carver said. "She made life richer for everyone."

The dedication on Suzy's tree says, "She will always be loved and remembered for her grace, for her zest for life, and for her encouragement to others."

More than 40 people attended the Arbor Day event. Many of them were relatives of those getting dedications; others were local residents who contributed trees for the program.

As of Friday, 149 trees had been planted to honor people who have meant so much to Dade City. Many have died, but some are living.

Among some of the more well-known notables recognized with trees on Friday:

Elbert C. Tyner, the late reverend of First Baptist Church.

Glenn Lester, the late former mayor of Dade City.

Don McBath, the beloved longtime local doctor who died earlier this month.

Will Moriaty, a Florida Department of Transportation employee who helped the fight to save the oak trees outside the Dade City courthouse a few years ago. Moriaty, who lives in Plant City, feels close ties with Dade City.

"There's a lot of my heart here," he said.

And Barbara Mercer, a garden club member and Habitat for Humanity volunteer who helped pioneer the tree planting program. She died late last year in a car accident in Land O'Lakes.

Clearly, Suzy is in good company.

Our Pasco County online discussion forum (http://www.sptimes.com/pascoforum) has enjoyed a good first week.

Chatter in our local forum is keeping pace with the Super Bowl forum.

So far, participants have discussed the Suncoast Parkway, State Road 56, the dangers of growth, impact fees and unpaved roads.

I've added some new topics that I welcome input for, such as where Pasco goes for fun, what activities are available for local teens, and a call for neighborhood heroes. Feel free to chime in on these topics, or kick off discussions of your own.

- Wes Platt is the Times' central and east Pasco bureau chief. He can be reached at (813) 226-3454. Send e-mail to platt@sptimes.com. Send faxes to (813) 226-3455.