Celebrating Steven P. Medley - Yosemite Online

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Cover: Steve Medley’s friends and family filled the area in front of Wawona’s Grey Barn on November 4. Photo courtesy of Christer Norden A Message from the Chairwoman Everywhere we look at YA we find Steve’s mark on our long term contributions to Yosemite National Park, his deep connections to so many of us, and his light approach to life and work. These are big shoes to fill and this is a big space to fill too. The memorial service for Steve, at Wawona on November 4, had us laughing and crying and so beautifully captured in story after story our wonderful friend and companion and his impact on so many people. The crowd that gathered (and many of you were there I know) was proof positive of one of Steve’s greatest accomplishments—he made YA into a family. That extended family came together and celebrated being part of a community that Steve had touched and nurtured in a special, very personal way. Is there a greater tribute or legacy? I think it would be hard to find. One of Steve’s many publishing accomplishments was The Complete Guidebook to Yosemite which he authored and revised five times; it has sold over 100,000 copies and brought $500,000 to the bottom line for YA that helped us serve the park. The insert in this journal, “The Complete Guidebook to Steven P. Medley,” was put together with love and care by Beth Pratt, our Vice President/CFO and Interim President, and others. It was designed by Dan DiVittorio, who had recently finished the Yosemite Falls book with Steve, which was a collaborative project with the Yosemite Fund. This “guidebook” is a lovely tribute from Smedley fans far and wide that we wanted to share with you. In Steve’s honor the Board of Trustees of YA has established a Steve Medley Memorial Fund to support exceptional publishing projects and educational outreach. Both became a strong identity and long lasting contribution of YA to the park during Steve’s tenure. We hope you will consider making a special gift to this fund in his memory as well as continuing your annual support, which is vital to our ongoing mission of education delivered every day to park visitors. YA makes a difference because of your support as volunteers and members. We can’t do it without you! I encourage you to take advantage of your membership and all it has to offer. Here are a few suggestions for a New Year’s resolution: In 2007, deepen the connection to Yosemite for yourself and your family by taking an Outdoor Adventure or a free art class at the newly revitalized Yosemite Art & Education Center, attending the March 31st Spring Forum, volunteering for YA, or purchasing our publications for yourself and others. There is so much to choose from—come and enjoy the benefits of your membership, and help us help Yosemite at the same time. We at YA are gathering ourselves and preparing to find new leadership for our organization while keeping our operations vital and focused on fulfilling our mission. We are so fortunate to have Beth Pratt’s talent and knowledge of the organization and its many partnerships to step in and keep our ship steady as we move through these unexpected and uncharted waters. YA is in good hands and our staff, trustees, and all our friends and partners have acted like a family, offering support at every turn. This is one of those times when you are really grateful to have a big caring family. Thanks, Steve, for the comfort of a family. Christy Holloway Chair, Yosemite Association Board of Trustees
Celebrating Steven P. Medley Though wintry weather threatened in the days leading up to November 4, Saturday morning the clouds blew away to reveal a clear, crisp, textbook-perfect fall day. Outside the Grey Barn in Wawona, more than 500 family and friends gathered amidst the falling leaves to pay tribute to Steve Medley. At the site of so many members’ meeting auctions and raffles emceed by Steve in his inimitable playful style, and the gateway to the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, where one of Steve’s early seasonal park service jobs was as a living history demonstrator, we were outside, in the elements, connecting with and seeking solace in the natural world Steve treasured. Steve’s close friend Paul Gallez addressed the assemblage.
Page 1: A Journal for Members of the Yosemi
Page 5 and 6: Walk away quietly in any direction
Page 7 and 8: Steve’s youngest son Andy created
Page 9 and 10: E D U C A T I O N A L P R O G R A M
Page 11 and 12: 2007 Work Weeks Announced For the 2
Page 13 and 14: A s s o c i a t i o n D a t e s Leg
Page 15 and 16: Gifts Yosemite Photo Tote Bag By th
Page 17 and 18: Hardwick, Robert Hare, Lee Harlow,
Page 19 and 20: Merck, Mrs. Jim Nattrass, Diane Nic

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