The quest to provide shaded benches in public spaces for the people of Michigan is not easy.
And yet, after walking with Mother the last eleven years of her life, presenting to thirteen audiences throughout west Michigan, meeting with book clubs, and hearing from readers, I know there is a need to find ways to make nature more accessible to seniors—to add senior-friendly spaces to many of our township, city, county, and state parks.
But how?
After spending over two decades in leadership positions at Baxter, a Fortune 500 company focusing on healthcare products, I know viable, long-term solutions require multiple sets of eyes. They call for people with different knowledge, backgrounds and experiences; people who share a passion and are willing to take the time and energy to fine-tune a vision and make it reality.
JB McCombs is one of those people. A long-time friend, he will be joining me as a co-leader of A Bench and a Tree. A resident of East Lansing, JB has degrees in forestry from Michigan State University, law from the University of Michigan, and a masters in tax law from New York University. As important, he is passionate about trees. Over the last 25 years, he has helped small teams of people throughout mid-Michigan plant 1500 tree seedlings.
“Tax law helps me understand finance, although I do not have a degree or direct professional experience in finance per se,” JB explains. “Trees help me understand life in general, and long-term thinking in particular.”
JB tells me in addition to trees, he has planted two benches. That’s one more than me. We are on a roll . . .
Look for updates on Mondays throughout the summer—a summer forecast to be hotter than normal. Thank you for your support, encouragement and ideas.
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