New Leaf Bakery Café honored with Tree in Susie Forest

The women of the New Leaf Bakery Café were honored at a tree planting ceremony in Cowley Park in October.  The tree was given by Nancy MacKerrow in memory of her daughter, Susie Stephens.  Susie was an outdoor enthusiast who left a successful corporate career to advocate for bicycle and pedestrian safety.  Director of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington until her accidental death in 2002, Susie's personal mission was to help create healthier communities.  More pictures HERE.  

In keeping with her daughter's mission, MacKerrow has donated many trees here in Spokane and in places around the world that were special to Susie.  Once in the ground, they become part of the Susie Forest.  MacKerrow and City Arborist Jeff Perry placed the New Leaf tree just above the little brook in Cowley Park.  Because it's so close to the New Leaf Bakery kiosk in the Catholic Charities building, MacKerrow thought it would offer a soothing retreat where New Leaf trainees could enjoy lunch or take a quick break from work.

MacKerrow chose to honor the New Leaf with a tree because of the spirit, strength and determination shown by the women who enter the Bakery Café job training program.  At the ceremony, everyone was invited to write down a wish on a special biodegradable tag and tie it on to the new tree.  As the tags dissolve, the hopes and dreams will blossom and grow like the Susie Forest. Transitions and the women of New Leaf would like to thank Nancy MacKerrow for the tremendous honor of including them in the Susie Forest.