Wildlife Habitat
This scene was captured using a long lens with the aperture wide open, in order to blur the background. The exposure was set to create a silhouette of the bird and tree limb. Further manipulation to the digital file created the abstract look. The location is a small wildlife habitat in Lewisville, North Carolina near Lewisville Elementary School.
A Loving Tribute
Did you know that there’s a wildlife habitat in Lewisville? Although it was established 15 years ago, it had escaped my attention until a little over a year ago when our new library opened. The wildlife habitat is located on Lucy Lane, across from the library, tucked along the edge of a small wooded area.
The marker standing along the front of the habitat reads:
In memory of Jeanette E. Messick
The Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat
Dedicated 1994
I’m told that Jeanette Messick was a beloved teacher’s aide at Lewisville Elementary School who died of cancer. Her passing was such a loss to her students and colleagues that the wildlife habitat was established in her memory.
The small patch of land that makes up the wildlife habitat features birdhouses, birdbaths, benches, and a variety of plants, flowers and trees. Following the meandering pathway through the small habitat will take you over an attractive brick-lined bridge. Along the way, you’ll see some small statues of children and animals. Sadly, it appears that a sundial is missing, most likely due to vandalism.
Did You Know Jeanette Messick?
If you knew Ms. Messick and would like to share something special about her, feel free to do so by CLICKING on the Comment link below. I’d love to hear more about the lady who inspired the wildlife habitat.
Photo Gallery and Google Map
MORE PHOTOS of the Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat are available in the photo gallery. Plus, a GOOGLE MAP has been created to show you the exact location of the wildlife habitat. Simply CLICK the links below:
Photos: Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat Photo Gallery
Google Map: Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat Map
Update on 3/25/09: Jeanette Messick’s daughter, Susan Messick Luebchow, contacted me in response to this blog post. Susan clarified that the wildlife habitat was built by family and friends. Be sure to read Susan’s comments about her mother and the impact she had on so many.
Jeanette Messick was my Mom. I have two older brothers, Bobby and Jeff, and a younger sister, Lisa. Between us we have 10 children. Along with my father and his wife Patsy, we all live very close to each other.
My Mom died shortly after the last granchild was born. She had a four and a half month battle with cancer. Our family and several friends actually built the habitat. Volunteer labor took care of it for a long time and now I think the school maintains it. She really was a favorite teacher’s aid. Mom had a very special touch with children.
Many of the children she had taught through the years, stood in line for hours to speak to us at the funeral home. It spoke a lot about the impact she had on their lives. Rumor has it, she brought many smiles to the faces of the children and the teachers at Lewisville School. Her strength was in the Lord, and I believe that is why she had such a heart for other people.
Jeanette Messick is still dearly missed.
Daughter,
Susan Messick Luebchow
Susan, thank you so much for writing about your mom. I believe I went to school with your brother, Bobby, if he graduated from West in ’74. And it seems to me that many years ago, as a young girl, I also met your mother. I’m not sure what the occasion was, but it probably had something to do with a school function since I was in the same grade as Bobby. It’s a very faint memory, but I recall her as a very lively, caring and friendly lady.
You all did such a nice job designing and creating the wildlife habitat in her memory. For so many years, I hadn’t realized it was there. Now that the new Town Hall is going up next to it, I imagine it will get more notice, and perhaps more people will enjoy it.
Thanks again for writing. Your family has certainly honored your mother in a very beautiful way with the wildlife habitat.
All the best to each of you,
Deb
Mrs. Messick was a remarkable teacher’s aide. My son was in her class and now 26 years later I still remember her with much love. She had such a wonderful way with the kids!! I was a volunteer and was able to spend a lot of time at the school and with her. She had such a great sense of humor and had the most fun things planned for the kids!! The kids were so fortunate to have such a Godly woman teaching them. I always felt blessed that my son was in her class. I too have thought the garden at Lewisville is a wonderful tribute to her.
Judy, it’s great to hear from a parent who had contact with Mrs. Messick. Maybe we’ll eventually hear from some students and teachers. We can never say too much about those who have impacted our lives for the good. Thanks so much for writing.