A Tribute

and a promise

In the picture - me and my project of a lifetime.

I am starting this email with a promise – I will not send another message to you – my valued subscribers – like this one ever again. This is an exception. A deadline request that’s very important to me. A brief explanation:

After we returned home from the Caldor Fire evacuation (2 years ago, 22 thousand acres burned), I made a commitment to commemorate the courage of the people who made it possible for us to return. As some of you know, my other passion is sculpting for bronze casting. I decided I could use this modest talent to create a permanent “thank You.” The Caldor Tribute will consist of four relief images on two 5.5 ft. panels erected on a granite base. It will stand on a prime location in Pollock Pines (en route to Lake Tahoe and many other recreational areas) – for locals and the countless thousands of annual visitors to the region.

I’ve been raising funds for production and installation costs – I’ve paid all other expenses myself over the course of time. Other than writing for you – the project has taken all my time and attention. Casting will cost $20,000, and fundraising thus far has produced about $13,000. This is a major monument that will endure for centuries as a reminder of gratitude, the critical need to better manage our environment, and the ever-present dangers of wildfires.

Most of you have no association with the disaster. You are readers who only know me for my weekly column, which, unlike most postings on the platform, is free. So, I’m boldly hoping that some of you will be willing to donate whatever you can to the effort of my lifetime – creating a permanent symbol that inspires future generations to value and protect our fragile environment.

I’m posting some images of panels in progress – firefighters, law enforcement, and volunteers. You’re seeing them in progress – in clay. Next step is mold making and pouring duplicates in wax – and then delivery to the foundry. You’ll find a complete description of the complicated process on my website HERE and also more details on the project HERE. I have three panels ready for the foundry and hope to build onsite by late October. Donations are tax-deductible.

So, simply, I’m asking for your support. Every dollar will take me closer to fulfilling this commitment of my lifetime. If you cannot help, I understand and will continue to appreciate your attention to Down Darby Lane. Thank you for your understanding - and I’ll talk to you again on the usual day and time.

Darby – the blogger and elder artist who appreciates you!

A few images in clay - next, I make molds and wax, then 4 panels off to the foundry: