Thank you note written by Lynn Gallant-Blackburn at the public opening of Paula’s Place on December 6th, 2007:

On behalf of my sister Lana, our families and Paula’s daughter Anna we would first like to thank Taylor and Cole for unveiling this beautiful portrait of Paula and Anna. Miss Gallant would be very proud of you both. We would also like to thank Susie Quackenbush for being our angel of music. Susie’s music continues to fill our hearts with peace and hope.

And to the to the staff and students of Ecole Beechville-Lakeside-Timberlea school, this night is not only about remembering Paula, but it is about recognizing each of you for making this dream a reality. It was your vision, your dedication and most importantly your love for Paula that inspired us to create this legacy.

Weeks after Paula’s death, I received a call from Susie. She told me about the many wonderful ideas the teachers were considering as a permanent memorial in this school. I was overwhelmed by their determined and committed focus. As we talked about the ideas, we naturally brought Paula and her love of children, teaching and art into the conversation. I remember saying that if the teachers were to close their eyes and see Paula… see her surrounded by her children…hear her children laughing…feel Paula’s warmth and gentleness, see the smile on her face, the enthusiasm in her voice and see her hands guiding children….guiding them to create….and inspiring them to break the rules to allow their self expression to grow and be discovered than the answer would come. Paula’s Place is not only a tribute to Paula, but to her colleagues, her students and her community.

In closing I would like to read you a book that one of Paula’s colleagues showed which they had purchased for Paula’s Place. I was very moved by this story and all that read it agreed that the teacher had to be Miss Gallant. I think this best captures Paula and all she tried to accomplish wither students and all those she had the opportunity to meet in her short but much filled life.

the dot by Peter Reynolds

Art class was over but Vashti sat glued in her chair. Her paper was empty.
Vashti’s teacher leaned over the blank paper. Ah! A polar bear in a snow storm, she said.
Very funny said Vashti. I just can’t draw!
Her teacher smiled. Just make a mark and see where it takes you.
Vashti grabbed a marker and gave the paper a good strong jab. There!
Her teacher picked up the paper and studied it carefully.
Hmmmmmmm
She pushed the paper toward Vashti and quietly said, “now sign it.”
Vashti thought for a moment. Well maybe I can’t draw but I can sign my name.
The next week, when Vashti walked into art class she was surprised to see what was hanging above her teacher’s desk. It was the little dot she had drawn – her dot! All framed in swirly gold!
Hmmp! I can make a better dot than that!
She opened her never-before-used set of watercolors and set to work.
Vashti painted and painted.
A red dot. A purple dot. A yellow dot. A blue dot.
The blue mixed with yellow. She discovered that she could make a green dot.
Vashti kept experimenting. Lots of little dots in many colors.
At the school art show a few days later, Vashti’s many dots made quite a splash.
Vashti noticed a little boy gazing up at her.
You’re a really good artist. I wish I could draw he said.
I bet you can, said Vashti.
“Me, no not me. I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler.”
Vashti smiled. She handed the boy a blank sheet of paper. “Show me.”
The boy’s pencil shook as he drew his line.
Vashti’s stared at the boy’s squiggle and then she said…sign it!