The Inspiration
2023’05’13’S Facebook Post: Teddio, Half Caff, and [CtCloser] met with Weezinator at Cedars today and discussed Zen Yanni memorial ideas.
“Responding to [Kenny Baby] and others who have posted here on FB, there’s plenty of support for an SRC gathering. There’s also growing support for a commemorative run and a trail bench with plaque. Nothing definitive in those cases, yet…”
The Inception
2023’07’02’U Facebook Post: Memorial Bench in the Wissahickon for John Van Allen / “Zen Yanni”
“A fundraising page has been set up with Friends of Wissahickon (FOW) to support FOW’s stewardship of the Wissahickon Valley Park and to honor the memory of John Van Allen. A memorial bench will be erected along Forbidden Drive for a $5000 or more contribution. (Other memorials in the park are available at a lower threshold.)…”
The Intermediate
2023’07’08’S Facebook Post: Update on Zen Yanni’s bench: we’re making great progress!
“In just a few days, we’ve already raised more than $1500 toward the $5000 donation to Friends of the Wissahickon needed to install a memorial bench for John along Forbidden Drive!…”
2023’07’15’S Facebook Post: We’re almost half way up that hill!
“We’ve now raised $2400 towards the $5000 for Zen Yanni’s memorial bench on Forbidden Drive!…”
2023’07’20’R Facebook Post: BOOM! We’ve hit the $5000 threshold!
“We’re now working with FOW on installation of the bench, including location and inscription…”
2023’11’30’R Facebook Post: UPDATE ON ZEN YANNI’S BENCH
“Friends of Wissahickon (FOW) is planning for installation of John’s bench at the start of Forbidden Drive (near where we meet) at the beginning of the year…”
The Installation
The Location: Forbidden Drive @ Northwestern Avenue
The Soft Opening: 1/26/24, Friday
The Grand Opening: 5/19/24, Sunday
2024’05’24’F: Updated (Relinking of “Grand Opening” to new page)
2024’05’03’F: Updated (Addition of photo and incidental celebration blogpost)2024’04’18’R: Updated (Addition of “Installation” information and other editing)
2023’12’23’S: Published
Shawmont Running Club 