ST. MARY’S HOME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN CELEBRATES MERMAID BOOK
NORFOLK, Va. – July 8, 2009 – Five years ago, Lisa Suhay told the story of Norfolk’s mermaids in her
children’s book, “There Goes a Mermaid! A NorFolktale.” But the story didn’t end there, as Norfolk’s mermaid population has continued to grow right up until this 10th anniversary of the city’s mermaid symbol and officially proclaimed “Year of the Mermaid.”
On Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m., St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children will celebrate the release of a revised edition of the book, which includes some of the “new girls in town.” The special printing honors the fifth anniversary of the book, the 10th anniversary of the mermaid as Norfolk’s symbol and the 65th anniversary of St. Mary’s Home. Suhay is donating part of the book’s proceeds to SMHDC and The Virginian-Pilot’s Joy Fund.
Suhay will be at the Home to sign copies of her book. A proclamation by Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim honoring the Home and declaring July 2009-July 2010 the “Year of the Mermaid” will be read, and special guest former Miss Norfolk Amanda Batcher will sing. “Mermaid Mama” Georgia Mason, who has created many of Norfolk’s mermaids and now is working on one for the children of St. Mary’s Home, also will be on hand. The event is open to family, staff and friends of SMHDC.