| On
Sunday, May 28, 2000, ground was broken at the Hampshire Regional
YMCA for the creation of a memory garden - a community space where
anyone can donate a plant or shrub in the memory of a loved one.
|
|
|
| Using
land made available by the YMCA, members of The Garden began
plantings of perennials and ground cover. The memory garden was
designed by landscape architect Nancy Denig and embodies the view
that life continues after tragedy. |
|
| Ribbon
Cutting |
The ribbon cutting ceremony was
held on June 3, 2000 at the First Annual Walk-a-thon. Families
that participate in The Garden program, as well as other
area individuals, were on hand to celebrate. Everyone there was
appreciative of this wonderful creation - a place where all people
can commemorate a friend or family member. Eventually, in addition
to the plantings there will be a bench and quiet space for reflection.
top
|
|
|
The
Memory Garden is located near the YMCA's entrance off Massasoit
Street and welcomes all who wish to participate either by offering
to add a planting or help with maintenance. In addition, The
Garden offers community members the opportunity to dedicate
a brick with a 3-line inscription in memory or in honor of a loved
one. These bricks will border the garden and also be placed next
to a donor's planting upon request. If you would like to offer a
plant, order a brick, volunteer your gardening skills, or make a
donation, please call 413-584-7086 ext. 124, or email
us.
|
|
| Plaque
Dedication |
Janette Robichaud, Executive Director
of the YMCA; Barbara Weiner, Director of The Garden; and Steve
Jasinski, President of the YMCA Board of Directors, shared the
moment while volunteers and family members at The Garden gathered
near. Volunteers at The Garden sang a song for the families titled,
"I'll Think of You."
top
|
|
|
| A
special plaque was dedicated that will hang on the outside of the
YMCA, near the garden. It reads: "The Garden: A Center for Grieving
Children and Teens, dedicates these plantings in memory of loved
ones - June 2001." |
|
The ribbon
cutting ceremony was held on June 3, 2000 at the First Annual
Walk-a-thon. Families that participate in The Garden program,
as well as other area individuals, were on hand to celebrate.
Everyone there was appreciative of this wonderful creation - a
place where all people can commemorate a friend or family member.
Eventually, in addition to the plantings there will be a bench
and quiet space for reflection.
top
|
|
|
On June 4, 2006 a dedication of
Bricks of Remembrance was held. Additionally, Barbara Weiner announced
her retirement as Executive Director of The Garden and the news
that Shelly Bathe Lenn will take over as Executive Director.
top
|
|
On June 3, 2007, a rededication
of The Memory Garden was held. The Memory Garden, which includes
bricks of remembrance purchased by local community members, was
recently refurbished by local Eagle Scout volunteer Branden Planka
of Troop 114 in Southwick, Mass.; Branden took on this project
in memory of a family friend, Carl Jez.
top
|


Branden and
his crew at work in The Memory Garden
|
|