LONGVIEW, Wash., January 29, 2014 – The E. Kenneth Henderson Memorial Garden is now open at 1000 12th Avenue in Longview, adjacent to the James Avery Center for Grief Support and Recovery. The garden is available and free to the entire community, not just hospice families. Hours are Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. It is also available by appointment and for special occasions.
Community supporter Ken Henderson left a bequest to Community Home Health & Hospice (Community) to benefit other families. As a result of his thoughtful gift, Community created a memorial garden for families to visit, enjoy nature and reminisce over treasured memories. The garden offers a serene setting with beautiful plantings, water features, a potting section and quiet areas for reflection.
The Ken Henderson Memorial Garden is a gift for the entire community, made possible through community support. Casey Heaton of C & R Tractor and Landscape served as the general contractor, and made contributions toward the schematic design, project management, site demolition and preparation, boulders for the landscaping and volunteer time. At the Lower Columbia Contractors Association’s Construction Excellence Awards & Banquet on January 28, 2014, Heaton received two awards for the garden—the Community Project Construction Excellence Award and the People’s Choice Award. Event attendees voted on the People’s Choice Award.
Jim Clary generously donated land bordering Bud Clary Chevrolet. Eric Pucci of Newrock Homes, Inc., contributed toward the majestic entrance structure, bridges and fencing, and gave many hours of volunteer time. The Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Longview donated materials and Lowe’s employees volunteered their time to construct a potting bench and help with planting. Two overgrown trees were saved and incorporated into the garden planting design created by volunteer Nancy Chennault. HD Fowler Company contributed toward two custom hand-built water features. Due to the efforts of local US Bank staff members, US Bancorp Foundation awarded a $1,500 grant.
CEO Greg Pang said, “The garden became a beloved project for contractors, donors, volunteers and staff. We are honored by the outpouring of support to create a beautiful sanctuary for the community. We are all touched by grief at some time in our lives, and so we all understand how important it is to support others going through the process.”
The Ken Henderson Memorial Garden depends on community support. Individuals and groups interested in making donations or volunteering may contact Community at 306.425.8510. To visit the garden by appointment or for special occasions, contact Shelley at smaryott-moore@chhh.org or 360.703.0336.
