South Pasadena Healing Garden

Past News

School Board Meeting (08-24-2006)
Mieke Kramer presented the idea of a children's memorial garden to the school board, and asked for their verbal support. The intention was not to create more work for the board, but just to obtain a simple “yes, we think this is a good idea.” A unanimous “yes” was given.

We know that a great education goes beyond the walls of the school building, and penetrates deeply into the community as well. I believe that this memorial garden can help our children learn to deal with possibly the most difficult lesson of all: how to survive the loss of a loved one. Please help our students by putting the memorial garden on your agenda for a vote to simply give the school board's verbal endorsement of this plan. We thank you for your consideration.

Parks and Recreation Meeting (09-11-2006)
The idea of the memorial garden at Garfield Park was presented, and well received by all members of the board. The garden committee was encourage to expand on the development of the ideas for the design, and present a proposed plan of hardscape and landscape at the following parks and recreation meeting.

Parks and Recreation Meeting (10-11-2006)
Sketches of the proposed garden were presented, as well as answers to some concerns that were raised by the board members at the previous meeting. Samantha Atlas, a freshman at South Pasadena High School, informed the board that a memorial garden maintenance club was being established. The members of this club will commit their community service hours to upkeep of the garden. The parks and recreation committee voted unanimously on the approval of the children's memorial garden, contingent on the final design meeting the city's requirements.

Dear Members of the Parks and Recreation Committee,

On behalf of the Children's Memorial and Healing Garden Committee, I would like to thank you for your interest, and allowing us to present to you some of the ideas we have for the design of the garden. As you already know, the purpose of this garden will be to honor the children of all ages of South Pasadena who have passed away, as well as provide a serene place where members of the community can go to grieve, to remember, and to reflect. We hope that with our effort, we soon can join the list of many towns in this country that have already taken such initiative.

Parks and Recreation Meeting (12-13-2006)
The preliminary hardscape plans for the memorial garden were officially approved by the committee, and the green light to move to city council was given.

City Council Meeting (01-17-2007)
Veronica Dolleschel (Community Services Director) presented the official proposal from the Parks and Recreation Committee to the City Council with recommendation to approve concept, design and location. Mieke Kramer followed with answers to the questions several council members had regarding the organization of the garden committee, as well as the maintenance of the garden. After a short discussion, the City Council members voted unanimously to approve the children's memorial garden.

“The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed this item. The Commission recommends that the City Council approve the concept of installing a Children's Memorial Healing Garden at Garfield Park. The Commission supported this project because of its purpose, and because there would be no fiscal impact to the City for construction and maintenance.”

Rummage Sale at Saint James' (03-03-2007)
Thank you to all who participated in our rummage sale fundraising event. The sale was a huge success, and raised $5,000!

Rotary Club Donation (04-10-2007)
The Rotary Club of South Pasadena has donated $2,500 to go towards the construction cost of the South Pasadena Children's Memorial and Healing Garden. Dan Watson, president of the Rotary Club of South Pasadena as well as South Pasadena's Chief of Police, and Marchelle Sellers, Community Services Chair, presented Mieke Kramer and Kris Calvin, co-founders of the garden, with the donation on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at the club's weekly luncheon meeting.

Tea Party and Silent Auction (08-19-2007)
The tea party and silent auction, which was held at the historic Bissell House Bed and Breakfast in South Pasadena, was a great success. We raised a total of 2,600.00!

Children's Memorial Garden High School Club (09-15-2007)
A Children's Memorial High School Club was formed during 'Club Rush' at the South Pasadena High School. The club has about 50 members, and is led by Samantha Atlas The club will help with the physical construction of the garden, provide upkeep of the garden 3 to 4 times a year, provide information to families that may contact the school regarding the garden, act as outreach coordinator to fellow students that are dealing with loss, and fundraising, of which proceeds will help with the costs of upkeep (i.e. replacing plants, buying fertilizer, etc)

Girls' Night Out in South Pas.(10-30-2007)
2 Hours of makeovers, shopping, great food and great wine resulted in a net total of $1200.00 for the Healing Garden. A big thank you goes out to WineStyles, Puff, Organic Rush, and 750 ML who provided gift baskets and donated 10% of the proceeds to make this evening a great success for all!

Breaking Ground (03-03-2008)
The construction of the South Pasadena Children’s Memorial and Healing Garden has started! This would not have been possible without the generous donations of our caring citizens and businesses, and the guidance from the city of South Pasadena.

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