Maple Crest Senior Living Community, Bluffton, dedicated a memory garden, pier and screened house, on June 9.

The $72,000 project and was raised from contributions from 150 donors. Donations were financial and in-kind gifts.

Nearly 75 elders, family members and friends attended the dedication.

A task force of Maple Crest elders including Bob Bowersox, Joanne Niswander, JoAnn and Art Hilty, Clarence Kooker and Burton Yost provided guidance and ideas for the project. 

Daren Lee and Doug Luginbill provided staff leadership to the task force. 

Corporate sponsors included R.D. Neff and Associates, Don Snyder Excavating, County Electric and New Leaf Landscaping.  

At the dedication both Laura Voth and Daren Lee commented on how the project supports Maple Crest's mission of providing purposeful living for elders.  

"Whether providing a space for fellowship, a safe environment to fish, or a place for silence and prayer, the Memory Garden will continue to be enjoyed by many," said Voth.

The service ended with the following words of dedication:

We are a community. Together we nurture one another. May our Creator bless this garden and these structures as they provide space for sharing stories, enjoying God’s creation, building community, relaxing, and remembering those who have blessed our lives. We pray that God’s presence may be experienced here and throughout the Maple Crest community.  Amen.