Many people and businesses have helped with Garden of Reflection

Spectrum, by Kelly Marre

Thank you, Joel Davidson, for your article about the Garden of Reflection in the Tuesday, July 27 edition. We appreciate you taking the time to come out and see the progress made on the garden.

One thing that was not included in the article was that the majority of the cost of the trellis was donated by Wasilla Rotary. We appreciate Barbara Moroney and Wasilla Rotary for their contribution.

Wasilla Rotary is a very generous organization and we are grateful they took an interest in this community project.

We would also like to thank Curt Linder at Spenard Builder Supply for arranging for Spenard to donate a portion of the cost as well. Curt was easy to work with and graciously assisted us in ordering the materials needed.

We also owe a great deal of thanks to the youth group at Church on the Rock, who helped with the trellis. Youth leaders Jonathon Tutt and April Brost spent a large portion of the day building the trellis. They were assisted by several youths from the church. We owe a big thank-you to the following people: Traci Malone, Beth Sliwa, Nate Pope, Rachel Dargis, Patrick Weimer, Delanie Payne, Matt Marre, Casey Marre, and Meghan Marre.

There have been many other volunteers over the past year who have made it possible for us to get to this stage. I hope I don't forget anyone who has helped us turn our vision into a beautiful garden. Thank you to the following volunteers : Michelle Oathout, Laurie Payne, Kyle Werner, Kelly Hale, Denise Piatt, Amanda Piatt, Karen Carney, Pat Hale, Wendy Hale, Julie Fleming, Wayne Fleming, Rosie Fujimoto, Cy Pederson, Peggy Hogarty, Dr. Curt Menard, Amy Menerey, Lynda Chud, Karl Lund, Joyce Lund, Carole Oathout, Holly Fricker, Dorothy Wilson, Megan Wilson, Ken from Alaska Ponds, Jeff from Recluse Gardens, Helen at Alaska Monuments, Colleen Sullivan Leonard and Joan Matthews.

We have a lot of monetary and in-kind donors to acknowledge as well. Our donors are as follows: Palmer Kiwanis, P and M Gardens, Recluse Gardens, Alaska Ponds, Great Northern Engineering, Tax Help, Performance Air Motive, The American Legion, Carrs Wasilla, MTA, Palmer Elks, Dr. Coon, Dr. Strohmeyer, Dr. Menard, Dr. Hediger, Spenard Builder Supply, Wasilla Rotary, Gary and Carole Oathout, Connie Able, Jerry and Lisa Wanberg, Patrick and Kelly Marre, David and Cathy Loomis, Wendy and Pat Hale, Wayne and Julie Fleming, Jana Sieverson, Andrea McDowell, Wasilla Bible Church, Friends of Kathleen Smyth, Don Shiesl, Ron Sponholz and Wal-Mart.

If I have forgotten anyone, please let me know and I will correct my records.

We owe a huge thanks to Bert Lent from Group 3 Designs for his beautiful design for the Garden of Reflection. Bert was awesome to work with. He spent many hours with us to create such a beautiful, serene place.

Last but not least, there wouldn't even be a Garden of Reflection if it weren't for the staff at the city of Wasilla. We owe a special thanks to former mayor Sarah Palin, Mayor Dianne Keller, the city council, parks and recreation board, Don Shiesl, Archie Giddings, Ken Langlois, Jana Griffin and other amazing staff members at the city of Wasilla parks and recreation department. Every one of the staff at the city of Wasilla has been wonderful to work with. We appreciate each and every one of them.

I have to especially thank Ken Langlois for his many hours helping us and supervising our efforts. He has been a huge part of this project and we appreciate his willingness to work with us amateurs!

There will be a dedication of the Garden of Reflection held in conjunction with the Light the Night Walk, on Friday, Sept. 10. Please contact me at 373-1528 or Wendy Hale at 376-4170 for more information.

Thank you, Valley residents, for your ongoing support.

Kelly Marre is the co-chair of the Garden of Reflection committee.