Living tribute approved for Orange Memories courtyard

By Ian MacKay

ROSETOWN – Councillor Kimiko Otterspoor now chairs the Orange Memories Management Board.

Councillors also approved a suggestion, during their May 19 regular meeting, that provisions be made for a "living tribute" in the care home's courtyard.

A living legacy. Town councillors have approved the installation of a memorial garden of flowers, shrubs and trees at the Orange Memories care home, creating a living tribute to loved ones who once called the facility home. PHOTO BY IAN MACKAY

Families could donate a tree, shrub or flowers "in memory of loved ones," according to a letter received from the home. Recommendations from town staff and engineers would be followed in terms of species and placement, the letter said.

Engineers have set out "what to stay away from" around the 20-bedroom care home, Amanda Bors, the acting chief administrator said. There's not much room for more trees, Bors noted.

Recreation director Kelli Emmons suggested creating a list of approved plants "because you don't want rose bushes that require a lot of maintenance."

People could contribute toward a specific item, said Jason Hunter, who'd been elected vice-chair of the management board.

Otterspoor, one of five councillors on the board, was elected after those attending the May 13 meeting "unfortunately accepted the resignation of Gerry Clark," she said during the council meeting.

The Clark resignation leaves only one member at large instead of two and Bors said the departure would be mentioned at an upcoming meeting of Orange Memories family members.