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Memorial Garden

In late 2013, Bellwether Harbor began development of a Memorial Garden where families may lay their pet’s ashes to rest, purchase a brick in memory of their pet, and come to reflect on the life of their pet.

Future MG

In order to develop the garden fully, support is needed to purchase the trees, shrubs, and other plants for the plan. For your donation, a plaque will be permanently be placed by the item with your name.

  • Tree                                                                                       $200
  • Shrub                                                                                    $100
  • Perennial area (roughly 1 sq yd)                                          $50

Bellwether Harbor is excited to be taking another step forward on our Memorial Garden. This spring we worked with a group of students from Newaygo County Career Tech (NCCT) to build an archway that will be the entrance to the Memorial Garden. A few years ago, with the help of another NCCT student, a design for the arch was created. In February, Dani Merrill, Executive Director, Carmen Froehle, Building and Grounds Coordinator, and Melanie Baden, Development Coordinator all of Bellwether Harbor, met with students in several different program areas at NCCT including: Construction Trades, Mechatronics, Welding and Graphics. They were presented with the design of the Memorial Garden Arch and  asked to develop a plan that included the best materials to use, size and scope of the project.

Thanks to these talented students from Newaygo County Career Tech for bringing the Memorial Garden Arch to life!
Thanks to these talented students from Newaygo County Career Tech for bringing the Memorial Garden Arch to life!

“The students were very thorough in their questions so they could full understand our vision. They brought up things we had not thought of ourselves, it was a great learning experience for everyone.” Remarked Baden of the initial meeting with the students. 

The students visited Bellwether Harbor to see firsthand where the arch would be placed, gaining a better understanding of what types of materials would look best with the current landscape. After a tour of the facility and meeting some Bellwether animals the students were back to work on the project. An impressive finial presentation was given by the students in May. Once final details were agreed upon, the students quickly got to work on building the arch.

“ To see these students put so much of their time and effort into a project they were unfamiliar with, and give it life, has been a rewarding experience.” Froehle said  “This arch is a lasting monument of what a community can do when they work together.” She added.

The Memorial Garden Arch Way and sidewalk installation will begin the week of June 20th.  Bellwether Harbor would like to thank NCCT for the donation of the arch and the bricks for the base. Their generosity was beyond expected and much appreciated. We would also like to thank the Estate of Robert Shurmur, his bequest allowed for this next step in our Memorial Garden. If you are interested in including Bellwether Harbor in your will or estate plan please contact Sara Wolfsen at 231-924-9230 ext 6.             

Other features:

  • Labyrinth                                                          $1000
  • Raised flower bed                                             $500
  • Wishing well                                                    $200

Engraved Bricks may also be purchased to memorialize your beloved pet. Bricks come in two sizes and will be used to line walkways, flower beds. Bricks will be engraved with your pet’s name.

                Small brick          $100                Large brick          $500

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