LITTLE CURRENT—The highly anticipated grand opening of the new residents’ courtyard outdoor gathering area, ‘Mary’s Garden,’ at Manitoulin Centennial Manor took place on Saturday, June 22 with a great barbecue and plenty of laughter and camaraderie. The new courtyard is named for the late Mary den Otter, a former resident of the Manor.
The courtyard project was made possible through a generous donation by the den Otter family and Ms. den Otter’s husband Joe and her son Alan were on hand for the event.
“This would not have been possible without the generous donation of the den Otter family,” said Manor Administrator Don Cook in introducing Ms. Den Otter’s son Alan.
“Good afternoon and welcome,” said Mr. den Otter, who provided a land acknowledgment at the beginning of his address. “Our family has been blessed to call this our home for most of our lives.” Mr. den Otter went on to note that the space “embodies a couple of mom’s principle philosophies, ‘time outdoors grounds us and rejuvenates one’s spirit,’ and ‘time working in one’s garden provides a comforting connect with Mother Nature.’”
Mr. den Otter went on to highlight the many people whose caring and thoughtful guidance has ensured the completion of “this wonderful project.”
Mr. den Otter thanked landscape architect Jennifer Harvey, landscape contractor Hans van Schayck, Manor administrator Don Cook, the Manor board and former Manor fundraising chair Wendy Gauthier (who the family met with to discuss the project).
“The den Otter family is extremely pleased this incredibly tranquil outdoor user-friendly space will be enjoyed for many, many years by Manor residents, their families, Manor staff and administration as well as the community at large.”
“I think the weather is good for the garden,” joked Joe den Otter, addressing the steady downpour that did nothing to dampen spirits at the event. Mr. den Otter went on to describe the family’s arrival in Canada in 1961 and the welcoming and friendly atmosphere they found here on Manitoulin. He spoke of the many community activities enjoyed by his wife Mary, including singing in the Little Current United Church choir and working in her gardens.
“What better way to honour her memory than a courtyard memorial garden,” he said. “What would Mary think and feel about her garden? I honestly believe she would be flabbergasted and deeply touched.”
The garden courtyard, which overlooks Low Island Park, is fenced in for residents’ security, but the black chain links all but disappear when looked through from any distance. A portion of the fence will also be replaced with clear glass panels soon.
The gardens include a sandbox for visiting grandchildren to play in, many perennial flower gardens and plenty of seating and gathering areas. Plans for a gazebo are also in the works.
Following remarks by Mr. Cook and the den Otter family, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes and Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha offered their congratulations and admiration for the sight and the generosity of the den Otter family.
The total donation from the den Otter family is still somewhat in flux, but is well in excess of $250,000.
