FRANKLIN –     June 9 at 11 AM the  Franklin VNA & Hospice will celebrate the dedication of the Teuscher-Wilson Hospice Garden at its 75 Chestnut Street location in Franklin. The garden, named in memory of Kathy Wilson and Kathy Teuscher, two dedicated Franklin VNA & Hospice employees who started the Hospice program, will feature a brick patio where anyone can purchase a memorial brick engraved with the name or message of their choice.  The garden will be open for everyone to enjoy.

“The garden has been such a labor of love,” says Barbara Normandin, Franklin VNA & Hospice’s Executive Director. “Here is a space to remember a loved one, honor the work of the Hospice staff and volunteers, and be present in a peaceful supportive place.”

Thanks to the work of volunteers, who donated labor and supplies, WRSD Agricultural students and support from Watts Water Technologies and the Franklin Elks Lodge #1280 the garden is becoming a reality. In addition to the Memorial Brick patio, it will feature flowers, a path leading to benches to rest and relax, and Kathy’s rock, a stone meditation circle.
Creating a garden is no small task, thankfully Watts Water Technologies was early to recognize the importance of the project and to stand behind the Franklin VNA & Hospice as a Founding Donor.

Speaking with Franklin VNA & Hospice, Mike Mullavey, a Design Engineer at Watts Water Technologies, reports, “We are so happy to help support your hospice garden project.”
They are not alone in recognizing the importance of a memory and meditation space.  Past Exalted Ruler of the Franklin Lodge #1280, Steve Bourdeau says, “By adding Franklin VNA & Hospice to the other agencies and services we currently partner with, we can only improve the lives of those whom we touch through these acts.”

The dedication ceremony is open to all and the garden will be as well. Normandin stresses, “The community is welcome in the garden, everyone needs a safe, peaceful place for quiet and contemplation, whether that is a local business owner down the street, the members of our grief support group, or a hospice volunteer.”

Franklin VNA & Hospice is an independent, non-profit organization established in 1945 to serve the Home Health care needs of the community. They provide home care, Hospice, clinic and community education services to Andover, Belmont, Boscawen, Canterbury, Franklin, Hill, Northfield, Sanbornton, Salisbury, Tilton, Webster and surrounding towns, as requested.

For more information on sponsoring a Memorial Brick or partnering with them for a stronger level of support for the Teuscher- Wilson Hospice Garden, call Franklin VNA & Hospice at (603)934-3454 or visit www.FranklinVNA.org.