Sue Storry, an OB nurse at Lakewood Health System, submitted the winning name for the memorial garden at Lakewood Health System, The Serenity Sanctuary. Storry had the honor of planting the garden's first tree. From left are Senator Dan Skogen, Lakewood President Tim Rice, Lakewood Foundation Director Connie Etzler, Sue Storry and Nola Varilek and Representative Mary Ellen Otremba. After dozens of name submissions and a panel vote, the memorial garden to be built on the west side of Lakewood Health System is now named the Serenity Sanctuary at Lakewood Health System.

A naming celebration was held Aug. 27 to celebrate groundbreaking.

Planning for the garden began in 2006 with an idea by Dr. Julie Benson, a family medicine physician at Lakewood. The master plan includes an amphitheatre, beach area, walking paths, gazebo, shrub maze, picnic area, fountains, bridges and more.

"In these economic times, I applaud Lakewood Health System for planning

a garden of this scale for our neighbors, friends and family," said Sen. Dan Skogen. "This garden will offer a place for reflection… to grieve and remember a loved one, to find peace in a difficult period of time and even celebrate life."

Representative Mary Ellen Otremba and Lakewood President Tim Rice also spoke at the ceremony.

Over 100 community members and Lakewood employees attended the celebration. Sue Storry, an OB nurse at Lakewood Health System submitted the winning name and had the honor of planting the garden's first tree.

The building of The Serenity Sanctuary will depend heavily on donations, both by Lakewood Health System, a non-profit organization and community fundraising. To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com/Foundation/ MemorialGarden