Watchung Hills Elks Supports “Sensory Garden” at the Somerset Children’s Center
In March the Watchung Hills Elks Lodge #885 presented the Somerset Children’s Center with a $4,000 donation to be put towards the replacement of their outdated playground with a “Sensory Garden.” The garden is an area where children with multiple handicaps (Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and other communicative disorders) can find an environment that is conducive to rehabilitation and treatment. The funds were coordinated from a number of different sources. ENF Chair Joann Bataille secured an ENF Anniversary Grant in the amount of $1,500. The Lodge 885 English Trust Fund matched the Anniversary Grant for another $1,500, and our Special Children’s Committee fund donated $1,000.
The following people were involved in working on this opportunity: Danny Larsen, Lodge 885 ER; Joann Bataille, Lodge 885 ENF Chair; Marc Steinberg, Somerset Children’s Center BOD Chairman; Michelle Waiser, Lodge 885 member and Trustee at the Somerset Children’s Center; Mindy Hoppe, Director of the Somerset Children’s Center; Kim Devizio, Lodge 885 member and English Trust Fund BOD member; Stephanie Zitsch, Lodge 885 PER and English Trust Fund BOD member; Pia Grant, Lodge 885 member and English Trust Fund BOD member; and Betty Volker, Lodge 885 PDDGER and Special Children’s Committee Chairperson.
Not yet a member? Are you interested in making new friends, providing direct service to veterans, special children or making a difference in your community? Consider joining the Elks – We have 7 acres of property, a members-only lodge/bar, swimming pool and other facilities. Start by contacting us at membership@elkslodge885.org or visiting our website at elkslodge885.org.
Submitted by Michael Ryder
(above, l-r) Danny Larsen, Joann Bataille, Marc Steinberg, Michelle Waiser, Mindy Hoppe, Kim DeVizio, Stephanie Zitsch and Betty Volker.
(above) “A sensory garden is a garden environment that is designed with the purpose of stimulating the senses. This stimulation occurs courtesy of plants and the use of materials that engage one’s senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. It may be used as a calming place and as a gentle way to stimulate the senses.”
