Ottawa Pavilion debuts renovated butterfly garden

Family donations make upgrades possible

It’s fitting Ottawa Pavilion’s newly-renovated courtyard patio is a butterfly garden.

Sharon Slovinski, who lived at Ottawa Pavilion until her passing in July of 2018, was Ottawa Pavilion’s “social butterfly,” according to Activities Director Christine Simmons.

Simmons said Slovinski’s family asked people to donate to Ottawa Pavilion in lieu of flowers when she passed, and that money, along with money from the Godfrey family, went toward renovating the patio and the creation of a butterfly garden.

“She was just one of those people that always made sure to be involved in everything we did, right down to making popcorn in the morning,” Simmons said. “She would wake up excited to start activities and wouldn’t go to bed until all of us went home.”

And the butterfly garden is a hit with residents, Simmons said.

“We created a water fountain in the middle of the courtyard with all the plants,” Simmons said. “They’re perennials and they attract all the butterflies and hummingbirds. After being cooped up for so long because of COVID, it’s nice to have a space where they can get out of the building and get some fresh air and still be in a safe space.”

Simmons said families stop by to visit when the activities club hosts events.

Thomas and Patty Godfrey were residents at Ottawa Pavilion as well: When they passed, their family donated for the garden.

“The families donated to us, as well, for the garden when they heard about the renovation because they enjoyed being out on the patio with their families and residents,” Simmons said. “That was the inspiration.”

Administrator Lauren Wetzel said facility officials want the families to know their legacy still lives and it’s made an impact on all the residents in the building.

“I want to make sure they know they’re appreciated,” Wetzel said. “Their memory lives on here.”