Submitted by Karen Woolhouse, UUCLC
A new contemplation garden called “Janeane’s Calm Place” has been added to the property at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lake County (UUCLC) in Eustis. Members of the public are invited to stop by the church property at 1235 Mount Homer Road in Eustis, to enjoy the quiet and the cool shade of the oak trees.
The garden was dedicated on Sunday May 18. Rev. Kristina Spaude said: “Today we dedicate this space to calm, kindness, and tender care for ourselves and each other. May you find rest and renewal in this space, may you remember Janeane with love, and may you find ways to honor her memory in this congregation and the world.” Janeane’s husband, Bernie Greenberg, read a poem which he had written for the occasion.
Janeane Reagan of Altoona, a much loved member of the congregation, died in May 2024. She worked tirelessly for the congregation, and her passing was a huge loss. Several of her friends formed a committee to create a suitable memorial for her, and came up with the idea of a “calm place” for quiet reflection as something very appropriate to her memory.
The committee raised money for the contemplation garden and supervised its creation. Committee members were Christina Wilkins of Mount Dora, Karen Frank of Eustis, Wendy Pacek of Altoona, Bernie Greenberg of Altoona, and Karen Woolhouse of Howey in the Hills. The plants were all sourced from Struthers Nursery in Astatula, and Hegwood Landscaping of Clermont did the installation.
Janeane’s Calm Place joins a pollinator garden to provide two themed gardens on the UUCLC property, along with the other landscaping and trees. Both gardens are wonderful enhancements to the beauty of the UUCLC property. The public is invited to visit the property to see the gardens.
