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Editorial
Area gardeners are getting into volunteer spirit
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Nearly everything public figures do during the run-up to the primary election is seen as political, but there are some things all sides can agree upon.
Outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Ganem are leading one example, encouraging Nebraskans to volunteer during ServeNebraska Week April 20-26.
"Volunteerism in our state is one thing that sets Nebraska apart," Ganem said. "Nebraskans are quick to step up to help others. Dave and I are honored to be a part of this week of service and encourage everyone in the state to lend a hand."
She is a former elementary school principal, and the couple will volunteer at McPhee Elementary in Lincoln next Thursday.
ServeNebraska Week tries to inspire Nebraskans to seek our creative ways to serve their communities, and we've noticed Southwest Nebraskans are doing just that, through the community garden concept.
Started three years ago by Dave Winder, McCook's first community garden is designed to provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the free community suppers each Thursday at Memorial United Methodist Church, the McCook Food Pantry, and anyone else who needs them. You can find out more by calling Winder at (308) 340-8733 or Kerri Long at (308) 737-5776.
Pastor Wayne Vogel is also heading up a new community garden effort, which we will detail in an upcoming story. (308) 737-7837.
And, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is getting into the act, obtaining a $25,000 grant from the Rural Futures Institute to establish a community garden this summer on the Curtis campus.
Not only will the project provide fresh produce for the community, it will provide a learning environment for NCTA horticulture students, 4-H clubs and the public at large.
"One goal is to partner with the University of Nebraska Extension Service through Frontier County in working with 4-H youth and provide a mentoring and service opportunity with NCTA's horticulture students," said Dr. Brad Ramsdale, chairman of NCTA's agronomy / horticulture division.
The garden will be southwest of Ag Hall on the NCTA campus. More information is available by contacting Tee Bush, NCTA assistant professor of horticulture, at (308) 367-5226.