Raffle helps bring school/community garden closer to fruition

Pictured from left to right, co-owner of Smitty's Jon McClelland, elementary school nurse and winner of the 50/50 raffle Colleen Brackett, and co-chair of the Garden Project Committee Lori Dollard.

April 2, 2009 – The Garden Project Committee raised more than $1,000 from a 50/50 raffle sponsored by Smith’s Tavern (Smitty’s) last weekend.

The proceeds will be used to help plant a 30 x 70 foot raised-bed garden on the Voorheesville Elementary School grounds this spring. In fact, the grand opening ceremony has been scheduled for Earth Day—Wednesday, April 22.

The owners of Smitty’s, Jon McClelland and John Mellen, credit their customers generosity, extra effort by the restaurant staff and a worthwhile project as the recipe for such overwhelming success.

“Not only will the Voorheesville Garden Project help educate young people about proper stewardship of the land, teach gardening skills and promote healthy eating habits, but a portion of the produce grown will be donated to the local food pantry,” said McClelland. “We’re proud to participate in this school and community initiative.”

Local resident and Voorheesville Elementary School nurse Colleen Brackett received the grand prize—$500 cash for holding the winning ticket.

“I’m happy to donate to such a worthy cause,” said Brackett. “I’m looking forward to the many educational opportunities the garden will bring to our students and larger community.”

Several other raffle prizes were awarded, including:

• A wheelbarrow of garden gifts donated by the Mackey Family (Winning Ticket: 327782)

• A garden statuary donated by Olsen’s True Value Hardware and Garden Center (Winning Ticket: 3657194)

• Two gifts baskets of select wines furnished by SMD Selections Inc. (Winning Tickets: 326365 and 326756)

• A $25 gift certificate to Hewitt’s Garden Centers

• A George Foreman grill donated by Kohl’s Department Store (Winning Ticket: 326439)

To help ensure the garden becomes a reality this spring, local businesses, residents and students have been making financial contributions. Funding was also secured earlier this year from the Voorheesville Community & School Foundation, Voorheesville PTA and New Scotland Kiwanis Club. Learn how you can help.

Elemental Landscape Inc. has generously donated their services to construct the garden, while Cornell Cooperative Extension master gardeners will help students and community members plant a variety of produce, herbs and flowers.

“The community has been extremely supportive of this entire project,” said Garden Committee Co-Chair Bri McAlevey. “Watching our small town work together to accomplish a community-oriented goal has been a heartwarming experience—it’s truly one of the benefits of living in Voorheesville.”

Stay tuned for updates. Please also feel free to visit the garden committee project Web page or e-mail vvillegarden@gmail.com.