Sponsors, volunteers gather for Brandon Hills gala
Clarksville, TN – Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan helped sponsors and volunteers kick off the growing season at the Brandon Hills Heritage Youth Spring Garden Gala on Tuesday.
The Heritage Youth Garden, at 1202 Commerce Street, was started by Geneva Bell as a community project to grow wholesome produce and teach youngsters about how food is produced. It is now managed by the UT Extension Service, with assistance from community volunteers, the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County.
Karla Kean, UT Extension agent, served as the event moderator, and Pastor Justin Radford, Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church, offered a Blessing of the Garden.
“The Brandon Hills Heritage Youth Garden helps our children grow and learn, and it helps us grow community,” Mayor McMillan said. “I want to thank Karla Kean and all the volunteers here today for pitching in to make the garden and this event possible. This kind of effort is what makes Clarksville such a special place.”
The volunteers broke away from tilling and planting the garden’s raised beds to enjoy the Garden Gala ceremony and a barbecue dinner.
In June, UT Extension will conduct a free five-week summer program for area youths that will include membership in the 4H Junior Master Gardener program.
To register for the program, contact Kean, kkean@utk.edu or Melanie Aiosa, mellaios@utk.edu at the Montgomery County Extension office 931.648.5725.
