Corning Rotarians joined local Boy Scout Troop 2 to plant six apple trees in the Kate Danforth Memorial Community Garden Saturday, May 5, 2018.
The project was Corning Rotary’s response to Rotary International President H.S. Riseley’s challenge for every Rotary Club to plant trees this Rotary year, which began July 1, 2017.
The trees were purchased by the Corning Rotary Club from the Big Flats Garden Center and delivered by Rotarian Phylis Jensen to the Community Garden on Saturday, May 5. Varieties include Cortland, Empire, Honeycrisp, and Northern Spy. “The fruit these trees will bear over the years will serve as a sustainable representation of each of our members as our Club continues to grow,” said Corning Rotary President Ted Goldwyn.
Earlier this year, Boy Scout Troop 2 Committee Member James Johnson approached Corning Rotary about a joint service project. The Scouts are required to perform community service hours for each rank advancement. “This joint project helped accomplish this goal while providing a long-term benefit for the community,” said Johnson, further explaining, “The idea behind working with Rotary was to show the Scouts that service to the community goes beyond earning your rank advancement and should be a lifelong commitment.” Chartered by Christ Episcopal Church since 1916, Boy Scout Troop 2 is one of the oldest Troops in the United States.
“The trees make a fitting addition to our Community Garden,” said Corning Rotarian Stu Sammis, who was the impetus behind the creation of the garden, located in South Corning behind the Town Justice Court. The garden was started in April 2016 after a year of planning and was later dedicated on June 10, 2017 in memory of late Rotarian Kate Danforth. Corning Rotary is planning a second community garden this year at the Corning Community Food Pantry.