Contributed by Marlene Munsell,
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.
Some magical transformations have been taking place on our campus, from construction of a new apartment building to many garden upgrades, both here at WASI as well as at Mid-Valley Senior Center and Blueberry Pointe in Houston. The seed to upgrade the gardens was planted last summer when I visited with seniors who wanted to garden but could no longer do so because of physical barriers. Thus, we began to look for ways to make it happen.
In January, a grant from the State of Alaska COVID Cares Act for Older Adults came open and we were so blessed to be picked as the recipient of that grant. The Senior Garden Project ensures seniors have fresh vegetables available to eat, improving their nutrition. In addition, it greatly benefits those who feel isolated and alone as caring for a garden offers a purpose and camaraderie that some seniors find lacking in their lives. This project addresses both of those needs. It also offers a reason to get outdoors, challenges to solve, and reasons to rejoice. Glenda Willeford said, “It gives me a reason to get out of my apartment.” She has dialysis three times a week, but even when tired she goes out and checks on her plants. She just harvested her first tomato with immense pride! “This is my first time gardening,” she said with a big smile.
It has been amazing to see the transformation in the gardens, but most of all in the seniors who live here. The gardens are giving them a healthy and happy reason to gather together. More seniors are making their way out of the apartments to garden or just to walk around and admire the work of others. Wendy Mack said, “Some seniors come out at the same time and make it a social occasion. We have such a good time together.” Another senior said that she had not left her apartment at all. But now that she can enjoy gardening despite her physical challenges. She has a reason to come out.
Benito Gamboa, a WASI resident, had a vision to plant flowers at the WASI park for others to enjoy, and that was made possible when we received a huge donation of flowers from Jacobson's Greenhouse. Benito dedicates his time to making our campus pretty by trimming trees and bushes, and cleaning around all the landscaping. He would also like to see benches throughout our campus so seniors can sit and enjoy the outdoors. The Colony High School welding students and Home Depot teamed-up and made a bench for us.
The grant allowed us to purchase 5 greenhouses and 65 planters that are just the right height for those wanting to garden and for those who are no longer able physically able to bend.
Lastly, this program is open to any senior who wants to garden at either one of our campuses or at home. We were able to extend our supplies and help those who could not afford to purchase gardening supplies including many homebound seniors in our Meals on Wheels program. We have been blessed to have many community partners that have added to this project, and we are grateful for their support, especially Wal-Mart, Aurora Gardens and Jacobson’s Greenhouse who donated pots and plant material.
WASI is planning a “Block Party Summer Celebration,” Saturday, August 14th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to share and celebrate summer. Come see why we have been named Best of the Valley eight years in a row. For sponsorship and volunteer opportunities please call 907-206-8792 or email marlenem@alaskaseniors.com.
Comments from Meals on Wheels participants:
“Was unable to plant this year because of being in too much pain. The free plants really motivated him to start planting in his garden box.”
“Using garden plants for extra food as it is financially more difficult to come by. Very grateful for the plants because they are fresh and provide extra food.”
“Very grateful for assistance. Sometimes she cannot pay utilities and it is between food and utilities. Using garden plants for extra food.”
“Called to say thank you for the plants and she was so happy to see them growing on her deck.”
“Very grateful for plants. He said he was afraid he would not be able to plant anything this year and would not have been able to if not for the donation of plants from WASI.”