Harlowton, MT

Over a dozen strong volunteers gathered on one of the warmest days this year to relocate the Wheatland County food bank from the basement of the court house to a new location in the Federated Church.  The Wheatland County food bank is managed by the Ministerial Association and they are excited about the move.  The new location has more room, more shelves, and we will be better able to serve our customers.  The food bank will be available Tuesdays 10:00- 12:00 and Wednesday 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  Donations can be dropped off at any of the local churches, or at the court house and we will deliver them.   

Eight youth ranging in age from 4-15 years old gathered at the Harlowton Community Garden to harvest a meal and share with the elderly at the Senior Center for lunch. The youth created a delicious and fresh salad consisting of lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, green onions, and purple bell peppers. Also included in the harvesting process was an abundance of rhubarb to be washed, cut, and bagged for the seniors to take home and freeze. Enough was left over to bake a mouth watering, “rhubarb dump cake” for dessert.

 Harlowton’s Kiwanis Youth Center was the site of preparation for the luncheon, beginning with thorough, rinsing and cutting of the vegetables/rhubarb, and sharing in the tasks of creating the “dump cake”. Everyone worked together in a team spirit atmosphere and the end products were impressive.

The final step was to get to the Senior Center by noon, but the cake went into the oven behind schedule. Some of the youth decided to ride their bicycles to the Senior Center and inform the seniors lunch would be a little late. We arrived just in time to join the seniors for a lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches, beef vegetable soup and a fresh salad from the community garden.

The youth spread themselves out among the various tables and had the opportunity to visit with the seniors and enjoy the fruits of their labor. The rhubarb dump cake was a big hit, still warm, served with ice cream and enjoyed by all. What a delightful way to spend the day!

It is for everyone and anyone. Come and help there is plenty to be doneand a list of needs is located at the garden. To participate means to share in the harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It could simply be watering the plants, pulling weeds, mowing, weed whacking, or something more strenuous like helping to build a fence to protect the garden from the deer.

The garden is a place to grow a sense of community, expand our circle of friends, create better physical and mental health, reduce stress, and be a healthy example for our children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. The garden also provides nutritional benefits from the freshly grown organic vegetables.

On July 24, twenty-four youth from 10 months to 14 years of age arrived to paint the benches and stones that adorn the garden. Paintbrushes in had, each youth found that special rock to display their talents. Even some of the adults joined in the fun and allowed their creative juices to unfold before their very eyes.  It was a day of summertime fun for all involved.

We also have a summer series taking place at the garden on Thursday evenings from 7-8pm and all ages are welcome. See you at the garden! Contact Mandie Reed 632-4728 or Lea 632-4345 for more information.