Last Wednesday I happened upon a pleasant scene when I went to the Neponset post office.
Sixth and seventh graders from Neponset Grade School were filling large flower bins under the tutelage of seventh-grade teacher Alicia Conner, and former teacher and still master gardener, Gail Pickering.
What a good way to end the school year and also beautify Commercial Street, the “main drag” of our humble little village.
Before the planting in each bin, Gale explained the needs of each plant, and the artistic reason for its spot in the container. The girl students seemed very interested in the process, and the boys—were jolly. But all were well-behaved and dived right into the planting.
The students who participated were the following: Aubree Murphy, Isabelle Sutton, Ashley Vizcarra, Jamilet Corral, Anna Duarte, Savannah Carder, Bria Bretado, Kenzie De Blick, Makenna Mammen, Warren Mott, Exavier Arjon, Levi Hoopes, Bryson Williams, Serenity Summerson, Sophia Nebinger and Reighan Barry.
Way to go, kids!
Gail Pickering has been carrying out this project for several years. It started when she and her fourth grade students made a butterfly garden at the grade school. From there it expanded to Commercial Street. Besides that, on her own, Gale plans and plants several other spots in town, including the public library. She maintains them all summer, watering them from a tank in her pick-up truck.
Financial backing comes from the Community State Bank, the New Hope Church, and the Village of Neponset. Appreciation comes from all the people who enjoy the beautiful flowers all summer long.
Your friend,
Carol Gerrond
