City of Beaverton Members Plant "Giving Garden"

Members tend garden; donate produce to food pantry

SEIU members at the City of Beaverton gathered on June 8th at the Kennedy Garden at 103rd and Kennedy St. in Beaverton at their community garden plot.

“The Mayor approached me about a month ago and asked if I thought the Union would want to tend a garden plot and then donate the food to a local food pantry. I said sign us up — I thought it was a great way we could participate in the community,” says Kathy Gaona, the Union’s Secretary who is both a resident of Beaverton and works in the City’s Finance Department.

“I think it’s a great way for more of us who work in Beaverton to become familiar with our City,” explains Leigh Crabtree, the Union’s Vice President who is a City Planner.  “It’s a way for us to get out there and work next to the residents we serve on a daily basis.”

According to Kristin Fidler, who is both a Reference Assistant in the City Library and an avid gardener, “working in the garden plot will be a productive way to spend the break I’m allotted in the middle of my 10 hour work day.  I will love spending time in the garden.”

Lawrence Arnbrister, a City Building Inspector and the Union’s President spoke strongly in support of the Union sponsoring and tending the garden plot, “I think it’s a great way for the citizens to see that besides being dedicated to our jobs, our Union members also see the importance of giving to the community, especially in these tough economic times.  Union members are part of and care about our communities.” 

Press coverage in Beaverton Valley Times

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