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<br /> OaXO /06 FRI 19: 1 FA% 641 682 488Y EUGENE Pw MNTNC & POS PAY ADMIN X1001 <br /> ~ t ~ ~ ~ <br /> March 7, 20 <br /> CONTACT: <br /> • Chris Girard, Eugene Community Gardens Coordinator, 682-4845 <br /> • Alice ikens, Amazon Community Gardens Manager, 343-2874 <br /> • Jeni Tannenholz, Special Projects, Parks and Open Space, 682-4602 or 682-4800 <br /> t'OR IMME IATE RELEASE <br /> AMAZON OMMUNITY GARDENS MANAGER WELCOMES SPR[NG <br /> Alice Aikens loves to help things grow. As a volunteer manager for the Amazon <br /> Community ardens and steward of her own plot, she has many opportunities to watch both <br /> flourish. In er twelve seasons with the Eugene Community Gardens program, Aikens has <br /> been an act a part of building new fences around the garden, organizing various workshops, <br /> and facilitati g a contribution program to Food for Lane County. Last season alone, she and <br /> the other A azon community gardeners donated 2,243 pounds of surplus produce. <br /> Aike s values the feeling of community within the garden and appreciates that it extends <br /> beyond the ardening family. She knows this environment provides learning opportunities. <br /> "The key is duration, everyone should be a lifelong learner," Aikens says. Gardening provides <br /> an atmosp ere of understanding for all ages. "Youngsters don't appreciate (the growing <br /> process) ming from a frozen food culture," she claims. "There's a sense of accomplishment <br /> that comes from cultivating the seed-to-food process." It is not unusual to see children working <br /> along side an:nts in their garden. Families use this time to teach their children life-lessons. <br /> Th Amazon gardens provides a retreat for visitors of all ages who Mme to sketch, write <br /> i <br /> or photog ph. "Sunflowers-they love the sunflowers," says Aikens. Aikens, too, finds <br /> inspiration midst her flowers and vegetables as she paints with watercolor. For her, gardening <br /> is a three imensional art and takes visual aesthetics into consideration when planting. "Every <br /> year is like a new palette," she says and looks forward to this year's canvas. <br /> Fo more information or to register for a community gardens plot, call 682-4800 or visit <br /> 1820 Roo evelt Boulevard in Eugene beginning March 17, <br /> ublic Works • A,dministration+ City of..Eu~ene +858 Pearl "Street • Eugene, Or:~ 9~40i <br /> Phone: (541 682.5262• FA.X.: (541').662`-~6826~• www:ci.eugen~.or,us <br /> <br />