NORWAY — ‘What I love about the Alan Day Community Garden is that it is a little piece of Eden right in the center of Norway,’ said Tina Merritt. ‘It is a place where you can go to plant seeds and cultivate life! This is an exceptional gift for those who do not have the means or space to create their own gardens.’

Tina is Project Management Officer and SharePoint Administrator, VP at Norway Savings Bank, and one of over 15 team members who have given of themselves to the betterment of the Norway community through volunteering at the Alan Day Community Garden (ADCG).

‘I do everything from cleaning the property to getting it ready for growing season by raking, painting, pulling up weeds planting seedlings, and harvesting raised beds,’ said Tina. ‘Recently, with their new kitchen addition, I’ve conducted two sourdough workshops to teach people how to cultivate their own bread starter to make homemade breads.’

Tucked away off Whitman Street, the beautiful garden is open to anyone seeking meaningful connections and healthy, affordable food. From educational demonstrations to people growing their own food, the organization promotes organic, sustainable methods to support an enduring community food system. The organization also offers a crop share program, farmers’ markets, and even a free youth leadership program.

In addition to contributing the time of team members, Norway Savings is proud to have offered significant financial support to the Alan Day Community Garden in recognition of its commitment and purpose.

‘The generosity of Norway Savings has helped sustain a safe and welcoming place where generations gather together with a common belief of creating and growing a sustainable food system in Oxford County. The donations also help promote youth education and enhance food distribution networks,’ said Cyndy Tinsley, a member of the garden’s Board of Directors.

The garden’s impact extends far beyond the soil and into the hearts of those who encounter it.

‘ADCG helps kids like me be able to experience all of the life-changing opportunities that the garden has to offer,’ said one youth leader who served in the garden’s summer program. ‘The ADCG taught me all about what a community truly means. Community isn’t just a bunch of people living together in one area. Community is land, living organisms, and the desire to help each other. Community is a strong connection between everyone and everything.’

ADCG is named for Alan Day, a community activist who lived for many years in the Oxford Hills area and made it known that the largely abandoned wet field and barn where ADCG now sits would make a great community garden. Day’s accurate vision was brought to fruition by his daughters and their mom.

What began as a tribute in 2008 has become a center of education, community engagement, and joy.

‘We envision a community where fresh, affordable food is accessible to everyone. Thanks to Norway Savings Bank and so many donors and volunteers who have rallied around this vision, we continue to experience remarkable success and growth,’ said Rocky Crockett, Executive Director of ADCG. ‘From the many youths who learn here to the thousands of healthy meals and pounds of fresh produce distributed, the garden has positively impacted countless lives and we are so grateful.’

There are many ways to support the ADCG, including volunteering for a day or money and material donations. To learn more, visit www.alandaycommunitygarden.org/volunteer or www.alandaycommunitygarden.org/donations. To check out a schedule of upcoming workshops and events, visit www.alandaycommunitygarden.org/events.

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