CHERRY GROVE – During a Meat and Greet + Dessert Auction event hosted by the Cherry Grove Ag Society, President Barry Machan and Vice President Shea Hatch spoke about how vital volunteers are for a community, and expressed gratitude for the volunteers whose hard work makes the ag society’s events a success.
“Volunteers make a community,” said Machan.
The Meat and Greet + Dessert Auction was held on May 3 at the Cherry Grove Hall and was meant to raise funds to cover the costs of keeping the post office within the community by moving it to the hall.
The event included a barbecue dinner and tables full of desserts donated by members of the community to be auctioned off as part of the fundraiser. Attendees bid generously, while Hatch kept the crowd entertained as the auctioneer. A chocolate cake made by Diane Gillan took home the highest bid at $199.
“This event was put on by some great volunteers . . . they prepared the whole dinner – they cut the potatoes, wrapped the potatoes, cooked the potatoes – people went and bought steaks and delivered them here – they delivered the barbecue. It’s amazing. It took about a dozen people to make this event happen,” said Hatch.
Hatch described the group of volunteers as important members of the community that show up and share their community spirit.
“They’re good neighbours that just want to enjoy being in this community – enjoy being with people and have these fun means and events together . . . We can’t do this without the volunteers, so we really appreciate [them],” said Hatch.
Marcy Huber, treasurer of the Cherry Grove Ag Society has been on the board for over three years and started volunteering a few months prior to joining the board. Huber said her family has always been supportive of helping, and she learned about the importance of volunteering from a young age.
“I believe it is so important to teach our children that values, service, and community friendship are needed in this world. I love seeing the love and service that people have, and I want to create traditions that can change the community for the better and also help inspire generations to come,” said Huber.
Huber said she loves getting to know her community, and seeing the joy that comes from the events, and the way people come out to support them.
“I love helping to be part of the change that can help us grow as a community,” said Huber.
Machan said there are eight people on the Cherry Grove Ag Society board, and they are looking to add three more board members.
Cherry trees
Hatch said the Cherry Grove Ag Society has a small committee that is planning a future project to put in a grove of cherry trees.
“The big audacious goal is to plant a grove full of cherry trees that blossom early for weddings, and for people to come and [enjoy]. The bigger goal would be that every neighbor in the community has a cherry tree in their front lawn blossoming at the same time."
The committee is looking to take soil samples, exploring cherry tree varieties that offer the longest blooms, and searching out the best locations.
“We have experts that are already working on the greenery and vegetation that would be best. We’re going to start with 100 cherry trees,” said Hatch.
