Garden to table a great option for Club Life Optons Work Directions team

GREEN THUMBS: Danny Ford at front, from left, Richard Jiang, RegionalOne Credit Union business development manager Michael Smith, John Fidler, Tim Clayton, Donald Rogers and instructor Phil Cutts. A donation from RegionalOne Credit Union has enabled McCallum Disability Services to purchase equipment that can be used in their outdoor program. FOR members of the Dirtbombs, getting dirty hands in the garden is nothing to be worried about.The six belong to Club Life Options Work Directions, a community training unit at McCallum Disability Services.They meet regularly to grow, then cook their own vegetables at the Creswick Rd site.At the same time they learn an important message about environmental sustainability and water conservation.Instructor Phil Cutts said the program had helped the six learn life skills and gain confidence."We try to be self-sufficient," he said."What we grow we are going to use in cooking programs. And it's about education and what you need for a sustainable garden."There is a lot of satisfaction for them to watch something grow from seed, then to pick it and use it for cooking."A water tank, pump, and barrels to grow the plants were bought with a $2000 grant from RegionalOne Credit Union. Business development manager Michael Smith said he was pleased to see the results of the garden."It's very much about giving small parcels of money that will make a big difference," he said."From our point of view it's great to contribute to something that might not have otherwise happened."