Tammy Graeber of the Garden of Giving in McMichaels was the speaker at the Western Pocono Lions Club last week. She detailed the history of her growing garden, how her project of caring came to be and what is currently going on at the Garden of Giving, thanks to the help from area farmers, some 70 volunteers, including youth groups, RSVP folks and church members.

As of the latest tally, the Garden has impacted several area food pantries and at least two soup kitchens with donations of fresh produce and herbs.Among the donations are 5,874 ears of corn, 231 heads of leaf lettuce, 183 of romaine lettuce, 101 heads of cabbage; and 60 heads of broccoli.Also given out were 266 bunches of parsley, an equal number of basil, over 280 zuchini, 190 cucumbers and 50 peppers.The harvest continues on different days, matching crops ready to calls from food pantries, serving any number of families on those different days.The need for more volunteers and financial donations to purchase equipment like a tractor, an irrigation system and coops for the planned-for chickens remains constant.Anyone wishing to be part of the project can reach Graeber at (570)402-1282 or check the web site: thegardenofgiving.org for more information.The club added a new member to its roster, Cindy Rodenbough. She has the honor of being the first new Lion being installed by Lions District Governor Bob Kelsey. Lion Cindy was presented a Lions shirt and her membership pin.Recognized by Lion Club president Helen Koshensky as her Lion of the Month was PDG Bob Argot. She cited his support and service in various areas.The club will be active at the West End Fair all week, with help from members of the Western Pocono Lioness Club, and is planning several other events, including White Cane Day at Kinsley's on Oct. 2 and Oct. 14 in honor of White Cane Safety Day on Oct. 15.Also being planned is World Lions Day and the related community service project for Oct. 9, taking residents from four senior homes out for a tour of the flaming foliage of the area. Lion Chris Sweeney, PCC, is again organizing the event that he has been overseeing for 33 yearsThe club will next meet Sept. 15.