Fundraiser to support garden project

April 11, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

KINSMAN

Kinsman residents love their library, especially members of The Patchwork Foundation, a group of local moms passionate about education, community and fitness.

The Patchwork Foundation has organized a 5K run/walk to raise money toward the Kinsman Library’s Wellness Garden Project.

The event will take place Saturday in Kinsman. Pre-registration starts at 8 a.m. at the Kinsman Library, and the race starts at 9 a.m. A 1-mile race begins at 9:15 a.m.

This is the second year for the event, and Laisa Thompson, president of The Patchwork Foundation, said 270 people participated last year. More than 350 are expected this year.

“We anticipate a big turnout,” Thompson said. “Last year, we had people from as far [away] as Pittsburgh and even North Carolina participate. We want families to come out and get involved and have a good time. It’s a great opportunity to get fit while supporting a good cause.”

Plans for the library’s Wellness Garden Project, which will be constructed on the east side of the library, have been in the works since 2009.

The reading garden will include a sound system, Wi-Fi access, permanent benches, a stage for programs, a spot for a tent to be erected and numerous elements geared toward children.

Darla Bates, director of the Kinsman Library, said the reading garden will be unique and impressive.

“The Hubbard Library has a small outside reading garden, but I don’t think anyone else in the area has one like the one the Patchwork Foundation is planning,” Bates said. “We are really looking forward to using it for our summer reading program.”

Thompson said problems accommodating crowds during past summer reading programs helped spark the idea for the outdoor reading garden.

“One hundred kids or more come to the summer reading program from Kinsman and surrounding communities, and it has been a challenge accommodating everyone,” Thompson said. “The reading garden will solve that problem and also be a nice addition for everyone who uses the library throughout the year.”

Bates said the reading garden also will come in handy for special library programming such as guest speakers.

“Currently, we have to use the children’s activity room, and our space is limited,” Bates said, adding, “We are really grateful for the Patchwork Foundation’s initiative — for coming up with this concept and working so hard to make it a reality.”

J. Gilmore Design of Cort-land is designing the reading garden. Thompson said The Patchwork Foundation hopes to have the project completed next spring.

“We are hoping to receive grants, such as an America’s Farmers Grow Communities Grant, and we are planning to have another 5K run next year. We still have about $40,000 to raise,” Thompson said.

Besides Thompson, members of the Patchwork Foundation are: Leslie Bates, Denise Berg, Jessica Logan, Lisa Miller and Tristan Rice.

It costs $15 per person to pre-register for the 5K event and $17 to register on race day. There is a family rate of $45.

The race will start at the library, continue down Main Street in Kinsman and proceed into the Kinsman Lakelands.

All kids who participate will receive a medal and books from Scholastic.

Cash prizes of $75, $50 and $25 will be awarded to the top male and female winners. For more information about the race, visit http://ktown5k.com/ or call 330-240-6660 or email ktown5k@embarqmail.com.