Cranberry's Meeder wins award for garden efforts
CRANBERRY TWP — Gardens do a lot more for communities than just beautify them.
Lorin Meeder believes gardens help a person relax, and also promote environmental awareness. Plus, they provide overall enjoyment for the gardener and community alike.
“They beautify the place and show that we care,” said Meeder, environmental programs coordinator for Cranberry Township,
Meeder was recently honored for his role in creating and maintaining the township's gardens, receiving the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Silver Seal Award at the 89th GCFP Convention. The award is given to an individual other than a garden club member for special contribution toward the advancement of the work of garden clubs.
The GCFP is a charitable, volunteer organization where members share interests in gardening, civic beautification and floral design. Additionally, the state organization promotes conversation of natural resources, environmental and legislative issues through local clubs.
Rose Romboski, Southern Butler County Garden Club coordinator of the Community Garden at Graham Park, said Meeder worked with their group as a liaison for the development of the club's community garden, adding how he made tremendous progress over the course of just one year.
Meeder said work on the local garden was included as part of the 2017 Cranberry Community Chest's Project of the Year. The project improved sports courts at Graham Park, but also included $50,000 for the garden and orchard.According to the garden club's submission letter nominating Meeder, he began meeting with members as soon as the property was secured for the garden. He worked to coordinate installation of various elements and often stopped by to check on the progress.“From the groundbreaking to the dedication, Lorin was there every step of the way,” the letter states.The club also noted Meeder's “wonderful spirit” and devotion to the community, having recently celebrated his 45th year with the township.Meeder said he was honored to receive the award, and thankful that his job with the township allowed him to work on such projects. However, he downplayed the importance of his role.“I was kind of just doing my job, I thought,” he said with a laugh.
