The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received June 19, 2023.
What a wonderful community we have! After learning about Bibi Jana Khan missing her garden in Afghanistan, in one short week HaARP volunteers, lead by Lori and Alan Chatwick, helped the family prepare a vegetable garden at the rear of their home. Azam and the boys worked with volunteers to prepare the soil. He and Bibi Jana planted.
In addition to the family and volunteer labor needed to prepare the soil, other gardening essentials were generously donated. Plants were donated by Lauren at Town and Country Nursery, Melissa Gibson at Wellstone Farms, and by John Anderson. The Haddam Garden Club donated rich compost. Judy Hodgson donated a wide variety of essential gardening tools. Fencing was donated by the McKinnons and by Amy Harlow.
Now the Khans have a beautiful garden planted with a wide variety of vegetables of Bibi Jana’s choosing. She and the family are so delighted. It brought a sense of home and belonging to our new Afghan neighbors.
Marijean Conrad, Haddam
Editor’s Note: HAaRP is a group of local residents who have worked to relocate the Khan family from Afghanistan to Haddam.
Photo provided by Marijean Conrad
