Lamoille Area Board of REALTORS Members Give Back to Community
Members of the Lamoille Area Board of REALTORS rolled up their sleeves this June to make a meaningful difference in their community, volunteering their time and resources at two local organizations in need. In the spirit of service that defines the REALTOR® community, LABOR members split into two teams to bring beauty, nourishment, and care to residents at The Manor nursing home in Morrisville and the Lamoille Community House homeless shelter in Hyde Park. “The REALTOR® community is built on the foundation of strong, healthy neighborhoods. Events like this remind us why we do what we do — not just to help people buy and sell homes, but to invest in the communities where we live and work. We’re proud of every member who showed up and got their hands dirty this week,” said Steven Lawrence, Chair of the Community Outreach Committee of LABOR.
Growing Food and Community at Lamoille Community House
A team of LABOR volunteers (pictured above on the far left is Steve Lawrence, Chair of the Community Outreach Committee, joined by residents of the LCH, and on the far right, Marcia Marble, Jeff Teplitz of Union Bank and Susan Martin) made their way to the Lamoille Community House in Hyde Park, on Friday, June 5, where they tackled an ambitious garden project from the ground up. Volunteers shoveled four yards of dirt and compost to fill nine raised garden beds, then planted them with a variety of vegetable plants and seeds that LABOR members purchased specifically for the shelter. The gardens will provide residents with access to fresh, homegrown produce throughout the growing season.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was the opportunity to work side by side with shelter residents, who joined the volunteers in the garden and took an active role in the planting. The experience offered not only the practical benefits of fresh food but also the therapeutic and community-building power of working together in the soil.
Brightening The Manor’s Gardens in Morrisville
One team of LABOR volunteers (pictured above, left to right: Realtors Amy Thompson, Leslie Rollins, and Susan O’Rourke), headed to The Manor in Morrisville on Tuesday, June 2, where they transformed two cherished outdoor spaces for residents. Volunteers planted vibrant flowers in the raised beds located in the courtyard — a gathering place where residents love to exercise and enjoy the fresh Vermont air. The team also planted colorful arrangements in the planters throughout The Manor’s peaceful meditation garden at the building’s entrance, creating a welcoming and serene atmosphere for residents, visitors, and staff alike. These outdoor spaces are an important part of daily life at The Manor, providing residents with a natural sanctuary to relax, reflect, and connect with the changing seasons.