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Children spruce up library’s garden

Tribune
Provided to the TribuneMembers of the Kids Enrichment Circle, from left, first row, Jack Percival, Casey Dixon and Rachel Kaufer; second row, Sam Dixon; and thrid row, Cailin Stephensen, Morgan Kaufer and Tanner McAvoy take a break from their gardening.
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Armed with gardening tools, soil, plants and a community service attitude, seven Tahoe youths assembled at the El Dorado County Library recently to donate their time and effort in creating a beautiful perennial garden. They also hand painted 50 bookmarkers and sold them for $1 each, with all proceeds going to the literacy program.

The Kids Enrichment Circle, as they are called, includes Tanner McAvoy, 8, Casey Dixon, 9, Cailin Stephenson, 7, Rachel Kaufer, 10, Morgan Kaufer, 7, and Jack Percival, 8.

“This circle has evolved so much in the past five years. We began this circle when most of our kids were still in diapers,” said Lisa McAvoy, one of the mothers. “Out intention was to teach our children to think outside the box and to be individuals. We wanted to give them the opportunity to learn spirituality, ecology, diversity, tolerance, the arts and the gift of selfless service in a non-competitive, supportive environment.”



The kids are encouraged to put their ideas together at the beginning of each year with regard to what they would like to study, create and contribute to the world. The children are so incredibly creative and generous and they are the true teachers.

“Unfortunately, our culture tends to overwhelm us with the illusion that material success brings happiness. Most American families are exhausted and get swept down the ‘river of need.’ We are lured into thinking our kids need too many possessions or should be enrolled in every activity presented in order for them to be happy. Very few of these activities are service oriented. Teach your kids to give back to their world,” McAvoy said.



It has been found that this type of circle brings balance to the chaos and a genuine understanding of what creates true happiness, not just momentary enjoyment. People do not need to be rich in order to be generous. The reward is how they feel.

“We wish to thank Meeks nursery department in Meyers for their donation of plants and soil. We also thank the library staff for accommodating us and we encourage everyone to add to the garden,” Mc Avoy said.

Anyone wishing to create a Kids Enrichment Circle of their own contact McAvoy at (530) 577-8854 for more information.


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