The local treasure we have in the Armed Forces Pavilion and Community Garden in downtown Auburn has recently been enhanced with a Kindness Rocks Garden. These beautiful and uplifting rocks were painted by Placer County 4-Hers and various individuals at different 4-H events over the past year. Azelie Wood coordinated these efforts, and on Friday, May 8th, 2020, installed the rock garden to complete her 4-H Emerald Star Community Service project. Azelie is a high school senior from Auburn, and has been an active 4-H member for the past 11 years.
The Kindness Rocks Project is a cultural trend with a mission of spreading positivity, saying that 'One message at just the right moment can change someone's entire day, outlook, life.' This philosophy is always helpful, but is especially appropriate during this time when people might be needing extra reassurance and peace. (Information about this trend is available on the internet.)
It is hoped that both 4-H and community members will keep replenishing this rock garden of kind thoughts, as it is for all of us to share. Azelie has this advice: "This is a really fun thing to do at group gatherings, and it's a great way to teach kids, and all of us, about how words matter. Choose a simple but impacting message, use acrylic paints, and remember to spray or paint over finished rocks with a weatherproof fixative. Children can participate by painting the backgrounds of rocks, and then older kids and adults can add the words."
Azelie would like to thank Robinson Sand & Gravel for the rocks, Donna Arz and the Forgotten Soldier Program for the perfect location for the garden, and all who have supported her in this project.
Author: Azelie Wood