Robert L. (Bob) Ziesmer, Danville, was awarded the Garden Club of Kentucky Enrichment Award at the 2019 state meeting held in Berea in April 2019. The award is given annually to a non-garden club member or organization that exemplifies the goals of the Garden Club of Kentucky.
Bob Ziesmer supplies not only his friends in the community with produce from his gardens, he supplies Grace Cafe, a local non-profit pay-as-you-can restaurant committed to serving fresh, healthy, local food regardless of the patron’s ability to pay for it.
His newest project is to raise vegetables which are typically found in Syrian markets for the two Syrian refugee families who have recently settled in Danville. Not only does he provide for his Syrian friends, he has introduced these exciting and exotic vegetables into the greater Danville community.
Working with Centre College students and students from Boyle County High School, Bob has expanded his efforts in planting more and larger gardens to provide these “new” vegetables. Around town, he is known as “Centre Grandpa.”
The award was presented by Donna Smith, GCKY first vice-president, and Gigi Biles, state historian and member of the Garden Club of Danville, who nominated Bob for the award.
Submitted by Gigi Biles
