Cortland Acres holds Grand Opening for High Tunnel Greenhouse

Cortland Acres invites the community to attend the grand opening of its new high tunnel greenhouse at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10.
Join West Virginia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick and Cortland Acres residents, families, staff and board members as they cut the ribbon and celebrate the first West Virginia retirement community to have a high tunnel greenhouse.
Cortland Acres Administrator Beth Clevenger said the new greenhouse will allow Cortland Acres access to fresh produce, vegetables and herbs.
“This high tunnel will allow our dietary staff to use fresh produce, vegetables and herbs when they prepare meals for our residents,” she said. “In addition this will give the residents in our independent living facilities of Pineview and The Pines the opportunity to grow some of their own food.”
Development Director Dan Bucher said Cortland Acres approached Commissioner Helmick several months ago.
“We asked about the possibility of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture donating a high tunnel for our 35-acres campus in Thomas,” Bucher said. “He responded positively and here we are today. We are ready and excited to grow our own fresh vegetables.”
Work began in July and with the help of local volunteers it is nearing completion.
“This was truly a community effort as we have volunteers here several days to get the structure up and operational before the fall,” Bucher said. “One volunteer in particular, Jerry Ours, a Nutrient Management Coordinator/Poultry Specialist for the state Agriculture Department of Moorefield, was very instrumental.”
The Cortland Acres campus includes a 94-bed long-term care facility, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation center and programs, rental apartments in Pineview and townhouses in The Pines. For more information or to set up an appointment call 304-463-4181 or visit www.cortlandacres.org.