Steve McConley credits his wife, Doreen, for his interest in growing plants. Doreen brought solid gardening skills to their union, and Steve appreciates her encouragement. The McConleys have a garden at their Bernardston home, and now Steve shares that passion with others through his place of employment, The United Arc of Franklin County, where he is facilities supervisor.

For people with developmental disabilities or challenges, horticulture can be a wonderful outlet and healing modality. Indeed, anyone can benefit from connections with plants, regardless of age, economic status, or intellectual ability. For local folks accessing services through The United Arc, there have developed special bonds between people and plants, thanks to what seemed like a minor moment a couple of years ago.

“I had a hanging plant outside my office,” said McConley. “One of our residents asked if I could show her how to plant flowers, so I worked with her on a project. It went great, and I wondered if maybe others would be interested.” McConley’s willingness to go the extra mile for one person mushroomed into an annual event involving dozens of people.

The third annual Gardening with Steve event took place Friday, May 3, in the parking lot of the Arc’s Summer Street offices in Greenfield. “Our first year (2022), we had 21 people participate,” said McConley. “Last year, there were a few more, and this year, about 30 people signed up.” McConley added, “Even with that many people, it’s not hard to coordinate, because it’s well organized and I have lots of help.” The festive site included tents, working tables, soil and plants. Participants chose greenery and flowers in their favorite colors, and got to work as staff members offered help when needed. Upon completion of their projects, participants were treated to a barbecue, presided over by McConley, who grilled hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and salmon. “I’m hoping at least a few will try the salmon!” he said. Staff members contributed a variety of salads, which turned the luncheon into a feast.

Attendees had the option of creating hanging baskets to decorate spaces outside of their apartments, or potted herbs and flowers to grace tables or window sills. While some of the plants go to residents’ homes, others brighten the Arc’s Summer Street office or administrative offices on Avenue A in Turners Falls. And even those who didn’t wish to get their hands dirty at the event had a great time: “We always bring games so everyone has a chance to enjoy themselves,” said McConley.

Last year, for those with an artistic bent, McConley cut 55-gallon barrels in half, turning them into planter tubs which participants were invited to paint and decorate. “They expressed creativity by choosing their favorite colors and inventing their own designs,” said McConley. The tubs were then filled with soil and colorful flowering plants, and placed outside of Arc offices.

Arc affiliates can be found across the country; readers have likely heard of the local chapter and have at least a vague understanding that the organization supports people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps these citizens achieve goals of inclusion, choice and independence. But delving into the local affiliate’s history reveals a surprising fact: The United of Franklin County Arc has roots in a 1951 letter to the editor sent to the Recorder by a mother seeking support for her two sons.

A local woman named Rita Marguerite Canedy was dissatisfied with options available to her as she tried to advocate for her two sons, both of whom were developmentally disabled. In fact, the term “options” wasn’t even used, since parents facing Canedy’s challenges were generally given one option: institutionalization. Many such parents were told by doctors and counselors to put their children away, and to forget about them and go on with their lives.

Canedy wanted something better for her children. Parents around the country had similar aspirations and began to reach out to each other, which must have taken considerable effort before the introduction of the internet. In 1950, parents from around the country gathered as a group for the first time, meeting in Minneapolis. They formed The Arc, then known as the Association for Retarded Children. (In the 1970s “Children” was changed to “Citizens.” Since then, the term “retarded” was dropped due to its pejorative connotations.) The Arc became the first organization to put money into research on intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout the 1950s, it strongly advocated for research, asking Congress for full support for an International Research Plan.

In western Massachusetts, however, Rita Marguerite Canedy only knew her boys deserved better than what they were getting. She wrote a letter to the editor of the Recorder, courageously sharing her situation and asking if anyone else was in the same boat. According to the local Arc website, other parents came forward and helped Canedy launch The Arc. In 1960, it was incorporated by Canedy and her co-founders, including Edward H. Letourneau, Robert L. Archer, Jeanne E. LaMontagne, Edward M. Evans, Fred R. Renfrew, and Lillian G. Wells.

These days, the organization provides a flexible array of services for individuals and families. Sandi Vecchio, The Arc’s events and communication generalist, keeps the public informed about what’s happening within the organization, and also runs a weekly group for folks who want to participate in fun activities ranging from making bird houses, playing games, cooking, and karaoke. “Next month, we’re going to do pickleball,” said Vecchio. Todd ‘Happy’ Boydton of the Greenfield pickleball group will show them the ropes. On Saturday, June 8, The Arc will host a 5K run/walk trail race at Bernardston’s Pratt Field. “People can go to our website to see what we’re up to,” said Vecchio, sporting a bee-themed T-shirt and wearing gardening gloves as she filled a container with vibrant plants.

Vecchio came to work for The Arc after decades of volunteering in organizations related to her three children’s activities, and believes that “inclusivity is very important to our community.” She lived in the area many years ago, and then married and raised her family in Boston. She and her husband moved to Franklin County a few years ago, taking up residence in Montague. “I love it here,” she said. “My husband is more of a city guy – he loves the hustle and bustle – but he’s getting used to it.” Vecchio is grateful to live in a place steeped in natural beauty, with traditions connected to agriculture and plants. She sees the Gardening with Steve event as an opportunity for people to grow, figuratively and literally. “People who’ve never gardened may not understand plant care at first, but they can learn. Steve is great at teaching them. [Participants] learn to care, and make a real impact by beautifying homes and offices.”

Vecchio pointed out a number of colorful birdhouses placed around the Grader Lane apartment complex owned by The Arc. Once the hanging planters started to go up, the contrasting hues of the bright birdhouses and spectacular floral arrangement really popped. “Steve helped the residents build the birdhouses recently,” said Vecchio. “We just love them. Look, some birds have already moved into the green birdhouse!”

McConley smiled and said, “That was a great project. The residents got to use multiple tools, including sandpaper, hammers, glue, and screw guns. I did prep work ahead of time to make it a little easier, but then they all did a good job.”

McConley emphasized that the Gardening with Steve event couldn’t happen without the support of sponsors: “Beck Auto, Dodge Landscaping, Doug’s Auto, and Robert Adams Contracting help make this possible. We’re so grateful to them.” He added, “The whole point is to have fun, do something useful, and enjoy each other’s company.” McConley’s philosophy is “there are no mistakes. Just give it your best and celebrate the day.”

Eveline MacDougall is the author of “Fiery Hope,” and an artist, musician and mom. Readers may contact her: eveline@amandlachorus.org.