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This self-guided tour will feature 10 select gardens from across Schenectady County. All proceeds from the event will go to scholarships offered by the organization — the world's for largest women's classified service, according to its website — to help women gain financial independence and freedom through education. According to its website, the organization's mission is to improve the lives of women and girls by programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

“This is our 19th garden tour and it's a major fundraiser. It’s how we support the women we help with our scholarships,” said Donna Gigone, one of the tour organizers and an 11-year member of Soroptimist Schenectady. “We really believe that education is the way that women and girls thrive in this world.



It’s their way out of poverty, abusive relationships, and other situations. It betters the community, their lives, the lives of their children and the world.” John and Maryellen Everston are the owners of the Deforest and Tower Street Gardens being featured in this year’s tour.

The couple began caring for their gardens as a retirement hobby and it keeps them busy. “It requires a lot of maintenance and clean up,” said Maryellen. “Every day of the week you always will have to do something.

It’s definitely like our full-time job now.” The Everstons landscaped the entirety of the gardens, complete with hand-assembled stone walls by Rich Jones of Poor Richard’s Landscaping. Their vibrant ga.

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