ABOUT OUR MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Full name: Catherine Wilkins
Pronouns: she/her
Biography: Born and raised in Eugene, doing the urban homesteading/frugal thing before it was trendy. I worked for St. Vinnies then became a stay-at-home parent. I like learning about business, psychology, board games, ballroom dancing, and of course, food preservation. My family is wonderful with my spouse, Paul, two sons, and a nephew. I love to see all that is accomplished individually and as a team in EAG. Personally, keeping the kids and myself sane is an accomplishment.
Q: If you were a fruit or vegetable, which would you be and why?
A: Bartlett Pear: classic Northwest, sweet, bruises easily
Q: Do you have a favorite food recipe?
A: Baked brie with my quince jelly
ABOUT YOUR EAG JOURNEY
Q: When did you join Eugene Area Gleaners (EAG)?
A: 2014?
Q: What inspired you to join EAG?
A: My friend Cyndi told me about it and I had grown up canning. Saving fruit (and money) was apealing… (or a-peeling!)
Q: What volunteer role(s) have you held with EAG?
A: Mostly glean leader (with breaks for newborns), some transportation
Q: Why do you love volunteering with EAG?
A: I love seeing team work to provide for families of all kinds. I’ve met a ton of great people and tried a ton of new foods!
Q: Do you have a favorite gleaning experience, cherished memory, or fun moment?
A: I love returning to sweet donors! I gleaned quince while pregnant with my second son (he was roughly the size of a quince at the time) and donor Tona took a photo of my by the tree. Last year I led the glean there with Simon being two years old and helping to pick! <3 Another favorite memory was the awesome hustle of a large group gleaning over 2,000 pounds of Asian pears the evening before the first frost was expected.
Q: What are your words or wisdom or tips on how to be a successful gleaner and EAG volunteer?
A: Gratitude, transparency, and hard work. Be open to trading or brainstorming for working with fellow gleaners.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share with our community?
A: My kids aren’t always excited to glean, but they have had some really good experiences. They love cider pressing. I’m also glad I recruited my mom to join EAG.
