Thursday, September 11, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
School Supply Night At The Garden
As an additional effort to help the kids in his neighborhood, Cub held the first School Supplies from the Georgia Street Garden event yesterday. It was a smashing success, with over two dozen kids showing up to get their school supplies and backpacks! Over a dozen children got haircuts courtesy of Cub's friend Purcell, who had 'em lined up and waiting for his handiwork!
Not only were there school supplies available, but all of the books that have been donated were available for the kids to take too, and they went very quickly. I am amazed at the children's desire to learn and this event was a fine example of that as each and every child waited patiently in line to get both their supplies, book bags and books. There were a wide range of ages as well, from pre-school to mid-teen, so the event reached a variety of kids.
Not only has the Garden solidified the neighborhood adults, it has given children hope that someone cares enough about them to help them prepare for school. To have witnessed the look of delight on the children's faces was a treat that I have been lucky enough to have witnessed, and I am proud to say that I have been a part of this effort.
My most sincere hope is that by seeing other adults take such an interest in these kids that the people that are actually responsible for them will step up and spend some time with their own children. We must lead by example in order to be effective and turn the tide of abandonment that has been the norm for far too long in this city. Children need to have the adults that are present in their lives spend QUALITY time with them in order to grow and prosper.
Posted by: PlymouthRes from DetroitYes.com
Education is the key to enlightenment, and the program started at nowhere that I have seen in the city provides that message more clearly than the Garden.
One of the other things that I noticed was the police presence in the area. Not only did we see some of Detroit's finest on Saturday night cruising the neighborhood, but they drove by during the event on Sunday, too. They are beginning to pay attention to the areas that want them there, and Cub and his neighbors that have called the Community Action lines are beginning to get the response that the neighborhoods of Detroit desperately need if the residents are going to feel safe and secure in their own town.
I was impressed to say the least.
Many thanks to Blueidone and MrBlueidone, who spearheaded the effort to collect supplies and the many others who have supported Cub, the Garden and this very worthy effort. They and people like them are the reason that these kids will start their school year with excitement and enthusiasm, and they should be applauded for their effort.
Lastly, if you all want to see people who truly care about other people interacting, them I urge you to come out to the Garden next Saturday night or, for that matter, any Saturday night in the future. It will,perhaps, encourage you and drive you to donate some of your time to this very worthy and fruitful effort.
Not only were there school supplies available, but all of the books that have been donated were available for the kids to take too, and they went very quickly. I am amazed at the children's desire to learn and this event was a fine example of that as each and every child waited patiently in line to get both their supplies, book bags and books. There were a wide range of ages as well, from pre-school to mid-teen, so the event reached a variety of kids.
Not only has the Garden solidified the neighborhood adults, it has given children hope that someone cares enough about them to help them prepare for school. To have witnessed the look of delight on the children's faces was a treat that I have been lucky enough to have witnessed, and I am proud to say that I have been a part of this effort.
My most sincere hope is that by seeing other adults take such an interest in these kids that the people that are actually responsible for them will step up and spend some time with their own children. We must lead by example in order to be effective and turn the tide of abandonment that has been the norm for far too long in this city. Children need to have the adults that are present in their lives spend QUALITY time with them in order to grow and prosper.
Posted by: PlymouthRes from DetroitYes.com
Education is the key to enlightenment, and the program started at nowhere that I have seen in the city provides that message more clearly than the Garden.
One of the other things that I noticed was the police presence in the area. Not only did we see some of Detroit's finest on Saturday night cruising the neighborhood, but they drove by during the event on Sunday, too. They are beginning to pay attention to the areas that want them there, and Cub and his neighbors that have called the Community Action lines are beginning to get the response that the neighborhoods of Detroit desperately need if the residents are going to feel safe and secure in their own town.
I was impressed to say the least.
Many thanks to Blueidone and MrBlueidone, who spearheaded the effort to collect supplies and the many others who have supported Cub, the Garden and this very worthy effort. They and people like them are the reason that these kids will start their school year with excitement and enthusiasm, and they should be applauded for their effort.
Lastly, if you all want to see people who truly care about other people interacting, them I urge you to come out to the Garden next Saturday night or, for that matter, any Saturday night in the future. It will,perhaps, encourage you and drive you to donate some of your time to this very worthy and fruitful effort.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Lifetime As Sweet As Honey
Detroit Free Press: Article by Tony Lascari
Photo by Kevin Benedict
The sign hanging in John Bacon's front yard is simple but effective. The black and yellow "Honey" sign advertises his sweet homemade product.
Bacon, 85, has worked with bees for 75 years. He helped his dad with bees in 1933, and his family got their own hive in 1934. He's continued since, with a break during World War II.
Bacon still collects bees when swarms form in the community. He uses his bees to pollinate two local orchards and sells the honey they produce.
"This year has been a pretty good year," he said, with the bees producing good amounts of honey and several people in the community contacting him to collect swarms.
"I've had eight swarms this year," he said. "It's more than I've ever had."
This year he had an unusual experience when he was asked to remove a swarm from a runway at MBS International Airport. He had to leave the runway for two landings and a takeoff before he could finish his work. He estimated he collected 10,000 bees at MBS.
Bacon sells his honey for about $1.15 per pound. His bee journal from 1970 shows the price at 13 cents.
His most popular size is a quart jar, which he said is about three pounds and goes for $4.50. Comb honey has picked up in popularity with people interested in healthier foods, he said.
He used to distribute it through Jack's Fruit & Meat Market in Bay City, Essexville and Midland, but now he does business from his home in Auburn.
Bacon was born and raised on a farm and was drafted into the military in 1943. After going to gunnery school, he flew 25 combat missions over Europe. He got shot down on Aug. 9, 1944, and became a prisoner of war. He was liberated around May 9, 1945, in Germany.
He returned to Michigan and worked at Dow Chemical Co., then went into carpentry before becoming a mail carrier. But Bacon has always been interested in bees.
His bees are kept in his backyard and a portion of Bacon's garage is dedicated to honey production and storage.
He said the work is fun and productive and he's never had any trouble with the neighbors.
"I told them if there's a problem I'd move them out," he said, and it hasn't been an issue.
Bacon is a member of the Saginaw Valley Beekeepers Association, and he's seen increased interest in recent years.
"The last couple of years there's a lot of hobbyists getting into it," he said, with people wanting to care for the bees and sell honey to friends.
The bees are fairly easy to maintain and produce the honey on their own.
"You keep them alive and make sure they have room, and that's about it," he said.
The sign hanging in John Bacon's front yard is simple but effective. The black and yellow "Honey" sign advertises his sweet homemade product.
Bacon, 85, has worked with bees for 75 years. He helped his dad with bees in 1933, and his family got their own hive in 1934. He's continued since, with a break during World War II.
Bacon still collects bees when swarms form in the community. He uses his bees to pollinate two local orchards and sells the honey they produce.
"This year has been a pretty good year," he said, with the bees producing good amounts of honey and several people in the community contacting him to collect swarms.
"I've had eight swarms this year," he said. "It's more than I've ever had."
This year he had an unusual experience when he was asked to remove a swarm from a runway at MBS International Airport. He had to leave the runway for two landings and a takeoff before he could finish his work. He estimated he collected 10,000 bees at MBS.
Bacon sells his honey for about $1.15 per pound. His bee journal from 1970 shows the price at 13 cents.
His most popular size is a quart jar, which he said is about three pounds and goes for $4.50. Comb honey has picked up in popularity with people interested in healthier foods, he said.
He used to distribute it through Jack's Fruit & Meat Market in Bay City, Essexville and Midland, but now he does business from his home in Auburn.
Bacon was born and raised on a farm and was drafted into the military in 1943. After going to gunnery school, he flew 25 combat missions over Europe. He got shot down on Aug. 9, 1944, and became a prisoner of war. He was liberated around May 9, 1945, in Germany.
He returned to Michigan and worked at Dow Chemical Co., then went into carpentry before becoming a mail carrier. But Bacon has always been interested in bees.
His bees are kept in his backyard and a portion of Bacon's garage is dedicated to honey production and storage.
He said the work is fun and productive and he's never had any trouble with the neighbors.
"I told them if there's a problem I'd move them out," he said, and it hasn't been an issue.
Bacon is a member of the Saginaw Valley Beekeepers Association, and he's seen increased interest in recent years.
"The last couple of years there's a lot of hobbyists getting into it," he said, with people wanting to care for the bees and sell honey to friends.
The bees are fairly easy to maintain and produce the honey on their own.
"You keep them alive and make sure they have room, and that's about it," he said.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Reading Night at the Garden
The Cubster and (I'll keep her name private). This was a really fun night talking with Cub and PlymouthRes and Mrs. Res. I enjoyed it. Not having to talk about Mary Poppins and Sponge Bob brings me back to life. Politics are not allowed in the Garden. There are some heavy-duty Obama supporters there and I respect that. Plus, I think I'm out-numbered.
Mrs. Cub makes the best hotdogs. I even ate the buns. This means walking 15 miles to keep those buns off my back! I made sure to bring an extra batch of cupcakes. All the kids are extremely polite with "Yes, ma'am" and "thank you". Who couldn't give respect back for that? These are some great kids.
The Movie was "Are We There Yet?" I've seen it before. The lead character reminds me of Cub. The grown-ups got to sit around and yap while all the kids were engrossed with the movie.
Cub's tomato plants at dusk. I have to look through my files for PlymouthRes reading to the group and will get them up in the morning. Had a really nice, somewhat outrageous talk with Mr. & Mrs. Res and Cub. Hoping to get to know all of them as time goes by. The question? What do we all do in the winter?
Detroit Gardening
DETROIT
Megan Kohn was watering the neighborhood garden in Romanowski Park when 8-year-old Saba and her friend Alea came by to see what was going on.
After the girls asked to help, Megan directed them to get trowels out of her red truck parked 11 raised garden beds away.
As the trio cleared a bed for planting seedlings, Saba said, “I love gardening, It’s cool. It’s nice. And you can get your hands dirty without getting yelled at. You get to plant things and when they grow, you pick them.”
Such interaction between kids and adults is one reason that Ms. Kohn, an urban agriculture apprentice for the Greening of Detroit (www.greeningofdetroit.com), is encouraging families in the neighborhood to come to the garden to work, visit, and harvest fresh produce.
Another reason is that she and others see such urban gardens – 355 of them so far, planted throughout the 139-square-mile city – as vital to the revitalization of Detroit, often called a rusted out industrial city.
“Food is essential to daily life,” says Ashley Atkinson, director of urban agriculture for the Greening of Detroit, which started in 1989 as a reforesting program for the city’s neighborhoods, boulevards, and parks.
Today, with 25 percent of the land in the city vacant due to the removal of many residential and commercial buildings, Ms. Atkinson has been instrumental in developing gardening and youth education programs to help stabilize and redevelop neighborhoods.
“We have a good model,” she says. “People are coming across the country to see what Detroit is doing.”
The success of Detroit’s urban gardens is more than just food production, however. It’s about connecting people and restoring their confidence so that they can rebuild their neighborhoods. “We build relationships before we do soil tests,” says Atkinson. “That ensures that the gardens are scaled correctly and not too overwhelming to the people who will work on them.”
The Hope District is one example of how the project works. Located at a four-corner bus stop, the Hope District comprises gardens, storefronts, a farm market, entertainment, and a skills training center.
The Peace Zone for Life, a small wooded area, was created as a place for neighbors to settle their conflicts.
The Cadillac Garden, dubbed in honor of Detroit’s founder, grows herbs while Miracle Park features a 24-hour prayer circle surrounded by 21 new fruit trees.
The Butterfly Dream Garden provides residents with a space to draw their dreams on small billboards and then work to make them happen.
Mike Wimberley has taken the lead on these efforts and enlisted the aid of 60 to 70 percent of the neighbors. He also rehabilitates local housing and commercial properties through Friends of Detroit and Tri-County, a nonprofit organization that his mother, Lily Wimberley, founded in 1994.
“What we’re doing is to start with one block, and we don’t dare move until we take care of that one block,” he says.
Another key ingredient to the city’s gardening success is Earthworks, founded in 1997 by Rick Samyn of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen (www.cskdetroit.org) on Detroit’s East Side.
Brother Rick noticed that the poor were buying their food at gas stations, and kids were calling Coke and chips a meal. He began a small garden in a vacant lot and two years later developed six other lots by removing debris and regenerating the soil with compost.
The gardens now supply food for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, which prepares 2,000 meals per day, and the Gleaners Community Food Bank (www.gcfb.org/site/PageServer), which distributes 25 million pounds of food each year.
Four years ago, Earthworks added a 1,300-square-foot greenhouse that produces more than 100,000 vegetable seedlings for family, community, and school gardens across the city.
However, gardening is not just an economic or a community-building asset. It’s considered therapeutic and healing, especially for urban children who often live in a violent and unsafe world.
“The toughest children derive a sense of pleasure and accomplishment by growing plants,” says Sister Nancyann Turner, manager of the youth program at the soup kitchen.
She provides classes in gardening, cooking, and the arts in addition to offering tutoring services and a children’s library.
“Gardening stretches their imagination and stirs their spirits,” she adds. “They are less violent, and there is less crime.”
More than 200 children per week participate during the school year, and 50 to 60 kids sign up for summer programs that include a Peacemaking Camp.
Gardening provides the children with “active entertainment” where they build and create something out of nothing, says Sister Nancyann, who sees it as an alternative to the “passive entertainment” of television and video games.
“It’s so important in a world that is so wounded not to lose our sense of awe and wonder,” she says. “The children were amazed at the eight-foot sunflowers they planted from seeds.”
The urban garden movement began in Detroit in 1992 when Jimmy and Grace Lee Boggs, local labor and civil rights activists, envisioned a different future for the city since it was clear that industrialization was gone forever.
They founded Detroit Summer (www.detroitsummer.org), a multiracial, intergenerational collective that works to transform citizens and their communities by confronting problems with creativity and critical thinking.
“Actually, it was a blessing that Detroit no longer had the illusion of expansion,” says Mrs. Boggs, now in her 90s. “You can bemoan your fate or, as the African-American elders taught, you can plant gardens.”
As the garden movement caught on in the city, partnerships developed among people and organizations and became known as the Detroit Agricultural Network (DAN).
Each summer for the past 11 years, DAN has held a two-hour bus and bicycle tour to show off the community gardens to the public and to demonstrate how gardens are influencing larger issues such as reducing crime, cleaning up trash-strewn lots, connecting people to nature, nurturing leadership in citizens of all ages, and improving property values.
Photo and article by Olga Bonfiglio CS Monitor
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