When: May 8, 2010, 10am-12pm – orientation
Where: YMCA 377 Broadway; Garden will be at Downing Park
Why: Every family has the right to fresh, organic, economic foodLast year we highlighted the
Ashe Urban Garden Project. That project was for high school students. But how would you and your entire family like to participate in an urban garden project in Newburgh at no cost to you? Well this Saturday, May 8th, at 10 am at the YMCA, there will be a family orientation introducing the project. They will also provide background information on gardening.
Five families are needed whose food budget would be greatly effected by this free produce. On May 22nd, at 10:00 am, the families will meet at Downing Park to build the garden plots and plant the initial seeds/seedlings.
Each family will be assigned two 4 ft by 8 ft plots and be responsible for maintaining them over the summer. They will be asked to sign a contract that lays out their rights and responsibilities. There is no monetary charge for the families, just the time and energy to prepare and maintain the plots. There will even be Spanish interpreters available. All of the materials will be provided through donations. Participating families will receive detailed training so that they know how to plant, tend, and harvest the vegetables. There is also the possibility of bringing a chef to one of the sessions to show people ways they can prepare the fresh vegetables for eating. Another option to families might be to sell their produce at the Farmer’s market held at Downing park each Saturday during the summer.
Please spread the word about this project. There are many needy families in Newburgh who could benefit from fresh produce. And, this is a great example of people coming together to help out others in the community. This is a great way for families to spend time together and reap the benefits of what they are sewing. Summer vacation can be a boring time for many children, but with an urban garden, children can focus their attention on something positive and parents can spend quality time with their kids. For more information please contact:
Ross S. Topliff
rtopliff{at}verizon{dot}net
845-728-1769
