https://www.europesays.com/1949114/ Civic Virtue in Divisive Times #Advocacy #bipartisanship #BuildingBridges #BuildingCommunity #CommonGround #discourse #Politics #Unity

Join me on an epic Lego City Livestream Adventure! From blunders to brick-tastic builds, I'll share my behind-the-scenes story. Watch now: https://bricksandbuilds.charleshartmann.com/bricks-blogs-and-blunders-my-lego-city-livestream-adventure/ #LegoLivestream #BuildingCommunity #MOC (My Own Creations)

Consider planting an extra row for the hungry in your garden this spring

If you’re going to plant fruits, vegetables or herbs this spring, why not grow some extra for your local soup kitchen or pantry?

By JESSICA DAMIANO, March 18, 2025

"If you’re gearing up to plant fruits, vegetables or herbs this spring, why not grow some extra to donate to your local #SoupKitchen or #FoodPantry?

"The national #PlantARowForTheHungry campaign, launched in 1995, has been encouraging home and community gardeners to do just that every year to help feed neighbors in need of fresh food.

"The program was spearheaded in 1995 by Anchorage Daily News garden columnist Jeff Lowenfels, who wrote a column encouraging his readers to plant extra crops and donate their harvests.

"After seeing the impact that his column had on local food donations, Lowenfels partnered with GardenComm International, then known as Garden Writers of America, to enlist garden columnists all over the country to promote the cause in their own communities. Since then, more than 20 million pounds of produce, providing more than 80 million meals, have been donated through the campaign by home gardeners.

"'All of this has been achieved without government subsidy or bureaucratic red tape — just people helping people,' according to organizers on the campaign’s website. And there’s no big advertising campaign, either — just garden columnists and their readers spreading the word."

Read more:
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/03/18/gardening-for-the-hungry/
#BuildingCommunity #FoodInsecurity #FoodSecurity #SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens

#LovelandCO - Still a green thumb: Loveland high schooler keeps up community garden started when she was 10-years-old

Story by Austin Fleskes, March 22, 2025

"Lauren Dietz was only 10 years old when she signed up for a Thompson School District contest to make an impact in her community. When the fifth grader at New Vision Charter School won, she used the money for a community garden to try and cut down on food insecurity in Loveland.

"That garden is still operating today, and the 15-year-old Mountain View High School freshman has no intention of stepping away from it.

"'I wouldn’t want to pass this off to anybody else,' she said. 'This is a passion project that I love doing and I want to keep doing it.'

"Lauren’s Community Garden offers 10 metal planting plots at the Loveland Youth Gardeners’ farm in east Loveland where residents can plant and grow their own food. Throughout the season, they are given the chance to work with other gardeners and and even get advice from LYG master gardeners to learn more about the ins and outs of growing.

"The free opportunity asks only that the gardeners be able to tend their space at least 30 minutes every other day and volunteer some of their time with the #YouthGardeners.

"Lauren won the Thompson Kids Can Change the World contest in 2021, receiving $250 with the goal of making a positive difference in her community. She said she looked to set up the community garden because she saw the impact of #FoodInsecurity on her community during the pandemic, explaining as she stood near the 10 metal planting plots at the Loveland Youth Gardeners’ farm in east Loveland. She said she saw the contest as an outlet to address that.

[...]

"Residents looking to apply to be part of the community garden this year can do so online at lovelandyouthgardeners.org. The growing season runs from May through October and those looking to apply must do so by May 1."

Full article:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/still-a-green-thumb-loveland-high-schooler-keeps-up-community-garden-started-when-she-was-10-years-old/ar-AA1BqkCl
#BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #SolarPunkSunday #Colorado

#Ohio: #PerryVillage #CommunityGarden returning for fifth year

Story by Bill DeBus, March 17, 2025

"Perry Village is preparing for another season of planting at its community garden in Lee Lydic Park.

"Village Councilman Mike Glover provided a couple of updates on the garden during council’s March 13 meeting.

"Village resident Denny Shimko 'graciously volunteered to rototill the garden again this year,' Glover said.

"'He usually does it as early as he can, but definitely by May 1,' said Glover, who also serves as chairman of the village Parks Committee.

"This year, the garden will be divided into 12 plots for individual growers, Glover said. Some of the plots are 20 feet by 20 feet, and others measure 10 feet by 20 feet, he noted.

"In 2024, Perry Village decided to make eight 20-by-20-foot plots available in the garden. All of those tracts were claimed by gardeners, and three people had to be turned away, Glover said during a 2024 council meeting.

"By giving people the option to choose 20-by-20 or 10-by-20 plots, additional spaces were created in the garden to accommodate more growers, Glover said at a council meeting in January.

"This is the fifth year of the community garden at Lee Lydic Park, 3954 Call Road.

"In 2021, Perry Village decided to develop the garden on the site of a sand volleyball court that received little use."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/society-culture-and-history/holidays-and-festivals/perry-village-community-garden-returning-for-fifth-year/ar-AA1Bhqs1
#BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #SolarPunkSunday #PerryVillageOhio

#MonroeCountyMI - Got a library card? You can check-out a free #GardenPlot in Monroe

by Susan Nolan Wisler, March 23, 2025

MONROE COUNTY — "Now that it's spring, it’s time to reserve your community garden plot. Monroe County has several options, including some plots that can be checked-out free with a library card.

Monroe County Library System

"'The #BedfordBranchLibrary and the #BlueBushBranchLibrary both have garden plots that patrons can utilize. It is very similar to borrowing a book, but you 'check-out' a garden plot for the whole growing season. You can find them in our online catalog,' said Barbra Krueger, who works in community outreach for the Monroe County Library System.

"The Bedford Branch, 8575 Jackman Road in #TemperanceMI, has 10 garden beds; four are still available. The Blue Bush Branch, 2210 Blue Bush Road in #MonroeMI, has four beds that are all still available.

[...]

"Today, Blue Bush offers gardeners use of #rainwater collection barrels, a #CompostBin and a #GardenShed, which was purchased by the Friends of the Frenchtown Area Library. Inside the shed are gloves, rakes, hoes and trowels. Blue Bush also has a #SeedLibrary."

Learn more:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/03/23/community-garden-plots-raised-beds-monroe-county-library-system-munson-park-st-mary-organic-garden/82563173007/
#Michigan #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #LibrariesRule !

#KansasCity #CommunityGarden sale helps locals grow food amid rising grocery prices

Story by Alan Shope, March 21, 2025

"What started as a hobby has become a necessity for Aaliyah Mohammed.

"'I'm retired, so it means a lot to be able to grow my own food,' Mohammed said as she picked out starter plants during Kansas City Community Gardens’ (#KCCG) season-opening sale on Thursday."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/kansas-city-community-garden-sale-helps-locals-grow-food-amid-rising-grocery-prices/ar-AA1BlDmP
#BuildingCommunity #FoodSecurity #SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #Missouri

HT @AgroecologyMap

The Food Farm - Agroecology Map

"The Food Farm is a 16 acre #organic small farm in the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury #NewZealand.

Our property has been designed using permaculture principles and we produce most of our own food.

We help people achieve their food-growing goals. We're based on our organic #permaculture property in North Canterbury, #Aotearoa NZ."

https://agroecologymap.org/l/the-food-farm
#AgroEcology #sustainability #regenerativeagriculture #FoodSecurity #Permaculture #Permakulture #AgroForestry #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday

#LowerPaxtonTownshipPA - New #CommunityGarden unveiled in Lower Paxton Township

WHTM Harrisburg
Thu, March 20, 2025

Watch:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/community-garden-unveiled-lower-paxton-211240094.html
#Pennsylvania #CommunityGardens #BuildingCommunity #FoodSecurity #Gardening #SolarPunkSunday

#PortlandME - #RepairCafé

Free! Saturday, June 8, 10am - 2pm, Eldredge Lumber and Hardware, 145 Presumpscot St., Portland ME

"Join us for an afternoon of learning and repairing while we reduce waste and promote sustainability in our community. Bring your broken household items such as small appliances, wooden furniture, bicycles, clothes, and more. Our team of skilled #Fixers will teach you how repair them for free!

"Think cozy coffee shop meets your dad’s workshop, meets your grandma’s knitting circle: a bright, bustling and inviting setting that has every tool for the job accessible to you and your expert volunteer. Yarn, nails, sewing machines, saws and hammers, etc. await those excited to take a stand against wasteful manufacturing practices.

"The Repair Café will feature designated workspaces for repairing small appliances, bicycles, textiles, and more. It will also be the home of comfy couches and sitting areas for those wanting to connect with like-minded community members. Need to fix your favorite sweater? Imagine someone guiding you through knitting a patch. Have a broken fan? There’s someone with electrical experience waiting for you at a workbench with all the necessary tools and parts. This is what we imagine the Repair Café can do for the community.

Repair Menu

- Bike repair/maintenance
- Small electrical appliances
- Furniture
- Knife sharpening
- Toys
- Audio/Visual equipment
- Smartphones
- Textiles
- Jewelry
- Lamps
- Vacuums
- Clocks
- And more!

FMI:
https://sustainabilityforme.org/repair-cafe/
#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #RightToRepair #ReuseRepairRecycle #MaineRepairCafes #RepairCafesMaine #SouthernMaine #RepairCafes

#NewburyportMA: They can fix it: Annual spring #RepairCafe returning soon

By Jim Sullivan | Mar 20, 2025

NEWBURYPORT — "Folks hoping to get their bicycles fixed, their garden tools sharpened or even their house lamps mended should visit the Newburyport Senior/Community Center on Saturday, April 5, for the Time Trade Network of Greater Newburyport’s annual spring Repair Café.

"Taking place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the free event features over 30 local volunteers adept at tinkering with small appliances, textiles, jewelry, bikes, small wooden items and even mechanical clocks.

"Knife sharpening, as well as garden hand tool sharpening along with some expert advice on chair caning will also be offered.

"'We want to encourage people to have their items repaired instead of putting them into the waste stream,' event organizer Elizabeth Marcus said. 'They can also get to see just how easy and fun it can sometimes be.'

"The #TimeTradeNetwork of Greater Newburyport is a group of local volunteers willing and eager to share their knowledge as well as talents with one another.

At the Repair Café, people can bring up to three small, clean items then watch while each is repaired on the spot."

Read more:
https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/they-can-fix-it-annual-spring-repair-cafe-returning-soon/article_910b622e-036a-11f0-a2e7-2750de8b8398.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/aSRM8#
#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #RightToRepair #ReuseRepairRecycle #MassachusettsRepairCafes #TimeDollarNetwork #TimeDollars #TimeBanks #RepairCafeNewburyport

#SpringfieldIL #CommunityGarden Seeks Applicants for 2025 Season

March 13, 2025 in Local News |

"The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) seeks individuals or families interested in starting their own garden to raise fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in a community setting. The IDOA’s Community Garden is located on the infield of the #IllinoisStateFair Grandstand racetrack and features 200 garden plots. Of those plots, 100 are designated for organic gardening, and the remaining 100 plots are assigned for non-organic gardening. Each plot costs $20 and can be tilled for you for an additional charge. The Department will supply water and #compost free of charge. Those interested in participating in the 2025 growing season are encouraged to fill out a garden application on the IDOA website: agr.illinois.gov/consumers/communitygarden.html Completed applications and payments can be returned by mail or to the front desk of the IDOA at the John R. Block Building, Attention: Community Garden, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL 62794. If you would like more information about this year’s Community Garden, visit the IDOA website or contact the Department at (217) 785-8300."

http://www.lawndalenews.com/2025/03/community-garden-seeks-applicants-for-2025-season/
#FoodSovereignty #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #SolarPunkSunday #Illinois

#CommunityGardens help fill the gap with rising grocery costs

by Carlee Bronkema Mar 10, 2025

#SpringfieldIL - "When grocery bills start climbing, fresh fruits and vegetables are often the first to go. But community gardens in Springfield are hoping to help fill the gap, and provide healthy choices for the community.

"'We not only have the produce available, but produce of a quality that really makes us proud,' said Yves Doumen, Founder and Director of Motherland Gardens Community Project. 'We started this as a response to food insecurity during COVID... we really have a lot of issues with food supply in the community where we are.'

"Motherland has already started growing several varieties of vegetables, using a green house on the property. They have an area with personal plots, where community members can 'rent' a bed to grow plants in. They also have communal plots, where they grow the food they provide to community members.

"The Enos Park community Gardens also provides a similar service in Springfield. They have a mix of both communal and personal plots in their garden space. Manager Carey Smith says they have a large waitlist for their personal plots, and believes it could be due to the cost of fresh produce in the store.

"'In our neighborhood we have an expensive grocery store so a lot of people do shop for their groceries at the dollar store, which is not ideal,' said Smith. 'To be able to supplement with fruits and vegetables from out garden is really helpful. We also see people who come from the hospital who are told to change their diets immediately and they go to the grocery store and can't afford that.'

"In 2024, the Enos Park has 2,300 visitor and volunteer engagements. They provide their produce to their volunteers, a food pantry and a community center. They also host few farmer's markets on Saturdays once summer produce starts kicking in.

"Smith and Doumen both say they think demand will increase in coming months due to tariffs, rising costs, and the end of food-related aid programs.

"Motherland starts providing produce at the end of June twice a week. As more plants start to grow, they will provide food to whoever stops by when it is available. They also hold events to educate community members about growing their own food, cooking with local produce, and handing out surplus supplies."

https://www.wandtv.com/community/community-gardens-help-fill-the-gap-with-rising-grocery-costs/article_9196419c-fdf6-11ef-a2c5-ab4569311f0f.html
#FoodSovereignty #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #SolarPunkSunday

#DuarteCA #CommunityGarden to be developed at #TzeitelParasCaracciPark

March 12, 2025

"Duarte residents will soon have a new space to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors. Last month, the Duarte City Council approved the development of the Duarte Community Garden at Tzeitel Paras-Caracci Park (2701 Royal Oaks Drive).

"'This project exemplifies our dedication to creating #sustainable, #accessible spaces for our residents,' said Mayor Cesar A. Garcia. 'This garden will not only enhance the beauty of our park but also provide a space where our community can come together, learn, and share in the joy of nature. I am excited to see this project grow and look forward to it becoming a vibrant part of our community.'

"The goal of the Duarte Community Garden is to increase #FoodSovereignty by creating garden plots for community members to grow healthy food, cultivate agricultural literacy with educational programs, gather community by creating a welcoming and accessible garden space, and perform ecosystem services by removing grass, installing a sustainable #DripIrrigation system, building a #NativeHabitatGarden, and collecting #compost.

"The garden will feature 20 plots and two #ADAAccessible raised beds, available for rent at $5 per month. Community members can plant edible (excluding smokable) plants and flowers for personal, noncommercial use. It will include a storage shed with garden tools, an irrigation system promoting sustainable practices, and ADA-accessible decomposed granite pathways.

"The garden will be run in partnership with Food Exploration and Discovery (#FoodEd), a nonprofit organization that collaborates with San Gabriel Valley communities to create edible education sites and provide programs on #ecosystem #stewardship, healthy living, #environmental innovation, and entrepreneurship.

"Food Ed’s educational model will support gardeners of all skill levels, providing supplies and plants for beginners while experienced gardeners can use their own resources. The garden will also offer picnic benches for community #gatherings and host educational programs on topics like #VegetableGardening, #composting, #DroughtTolerant landscaping, and #SoilHealth.

"As the lead on this grant project, Food Ed will be responsible for building the #DuarteCommunityGarden. This includes overseeing site construction, collecting infrastructure bids, contractor management, program management, community engagement and workshops/events, processing plot holder applications, plant and soil replenishment, above ground irrigation repairs, developing the garden’s webpage and branding and overall garden management through October of 2026.

"For more information on the Duarte Community Garden, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (626) 357-7931."

Source:
https://heysocal.com/2025/03/12/duarte-community-garden-to-be-developed-at-tzeitel-paras-caracci-park/
#ThirdSpaces #SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #California #SolarPunk #Composting

#ScarboroughME #CommunityGarden

"The Scarborough Community Garden is addressing #hunger in our community by growing nourishing vegetables for neighbors who struggle to put healthy food on the table. Located in #ScarboroughMaine, we broke ground in the Fall of 2014 on our first garden located at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. We began planting and harvesting in 2015. Two more gardens, one at Blue Point Congregational Church and one at Hillcrest Retirement Community, were soon established in 2017. All three gardens continue to grow an abundance of delicious produce for the #ScarboroughFoodPantry and our neighbors."
https://scarboroughcommunitygarden.weebly.com/
#Maine #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday #gardening #CommunityGarden

#CommunityGardens will eventually help feed the #Coweta community

by Sheila Stogsdill, Mar 12, 2025

"#CowetaCity leaders hope a community garden project will help feed the community and bloom friendships.

"Carolyn Back, community development director, said the Community Gardens Area for the City of Coweta is in its infancy stages, referring to the less than an acre plot.

"'I want the community garden to help feed the community,' Back said.

"Back hopes to transform a city-owned vacant grassy lot into a garden paradise where people can grow vegetables and either sell or barter with others.

"'I would like to see someone barter a basket of vegetables for a basket of eggs,' Back said.

"People in Coweta want to grow a garden, but they don’t have the land, she said.

"Back said a community garden space would be a place to grow vegetables and then give the leftover produce to a senior citizen or a young family."

https://tulsaworld.com/article_fbd308a0-fdac-11ef-934f-4bf1bc370a2c.html
#CowetaOK #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday

#MadisonNJ Rotary, Grace church, #RepairCafe team up for free ‘#Repair, #Reuse, and #Recycle’ event on April 12

Mar 13, 2025

MADISON, NJ – "The Repair Cafe, an event during which volunteers help make all possible repairs of various items for free, is coming to Grace Episcopal Church at 4 Madison Ave. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12.

"The event will be hosted by the Madison Rotary, Grace Episcopal Church and the Repair Cafe.

"#Repairers will show attendees how the repairs are made and what tools are needed.

"All types of items can be brought in including lamps, bicycles, clothing and other fabric items, small appliances, wooden things, jewelry, toys, knives in need of sharpening, phones and computers. Items should be small enough to be carried in by one person. No gasoline motors or hazardous materials are allowed.

"There will be a #TechTable, where experts will help with #troubleshooting settings and software on phones and computers, as well as repairs on other tech items. There will be no screen replacements.

"The Kids’ Take-Apart Table will return. Children will get to take apart common items with supervision including laptops, small appliances and toys.

"The last repairs will start at 2:30 p.m. and will be on a first come, and repairs will be made on a first come, first serve basis. If possible, attendees are asked to email Paul Lemaire at pjlema@gmail.com to tell the repairers what they will be bringing in.

"The repairers always looking for new volunteers to join the team. Expert repairers with their own tools and people who want to help out with logistics and organization are welcome. There is no age requirement, and volunteers have ranged from their teens to their 80s."

Original article:
https://www.newjerseyhills.com/madison_eagle/news/madison-rotary-grace-church-repair-cafe-team-up-for-free-repair-reuse-and-recycle-event/article_b76c02ac-fea1-11ef-b252-df808ac040a8.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/LA2lo#selection-2647.0-2667.12

#OrilliaOntario - Need something fixed? #Orillia #RepairCafé returning in April

Event taking place April 5 at St. James' Anglican Church

Mar 14, 2025

"Local residents are invited to bring their broken or torn possessions to St. James’ Church on Saturday, April 5 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), where 'fixers' will be on hand to make repairs and turn their 'trash' into 'treasure' at the eighth Orillia Repair Café, which takes place twice a year.

"The event is supported by local volunteers and Sustainable Orillia, St. James’ Anglican Church and Lake Country Time Trade.

"Light refreshments will be provided as well as child-friendly activities. A new feature this year will be '#BookSwaps,' one for adults and one for children. The café has a friendly and fun ambience and combines an enjoyable family activity with a rewarding outcome.

"Annalise Stenekes has led the project since its inception and has gathered a dedicated and talented team of fixers who will attempt to repair a variety of items, including bicycles, lamps, home appliances, sewing machines, jewelry and audio/visual and computer equipment. Small furniture items will be repaired, clothing and footwear mended and toys given new life.

"Last year, 230 kilograms of items were given a new lease on life, diverting potential waste from the #landfill and saving an estimated $1,000.

"'#Repairing and #reusing broken items, as opposed to disposing of them and purchasing new ones, is a practical and meaningful contribution we can make for our environment,' says local resident Wendy Kirk. 'The Repair Café is also a feel-good place — at times the joy is tangible when someone’s prized item is restored to its former usefulness.'

"Repair Café events are happening around the world, saving money, reducing landfill waste, cutting CO2 emissions, promoting learning and fostering community connections."

Source:
https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/need-something-fixed-orillia-repair-cafe-returning-in-april-10371696
#RepairCafesOntario #RepairCafes #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday #FixIt