[Communications] COVID19 Guidelines and How to Take a Soil Sample

Wed Aug 5 14:08:41 CDT 2020

Amy,

It may seem like a rush to you, but Julie and I started working on this a
week ago. Julie and I updated the materials,  "The
Basic Steps" was discussed  during many meetings of the Education Committee
as we worked with Julie to put together a revamp of the former BUGS
program. Cordia started her garden with this manual some 13 years ago, so
it needed updating. We checked all that the urls and information
are correct and up to date The other materials we're sending are a
simple Fall Planting Guide, how to take a soils test, and the COVID guide,
most of which are already known to CCGA or any gardener.  The request came
into Communications, but Education entered into the materials aspect with
much input and oversight. All the materials are attached.

Julie and I worked on these basic steps with the understanding that this
pilot program has a short window for the organizations to make their
proposal, get it accepted, receive the funding and complete everything in
their proposal by Dec.30, so we tailored the original Basic Steps Manual
that has been used by CCGA in one form or another for more years than I"ve
been involved. We tried to target material to faith based organizations
with less of an emphasis that might be given to folks without some
leadership structure in place.  That material was not deleted, but put into
an Appendix.  I don't think this is a time to worry about going over it to
put it on the website. It wasn't updated for the website.

I don't mind waiting until Friday to send the material,but beyond that I
don't see any reason to withhold something these organizations need.  I
trust Cordia and Julie know how to start a garden, but of course, let
anyone look at it from now until Friday morning.  Again the people at the
state level expect something from us this week.

On Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 1:22 PM Amy Olson <akeo at me.com> wrote:

> Hi Lorraine - I don’t really agree with rushing to provide materials right
> after tonight’s meeting. It would feel better if the communications team
> had a chance to quickly take a look at the package of stuff before it goes
> out.
>
> So, I will say again that I can edit the guidelines per your note below
> and can also update the soil testing doc so it includes the CCGA logo. I am
> not trying to delay anything, but I feel we should try to create a
> consistent package of materials.
>
> I also think we should plan to include these resources (or a version of
> them) on our website and mention this in the upcoming newsletter.
>
> I’m really sorry to hear about Angela’s sister. Thank you for letting me
> know.
>
> Amy
>
> On Aug 5, 2020, at 12:22 PM, Lorraine Kells <lxkells at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> AMy,
>
> I'm up to my ears in searching soil and materials to offer as technical
> advice from CCGA,, and I want to get all our material to them right after
> the vote. So I'll just go with the pdf as it exists, same for COVID unless
> you want to make a change before tonight.
>
>
> I checked the CDC website for tips on gardening in the pandemic and a few
> other community garden networks  The CDC doesn't have anything specif to
> COVID19 although other networks do. My take away to replace the walking
> line would be to have this line inserted after "an abundance of caution. H*ealth
> and safety should always be a priority. *Do everything you can...  It may
> seem redundant but then it reinforces the concept well.
>
> UI Extension is asking me to meet with them via ZOOM before our vote
> tonight.  No hints about what vote so I have to assume the pilot with the
> state.  More later.
>
> Angela contacted me early today; her sister died so she asked me to be her
> proxy. Mamie answered a text that she would attend.  Don't know about Pat &
> Robert, but I think we have enough support to carry the motion.
>
> Lorraine
>
> On Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 11:36 AM Amy Olson <akeo at me.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi Lorraine,
>>
>> I agree that it’s best not to lighten up the guidelines we published with
>> Neighborspace. However, we can edit that line about walking. I have not
>> done any editing with Robin but am happy to reach out to her with any
>> suggested changes. I am with you about the ‘walking’ line. It seems out of
>> date now. I feel there is another way we can emphasize the importance of
>> taking precautions in our gardens.
>>
>> I have a version of this soil testing flyer that we used at our
>> conference last year. I think it would be good to include the AUA and U of
>> I logos if the project with the State of Illinois will be included in the
>> Safe Soils project.
>>
>> My apologies, I have not read all of the mails you’ve sent about this new
>> endeavor, so I may be missing something.
>>
>> Let me know your thoughts about edits to the guidelines and also the
>> logos that need to be included on the soil testing flyer.
>>
>> I can talk on the phone if that’s easier.
>>
>> Amy
>>
>> > On Aug 5, 2020, at 1:15 AM, Lorraine Kells <lxkells at gmail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> > AMy,
>> >
>> > I've been rethinking making any changes to the COVID Garden Guide. as
>> more young people go without wearing a mask and testing positive for the
>> virus, now is not the time to lighten up on the seriousness of this virus.
>> I'm willing to live with my not so favorite line about walking.
>> >
>> > Anyway I guess you were too busy to get in touch with Robin who likely
>> would be against changing the numbers for the same reasons I've come to.
>> >
>> > Then, I've attached the pdf that we used for our workshop two years
>> ago, but I noticed that you had reworded it to take out AUA.  If you have
>> the time and inclination to make this more CCGA positive, I'd love it. I
>> have to put something in the materials going out to the faith-based
>> organizations on how to take a soil sample for the free testing Andrew's
>> city soils initiative will be doing. I'll use it as is rather than not.
>> >
>> > See you tomorrow night.
>> >
>> > Lorraine
>> >
>> >
>> > <Soil test doc.pdf>
>>
>>
>
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