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

Wed Aug 5 14:18:49 CDT 2020

Hello ALL
Given Julie was the originator of manual and Julie and Lorraine have
LABORED to refresh and update the links.  I VOTE GO!
actually the BUGS manual was my ROADMAP in developing the first Hermitage
garden in 2011. Since that time I have used it to help start 5 community
gardens and am presently involved in RESURRECTING the Hope Manor II
veterans garden 6020 green street.
Look to catchup this evening.

Cordia Pugh
Program Director
Hermitage Community Gardens
5647 S Honore street
Chicago, IL 60636
Phone: (773) 245-3017
Email: hermitagestreetcommunitygarden at gmail.com

On Wed, Aug 5, 2020, 2:09 PM Lorraine Kells <lxkells at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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