[Communications] Late Summer Newsletter • Water Access for All Gardens • Community Garden Profiles • Perennial Distribution Sept 25

[B. Sanborn]

Hi! I want to volunteer for the North Lawndale work days, but the link
is not working. Thanks.

-B

On Sat, Sep 19, 2020 at 3:27 PM CCGA <info at chicagocommunitygardens.org>
wrote:

> Perennial Distribution Sept 25  •  Water Access for All Gardens • News &
> Updates • Community Garden Profiles
> View this email in your browser
> <https://mailchi.mp/d4afd7c2688a/ccga-8th-annual-gardeners-conference-register-1470649?e=4779f517bf>
>
> *News for Community Gardeners*
> *"What we do echoes through the generations."*
> - Barack Obama, 2020
> *Pictured here are young adults working with West Side gardens through the
> Garfield Park Community Council last summer.*
> Celebrating and Supporting One Another
>
> As spring turned to summer, our support for Black lives and for the
> community gardening community grew and continues to grow with each day. As
> surely as we tend our gardens, we tend to our neighborhoods and each other,
> and we reaffirm that growing is an important part of creating resilient and
> healthy communities in Chicago.
>
> In this issue, we have garden stories, news and updates, distribution
> notes, and awards to tell you about. But first, we want to share a moment
> we had in dialogue with founding CCGA member Angela Taylor, a committed
> community activist and garden leader in Garfield Park, to share some
> thoughts on the importance of staying focused and dedicated to our work in
> our communities as an antidote to the sadness and unrest that has swept
> through our city and country this year.
>
> *How does community gardening support Black lives? How do community
> gardens contribute to dismantling racism in our city?*
> *Here at the Fulton Street Flower and Vegetable Garden, we see the color
> green. To be afforded the opportunity to work with young people, and watch
> them learn about gardening and the role farming played in our culture, and
> then realize the importance of growing not just food, but growing a sense
> of community as well is amazing to witness. All of this seems to bring
> about a better appreciation for life.*
>
> *From your work with young people, what can you suggest that will bring us
> to a more creative and conscious dialogue about Black and Brown lives?*
> *If we could sometimes stop talking and just listen, we could learn a lot
> about what the needs of others are, and become open to learning new ways of
> getting things done.*
>
> *What are some practices for creating more loving, resilient relationships
> among each other in our communities as we work for and support racial
> justice?*
> *This is a tough one, but here you go... In everything we do, we should
> first consider how we would want to be treated, cared for, and responded
> to. *
>
> *In what way do you see gardens as a place for healing and empowerment?*
> *Community gardens are considered a healing space. Early in the morning,
> before the community wakes up, taking a walk in this quiet space sets the
> tone for the day: Being one with the earth, becoming inspired in our
> day, and to clear our mind to be able focus on what is in front of us.  *
> *"Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our
> struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month or a year, it is the
> struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in
> good trouble, necessary trouble.”*
>   - John Lewis
> Has your garden been affected by the 2020 Chicago Water Hydrant Policy? We
> want to hear from you. There is help!
> *Illustration by Sunshine Cahill or @sunshine.saqimax (via IG) courtesy of
> AUA.*
>
> During the last few months, CCGA has heard from community gardeners that
> the new rules the Department of Water Management has enacted for fire
> hydrant water access is crippling for them. Acquiring, installing, and
> certifying a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) unit for any community garden can
> be cost-prohibitive.
>
> CCGA contacted Sean Ruane, the executive director of AUA (Advocates for
> Urban Agriculture), and we became a signatory on a letter they developed to
> garner public support for this issue and advocate for more inclusivity of
> community gardeners.
>
> The need for advocacy for the unique water access needs of community
> gardens is evident. CCGA seeks to develop a position and proposal to
> present to the City of Chicago for long-term solutions needed by community
> gardeners. The increase in the fee from previous years in the new hydrant
> policy is not as much a hardship as are the costs of the RPZ, inspections,
> and liability insurance. We look forward to working collaboratively with
> community gardeners, AUA, the City, and others to find sustainable
> solutions.
>
> *There is much more to this issue, and we want to hear from more of our
> community gardeners!* We've developed a simple survey and would greatly
> appreciate your participation. The goal of the survey is to gain a clearer
> picture of how community gardeners in Chicago access water and to determine
> where support is needed.
>
> Take the CCGA Water Access Survey
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=ce392c8f8e&e=4779f517bf>
>
> *For those who need assistance now,* AUA has compiled a resource guide
> and funding to help farmers/gardeners navigate the updated policy on their
> website, and we encourage you follow the link below! Please reach out to us
> if you have any other questions at
> communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org.
>
> AUA Water Access Resources & Growers Guide
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=52d86791f2&e=4779f517bf>
> Show off your garden: the CEGA 60-second video challenge ends September 30!
>
> The Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA) is honoring gardens for
> a fourth year—though with a twist, thanks to COVID-19. The ongoing pandemic
> made it impossible to ramp up the gardening competition in time to take
> advantage of the summer growing season. Instead, CEGA has launched its
> first-ever *60-Second Garden Video Challenge*.
>
> The competition is FREE and open to anyone who has a garden or who belongs
> to a garden, whether it’s a community garden, church or school garden, or
> even a business garden. Gardeners create one-minute videos of their gardens
> and upload them for the CEGA team to review them for social standards
> considerations, and then they are posted on the CEGA YouTube Channel
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=a51104a9c2&e=4779f517bf>.
> Viewers then use the “thumbs up” to vote for their favorite videos and
> those that receive the most votes will be posted on the CEGA website and
> on its social media pages. Those gardeners will receive a certificate, and
> more prizes are in the works! Videos will be accepted now through *September
> 30*.
> Find out more and enter your garden video!
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=4a9d8188c2&e=4779f517bf>
> Register for the CCGA Resources Committee Fall Perennial Distribution on
> Friday, September 25
> *STORIES FROM CHICAGO'S COMMUNITY GARDENS*
> El Paseo Community Garden is granted a Creative Placemaking Award
>
> El Paseo Community Garden enhances the quality of life for Pilsen
> residents through community building, stewardship, conservation,
> placemaking, partnerships, programming, and community gardening. The
> converted brownfield site provides opportunities to socialize with each
> other, plant and grow food, play, or simply be outside and enjoy the
> wildlife and fresh air the native plants provide. The garden and adjacent
> land it stewards provides over 34,000 square feet of public green space for
> the neighborhood and as a backyard for neighbors in the adjacent senior
> living and affordable housing apartments. The garden sits along a path with
> a monarch butterfly prairie on one side and raised beds on the other.
> Gardening is offered through private allotment beds or collective beds.
> Collective beds eliminate waiting lists for allotment beds and allow anyone
> to get involved. Free food beds are included on the perimeter of the
> collective beds for visitors.
>
> The leadership team at El Paseo Community Garden applied for the MacArthur
> Foundation Creative Placemaking Award and by the end of 2019, they were
> notified they were finalists. On May 6th they were recognized via a virtual
> ceremony and awarded $15,000 along with it. The Acevedos credit their
> founders Sallie and Ron Gordon and their land trust, Neighborspace, for
> trusting them to carry on their vision. Gratitude is also expressed to all
> the organizations who have provided support through sponsorship,
> partnerships, and various donations. The success of our garden is possible
> by the countless volunteers that help maintain the space and provide
> programming. Congratulations, El Paseo!
>
> Continue reading about El Paseo Community Garden
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=db962451aa&e=4779f517bf>
> Applications are being accepted until *September 30* for the *27th Annual
> Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards*, including the *MacArthur
> Foundation Creative Placemaking Award*.
> Find out more and apply.
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=56ca077473&e=4779f517bf>
> North Lawndale 'Slumbusters' Garden Workdays are a Success
>
> Volunteers with the North Lawndale Greening Committee, inspired by the
> work of *Lorean and Gerald Earles*, started a garden restoration of the *Slum
> Busters Garden* on Saturday, June 20th. According to volunteer, Kimberly
> George, “The garden was literally buried in overgrown weeds. I started to
> reconsider this project, but then I remembered a story about Lorean Earles,
> discouraged in the evening, would still be out the next morning pulling a
> few weeds.”
>
> In the middle of a pandemic, social unrest, and a financial depression,
> restoring a garden may not be the best idea. But, the reality is, this is
> the perfect time. Fresh produce and beautiful flowers are needed more than
> ever. The outpouring of individuals from all over the city wanting to
> contribute time is inspiring. Garden leaders like Dr. Shemuel Israel and
> Mamie Gray are following the example of the Earles, who once said, “No one
> wants to do anything, so why don’t we?”
>
> Dr. Israel, Mamie and Kimberly have held many workdays (safely) this
> summer to restore and clean up gardens in North Lawndale. To offer support
> please, sign up to volunteer using the button below.
>
> *"Since the 1980’s a diverse patchwork of green spaces has appeared on
> North Lawndale’s map. These pocket gardens are sites of community activism,
> neighborhood beautification and youth education. In 1986, Gerald and Lorean
> Earles founded “Slum Busters” to transform vacant lots into flower and
> vegetable gardens. Their efforts have inspired the creation of more than 40
> gardens and the North Lawndale Greening Committee."*
>
>  – Learning from North Lawndale, Chicago Architecture Tour, 2006
>
> Volunteer for North Lawndale workdays
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=7b3f5b59e5&e=4779f517bf>
> *Let us know <?subject=Volunteers%20needed> if your garden has regular
> workdays or is in need of volunteers!*
> New planters at the Bezazian Library made possible with plants from CCGA
> The *North Uptown Neighborhood Association* shared photos of the planters
> at the *Bezazian Library* which were updated with plants from recent
> Resources Team plant distributions. They said the city used to plant the
> boxes, but since the city's budget crisis, this stopped and they picked up
> the need for plants. They raised some funds through successful book sales,
> but with the difficulties this problematic year, they were not sure they
> could do it. They were so happy for the CCGA plant distributions, which
> made it possible for them to fill the boxes with many pollinator-friendly
> plants!
> The Hart Peace Community Garden embarking on renovations to
> increase accessibility
>
> You might recognize Pat and Robert Hart as two of the most dedicated
> volunteers of CCGA. These days, they've been focused on a new project at
> their community garden in Austin. *The Hart Peace Community Garden *at
> 645 N. Latrobe Ave was started on three abandoned lots they bought from the
> city. The garden will soon incorporate several ADA-accessible planter
> stations, paved walkways and a sun shelter to make it easier for seniors
> and people with disabilities to grow produce and flowers. They are
> collaborating with *Human Scale*, a design nonprofit founded by
> University of Illinois at Chicago students. “I want to make it accessible
> to as many people as I can. And make it so more vets can come garden,” said
> Robert Hart, a veteran himself.
>
> Pat and Robert envision using the pergola as a space to teach and give
> cooking demonstrations and let folks share recipes. As a nurse, Pat
> recognizes the food value in a lot of vegetables that aren't favored so
> much by her community. She wants to introduce veggies like eggplant and how
> to cook with it. Pat shared, “The garden is still in the process of
> development. It's an all-volunteer effort and there have been people
> working on weekends; they've been moving, digging and learning how to use
> Robert's tools. The garden is for seniors, vets, and folks in
> the neighborhood. There's a school around the corner, so the garden will be
> there for them too."
>
> Read more about the Hart Peace Community Garden
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=d5bd1d296d&e=4779f517bf>
> Maxwell Street Community Garden's public art and accessible raised beds
> win praise
> Maxwell Street Community Garden is in its second season at their new
> location on the NE corner of Racine and 13th Street diagonal to Fosco Park.
> They are at maximum capacity this year with a growing waitlist for next
> season after expanding the number of plots "farmed for the community" from
> two to six this season to provide more green tomatoes and fresh produce to
> their neighbors in the adjacent properties, in addition to an herb garden
> shared with members, neighbors, and Friends of the Garden.
>
> In early March, the garden received a $5,000 grant from Chicago Housing
> Consulting Services (CHCS) towards transforming three concrete barriers in
> the garden into public art. Pilsen artist Anne Farley Gaines designed three
> mosaic murals, and progress is well underway on the first one in the
> Welcome Garden by the 13th Street gate. Students living nearby, having
> participated in other art programs led by Gaines for After School Matters
> and Jane Addams Center, are creating mosaics both at the garden and in kits
> at home on pre-cut masonry. Maxwell Street Community Garden is the first
> public art project funded by CHCS.
>
> This was more than reason enough for Maxwell Street Community Garden to
> receive high praise from Lisa Roberson, Executive Administrator at Chicago
> Housing Authority, who came to tour their garden in June while she was in
> the neighborhood. She was awestruck with what Maxwell Garden had created in
> the middle of the city. They have built ADA accessible tall raised beds
> that are an excellent example for what all CHA Gardens should aspire to
> become.
>
> Read more about Maxwell Street Garden's murals & raised beds
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=07b366522d&e=4779f517bf>
>
> *If you have a garden story to share, send us a message
> <communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org?subject=Garden%20Story>! You
> can also email photos for our website and Facebook here
> <photos at chicagocommunitygardens.org?subject=Garden%20Photos>.*
> CCGA Provides Technical Assistance for a New Community Garden Pilot
> Project Serving Communities on the South Side
>
> CCGA was approached by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to
> help launch a new program to help develop new community gardens that will
> provide fresh produce to communities on the South Side. We are excited to
> be working with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Fernwood Community
> Outreach Church, Great True Vine Baptist Church (The Laura B. Collins
> Community Development Center), Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) and
> the Trinity United Church (Endeleo Institute). Our goal is to provide
> support and technical assistance so that each of these unique community
> garden projects will thrive!
>
> If you are interested in volunteering on garden work days or providing
> technical assistance, please send us an email
> <communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org?subject=Volunteering%20for%20Pilot%20Project>
> !
>
> Read the full press release
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=1ad0e7a912&e=4779f517bf>
> The CCGA Resources Committee has been busy this summer!
> *Pictured above are a variety of perennial plants distributed to gardeners
> last month. *
>
> COVID-19 has made us all wonder how we’d manage many new challenges during
> this pandemic, and for many community gardens, the CCGA Resources
> distributions and plant sales have been the sole source of affordable,
> viable seedlings and healthy plants this year. The Resources Committee
> organized - and managed to make seem effortless - *seven* contactless
> distributions throughout April, May, June and July. When everything that we
> once knew had changed so dramatically, this brought a sense of well-being
> to gardeners with the possibility of bountiful bouquets and delicious
> harvests.
>
> The dedication of the CCGA Resources Committee and generosity of our
> partner growers continues to provide gardeners with opportunities for
> planting, nurturing and harvesting, and to see things growing and thriving
> in our gardens again amidst the challenges we are all facing. We know too
> well that well-being depends on a range of social, economic and
> environmental factors, as is emphasized by the health disparities seen in
> different areas of our city. CCGA supports access to green space, and
> recognizes that growing in that space is vital for health and well-being.
>
> Read More about the work of the CCGA Resources Committee
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=debdd130af&e=4779f517bf>
> Upcoming Events
>
>
> *Chicagoland Chicken Enthusiasts & Angelic Organics Learning Center 10th
> Windy City Coop Tour*
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=85ff1c831a&e=4779f517bf>
> Saturday September 19, 10am - 4pm
>
> *Chicago Bungalow Association: Putting Your Garden to Bed for the Winter
> (free webinar)*
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=b3f35febbf&e=4779f517bf>
> Tuesday, September 22, 6-7 pm
>
> *CCGA Resources Committee Perennial Distribution
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=8928cdd168&e=4779f517bf>*
>
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=c0d32a8121&e=4779f517bf>
> Friday September 25th, Noon
>
> *Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance*
> *Introduction To Winter Growing Succulents: Care & Propagation*
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=b5e6008d38&e=4779f517bf>
> Saturday September 26, 11am - 12pm
>
> *Garfield Park Conservatory* *: The Flowers of Monet (outdoor exhibit)*
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=980eaef7c4&e=4779f517bf>
> Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-5pm until first frost
>
> *Chicago Architecture Foundation: Open House Chicago 2020*
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=258283b196&e=4779f517bf>
> Several community gardens are profiled in this virtual event!
> October 16-25, 2020
>
> *AUA Grown in Chicago Soiree (virtual event)*
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=5846d56b92&e=4779f517bf>
> Saturday, October 24, 4-6 pm
>
> *CCGA Monthly (Virtual) Meeting*
> Tuesday, October 20, 6-8pm
> Email us
> <communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org?subject=October%20meeting%20RSVP>
> for a Zoom invitation
>
> *If you have an event you'd like us to share, send it to us
> <communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org?subject=Event>!*
> [image: Facebook]
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=b7527ddf0d&e=4779f517bf>
> [image: Website]
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=19f2a1b14b&e=4779f517bf>
> [image: Email] <info at chicagocommunitygardens.org>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Have ideas, suggestions or news you would like to share with fellow
> community gardeners in the next CCGA email? Please send those items to
> communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org.
> <communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org> For questions about CCGA and
> how to get involved, email membership at chicagocommunitygardens.org
> <membership at chicagocommunitygardens.org> or visit
> chicagocommunitygardens.org/ccga-organization
> <https://chicagocommunitygardens.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2904daf2a26a891c68f8bb0&id=3fa1298033&e=4779f517bf>
>  Need resources for your community garden? Have resources to offer? Email
> resources at chicagocommunitygardens.org
> <resources at chicagocommunitygardens.org>.*
> *Copyright © 2017 Chicago Community Gardeners Association, All rights
> reserved.*
>
> *Our mailing address is:*
> 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60612
>
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