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We're starting the new year with BIG NEWS!
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Michelle Gates |
I'm pleased to announce the hiring of Michelle Gates as our organization's new Executive Director. Michelle joins the VCGN team with two decades of nonprofit leadership and development experience, most recently as Senior Vice President of Special Olympics Vermont. She is looking forward to applying her passion for helping all people perform at their best to increasing food access and community health through gardening. "VCGN's mission is compelling and increasingly relevant as we face a health epidemic centering around the need for better nutrition and increased physical activity, and I'm excited to be part of a team delivering the many health benefits that community gardening provides," Michelle said.
Read the full news release here.
Michelle starts at VCGN on Jan. 22. I will stay on part time through the beginning of February as we work together with the staff and board to ensure a seamless transition. It's been a pleasure and an honor to work alongside all of you - the VCGN staff and board, our garden partners, supporters, and friends - these past six years as we have grown from a Burlington-focused organization to a strong statewide network supporting hundreds of community-based groups. This organization and its powerful work to nourish and connect thousands of Vermonters is near and dear to my heart and I'm excited to see how it evolves to help even more people experience the benefits of growing food together and becoming healthier through improved diets, exercise, and positive social interactions. I have been connected to VCGN in one way or another since 2003 and look forward to supporting the organization from afar (and spending more time with my hands in the dirt!).
In other news... we have completed an update to the statewide directory and documented more than 500 garden sites in neighborhoods, housing communities, parks, at schools and early care sites, workplaces, health centers, and throughout our communities, providing space for Vermonters to grow their own food, gather with their neighbors, learn about gardening and cooking with fresh produce, and spend time outdoors. This is a big jump since our last count of 370 - Wow! Check out the updated directory here and learn more about this vibrant network here.
Read on for more VCGN news, events, and fun ways to start thinking about the growing season.
In community,
~ Jess Hyman, Executive Director
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Join us for a fun evening at Burlington
Paint & Sip on Tuesday, Jan. 23.
We'll paint some garden-themed art, have a drink, and dream of spring. No experience necessary! A local artist will instruct us step by step through an original piece of art and at the end of the night everyone takes home a one-of-a-kind painting.
Tickets are only $35 and the more seats we fill, the bigger percentage of the fees benefit the Vermont Community Garden Network and our efforts to help more kids and adults grow fresh, healthy food. Sign up today and invite your friends.
SIGN UP HERE!
Learn How To Grow Your Own Food!
Community Teaching Garden Registration Open
The Community Teaching Garden is a hands-on, beginner organic gardening course for adults. Learn how to plant, cultivate, harvest, and preserve produce over the full growing season at our garden site at the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington. The course fee includes twice-weekly instruction, individual and shared garden space, and all seeds, starts, tools, and supplies. You'll take home generous harvests during the peak of the growing season and learn food preservation and simple herbal remedies to keep enjoying the harvest once the course is over.
LEARN MORE
Join us! Seeking Garden Education Interns
VCGN interns get direct work experience and play an important role in supporting the state's network of community and school gardens, teaching kids and adults how to grow their own food, and reducing hunger. We are currently accepting applications for two Spring/Summer 2018 positions: Community Teaching Garden Internship and Garden Education Internship.
LEARN MORE
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The Statewide Network
Have you ever wondered about the "Network" in Vermont Community Garden Network? Each year we work with thousands of people at hundreds of community-based gardens.
See who makes up the state's vibrant network of 500+ community-based gardens HERE and
check out our 2017 Programs Impact Report to learn more about VCGN's programs and activities, along with statistics, photos, stories, and quotes from children, adults, and communities all over the state showing how they are healthier, more resilient and self-sufficient, and better connected to each other through this work.
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Grow With Us!
The Vermont Community Garden Network is growing a healthier Vermont by helping people of all ages access the space and resources to grow their own food and connect with each other. We need your help now more than ever - please make a donation today!
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Since 2001, the Vermont Community Garden Network has worked with hundreds of community and school groups to start, sustain, and grow gardens, building strong local food systems and vibrant educational sites.
Contact us - we'd love to hear from you!
Jess Hyman
, Executive Director
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Copyleft 2018. Please share.
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