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Bonnie Acker
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Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude - for the food on our tables and those who grew, raised, and prepared it; for family and friends and what it took for them to be there; for the conversations, both bold and banal, that weave their way through the gatherings; and for the opportunity to pause and recognize the nourishment that these connections bring.
This month's newsletter contains the obligatory end-of-year fundraising plea (Join us on #GivingTuesday and in the coming months to help raise the money we need to get more kids and adults growing - and eating - fresh food!), timely resources for garden leaders, and ways to get involved with VCGN through joining our Community Teaching Garden, interning with us, and more. But before you read on, I want to share an excerpt from an essay by Sarah van Gelder, co-founder of YES! Magazine. She reminds us that our connections bring so much more than gratitude and are essential to thriving communities, and ultimately, to real happiness.
"Sustainable happiness is enhanced when everyone is doing well. It comes about in thriving communities free of the poverty and powerlessness associated with highly unequal societies. And it flourishes when we live in a healthy, natural world, where other animals, birds, and fish also thrive.
The work of rebuilding thriving communities can be difficult and contentious. But this is the way to authentic and sustainable happiness. When our families, our neighbors, those we meet on the street, and the creatures of the natural world are doing well, their happiness contributes to our own. Trust and well-being become a generative cycle. Sustainable happiness in one realm fosters well-being in all the other realms of life. Interconnectedness - love, even - is unleashed."
I am grateful for all YOU do to make our communities stronger. May your Thanksgiving be filled with happiness - and garden goodness!
~ Jess Hyman, Executive Director
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NEW THIS YEAR for your Holiday Giving!
Looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones? Make a donation in their name and we'll send a lovely card and a snazzy VCGN ornament. It's fast, easy, and makes a difference! Gift options include:
- Community Teaching Garden Scholarship for a Low-Income New Gardener: $250
- Gardening & Cooking Supply Box for a Gardens For Learning site: $120
- Resources & Support for an Affordable Housing Site Garden: $60
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Bundle of Seeds & Resources for a School Garden: $35
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. It kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. We hope that you will choose to support the Vermont Community Garden Network during this critical fundraising time. Your support makes it possible for kids and adults to learn how to grow their own food, for garden coordinators to access resources and connections, and for new gardens to rise up in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, early care sites, libraries, senior centers, and more. Thank you for helping grow a healthier Vermont!
Make your secure, online donation here.
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 Resources for Garden Groups
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Toolshed Tip: leadership Support
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The garden team at Flood Brook School in Londonderry |
Congratulations on another season at your community-based garden! Your dedication brought the community loads of fresh produce, a vibrant, green space to gather, grow and learn, and so much more. While the season is still fresh this is a helpful time to reflect: Did you get the support you needed? Are there changes you can make to your garden's leadership that will better support the various functions of your community-based garden? Check out this month's Toolshed Tip to plan for the future of your garden's leadership.
READ MORE
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Join us! Spring/Summer Garden Education Internships Available
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
"Every day in gardens brought the opportunity to play so many different roles - teacher, gardener, student, camp counselor, chef, friend - and with that came so much learning and growth... The connections I made within VCGN and outside are some that I hope I can maintain for the rest of my life and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for that. This organization changes lives with their gardens and I don't hesitate to say that it changed mine this summer."
- Nell Carpenter, Garden Education Intern 2017
Community Teaching Garden
Registration Opens Nov. 27
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Our garden classroom provides rich opportunities for demonstrations, hands-on learning, and space for students to tend to their individual plots.
(Photo: Erica Houskeeper for #RootedinVermont) |
The Community Teaching Garden is a hands-on, beginner organic gardening course for adults. Participants learn how to plant, cultivate, harvest, and preserve produce from their own plot and from shared garden space in a cooperative learning environment. The 22-week long course follows the rhythm of the growing season from May to October 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. Participants 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.
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VCGN Seeks Executive Director
Are you interested in being part of the evolution of a statewide organization dedicated to growing healthy and connected communities? We are seeking a full-time Executive Director with experience in nonprofit administration and management, proven success with fundraising activities, and demonstrated expertise in financial and project management.
MORE INFO
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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 2017. Please share.
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