And It Begins
The idea for the Rochester Community Garden started taking shape in December 2008. Eric had the idea, Carolyn passed it along and Wayne really got it moving...The Rochester Public Library expressed its interest and support and we were on our way!
Next Stop - Rochester Village Board
So, we got on the Agenda for the Village Board meeting in February 2009. Wayne presented our ideas and the body of land we were requesting to use. The Board had some questions, but had a positive reaction overall - now we need to Spread the Word!
Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs!
We started to spread the word with fliers to local businesses, the church, the apartment building and Village Hall. Our Public Meeting was scheduled for April 2nd at the Rochester Public Library (RPL). We had generally positive responses from local businesses and others with whom we spoke.
The Waterford Post included our meeting annoucment on the front page.
April 2nd, 2009 - Meeting Day
Truth be told, I am nervous as heck that only the 5 of us who have worked to set up this meeting will show up!
Wendy put out a great picnic-like spread of homemade muffins and fresh apple cider. Lissa and Jeremy got the room set up with tables and chairs. Our agenda was set (loose as it was) and we were ready to go...
6:00 - PEOPLE ARE ARRIVING! Yeah - all told we had 14 people at our first meeting. And a great group it turned out to be. A Master Gradener, someone with an MS in Plant Science, others with lots of farming/gardening experience. Right away we agreed we wanted the garden to be pesticide-free and we got down to talking about our interests - Several wanted rental plots, MANY interested in children's garden and several interested in a "community" garden - pay your dues, volunteer your time and we all share in the produce at harvest time. We agree it is important to donate and to make room for those who can't afford rental/membership fees. We set up a steering committee and our next meeting date. Good energy, good production! RELIEF!
Marking Our Territory
Finally something to see...Here are photos of our first work morning. We cleared some scrub trees and staked out the garden site.
The idea for the Rochester Community Garden started taking shape in December 2008. Eric had the idea, Carolyn passed it along and Wayne really got it moving...The Rochester Public Library expressed its interest and support and we were on our way!
Next Stop - Rochester Village Board
So, we got on the Agenda for the Village Board meeting in February 2009. Wayne presented our ideas and the body of land we were requesting to use. The Board had some questions, but had a positive reaction overall - now we need to Spread the Word!
Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs!
We started to spread the word with fliers to local businesses, the church, the apartment building and Village Hall. Our Public Meeting was scheduled for April 2nd at the Rochester Public Library (RPL). We had generally positive responses from local businesses and others with whom we spoke.
The Waterford Post included our meeting annoucment on the front page.
April 2nd, 2009 - Meeting Day
Truth be told, I am nervous as heck that only the 5 of us who have worked to set up this meeting will show up!
Wendy put out a great picnic-like spread of homemade muffins and fresh apple cider. Lissa and Jeremy got the room set up with tables and chairs. Our agenda was set (loose as it was) and we were ready to go...
6:00 - PEOPLE ARE ARRIVING! Yeah - all told we had 14 people at our first meeting. And a great group it turned out to be. A Master Gradener, someone with an MS in Plant Science, others with lots of farming/gardening experience. Right away we agreed we wanted the garden to be pesticide-free and we got down to talking about our interests - Several wanted rental plots, MANY interested in children's garden and several interested in a "community" garden - pay your dues, volunteer your time and we all share in the produce at harvest time. We agree it is important to donate and to make room for those who can't afford rental/membership fees. We set up a steering committee and our next meeting date. Good energy, good production! RELIEF!
Marking Our Territory
Finally something to see...Here are photos of our first work morning. We cleared some scrub trees and staked out the garden site.
The Brain Trust
Establishing our "vision"
Terry at one end helps set our first stake...
Wayne measures (our final plot is 95' x 125').
Farmer in training - Lucas rides in the tractor with Paul Beere to clear some scrub trees and roots.
Wendy Ela takes a break on our thinking stone.
The plot is burned and the soil is readdy to be tilled. Barb, have you found someone to plow? I contacted Chris Burkett and he is going to talk to some people and get back to me tomorrow 4/16. I also talked to the bank about setting up a checking account. We need to apply for an EIN number which is free of charge and then determine an offical name and who will sign the checks. There are people ready to donate money and pay their fees. Wayne
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