We were severely damaged by Hurricane Florence. We had 4-5 feet of water that may have been mixed with sewage, oil and fuel. Insurance only covers on-site injuries, not storm damage. We lost 90% of our seeds and plants, and we are working with Cooperative Extension to find out what we need to do to get our soil back in shape for plantings. We mulched 8 wooden beds for the winter and all of that floated away.
A throng of the red shirted people moved through the Veterans Employment Base Camp and Organic Garden behind the Stanley White Recreation Center on Chapman Street on Thursday, cobbling together wooden raised bed frames, getting assignments, putting up solar panels, attaching gutters to work sheds and planting. They were employees of Keller Williams Realty and they were participating in the company’s “RED Day.” It’s a day each year that stands for Renew, Energize, Donate, a time when the company gives back to the community. While a woman stopped Singleton long enough to give her a potted red flower, Michelle Brinson, an employee at Keller Williams, was raking mulch on the lasagna bed.
What is a veteran’s stand-down? The original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, send and receive mail letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. We are expecting up to 200 Veterans that will be in need of services
An event for veterans to just talk. Those of us who have served in the military and gone on to have productive lives have valuable skills to teach. However, introducing these new ideas in the veteran community takes more than just having knowledge and a willingness to share it. That is when we have to meet people where they are: For me it has evolved by considering city farming opportunities, establishing a farmer’s market, encouraging a “farm-to-fork” program to promote local food, teaching veterans benefits classes. We are thinking long term and thinking in terms of an overall vision for veterans as they leave the military. As veterans we can respond to what America says that it needs. We can also encourage and reignite the dreams of other veterans who are working for a healthy community. I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that, then I realized I am somebody.
Duffyfield community lacks adequate access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food choices. It is a pocket of the city which features fast food, liquor, and convenience stores selling unhealthy, high-fat, high-sugar foods. We are providing opportunities for youth to engage with NC Cooperative Extension, Craven Community College, and the Health Department staff. The high cost of private clubs, sports teams and other youth activities is often not an option for many of the local families struggling to meet basic needs. Providing access to training and skills that relate to fresh fruits and vegetables in low-income neighborhoods is a challenge, but teaching children in these same neighborhoods, provides a learning foundation that they can take home to their families, reproduce in their own yards and incorporate in their employment foundation.
