We had a good time looking over ARCs biodiesel RV equipped with solar hot water, photovoltaic, rain water catchment, composting toilet and their very own herb garden.  The camper also doubles as sag wagon for the bicycle component of this expedition with a number of the participants biking from Canada to Mexico.

Catherine orchestrated an outstanding event with wonderful food by our very own Gloria and service from our great kids watched over by our ever capable Juanita.  Terra was there helping to coordinate along with Alan, John and a host of dedicated volunteers who have become part of our BMCY&F family.  Sean Kriletich of Paloma Pollinators spoke of organic farming and connecting to community.  Keith Pezzoli spoke of their goal and their trip so far.  Steve Wilensky reminded us that our community oriented general plan process is under assault and the need for us to remain committed to guiding that process.  It was all toped of with many a fruitful conversation and a terrific performance by our great friends Clan Dyken helping us dance the pleasant moon lit evening away.  It’s wonderful to make new friends and rejoin with the old!

Our community garden is a bit difficult to name.  The Spink Rd. property which is now the garden was owned by Beth Childs and Genna Hurst.  So it could be the Beth & Genna Memorial Garden.   They donated that down town ground to a local non-profit called West Point Revive & Re-leaf, an organization dedicated to making West Point a more attractive place, bringing us The Revive & Re-leaf Community Garden.  Revive & Re-leaf temporarily fell on some hard times and needed help as an organization so  Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth & Families stepped up and agreed to take responsibility for the Spink Rd property and Revive & Re-leaf became a part of BMCY&F.  BMCY&F has some ambitious plans for the community garden property and when that comes to fruition it may also be known as the BMCY&F Community Garden and Green House Project.  In addition to all these potential names there are many people who have put a lot of sweat and time into this project.  There are a few original R&R members still dedicated to the success of a community garden.  There are also some new people becoming involved, some as R&R members others like Paloma Pollinators (a local, family run organic farm) who have fallen in love with both the youth center and the the garden.  Many families involved with the youth center and R&R have benefited  for our garden, appreciate it’s beauty and abundance.  To see community building in action take a walk through our multifaceted youth canter and community garden.

Yes it’s small but we have our regular costumers and new people checking us out and buying every week.  The mix of venders are close knit and committed to being there from start to finish with wonderful organic, fresh produce, plant starts, honey, flowers, soaps, balms and more!  Some of the finest live music to be had permeates our friendly laid back atmosphere, all in all a positive experience for families and the rest of our West Point community.  Come on down and support our very own West Point farmers market.

Remember, community gardens can grow more than fresh, delicious produce- they can also provide new friendships,  family time, learning opportunities for kids, and so much more!  Community Garden Parties will be held Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7pm, beginning July 27th.

If you are interested in getting hands-on in our community garden, please call 293 4500, an feel free to visit the garden any time!

Roxy and her art in cloth.

Revive and Releaf and Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth & Families collaborate with a whole team of dedicated volunteers to create another successful Art in the Garden. Special thanks go to our gracious hosts the Vago family for their wonderful garden property and home opened to the public! I understand we have achieved recored attendance this year so once again a tip of our hat to all the dedicated and persistent work done in PR, set up, terrific food, clean up…and let us not forget the wonderful artist and their work. Thanks to our local musicians and the all around terrific atmosphere.  Job well done, we look forward to next year and all the creative juices that will flow between now and then!

Alan R. Willard