Octorara townlively.com
JULY 7, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXI • NO 20
Gleaning Garden Dedicated To Sen. Dinniman BY FRANCINE FULTON
The gleaning garden at Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore, which provides fresh produce for clients of the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB), was recently dedicated to retired state Sen. Andy Dinniman, who founded the Chester County Gleaning Program in 1996.
Gleaning is based on the biblical concept that the farmer should give some of the crops in his fields to those in need. The book of Leviticus states, “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor.” See Gleaning Garden pg 5
Ryan McCaughan (right) from the Chester County Food Bank and Armen Caravantes, volunteer garden coordinator for the Parkesburg Library community garden program, recently held an open house at the garden.
Growing Produce At The Parkesburg Library BY FRANCINE FULTON
omatoes, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, strawberries, cucumbers, lettuce and herbs like thyme, basil, dill and oregano are just some of the crops being grown in raised-bed gardens located at the Parkesburg Library. Ryan McCaughan, garden educator for the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB), and local teen organic farmer Armen Caravantes, volunteer garden coordinator, held an open house recently to make others aware of the community garden program at the library and to offer information about planting vegetables. Early in the season, the library offered raised bed spaces to community members on a first-come, first-served basis.
accept anything at the food bank, but we are sending it back out to the food pantries,” said McCaughan. “It is basically skipping a step if you can take it directly to the food pantries. You are saving time, which is huge when it comes to produce. Produce obviously has a shelf life. What Armen is doing here is exactly right - getting it to the local food cupboards right away.” McCaughan explained that gardens like the one at the library can grow crops well into fall. “Depending on the weather, you can grow plants if you have some row covers to create a greenhouse or mini tunnel. You put hoops down and you create an arch. That will increase the temperature of the soil and allow you to grow (plants) throughout the winter,” McCaughan said. “It’s called a season extension.”
The Fund for Women and Girls is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Gladys Black Woman of Distinction Award and the 2021 Corporate Champion of Change Award. Named in memory of the fund’s late board member, the Woman of Distinction Award recognizes a Chester County woman who has “contributed to the advancement of other women in professional and leadership roles.”
See Parkesburg Library pg 2
See Nominations pg 3
Fund For Women And Girls Seeks Nominations
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Resident Creates Flower Garden At Christiana Post Office . . . .2 Local Author Publishes Picture Book . . . . . . . . . . .3
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Community Calendar . . . .4 House Of Worship . . . . . . .7 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Business Directory . . . . .12
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“Every (bed) except for two have been planted by the public,” Armen explained, noting that one garden bed has been designated as a demonstration garden, which will be used for free community gardening classes. Although gardeners get to keep whatever they harvest from their individual plants, in past years, some vegetables grown in the garden have been taken into the library for free distribution to library patrons. Armen added that this year’s garden includes 10 tomato plants whose yield will go to library patrons and the Octorara Area Food Cupboard. However, gardeners who would like to help their neighbors in need are encouraged to donate their produce directly to a local food pantry. “We encourage people to donate to the closest possible food pantry. We
Unveiling the new Senator Andrew Dinniman Garden at Springton Manor Farm are (back, from left) Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Marian Moskowitz, Dinniman, Commissioner Josh Maxwell and (front) Bob McNeil from the Chester County Food Bank.
