| Miami Valley Institute of Food & Spirits |
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FARM TO TABLE 2021
Covid has required us to be flexible and adapt to change. Farm to Table is no exception. Metro Parks has a hiring freeze which leaves Possum Creek severely understaffed. Possum Creek has suspended summer programs and can not guarantee any changes in the Fall. Therefore, Farm to Table events at Possum Creek for September could not happen. There have been staffing issues at both Southdale and DECA Middle. The Dayton Club closed last December. It was decided that our Dorothy Lane Market tour had reached the end of its effectiveness. Calvin Mayne has been generous for 4 years, another year would have been imposing. Therefore, it was necessary to regroup. Bern Schwieterman, MVIFS member, shared a project at Oakview Elementary, Kettering. The first grade teachers, principal and custodian are all on board for raised gardens with vegetables/herbs focusing on healthy nutrition. The 1st graders filled the beds with dirt and planted before the end of school. Families and MVIFS members will maintain the gardens over the summer. In the fall, they will harvest and dine on their rewards. This project follows 1st grade standards. MVIFS has financed the start up. We know members will assist in this project – the teachers, along with Bern, will help us along the way. Thanks to our board for visiting Oakview and supporting this new project.
Co-chairs,
Liz Betz and Jeanne Evans
Donations to Oakview Garden Project - December 2021
Items from the MVIFS locker have gone to a worthy location – Oakview Elementary. The tables, canopies and much more will be used for the Farm to Table program. Bern Schwieterman and principal, Aaron Smith were overwhelmed with our donations. The first graders will be using the items as they continue their nutritional education in planting, harvesting, cooking, and eating vegetables from the raised gardens.
**Reported by Jeanne Evans**
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Oakview Garden Project December, 2021
Garden Project activities have wound down for the year and planning is underway for an even bigger, better 2022 program. More details as the year progresses.... Pictures from the 2021 Garden Project are at the bottom of this page
Update: October 2021
Update: The week of September 14, the Oakview 1st graders planted peas, beets and radish seeds. They plan to build some coverings for the plants as an activity once the temps get too cold. The teachers will contact us so we can be involved.
Update - September 3, 2021
Here's the latest Oakview Garden update from Bern Schwieterman, MVIFS member and STEAM Integration Coach for Kettering Schools:
**********"The garden is growing!! Just want to keep you all in the loop.
1. The students in the resource room harvested yesterday and Jamie said it was an amazing experience for them.
2. The 2nd grade team has agreed to engineer a worm farm on October 22nd. They will maintain the worm farm till we release them in the garden this spring.
3. The fifth grade team has agreed to have their students develop a school wide plan to use the composters in the garden. They are currently studying decomposers so we will start the PBL next week.
4. I have contacted the high school art department concerning having outdoor art displayed in the courtyard."
Update for August. 2021
The garden at Oakview is looking very “healthy” thanks to the first graders and their parents. Each week throughout the summer a family assumed the responsibility to water and weed the garden. The tomatoes are ripening, peppers and eggplants are ready to pick and the herbs are ready to be harvested. Bern Schwieterman’s friend, Mike Stephens, volunteered to install the fence. Kettering schools start this week. The first graders from last year will be harvesting/eating the produce that was planted last Spring. The first grade teachers and Bern will be setting up a meeting with MVIFS interested members to plan how we can support this project. Check out the recent pictures on the F2T site.
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Update for June 29, 2021
The first grade garden at Oakview is looking fantastic. The pumpkin plants, peppers and herbs are growing well. The tomato plants are 2 feet tall with blooms!!! Families, teachers and MVIFS will be weeding/watering throughout the summer. Please check out the pictures on the web. Pictures will be updated throughout the summer. MVIFS involvement will be defined when school begins in August.
****Select or click on pictures below to see entire slide show....****