Pine Valley Days

This year was the 40th anniversary of Pine Valley Days, our annual town festival, the highlight of which is the parade, always beginning with the high school cheerleaders and finishing with our home town heroes, our Pine Valley Fire Department.

And although we didn't have enough people to march in the parade, we made a very good showing of bringing delectable baked goods as well as some beautiful aprons, canvas bags, and shirts to sell via donation. We made some good money for the community gardens, and, even more impressive, we were able to "network" well and encourage others to join our fledgling community gardening group.

So welcome, newcomers, and we're very, very pleased to have you join us!

A Note from Judith....

Greetings, friends ~

I just want to weigh in here and report on the state of the gardening effort, because it is important right now to keep the ultimate purpose in mind.

First, I want to thank people (you know who you are) who have truly "hung in there" when our project seemed at a stand-still. We are moving ahead. If you haven't seen the piping, you've got to stop by. It's awesome!

I gotta say this: We are all beginners who didn't know much about the whole gardening concept (other than a few home efforts). Considering this fact, we have not failed. Quite the opposite. Mistakes and small glitches are inevitable. We have simply learned step-by-step what we need to know and do. By fall we will be fully equipped to start our winter garden, and next spring we'll be old pro's.

Those of you who were able to give your time and grunt labor to this vision are now seeing what a real--a very real--community service this garden can become. Our "pod" is a winner. Constructed out of odds & ends, it has become a structure to be proud of. I'm so proud of it, and of my fellow laborers. Not a glamorous job we're doing, but great fellowship! I look forward to every episode because we have such good times together.

What we are seeing ahead is a community asset that will make our village less vulnerable to the vagaries of life (the economy, mother nature, etc.) and will give us a chance to "grow our own souls" along with the veggies. (This is happening all over our nation, folks. And as near as Potrero!) We're planning on outreach, a food bank, perhaps, and spin-offs that will bring more people alongside. It's an investment in people. Giving up our present comfort and investing in something meaningful for the future. I thank you who have done this. I admire you so much.

Now . . . we have a booth in PV Days. If you haven't had time or the physical ability to join us on site, here is a significant way to help -- to keep the flame alive. We need to use this opportunity to raise funds to continue (and pay back a few of us). What can you offer that might be of interest to the crowd? Cookies/muffins, etc.? Do you sew? Do crafts? Woodworking? Here is your moment to work quietly behind the scenes and help us make this happen. Do send Peggy a note and let her know. OK?

Onward! See you at the garden -- and in the park on July 31st!
Best, Judith