CommunityGrows http://www.communitygrows.org Planting Seeds, Empowering Youth Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:14:29 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Summer BEETS Applications Ready http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/04/summer-beets-applications-ready/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/04/summer-beets-applications-ready/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:14:29 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1658 Related Posts
  1. Video of the 2011 BEETS Year!
  2. Introducing the Summer BEETS!
  3. BEETS Fall Green Job Training Program starting soon!
  4. Summer 2011 BEETS Celebration
  5. Meet our Fall 2011 BEETS!
]]> We have begun recruiting for our summer BEETS (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens) cohort, which will begin on May 29th and go through August 11, 2012. If you know of any teens between the ages of 15-19 years old who would be interested in this stipend program, please have them submit an application by Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Here is our flyer that provides more information. You can download the application here.

Beets Flyer Summer 2012

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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/04/summer-beets-applications-ready/feed/ 0 Koshland Park and Garden Workday-April 14, 2012 http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/03/koshland-park-and-garden-workday-april-14-2012/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/03/koshland-park-and-garden-workday-april-14-2012/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:24:46 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1651 Related Posts
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  5. Koshland Park and Garden Workday-November 12, 2011
]]> Come join us for a great day of exercise, fresh air and meeting new friends on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 11-2 PM in Koshland Park and Garden. This event is sponsored by our wonderful friends at Starbucks and Kaiser Permanente. Please come out and show your support!
4.14.12.KP Wkday Flyer

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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/03/koshland-park-and-garden-workday-april-14-2012/feed/ 0 CA Academy of Sciences http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/02/ca-academy-of-sciences/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/02/ca-academy-of-sciences/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:16:19 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1626 Related Posts
  1. BEET Rangers at Academy of Sciences!
  2. Video of the 2011 BEETS Year!
  3. Koshland Park & Garden Workday – February 11, 2012
]]> On January 28, 2012 the new 2012 spring cohort of the BEETS (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens) spent the day at the California Academy of Sciences. They started up on the living roof and had a tour by an academy docent, then took a quiz to find many flora and fauna living up there. This open-air observation terrace enables them to get a close-up look at the roof’s lush canopy of plants. The view encompasses the densest concentration of native wildflowers in San Francisco. The expansive vista was an ideal location for watching Northern California’s birds, butterflies and insects.

Then they descended to the Rainforests of the World exhibit. The rainforest is contained within a spectacular 90-foot diameter glass dome. It’s the largest spherical rainforest exhibit in the world.

The BEETS followed a spiraling path up through the exhibit, experiencing what it’s like to actually walk in a real rainforest. Temperatures are maintained at 82-85 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity is maintained at 75% or above using a unique misting system. The rainforest was teeming with 1,600 live animals – including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies, 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians. There was also 100,000 gallon “Flooded Forest” tank, where hundreds of tropical freshwater fish cruise overhead.

Then it was off to see the white alligator and lunch, and some free time to explore. A great day long to be remembered.
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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/02/ca-academy-of-sciences/feed/ 0 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/02/martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/02/martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:44:45 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1613 Related Posts
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]]>

Great Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service on Monday January 16, 2012. Many volunteers met at the African American Arts and Culture Center, loaded Muni buses and traveled to various site around the Western Addition. Some great folks showed up to work in Koshland Park. We got the soil turned, weeding, and planting begun for the spring. A great surprise was two honored guests: Daniel Homsey, Director of Neighborhood Empowerment Network, and London Breed, Director of the African American Arts and Culture Center. A very QUALITY DAY! Thank you great staff and volunteers!

1.16.12-London_Matthew_Zela_son_Elaine_600pixels_IMG_2718 1.16.12-ElaineWalker_ZelaRowlands_600pixels_IMG_2716 1.16.12-Kristine&ShawnWilliams_600pixels_IMG_2713 1.16.12-ZelaRowland_son_600pixels_IMG_2723 1.16.12_D.Homsey-Son_Aid_600pixels_IMG_2711 Dan Homsey-1.16.12_600pixels_IMG_2710

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  5. Booker T. Washington Community Service Center
]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/02/martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service/feed/ 0 Koshland Park & Garden Workday – February 11, 2012 http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/01/koshland-park-garden-workday-february-11-2012/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/01/koshland-park-garden-workday-february-11-2012/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:18:04 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1605 Related Posts
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Join us for a day of fun and exercise on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 11-2 PM in Koshland Park, corner of Page and Buchanan Streets in San Francisco. This is always a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while meeting terrific people. Hope to see you there!
Feb. 11, 2012 Koshland Park Workday

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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/01/koshland-park-garden-workday-february-11-2012/feed/ 0 Video of the 2011 BEETS Year! http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/01/video-of-the-2011-beets-year/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/01/video-of-the-2011-beets-year/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:43:32 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1594 Related Posts
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]]>

The BEETS (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens) is an environmental education and green-jobs training program of CommunityGrows. The BEETS is a stipend training program serving 18-24 at-risk teens a year, aged 15 to 19, and is located in San Francisco, California. The program supports youth to: acquire a core set of job readiness skills for the work force, specifically the green economy; cultivate leadership and interpersonal skills; and develop a commitment to environmental stewardship and food justice.

Take a look at this video which includes photos from the year and a video from the December graduation ceremony. The BEETS youth talked about highlights of the year and some of the staff, parents, and collaborators also spoke. Running time is under ten minutes. Enjoy!

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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2012/01/video-of-the-2011-beets-year/feed/ 0 Wreath and Card Making for the Holidays http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/12/wreath-and-card-making-for-the-holidays/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/12/wreath-and-card-making-for-the-holidays/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:16:54 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1560 Related Posts
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]]>
On Saturday, December 10th from 1-4 PM the Hayes Valley South Apartments’ Community Room was buzzing with activity. Aside from the staff of CommunityGrows, the BEETS (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens) participated, and joined residents from the neighborhood. Special partners Trash Mash-Up (Bridget and Jessie McCracken), the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, and ten French International School students, lead by Elizabeth Cleere, also spent the afternoon with us making wreaths and creating holiday cards. It was a sunny warm day for our annual tradition. which sets everyone in the holiday mood. Thank you for a wonderful day! 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2571 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2539 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2542 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2550 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2552 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2557 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2559 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2563 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2564 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2567 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2569 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2576 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2580 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2584 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2588 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2591 12.10.11-Wreath_and_Card_Making_IMG_2571

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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/12/wreath-and-card-making-for-the-holidays/feed/ 0 Cooking for the Holidays! http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/12/cooking-for-the-holidays/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/12/cooking-for-the-holidays/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:44:16 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1534 Related Posts No related posts were found ]]>
On Monday, December 12th, the youth from Hayward Recreation Center in San Francisco, joined CommunityGrows to bake Ginger Snaps for the holidays! It was a great afternoon with about ten youth getting a chance to prepare the ingredients, shape the dough and drop rounds on to baking sheets. While the cookies baked in the oven with the smell permeating the room with thoughts of the holiday, they youth also got to indulge in making healthy banana splits with yogurt, and different toppings. A very sweet and healthy afternoon. Our new garden educator, Elaine Walker joined Adrian Gaino, our cooking instructor to assist the students. Here’s the ginger snaps recipe!
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
¾ cup maple syrup
¼ cup molasses
½ cup oil
2 Tablespoons fresh ginger, grated

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Add the maple syrup, molasses, oil and ginger. Stir together until just mixed.
4. Scoop spoon-sized portions onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Enjoy! 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2601 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2593 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2597 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2598 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2607 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2611 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2617 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2619 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2622 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2631 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2633 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2641 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2649 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2651 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2652 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2659 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2667 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2674 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2676 12.12.11-Hayward_Cooking_IMG_2601

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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/12/cooking-for-the-holidays/feed/ 0 CommunityGrows Garden Party Fund-A-Need http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/11/communitygrows-garden-party-fund-a-need/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/11/communitygrows-garden-party-fund-a-need/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:26:41 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1467 Related Posts
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]]> On Saturday, October 15th we had a great Garden Party in Koshland Garden to raise money for our BEETS Program (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens).
Gabe Dominguez band (Shake Your Peace!) performed as well as Diana Gameros, a favorite San Francisco singer/songwriter. Diana mostly performs traditional Latin music but in her own modern, soulful, and passionate style. Diana’s original music is enchanting indie pop infused with her strong Latin heritage. Her band included Caroline Chung and Patrick Wolff.

During the presentations, Oscar Wolters-Duran, past CommunityGrows board chair and Jason Boarde, advisory board member, BEETS volunteer and SFSU Environmental Studies student, introduced the BEETS and did a live auction. People held up bid card and donated to support the BEETS Program. All of the BEETS got to talk about how the program has affected them and what they have learned. It was a very inspiring presentation.

Trash Mash-Up worked with the younger youth in the play-structure building arts and crafts and having a great time. Great food was provided by Absinthe, Chili Cha Cha Thai, Florence Cepeda’s Emergency Desserts, Greens Restaurant, Hayes & Kebabs, Hint Beverage, Kate’s Kitchen, Palmyra, Rotee, Safeway, Samovar, Stacks and Starbuck!

A special thanks to Harold Nelson, Auria Styles, Nora Brereton, Jo Mestelle, Barbara Fujimoto, Judith Keenan, Beth Sachnoff, Bob Barnwell, Jason Boarde, Cheryl Clarke, Lisa Drogin, Lynn Engel, Renee Meiffren, Tim McGee, Ilene Oba, Thea Selby, Dianna Stewart, Oscar Wolters-Duran, and the fabulous group of honor students from the College of San Mateo’s Alpha Gamma Sigma society!
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For more photos check out our Flickr Photostream!

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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/11/communitygrows-garden-party-fund-a-need/feed/ 0 Koshland Park and Garden Workday-November 12, 2011 http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/11/1462/ http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/11/1462/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:56:59 +0000 Barbara Wenger http://www.communitygrows.org/?p=1462 Related Posts
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]]> We will have a workday in Koshland Park and Garden on Saturday, November 12th from 10 AM to 1 PM. It will be a great day for weeding, planting, sweeping, pruning, picking up trash, and making the park and garden shine. Please were layered, comfortable workclothes and closed-toed shoes. Bring your own water; juice and snacks will be provided.
11.12.11 Flyer Workday Update

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]]> http://www.communitygrows.org/2011/11/1462/feed/ 0