The more we give of ourselves, the better we feel. In the case of volunteering, this is especially true. Volunteering helps to bolster and brighten the community and gives a sense of accomplishment, connection, and purpose. I would like to try a variety of volunteer positions over the next year or so.

January 2020 - Joining Greene Acres Community Garden

At the beginning of 2020, I joined my local community garden. I’ve now been a garden member for 4 years! Besides growing herbs and helping to maintain the garden’s beauty, I’ve helped by doing small projects like creating chicken posters and working with the chicken committee to start a chicken chat series to educate and engage neighbors who love to visit the chickens and want to learn more about chicken care. I’ve also worked with NYIT Graduate Architecture program to help build a structure in which we can grow plants and gather our picnic tables around to act a central gathering spot in the garden.

December 2019 - Greenmarket Volunteer at McCarren Park

Led the cooking demonstration this time, but cooked the same thing I made in October (but different market so not a horrible offense). However, I will never not love introducing people to the joy that are watermelon radishes! People aren’t very familiar with them but are always so intrigued by them. If you haven’t cut one open, you should. The fuchsia interior is stunning.

October 2019 - Greenmarket Volunteer at Grand Army Plaza

I helped give a cooking demonstration to get people excited about seasonal produce, answered any questions about the market, and sold reusable bags. (Please excuse the poor photo of the menu for our cooking demonstration. It’s the only one I have.)