Growing garden project sows community roots Robins and other CSEA members from the City of Kingston Department of Public Works were on-site hammering lumber for garden beds or installing fencing to safeguard plants. Perez and other Strong Communty Work committee members from Ulster, Dutchess and Putnam counties were planting, weeding and finally harvesting their first crops of lettuce, zucchini and other garden goodies. “This is actually the first time I’ve ever gardened, and it’s been quite the experience,” said Perez, a longtime Dutchess County activist prior to retirement. The best results are the bonds formed with youths from City of Kingston-run camp at the Forsyth Nature Center. Several times, CSEA members welcomed campers and taught them about gardening; environmental educator and CSEA member Julie Noble complemented that preparing fun, interactive lessons about the growing process. KINGSTON — On recent summer mornings, CSEA retiree Rose Perez was planting seeds and pulling up weeds in a small garden alongside children from a local summer camp program. The result was a garden yield that allowed for a lesson on gardening and nutrition while providing free, fresh produce to struggling residents for whom fresh fruits and veggies aren’t in the budget. When Perez and other activists from CSEA’s Strong Communities Work initiative heard of the burgeoning community garden movement here, they knew they could help. So they got involved, securing land outside the Kingston YMCA for a new garden adjacent to an existing one. The project has been a true team effort. When not at work, longtime Ulster County Local activist Bart Julie Noble teaches children about the growing process. Child hunger is a top priority for Southern Region members involved in the Strong Communities Work initiative and a passion for Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo, who has also pledged support for programs that provide low-income students with non-perishable items to keep them fed on weekends. The community garden addresses that immediate need, but has also grown CSEA’s community connections and served as a physical reminder of union members’ dedication to their hometowns. “We’ve already talked about building up the garden site next year, and maybe even adding a greenhouse in the future,” said Perez. “There is a lot of potential here.” — Jessica Ladlee S SYRACUSE FOOTBALL® ® Take advantage of your CSEA membership for a discount to all 2015 Syracuse University Football® home games at the Carrier Dome® in Syracuse! CSEA members will be entitled to purchase tickets at $15 off individual pricing for all home games, with youth tickets at $10 per ticket (12 and under). Order your discount tickets online at: www.tinyurl.com/SUfootball2015 Click on the “find tickets” box after your game selection - Use special offer code: CSEA2015 (all caps, no spaces) - NOTE: YOU WILL NOT SEE THE SPECIAL CSEA PRICING UNTIL YOU CLICK ON YOUR SEAT SELECTION (discounted seats are in the Lower Endzone, Upper Corners and Stadium Seating). After you select your seats, login with your MyCuse Account or create a New Account. Follow the steps to purchase and check out. There will be a processing and print at home fee. Visit www.cseany.org/r5 for a link to the discount ordering site, including a full schedule of SU® home games. Use Promo Code: CSEA2015 September 2015 The Work Force 13
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