Urban Farmers League

Join this Saturday for an open mic

2011-05-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=106883742732769

Time Saturday, May 28 · 1:00pm - 5:00pm

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Location Newburgh, NY
Corner Chamber St & 1st St (La Vida Garden)
Newburgh, NY

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Created By Spreading Unity Through Poetry, Luvleeh Poetiklocks

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More Info Unity Through Poetry Presents "Verbal Illustrations"

Featured Youth Artist "Novist Poet" & "Chante" "Janea" & Adult Artist " Blessed" with more to come... Special Guests will be hitting the stage!
Host Newburgh's Own... Luvleeh Poetiklocks!

...Come out & be apart of this wonderful community event ....

Date: May 28th, 2011
Time: between 1- 5 pm
@: La Vida Garden on Chamber & 1st St

This is apart of the Last Saturdays events~ ;)

The youth will paint the community w/ poetic words~ ... the community will experience "The Art of Poetry"!

Come on Out ...Open to All!!!

More info to come!!! Any questions or comments feel free to contact
Luvleeh Poetiklocks: luvleehpoetiklocks@yahoo.com or inbox me here on FB.

If interested in performing PLEASE inbox me/ contact by May 10th.Thanks Let's keep Spreading Unity Through Poetry!

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Gold & I M A POET; McDonald's on Broadway; McDonald's on N.Plank Rd;Sergio Valentin aka Park Truth & Park Sound; Rita's Italian Ice; Luvleeh Inks & Links; Readnex Poetry Squad; Walmart of Newburgh; Adam's Fair Acre Farms of Newburgh; Price Chopper; Coach Bowles; Urban Farmer's League; Lowe's; Tifany of Poughkeepsie; Michael White & the Newburgh Community!
See More

Habitat for Humanity joined us on May 24,2011 to help get us planting for next season.

2011-05-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Carter finds a snake

Making the La Vida entrance beautiful.

YOUTH ART - Graffiti Mural Project, April 30 at La Vida Garden, Chambers St., Newburgh, NY

2011-05-02T10:05:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eileen_marie/5675901202/in/set-72157626496199315

Newburgh Partners build up the city

2011-05-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110501/NEWS/105010334&cid=sitesearch

Newburgh Rotary

2010-11-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

Photo Credits: Regina McGrade

Thank you to the Newburgh Rotary for donating to our organization this year. The donation will be put to good use. The support is greatly appreciated.

All the receipts of donations from Newburgh Rotary Club. Along with the Urban Farmers League follow receipts meals on wheels, Greater Newburgh Hudson Valley Family Health Center, Safe Homes, Inspire, Big Bothers and Big Sisters of Orange County.

6th Annual Bioneers by Bay

2010-11-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

Day 1
This year we received scholarships to attend the 6th annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change Conference. In attendance the board members of the Urban Farmers League: Kerri, Chante, John, Victoria, We would like to thank the Youth Committee for hosting us, and the The First Unitarian Church of Fairhaven for housing house. We enjoyed connecting with youth from -F.R.E.S.H. New London- CT, UConn, Avery Point- CT , and Make Your Mark initiative ,- VT. On Friday not only did the board members enjoy a day off from school, we privileged to hear from: Alan Khazie, the ReadNex Poetry Squad, Adeola Oredola, a performance from David Densmore, Diane Wilson and Van Jones. We enjoyed an organic and local lunch , then we went to the secret language of your body with Inna Siegel, we learned about color healing and how to do some breathing exercises to energize and heal ourselves. For dinner we went to Brick and enjoyed some brick oven pizza and foccita(first time for some of us). Before going back to “home” we watched Carbon Nation. We got back to the church we really enjoyed bonding with follow youth.

Day 2:
We awake ready for an awesome breakfast. We enjoyed hearing from Micheal Ben-Eli, Annie Leondard, the Youth committee, Antiw A. Akom, and Seth Goldman. Also performances from Michaelle Saintinil Rudy Cabrera. Again enjoyed another delish lunch. After lunch we enjoyed connecting with the other youth who are at the conference by making Blankets for Nepal, Seed Boombs!, and pursues out of recycled fabric and blurp coffee bags. Then we enjoyed a concert by Readnex Poetry Squad and various other artist.
We went out to dinner with Uconn Avery Point. After that we join the rest of the youth initiative at Words Not Waste Open Mic, Jelly one the board members of the Urban Farmers League, and there many other performers.

Day 3:
Our last day, we were all pretty tired by this morning because of the all information that we heard, and all the people we were meeting. Our last morning we from Rikki Ott, and Bob Cavar about what really going on with the BP oil spill. We heard from the founder of the People’s Grocery in Oakland- Nikki Henderson; also from David deRothschild about his voyage on Plastik, and the best selling of author of 3 cups of tea, Greg Mortenson. Also performances from Tem Blessed and Emilia Dahilin.

check out our facebook page for pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235507&id=290247189855

Save the children day sponsored by Life Restoration Church

2010-10-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Children of all ages enjoying the festivities.
Congressman Hinchey showing his support of Save the Children event and La Vida Garden. Thank you!

Oct. 3, 2010

2010-10-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

On Sunday October 3, 2010 Karen Meja from Congressman Hinchey’s office came to give the board members a certificate. We also harvest a lot of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

The girls are harvesting the tomatoes

Calvin showing off his prefect cherry tomato that he just harvested
Karen presenting certificates from Congressman Hinchey to Angelica and John

Glynwood and Queen of the Sun

2010-10-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Taggart Siegel, director of Queen of Sun will John and Chante, who are both board members of the Urban Farmers League.

Kim, JOhn and Chante talking to people who are there for the viewing of the Queen of the Sun

On Friday October 1, 2010 Glynwood hosted a screening of the Queen of the Sun along with the director Taggart Siegel and the producer and editor Jon Betz. Before the film Chante and John were able to talk to the farmers at Glynwood and the film makers. Some of the proceeds from admission are going to toward the Urban Farmers League, so before the film John and Chante addressed over 75 people about what the Urban Farmers League does in the City of Newburgh. After the movie John and Chante really enjoyed meeting everyone.

"This land is your land"

2010-09-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

"From the Youth of the Hudson Valley, a message for President Obama! From: HRSloopClearwater | September 22, 2010 | 302 views Loading... In the true spirit of our founder, Pete Seeger, Clearwater's Power of Song youth and the Urban Farmer's League of Newburgh, NY carried forward the passion and energy from the America's Great Outdoors Initiative listening sessions held this past August to create a music video. The youth worked together to create new verses to Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," to voice their policy recommendations to President Obama. As a collaborative project, Clearwater partnered with Our Hudson Tomorrow and the Electronic Music Foundation to support their efforts and produce this video featuring these young leaders"

2010-09-16T13:20:00.001-07:00

We are having movie nights the next three weekends. On Sunday September 19 and 26; as well October 3, 2010. Hope to see you there. If you have any question please feel free to contact Kim at either kim.bersin@gmail.com or 845 527 7826.

Harvest Party 2

2010-09-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

The ReadNex Poetry Squad performing.
U-Nice performing

Alex Schein and DJH20 getting ready the day

Nu Fi Alpha performing

2010-09-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

To honor those who were affected by the event on 9/11/01; we celebrated life by hosting a harvest party. We had performances by Nu Fi Alpha, U-Nice, Alex Schein,and ReadNex Poetry Squad. This event was free to public. We had over a 50 people come through the garden throughout the day. In order to help support future of the Urban Farmers League we auctioned off : rosemary, lavender, mint, basil, and tomatoes from out garden at 59 Chambers Street. The remainder was given to our neighbors.

Chante showing her pride with a temporary tattoo

John and Decora getting ready for the auction and giving away of our harvest to our neighbors
DJ H20 Around the the turn tables

Chante and Will collecting tomatoes

John harvesting tomatoes

Press release for harvest party

2010-09-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

La Vida garden Harvest Party

59 Chamber Street, was once abandoned garbage filled lot but now it has 7 organic beds, 3 organic fruit trees, a grape vine, and 2 raspberry bushes. There are 9 active board members from the age of 16-21. 45 neighborhood members who participate in our activities, and 5 community elders who are unofficial security guards, and about 95 facebook friends and growing.

In celebration of harvest Season, Newburgh’s La Vida Garden will be holding an end of summer harvest Festival. On September 11, 2010 from 12:00 to 3:00PM. This event is rain or shine. There will be live performances by The ReadNex Poetry Squad, DJ H20 and other local and nationally known artist. There will also be face painting and games for youth. The board of Urban Farmers League invites people from all over the Hudson Valley to perform in an open mic. In honor of harvest we will have dishes served made from produce from our farm and other local farmers along with food from The Wherehouse restaurant.

This urban community garden is a partnership between the Orange County Land Trust, Orange County Department of Health, Orange County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, Pathstone Community Improvement of Newburgh, Greenway Environmental Services, Arts in Orange, Trust Your Struggle Art Collective, Knewton Test Prep, Leptondale Nursery, Taliaferro Farms, and Wherehouse Resturant.

For more information please feel free to contact Kim Bersin at 845-527-7826 or kim.bersin@gmail.com.

2010-09-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

Working with Clearwater for a video for the Great American Outdoor Initiative

2010-09-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Vikki and Jelly of to the location of the shot.

Practicing with the young people from Clearwater and Beacon Green Teens.

Playing with Pete Seeger

Singing under a beautiful tree with Pete Seeger youth from Clearwater and Beacon Green Teen

Because of light we had a hard time watching the movie via the projector.

2010-08-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

In honor of Michael Jackson our guests had fun showing us our dance moves

2010-08-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

2010-08-26T09:59:00.002-07:00

Warm up continuted with jumping jacks.

practicing our esquivas.

2010-08-26T09:59:00.001-07:00

Capoeira workshop warm up

2010-08-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the workshop by using lotus essential oil

Due to the pending rain the workshop today at noon has been cancelled.

2010-08-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 8/24/10

2010-08-23T12:42:00.001-07:00

Weather permitting we will be having a capoeira workshop in La Vida garden tomorrow(Tuesday August 24,2010) at noon. Please bring water and a mat if you have one. For more information please feel free to contact Kim Bersin at 845 527 7826 or email kim.bersin@gmail.com

Due to rain movie night is cancelled tonight.

2010-08-22T13:16:00.001-07:00

Upcoming events the week of August 22,2010

2010-08-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Weather permitting on Sunday we are having movie night at 7pm.
On Tuesday 24, 2010 we are having a capiera workshop at noon at the garden. Both events are held at La Vida Garden (on the corner of First and Chambers Street). These event is free and open to the public. For more infomation please feel free to contact Kim Bersin at 845.527.7826

On Tuesday August 16,2010 we had open mic night

2010-08-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

We had a few guests come from Kingston Land Trust to come and learn about what we do in Newburgh. Their young children performed in our mic night by doing some free flowing and interruptive dance.

Rebecca from the Kingston Land Trust is interviewing Angelica. In the background we are being a dazzled by a great dance.

Earth Rhythms

2010-08-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Kerri and Chante were at Newburgh Jazz Series Earth Rhythms talking to people about the Urban Farmers League.

Memorial for young people who we lost to violence on August 10,2010

2010-08-19T11:54:00.001-07:00

A couple doors away from La Vida garden a 10 year old boy was killed by an accidental shooting. The board members wanted to remember our young neighbor by lighting candles in memory of Brandon.

Chante getting ready for the memorial

Lighting candles for the young people we lost to violence.

Getting ready for placing the candle to Brandon's memorial

Our candles placed at Brandon's memorial

Movie night

2010-08-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had movie night after cancelling it twice due to concerns with the weather. The next movie night August 15, keep posted for updates .

Tasting a peach from La Vida

2010-08-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Harvesting tomatoes

2010-08-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Our First Open Mic

2010-08-09T12:29:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday we had our first open mic night. After the performances we went to National Night Out. Our next open mic is August 17.

Look at Chante free styling.

Bike Newburgh

2010-08-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Hi, folks. I know it’s been a while, so here’s the latest from BikeNewburgh:

What we’ve been doing:

Since May, we’ve held five great repair sessions in front of the church on South Street. We met lots of children, adults and families, some from across the street and some from Cornwall and New Windsor. We repaired a lot of brakes, fixed a lot of tires, and made many new friends. In July, we were invited to host weekly community repair sessions at the Urban Farmers League garden at 59 Chambers Street.

There we found more kids and more bikes than two of us could possibly handle. For all its challenges though, Chambers Street has been blessed – with fathers and uncles who share their love of kids and community and pick up a wrench and help out for hours on end, with moms who come and teach patience, and with children who smile and share and trust.

We’ve made a commitment to continue at 59 Chambers Street through the month of August, and hope to resume our sessions on South Street in the next two weeks.

It has been your gracious generosity and your amazing ability to involve friends and community from a larger area that has made this possible, and we are grateful for all you have done so far. Thank you. Since the very beginning folks have asked us what we need. Now that we’ve been on the street, we can see more clearly what we need.

What we need:

Brakes. The number one safety item is functioning brakes. We’ve had some parts donated, but our best source of brake parts has been recycled from donated bikes. Which means we need…
Space. Your ability to donate bikes has been way beyond our ability to take them in, up until now. We are looking for some secure, ground-level space to store donated bikes. If you have vacant space or know someone who does, please contact me. If that space (or spaces) also leaves room to work, that’s even better. Then we can work with…
Volunteers. Cleaning and repairing donated bikes and harvested parts takes time and patience. It is also a great way to teach and learn the basics of bike maintenance and repair. If you have patience, the ability to teach or the desire to learn, and a little bit of time, we need you. Email to john@bikenewburgh.org or come to our open house.
Helmets. One of our volunteers just donated more than a dozen brand new helmets, in assorted kids’ sizes. It’s tough to get kids to wear them all the time, but it is irresponsible not to try.

How you can help:
Join us for an open house, discussion, story telling and planning meeting from 6:30 to 8:00 Tuesday night, August 10, at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 120 South Street, Newburgh. We’ll be indoors, serving up some Iced Tea and snacks, and maybe patching some inner tubes. If you can’t be there, have questions or comments, or want to help in any way, please email or leave a message at 562-8730. Thanks!

Newburgh urban farm's launch draws big crowd

2010-07-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

News

By Michael Randall
Published: 2:00 AM - 07/27/10
City of Newburgh – More than 100 people attended Saturday's opening of La Vida Garden, a youth-run urban farm created on a formerly abandoned lot at 59 Chambers St.
The site has been converted into an organic farm and cultural center by city youth.
It features organically grown tomatoes, eggplant, arugula, basil, mescaline mix, hot and sweet peppers, peaches, cherries, raspberries, grapes, flowers and herbs.
A graffiti mural done by the youth and professional artists who belong to Trust Your Struggle Art Collective decorates the site.
La Vida Garden will host events, including open mic nights on the first and third Tuesday of each month; a movie night every Sunday; and workshops every second and fourth Tuesday at noon.
The garden is a partnership among a dozen government and not-for-profit agencies and local businesses.
For more information, visit their website at www.urbanfarmersleague.blogspot.com.
mrandall@th-record.com

Nora Cronin

2010-07-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we talked to Nora Cronin leadership about organic food, and what the attenees can change their neighbrohoods.

2010-07-26T08:51:00.001-07:00

Sunday
July 25, 2010

Copyright © 2010 Mid-Hudson News Network, a division of Statewide News Network, Inc.
This story may not be reproduced in any form, by any media, without express written consent.
This includes rewriting, broadcasting and/or printing of material from MidHudsonNews.com,
by radio and television stations, newspapers or other media.

Weather Forecast

Youth run urban farm opens in Newburgh

Urban farmers take a moment to pose in their new garden
NEWBURGH – It’s called la Vida Garden, a youth run urban farm at 59 Chambers Street in Newburgh.

The once garbage strewn lot has been transformed into an organic farm and cultural center by inner city youth. It now is filled with seven organically grown beds of tomatoes, eggplants, arugula, basil, mescaline mix, hot and sweet peppers, peaches and cherries, raspberries, grapes, flowers and herbs.

La Vida Garden will also serve as a cultural venue with open mic nights and a Sunday movie night as well as workshops.

The garden is a partnership between the Orange County Land Trust, Orange County Health Department, Orange County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, Pathstone Community Improvement of Newburgh, Greenway Environmental Services, the City of Newburgh, Arts in Orange, Trust Your Struggle Art Collective, Knewton Test Prep, Leptondale Nursery, Taliaferro Farms, and Wherehouse Restaurant.

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HEAR today's news on MidHudsonRadio.com, the Hudson Valley's only Internet radio news report.

The Opening was amazing check it out for yourself

2010-07-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

http://hudsonvalley.ynn.com/content/top_stories/512101/youth-farms-aim-for-seeds-of-change-in-newburgh/

2010-07-22T15:05:00.001-07:00

Press Release
Youth Run Farm in the City of Newburgh Opens !

For Immediate Release: Contact:
July 22, 2010 Kim Bersin 845.527.7826

Date: Saturday July 24,2010
Where: La Vida Garden (59 Chambers, which is one the corner of First and Chambers Streets). This space is run by the board of the Urban Famers League, which are group of 9 youth from 16-21 years old.
Time: 4-8pm
Activities: DJ, Performances, and food
It is open to everyone

“As youth in the community, we are tired of the negative stereotypes that are applied to us. The perception of a few does not determine the action of the whole. We are creative individuals who intend on using our voices and opinions to educate and better our neighborhoods. Our youth farm will be a venue for community education.” That was our statement a month ago, since then we have built raised beds, laid down landscape fabric, spread four tons of soil and mulch, and planted. We are currently growing organic: tomatoes, egg plants, hot and sweet peppers, grapes, basil, mint, lavender, marigolds, arugula, mescaline mix, peaches, raspberries, and various flowers. Not only are we a space that grows food, we are cultural venue-starting on Sunday 25,2010 we will being a showing films every Sunday around 7pm. Every first and third Tuesday will be open mics 7-9pm. Every second and fourth Tuesday at noon we will have workshops.

This urban community garden is a partnership between the Orange County Land Trust, Orange County Department of Health, Orange County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, Pathstone Community Improvement of Newburgh, Greenway Environmental Services, City of Newburgh Arts in Orange, Trust Your Struggle Art Collective, Knewton Test Prep, Leptondale Nursery, Taliaferro Farms, and Wherehouse Resturant.

If you have any question please feel free to contact Kim 845.527.7826, also please check out our websites urbanfarmersleague.blogspot.com or http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Urban-Farmers-League/290247189855?ref=ts.
We cannot wait to see you there!!!!!!!!!!!!

Opening is July 24- see you there!!!!!

2010-07-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

2010-07-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

Honey Locust Farm, which is located just off Route 9W in the town of Newburgh, the farm stand offers fresh vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, live plants and hand-crafted products. Honey Locust Farm House focuses on chef-centered produce, growing hard-to-find greens, herbs, and vegetables for restaurateurs(including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the Culinary Institute of America)and creative home kitchen gourmets. Honey Locust Farm House is committed to growing in balance with nature. Only sustainable, organic methods are used to insure the integrity of the earth and the health of its people. We had a tour led by Sarah Elizabeth, an herbalist she showed many plants that are used in medicinal ways . We also helped weeded and tilled 600 sq. feet of soil for future plantings.

John helping out by tilling a future garden

On the tour we encountered chickens.

Location 2 for July 12

2010-07-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

Today we weeded Ashe Urban Farm(a plot at the People's Garden), after weeding we planted some hot and sweet peppers.

Kim is helping out the board members by removing the result of weeding and tilling a new spot for the hot peppers.

Right now we are determining where the holes for the new peppers will be.

After watering today

2010-07-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

After we watered La Vida we started to talk about the benefits of the plants that we have in the garden. Right now Decora is explaining the medicinal benefits of lavender

Board meeting July 8, 2010

2010-07-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Few!!!!!!!!!! Yesterday was so jam packed with things that we had to plan. We talked about possibly doing some service learning with an art class from Newburgh Performing Arts Academy. Started to plan our opening, which will be Saturday July 24, 2010( keep posted for the press release and the details); and discussed our first movie night which will be Sunday July 25,2010 at 7pm( and will be every Sunday until the end of September). Also we talked about the Open mic night s that will be happening at La Vida Garden every first and third Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm of the month, and the workshops that we will having every second and fourth Tuesday at noon. MORE DETAILS TO COME!!

Newburgh Farms! Meeting 2

2010-07-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

On July 7,2010 we meet with representatives from Glynwood, Pathstone, Orange County Land Trust, and Downing Park to discuss how to make more urban farms in the City of Newburgh. We talked about where these farms could be located and possible funding sources. Also what policy framework can we work on to ensure the urban farming area in the City of Newburgh. We think that meeting went well, to create more allies we should have representatives from Habitat for Humanity, and City of Newburgh- to make a plan for creating more farmable space. The City needs to be there because there are policy measures that the council can make to ensure that more agricultural/horticultural space is created, there could be a policy such as 1%for public space to be turned into a farm or garden.

Some Construction in Middletown

2010-07-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

On Friday July 2, 2010 we had to some construction work in Middletown. We painted the water tank black to prevent the growth of algae, laid down landscape fabric, did some weeding, and also put soil in beds. By the time we are finished with construction in the Middletown Community Garden there will be 88 raised beds.

Board Announced

2010-07-05T08:21:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday June 30, 2010 we did some work in the garden and announced our full time board members. Congratulations to John, Angelica, Victoria, Kerri, Chante and Chandra. Congrats as well to our part-time board members Jerome, Manny, and Gilbert.

Ann Street Market

2010-07-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday June 26, 2010 we had a table at the Ann Street Market. We sold tomatos, hot peppers, thyme, sweet basil, and tick weed. Thank you for Greenway for donating the plants for us to sell. We had a great day talking to people about La Vida garden.

Spreading mulch

2010-06-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

2010-06-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the Leptondale Nursery for donating a few of tomato plants, eggplants, 2 flats of marigolds, and other flowers.

Middletown project at David Moore Heights

2010-06-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Jenice taking a break from putting down landscape fabric

2010-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

John and Jerome putting down our landscape fabric

2010-06-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Building our Raised beds

2010-06-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Cheers (no jeers) | recordonline.com

2010-06-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Cheers (no jeers) | recordonline.com
Published: 2:00 AM - 06/14/10

•To some young people in Newburgh and those who are helping them turn a vacant lot on Chambers Street into what they are calling "La Vida Garden." In addition to learning what it takes to plant, tend and harvest vegetables, they will get the chance to understand something more important. As their adviser put it, growing her own "changed the way I look at food." If this pilot program is successful, it could spread to other neighborhoods with vacant land waiting to be put to productive use.
•To Jared Weiss, the youngest graduate on record at Monticello High School, who is off to college at the age of 14. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Weiss has had a full high school experience through two years of varsity tennis and lots of time playing guitar in a band. He could not have had such balanced success without the wise guidance offered by his parents, Jonathan and Beth Weiss, and the equally wise participation of so many in the school system who recognized his talents and helped him make the most of them.
•To the Port Jervis Middle School, for its recognition as a place that works hard to educate the "whole child." The honor, the Whole Child for the 21st Century Award, came from the New York Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, a professional organization principally made up of superintendents and senior teachers. Instead of teaching to the test, this approach operates under the assumption that a better educated student will do well in life, as well as on tests.
•To three Orange County students going to military service academies through nominations from Rep. John Hall. Katherine Mucke of Fort Montgomery will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Jillian Kelly of Highland Mills will attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., and Katelyn MacDonald of New Hampton will attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.
•To the team from Pine Bush whose moon expedition camper took first place in the Nature Trail'R problem at the world championships of the Odyssey of the Mind. On the team were seniors Joe Landolina, Dan Stack, Meghan Walter and Nic Vesely, junior James Orr, and freshmen Dylan DiGasso and Martin Perez. Meghan's mother, Bobbi Walter, was the team coach. More than 800 teams from around the world competed at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.
•To lawyer Howard Finkelstein who received the lifetime achievement award from the Orange County Bar Association. Finkelstein founded Finkelstein & Partners LLP in Newburgh in 1961. His pro-bono work includes representing several families of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and assisting U.S. veterans.
•To performing arts students from Monticello High School who have spent the spring cleaning up the old 400-seat theater on St. John Street, part of the original Monticello High School. When word of their effort got out to the community, they found others willing to volunteer and help in such tasks as repairing the torn curtains. As one student put it, "Our goal is for the theater to be a part of the community again."

La Vida Garden with its fence before being transformed into an oasis

2010-06-15T09:22:00.001-07:00

Teens find hope in planting seeds

2010-06-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

http://cornwall-on-hudson.com/article.cfm?page=5857

Fence

2010-06-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

The poles for the fence are up, the rest is coming on Friday. Originally we thought the installation would be complete today but the installer was sick this morning. We are going to move forward today by building our raised beds this afternoon, and move the beautiful yellow rocks to their new positions in La Vida Garden.

Ashe Urban Farm update

2010-06-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Although, our work with the 21st Century Community Learning Centers ended a year ago; some of the students who were involved with farm wanted to continue growing flowers in their plot at the People's Garden.

Here we are weeding and working in Ashe Urban Farm.
Gilbert working on the walk way
Weeding the herbs
Chante weeding the herbs

Working on our plan for attacking the weeds.

2010-06-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

In the future the Urban Farmers League will be driving biodisel trucks that grow food

In La Vada Garden you will find recycled objects with plants in them.

Teens launch Urban Farmers League in Newburgh on Mid Hudson News .com

2010-06-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2010/June/07/UFL_Nbrg-07Jun10.html

A GIFT !!!

2010-06-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Liana Hoodes from the National Organic Coalition is going over a companion planting chart. She also gave us a wonderful book, Rodale's All New Encyclopedia's of Organic Gardening: The indispensable Resource for every gardener, as well the copies of the NOFA of New York: 2010 Organic Food Guide:the NYS Organic Source.

Press Conference June 5 ,2010

2010-06-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Press Speech
We’ve asked several people outside of the city of Newburgh what they think of Newburgh and we keep hearing a reoccurring theme. Crime, drugs, gangs, violence some people we asked even joked about hiding their valuables before entering the city. Yet, what we didn’t hear was how Newburgh has a rich culture, history, diversity. Part of the reason for this is because of objective views falsifying the true beauty of this city.
How come we don’t get to read about the positive activities and the great organizations helping the community day after day? We hear about youth killing youth but what about the youth who are helping youth every day? We read about raids and gang intervention but what about jobs and gang prevention? What about the youth who volunteer their time everyday to better this community?
You see for too long Newburgh has been put into a box categorizing it as one of the worst cities to live in and in that process the youth have been outcaste and stereotyped. Because of this we’ve been omitted from the decision making process. Yet, according to statistics from 2000, as youth we hold 33% of the population. We are the vibrant seeds that help this city grow. We are the change that we’ve been waiting for here in this city.
As young leaders here in the community we refuse to stand aside and watch as our peers become a statistic for some sociology class. We will no longer be shunned and disregarded by outside sources when it comes to information on what’s really happening. We realize that we too are stake holders, holding equal weight at the table.
With that said we the Urban Farmers League are a youth led organization designed to combat environmental injustice, and social injustice by creating a platform for the youth to have equal participation in the future of our community. With the creation of Urban Farms we not only provide a space for youth to express but we are also able to provide the community with a high quality of life, mitigate environmental degradation and provide a space for organic food to flourish.
With the help of the community, partners, sponsors and donors listed in your press packets we plan to make La Vida Garden a beacon of light here in the center of the city. The title has words in English and Spanish to better represent the population here in the city. La Vida which means the life in Spanish, represents the good life that youth should have here in the city of Newburgh. By putting La Vida and Garden together we are showing the unity of cultures and ethnicities here on our site and in our garden.
La Vida Garden being only one of hopefully many gardens to come is going to be an agricultural resource for the people in the community, especially low income families in the surrounding area. We’ve voted as a board and have decided to grow Peppers, Tomatoes, Peaches, Herbs and Kale to name a few. We plan on having educational workshops, activities for youth and community events.
Our vision is that La Vida Garden will serve as model for future gardens we’d like to start throughout the community, each garden having its own theme. The theme for La Vida Garden will be shown through our cultural events. Other gardens we plan might be specifically for corn and showing movies.
Although we realize that we are taking on an ambitious project; we are ready for it and excited about it. We plan to show everyone at our opening that we can make a difference; we can make a positive change. We say to all the youth in the community, if not now then when? If not us, then who?
Thank You for coming!

Sincerely,
The Urban Farmers League

Everyone practicing what needs to be said at the press conference

Getting ready...Ashe!!!!!!!!!

Presenting our information to the press and our supporters

Urban Farmers League taking a photo Jim Delaune of Orange Coutny Land Trust.

Thank you Vanissa W. Chan for the fantastic photos.

Newburgh Youth start La Vida garden

2010-06-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100604/NEWS/6040365/-1/COMM03

Hip Hop Season

2010-06-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Urban Farmers enjoyed some amazing Hip Hop performances, DJ's, and Break Dancers. They also made a Graffiti mural with Trust Your Struggle collective.

Our mural

2010-06-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Trust your struggle(trustyourhustle.blogspot.com) and the Urban Farmers League work togather to create a mural to be hung in La Vida Garden on First and Chambers Streets.

In the mid hudson times

2010-05-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Monday
May 17, 2010

Newburgh to launch Urban Farmers League
NEWBURGH – Youth in the City of Newburgh will launch an Urban Farmers League in June. The group will be dedicated to farming and education for the city’s young people.
The city has granted permission to the new organization to use a vacant lot at 59 Chambers Street. The League will use the lot as a pilot project dubbed La Vida Garden, with an eye toward expanding and creating gardens in other vacant lots in the city.
The group plans on growing organic fruits and vegetables as well as conduct workshops and events in La Vida Garden.

City of Newburgh Youth Launch “Urban Farmers League” to Cultivate the future of Newburgh.

2010-05-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

City Grants Group Use of City-Owned Vacant Lot to Start Youth-Run Urban Farm

Newburgh, NY – In the first week of June, youth from the City of Newburgh will announce the creation of the “Urban Farmers League”, a youth-run organization dedicated to farming and education for the City’s young residents.

On April 26th, 2010, the Newburgh City Council voted to grant the “League” the use of a vacant lot located at 59 Chambers St. It will be called La Vida Garden. In partnerships with the Orange County Land Trust, Orange County Department of Health, Pathstone Community Improvement of Newburgh, Greenway, Arts in Orange, and Trust Your Struggle Art Collective. The Urban Farmers League plans to use the lot at 59 Chambers St. as a pilot project, hoping to expand and create gardens in other vacant lots throughout the City.

“As youth in the community, we are tired of the negative stereotypes that are applied to us,” said Jerome Little, Angelica and Victoria Scialpi, all 17 year old City of Newburgh residents and some of the youth board members. “The perception of a few does not determine the action of the whole. We are creative individuals who intend on using our voices and opinions to educate and better our neighborhoods. Our youth farm will be a venue for community education.”

To start, over the next few months, not only will the “League” be growing organic fruits and vegetables, but it will also conduct workshops and events in La Vida Garden. Throughout the summer there are plans which include, movie nights and open mic nights for other youth and community members to come and express themselves. We are cultivating the future of Newburgh because WE ARE THE FUTURE.

Please join us for a press conference Saturday June 5, 2010 at 10am. It will be held at 59 Chambers Street. For more information please feel free to contact Kim

2010-05-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

2010-05-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hiking Breakneck Ridge as reward for working in the farm

Working hard getting rid of urban rubble

Resolution PASSED :-)

2010-04-26T18:43:00.001-07:00

A resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a license agreement with Pathstone Community Improvement of Newburgh, INC. in coordination with the Urban Farmers League, a community group to allow the use of city owned at 59 Chambers Street to provide an urban farm for City of Newburgh youth passed !!!!!!!!!!!!

Introduction to Gardening

2010-04-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Decora explaining to Latin and Sophia how to build a compost bin

Now explaining how to build raised beds

City Council Work Session

2010-04-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

What an amazing journey. Yesterday we presented to the city council to demand of use the abandon plot on the corner of Chambers and 1ST. When I say we, I mean we…… There must have been about 6 or 7 youth at the table giving their demands. The youth stood strong and spoke to the council about the neighborhood and how gardening in the neighborhood could help bring the people together. Young Cameron who isn’t even 12 years old told the council that he sees a bright future in the location and that maybe the council members could one day come and get their hands dirty in the soil. Emmanuel, Gilbert, Steven, Jerome and Christina all spoke asking that 59 Chambers become a garden for the youth. The council applauded and so did the audience when we were done, hopefully those same hands will be pulling weeds alongside the young urban farmers this Summer!

2010-04-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Today we attended the organizational meeting for Urban Bounty- the farm is going to be at Downing Park. There are alot of people involved with this:Downing Park, YMCA, Boy Scouts,Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Garderners, Urban Farmers and some others. The group is waiting for families to particpate. There is going to be a orientation May 8,2010 and the building of the garden is going to be May 22,2010. Another great project for the City of Newburgh.

2010-04-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we attended the"Vacant and Abandoned Properties: Effective public policy" . We came up some great ideas for the future of Urban Farmers League and the City of Newburgh.

Beacon Sloop #1

2010-04-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

Friday night members of the Urban Farmers League attended the Beacon Sloop Club potluck. We networked and built future partnerships for the Urban Farmers League.

Middletown Farm

2010-04-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

At David Moore Heights the coordinator is Jamie….. He is on the board of the gardens of nutrition in New Paltz. April 1, 2010 was the first meeting for the farm at David Moore Heights. About 6 people showed up…one adult and five kids. On the way out Jamie recruited another gentleman to be apart of the garden. We work with those who signed up to get more of their neighbors to garden.

2010-04-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today we bumped into the city manager and told him about our plans. We also informed him that according to the master plan it is a goal of the city government to produce food 10% of consumed in the city by 2015- this is a fact the city manager was unaware of.

2010-03-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for an informational session in Middletown. Jamie will be heading the operation at David Moore Heights.

2010-03-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Still no word from the hospital. Looking for land to purchase in the City of Newburgh. We are currently looking at foreclosures and vacant land, but working with the City has been a little difficult.

How are we going to deal with contamination?

2010-03-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

In order to be able to grow food with out worry of contiamation we are creating raised beds with physical barriers from the urban rubble.

Ashe Urban Farm

2010-02-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

“ASHE URBAN FARM IS A YOUTH ORGANIZED URBAN FARM, CREATING A PEACEFUL AND SERINE ENVIRONMENT. WE PRODUCE A DIVERSE RANGE OF ORGANIC FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THAT ARE HEALTHY AND FRESH.WE ARE A SELF SUSTAINED ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES GREAT EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITY AND EACH OTHER.”

http://ashe-urban-farm.blogspot.com/

2010-02-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

Many consider the City of Newburgh, and communities like it to be a food desert, a place where there is a lack resources to get fresh fruits and vegetables for the people who live in the area. The reason is that many stores in the city are corner stores, which rarely sell fresh foods, many just sell processed foods which are linked to diabetes and other diseases linked with obesity. Also, there is not reliable transportation making it impossible for some of the citizens of City of Newburgh to travel to the nearest grocery stores. This is why it is important for the Urban Farmers League to have a space that is in walking to distance to all of those in the City of Newburgh. Hopefully by February 22, 2010 we will have a confirmed space on the corner of 3rd and Johnston Streets, which is currently owned by the St.Luke's Cornwall Hospital.

2010-02-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

We are currently working with Orange County Land Trust to create urban farms in the cities of Port Jervis, Middletown and City of Newburgh. So far, we have found a location in Port Jervis and Middletown, still looking in the City of Newburgh. We have approached several owners of abandoned properties and City of Newburgh officials. But it seems like we might have lead with a property owned by St.Luke's Cornwall Hospital. For more information please contact kim.bersin@gmail com.