Rotary meeting for September 16th, 2009: Diane Waterfield - a Victory Garden in Prison
In attendance for the meeting were Dietrich Bilger, Janice Brown, Lew Burridge, William Clark, Jamie Gilmore, Joe Kelley, Karen Kelley, Connie Mitchell, Bart Nuboer, Bob Price, Joan Powers, Arthur Roberts, Bob Schipul, Sandi Schipul, Janet Schmitz, Ben Summers, Diane Waterfield, Veronica Vedensky, Bernie Westerveld, Lois Brandes, and Lambert Brandes. Guest at the meeting was Mimi Svenning. Mimi is a retired school librarian.
William opened the meeting. Walter led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob said the "Blessing".
There was a discussion regarding payment to the South Shore Council. The club has never received a bill from the Council. Diane gave the Treasurer's report. Janice stated that she had copies of the Justice Cushing book for sale. She passed around the catalogue from the South Shore Art Center Courses and Workshops. She also passed information on the Old Colony Hospice and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. Joe stated that there is $10,000 in available funds in the Foundation Account. Arthur said that there had been an additional $175 in book sales. He also stated that all book sales, going forward, will make a profit. The Bike Raffle money of $600 was deposited in the Foundation Account. Dietrich told about working with the Yarmouth Club on the Conflict Resolution.
Judy Price was inducted as a new member in the Club. We are all very happy to have her as a great addition to our club.
Diane gave a talk on the Victory Garden in the Arizona State Women's Prison. When Diane lived in Arizona, she worked as a teacher at a women's prison. She noted that the women had very little fruits or vegetables in their diet. She went to the prison officials and asked if she might start a garden with the prisoners. This was strictly a volunteer effort with the ladies. Diane put up a sign-up sheet. The first two days no on signed up. Diane spent the weekend very disappointed. But, on Monday, the women started to sign up. There were twenty women in all to work three shifts for planting, weeding, and watering Three months later, in May/June, the first crop came in. It included cucumbers, squash, carrots, melons. The garden was a great success. They also planted flowers. In time the women felt better, looked better, and a brighter attitude. The fresh foods were served every day and there were flowers on all the dining tables. This garden continued until the women were moved to another prison, Perido.
William adjourned the meeting.
