Halloween Walk 2013!

Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm

Sis. Imani & Ras Obadiah
 

I am an August baby so I definitely love the heat of summer.  However, I absolutely love the beauty and the energy that autumn brings.  Last Sunday, I took my usual stroll, entering Prospect Park through the Parkside Ave. entrance taking our son, Sage to the Imagination Playground.  On the way there I was intrigued by an African American flag flying near a haystack showcasing painted pumpkins.

 

 

Sage began to squeal with delight, pointing frantically and yelling, “Apoo!” letting me know that there were apples in sight.  As we approached the farm stand, Sage grabbed an apple and took a bite.  So much for washing, peeling and cutting the fruit.  The couple at the stand gave a warm smile and handed him another, “apoo.” The lovely couple, Ras Obadiah and Sis. Imani bring farm fresh, organic produce to Prospect Park.  They travel directly from Vermont every Sunday morning through November.  Their harvest includes seasonal squash, potatoes, string beans, root vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, carrots and a seasonal mélange of other hearty crops.   Ras Obadiah engaged us in great conversation sharing the history behind his, Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm.

 

 

 

Some 30 years ago, Ras Obadiah left the concrete jungle of New York City for the verdant forests of Vermont.  Despite its urban splendor, Ras Obadiah explained the urge that he felt to leave New York and experience the sustainability of farming.  His passion for understanding the rich cultural history of the African American plantation experience brought him to the notable Daisy Jessica Turner’s homestead in Grafton, Vermont.  The daughter of former slaves, Daisy JessicaTurner was a storyteller and civil rights activist who kept her family story alive through oral tradition.  Ras Obadiah had the privilege of learning how to farm under her instruction.  He was Turner’s agricultural apprentice until she passed away at the glorious age of 104.

Whether it is to puree food for your baby or feed your whole family, farm fresh foods are about as good as it gets these days in the urban jungle.  With last week’s $10 stock of apples I made two apple pies, 2 jars of apple sauce, apple pancakes and apple cinnamon oatmeal.  I will be headed later for, “A Grass Roots Connection to the Organic Revolution,” to see what Ras Obadiah and Sis. Imani have in store.  It’s worth a trip to Brooklyn to enjoy the day.  Enter at the Parkside Avenue entrance to Prospect Park and, African Zion Organic Roots Farm, is planted next to the Drummers Grove.  Bring the family, enjoy the drumming, get your produce, visit the playground, and stroll through the foliage.  I will see you at Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm.  (Sundays  12pm-8pm now through November 2013)

For more information:

afrikanzion@gmail.com         H: (802)896-3443 or C: (802)579-0579

Check out more about Brooklyn’s CSAs (Community SupportedAgriculture)

Creating Legacies Family Day at the Prospect Park Zoo

Last Sunday, October 13, 2013 Creating Legacies enjoyed Family Day at the Prospect Park Zoo.  The beautiful autumn afternoon began with an exclusive visit to the Discovery Center.  The educational specialist, Delilah and our special guest, Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo led the children in an animal encounter with the resident rabbit. The Discovery Center’s play space ignited children’s imaginations to build a fire at the whimsical campsite and perform veterinary check-ups on animal puppets.  Following exciting interaction with children and adults, the little naturalists watched the Sea Lion feeding at the epicenter of the zoo.  Before running off to feed the farm animals, each child refueled with a snack bag including Happy Family Brands organicsuperfoods.   NYS Assemblyman Karim Camara shared in the day with his two children.  Creating Legacies thanks him for sponsoring the event so that families could participate at no cost to them.

 

Play for Peace at Parkside Playground Wednesday



Happy harvest season Creating Legacies fam.  I hope that autumn is ushering in amazing blessings for you and yours.  It seems that we have some sunny days left and some warm afternoons with painted sunsets.

This Wednesday, October 9^th come out for, “A Celebration of Peace, Play and Community.”  From 4:00-7:00pm take a stand with community residents for peace in our local, Parkside Playground atP.S. 92 (between Bedford and Rogers Ave – enter on Winthrop St.).  Rain Date: October 10, 2013

I grew up in Lefferts Gardens and had the opportunity to hang with friends at the P.S. 92 playground after de-boarding our cheese bus when school let out.  Back then, it was a basic concrete jungle park with basketball rims missing the nets.

Council Member Eugene allocated $2.45 million dollars collaboratively with Mayor Bloomberg’s $517,000 for a completely new playground which celebrated its ribbon cutting in September, 2011.  The Playground at P.S. 92 now boasts new basketball courts, play equipment, swings, painted games, a custom designed spray sculpture and a seating area for parents and seniors complete with game tables.  The space seems wonderful at first glance, but area gun violence keeps families at bay.  My, how things change and how things stay the same.  Unfortunately the violence of yesteryear still rears its ugly head.

The organizers of, “A Celebration of Peace, Play andCommunity” invite you to come out with your families, bring some food, a jump rope, play some ball and meet other community residents, standing united against gun violence in the community.