Malai'ai School Garden Sept. workday
Jan Dean
THIS SUNDAY, SEPT. 9 IN MÄLA'AI GARDEN
What once was a Parker Ranch pasture...and until recently still rather
looked like one with thick kikuyu grass as far as the eye could see...
has been transformed by students, teachers and community friends of
Waimea Middle School into an outdoor "living" classroom, called
Mälaÿai - which literally translates as "food garden."
Mälaÿai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School invites students,
families, friends and neighbors to a school-community work day in the
¾-acre organic garden between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., this Sun., Sept. 9,
2007. Tools and gloves will be provided but volunteers are urged to
wear appropriate weather protection.
Founded by Dr. Michelle Suber, a Waimea physician. In partnership with
the school and many community friends and benefactors including Slow
Food Hawai'i, Mälaÿai provides WMS students with the transformative
experience of working with the earth to grow nourishing food, and to
experience the pleasure of preparing and sharing that food.
Integrated into the garden experience is a wide range of curriculum -
including language arts, math, science, social studies, technology and
cultural learning and values.
As a private not-for-profit partnership with Waimea Middle School,
Mäla'ai depends on community support. Volunteers are invited to serve
as student mentors. Tools, equipment, capital, and time spent in the
garden are all needed and appreciated. All donations are fully tax-
deductible.
In the event of inclement weather - rain or heavy wind - the garden
work day will be postponed. Please call Amanda Rieux Sunday morning if
there's any question about weather conditions (640-3637).
A potluck lunch will follow the work day and garden volunteers will
enjoy chilled lemongrass tea made from herbs grown by students in the
garden.
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