Editor's Note
by Elle Adams, Program Manager
THE POWER OF PEOPLE
The Power of Place
Place...
I of course could blurt out a couple of them immediately but after giving it some careful thought I came away with something else.
I know that there are plenty of people that are seen as heroes in the world...world leaders, politicians, clergy, etc.
However I find that I am most moved and inspired by the heroic acts performed by everyday people who don’t even recognize themselves as heroes or their actions as heroic.
Some of those people include the the co-worker that regularly spends bonus money on gifts for children in the Angel Network (Heather), or the one who leaves child size garden tools on your desk when she hears that they are really needed (Andrea). Or the person that takes the time to speak to everyone that comes by the garden so that they feel welcome and safe (Mr. Perry).
I'm sure they didn't think these were heroic acts but through their efforts others are able to thrive. Sometimes the smallest act can make the biggest impact.
It is those people who make things happen…in my life and in the lives of many others. I’d like to share some of those heroes with you.
The Power of Place
Place...
I of course could blurt out a couple of them immediately but after giving it some careful thought I came away with something else.
I know that there are plenty of people that are seen as heroes in the world...world leaders, politicians, clergy, etc.
However I find that I am most moved and inspired by the heroic acts performed by everyday people who don’t even recognize themselves as heroes or their actions as heroic.
Some of those people include the the co-worker that regularly spends bonus money on gifts for children in the Angel Network (Heather), or the one who leaves child size garden tools on your desk when she hears that they are really needed (Andrea). Or the person that takes the time to speak to everyone that comes by the garden so that they feel welcome and safe (Mr. Perry).
I'm sure they didn't think these were heroic acts but through their efforts others are able to thrive. Sometimes the smallest act can make the biggest impact.
It is those people who make things happen…in my life and in the lives of many others. I’d like to share some of those heroes with you.
Ms. Robinson can be found at any number of community events and activities.
She and her daughter Ayanna are always involved in community activities and are always encouraging other to participate! Ms. Robinson has a special way of connecting with our teens and Ayanna is one of our hardest working young gardeners at City Rising Farm. She is involved in everything! 
Johnteze and Lakeisha are the charter members of the CRF Teen Advisory Council. They will be helping to develop ways to increase community involvement and fresh food access in under served neighborhoods in Cleveland.
Mrs. McGregor is the ambassador for sustainability at CRF. Together this team shows that inter-generational programming works! 
Francis is member of the Midtown Green Spot. He is a former Farmer of the Year from Ghana, is always ready to help in any way and readily shares his extensive knowledge of agriculture with everyone!
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Leah Smith worked as our 2013 summer intern and impressed us with her ability to to work with everyone and make everyone feel important! We can't wait until she graduates and comes back home to NEO! She's one of the newest members of City Rising Farm. If you liked our stepped up social media presence it's Leah who got us there!
Loretta is our "make things happen" person.
Her love of people moves her to make sure that opportunities are available for those in our community that would not normally have access to them. From helping seniors navigate the many systems to obtain services to boosting the self esteem of the youth of our community Loretta is always there to get it done! 
Mary Landers (right), and the rest of the Mt. Pleasant beautification committee for the fantastic Naturehood Garden on the corner of E. 112th Street and Kinsman Avenue. What a wonderful display of community cooperation!
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