Neighbors working for Neighbors…
One of Love City’s four pillars for creating a healthy community has always been economic sustainability. A part of economic sustainability is creating jobs for our neighbors. While we are always excited when our neighbors join us in any capacity, it is particularly encouraging when they choose to take on more responsibilities to help out their community. We have been excited to welcome a few of our neighbors to do just that this year.
Sierra
Born and raised in the neighborhood of Portland, Sierra Webb is a well known person in the community. Sierra helped run the old In and Out Dairy in Portland, taking orders, cooking, stocking, cleaning, whatever needed done she would figure out a way to do it. With her big heart and willingness to help in any way, she built relationships with neighbors and customers alike, showing Love through her food. After In and Out Dairy closed, she took some time off to spend with her two children. With a passion for cooking, she decided she would begin looking for a new job that would allow her to pursue that passion. That is why we were thrilled when she walked into Porkland looking for an application. At the time Porkland’s future was still uncertain with the ongoing legal process concerning the zoning change, but we did have an open position for the school cook. Sierra jumped right in, making breakfast and lunch for the kids everyday without fail, all the while having a smile on her face. As much as she loved working around and cooking for the kids, Sierra has decided she wants to take on a new challenge. So we were happy to introduce her as the new manager of Porkland on social media this week. The post got an unbelievable response from the community and we can’t wait to see Sierra thrive in that position.
Michelle
Michelle's family has lived in Portland for generations. Her parents decided to move out of the neighborhood when she was young because of the state that the neighborhood was in. They wanted to keep her safe and away from the turmoil that had taken over the community at the time. Growing up right across the river, she still had grandparents in the neighborhood who she would visit. Always wanting to be a homeowner, she could not pass up the opportunity to purchase her grandparents old house when it presented itself. In the past ten years, Michelle and her husband have done a ton of work on the house, the garden, and even started a family there. They now have two kids at Mighty Oak, Davanee who is going into second grade and Pierson who will begin Kindergarten this year. Michelle has always been willing to lend a hand and be involved at the school in any way she can over the years. Seeing Michelle’s home garden and the desire she has to help transform this neighborhood for her children’s future made it a natural fit when we began searching for a new Love Grows Here farmer. Now you can see Michelle, usually with a kid or two tagging along, working the greenhouse, planning, watering, picking, educating, harvesting. The best part is she lives only two blocks away, she has a vested interest in growing produce for her neighbors, keeping the area looking beautiful in her neighborhood. It has been beautiful to see her and her family step into that role and we can’t wait for you to stop by and try some of our fresh produce this Friday.
Trent
Trent met Michelle when they were in high school. When she said she wanted to move into her grandparents' old house in Portland, he was much less excited than her. Growing up in Southern Indiana he loved the outdoors and being in nature, but he loved Michelle more and decided to go ahead and move into the neighborhood that Michelle’s family has been a part of for generations. Now after ten years living and starting a family here, Trent has the same dream as Michelle, to help renew the neighborhood for their kids to grow up in. Trent’s oldest daughter Davanee, has attended Mighty Oak for the past three years, since she was in Pre-K. After his wife Michelle took on the role as the Love Grows Here Farmer, he wanted to pitch in and help somehow as well. So he decided he would offer to help us out part time on our maintenance crew in addition to his other job. Now it is not uncommon for you to see Trent weed eating around the greenhouse while Michelle and the kids are inside harvesting. We are super excited that he has decided to help with our mission and join the team.
This is what community is meant to look like. Neighbors loving Neighbors. One neighbor with a passion for hospitality feeding and serving HER neighbors. A neighbor with a passion for gardening growing fresh produce for HER neighbors. Another neighbor willing to help out however he can, keeping HIS neighborhood looking nice. Neighbors that walk to work. A neighborhood where you're known when you walk into your local restaurant, when you're buying produce, or when you’re just out for a walk on the street. Because at the end of the day you can’t go buy community at your local superstore, chain restaurant, or Amazon. It has to be intentionally created by neighbors who want to work for their community. While a lot of people outside of the neighborhood may be familiar with myself, Shawn, or Inga, there is a whole team of neighbors who have joined us over the years, and I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little about some of the most recent ones.
Ethan Essex
School Snack List!!!
If you are looking for a way to support Mighty Oak Academy and our mission of quality community based education, please consider helping us provide our students with nutritious snacks from our Amazon Wish List, you can order here.
Merriment Moving!!!
Merriment will be closed for the time being while we move to the Saint Cecilia Campus. If you would still like to make a donation, please call (502) 930-9006 to arrange a time to drop off.
Fish Fry Open!!!
The Fish Fry is open!! Stop in for a fish sandwich or some churched up tots. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers or chicken tenders, we have them here.
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.