Turns out it was a good thing that it rained on the official Earth Day (April 22).  Not only did our small area of earth get some much needed water, but–as Earth Day is every day–we were able to celebrate an extra day outside at the Michelle Obama Farm on April 28.  Here are some of the highlights:

Carpentry wins Island Clean-Up Competition Hands Down!

Carlos White and his crew of Carpentry Trainees pulled up with a trailer full of recyclable cardboard, and then pointed out the massive bags of PRE-SORTED recycling, garbage, and some compostables. Though the Cement Masonry class collected a very respectable 17 pounds of trash, Carlos and his trainees won first place, so they will be going on the field trip to Joaquin Miller Park.

Terrarium Making Sponsored by SGA

SGA funding made it possible for a tremendous number of terrariums to be handcrafted by our trainees, thanks to Melissa Stewart volunteering her time from running The Plant People company.  Both trainees and staff were very creative in the making of their own little piece of the earth in a fishbowl.  Melissa has been advising Building Construction and Technology trainees about indoor plant care, so we are especially grateful for her contribution, as well as the support by a star volunteer trainee, Deshaun Lane.

Food at the Farm

Oliver Kanayurak, Diego Palmore, Gregory Carroll, and Daniel Merino led their culinary team, serving carrot cake, chocolate truffles, and water with fresh-squeezed lemon to the farm visitors.  Assisted by Roger Weaver, they served our hungry mob for a solid four hours—not including prep and clean-up time.  Stellar job, guys!

The TI Band

Harold Spiva and John Chance rocked the farm with a wide range of songs from different musical genres.  Many singers joined them, and this added an invaluable contribution to the day.  There’s nothing like live music to make a celebration fun.

More Fun Festivities at the Farm

A crowd of trainees—and even some staff—were each quizzed about which bins are used to dispose of a variety of ‘trash’ items. By the end of the day, trainee volunteer Tiffany Solmonson took over managing the recycling game. Every person who played won a steel water bottle, and stickers were available for personalizing with names, initials, and pictures.

Joel Blaylock and Adrian Moreno got trainees organized in team sports on the field and on the courts.  They also coordinated a security presence at the farm.  Many participants were out there giving it their all.

A big shout-out goes to all the members of the Green Committee for planning and execution, including those behind the scenes: Tom Gonzalez, Larry Hays and his BCT trainees, Chef Herbert Huber, Chef Barbara, Ray Galicia, Brian Stott, as well as some amazing trainees already mentioned (and unmentioned) in this article.  We couldn’t have done it without you.

It seems that a good time was had by all, even with the added planning issues due to rain postponement.  Interested in another outdoor celebration much sooner than next year?  Contact Tom Gonzalez, who is in charge of the HEALS (Healthy Eating Active LifeStyle) Day later this summer.