adminn's blog

Today is the day. Today is the day. TODAY IS THE DAY! Today is the day that all of the Rising Star Interns will be giving their final reports and presentations. The presentations will be given to the deans of the College of Design and College of Human Sciences. Region 1, 5, and 7 interns have been spending the past few weeks putting together reports to present to the deans that talk about everything we have completed over the past 12 weeks of summer. It’s so weird to think that this is our last big group activity together. The Rising Star internship has been an experience of a lifetime and the best part about it, no two interns had the same experience. Isn’t that weird to think? This internship gave us all the opportunity to be creative and show our own talents in a variety of ways. Read more about What Day is it? PRESENTATION DAY!

I had so much fun giving these workshops!  The workshops consisted of 5 fun activities pertaining healthy eating and focusing on fruits and vegetables. Each workshop started with an introduction activity, “I’m Going on a Picnic”. The youth selected a fruit or vegetable that started with the first letter of their first name. They would say “My name is [name], and I am going on a picnic. I am going to bring [fruit or vegetable].” The whole group would repeat their name and what they were bringing on the picnic. Read more about Healthy Eating for Kids Workshops

Throughout our internship, we have had the opportunity to work with a variety of people from Iowa State University and ISU Extension and Outreach. This past week, we met with Josh Sievers. Josh Sievers works with the Northwest Iowa Research Farm, a partnership between Iowa State University and Northwest Iowa Experimental Association. He, and the research farm, are also involved at the Lyon County demonstration garden. The demonstration garden is located at the Lyon County fair grounds in Rock Rapids, IA.   Read more about Lyon County Demonstration Garden and Northwest Research Farm

With Farmers' Markets now in full swing for the summer, Christel, Emily, and I have found ourselves traveling across Region 1 for some Fun with Food Tastings.  This past weekend we spent the morning at the Lakes Area Farmers Market in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Read more about Fun with Food Tasting #2!

Though each garden was different and had its own quirks, one theme extended through all of them- the importance of strong relationships. These gardens help bring together people in the community from all different walks of life. The building of relationships allows knowledge and food to be shared with individuals whom people may not usually connect with. The gardens are growing more than just produce, they are growing communities.  Read more about Building up Communities with Gardens