Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • November 23, 2011 Waldwick The cooperative garden at Waldwick High School is an interdisciplinary project that links students from the school’s science and social studies departments and biology and economics classes while also providing a connection between students and the community-at-large. The gardening methods used by the students also set an example for the community, as students demonstrate the effectiveness of organic and sustainable agricultural techniques. “It really embodies all the best that we know is effective in education,” Waldwick Superintendent Dr. Patricia Raupers said of the garden, which is more formally known as the community supported agriculture project, or CSA. The educator noted that the students must work in an interdisciplinary fashion, drawing upon knowledge from different subject areas, and make a connection with the community. Some of the produce from the garden is donated to local food banks, Dr. Raupers added. She explained that the students conducted a great deal of research before launching this extensive project. Students explored organic agriculture, garden design, business models, advocacy, how to recruit volunteers, and the health benefits of fresh, locally grown produce. The extensive list of produce grown at the CSA includes zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, string beans, red onions, kale, lettuce, arugula, broccoli, Italian peppers, cabbage, and much more. Dr. Raupers noted that the students involved work cooperatively as they develop leadership skills that include organizing volunteer labor, ensuring that the proper garden care is carried out, and analyzing the results of their efforts. Students also designed the website devoted to the garden project. Information may be viewed at http://waldwickcsa. yolasite.com. According to the website, “The Waldwick High School CSA is an agricultural cooperative that connects students, parents, teachers, and the community by providing locally grown, organic produce to its members. Students within Waldwick High School plan, maintain, and manage the garden. We strive to make our garden as environmentally sustainable as possibly by utilizing techniques such as organic cultivation, rainwater harvesting, and construction with salvaged materials. Our vision is to foster a genuine agricultural community in which all those involved enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally grown produce.” Garden project links school with community The biology and economics classes created the garden, and those involved in the project research the plants and prepare the crops for distribution, develop models to foster resource conservation and sustainability, and learn to recognize the biochemical nature of soils and amend the soil for maximum output. The website includes an opportunity for prospective volunteers to sign up to work in the garden. Those who are wondering how to put the garden’s bounty to good use will want to visit the website’s recipe exchange, which recently included instructions for kale chips, grilled kale pizza, and sautéed shrimp with arugula and tomatoes. A book of the month blog and a series of videos containing gardening tips may also be accessed through the website. Waldwick resident Eric La Porta has an avid supporter in his daughter, Kristine (La Porta) Giove. While most daughters love their fathers, Giove has gone the extra mile by leading the charge against Crohn’s Disease, which has affected La Porta’s life for the last 43 years. When he was first diagnosed with Crohn’s, La Porta dropped from 200 pounds to just 100 pounds. During the last four decades, he has seen numerous doctors and has undergone four surgeries (resections). He has tried many medications, infusions, and diets over the years, and La Porta has been able to maintain a stable weight of 130 pounds for the last 15 to 20 years. Recently, Giove put her mind and will to work without La Porta’s knowledge and embarked on a journey to fight Crohn’s and colitis, two chronic, painful, and often debilitating digestive diseases, by founding a local chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. Giove’s chapter of the foundation is now sponsoring a challenge: a half marathon that will be held in Las Vegas on Dec. 4. This fundraiser will help find a cure for the 1.4 million Americans affected by Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. “She has baked over 1,000 cookies, hundreds of cupcakes, and dozens of small loaves of flavored breads to sell to raise money for the cure,” La Porta said of his daughter. “Kristine also works two jobs and still makes time for this venture, never forgetting the most important people in her life: her husband, her mother, and her father. She is truly a person who deserves a place in the hearts of others.” Giove noted that, three years ago, she never would have dreamed of running 13.1 miles, but she has since lost about 100 pounds and now enjoys exercising. “My dad is the bravest man I know and if I have half Dedicated daughter fights Crohn’s Kristine (La Porta) Giove and Eric La Porta. the courage that he does fighting his battle with Crohn’s then I know that I will have no problem running this race,” Giove’s states on her website. Members of the community are invited to support Kristine’s Run for a Cure by visiting www.active.com/donate/ FW11TCVEGAS/fwvegas11KGiove. To donate by mail, make checks payable to “CCFA” and mail to: 75 Lincoln Road, Monroe, NY 10950. Those who visit online will be able to follow Giove’s journey as she trains for the half marathon. Learn more at www.ccteamchallenge.org.