[Update: please consider filling out the matching pledge form for the Department of Neighborhoods Matching Grant.]

Friends,  

The Eastlake P-Patch hopes to expand.  Yes, more garden space!  AND we need lots of help to make this happen.  It will take both work and money.  And YOU?  

The Department of Neighborhoods offers us an opportunity to apply for money, but the work is up to everyone.  We, Mary Jones and Barb Donnette are volunteer site coordinators for the Eastlake P-Patch.  And though we want to see more garden plots and more gardeners enjoying this neighborhood treasure, we cannot do this alone.  We need you!  

Specifically, the grant application is due in early April.  We need someone(s) to coordinate the application.  See it on-line at http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/.  We can help you with this if needed.  

We have a great design for the expanded garden space.

In order to create the work plan, budget, and community match we need several point people to:

• price materials: wood, rock, plumbing, soil, concrete, heavy equipment rental, etc.
• secure volunteer commitments time/labor
• solicit donations: money, services, food, materials
• secure plumbing services, be a plumber
• recruit work party leaders, lead work parties
• coordinate skills offered by neighborhood volunteers and friends
• loan a truck during construction
• attend work parties, volunteer your time

Please let us know how you would like to be involved:   

Mary Jones: MEJ@raincity.com, 860-9293   

Barb Donnette: jandbdonnette@comcast.net, 324-6147

Please reply via email to both of us when possible as we both travel.  It will help ensure proper tracking.   

New garden plots will be assigned to people who work on helping create them.  Those who commit the most hours will be moved to the top of the list and will be given priority in plot assignments.  Please get involved; there's plenty of work of all different kinds.  

We have faith in the power of gardens, neighbors, and nature.  Please join us!

Cheers, Barb and Mary