Hammock Pointe Elementary

NOVEMBER 2021 Event at the school

OCTOBER 2021 UPDATE!

Hammock Pointe is getting down and dirty again!

On Saturday, October 9^th, students, families, friends, and faculty, assembled early, to plant the school’s Garden of Hope. What took only a few hours, will be enjoyed all year long. These organic vegetable and herb gardens, donated by the Joseph P Cory Foundation, will provide a significant opportunity to impact gained knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, provide hands-on nutrition and health education, promote time outdoors, and develop collaborative skills for “seeds of change”.

Truly a labor of love, everyone had a blast digging their hands in the soil, planting seeds/seedlings, creating bucket brigades for water, and erecting new beds around the school. This program will serve hundreds of students throughout the term and is accompanied by a special curriculum and on-site visits that include cooking and nutrition lessons, and fun projects.

Dedicated supporters help fund projects such as these with their donations and memberships.

We are constantly gifting Gardens of Hope, and look forward to our next recipients, so please review our most recent “Wish List” and immediate needs, and help us grow!

Membership: https://josephpcoryfoundation.org/memberships/

Safe secure donations: https://josephpcoryfoundation.org/donate-to-educate/

HOW IT STARTED! ~ Saturday, March 9, 2019

A few clouds and a sprinkle of rain did not deter Mrs. Holly Nilsen’s elementary school garden club, and parents and volunteers, from showing up on a Saturday morning, March 9th. After all, students had been sowing seeds, writing thank you notes and welcome posters for weeks, in gratitude and preparation of their donated “Garden of Hope”. They once had a garden, but time and the elements took it away, and they needed to resurrect this valuable outdoor teaching classroom. Mind-body-spirit.
The Joseph P Cory Foundation donates “Gardens of Hope” within our community to educate children and families regarding beneficial, simple, and effective ways to achieve and maintain wellness through gardening. We aspire to strengthen the urban agriculture movement – farm to table – by growing local produce using ecological practices. Harvests benefit the school properties and the underserved.
It is our vision at the Joseph P Cory Foundation (JPCF) to educate children, families and communities so they may navigate through daily living in the most beneficial, simple, yet effective ways, to achieve and maintain wellness. JPCF provides learning opportunities through educational programs, volunteerism, internships and jobs; networking with other like-minded leaders and organizations.

Gardens of Hope are planted and grown with the partnership and support of local, national and international communities. Our green gardens are thriving, inch by inch, row by row, from South Florida to New York, and as far as Croatia!

So out came the sun, and in rolled the laughter and hard work. Builder Bobs and Barbs, replete with saws, wheel barrows, gloves, trowels, water jugs, and shovels were in tandem like a symphony. Bucket brigades of dirt and water, interspersed with pockets of education and fun, continued for three hours.

Did you know that plants respond and grow to sound? Jahmaal Hays mesmerized students and parents alike with his singing bowls and digeridoo! Are you aware that people can get a sunburn on a cloudy day? SAFESUN Foundation (Dr. Nathan and Fran Nachlas) provided hats and a sun safety talk. Dr. Anahita Jafari and Nada Cory spoke about nutrition and plants, and the imparting of knowledge was never-ending,

To end the day, Jeannine Rizzo, School District of Palm Beach County Garden Liaison spoke to attendees, and Frank Barbieri, Esq. School Board Member, District 5, dedicated the garden and presided over the ribbon cutting with 3-foot scissors! What a thrill it was to hang their new banner on the fence over the garden. (the scissors was quite a topic of conversation!) Plans to continue the work at this property are underway, so a butterfly and hydroponic area will follow. Special thanks to Principal Stephanie Cook for her support and management of this fabulous school and engaged students and their families.

To become a “Gradian Angel” or for more information: info@josephpcoryfoundation.org or 561.501.3538