Growing Places

Growing Places celebrates tenth anniversary

A dream grows from seed to blossoming kids

By Kay Thomas
Special to the Express

Growing Places Creative Learning Center, an alternative environment for young children, celebrates its tenth year in Dansville under founding Director, Ruth D. Witte.

"I never had any intention of opening a day care program or a conventional nursery school," states Witte.

"People were looking for something different in Dansville, and it matched with my long held vision of children reaching out beyond themselves to develop their gifts and talents in a supportive setting."

"I believe Growing Places has been a bright flower in the garden of education in Dansville. My belief that young children need time to be children, to play and dig the dirt in a garden, get up to their elbows in finger paint and run in circles around the room is the reality at Growing Places," states Pam Maxson, Geneseo, advisory board member for ten years.

"My daughter and son were at Growing Places most of their lives until they went to kindergarten," said Samantha Gibson, Dansville, parent and advisory board member.

"They learned at Growing Places about cooperation, love of the environment and artistic expression. They were taught the value of sharing, both material things and feelings. The value of being heard and listening, the blessing of diversity among people, respect for the earth and all living things was fostered. These lessons will be with them their whole lives and has given them a wonderful foundation for school, which they are both thriving," Gibson continued.

A lot of pieces sifted through Witte's mind starting while she was studying education at the University of Maine. The best episodes of "Sesame Street" and "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" taught her two major learning objectives that would stay with her. First of all, kids need to see where things come from, and secondly, learning something is a process of steps.

As time went by raising four boys with her husband, Tony, a Family Medicine doctor at Tri-County, Dansville, the picture started to take focus, and her family became an integral part of formulating the beginnings of the nursery school in her basement. For five years Witte maintained her school working through her ideas on a small scale.

Then in the spring of 2001 non-profit Growing Places Creative Learning Center moved to its own building on 14 Battle Street and was in full operation.

Witte gives community members, her advisory board and parents both past and present all the credit for involving themselves in keeping the center running. Many of the main programs that continue from year to year are organized and managed by these volunteers.

"Parents and volunteers make Growing Places into what they need for it to be," said Witte.

Samantha Gibson, advisory board member, brought her idea for a pumpkin carving event as a fundraiser. This year the fourth annual activity will be held on Saturday, October 30 in the garden after the community parade. All the proceeds will go to the Growing Places Scholarship Fund and the Dansville Food Pantry.

"My entire family was enriched by the nursery school program. Ruth's creativity and loving care brought out the best in my kids. They both have great memories of their time there and we all made life-long friends," states Suzanne Blackburn, Nunda, parent and advisory board member.

"We became part of a community of people who care not just about kids but also about beauty, play, peace, and the world around us. I was able to share my gifts with this community and be a part of the growth of Growing Places itself. The programs Ruth offers for families continue to enrich us providing a place to play, be creative, to learn, and work together. I can't imagine my life without Growing Places," Blackburn said.

Blackburn has presented World Peace programs each year, organized a Simple Meal event, and her family continues to participate in many of the activities at Growing Places.

A Taste of Dominica, an international dinner spotlighting the center's partnership with the Crayfish River Preschool in Dominica, a tiny island country in the Caribbean, has been chaired by Beth Symes-Latini, Almond, an experienced caterer and parent. Growing Places funds a breakfast program at its sister school from generous contributions from the community.

Also, Growing Places children make regular shipments of school supplies to Dominica. They participate in correspondence through pictures and letters with the children of that country. This relationship between the children provides an initiation into global awareness.

To support parents as educational partners, Witte maintains a website (http://www.goldenratiodesign.com/growingplaces/) and a blog (http://growingplaceswithchildren.blogspot.com/).

"The children's garden at Growing Places provides a self-contained ecosystem on premises, as well as an initiation to environmental awareness through natural teaching moments," states Witte.

"I have noticed that we have a high concentration of very talented young performing artists and writers in the Dansville area, and so many of our Growing Places graduates are part of that group. They are now successful out in the world, and I continue to hear from many," states Witte.

Difficult economic times have had their toll on Growing Places, but the center continues to offer programs for the community, even expanding to provide women's programs in the evenings at Tree Top Heaven on the second floor.

"The preschool has been a steady program the entire time, and the addition a few years ago of the Treetop Haven Women's Center has opened up many possibilities for classes and informal gatherings for women of all ages and stages of life. From quilting to flower arranging to gardening to encouraging each other's artistic endeavors, the women's center has fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Growing Places," concludes Maxson.

Witte invites the community to participate in a tenth anniversary year filled with happenings at Growing Places.

It takes a village to create a community garden March 13, 2010,

During these days of economic hardship, people are finding it it more difficult to pay the skyrocketing cost of produce. It makes sense to pool resources and work together to help provide for better nutrition at less cost.

Movement is afoot to expand the existing children's garden at Growing Places in Dansville to create a community garden. The idea is to make space available for those who do not have the opportunity to garden in their own back yards.

A community garden provides access to fresh produce and plants. This garden will provide an opportunity for people of all ages to socialize while participating in a meaningful way in support of one another. Friendships created by working toward a common goal, connection to the environment, and satisfaction of improving the community provide further fruits of labor.

The current plan is to relocate fencing on the property and reorganize the existing garden. Planters may be used individually or communally, utilizing the concept of square foot gardening to make the most of limited space.

One time donations of lumber, soil, tools, and labor are needed to get this project off the ground.

The hope is that once the garden becomes established, a larger parcel of land will become available, more people will become involved, and it will further benefit the community by providing yet another reason to relocate to Dansville.

People who seek community involvement, who love to garden and would like to share their expertise, seek to reduce the family food budget, and provide food support for those in need are encouraged, to attend the planning meeting being held at Growing Places on Battle St in Dansville, Tuesday March 9 at 7pm.

Growing Places to hold 3rd annual Night of 1000 Pumpkins October 2009

As Halloween approaches, preparations are underway for the 3rd annual Night of 1000 Pumpkins at Growing Places Creative Learning Center. Samantha Gibson, a Growing Places Advisory Board member and transplant from New Paltz, NY, spearheaded the event in 2007. Her dream is to have the widespread community involvement that New Paltz has enjoyed for years.

The little ones at Growing Places are not the only enthusiastic participants. In previous years, various church and high school organizations have joined in the fun as well, winning prizes donated by numerous community-oriented businesses. This year promises a much greater turn-out as word of mouth by former contestants and new advocates for this project spreads.

This community-wide celebration and fund raising event benefits the Crayfish River Preschool in Dominica, as well as our own local food pantry. Everyone is invited to join in the fun. Bring your carved/painted/decorated masterpieces for judging Friday, October 30th from 12-6pm. There is an entrance fee of $1 and one can of food. Categories include Adult, age 16 and up; Youth, age 9-16; Child ages 3-8. Prizes are donated by area businesses and there will be a 50/50 cash prize from entrance fees for Best in Show. Pumpkins will be on display and refreshments served in the Growing Places Garden following the Halloween Parade. Donations are gratefully accepted.

A Few Ideas:

Transform a plain pumpkin into a work of art.
Carve traditional sorts of faces, words, designs.
Use a non-Halloween theme.
Incorporate pumpkin shape and markings into your design.
Disguise the pumpkin as another variety of fruit.
Dress up your pumpkin (paint face, add accessories)
Incorporate pompoms, pipe cleaners, string, googly eyes, glitter, and other craft materials, making sure they are well adhered
Use other vegetables to create facial features and hair
Carve or paint scenery, animals, famous people, landmarks...

Growing Places Receives Makeover by Community Youth (7-20-09)

Anyone driving down Dansville's Battle Street this summer will notice that Growing Places is getting a face lift, in large part due to some of the young people in this community who have had little success in the current job market. Feeling the need to make a contribution of some kind, they have presented themselves for volunteer service in furthering the cause of making the world a better place. Many thanks to Greg Maltby, Sara O'Brien, Ian O'Brien, Emily Pilkenton, and Jordan Witte for so willingly giving their time and talents to this project!!

2nd Annual Taste of Dominica to be held April 24, 2009

Preparations are underway for the 2nd Annual Taste of Dominica, sponsored by the Advisory Board of Growing Places Creative Leaning Center in Dansville. For four years now, Growing Places Kids have corresponded with the children of Crayfish River Preschool in Dominica, West Indies. Several times a year the children exchange letters and artwork, sharing of themselves, their likes and dislikes, families, customs, celebrations, seasons, habitat.... Friendships develop and the children come to love one another as in their sweet innocence, they fully accept one another without concern for skin color or way of life.

An annual shipment of books and supplies during the holiday season led to the acknowledgment that malnutrition, suffered by so many of the children in that part of the world, so interferes with learning that it made more sense to redirect gifting to their nutritional needs. "Some children only eat one meal in the evening. There is no breakfast or lunch. They walk miles to school and back home for lunch, only to find nothing there. Then they walk back to school and suffer until they walk back home for supper. There just is NO food at times..." Ruth Witte, Director of Growing Places, learned from a Peace Corp Volunteer when she visited Dominica in 2005.

It was in response to this need that Growing Places pioneered efforts to address the more basic problem of malnutrition suffered by the children of their sister school. In February of 2008, Growing Places spearheaded a feeding program for their Dominican friends. By the end of 2008, numerous local friends of Growing Places had donated more than $1400, which has provided "...a hot snack for 31 children twice a week at the school - Tuesdays and Fridays. Purchases are: cheese, peanut butter, butter, eggs, tuna, jam, sausage, bread, juice, tea, flour, oats, cream of wheat. On one day the children are given a choice of cheese sandwiches or bread & sausage or bread and eggs with tea or juice. Another day they're given a choice of bakes and tuna or bakes and cheese or bread and jam/peanut butter and another time a choice of cream of wheat or oats. The snacks are rotated. A special Education class (for specially challenged children) is held once a week at that pre-school and lunch is provided to them also. Purchases are rice, peas, chicken, the makings for soup, ground provisions", reported Cynthie Tavernier-Jervier, Sponsor Relations Manager at Christian Children's Fund (C.C.F.), Caribbean. C.C.F., a critical benefactor to the island's people, agreed to administer the program at Witte's request. Today, Growing Places continues to seek funding through local civic groups and individuals to enable the continuation of nutrition in Crayfish River Preschool.

"It is our fervent hope to increase the amount we are able to send, not only so that the children may receive at least one healthy "snack" daily, but to assist in making the necessary repairs to the building to ensure the children's safety." Damage from Hurricane Dean in 2007 continues to make areas of the preschool unsafe.

To this end, Growing Places will be hosting the 2nd Annual Taste or Dominica on Friday, April 24, 2009 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church from 5:00-7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door $7.00 for 13 & older, $5.00 for 4-12, Free for 3 & younger.

Beth Symeslatini, member of Growing Places' Advisory Board, and coordinator for the event explains, "All proceeds will benefit the Crayfish River Feeding Program which provides several meals a week to children who otherwise would go without. In addition to assisting a world neighbor and enjoying Dominican food, you will have the opportunity to learn about another culture and the friendships being forged between the children of Dansville and Crayfish River. Sharing a meal is one of the surest ways to build relationships. The Taste of Dominica Dinner is a wonderful way for you to strength our community locally and globally. We look forward to feeding you!".

Contact Ruth Witte at growingplaces@frontiernet.net for more information.

Update on Crayfish River Feeding Program (8-8-08)

The response to our efforts in getting the Dansville community involved in initiating a Feeding Program for the children of Crayfish River Preschool in Dominica has been wildly enthusiastic! As a result of the 1st Annual Pumpkin Contest (co-sponsored last year by the Dansville Central School National Honor Society and Growing Places) and the Taste of Dominica Dinner held at Growing Places in February, we have been able to send $100 per month, since February. That amount was chosen arbitrarily as a seemingly realistic amount of money to commit based on our local economy.

Following is the report from the Christian Children's Fund (CCF) office in Dominica as to how these funds are being used:

“Snack is provided twice a week at the school - Tuesdays and Fridays -
-Purchases are: cheese, peanut butter, butter, eggs, tuna, jam, sausage, bread, juice, tea, flour, oats, cream of wheat [this fed a class of 34 children this past school year!!]

On one day the children are given a choice of cheese sandwiches or bread & sausage or bread and eggs with tea or juice. Another day they're given a choice of bakes and tuna or bakes and cheese or bread and jam/peanut butter and another time a choice of cream of wheat or oats. The snacks are rotated.

A special Education class (for specially challenged children) is held once a week at that pre-school and lunch is provided to them also. Purchases are rice, peas, chicken, the makings for soup, ground provisions.

These children have often gone hungry during the day. In a note I received from Connie Williams, teacher at Crayfish River, she writes, "It has been recognized that on the days when snack is prepared at school, we receive the highest attendance."

The aforementioned CCF report further states:

" The pre-school teacher is looking to provide more snacks as well as improve the building that houses the preschool. Below are their needs:

a healthy snack 3 times a week
Lunch for whole day sessions
(parents will do the food Preparation)
painting of the walls(It's peeling off)
tiling of the floor
building needs a front door (The one that is there now is rotting)
a cupboard for cleaning supplies
washrooms need to be complete
supplies for learning
Hurricane Dean took away their Play area outside"

At present, the Growing Places Advisory Board is discussing the feasibility of increasing the amount we send to $200 per month. The question of whether or not to do this depends on whether we are able to maintain that level of donation on an on-going basis. To that end we seek donors who are able to commit to an annual contribution, in addition to one time contributors.

There are several ways in which to become involved:

Enter the Pumpkin Carving Contest being held at Growing Places Creative Learning Center this Halloween!

Attend our Taste of Dominica dinner in February, where you will learn more about this amazing country (Do-mi-NEE-ca , not to be confused with the Dominican Republic)

Send your tax deductible contribution payable to Growing Places. Please indicate whether you intend to commit on an annual basis.

This is an opportunity for us to truly make a difference in the world. I think we would be hard pressed to find a more efficient use of our dollars! Please join us!!

Lilac Grove is Being Brought Back to Life (4-08)

Work has commenced on an abandoned lilac grove in Dansville, NY. Families and friends of Growing Places initiated this project in honor of Earth Day 2008. The plot is a tangled jungle of weeds and hundreds of overgrown and neglected lilac bushes, requiring a LOT of work. Please join us. It is so much fun, and the bushes next to the road that have been tended to look amazing! Gather a group of your friends and join us in this worthwhile project!

Feeding Program for Dominica Preschool (2-08)

Growing Places has initiated a feeding program for the sister school, Crayfish River Preschool in Dominica West Indies. We are looking for people and organizations who would be willing to contribute $100 one month per year to in order to maintain this program indefinitely. One time contributions are gratefully accepted as well :-)

Growing Places Creative Learning Center

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