Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1498053
www.AbbysHealthFood.com | # 56| Page 11 ABBY'S ORGANIC COMMUNITY FARM HALL OF FAME AWARDS On behalf of the memory of our dear benefactor Abby Sayler, by and through the Advisory Board of Abby's Organic Community Farm, we have inducted the following people/organizations into our Abby's Farm Hall of Fame. This award is presented to them in recognition of their tireless and extraordinary efforts on behalf of their community and in service to our farm in Lutz which serves hundreds of students and families each year carrying out the mission of educating students, individuals, and families about where their food comes from and the value associated with growing your own healthy, organic food and living a more sustainable lifestyle. Therefore, as it is with all similar awards, the name of the inductees will be displayed at the farm in a permanent nature, for all members and visitors to see today and for generations to come, in recognition of their exemplary service to the farm. The purpose of the award and recognition is not only to acknowledge extraordinary service but also shine a bright light on the example for others to follow and aspire to achieve. The Fabulous Four Pillars of Abby's Farm Lisbeth Burgera (since 2015) The very first volunteer……… Advisory board member………and a proud Venezuelan, has literally been involved with every decision and project the farm has undertaken since our inception. Lis is probably the only member that has been to the farm 1-2 times a week, every week for 8 years (unless vacationing). Lis is a very successful business owner (often going to the farm in business attire) but has always made time for her "happy place". Her most recent contribution is our mosquito eating fish project which she is very proud of, and her fish are her newest pets! Nancy Niemann (since 2015) Advisory Board Chairman………… Governing Board member………. Education Director…………Nancy Niemann, a retired schoolteacher of celebrated fame at Learning Gate Academy, joined the farm 8 years ago, leaving Vista Gardens looking for more in a community farm. Ms. Nancy, as she is affectionately known by students, began working on our age specific education curriculum at the farm from day one. Education is the backbone and a core value of Abby's Farm and thanks to Nancy's tireless efforts your farm has served over 5,000 students and families for field trips and Nature Labs since 2016. Rita Wickner (since 2015) Advisory Board Member………… Governing Board Member……… Coopster Committee Chairperson……… Todd and Rita Wickner, our original "power couple" that are pillars of the greater Tampa Community at large. One of the anomalies when we started was that I would see women, dressed to the nines for some gala or event, stopping by the farm to take care of chickens or water their bed!!! I thought to myself "I never saw that coming"! Rita was one of those people that was diligent in whatever her farm duties might be, regardless of her schedule. She has been involved in every project of any import and served heading up our Coopsters Committee for over 5 years! Elsa Knouse (since 2015) Advisory Board Member/ Secretary………. Committee Chairperson …………. You might ask "Chairman of what committee"? I would say, you name it, she's done it. One of our original members that I have always been able to depend on (and lean on) to step into the fray of whatever issue or project we were undertaking. She's another one that showed up in business suits from work to do chicken duty or water her garden. The willingness to help and diligence to advance our mission is what has set these four apart from the hundreds of volunteers that we have had the pleasure to serve over the years. Additionally, they have been great ambassadors for the farm……. teaching, promoting, and donating their time, talent, and treasure, while encouraging others to do so as well. By David Housefield