Celebrating Agriculture Week!

Yea, yea, yea, I know, it is hard to believe that we are approaching the farmer's market season; especially as snow was falling from the sky again in DC,VA,MD! And it is cold as Alaska outdoors! None-the-less, if the robins, daffodils and other signs of spring are appearing, and surviving, we humans can at least wait a few days when the temperatures go soaring into the 60s! So, let's press forward and celebrate and welcome the local food season!

And so the season begins! I am pleased to announce that Hannah's Grace, Inc. is expanding!Did you know that water is essential to nourish our bodies and yields an excellent crop?
Of course you did!  Well, we are in the throes of establishing a new market  . . . The WSSC Farmer's Market in Laurel, MD! Just in case you do not recognize the acronym . . .It stands for Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. And did you know that there are a lot of environmentalist at WSSC? What a great match! Water = Vegetables, Fruits, Wheat, Legumes, Chickens, Seafood, and healthy meals to enjoy! The market will feature local Maryland produce and healthy food offerings from local foodies! If you are in the area, stop by and don't forget to tell somebody!  Moving along . . . As a point of reference, I scrolled through my series of blogs and rediscovered one that welcomes the return of springtime . . . Documenting history is so beneficial . . . Just like preparing a sermon; I don't have to rewrite and make up new stuff to share! It's just like reminding us how good God is to us! This time last year we had a ton of rain falling, but it was not cold. As you may recall, we were observing observances! 

Remember, the link, http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.nationalwellness.org/resource/resmgr/healthobservancescalendar/2014_nwi_healthobsvcal.pdf. . . This is the place where you may uncover a plethora of 'things' to celebrate . . . Donut Day, Hot Dog Day, Hug a Tree, Hug a Neck Day, Happy Nutrition Month and more! Celebrate whatever tickles your fancy and keeps you happy! 

As I've shared, there's no need to recreate new information . .Happy Agriculture Week!

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.  

Generations Nourishing Generations -- National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

 
The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

National Ag Day FAQ's

What Is Ag Day?

It's a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

Who Hosts Ag Day?

The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level. However, the awareness efforts in communities across America are as influential - if not more - than the broad-scale effort.  

Why Celebrate Agriculture?

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training. By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in agriculture. Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. (2013 data) Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

What Can YOU Do to Help?

Put simply, get involved! Your participation in Ag Day is critical in helping us spread this positive message about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide today. Of course, there are other ways you can lend your support, including sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with youngsters in your community. 

. . . . AND DON'T FORGET, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMER'S MARKET! 
 

 And if you really sink your teeth (toes) into the earth, listed below is a link from the MD Department of Agriculture . . . Enjoy!  Celebrating Agriculture in Maryland -  http://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2014/03/13/maryland-celebrates-national-agriculture-week-seven-ways-you-can-get-involved-with-maryland-agriculture/

Enjoy the start of spring . . . We will be in touch soon!

Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.
Founder and President
Hannah's Grace, Inc. ~ www.hannahsgrace.org  
"Find us everywhere! And Share with everyone!"

University of Maryland Extension
Fodors
So Maryland, So Good
MD Department of Agriculture's Farmer's Market Directory 
USDA.gov
FreshNation
AgritourismWorld
Craftmaster News
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest

"A Voice: The 'Color' of Mental Illness" Summit

Greetings!

My, it has been a while since my last post . . .  And boy, I have been busy! 

When I initially prepared this latest blog, there were definitely signs of spring . . .
Warm weather, red robins, buds on the tree limbs, crocus blades . .   And yet again winter just will not let loose! Once again, the D.C. region has snow and cold temperatures. . . Oh how I would love to be in a warm climate right now. However, here I sit typing notes to my family, friends and colleagues . . . Staying connected!

Every morning I begin my day first honoring God by studying His word . . . A few days ago, I studied several verses that instruct readers about forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). Then my eyes landed on the word, "commitment."  Here's what I read in my study Bible:

"Commitment is in jeopardy these days. Some even call it the "C" word, as if to shame it as something we won't even acknowledge. After all, the demands and costs are too great. Today, convenience usually wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone or something."  (The Word is Life Study Bible, NKJV) If you'd like, read Matthew 19:1-15.

For those of you who 'kick it' with me, first, you know that I usually don't speak like that, but from time to time pop culture finds it way into my psyche!  And you have probably realized that I am also some what flexible; the challenges I have faced in life have taught me to be patience and understanding. But I am steadfast when I believe in a cause and the truth!  

Some may be reading this communication for the first time, while others have received it at least three times!  If the latter, hopefully, you have had the opportunity to review the request for support for our Summit. 

Google Images

"A Voice: The 'Color' of Mental Illness" 

Each day we encounter words and images depicting a host of societal ills – from animal cruelty, lost and abducted children, homelessness, domestic abuse, debilitating diseases, unemployment and business failure, among others. The list grows exponentially with no end in sight.

But there is another issue that needs our attention – mental illness in communities of color. This health problem usually remains hidden until exposed through some dramatic event like the Navy Yard shooting. 

Did you know . . .

Dailymail.com Google Images

According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 10 adults experience depression. A study found the following groups to be more likely to meet criteria for major depression: persons 45-64 years of age; women; blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic persons of other races or multiple races. And . . . More than 5.7 million American adults or 2.6 percent of the population age 18 or older in any given year have bipolar disorder. The condition typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can show up in children and in older adults. (Brain & Behavior Research Foundation)

We realize that there are myriad causes to support; church and missions are included on top of the list.  Recent occurrences inform us that citizens are very troubled and life's challenges  and behaviors have the potential of triggering a mental illness. Without a doubt, mental illness is one of the top concerns in our society.

As we wind down, everyone knows that God loves a cheerful giver! One of the creative artisans that I work with at the Capital Jazz Fest has accomplished a mission in his hometown (New Jersey) . . . Take a look -- http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2014/02/acts_of_kindness_from_jersey_city_man_shocks_strangers.html

Endorsements . . .

Folks are speaking up and lending their names and support! (As of March 2014)

We are deeply grateful!

“Yes I will endorse. I think this (Summit) is necessary, well timed and potentially brilliant.”

Barbara Davis Blum

President

BDB Investment Partnership

Julie Rogers

President and CEO

The Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation                                               

“Yes! I support this worthwhile project!”

Michael Willett Newheart, Ph.D.

Professor of New Testament Language and Literature

Howard University School of Divinity

Anna C. Peoples, Pharm.D.

Chief Executive Officer

The Truth Foundation, Inc.

We need your help . . . Join us and lend your Support!

Vikki and I, the co-conveners of this important Summit have initiated the fund raising campaign to realize our mission. We are receiving endorsements from prominent community, corporate and church leaders and financial support is arriving via Hannah's Grace, Inc. 501(c)3 non-proft.  We pray you will support this worthwhile and critical project to help us illuminate ways to educate and inform the community about this cause.  

Remember, a little adds up! Go to www.hannahsgrace.org and make a donation today!

Coming to your e-box soon . . . A PSA to help promote the Summit. So, please share this opportunity with your connections . . . You never know who may be experiencing a mental challenge.

Thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause!

Phyllicia

Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div. 

http://www.hannahsgrace.org
Connect@hannahsgrace.org