MDN Community Garden & Steve's Shed
Donation protected
Nine or so years ago Steve and Melanie Falsetti moved to the Martin Drive Neighborhood from Madison, Wisconsin for a teaching position at the Italian Emersion School.
Steve quickly became involved in the Neighborhood, and as we got to know Steve, we learned that he greatly missed the garden he left behind. One day he showed us photos of its bountiful harvest.
How fortuitous as Martin Drive had control of a strip of land on N. 46th Street owned by the DOT but at this point sat barren. And so with a "Community Garden" idea in mind, Martin Drive entered into the Healthy Neighborhood’s initiative and received funding for the first time.
One of the first projects was to build six 4-8’ beds for residents to garden. So on an early May day, armed with building supplies and soil, about 25 long time residents and kids set upon the task, guided by Steve, of building the first of the Community Garden and filling beds with rich soil. When finished, they were offered to residents free of charge to garden, learn and enjoy.
Each year since we have added to the initial Community Garden, free events and activities, that bring people of this diverse neighborhood together. We gather for pot luck picnics and movies which attract young and old neighbors and families alike.
Looking back, the first year we found a large wood crate on the curb which Steve painted “The Garden Center” (as pictured). The crate housed tools we gathered, which were stored underneath. But after six or so years the curb-find crate had seen better days, and so for years, Steve has been saying, we really need a tool shed.
Steve and Melanie now have two children, Luca and Sylvie and sadly, Steve and family will soon be moving to Muskego, where they have purchased a home and Steve has a new teaching position.
This year, $1,375.15 was invested into the garden for a hydrant permit, seasonal port-a-john, mulch for paths between the beds, tweaks to the rain harvesting system (so that leaves will not enter the rain barrel), and care for the landscaped bed at the corner by Vliet and the construction of Steve’s Shed. The non-profit also organized 60 man hours of volunteer time to clean, weed, mulch and install art.
Finally, in honor of Steve and his contributions to the neighborhood, and the Community Garden, our neighborhood gathering place, this year we built Steve’s Shed. In addition, we will also add a commemorative plaque in honor of Steve’s enourmous contributions.
Take a look at our garden at 1335 N. 46th Street ,and despite the road construction you will be very much in awe.
Martin Drive has a 501(3)(c) Non-Profit but does not have consistent funding. This project was accomplished with a loan, by Board members, to the Non-Profit and will be paid back, with any donations.
If you appreciate the contributions Steve has made to the neighborhood and the work of the Non-Profit to build this gathering place for everyone, please contribute to the GoFundMe campaign to help pay for this year's improvements.
***All contributions are tax-deductible.
Steve quickly became involved in the Neighborhood, and as we got to know Steve, we learned that he greatly missed the garden he left behind. One day he showed us photos of its bountiful harvest.
How fortuitous as Martin Drive had control of a strip of land on N. 46th Street owned by the DOT but at this point sat barren. And so with a "Community Garden" idea in mind, Martin Drive entered into the Healthy Neighborhood’s initiative and received funding for the first time.
One of the first projects was to build six 4-8’ beds for residents to garden. So on an early May day, armed with building supplies and soil, about 25 long time residents and kids set upon the task, guided by Steve, of building the first of the Community Garden and filling beds with rich soil. When finished, they were offered to residents free of charge to garden, learn and enjoy.
Each year since we have added to the initial Community Garden, free events and activities, that bring people of this diverse neighborhood together. We gather for pot luck picnics and movies which attract young and old neighbors and families alike.
Looking back, the first year we found a large wood crate on the curb which Steve painted “The Garden Center” (as pictured). The crate housed tools we gathered, which were stored underneath. But after six or so years the curb-find crate had seen better days, and so for years, Steve has been saying, we really need a tool shed.
Steve and Melanie now have two children, Luca and Sylvie and sadly, Steve and family will soon be moving to Muskego, where they have purchased a home and Steve has a new teaching position.
This year, $1,375.15 was invested into the garden for a hydrant permit, seasonal port-a-john, mulch for paths between the beds, tweaks to the rain harvesting system (so that leaves will not enter the rain barrel), and care for the landscaped bed at the corner by Vliet and the construction of Steve’s Shed. The non-profit also organized 60 man hours of volunteer time to clean, weed, mulch and install art.
Finally, in honor of Steve and his contributions to the neighborhood, and the Community Garden, our neighborhood gathering place, this year we built Steve’s Shed. In addition, we will also add a commemorative plaque in honor of Steve’s enourmous contributions.
Take a look at our garden at 1335 N. 46th Street ,and despite the road construction you will be very much in awe.
Martin Drive has a 501(3)(c) Non-Profit but does not have consistent funding. This project was accomplished with a loan, by Board members, to the Non-Profit and will be paid back, with any donations.
If you appreciate the contributions Steve has made to the neighborhood and the work of the Non-Profit to build this gathering place for everyone, please contribute to the GoFundMe campaign to help pay for this year's improvements.
***All contributions are tax-deductible.
Organizer and beneficiary
Bryan Berghauer
Organizer
Milwaukee, WI
MDNA Inc
Beneficiary
