Gold 1000

Gold 1000 had a lot of picture perfect memories for being together only for a month. Each person selected for the team was motivated and willing to do whatever it took to get things done for the project. Fears were casted aside as we harnessed up to climb the roof. Frustrations were hidden when we didn't have the correct power tools to build garden boxes. But Gold 1000 never gave up and was rewarded in the end. Here is the celebration video I put together to show our time at Eagle Lake and in South East Portland...

Guidance from our Ancestors

I stand for: honesty, equality, open mindedness, kindness, non judgmental, compassion, treating people how you want to be treated, and helping those in need. These are traditional values that I stand for and I am passionate about racial differences and equality for all. Native American blood runs through my body as my great, great grandmother, Julia Lashua, was full blooded Nashuway Indian from Ashby Massachusetts. As I have never heard the stories of her time near the Nashua River through her voice, I understand the importance of preserving stories and oral tradition as cultural legends that will be passed down through the generations of curious minds. Having recently lost a family member, her words are what keep my genealogical  traditions timeless. As I reminisce about my grandmothers through time, I realize the source of where I have learned the most about team work and the dynamics of a group of people from different walks of life. My outstretched calloused hands are reaching to support my team members when they are in need, just as the most important women in my life held my hands when I asked for balance in reaching my goals and creating a safe environment for myself and those in our communities.

I wanted to help enhance the healthy lifestyle of the Native American community, learn about the grass roots effort and permaculture gardening while making conscience decisions on how to help the environment at Wisdom Of The Elders in Portland, OR.

Wisdom of the Elders started in the early 1990's to preserve spoken word stories of Native Americans and later posted documentaries on an internet radio website. They now have an internet television show as well.

However, Wisdom of the Elders' community gardens have been an on-going work in progress. It started with a vision, continued with a plan set to paper but lacked the man power to actually transform the chaotic backyard into a beautifully landscaped oasis. With the help of Gold 1000, piles of scrap wood, brush, debris, mountains of dirt and invasive species were removed and replaced with native garden beds, a mound garden, Three Sisters gardens of corn, beans and squash, a manicured Berry Trail and native plants for the community to come and enjoy.

We used hand tools and power tools to learn how to build garden boxes, landscaped trails through a residential back yard and how to tend to backyard burn piles. We hosted and attended open houses, open to the community of Portland to show off the hard work accomplished.

Gold 1000 arrived with open minds and the ability to adapt to new living circumstances and during the time spent with the Native American community the team was exposed to spiritual thanks, the protection of the nature around them and even attended a monthly sweat lodge with community members to cleanse and to ask for guidance from their ancestors.

It is therapeutic to give life and to maintain growth by planting and harvesting in a space that a city usually lacks. Given the space for all ages and capabilities to be able to come together as a nationality who accepts all and join in gardening is strengthening the growth all personalities of a community.

Children of the Season

I wanted to be a part of the Gold 1000 Composite team to serve at Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake in California to help to make a small difference in a camp that provides children in need with a carefree week.

I applaud Ronald McDonald Houses' promotion of the understanding of ethnic uniqueness and also the hardships of the youth of our country. Children with disabilities such as autism, obesity and other disabilities and syndromes deserve a safe place to call home for a week of summer fun. Camp Ronald McDonald provides this in Eagle Lake, CA.

During our time there, we were not camp counselors, we were roofers! We re-shingled a historic building with HistoriCorps, out of Denver, Colorado. For a week, we harnessed up each day and ascended the 90 degree angle roof. I wouldn't say I was graceful doing it but I got the exhilarating job done!

Since we were a new team with a new dynamic, to get to know each other more in the short amount of time given, we held 1.5 hour "Team Member Spotlights." The person the spotlight was on was able to share their life stories, reflections, desires, hardships and secrets should they choose.

Some members chose to share about childhood, school life, or their time in the program or other adventures they went on in their life.

The second half of the Spotlight session was opened for questions. Questions ranged anywhere from silly to personal, from "would you rather" to reflections of life actions. Some members were encouraged to show off their hidden talents or singing/rapping skills.

I use to go into the homes of families with my mother where she worked as a home health pediatrics nurse and I remember the smile of one little boy, Elijah, who was diagnosed with Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome, similar to Down Syndrome, at birth. Even though we didn't meet the kids at Camp Ronald McDonald, I could see Elijah's smile as I was high above the ground, restoring a 100 year old building at a camp for children like him. Children of the season.

Composite

The next four weeks are going to be a breath of fresh air.

My team mate Lindsey and I have BOTH been selected, out of 50 applicants, for the SAME composite team! Composite teams are designed to give the Corps Members who apply a fresh experience on a completely different team.

Lindsey and I applied for the same project and on Team Reveal Day, were surprised to see we both made it to the team of just 7 Corps Members and one office Support Team Leader acting as field Team Leader.

This turns our final round, Round 4 into a "tri-round."

We will first hit the road in our new van, en route to Eagle Lake, outside Susanville, CA. For a week, we will serve at Camp Ronald McDonald before the season starts to restore a historical 100 year old roof with HistoriCorps, out of Denver, Colorado.

After our week of roof-work, we will pack up again and head North, back to Portland, Oregon for three more weeks! Our new team, which has a few different names but is mainly referred to as Gold 1000, will be starting a community garden at the Native American community center, Wisdom of the Elders. This will be a special project because the non-profit is located at its co-founder Rose High-Bear's residence in South East Portland and we will be residing in her garage!

AmeriCorps NCCC will then fly Lindsey and I down to Los Angeles County to rejoin with Green 7 in the San Bernardino Mountains for our final month of service at Camp de Beneville and Camp Tahquitz!