Community Garden Newsletter
FOREST ELMS APARTMENT HOMES
SPRING NEWSLETTER
1. It's official! The FEAH's governing board has approved the residents' committee request for a community garden in the unused lot adjacent to the children's playground. We need everyone's help to bring our garden to life! Volunteers are needed, STARTING THIS WEEKEND, to clear away garbage and debris from the lot and plant individual plots of fruits and vegetables. Every family can sign up to be responsible for one plot, and the family can choose the vegetables, fruits, and flowers it wants to grow there.
2. As we work together throughout the seasons, we will share in the benefits of a community garden. Some of the benefits go beyond just growing a garden.
3. • A community garden allows all of us living here to work together to cultivate and harvest our own foods, bringing beauty and friendship to our whole community.
4. • Our community garden has the potential of improving everyone's health. All of our families that contribute to the upkeep of the garden can reap the benefits of the food that will be grown and harvested there. Freshly grown food looks better, tastes better, and is healthier for us than produce that has been sitting for who-knows-how-long on the grocery store shelves!
5. • And think of the health benefits we'll derive from the exercise we'll get working in the
garden!
6. • Our garden will promote feelings of happiness and belonging that result when people
get together as a group to work for a common cause.
7 • Our garden will also benefit us financially because the fresh fruits and vegetables will
be available to us at a fraction of the price that grocery stores charge!
Letter to the Editor: Local Foods
Dear Editor,
9. I was appalled to discover that the local farmers' market was not at its usual location off Highway 244 near Broomer Lake when 1 arrived there Saturday. I have been depending on this market for almost al. of my fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as for the honey my children love, for years. I was shocked to see a sign posted near the turnoff road to the market that said only "Market Closed Until Further Notice." What is going on?
10. Consumers should have many choices when it comes to food and nutrition. Cultivating and purchasing local foods is undoubtedly the best choice to make when it is available in our communities. These locally grown foods are simply better than their store-bought counterparts. We know exactly where the food was grown, and it is reassuring to have it sold to us directly by the farmer who grew it.
11. I've read reports from the Grow Local Association that explain why produce grown in the communities where it is sold has greater nutritional value. These fruits and vegetables are certainly fresher, and everyone knows that the sooner fruits and vegetables are consumed, the better they are nutritionally. Vitamins like A, B, C, and E begin losing potency as soon as the produce is picked. When we buy our produce from the grocery store, we have no idea how long it has been sitting in a warehouse or railcar. Surely, these vitamins have faded away considerably before the produce finds its way to a grocery store. On the other hand, locally grown produce is usually purchased within 24 hours of being harvested
12. Fresh produce also generally tastes better and has a longer shelf life than produce that has been transported over longer distances. Farmers who sell locally allow their fruits and vegetables a longer time to ripen because they do not have to factor in production and transport time, and we all know that riper produce is tastier
13. Don't we want our farmers to prosper and keep our money here in our community rather than giving it to those huge corporate farming conglomerates in other states that sell their produce nationwide? Even if the huge farming enterprises have the technology to grow and sell some seasonal produce year-round, I'd prefer to buy and eat my fresh produce when it is in season if it means helping our local farmers prosper.
14. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are simply more appealing. I believe that these foods are healthier more affordable and more flavorful let's all sneak up to our local authorities so we can get our farmers’ market reopened!
What is the function of the phrase 'On the other hand' in the last sentence of paragraph 11?
- A. It reinforces the positive image consumers have of local produce.
- B. It emphasizes the difference in the time it takes store-bought produce and local produce to get to consumers.
- C. It illustrates the dislike consumers have of store-bought produce.
- D. It distinguishes between consumers of store-bought produce and consumers of local produce.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The phrase "On the other hand" serves to highlight a contrasting point regarding the time it takes for different types of produce to reach consumers. This indicates a significant difference in freshness and availability between local and store-bought options, aligning with option B. Option A is incorrect because it does not focus on the time aspect; instead, it suggests a positive perception that is not the primary focus of the phrase. Option C misinterprets the phrase's intent, as it does not address consumer dislike but rather a comparison. Option D inaccurately suggests a distinction between two consumer groups, which is not the main emphasis of the sentence.
The phrase "On the other hand" serves to highlight a contrasting point regarding the time it takes for different types of produce to reach consumers. This indicates a significant difference in freshness and availability between local and store-bought options, aligning with option B. Option A is incorrect because it does not focus on the time aspect; instead, it suggests a positive perception that is not the primary focus of the phrase. Option C misinterprets the phrase's intent, as it does not address consumer dislike but rather a comparison. Option D inaccurately suggests a distinction between two consumer groups, which is not the main emphasis of the sentence.
Other Related Questions
What is the relationship between paragraphs 9 and 10?
- A. Paragraph 10 presents a solution to the problem raised in paragraph 9.
- B. Paragraph 10 explains the effect of the ideas in paragraph 9.
- C. Paragraph 10 adds supporting information to the ideas in paragraph 9.
- D. Paragraph 10 contradicts some information in paragraph 9.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Paragraph 10 provides additional details that reinforce the ideas presented in paragraph 9, enhancing the reader's understanding. This supporting information helps clarify and expand upon the concepts introduced earlier. Option A is incorrect as there is no explicit solution offered in paragraph 10. Option B misinterprets the relationship, as paragraph 10 does not focus on the effects but rather on supporting the ideas. Option D is also inaccurate; paragraph 10 does not contradict the information in paragraph 9, but rather complements it, maintaining coherence in the text.
Paragraph 10 provides additional details that reinforce the ideas presented in paragraph 9, enhancing the reader's understanding. This supporting information helps clarify and expand upon the concepts introduced earlier. Option A is incorrect as there is no explicit solution offered in paragraph 10. Option B misinterprets the relationship, as paragraph 10 does not focus on the effects but rather on supporting the ideas. Option D is also inaccurate; paragraph 10 does not contradict the information in paragraph 9, but rather complements it, maintaining coherence in the text.
Which conclusion is supported by the story?
- A. Burl will ask the widows to keep watch to protect the honey from thieves.
- B. Burl will make an attempt to better market his honey to consumers.
- C. Burl will continue to independently produce honey.
- D. Burl will work persistently to discover who took his honey.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The conclusion that Burl will continue to independently produce honey is supported by his determination and passion for beekeeping demonstrated throughout the story. This reflects his commitment to maintaining his craft despite challenges. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Burl seeks help from the widows for protection. Option B, while plausible, lacks direct support in the narrative, which focuses more on his production than marketing strategies. Option D suggests a shift in focus towards investigation rather than production, which contradicts Burl's established dedication to his craft.
The conclusion that Burl will continue to independently produce honey is supported by his determination and passion for beekeeping demonstrated throughout the story. This reflects his commitment to maintaining his craft despite challenges. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Burl seeks help from the widows for protection. Option B, while plausible, lacks direct support in the narrative, which focuses more on his production than marketing strategies. Option D suggests a shift in focus towards investigation rather than production, which contradicts Burl's established dedication to his craft.
In 'Letter to the Editor: Local Foods,' which of the author's claims is supported by evidence?
- A. Buying fruits and vegetables directly from farmers is reassuring.
- B. Consumers should have many choices about food.
- C. Huge farming enterprises have the technology to grow seasonal foods all year.
- D. Locally grown foods are more nutritional than store-bought foods.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D is supported by evidence, as numerous studies indicate that locally grown foods often retain more nutrients due to reduced time between harvest and consumption. This freshness can enhance nutritional value, making a compelling argument for local food consumption. Option A lacks specific evidence; while buying directly from farmers may feel reassuring, the claim does not provide data or studies to substantiate it. Option B is a subjective opinion rather than a claim backed by evidence, focusing on consumer preference without factual support. Option C presents a generalization about large farming enterprises without concrete evidence, failing to demonstrate how their technology directly impacts seasonal food availability.
Option D is supported by evidence, as numerous studies indicate that locally grown foods often retain more nutrients due to reduced time between harvest and consumption. This freshness can enhance nutritional value, making a compelling argument for local food consumption. Option A lacks specific evidence; while buying directly from farmers may feel reassuring, the claim does not provide data or studies to substantiate it. Option B is a subjective opinion rather than a claim backed by evidence, focusing on consumer preference without factual support. Option C presents a generalization about large farming enterprises without concrete evidence, failing to demonstrate how their technology directly impacts seasonal food availability.
Why are Aristotle's conclusions mentioned in the text?
- A. to show why Burl is becoming frustrated by working with his bees
- B. to emphasize that Burl thinks bees are superior to humans
- C. to suggest that bees effectively demonstrate laws of nature
- D. to compare two different philosophies on the nature of bee behavior
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Aristotle's conclusions are mentioned to illustrate how bees exemplify fundamental laws of nature, highlighting their intricate behaviors and social structures. This connection supports a broader understanding of natural order. Option A misinterprets the focus, as Aristotle's insights are not primarily about Burl's frustrations. Option B mistakenly suggests that the text centers on Burl's perception of bees' superiority, which is not the main theme. Option D, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of showcasing bees as representations of natural laws, rather than comparing philosophies.
Aristotle's conclusions are mentioned to illustrate how bees exemplify fundamental laws of nature, highlighting their intricate behaviors and social structures. This connection supports a broader understanding of natural order. Option A misinterprets the focus, as Aristotle's insights are not primarily about Burl's frustrations. Option B mistakenly suggests that the text centers on Burl's perception of bees' superiority, which is not the main theme. Option D, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of showcasing bees as representations of natural laws, rather than comparing philosophies.