DATE: April 18, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT: William Green, Administrator
Broward County Health Care Section
PHONE: 954-357-5385
EMAIL: wgreen@broward.org
Broward County residents are invited to "get their hands dirty" and learn how to start their own vegetable garden at an interactive gardening demonstration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, at the downtown Governmental Center Annex, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
The event is part of the monthlong celebration of National County Government Month, promoting County programs, services, events and activities related to the theme “Healthy Counties, Healthy Families.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to receive free vegetable seedlings to replant in their home gardens, including okra, callalu, Asian long beans, peppers and eggplant. Master Gardener Michael Madfis will be available to answer questions and offer gardening tips. Fort Lauderdale Vegetables is co-sponsoring the event and providing more than 600 seedlings, which will be available on a first come, first served basis.
"Every day more and more families are making the connection between living healthier lifestyles and the role of nutrition. With the price of fresh fruits and vegetables becoming out of reach for some families, many are turning to meaningful ways of reducing costs through home gardening programs," said William Green, administrator with the County's Health Care Services Section. "Not only are families saving money, but by making home gardening a family activity, their quality of life is enhanced."
The event will take place on the west (back) side of the Governmental Center Annex where a tent will be set up. Parking is available just across the street at the GG ― GovGarage.
Other “Healthy Counties, Healthy Families” events in Broward County include a free Chair Yoga class at Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St. in Hollywood, on Sunday, April 22, at noon. The class will be conducted by Stacey Joiner from Royal Treatment Yoga, event co-sponsor. After the yoga class, participants are invited to take a free guided Nature Stroll through the 1,501-acre coastal mangrove wetland. The Nature Stroll will begin at 1 p.m.
Residents can also visit one of the County’s 18 regional parks and 21 nature centers to find fitness activities for the whole family to enjoy. Broward County Libraries is featuring a book display at the Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, which includes books, DVDs, CDs and reference materials available to residents to begin or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Educational exhibits are available for viewing at two Broward County facilities: Healthy Counties, Healthy Families. at the downtown Fort Lauderdale Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., and Men’s Health at Government Center West, 1 N. University Drive in Plantation.
For more information on National County Government Month events, visit broward.org/healthycounty.
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