vicki's space

Most of us have been taught not to use the Lord's name in vain. It is a concept  that we are taught as children but sometimes you just can't help yourself. As I patiently waited in line to purchase watermelon , cantaloupe and corn, I overheard a customer simply state "my Lord". She did not mean to utter this phrase but the taste of the freshly cut  and sampled cantaloupe caught her off guard. This is not any cantaloupe. No, this is "nothing but the truth cantaloupe"," the real deal"; pick your superlative. The cantaloupe is just one of the reasons that I was standing in this line on a hot Thursday afternoon. The cantaloupe and watermelon from this farmer taste like they were grown in a field of sugar. This is real cantaloupe-not the kind that you find in decorative fruit arrangements or fruit platters - but fresh, local, Maryland cantaloupe given readily by the vine because it is time.The sun and the earth have done their best and in return a customer simply states"my Lord ". I  usually arrive early to this farmers market , pick out my produce and wait patiently on the seasoned farmer from Maryland  to unload  the rest of his truck.

Each week he slices a watermelon and cantaloupe. Some of the melons have yellow flesh or " yellow meat" as we called them as children and some are orange on the inside. He does not talk much but then he doesn't have too- the melons, corn, blueberries and other produce speak for him. As customers swarm around his stand, he can not unload the corn fast enough. His grandaughter's admonition to " put  more corn out" is calmly met with  the measured response "I'll put it out after I rest".As he stands in the back of his truck  he can clearly see that his work is not in vane.This is what farming is about; watching  eager customers bag your fruits and vegetables as fast as you can unload them. This is what makes the $5000 investment for irrigation and ten hour days worth it all- "my Lord" uttered by a new satisfied customer.

Last night I met wonderful women participating in the Take the Challenge health and wellness program in Prince George's county. These women meet weekly to exercise, talk, eat and support each other in maintaining and regaining health and wellness.There were women recovering from breast cancer and living with diabetes. There were also women who simply want to learn how to live healthy. This wonderful program is sponsored by the Prince George's County Executive Program, the Prince George's County Healthy Department as well as  Prince George's Community College.

 Coretta Jones ,director of the Community Heart and Stroke Initiatives for  the American Heart Association, delivered an empowering presentation on stroke awareness, stroke prevention and becoming your own health advocate. The American Heart Association has developed an innovative program , The Power to End Stroke, which invites African-Americans to learn about  their family health tree as well as providing information on maintaining heart health and  recipes for healthy eating-"I Have the Power".

Ms. Gina Boyd of the  National Bone Marrow Donor  Program spoke on the under representation of African Americans  in the Marrow Donor Registry despite the prevalence of bone marrow diseases in the African-American population.On site enrollment cards and cheek swabs were available and used by many in the audience.Her moving description of recent families affected by bone marrow disease provided case studies on the tremendous need for bone marrow donation.

It is always our pleasure at  5 A DAY CSA  to provide fruit(Stayman-Winesap apples and asian pears)  at events which champion health and wellness.We have recently participated in the Stamp Out Sickle Cell Walk, the 50 Million Pound Weight Walk,and the Steve Harvey Foundation Charity Golf Tournament. As always, the  the seasonal fruit we bring is  thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Today I attended the Stamp Out Sickle Cell Walk at Howard University Hospital. The volunteers and participants there were committed to raising funds for sickle cell patients and researchers and also to raise the public's awareness of Sickle Cell Anemia.This walk took place at Howard University Hospital  with participation by Children's and Georgetown Hospital as well. The wonderful pears, apples, peaches and plum were truly appreciated and enjoyed by all. Nutrition is an essential part of health for everyone but especially for those living with a chronic disease such as Sickle Cell Anemia.Please visit www.soswalk.org to learn more about sickle cell anemia and to donate to this worthy cause.