Music Week at Bob Burdette Center

Our theme for week 3 of our summer program was ‘Music Week’. That week the afternoon activities included: Musical Chairs, Limbo, Music Bingo, Classroom Karaoke, Music Treasure Hunt, Freeze Dance, and others. But the highlight activity was what we called a ‘Listen and Paint’ activity. The idea came from what some adults participate in these days known as a ‘Sip and Paint’ (where they sip on a drink and paint). However, ... Continue Reading »

Planting for the Seasons: A Fall and Winter Garden Transformation

As summer crops fade and the vibrant greens of the season give way to golden hues, the Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden embarks on a seasonal transformation. The transition marks a time for renewal and preparation, as volunteers come together to clear out the remnants of summer’s abundance. Old plants are removed to make way for fresh beginnings, and the soil is carefully tended to ensure it is ... Continue Reading »

“The greatness of art is not to find what is common but what is unique.”

– Isaac Bashevis Singer. On Friday, July 5th, the Bob Burdette Center took the students in the Summer Program to The Clay Center. It was a full day of exploring and having fun! The standout of the day though, was when the students entered the Juliet Art Museum and toured a new exhibition that will be showcased until September 8th: the Charles Jupiter Hamilton Exhibition. Per the Clay Center’s website: “... Continue Reading »

In Our Garden

In Our Garden : Our Summer Program kicked off on Monday, July 1st. One of the activities the kids will be observing this Summer is the progression of our own Community Garden located on the corners of Bream Street and Hull street on the West Side of Charleston. When fruits and vegetables start to produce, the community, along with our Bob Burdette Center families, are all welcome to take whatever they ... Continue Reading »

When the Harvest is Shared: Tackling Theft in Community Gardens

The mission of the Bob Burdette Center’s community garden, made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, is rooted in generosity and inclusivity, aiming to provide free, fresh produce to those in need. However, the reality of operating an open-access garden has brought challenges, particularly when it comes to theft. Missing produce not only disrupts the intended distribution of fruits and vegetables but also undermines the collective efforts of ... Continue Reading »

Top 10 Vegetables Perfect for Community Gardens

Choosing the right crops for a community garden can make the difference between a bountiful harvest and a season of struggles. Staple vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and cucumbers are perennial favorites for a reason: they are relatively easy to grow, highly productive, and widely loved by gardeners and cooks alike. Tomatoes, for instance, thrive in full sunlight and require sturdy stakes or cages for support, while zucchini grows quickly ... Continue Reading »

The Gift of Giving: Sharing Free Vegetables with the Community

The true reward of the community garden lies in the joy it brings to the people it serves, as neighbors come together to share in the harvest of fresh, homegrown vegetables. Residents leave with baskets of tomatoes, peppers, and greens, often brimming with excitement over the meals they plan to create. The garden has blossomed into more than just a source of food—it has become a gathering place where ... Continue Reading »

From Soil to Table: Preparing and Planting a Community Garden for the West Side

Thanks to a grant from the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, the Bob Burdette Center is creating a community garden for the people of West Charleston. The garden is located on the grounds of Emmanuel Baptist Church. The Pallottine Foundation provides support to health-related nonprofit organizations in 20 counties in the Tri-State region. The process of planting a community garden is an enriching experience that fosters not only a connection to the ... Continue Reading »

Sowing Seeds of Unity: The Birth of a Community Garden in West Charleston

The Bob Burdette Center has embarked on an inspiring mission to create a community garden in West Charleston, West Virginia. Located in the heart of the community at Emmanuel Baptist Church, this garden aims to provide fresh produce, foster connections among residents, and educate children about sustainable practices. The Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden is made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington. Through the support of transformative health ... Continue Reading »

Raising Butterflies

When my own kids were little, we raised butterflies. Raising butterflies was fun for my kids and I. You can get a kit from the craft store that will give you a place to purchase the eggs. You place the eggs onto leaves and it gives other instructions on how to care for your butterflies within the care guide. These butterflies needed oranges when they were in the caterpillar state. ... Continue Reading »