Page 7 - Hillview_book

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION
OVER FOUR YEARS AGO, on June 30, 2010, a group of community members, many of whom barely knew one another, came together to “Help Save Hillview” and to continue the vision that was created by Dr. Tom Klemond. Given the turnout, Tom’s vision had clearly resonated in the community.
When a call for volunteers was made, I literally glanced over to see my own hand being raised while my brain protested: “You really don’t have time for this, Leanne.” However, something more powerful than my brain was at play in that moment—a strong resonance with Tom’s founding vision, the thought that my business background could be of service, and a belief in the possibility of creating community health (physical, social and economic) through the transformation of our food system.
The odds of success were daunting, but our list of resources was far from shabby, including a national movement toward local food systems as an answer
to mounting healthcare and environmental issues. Most importantly, this list included a truly vibrant community helmed by servant leadership, including Joe and Ann Kotnour. The Kotnours served on the original Hillview Greenhouse Life Center board under Tom Klemond. During a chance conversation with the Kotnours and then CAO Ron Paczkowski, the idea of a collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System— Franciscan Healthcare was first conceived. With the support of Ron and Joe Kruse, then the medical orga- nization’s VP, the collaboration became a reality.
We did not imagine at the first meeting that our efforts would result in a highly innovative collabora- tion between the La Crosse Community Foundation, Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare and Western Technical College; nor that we would be housed in a greenhouse in the heart of the city, which will serve as a community connecting point to healthy food. The past four years illuminate the famous Mar- garet Mead quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” We believe that changing the world begins at the level of commu- nities, and we believe that this community collabora- tion is a bright beacon for other communities.
It takes an entire community to build and sustain a vibrant local food system—one that is accessible to all of its members—and we are honored to be part of this exciting time of transformation.
LEANNE HEDBERG CARLSON, MBA
President (2010-2013)
Leanne Hedberg Carlson (left) and Vicki Miller
THE IDEA FOR THIS PUBLICATION took root on October 3, 2013, during the groundbreaking event at the old Hillview Greenhouse property on North 24th Street. The event marked the beginning of a wonder- ful collaboration between Hillview Urban Agriculture Center (Hillview), the La Crosse Community Founda- tion, Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare, and Western Technical College, as the aging greenhouse would soon be demolished and replaced with three passive-certified homes. At the same time, Hillview celebrated its future home with- in Western’s new greenhouse on Western’s campus!
It was a bittersweet moment knowing that the community’s beloved greenhouse would soon be torn down. Attached to it were so many memories
of past owners, businesses and organizations. We wanted to document that history. We also wanted to raise awareness of the many programs and initiatives Hillview and the community have developed since 2010 to advance urban agriculture and the local food system.
As with many of Hillview’s programs and initia- tives, this publication is a collaborative effort be- tween many organizations, institutions, businesses and volunteers, including our contributing sponsors: La Crosse Public Library, Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare and Western Techni- cal College. Together, thousands of hours have gone into creating this publication. We’d also like to thank our Platinum sponsors, Organic Valley and La Crosse Radio Group, and all of the other advertisers and supporters. This publication would not have been possible without the community’s combined involve- ment and support.
This publication also functions as a fundraiser for Hillview. All profits will go toward funding its con- tinued operations. On behalf of the Hillview board and myself, thank you for purchasing this publica- tion and for your support of our organization. We hope you find this publication interesting and that you will be a part of La Crosse area’s growing and vibrant local food system.
VICKI MILLER
President
HillviewUAC.org
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