Sunshine Community Gardens

7 January, 2021

www.sunshinecommunitygardens.org

Gardener's Picture page

---

If you are signed up to receive the Weekly Weeder and have not been receiving it, here is a troubleshooting page to help. If this doesn't help, please let Sharon at scgardenweb@gmail.com know. Thanks.

---

Record Your Volunteer Service Hours by Today

SCG Treasurer, Carol Limaye reminds us that today is the last day we can record our service hours for 2020 in the Virtual Green Binder. On January 15, the primary gardener will be billed for any unworked service hours for 2020 if the hours are not recorded. If there are any questions, gardeners can contact Carol Limaye at scgtreasurer1@gmail.com.

---

A Message From SCG's President

Ed. Note: Sunshine president Steve Uecker is a public health scientist and represents his agency at the State Operations Center that coordinates the statewide response to COVID. He wishes to share the following information about Covid-19 vaccine with Sunshine gardeners.

Steve Uecker writes:

"Happy New Year! Let's hope it's a good one! You don't have to look far to recognize challenges do still exist. It's up to all of us to work to face them. Texas hospitals are filling with COVID-19 patients at record levels, but vaccines are now becoming available. The vaccine rollout is progressing despite some hiccups. It is a huge task and it will get done. Right now, the vaccine is scheduled to expand in a large way to local pharmacies in the week four distribution. Lots of cogs are moving but the big questions I am often asked are:

• When and where can I get the vaccine?

Here are some tips based on the Texas Hospital Association and Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS) guidance:

The DOs

Do your research. Go online and check your primary care provider or local hospital's website or social media for vaccine availability information. Be patient. Know that vaccines are only available in limited quantities and that vaccinations for health care providers and first responders take precedence.

Check your eligibility. DSHS' website explains who is eligible to receive a vaccine and when. Are you Over 65? Are you Over 16 with Preexisting Condition? Conditions include:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
• Solid organ transplantation
• Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Understand there is regional variability. Some regions may have vaccine available while others may not.

The DON'Ts

Don't just show up. Please do not arrive at your doctor's office or hospital looking for the vaccine or information.

Don't assume your local provider has vaccine available or that you can be vaccinated right away.

Texas has inoculated over 500,000 people at this point, and first week persons are getting their second shot this week. Please continue to practice patience, kindness and continue practicing the preventive measures we know work: Handwashing, social distancing and wear a mask!!

The sun still shines, and gardens continue to grow. Spring is coming."

---

Compost Piles Do Not Need COVID Protection

Please keep trash and PPE's out of the compost piles - that is what the dumpster is for!

---

What To Do in Your Garden Now

Ila Falvey submits the following information for a soil webinar from Austin Organic Gardeners and what to plant now in the garden from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

By Patty Leander

Soil Organic gardeners

---

Weeder Content

Please email your article or suggestion to Holly Gilman by end of day Wednesday.

---