Fall 2019 Hometown Messenger

Flat rooftops often go mostly unused. That was the case at Shakopee City Hall—at least until this summer. In June, City Planner Liz Bushaw pitched the idea of planting a garden on the roof. "I am a big advocate for people being closer to their food systems, and there was plenty of space on the roof, so I thought it was a cool opportunity for city employees,” she said. With some help from Permit Coordinator Kelly Buska and Building Inspector Gia Eley, Bushaw filled a three-by-six-foot canvas planter with seeds and several sprouted plants. Growing at City Hall

“We’ve got a lot more than you might think we could have,” Bushaw said. “We’ve got cucumbers, herbs, basil. We had cilantro, a lot of tomatoes, beets, onions. Just a ton of stuff.” Staff members tend to the garden on their breaks. As fruit and vegetables spring from the small plot, city employees can pick them for use at home. With the success of this year’s garden, Bushaw plans to plant more next year. “Next year, my hope is that we’ll have enough to give to local food shelves,” she said.

Check out a video about the garden on the city's YouTube channel

Bushaw’s passion project is more than just an exercise; it’s a way to connect with what she describes as one of the most human experiences a person can have. “Putting something in the ground and really having no idea if it’s going to work or not is kind of terrifying,” she said. “But it is so rewarding.” Right, stretching about 15 feet from the planter are two long vines. Both have begun producing fruit: pumpkins and watermelon. “I’m pretty shocked. They’ve been doing really well,” Bushaw said.

"I am a big advocate for people being closer to their food systems, and there was plenty of space on the roof, so I thought it was a cool opportunity for city employees." Liz Bushaw City Planner

Tomatoes ripen on the vine on the first-floor roof at City Hall.

NEWS & NOTES Get to the great Minnesota get-together with MVTA Beat the traffic and skip parking fees by taking an express shuttle to the State Fair from the Marschall Road Transit Station. Service is available aboard Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) buses on weekends and Labor Day only. Outgoing buses run hourly from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and return shuttles depart hourly between noon to midnight. Payment is $6. Exact change is required. Discount round-trip tickets can be purchased online for $5. Children 4 and under ride for free.

The Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 22-Sept. 2. Visit the MVTA website at www.mvta.com for more information. Scott County Senior Expo moves to Prior Lake Oct. 18 Seniors are invited to attend the annual Scott County Senior Expo Friday, Oct. 18 at its new location, Twin Oaks Middle School in Prior Lake. The guest speaker is Fox 9 Chief Meteorologist Ian Leonard. Scott County Historical Society will also be presenting on prohibition in Scott County. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features continental breakfast, vendor

exhibits, entertainment, lunch, prizes and health screenings. Admission is $15. Register online at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ registration by Oct. 11. Seniors visit vendor booths at the 2018 Scott County Senior Expo.

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