A few years ago group of citizens formed an incredible non-profit in Turley, Oklahoma-basically North Tulsa. A Third Place Community, also called The Welcome Table, is a thriving part of Turley.  The group runs a food bank and has a community garden and other community-based activities.  Legal Aid provides assistance at The Welcome Table Center on Thursdays.

The foundation board wrote a grant and were funded to develop an orchard atop a nearby hill overlooking downtown Tulsa.  The park is located at 6005 N. Johnstown Ave. The orchard and garden produce are harvested weekly and produce (and fresh eggs) are shared through the food pantry.

That orchard, now a community garden, kitchen park and orchard in North Tulsa has been selected as one of the finalists in the national Tom's of Maine 50 States For Good competition which began today to win $50.000. The organization represents Oklahoma, but support to win will have to come from around the world.

Please take a moment each day to vote online through Oct. 9.

The next five top-vote getters receive $20,000.
Voting is safe, easy, at https://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine click on the Cast your Vote icon under the logo.

Funds will be used to build the Community Outdoor/Indoor Kitchen Greenhouse Shelter Pavillion, including a rainwater collection system.
Please share this with others on your email and social network lists particularly as many of our neighbors do not have internet access here who use the park.

For more reasons why this area so desperately needs a "Miracle Among The Ruins" project, go to http://turleyok.blogspot.com/2012/09/here-is-why-we-at-athird-place.html