Rosa Green Brings Fresh Flavor to the Table
With a last name like Green, it’s no surprise that Rosa Green has a green thumb. A lifelong gardener and cook at Helen Kaplan Center, Rosa has transformed an unused patch of land into a thriving vegetable garden that provides fresh ingredients for meals enjoyed by the people who live there.
Rosa dug the soil herself and planted herbs and vegetables such as onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
“I like to garden,” Rosa said.
At first, Rosa carried jugs of water outside by hand to keep her plants watered. Today, the garden has a hose, and the men and women who live at Helen Kaplan Center enjoy helping her care for it.
“It’s lovely,” said Danielle Persichilli, ICF Food Service Coordinator. “We’ll have the people who live here enjoy outdoors. Visiting family members join their loved ones and residents beside the garden. They are happy to help water the garden together, which makes for a nice family visit. There’s another resident who especially loves spending time out there with Rosa.”
The garden also brings a garden-fresh experience, with fresh herbs and vegetables making their way from the garden directly to the table.
There is one person whose diet excludes most protein, grains, and artificial sweeteners. The fresh vegetables add fresh flavor and color to her meals.
“She loves it when I grow the food for her,” Rosa said.
“Colorful vegetables make it more appealing,” Danielle added. “That’s what Rosa does — when she prepares vegetables for her, the plate looks beautiful, and just as nice as everyone else’s.”
Rosa has worked at the Helen Kaplan Center for over 20 years.
“I enjoy it,” Rosa said. “I love to help everyone here.”
“She loves the people who live here,” Danielle said. “She shares her passion and talents with them, always encouraging them to try new things — especially when it comes to food.”