by PAUL BASS The new haven independent
Blackman and two coworkers were in the lot behind Black Corner Neighborhood Variety Market across from Troup School Thursday morning, building frames for three raised garden beds.
Blackman’s son, Michael Massey, asked him to do it. Michael and Kenia own the store, which has a nonprofit mission of lifting up the neighborhood (like at this event). Their latest idea: Partnering with a group called Nuts About Health to run a three-session youth gardening program on Sundays through Sept. 10.
“We’re putting a garden for the children to have something to do,” to learn how to grow food, then harvest it, Blackman said during a conversation on the “Word on the Street” segment of WNHH FM’s “LoveBabz LoveTalk” program.
Hence the need for beds. Blackman and his crew were assembling two eight foot-by-six foot raised beds plus a small four-foot-long one. Then they plan to pick up soil a donor has agreed to make available.
“My pop does everything for me; I’m not gonna lie,” said Blackman’s son, who was inside the store serving customers. “Everything I ask him to do, he’s right here. That’s my rock.”
Blackman does seem to prefer saying yes than no. He started his carpentry and painting business 35 years ago after enrolling in an apprentice program and landing a union job.
He used to do jobs throughout the tristate area. ”I’m semi-retired now,” said Blackman, who’s 64.
Why semi?
“Little old ladies have been calling for years and years. They really don’t want anybody else. That’s why I’m semi-retired; a lot of customers are still counting on me.”
As is a son — and a neighborhood of kids. Pop won’t let them down.