NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - North Salem’s Allison Turcan, founder and executive director of D.I.G. Farm, was among three women recently honored by the Westchester County Department of Correction.
The other two honorees were Somers resident Tracy Racicot, director of the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Adult and Community Services, and Peekskill’s Lisa Zarkower, confidential assistant to SWBOCES’ director of educational programs.
Racicot was recognized for expanding educational opportunities, including high school equivalency programs, English as a New Language instruction, and workforce training initiatives. Her work also helped create employment pathways through programs such as HVAC-R training.
Zarkower was lauded for her role in coordinating educational services, ensuring residents at the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla are properly assessed and enrolled, and supporting daily program operations.
SEEDS FOR CHANGE
Turcan is also the facilitator of D.I.G.’s Seeds for Change Project, a garden and nature-based program for incarcerated women and women recently returning to society.
It gives “the ladies” the chance to learn while they grow veggies, fruit, and fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme, Turcan said.
They also can consume and share the yummy results of their labors. Think pesto and smoothies.
Last season, they grew a “mammoth” sunflower with a seed-packed head the size of “a large pizza,” she said. They saved the seeds for planting later.
When the women are in the garden, they’re engaged and “peaceful,” she said, adding that plans are in the works for a garden for youth offenders and for male inmates.
D.I.G., which stands for Dealing in Good, is a nonprofit teaching farm located on June Road.
It focuses on regeneration through growing vegetables and fruits.
Turcan estimated that 40 jail residents and 30 staff members attended the Women’s History Month event.
The program centered on this year’s national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
The celebration highlighted the role women play in advancing progress across environmental, educational and social areas while encouraging participants to reflect on their own paths forward.
Honored to have been recognized for her work by the WCDOC, Turcan shed tears of joy when one of the residents read a letter talking about how “transformative” her experience had been.
She also wrote that it was “fun to finally get over her fear of bugs.”
Connecting with the women when they’re incarcerated “is a really powerful time,” because Turcan said, they’re able to “really get into it without other distractions or pressures.”
PATHS FORWARD
As part of the program, residents researched influential women who contributed to a more sustainable future, reinforcing the initiative’s educational and rehabilitative focus.
“It is an honor and privilege to formally recognize three remarkable women who, through their dedication and tireless work, continue to bring support, hope and healing to the residents at WCDOC,” said County Executive Ken Jenkins.
“It is truly gratifying to recognize three outstanding women who consistently go above and beyond in service to others. Their dedication exemplifies the kind of work that can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Westchester County Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph K. Spano.
“Tracy, Lisa and Allison are true agents of positive change, helping to shape a more sustainable future. The work you do while in our care will directly impact your future and that of your families. Take full advantage of the opportunities available to you and commit to overcoming the challenges that brought you here,” he told the gathering.
“This uplifting celebration not only honored the selfless and meaningful efforts of three dynamic women and agents of positive change but also demonstrated WCDOC’s commitment to supporting incarcerated individuals,” said County Legislator Terry Clements, who represents District 11 (Pelham, Pelham Manor, and parts of New Rochelle.
The keynote speaker was retired Assistant Warden LaFonda Spaulding, who served more than 33 years with WCDOC, including three years as warden of the women’s unit.
Spaulding has long advocated for addressing the unique needs of incarcerated women and supporting their rehabilitation and successful reentry, the WCDOC said.
She encouraged residents to stay committed to personal growth and to take advantage of available support systems.
D.I.G.’S MISSION
In operation since 2015, D.I.G. has hosted thousands of folks including volunteers, youth groups, corporate groups, special needs organizations, and the community at large.
It teaches about regenerative agriculture, what it takes to grow healthy food and how to come up with creative ways to “use and preserve the garden bounty and all about wild plants, herbs and mycology (the study of mushrooms, yeasts, and molds),” its website says.
Other of its initiatives include the Westchester Local Food Project, the Access Nature Project, and the Wild Roots Project.
OPEN HOUSE
D.I.G. will be holding an Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. Lots of family-friendly activities are planned.
Oh, and there will be “baby goats” to play with, Turcan promised.
GOOD TO KNOW
For more information about D.I.G., visit www.digfarm.org.
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