Archive: Around Town

Where Are They Now? - Joshua Canfield

From Groton graduate to Hollywood actor, locally raised Joshua Canfield believes there are many opportunities to earn a living while doing what you are passionate about, but you must seek them out.

"College is really a job fair," Canfield commented of his experience studying at the University of Buffalo.

As a student he utilized the college experience to gain employment as an actor and to build connections to possible employment. Canfield built acting acclaim through various roles he performed professionally in local theatre and television, earning him two best actor nominations in theatre.

After graduation, Canfield settled into life in Central New York, employed at Fastenal in Cortland. He developed a career in the industrial supply industry, becoming a National Sales Manager based in Syracuse and travelling for the position.

When the opportunity to relocate to Los Angeles with the company became available, Canfield pursued it. Soon after settling into the area, Canfield once again began looking for more opportunities to act. He was offered roles in various short films and projects and began moonlighting as an actor. He also took some acting classes to strengthen and refresh his skills.

Just last year Canfield resigned from his full-time Vice President position in the supply industry and now spends his days running his own business - promoting his talent and, along with an agent, selling his brand. Canfield encourages students to consider there are many different ways to earn a living and to pursue what interests them.

When discussing the college track v.s. skill labor track he said, "College isn't for everybody…we don't do a lot of trades anymore, but there is more out there than people realize."

Canfield's own acting career was self-made and did not require a college degree. Choosing your career path, Canfield says, is about bettering yourself, making connections and getting out there. Canfield currently performs stand-up throughout L.A. and has acted in television shows for the Outdoor Channel, Investigation Discovery, Criminal Minds, and more.

Groton Student Farm Expands
 
Just this spring a shed for a rainwater harvesting system was constructed at the community gardens located across from the high school. Next year Groton high school science teacher Chad DeVoe plans to add a greenhouse. In fact, the greenhouse design and construction will be an essential part of his class curriculum next year. DeVoe encourages his students to consider alternative and innovative ways to approach the ancient art of farming.

Some of the primary goals of the new greenhouse design will be 'green', and they include project efficiency, affordability and using minimally polluting systems and materials. DeVoe is planning to salvage some of the high school windows that are being replaced this summer, which is a great way to begin. The construction company responsible for their disposal has already approved the donation of the windows.

In the fall, the class will conceptualize, design and build model greenhouses that will be voted on for best design. The winning design by student vote will then be submitted to the village for approval and it is anticipated that the construction will commence during the school year.


From classroom composting and seeding, to packaging and selling produce, students learn the fundamentals of the food industry in DeVoe's science class 'Food, Land and You'.

"There is a lot of labor by the class, all plants start in the classroom," Mr. DeVoe said.

Accessible, healthy and sustainable ways of food production are taught in this general science elective, available to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. The students are often involved outside of their classroom time to help maintain the farm. The student's work pays off in the form of Groton Student Farm produce created by the class. There are select items available during the school year for purchase such as handmade soaps, farm fresh eggs and seasonal produce.

Grant money is used for infrastructure materials such as raised beds for the garden, but some class expenses are offset by purchases made by school staff. During the summer, the fruits and vegetables produced in the student farm are offered non-gratis to the local community. Currently the produce from the gardens is given away at the Groton Public Library's Healthy Free Food Tuesday, a year round program where donated food and produce is given away for free every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Library Director Sara Knobel created an opportunity for the community to get involved when she formed the partnership with the school and community known as 'Grow Groton.'

Those in the community who are interested can volunteer their time to do various tasks such as weeding the beds, watering the existing plants, assisting with harvest, and assisting in promoting the garden. As the garden grows, so does the opportunity to donate more food. There is a need for volunteers to help manage the garden and keep it vital all year long, especially when school is not in session.

v11i30