Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 Helping the Hungry Two dozen volunteers break ground for a community garden in the backyard of St. John’s Episcopal Church rectory – to help fight food insecurity By Tara Vocino A pastor is giving up his stimulus money to help fight food insecurity right in his own backyard. St. John’s Episcopal Church Rev. John T. Beach broke ground last Saturday (April 24) on a community garden where harvested food will go toward fresh vegetables for the Saugus Food Pantry and needy. Only a few planters are from the church, according to Beach. pandemic. “I wanted to help others,” Turco said. “We all need to get our bodies moving.” Garden Club member/planter Joyce Rodenhiser pitched in because she admires Beach’s generosity to help others rather than seek personal gain. “It’s a great thing,” Rodenhiser said. “I felt led to grow tomato seeds at my house, as a result, to give back.” Denise Beneteau, of Saugus, who is a church member, she said the reasoning was simple. From left to right are Senior Warden Daniel Casey, church members Judy and Bruce Maxwell, Pastor John Beach, church member William Pethier, Saugonian Kathie Granara, and Garden Club member Joyce Rodenhiser, from the viewpoint of the church rectory porch. Tree Committee Chairwoman Nancy Prag and Garden Club member Joyce Rodenhiser admire Rev. John Beach’s generosity to help fight food insecurity. The age category ranges from young adults to seniors. On Saturday, approximately 25 volunteers began the groundwork by cultivating soil, removing grass and planting vegetables in the backyard of 276 Central St. – the St. John’s Episcopal Church rectory where Rev. Beach lives. “It will be harvested this fall,” Beach said. “I hope it will be an inspiration for others, including elementary school students who are planting seeds in their classrooms.” Planter Rachael Turco, who eats organic since it’s healthier and who isn’t a church member, said she wanted to help since she spent so many months feeling lonely during the COVID-19 “People need food,” Beneteau said. “I wanted to do something participatory.” Tree Committee Chairwoman Nancy Prag, of Saugus, said it’s great timing with Earth Day this past week. “There is still much to be done,” Rev. Beach said. “I fully understand that there are many whose schedule does not allow for this. It would, however, be a joy if some among you are able to join me.” Volunteers plan to complete the ground preparation today (Friday, April 30) from 9 to 11 a.m., or tomorrow (Saturday, May 1) from 1 to 3 p.m. For information, call 774-961-9881 or visit the rectory on Central Street. Saugus resident Denise Beneteau, who picked up grass and soil with a wheelbarrow, said she wanted to do something participatory. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
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