Tom’s Grove Memorial Garden, an organic vegetable and flower garden at the Benjamin Church complex, was officially dedicated at a sunny reception and ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, May 31. The garden is named for the late Thomas Andrade, and was built in collaboration with the RWU Community Partnerships Center (CPC). It includes a sitting area for quiet reflection and two accessible beds for gardeners with disabilities.

“So many people say it takes a village to raise a child,” said Linda Heroux, who led the project along with Rick Hunter. “Well, it takes a village to make a garden too.”

Heroux thanked everyone for their help, including RWU student athletes and the Housing Authority maintenance team, while looking forward to the next phase which will include a garden shed and perhaps a pavilion.

“We couldn't have done it without your inspiration,” she said, “and we are looking forward to phase two and bigger things to come.”