About 9 years ago, Shelley Vaugine found a very beautiful gray kitten with a rhinestone collar. The poor little mite had been chased up a tree by some dogs. After rescuing this little darling, she starting making the rounds trying to find its home. She spent the day knocking on doors; and sadly the story was repeated all too many times. “I have lost my job,” or “I’m working two or three part time jobs without benefits.” The neighbor was trying to hang on, barely paying rent and very little food for the family.

Shelley spent the next day trying to figure out what she could do to help. Her friend reminded Shelley that she had taught her how to garden and she now had lower food bills and was feeding her family a healthy diet. So the idea of a community garden took seed. It would take five years to get the first crop in the ground. Maile Auterson called one day looking for a project and it was the most wonderful thing to happen. Along with Maile, she brought  landscape artist Matt Boehner. With these talented people we were able to gift our community with a garden The garden was to teach the neighborhood how to grow food, to create community by helping ourselves, and to create food security. Today the Grant Beach Community Garden is thriving within the community serving families everyday. Thank you for that opportunity to serve. Shelley Vaugine, Chair Grant Beach Community Garden

PHOTOS

We welcome YOUR photos