May Blessings

In the beginning there were four lonely raised beds in the lovely green space at the St. Vincent de Paul Ozanam Center. Many have tried and many have failed to make these beds fruitful. The beds were originally an Eagle Scout Project from seven years ago directed by John Vetter. God rest his soul.

Then with much hard work from five Knights of Columbus brothers... Bob Trainor, Norm Sobota, Mike Schmedes, Ray Powell and Paul Berthiaume changes started to happen. These angels took the four raised beds at the Ozanam Center and revived them into a thriving and beautiful garden with cabbage, green beans, okra, tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries.

Brayden and Miller Filsinger in fall of 2020 cleared and rototilled the beds to get them ready for new soil, plants and seeds. Left to right is Brayden, their proud grandfather Bob Trainor and Miller.

There is even an automated drip watering system that can be controlled via wifi that was donated. So many parts were donated and I don't know everyone's name but please know that we are so grateful.

Blessing of the Garden by Father Richard Coy

Left to right front row: Richard Peyton, Norm Sobota, Bob Trainor and Father Coy. Back row left to right: Mike Schmedes, Ray Powell and Paul Berthiaume

Take a meditative moment and listen to Father Coy as he blesses the garden…. wait till the end:

We have been gathering volunteers usually on a Saturday to plant some basil or other bug repellant plants or to pull some weeds and finally to start harvesting.

Please contact Gloria at 901-552-7038 if you would like to help.

Members of FILAMEMPHIS Kabayan

And members of St. Vincent de Paul St. Anne:

We gave away 15 heads of cabbage that day to our neighbors.

Not pictured here but Julie (more Julie than me) worked to trim up the bottoms of the fruit trees and the crepe myrtles.

Now let's go inside the food mission for a minute to show you how our volunteers go above and beyond just serving our friends! We certainly appreciate all the extra help especially with the dishes.

There are always a few volunteers that stick around on Saturday or Sunday to help put away the Costco delivery which we are so happy to receive and thankful to the United Methodist Men's group for making the pickup and deliveries for nonprofit organizations here in Memphis.

Here are pictures of a couple of the volunteer groups.

Members of FILA MEMPHIS Kabayan volunteered one Saturday to work with Julie to make 150 sandwiches and day bags with all kinds of on the road food that may be needed in emergencies by our neighbors. They were such a joy to work with and they promised to come back soon.

Well that puts May to rest. Thank you Blessed Mother Mary for a wonderful month and the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.

Thank you and have a wonderful summer!