The Michael Talty and Helen Talty Community Garden Springs up at Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish

Blessing of the Garden

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Looking for additional ways in which to enhance her classroom teachings, Mrs. Karol Pfeifer, S.T.E.M. teacher at Ss. Robert & William Catholic School, was receptive to incorporating her Veggie U curriculum with an on-site community garden. Pfeifer understood that this garden would provide unique opportunities and benefits to her students – from the simple lesson of where food comes from, to issues of environmental sustainability, life skills and the importance of community and stewardship.

Stewardship plays a very important role at this parish. Throughout the year, students are exposed to-- and learn-- lessons about the use of their gifts of time, talent and treasure. So much so that the fruits of their labor will be a gift during the harvest season, as all the produce that is raised will be used and distributed to the guests of the parish’s monthly community meal, known as “The Banquet.”

It is the parish’s great fortune that they have allies who were willing to make their garden dream come true. A generous grant from The Michael Talty and Helen Talty Charitable Trust provided the necessary dollars needed to fund the project.

The Blessing of the Garden and Ribbon-Cutting (well, actually it was a ‘hose-cutting’) took place on the evening of Friday, May 14, 2013 at the Garden. Members of the Talty family, community leaders and friends were in attendance.

“I am so grateful to the community for their ongoing support of our parish and school,” said Fr. John D. Betters, Pastor.  “From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank and acknowledge the Honorable Francis J. Talty, his parents, Michael and Helen Talty who are the namesakes of the Trust, and I thank those family members who so faithfully continue this Trust in their memory,” he states.

As we move into summer, the students at SRW School are exposed to a healthy, inexpensive activity that will bring them closer to nature and God. We are so grateful to those who make this meaningful experience possible.