To the editor:

For the fourth time, despite the wrath of Mother Nature, the Friends of Tom's Grove and 26 dedicated students on the Community Partners Program at RWU came together once again to continue their beautification efforts on what has developed into a beautiful and tranquil picnic grove on the premises of the Bristol Housing Authority.
The project and the friendship between the two began in 2022 when help was needed to create an organic garden to give the senior residents an opportunity to socialize more and become a little more active. It's always nice when a person can make a change by giving of themselves and make a new friend in the process.

That's the way it is. Each time the students are called to make a difference, they come with pre-determined smiles and willing hearts. I wish I could bottle their enthusiasm. On April 26, during a torrid rainstorm, the students and one soccer coach, showed up to help get the vegetable garden in Tom's Grove prepared for planting. Their dedication to see the project succeed is undaunting.

I am so proud to know them and it is because they have been there for nearly three years. No matter what task was needed to be accomplished, they did it with vigor, fun and pride. This letter is to publicly thank each and every member of the soccer and swim teams at Roger Williams University.

We all got soaked, but the intended job was accomplished with the mulch and soil taking their rightful place in the garden. A special acknowledgment is in order for Coach James Greenslit for his help in making it happen! Together, we all braved the storm with nothing but a rake and shovel as we sang along with the tunes playing on someone's radio. Truthfully, it was one of the best times in my life.

Linda Heroux
Executive Director, Friends of Tom’s Grove, Bristol