The Shofar heard this week from shul member Veronica Kaliski on behalf of the TOI, the Tikkun Olam Initiative. This shul-sponsored group maintains several beds at Common Ground, a shared site where community groups can garden, and where the TOI raises crops to be donated to CAST.

According to Veronica, the TOI has been hard at work in the garden: mulching, composting and planting. Planting what? From arugula to zucchini and all manner of veggies in between: peas, carrots, chard, collards and radishes for now — cool weather crops. Later, with good sun, there’ll be eggplant, squash and peppers, she said. In fact, if the warming trend continues, lettuce might be ready for harvesting at the moment this article is being read.

Those interested in planting and maintenance of the Common Ground beds, or in planting at home on behalf of the TOI and CAST, can contact the shul at ctigreenport@gmail.com with a message for the TOI.

Pictured, Adrianne Greenberg spent an afternoon encouraging little plants to grow and to flourish. Other shul members working for the TOI are Tom Byrne, Susan Rosenstreich, Madelyn Rothman and Cookie Slade.                                                                                              Veronica Kaliski photo