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Members of the North Tonawanda Common Council at a Workshop on Tuesday September 11th, 2018.

By: Brendan McDonough

Reporter for North Tonawanda

Last January, Imagine Community Gardens – a project through Lumber City Church -was just a dream. Today, however, it is in full bloom; growing everything from tomatoes to carrots and beyond.

On Tuesday night, in front of members of the North Tonawanda Common Council, members of Lumber City Church gave update on how a once-empty lot has been transformed into a sea of green space.

Pastor Chad Zima of Lumber City Church presenting at the Common Council meeting.

“Many people that lived on the street did not even know each other,” said Bob Zema, Imagine Community Garden Organizer, “but the garden is bringing people together.”

According to members, the garden has essentially become a melting pot in the community where people can come together in fellowship; working the soil and giving back a portion of what they grow to the Tonawanda Food Panty.

“10% of what every gardener grows is given back to the Food Panty. To help those in need,” said Zema.

It’s not just growing vegetables though, as they have also have held several events there at the garden including ‘Meet the Chef’ day where people presented dishes they made with items from the garden. In fact, a cook book will be coming out with the recipes brought to that event soon.

“People that are not necessarily utilizing it, but who drive by see the amazing things going on there are really impressed by it,” said North Tonawanda Mayor Art Pappas.

There are also free pantries at the garden where people can take what they need and give what they have. The panties, which are unlocked and unmanned, are filled with non-perishable foods and other items.

“Often times,” said Pastor Chad Zima, Lumber City Church, “it is often the people who take from the pantry that come back to leave items as well.”

A photo from ‘Meet the Chef’ day which was held at the Imagine Community Gardens during the summer.

The next event at the garden will be a pumpkin carving event on Saturday October 20th from 10am – 12pm.

The Imagine Community Gardens is located at 228 Sommer Street.