Approximately 800 men, women and children of all stripes enjoyed a beautiful Sunday at the Fall Festival at the Common Grounds Community Gardens, off Vine Avenue in Lakewood.
There was plenty of fun for all to enjoy – live music, food, crafts, petting zoo, pony rides, booths and more – but the overarching vibe was one of unity. Seeing so many diverse residents of Lakewood and surrounding towns enjoy Common Grounds together brought to the fore the success of this flagship project of One Ocean County, the non-profit organization that works to foster unity and understanding amongst our region’s uniquely diverse populace.
The picturesque, tranquil Common Grounds gardens – replete with colorful and unique plantings –are the fruits of the loving labor of One Ocean County activists, government officials and everyday residents. “Seeing such a diverse and vibrant event at Common Grounds was incredibly gratifying, the perfect way to end the season,” says Tova Herskovitz, Founder and Director of One Ocean County. “We all saw firsthand a celebration of nature, community and the strengths of our County.”
Tova along with Ayala Schlossberg, the garden’s certified Rutgers Master Gardener, Ayala Schlossberg, have worked together for the past four years to turn this tract of Lakewood Township parkland into the unique oasis it is today. The Lakewood Police Department was instrumental in helping build the garden beds and installing the in-ground, drip irrigation system for the garden and continues to be an important part of the garden’s work and outreach efforts. Support from Lakewood Township and the Lakewood Department of Public Works helps the garden sustain and expand each year to bring more benefit to the community each season.
The Fall Festival was co-sponsored by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission and Lakewood Township governments, along with various non-profit, media and corporate sponsors. Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles, Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, along with lots of local police brass, personally attended the Festival as well.
“We could never be where we are without the enthusiastic support and assistance of our growing list of partners,” says Tova Herskovitz. “We greatly appreciate their support and look forward to continue working together to improve life in our region for all communities.”
