Volunteers Al Ianacone, Susan Langner, and Frank Langner have lent their gardening expertise to the Cedar Grove, Washington Avenue, and Bloomfield group homes this spring, continuing their 10-year tradition of bringing a green-thumb bounty to the Arc residences.

Planting basil, parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, and flowers, the volunteer crew spent hours this spring prepping the garden beds, planting the seedlings, and watering the gardens. They plan to check in every three or four weeks during the spring and summer months to weed and maintain the plants; in the meantime, the residents help keep the gardens watered.

Al, who along with Susan has a Master Gardener certification, says the gardens are always a hit as an activity for residents. The residents and staff will get to enjoy incorporating the herbs and vegetables into home-cooked meals in the months ahead.

The Arc thanks Al, Susan, and Frank for their hard work at our group homes.

For additional information about The Arc of Essex County’s residential services, contact The Arc’s Senior Director of Residential Services Rebecca Lorusso via email at rlorusso@arcessex.org or by calling (973) 535-1181 ext. 1270.