Tony Gallace holds a “Medomak Gardens” sign. Gallace manages the Feed the Need program, which is partnering with other local organizations to launch the Edible Waldoboro program.
Tony Gallace, of the Feed the Need program, is restoring the Otis Benner Farm & Forgery on Route 1 in Waldoboro, between the Medomak Veterinary office and Harvest Moon. Recently the windows in the old farmhouse were shot out, along with one window in his car.
Gallace has spent many months clearing out the house and the land, with plans to build a $20,000 greenhouse to grow vegetables for those in need. He has maintained a community garden on Depot Street for 10 years, with the help of his recruits.
Feed the Need is also partnering with many local civic organizations to launch the Edible Waldoboro program. The goal is to show by example how to grow edibles in small spaces by having edible plants outside many local businesses throughout the summer.
Gallace manages Feed the Need, a community service program to help individuals who have gotten into trouble and been given the choice to serve the community, rather than serve time in custody.
Restoration work is underway at the Otis Benner farmhouse in Waldoboro.
He appears in court with the perpetrator to convince the judge that his program will be beneficial to the individual. He normally manages two people at a time and has them do the kind of work they are best at. Some do farming, tree-clearing, painting, welding, heavy yard work, or even arts and crafts.
As a fundraiser, Gallace will display artwork for sale, done by his charges over the years, at the Medomak Arts Project, 13 Friendship St., starting July 13, during ArtWalk Waldoboro. A well-known local woodcarver, Steve Hensel, will have some of his carvings on display as well. The artwork will also be on display on July 20 from 5-7 p.m., when all are invited to see amazing art from the most unexpected individuals.
Feed the Need welcomes donations of gardening tools, woodworking tools, and other equipment, as well as suggestions for service projects and help with fundraising. For more information, contact Tony Gallace at 593-6644 or P.O. Box 1, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
