The Sun Journal reported on the Lewiston School Committee’s vote to build a new elementary school on the Franklin Pasture site (Aug. 17). I was surprised to find that no mention was made in the discussion of the Franklin Pasture Community Garden, even though three people spoke in reference to it.

A young man noted that “Next year marks the 10th anniversary that three high-school students tragically passed away in a plane crash” and he wondered what was going to happen to the small fruit tree orchard that was planted in memorial to Teisha.

Brenda Akers, a community gardener with the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center for more than 10 years, talked about some of the many community benefits and how much the garden benefits her personally. “I was anemic in the spring one year. I planted chard there and in the fall I wasn’t anemic anymore.”

The superintendent’s last statement, before the vote, promised that “at the end of the project we will have a garden,” which reflects his sentiment in conversations directly with staff at the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center.

I would like to reassure all of the community gardens, youth gardeners, volunteers, friends, the family of Teisha Loesburg and all passersby who look forward to snacking on raspberries that the garden is being considered in the plans and I look forward to working with the City, School Department and community members to preserve the important community benefits as we relocate and create an even better garden.

Bridgette Bartlett, Greene

Garden education coordinator, St. Mary’s Nutrition Center/Lots to Gardens