On Saturday, September 13, friends, neighbors and community leaders gathered at 8901 Pocahontas Trail to celebrate something special: the re-dedication of the Rob Till Community Garden.
The Garden Party and ribbon-cutting ceremony marked not only the garden’s restoration, but also its formal inclusion in Grove Christian Outreach Center’s programming. What had once been a vision has now become a vibrant reality—an extension of Grove’s mission to serve vulnerable families with God’s grace and to ensure that fresh, nutritious food is accessible to all.
Among those present were Till’s sister, Senator J.D. “Danny” Diggs and John J. McGlennon of the James City County Board of Supervisors (Roberts District). All who knew Till agreed: keeping his legacy alive through service to the community and helping ensure neighbors have access to fresh food is something he would have cherished.
“This garden isn’t just a place for growing fruits and vegetables; it’s a place of connection, education and hope,” said Katie Patrick, Executive Director of Grove Christian Outreach Center.
The Rob Till Community Garden will supplement The Gathering Place at Grove, a free grocery market that offers local families fresh produce that nourishes both body and spirit.
Throughout the morning event, speakers highlighted the importance of access to fresh food—not only for its health benefits but also for its power to strengthen community bonds.
Guests toured the garden, enjoyed fellowship and shared in the vision of a sustainable future rooted in compassion and care for neighbors.
The day was a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, good things grow—literally and figuratively. Today, the Rob Till Community Garden stands as a living tribute to a man whose love for others continues to flourish through the work of many hands and generous hearts.
Matt Pollino won’t tell you much about his time in the U.S. Air Force. He just wants you to know he was proud to serve.
He probably also won’t tell you about his time playing football. He just wants you to know he loved the game, and loves being part of a team.
But ask him about Grove Christian Outreach Center; he can talk to you for hours.
Not just because it’s his job.
Matt serves today as the Grove Christian Outreach Center’s Development Manager, bringing a wealth of experience, passion, and personal connection to the role.
But because it’s his passion. And he gets it.
Real Talk
Matt’s path to Grove Christian Outreach Center is deeply personal.
Following his military service, facing significant life transitions, Matt found himself a single father to two young children, pursuing new career paths and needing help.
“I never thought I’d need a resource like Grove,” Matt said.
But he did.
“Grove isn’t just for people at the poverty level – it’s for anyone going through tough times,” Matt said. “It’s about making sure kids are fed and that families have the support they need to get back on their feet.”
From Receiving Help to Leading the Effort
Matt’s firsthand experience with Grove’s mission fueled his passion for giving back, as did his family-first philosophy. It’s the key to who he is.
Raised in a close-knit family, Matt prioritizes co-parenting his children and ensuring they have enriching experiences beyond just necessities. He is also very close to his parents and brother, who reside in his hometown of Southern New Jersey, as well as his sister, who lives in Alabama.
Matt’s family focus shines through in how he approaches those he helps at work.
At Grove, Matt initially began working with the food ministry, learning the ins and outs of operations and connecting with volunteers and neighbors in need. When Grove launched The Gathering Place – a free grocery market designed to elevate the traditional food pantry experience and provide families with a dignified shopping experience for essential food and supplies – Matt played an integral role in its success, helping with logistics and heavy lifting.
Grove’s leadership took note.
His natural ability to connect with people, paired with his background in sales and coordination, made him an ideal candidate for development work, helping raise more funds to help feed and support more neighbors.
Over time, he transitioned into the Development Manager role, where he now focuses on building relationships with volunteers, donors and local businesses to even further strengthen Grove’s impact.
A Vision for Growth and Community Engagement
As Development Manager, Matt is committed to fostering community support and expanding Grove’s reach.
“In my role, I am focused on helping people understand how they can make a difference,” he said.
Making a difference can be volunteering, donating food and supplies, or sending monetary support.
“Inflation has impacted both food donations, which are going down, and the number of families seeking assistance, which is going up,” Matt said. “We can use all the support we can get from the community, as little or as much as they can provide.”
Matt is eager to build on Grove’s existing programs and introduce new initiatives, including continuing to grow the annual fall Grove Trotter 5K/10K. He is actively engaging local businesses and gyms to increase participation, as well as strengthening partnerships with schools to encourage student-led food drives.
“I want young people to see the impact of their efforts – to physically see the food they’ve collected and understand what it means for families in need.
Have a heart for the Grove and Greater Williamsburg community and helping families fight food insecurity, among other challenges?
