South Plainfield DPW Workers Plant Gardens at Senior Center

Two South Plainfield Department of Public Works employees spent part of July transforming the grounds at the South Plainfield Senior Center—planting three gardens that are already feeding residents at lunch.

Union County Life is covering this community initiative as part of our ongoing coverage of civic programs and local stories across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Paul Melillo, who has been with the DPW for five years—starting part-time before transitioning to full-time—and Jayden Ramrup, who recently joined the department two months ago, did the planting work in July 2026. Together they created a dedicated herb garden and beds planted with tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and strawberries.

The work reflects what Senior Center Director Patricia "Tree" Olano calls the heart of the center's mission: keeping seniors healthy through nutrition. "The fruits and vegetables are essential to senior nutrition," Olano said. "I'm grateful, but not surprised these guys quickly offered to help me. Everyone loves our seniors."

Ramrup said the project aligned with his own values. "I love working outside and working with people within my community. I enjoyed the project at the senior center because we are helping our seniors in our town," he said.

The Senior Center staff will maintain all three gardens going forward. The harvest is already making its way to the kitchen. Tomato salad, made from freshly harvested tomatoes, is one of the dishes the center now prepares from the gardens' yield. The daily lunches served at the center—along with special parties and events where food is central to the programming—now feature produce grown on site.

The garden project arrives alongside another milestone. The Senior Center unveiled a newly renovated kitchen in spring 2026, giving the center expanded capacity to prepare nutritious meals for its residents.

Melillo and Ramrup's volunteer work embodies South Plainfield's commitment to its seniors and demonstrates how municipal employees contribute to community wellbeing beyond their regular duties.

Find more South Plainfield events, community news, and local programs on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What gardens are at the South Plainfield Senior Center?
A: Three gardens were planted at the Senior Center in July 2026 by Department of Public Works employees Paul Melillo and Jayden Ramrup. The gardens include a dedicated herb garden and beds planted with tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and strawberries.

Q: Who planted the gardens?
A: Paul Melillo, a DPW employee of five years, and Jayden Ramrup, who joined the department two months ago, volunteered to plant the gardens in July 2026. Senior Center staff now maintain all three gardens.

Q: How is the produce from the gardens used?
A: The fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are used in meals served at the Senior Center's daily lunch programs and special events. Tomato salad made from harvested tomatoes is one dish the center prepares from the gardens.

Q: Why did the DPW plant gardens at the Senior Center?
A: The gardens support the Senior Center's mission of keeping seniors healthy through proper nutrition. Senior Center Director Patricia "Tree" Olano said fresh produce is essential to senior nutrition.

Q: When was the Senior Center's kitchen renovated?
A: The Senior Center unveiled a newly renovated kitchen in spring 2026, which expanded the center's capacity to prepare nutritious meals for residents.

Q: Where can I find more information about South Plainfield programs?
A: Union County Life covers South Plainfield events, community programs, and local news. Visit unioncountylife.com for more information.