Odyssey of the Mind team raises money to help Rogowski farm with flood recovery

Warwick — When members of the former Park Ave. Odyssey of the Mind team reunited this year to enter the worldwide creative competition again on their own, they looked over the list of “problems” that they are allowed to choose from to create their skit. The problem they chose, called “Odyssey Angels,” led them to investigate the devastation that Hurricane Irene and the subsequent floods had inflicted upon so many farmers here in Warwick. Pine Island farmer Cheryl Rogowski offered to host an afternoon of Q&A about the flooding to help the kids with their research. Her account of the damage resonated so much with the team that day, that, unbeknownst to her, they decided to spend an afternoon fund raising to help her replace a greenhouse. Just a few days before Christmas the kids had raised $350 dollars in front of ShopRite with a very willing community. On Sunday, the students, ranging in age from 10 to 12, enjoyed the country breakfast which is offered at the farm every weekend and then presented a check to Rogowski. The young people also pledged to add some elbow grease when the time comes in February to plant in the new greenhouse. “You have no idea what this means to all of us here at the farm,” Rogowski said after receiving the check. “Thank you for all that you are doing. “Farmers,” she added, “go to heaven because they have hope. Hope is what you’ve given us.” For more information about how to contribute to rebuilding the Rogowski Farm’s greenhouse, visit www.WarwickOdysseyoftheMind.com.