North Kingstown Rocks Out For Food Pantry

The sounds of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and others filled the halls of Beechwood Center Sunday for a "folk rockin' concert" to benefit the North Kingstown Food Pantry.

The Ten Rod Ramblers, a local folk rock band fronted by North Kingstown's superintendent of schools Dr. Phil Auger, provided musical entertainment as locals danced and toe-tapped the afternoon away. In all, the first-year fundraiser netted $500 in donations and a truckload of food for the pantry.

It all started when North Kingstown Town Councilman Charles Brennan received word from the town manager that the bandstand by the town beach was nearing completion. Looking to give the bandstand an autumn kick-off, Brennan began to organize a benefit concert for the food pantry. Unfortunately, the grounds at the bandstand would not be quite ready in time for the concert, forcing organizers to move it indoors.

Reaching out to the school side of town government, Brennan asked Auger if he and his band would donate their time to the concert.

"I picked them because I knew Dr. Auger and I liked their band," said Brennan. "It's nice, family-oriented music."

Brennan's involvement with the food pantry began when was working a temporary job with Rhode Island Family Services. During one of his calls, he went to visit a North Kingstown residence and discovered the family had no food in the house, prompting Brennan to visit the food pantry to aid the needy family.

"I think a lot of people don't know we have needy people right here in North Kingstown," said Brenna. "But, the need is here."