feature story / 33 “Why Green Bean?” inquiring minds asked, seeing all those signs. The question delights Peacock, whose job includes raising the organization’s profile. It refers to the big school bus do- nated to MEND by Ed Danberry, the owner of Group One Investments and painted with a bright green design by volunteer Henry Conrad Poor. “We were trying to work out what to call it, and our board chairman Jamie An- thony said, ‘Green Bean.’ And that was it!” she recalls. The vehicle, driven at the moment by Anthony himself, isn’t just a good- looker; it’s also very useful in trans- porting MEND’s stock of purchased and donated food, and other supplies, to the 19 food pantries and shelters it currently serves. Peacock doesn’t speak readily about herself, but she is forthright about why MEND’s commitment to provide tactful, carefully-directed help reso- nates with her. Early in her life, her fa- ther exited the picture and her mother was left struggling to earn a living and care for her family. She got on her feet, studying and working, but not with- out enduring a tough phase when food stamps (now replaced by debit cards) provided a much-appreciated lifeline. Peacock joined the MEND team in 2015. A tax lawyer by profession, she had given up her work in New York City to be home with her three sons, Ben, Henry and Teddy, now 17, 13 and 10. With them in school and more time on her hands, she got in- volved with various worthy causes. She was attracted by MEND’s mission and offered her services as a grant writer. When Reilly-Tobin left last year, Pea- cock was asked to become executive director, a supposedly part-time role Top: MEND executive director Robin Peacock. Above right and above: Peacock and volunteers get their hands dirty picking fresh produce to supply the food pantries sup- ported by the organization. Second Generation Family-Owned and Operated for 25 Years. Michael’s Chimney Service LLC & Masonry Contractors 973-271-0026 www.michaelschimneynj.com Keep Your Family and Home Safe this Spring. Time for your Chimney Clean Up. Free check of your heating system flue for carbon monoxide leakage. Free Estimates - Fully Insured 24-hour Emergency Service PSE&G violations corrected. Senior citizen discounts available. 10% OFF any job over $1,500 Coupon must be presented at time of contract. Expires May 1, 2019. License #13VH07937500 SOMA’s Most Reliable Chimney Experts Chimneys cleaned, repaired, rebuilt, relined. Fireplace & Furnace Sweeps. All types of masonry work: Sidewalks, Steps, Patios Executive director Robin Peacock heads up MEND.