‘Adopt-a-garden’ in North Canaan

‘Adopt-a-garden’ in North Canaan

Gardens will be chosen on a first come, first serve basis.

Submitted

NORTH CANAAN — Dwindling membership in the Beautification Committee has prompted officials to seek solutions for maintenance of public gardens.

At a Monday, March 4, meeting of the Board of Selectmen (BOS), First Selectman Brian Ohler announced a new plan to partner with local landscapers to create “live advertisements.”

Professionals will be able to adopt town-owned garden beds and will subsequently be responsible for the planting and upkeep of the plots.

Ohler stated, “North Canaan is home to so many talented landscapers and to organizations who continuously ask how they can help out our town. This is how communities come together, to show off just how amazing our small blue-collar town is.”

Bunny McGuire of the Beautification Committee said just four volunteers remain actively involved and outside help “would be a godsend.”

BOS identified six gardens around town that will be eligible for adoption.

“It’s worth a shot,” said Ohler.

Newsletter

In an effort to improve communication between Town Hall and residents, BOS will begin releasing a digital newsletter.

Ohler said the newsletter will be distributed via email and will include town updates, meeting agendas, “you name it.”

It will be distributed through Constant Contact, a service that provides templates, analytics, and mailing list coordination of up to 2,500 users for a fee of $45 per month.

Selectman Jesse Bunce presented his draft for the March newsletter, which included information on upcoming events, such as the drone and fireworks show planned for the 60th annual Railroad Days this summer, and a warning about bears waking from hibernation.

Information on how to join the mailing list will be released by the end March.

Appointments

BOS made several appointments to town commissions during the March 4 meeting.

Inland/Wetlands Commission

Matthew Freund

Barry Brown

Robert Jacquier

Michael O’Connor

Recreation Committee

Justin Ellison

Economic Development Commission

Kyle Considine

Latest News

Wake Robin public hearing closes

Aradev LLC’s plans to redevelop Wake Robin Inn include four 2,000-square-foot cabins, an event space, a sit-down restaurant and fast-casual counter, a spa, library, lounge, gym and seasonal pool. If approved, guest room numbers would increase from 38 to 57.

Provided

LAKEVILLE — The public hearing for the redevelopment of Wake Robin Inn is over. Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission now has two months to make a decision.

The hearing closed on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after its seventh session.

Keep ReadingShow less
Judith Marie Drury

COPAKE — Judith Marie “Judy” Drury, 76, a four-year resident of Copake, New York, formerly of Millerton, New York, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at Vassar Bros. Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, surrounded by her loving family and her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Judy worked as a therapy aide for Taconic DDSO in Wassaic, New York, prior to her retirement on Feb. 1, 2004. She then went on to work in the Housekeeping Department at Vassar Bros. Medical Center for several years.

Born Jan. 2, 1949, in Richford, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Leo J. and Marie A. (Bean) Martel. She attended Roeliff Jansen Central School in Columbia County, New York, in her early years. Judy was an avid sports fan and she was particularly fond of the New England Patriots football team and the New York Rangers hockey team. She enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling to Florida, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania for many years. She was a longtime parishioner of Faith Bible Chapel of Shekomeko on Silver Mountain in Millerton as well.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeremy Dakin

AMESVILLE — Jeremy Dakin, 78, passed away Aug. 31, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center after a long battle with COPD and other ailments.

Jeremy was a dear friend to many, and a fixture of the Amesville community. There will be a service in his memory at Trinity Lime Rock Episcopal Church on Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.

Keep ReadingShow less