‘Adopt-a-garden’ in North Canaan

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