Depot party will be held July 28

NORTH CANAAN — North Canaan is considering having lighted trees decorate part of town during the December holidays, according to a proposal presented at the Monday, May 7, meeting of the Board of Selectmen.

An “adopt-a-tree” program was described by John Lannen of the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce. Residents and businesses who want to participate would “adopt” a tree to be placed in front of their property and lit at night. Trees can be dedicated to the memory of a loved one, designated by the property owner. 

Starting small, Lannen said that the trees would be along Route 44 between Salisbury and North Canaan, on the outskirts of town, at least for the first year.

“They look nice in Salisbury and Lakeville,” First Selectman Charles Perotti said about the trees. Selectman Christian Allyn agreed.

Lannen explained that the Tri-State Chamber would take care of getting the trees and doing the set-up and lighting. He expressed a hope that the town crew would help with transporting them to town. The Salisbury town crew assists with the Salisbury program, he said.

Repairs to Lawrence Field are progressing. Catch basins will lessen the water drainage problems; the old lattice work at the Pavilion is being replaced where necessary; benches will be added and paint selected to match the depot.

“It will look really good on Railroad Days,” Allyn said.

The future of the Bradford pear trees in town is of concern to the selectmen.  

“Bradford pears were important to North Canaan,” Allyn said, asking that the town tree warden be consulted in regard to pruning as an option. The trees burst into bloom last week at Lawrence Field. 

Many towns across the country had planted the trees but then found that they had a short life.

The presence of vultures in the community is becoming a nuisance for residents, apparently. The selectmen agree that the raptors are a nuisance, but feel that co-existence is the best approach.  Information on control and management is available at 860-424-3496.

The selectmen were pleased to announce that the depot is planning a celebration of the near-completion of renovation work on Saturday, July 28, when the public will be invited to take a look during Railroad Days. This will not be an official grand opening, which will come later. Residents are encouraged to “spruce up” their own properties in preparation.