April, 2022 Newsletter
Volunteers Making New Canaan Beautiful
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Dear New Canaan Beautification League Members and Friends,
Everything’s coming up yellow: crocus, daffodils, forsythia. Happy Spring!
Our ANNUAL APPEAL is in full swing! Every household in the town received our distinctive mailer and we are thrilled with the robust response. The New Canaanite and Advertiser have provided excellent coverage. Special thanks to the talented and tireless AA team: Patricia Spugani & Amy Weber Reid (Co-chairs), Laura Ault (brochure design), Karen Hanson (Treasurer) and Faith Kerchoff, Lisa Ferrante, Peter Hanson, Robin Bates Mason, Richard Duffee, and Dave Hunt. Donations may be made by check and sent to P.O. Box 4, New Canaan, CT 06840.
The year 2022 marks the 200th birthday of Connecticut native, Frederick Law Olmstead. Our April program, in partnership with the New Canaan Garden Club, will feature Kirk Brown’s dramatic presentation of the life and legacy of Olmsted. The meeting will be held at St. Mark’s Church Morrill Hall at 9:00AM on Wednesday, April 27. Please RSVP below. Very special thanks to Programs Chair, Kirsten Gregorio, for all her rigorous planning for this important event!
Weeding, raking, pruning, edging - Traveling Trowels does it all! NCBL workers have been busy at the mailbox drop-off on Pine Street, the train station, the Plaza and Gold Star Walk at Mead Park and Lee Garden. New volunteers are always welcome, so please be in touch with Faith Kerchoff to join the merry band of gardeners.
Special thanks to the Newcomers Club for their generous grant for the new gate at Lee Garden. And special thanks also to the Service League of Boys (SLOBs) for spreading chips on the paths at the garden. We simply couldn't make Lee as pretty as it is without the help of so many organizations and volunteers.
Time to get moving with the rhythms of the season and swing into Spring!
Warmly,
Carol & Karen
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If you are having trouble receiving the newsletter, please make sure to add NCBL to your contacts list. |
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The New Canaan Beautification League
and
The New Canaan Garden Club
Present
Frederick Law Olmsted: 200 Years of Growing America
with Kirk Brown
April 27
9 - 11 a.m.
Morrill Hall
St. Mark's Church
111 Oenoke Ridge
New Canaan
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Please RSVP by April 20 by email by clicking the button below to let us know you will be coming. |
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Our annual joint meeting with the New Canaan Garden Club will feature Kirk Brown speaking to us as Frederick Law Olmsted himself on this his 200th birthday. He will bring the father of landscape architecture to life, relating how agriculture became urban culture, what our national parks return to us, "We the People", why cemeteries commemorate more than famous people, what happens when public gardens disappear, and who gardens best. We will join the man whose 5500 community park systems and epochal designs share, with unblinking honesty, the importance of sowing, growing and owning green in our lives.
Frederick Law Olmsted was born in Hartford, CT on April 26 1822. Our program will take place 200 years and one day after his birth!
*Please note earlier start time*
We ask anyone attending to be fully vaccinated.
Due to space considerations, this is a members-only event.
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CALLING ALL BAKERS!
Hospitality is looking for donations of baked goods or breakfast foods for our upcoming joint program with The Garden Club on April 27th, 9:00 am at St. Marks. Please email Anne Tropeano at annietrop@yahoo.com if you are able to help. Thank you.
The Hospitality Committee
Robin, Cindy and Anne
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There are many events across the country celebrating Frederick Law Olmstead's birthday. Find them and more information about this influential man by clicking the button below: |
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RSVP by clicking the button above to email Gloria Simon by April 27.
You can also call Gloria at (203) 972-8069.
Please RSVP with your name (and guest name and email), and what you will be bringing from the following list:
2 dozen finger sandwiches
2 dozen sweets
a green salad
a fruit salad
deviled eggs
Guests are welcome but all attendees must be fully vaccinated.
If you would like to help set up or clean up that day, please contact
Gloria Simon, (203) 972-8069 or Sara Hunt (203/966-3313)
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If you have a tea pot you could loan to us for the event, please contact Jacqueline Harmody at jharmody@yahoo.com.
Thank you!
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Join us at the Mather Homestead to hear about Stephen Mather, Conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service.
More information to come for this members only event.
June 1
9:30-11:30
Mather Homestead
19 Stephen Mather Rd.
Darien
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Greetings to NCBL Triangle Volunteers!
Spring is fast approaching and it is now time for us to prepare our triangles for summer. This year we will be mulching with Sweet Peet, as natural mulch which has not been composted has introduced weeds and jumping worms.
Jumping worms normally gather in the shade right under the mulch layer and should be collected and destroyed if you find them. They can dramatically change soil, giving it a unique texture similar to coffee grounds and stripping out all the nutrients from the soil. Please contact us if you have jumping worms or any obnoxious weeds you are having trouble controlling.
We have provided two links below with further information regarding jumping worms.
We will continue to use a landscaper to spread the Sweet Peet, do an initial clean-up and apply the pre-emergent. Please let us know if there are additional items you need done, like pruning overgrown shrubs, pulling out large plants or weeds you cannot handle, repairing damage from snow plows or cars, other winter damage, etc.
Hutchinson Tree Care will be fertilizing and spraying all the ornamental trees on the triangles as has been done in the past.
We are in need of a volunteer for the Ponus Ridge/Greenley Rd triangle as well as the one at the intersection of Oenoke and Luke's Wood. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer or know of someone who would like to.
Thank you for helping to keep New Canaan Beautiful! New triangle volunteers, please let us know if you need a T-shirt (neon yellow) which we provide to help keep you safe while you work in the roadways. We always welcome any of your comments and suggestions.
Happy Gardening!
Barbara Wilson, Greg Brown & Claude Colabella (Triangle Co-Chairs)
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The Oenoke Ridge and West Road triangle is blooming with crocus and daffodils! |
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GIVING IS GORGEOUS
Thank you to Robin Bates-Mason, who on behalf of NCBL's Annual Appeal, supplied the goodies at the New Canaanite's March 3rd meeting.
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Great news on NCBL’s Annual Appeal!
The 2021 Annual Appeal concluded February 28, matching last year’s record of just over $71,ooo! The generosity of our friends, neighbors and NCBL members provides the funds needed for our many beautification projects in town!
The 2022 Annual Appeal has kicked off with gorgeous brochures mailed to every residence in New Canaan. In just the first week, we’ve received nearly 100 donations. The NCBL appeal is featured in the Chamber of Commerce window at the movie theatre. A banner is posted at the Railroad station. Thanks to the AA committee and everyone who contributes to a successful appeal: Patricia Spugani & Amy Weber Reid (co-chairs), Laura Ault (brochure design), Karen Hanson (Treasurer), Faith Kerchoff, Lisa Ferrante, Peter Hanson, Robin Bates Mason, Richard Duffee, and Dave Hunt.
Say thank you! If you visit these businesses downtown, please take a minute to thank them for their 2021 donations to NCBL: Francos Wine Merchant, Pennyweights, Toggs LTD, Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato, New Canaan Fine Jewelers, Hutchinson Tree Care, A1 Cellars Wine & Spirits, Brad Reh Jewelers, TR Building & Remodeling, Anthony’s Hair Salon, New Canaan Eye Associates, Wadia Associates, Karp Associates.
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NCBL's Traveling Trowels care for:
The Gold Star walk and plaza at Mead Park on Richmond Hill Road
The mail box drop-off at the corner of Pine and Park Streets
Town Hall's pots and the garden running atop the wall along the driveway
The railroad station
Traveling Trowels, lead by Faith Kerchoff and Rob Carpenter, takes on the task and has a lot of fun in the process!
We need members who are willing to pitch in when garden help is needed.
If you'd like to be part of the group, meet more members and learn a lot about the plants we grow, the history of the town and laugh while you're doing it, please email Faith at
faithkerchoff@hotmail.com
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above: The mailbox drop-off on Pine Street is ready for spring!
Thank you to Ty Tan, Rob Carpenter, Lois Himes, Sandy Seigel, Pat Thatcher, Pam Yee, Claire Perkins, Kathy Lapolla, Katherine Humphreys,
Cindy Bamatter, Eniko Szatai, Stephanie Hutter, and Faith Kerchoff.
That's a record number, folks!
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Gold Star Walk, Mead Park |
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Thank you Rob Carpenter, Lois Himes, Sandy Seigel, Pat Thatcher, Pam Yee, Kathy Lapolla, Katherine Humphreys, Yvonne Hunkeler, Cindy Bamatter, Eniko Szatai, Stephanie Hutter, Robin Bates Mason, and Faith Kerchoff for helping to clean up Mead Park's plaza and Gold Star Walk. The PJM rhododendron will be blooming soon, as will the daffodils.
We were even treated to Zumbach's coffees by a passerby who saw us working and brought them over to us!
Thanks, Michael!
Let the blooming begin!
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NCBL GREEN FLEECE VESTS
Spring is here, and who doesn't want a green NCBL vest, with our logo stitched on it?!
It's perfect for iffy spring weather, in your garden, helping with Traveling Trowels or as a statement piece to your wardrobe!
Support NCBL with a vest by sending $45.00 to NCBL, PO Box 4, New Canaan, CT 06840. Call or email Faith with your order.
SIZES ARE UNISEX, S- M-L-XL-XXL.
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Lee Garden Celebration
The first day of spring was celebrated on the Lee Garden patio on Monday, 3-21-22.
It was a nice sunny day in the 50's and a table of lunchtime nibbles was provided by volunteers for the 17 people in attendance.
There are things popping up around the garden now; snow drops, winter aconite,
hellebores, small tete a tete daffodils. As we walked, we came upon the
'Mystery Bulbs' planting. Last fall, a member brought us bulbs she pulled up
from her condo garden, the identity of which we weren't entirely sure.
They were planted at the area of Fox Way and Fern Road, and to our pleasure,
bright yellow fancy crocus greeted us! There are more surprises yet to bloom!
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above: Narcissus cyclamineus can be seen now blooming at the bridge area. It is widely planted in gardens, and can be naturalized in a woodland garden or in thin grass, where it will spread by self-seeding. It prefers well-drainded, lime-free soil that does not dry out in summer. Due to its small size it is very suitable for growing in a shady rockery or trough and along with other bulbs. |
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Springtime Bulb Plants
During the spring season, Easter/Passover etc, if you are gifted blooming bulb plants (crocus, daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, ranunculus, hellebores etc.), and you don't want to plant them in your yard after they've finished blooming, bring them to Lee Garden's entry bench and we'll plant them at Lee.
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Take the Lee Garden Challenge!
The Lee Garden chairs, Kathy, Yvonne and Faith challenge you - as a new or existing member - to visit the garden this spring AT LEAST ONCE!
Like potato chips, we feel if you visit once- it won't be enough and you'll come back for more.
Blooming soon and maybe while you are reading this will be: Bloodroot, primrose, PJM rhododendron in purple, grape hyacinths, hellebores and thousands of daffodils.
right: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
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above: The Little Free Library has been installed on the patio at Lee Garden! Thank you again, Madalene Laudani and Anthony Pellegrino, for your kind donation to Lee Garden. |
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The bird bath atop the pedestal crumbled. If anyone has a bathtub for the birds to donate, or would like to sponsor one, please contact Faith. Thank you!
faithkerchoff@hotmail.com
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Thank you Service League of Boys! |
The SLOBS, headed by Danielle and Ian Wearing, came to spread chips on our trails Sat. Mar 26, in two shifts. We are grateful for their help and their can-do attitude and we used up all the chips!
Neighbor, young Joey, came with his garden gloves, shovel, and his dad Max in tow, to help the big boys spread the chips. Thank you Joey and Max!
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Flower Arranging for Waveny |
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We are looking for volunteers to make FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS at Waveny Care Center Monday mornings at 10:00 am on June 6, 13, 20 & 27.
Two supermarkets provide the flowers free of charge.
If you can help, please contact
Enikő Szatai
or
Betsy Bilus
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Flower Arranging Workshop |
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Ty Tan and Jacqueline Harmody treated us to a wonderful flower arranging workshop at Waveny. The results of our experience are seen here.
Ty donated the one she made.
Thank you, Ty & Jacqueline
and thanks to Nora Fay for the pictures.
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NCBL members will vote on the Nominating Committee's slate at our Annual Meeting in June.
Please take a look at the list of those who have graciously agreed to serve. Thank you to the nominating committee for their hard work:
Sara Hunt, Faith Kerchoff, Cindy Bamatter, Rose Bauersfeld, Barbara Beall,
and Robin Miner.
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Slate of NCBL Officers for 2022 – 2023
President – Robin Bates-Mason, Jill Ernst
Vice President – Debbie Raymond
Recording Secretary - Nancy Jordan
Treasurer - Dave Hunt
Vice President Beautification - Rob Carpenter, Faith Kerchoff
Triangles - Greg Brown, Claude Colabella, Barbara Wilson
Flower Arranging for Meeting and Events - Jacqueline Harmody, Anne Tropeano
Flower Arranging for Waveny Care - Betsy Bilus, Eniko Szatai
Hanging Baskets - Jessica Havens, Pam Yee
Holiday Decorations – Kathleen/Peter Murphy, Barbara O’Shea/Robert Strong
PR Publicity – Ginny Dobbs
PR Marketing Events – Laura Ault
Pollinator Pathway Rep. – Betsy Sammarco
Photos - Peter Hanson, Nora Fay
Webmaster - Lisa Ferrante
Newsletter - Fanny Moran, Betsy Sammarco
Programs - Kirsten Gregorio, Aoife Maynard, Janet Fonss, Angela Materna, Steve Zatz
Zoom Host – Patricia Spugani
Annual Appeal – Patricia Spugani, Richard Duffee, Lisa Ferrante, Jennifer Bergen, Karen Ferguson, Barbara Achenbaum, Annual Appeal Treasurer – Karen Hanson
Corresponding Secretary - Libby Butterworth
Membership – Rose Bauersfeld, Christina Fagerstal, Krystie Inman, Sara Hunt
Hospitality for Meetings - Cindy Bamatter, Robin Miner, Anne Tropeano
Hospitality Special Events - Gloria Simon, Sara Hunt
Executive Counsel – Carol Seldin, Karen Hanson
Lee Garden – Yvonne Hunkeler, Faith Kerchoff, Kathy Lapolla
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Carrot Pineapple Cake
The carrots and pineapple work together to
make for a very moist cake!
Submitted by Cindy Bamatter
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable or canola oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and add sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla.* Mix with a wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in carrots, coconut, nuts and pineapple.
Pour into the 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Allow to cool.
* I mix the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla together before adding to the well.
Frosting: Cream the butter, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Add the confectioners sugar and and beat until creamy.
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PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!
Jera Flood
interests: writing, publicity, photogarphy, graphics, and computer skills
Kathleen Kwiatkowski
interests: triangles, Lee Garden, garden tours, flower arranging
Cindy Tye
interests: Lee Garden and tours
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If you have changed any of your contact information (home address, email address, or phone number), please let membership know. |
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Please let me know if a member of our NCBL family needs some cheering up in the form of a card, or perhaps, some flowers.
to provide me with the appropriate information.
Many thanks for your thoughtfulness!
Libby
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Looking for 'Blooms'
We want to be sure everyone feels welcome.
We have new members joining us each month and we need volunteers to be 'blooms' to help us welcome our 'buds'. Just share your enthusiasm and alert them to upcoming events.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jill Ernst.
203-972-0320.
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Two Events not to be Missed!
It's spring and the New Canaan Pollinator Pathway is offering two wonderful programs. Be sure to check these out and register!
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Learn about Local Pollinators!
presented by Susan Bergen
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Join this Zoom presentation Co-Sponsored by the New Canaan Land Trust and the New Canaan Pollinator Pathway Partnership. Not only is Susan Bergen a lifelong nature lover and gardener with tons of knowledge to share, she is also an NCBL member! |
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Earth Day Celebration
and Presentation:
Planting With Plenty for Pollinators with Karen Bussolini
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Karen Bussolini has given wonderful presentations for NCBL before. She's back in New Canaan speaking about Planting With Plenty for Pollinators. Register for this event by clicking the button below: |
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Clean Your Mile New Canaan
April 17 - 23
The Town of New Canaan is encouraging residents and community organizations to Clean Your Mile. Information can be found by clicking the button and includes how to get garbage bags and grabbers and schedule pick up of bags when done.
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The Garden Conservancy Open Days has begun! Click on the logo left to find a garden to visit near you. |
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Learn about Native Gardening
Westchester Community College (30 minutes from NC) is offering some really great native gardening classes. Check out their website by clicking the logo.
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Our NCBL Newsletter is used to distribute information regarding NCBL activities and announcements that pertain directly to our stated mission. The newsletter shall not be used for political issues, or for the promotion of merchandise or services unless such merchandise or services are part of a joint venture with NCBL. |
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visit our website:
New Canaan Beautification League
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