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October 23, 2004
  Articles on this page: • Dalton's in Bloom
Dalton's in Bloom The Dalton Beautification Commission Enhances the town with lovely plantings and gardens This past summer Dalton was blooming with plants and gardens thanks to the efforts of The Dalton Beautification Commission. "The Dalton Beautification Commission is all about trying to improve upon the quality of life in the community," exclaimed Annmarie Cicchetti, chairperson of the Commission, "We believe our labors to date have had a positive effect in making Dalton a more attractive town." The Dalton Beautification Commission (DBC) was established in June, 2001, by the Dalton Select Board in response to interest expressed by citizens that more should be done to enhance the physical beauty of Dalton. An attractive appearance of the main street in any community sends a message to both the inhabitants and those passing through that this town cares about its living space. The DBC believes that such a show of pride of place helps to build a shared sense of belonging, respect and responsibility. It is the goal of the DBC, working with other town departments and the community at large to create a more appealing, pleasant and inviting place in which to live, work and play. The core of The DBC is made up a five-member board, appointed to three-year terms by the Select Board. The current DBC members are: Mary Caliento, Dorothy Chapman, Chairperson Annmarie Cicchetti, Secretary Allison Crane-Guyer, and Gary Turetsky. In addition to the regular members, this past season the DBC was pleased with the involvement of Deborah Smith who joined our work group and "Sis" Kaley who volunteered to manage the shade garden at the Library/Dalton Town Hall. All town residents are welcome to join the group in planning, supporting and implementing the DBC's projects. "All the feedback we have received from citizens has been positive and encouraging," observed Cicchetti, "The Commission hopes to build upon our initial projects by engaging others - both individuals and businesses." The DBC's main funding source is a small annual stipend from the Town of Dalton. However, the Commission is most grateful to the Dalton Rotary, which has supplemented the budget with an annual contribution. The DBC was fortunate to receive this year a grant from the Berkshire Garden Club, which greatly assisted in new projects. Additionally, donations were received from town residents. The Beautification Commission's 2004 projects were varied, beginning with the beautiful spring display of colorful tulips in front of the Dalton Town Hall. The goal to have the Mass Highway Department scrape and repaint the Main Street Bridge was realized in the spring. What had been an eyesore of pealing paint and rusting railings is now painted an attractive blue-gray. The Main Street Bridge became a new site for plantings. Six, hay trough baskets now hang on the bridge with a variety of colorful annuals - sweet potato vine, Dusty Miller, African Daisies, Supertunias in lush deep purple, contrasting with vibrant pink "flying colors." Flower boxes filled with white impatiens were placed in front of the library windows, bringing light to the library faÁade and matching the shade garden planted at the library's entrance. The DBC continues to plant and maintain perennial and annual gardens at the intersections of North and Main Streets, Main and East Streets, Old Windor Road, as well as the Main and South Street intersection. Additionally, this year the DBC started a small perennial display beneath the Wahconah Regional High School sign at the entrance of Old Windsor Road at East Street. The Dalton Beautification Commission has received extraordinary assistance from the Dalton Highway Department, replenishing our planting areas with top soil and maintaining the area around the WRHS sign. The Dalton Volunteer Fire Department continues to support the DBC's efforts by watering our floral displays over the summer months. Also, Burgner’s Farm has again donated pine bark mulch to lend a finishing touch to our planting, allowing better retention of moisture and making colors more vibrant. "Our aim is to enhance the aesthetic level by incremental, simple and practical ways i.e. by asking people to pick up thoughtlessly tossed litter, by recommending that we be more mindful of limiting noise pollution, by reminding people of their responsibility to remove one's pet waste from sidewalks and lawns, by encouraging the planting of flowers, etc.," added Cicchetti, "We hope that such small steps will catch-on and will help to generate and maintain pride of place, making Dalton – already a lovely environment – an even nicer place to call home." The DBC looks forward to attracting even more community volunteers to expand our efforts at beautification. During the growing season, June through October, the DBC holds a weekly "weeding party," Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. All new volunteers are welcome. For information, please call 684-3966 or 684-6111 ext. 11.  RETURN TO TOP |
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