Garden Club Wins DEEP Award

The Kensington Garden Club received a state environmental award Friday during ceremonies presided over by Daniel C. Esty, commissioner of the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The garden club was among more than two dozen organizations statewide selected this year for the DEEP’s GreenCircle Awards, an annual award that recognizes individuals, nonprofits, civic groups and businesses who undertake efforts aimed at energy conservation, transportation, pollution prevention, conservation and overall environmental awareness.

Since it was established in 1998 the program about 1,000 entities have been recognized for 1,425 projects that the DEEP says has made a difference in preserving natural resources and protecting the quality of the state’s air, water and lands.

About 75 people gathered at the DEEP’s Hartford headquarters for the awards ceremony.

“We know very much in this department that the (environmental) agenda is big and broad and we can’t do it alone, so I’m very appreciative to those who are helping us move the ball down the field,” Esty told the participants. “We are really grateful of that sweep of support that we get. Cumulatively, it makes an enormous difference for the environment here in Connecticut.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the Kensington Garden Club were Janet D’Aranzo, the club’s director, and member Carolyn Wysocki.

The group won for its 2010 garden theme, “Celebrate Earth Day Every Day” and under that banner undertook numerous environmentally-conscience projects.

For instance, throughout the year the club provided its members with green recycled bags containing various handouts on composting, recycling, saving energy, hazardous waste and non toxic pesticides, to name a few.

The club held a raffle that included compost bins and large recycled bags.  Additionally, the group’s members made natural flower arrangements using recycled containers.  Club volunteers at the Berlin Farmers Market were involved in the planning of the Community Organic Gardens and also donated money for flower beds.

In addition, the garden club designed a brochure alternative natural cleaning products that was distributed at the Berlin Fair.

The club also posted natural garden tips on its website. 

The club’s members continue to undertake individual projects that include planting and maintaining several community garden projects, such as Volunteer Park, Berlin and East Berlin Post Offices, Senior Citizen Center and senior housing and, in conjuction with UP Beat Youth Group, the club maintains the Majorie Moore Bird Sanctuary.