Beautification Committeee Presents Awards

The New London Beautification Committee recognized several businesses and people Monday for their work to improve the city's appearance through landscaping and other means.

Tita Williams, chair of the committee, made the presentations at the beginning of the City Council meeting. The awards are given out annually "to New London establishments who have gone that extra mile to improve the appearance of the city using gardens or planters and to individuals or businesses that have assisted the Beautification Committee in some way."

The people and businesses recognized were:

• Susan Devlin and Barry Neitstat of , for the entrance to the café.
• Donald O'Neill, of , for the deck facing the Thames River and the colorful appearance of the building.
• Tom Cornick, of , for the garden outside the café.
• Jim Stidfole, for the outdoor space of the Park.
• Charlotte Hennegan, of , , and , for the classy appearance of the three storefronts.
• Anthony Silvestri, of , for assisting the committee with the redesign of Columbus Circle and treating the sycamore tree there.
• George Dowker, of the City Center District, for the organization's work such as the landscaping of Parade Plaza and installing hanging baskets during the summer.
• Danny Candales, of the New London Mall, for landscaping at the establishment.
• The Agudelo family, of , for the building's colorful appearance and planters.
• Teresa Koning and Maria Provatis, of Shear Talent, for the planters outside their business.
• Bryan Desautell and Jason Clark, of City Center District, for watering city plants.
• Dave Sugrue, of , for allowing garden maintenance in the park.
• Petie Reid and Rich Oliver, of Perennial Harmony, for support and advice.
• Joshua Rakosky, of Joshua Tree, Lawn, and Garden Services, for providing wood chips.
• Pete Bargmann, of Alice Acres, for providing special prices and services.
• Gail McKissick, executive assistant to the city manager, for assistance throughout the year.
• Ann Samul for work on the committee's blog.