New project seeks to restore Old Post Road entrance area
The small area of St. Paul’s grounds outside of the accounts manager and rector’s offices—fronting onto the Old Post Road—has been bare dirt for quite some time. It’s unsightly, but worse, it is the “face” that St. Paul’s presents to all who travel by the parish on heavily-trafficked Old Post Road.
Now, the Building and Grounds Committee is developing a plan to replant the area and turn it from “blight to beauty.”
The catalyst for the move comes from the departure of Jake and Kathy Fricker. (They have moved to Litchfield County after being members of St. Paul’s for 31 years.) In light of Jake’s many years of tending to the Memorial Garden (and other areas of St. Paul’s grounds), suggestions were advanced that a tree might be planted in the Fricker’s honor. St. Paul’s doesn’t need a tree—but it does need to restore its Old Post Road entrance area. So, saying goodbye to the Frickers actually becomes a source of renewal. (The parish plans to invite them back when the newly replanted area is dedicated.)
The Buildings and Grounds Committee will be developing a plan for the area in the coming weeks with the hope of being able to plant it by the spring. The hurdle is that there are no funds for this project. Therefore, it is hoped that parish “angels” will step forward with donations that will allow the plan to be implemented. If enough funds can be raised, we would also like to replace the white sign (with service times on it) that fronts the Old Post Road by the narthex end of the church. It is near the end of its life and will likely collapse if not replaced.
Parishioners who are willing to support this project are asked to make out a check to St. Paul’s, noting “Old Post Road Restoration” on the memo line and get their check to parish Accounts Manager Cathy Comstock.
Future communications will keep the parish apprised of progress and the development of a landscape plan for the area.
The small area of St. Paul’s grounds outside of the accounts manager and rector’s offices—fronting onto the Old Post Road—has been bare dirt for quite some time. It’s unsightly, but worse, it is the “face” that St. Paul’s presents to all who travel by the parish on heavily-trafficked Old Post Road.