Calendar<strong>of</strong> EventsSaturday, July 21, Green Team Event,9 AM – 1 PM, Homestead & GardenRSVP to Charma<strong>in</strong>e atcharma<strong>in</strong>ec@knoxparks.org or 860-951-7694, ext 14.Thursday, August 2, Garden Tour &Twilight D<strong>in</strong>ner, 5:30 – 9:00 PM, House<strong>of</strong> the Good Shepherd, 155 WyllysStreet. Tickets on sale now atwww.knoxparks.org or 860-951-7694.Saturday, September 15, Green TeamEvent on Tremont Street, 9 AM – 1 PM,RSVP to Charma<strong>in</strong>e atcharma<strong>in</strong>ec@knoxparks.org or 860-951-7694, ext 14.Saturday, October 13, <strong>Hartford</strong>Marathon. Run for the Knox Team.Contact Barb atbarbaran@knoxparks.org or 860-951-7694, ext. 21Saturday, October 20, Green TeamEvent at the South Branch, 9 AM – 1PM, RSVP to Charma<strong>in</strong>e at charma<strong>in</strong>ec@knoxparks.orgor 860-951-7694, ext 14.Community Garden CornerCelebrat<strong>in</strong>g 40 years <strong>of</strong>Community Garden<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hartford</strong>!BY: H. CHARMAINE CRAIGIn 1972, Knox established its first communitygarden <strong>in</strong> Keney Park, mak<strong>in</strong>g<strong>Hartford</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the first cities <strong>in</strong> the UnitedStates to do so s<strong>in</strong>ce World War II. Gardensare a valuable community asset especially<strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ner-city where food security andgreen space are scarce commodities. For 40years, the Knox Community Garden<strong>in</strong>gProgram has provided residents with land,water and the opportunity to cultivatetheir own food.Highlights: With the support and f<strong>in</strong>ancialassistance <strong>of</strong> United States <strong>Department</strong><strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Aetna, the <strong>Hartford</strong>F<strong>in</strong>ancial Services, CT <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong>Energy and Environmental Protection,UnitedHealthcare, CT <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong>Agriculture, the Fund for Greater <strong>Hartford</strong>and NOFA, the community garden programwill accommodate another 75 gardenersby <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g garden<strong>in</strong>g space from5 to 8 acres.At Earle Street, the garden is currentlyunder construction. Fenc<strong>in</strong>g and irrigationis be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stalled and 20 new gardeners areexpected to break ground by the end <strong>of</strong>June. This is a remarkable victory: us<strong>in</strong>gagriculture as a tool for urban revitalization,green space preservation, and susta<strong>in</strong>ablefood production <strong>in</strong> a needy neighborhood.Two new gardens have been created atOpen Hearth (a residential facility forhomeless men). There is a small herb gardenjust outside <strong>of</strong> the kitchen and a largevegetable garden at their wood yard. Bothgarden spaces are tended by the staff andclients.KNOX PARKS75 Laurel Street<strong>Hartford</strong>, CT 06106860-951-7694www.knoxparks.orgCorporate PartnersKohl’s, April 24: In commemorat<strong>in</strong>g EarthDay and Mayor Segarra’s Celebration <strong>of</strong> ourParks, 55 dedicated Kohl’s volunteersbraved gusty w<strong>in</strong>ds and chilly temperaturesto replenish the tree canopy <strong>in</strong> Goodw<strong>in</strong>Park, plant<strong>in</strong>g 37 new trees. S<strong>in</strong>ce 2009,Jerry Nocera and his merry band <strong>of</strong> workershave toiled <strong>in</strong> Wexford, Bushnell andGoodw<strong>in</strong> Parks and contributed $45,000towards the preservation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hartford</strong>’sgreen <strong>in</strong>frastructure. Kohl’s Cares is a wonderfulexample <strong>of</strong> local bus<strong>in</strong>ess pitch<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>!The <strong>Hartford</strong>, April 27: The <strong>Hartford</strong>F<strong>in</strong>ancial Services Group, the Village forFamilies and Children and the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Hartford</strong> celebrated Arbor Day 2012, plant<strong>in</strong>g11 new trees at Gray Lodge on Spr<strong>in</strong>gStreet. The <strong>Hartford</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ancial ServicesGroup cont<strong>in</strong>ues to support Knox’s green<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>itiatives and the Asylum Hill neighborhood.Thea Montanez and AnnMarieLaBreck have been <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>gthe community connections solid.Aetna, May 10: Twenty-seven eager andenergetic Aetna employees were deployedto the corner <strong>of</strong> Ma<strong>in</strong> and Trumbull tospruce-up the l<strong>in</strong>ger<strong>in</strong>g eyesore rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gafter the demolition <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>famous “Butt-Ugly” build<strong>in</strong>g. Knox staff and Green Crewworked side by side with Aetna volunteersto transform the corner - 25 UprightJunipers <strong>in</strong> planters were placed outside <strong>of</strong>the wrought iron fence, thus s<strong>of</strong>ten<strong>in</strong>g theharshness <strong>of</strong> concrete and provid<strong>in</strong>g a treescreen.At the tree grove across the street,they edged and mulched tree r<strong>in</strong>gs around25 amaz<strong>in</strong>g Japanese Lilacs (wisely plantedby former forester John Kehoe). This veryvisible and well-traveled corner now has anew and refreshed look. Shout out toBrenda Pabon who organized the projectfrom the Aetna side with the support <strong>of</strong>Chris Montross. In addition, thank you toGlen Geathers and Wayne Benjam<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Hartford</strong> Redevelopment Agency for theirsupport and perseverance. Aetna and the<strong>Hartford</strong> Redevelopment Agency bothmade generous donations to cover the costfor this project.Prudential F<strong>in</strong>ancial Services, May 10:Thirteen employees from Prudential volunteeredat Wexford Park. Aga<strong>in</strong> with theguidance and support <strong>of</strong> Knox staff andGreen Crew, the Prudential volunteers laiddown 50 yards <strong>of</strong> mulch to obliterate thegrow<strong>in</strong>g problem <strong>of</strong> wanton weeds.Located on the north side <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Hartford</strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Improvement District, WexfordPark has suffered from lack <strong>of</strong> attentionGarden StudyTerry Hennessy, a researcher coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g aGarden Study for Knox Parks, has set up a testgarden at Knox Parks. As seen <strong>in</strong> the photo, hergarden technique is a study <strong>in</strong> ergonomic garden<strong>in</strong>g!Theresa is help<strong>in</strong>g to gather healthand wellness <strong>in</strong>formation from study participants,and will also be manag<strong>in</strong>g statisticsabout how much produce is grown <strong>in</strong> the participant’scommunity garden. You might seeher from time to time <strong>in</strong> one or more <strong>of</strong> the gardenlocations around the city. In the meantime,feel free to stop by and check out her garden!and resources. Most people do not realizethat this valuable piece <strong>of</strong> real estate existsand is a nationally known Skate Park called“Heaven.” The Prudential <strong>of</strong>fice toweroverlooks the park, which is usually trashfilled and overgrown with weeds.Prudential’s Valerie DeMarco and V<strong>in</strong>cenzoDastoli approached Knox seek<strong>in</strong>g to assistwith ma<strong>in</strong>tenance and upkeep by provid<strong>in</strong>gfund<strong>in</strong>g and volunteers. This is anotherclassic example <strong>of</strong> the power <strong>of</strong> corporateand community collaboration. Prudentialhas just booked another day <strong>of</strong> volunteerismfor October 6th.UnitedHealthcare, May 11: 100+ UHCemployees descended on our new 3-acregarden paradise at Earle Street <strong>in</strong> the northeastneighborhood. They weeded, pickedup large amounts <strong>of</strong> debris, cut back <strong>in</strong>vasivebrush and created 20 new communitygarden beds. It was a glorious sight see<strong>in</strong>gall these help<strong>in</strong>g hands convert<strong>in</strong>g thisunused piece <strong>of</strong> land <strong>in</strong>to a productivespace for food production, neighborhoodgather<strong>in</strong>g, and a micro urban agriculturebus<strong>in</strong>ess. This development will greatlybenefit the residents and Mt. MoriahChurch who is leas<strong>in</strong>g the land to Knox for10 years. For the last two years,UnitedHealthcare has partnered with Knoxto expand our community garden program,provid<strong>in</strong>g more space, <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gyields and improv<strong>in</strong>g access to fresh, local,healthy produce. Maurice Edwards andMaria Tsitsirides have been heroic <strong>in</strong> organiz<strong>in</strong>ghuge numbers <strong>of</strong> volunteers fromtheir company to support the Knox missionwith their labor force and f<strong>in</strong>ancialcontributions.Pratt and Whitney has a group <strong>of</strong> volunteerscom<strong>in</strong>g downtown to revamp a greenspace at Homestead & Garden later thissummer!EDI Landscape has been a great supporter<strong>of</strong> Knox, donat<strong>in</strong>g petunias for the bloomspots and help<strong>in</strong>g to prep the greenhousefor the party last March. Their work is wellknown, from landscap<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>Hartford</strong> HighSchool to the color panorama at theFarm<strong>in</strong>gton Valley Shoppes <strong>in</strong> Canton,they have added beauty and <strong>in</strong>spirationeverywhere, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Knox!!TD Bank has brought <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionals toteach the AmeriCorps Green Crew aboutmoney management and <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g! Theyare even available to help mentor crewmembers <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> start<strong>in</strong>g their ownbus<strong>in</strong>ess.Retail Spotlight: REIRecreational Equipment Inc., or REIas it is commonly known, quietly bolstersmany area nonpr<strong>of</strong>it groups withgrant funds, volunteer support, andextra k<strong>in</strong>dnesses too varied to name.Along with Knox, REI is a true partnerto the Farm<strong>in</strong>gton River WatershedAssociation, Riverfront Recapture andthe Connecticut Forest and ParksAssociation.Well, we’d like to thank REI for car<strong>in</strong>gfor the green and blue places that keep<strong>Hartford</strong> fun and healthy.If you’d like to thank them, stop bytheir local Co-Op and become a member<strong>of</strong> the nation’s largest consumercooperative. As a member you will beeligible for pr<strong>of</strong>it shar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the form <strong>of</strong>a dividend, or 10% back on every fullpriceditem you need to get <strong>of</strong>f thecouch and get outside. This <strong>in</strong>cludes apreventative poison ivy cream (one <strong>of</strong>the world’s greatest <strong>in</strong>ventions) andmuch, much more!Green Crew NewsBY ERICUS ADAMSCommunity PartnershipsThis spr<strong>in</strong>g, the Green Crew partneredwith the <strong>Hartford</strong> Adult Education Centerto give the school a facelift. Studentshelped <strong>in</strong>stall planters and a raised gardento spruce up the neighborhood. The crewlooks forward to return<strong>in</strong>g to the center tonot only take their G.E.D test, but alsoplant mums <strong>in</strong> the fall. Thanks to all <strong>of</strong> thevolunteers (both staff and students) forhelp<strong>in</strong>g to cont<strong>in</strong>ue mak<strong>in</strong>g the city <strong>of</strong><strong>Hartford</strong> a greener place.Drive, Dedication, andDeterm<strong>in</strong>ation = DarnellIt was around thistime last year thatDarnell McIntoshcouldn’t cont<strong>in</strong>ue hisjourney as a GreenCrew member and wasexited from the program.Darnell was deal<strong>in</strong>gwith personal issuesthat got <strong>in</strong> the way <strong>of</strong>him fully dedicat<strong>in</strong>g himself to not onlythe program but to his family.We frequently talked about his struggles.Eventually, it was clear to the both <strong>of</strong> usthat he could not cont<strong>in</strong>ue serv<strong>in</strong>g as aGreen Crew AmeriCorps member.I am proud to say that Darnell overcamea lot <strong>of</strong> the struggles he faced. In March <strong>of</strong>this year, Darnell reapplied to jo<strong>in</strong> theGreen Crew program. While serv<strong>in</strong>g hiscommunity 40+ hours a week, he als<strong>of</strong>ound time to go back to school for hisHigh School Diploma.He credits the program for keep<strong>in</strong>g himmotivated and support<strong>in</strong>g him, but Ibelieve he had the key to his success thewhole time. Darnell is currently do<strong>in</strong>gresearch to f<strong>in</strong>d the best college for him.He is so excited about his future and can’twait to put his education award to gooduse! Congratulations Darnell!Program NewsThe Green Crew, a proud member <strong>of</strong> theAmeriCorps National Service Network, willmove from a 6-month program to a 12-month program. This change will help tobridge the gap <strong>of</strong> youth unemployment byconnect<strong>in</strong>g members with more communityengagement opportunities and allow<strong>in</strong>gthem to participate <strong>in</strong> the workforce read<strong>in</strong>esscomponent <strong>of</strong> the program. With thisnew program design, we will provide more<strong>in</strong>-depth tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gs and educational opportunitiesto better prepare members forschool and job placements post graduation.The new program cycle is expected to beg<strong>in</strong>September 2012. Application will be availablemid-July 2012.Welcome NewBoard MembersKnox Parks is happy to welcome newboard members this spr<strong>in</strong>g. MauriceEdwards is a program manager and computerscientist at UnitedHealthcare. Heand his wife and three darl<strong>in</strong>g daughtersare avid gardeners and lovers <strong>of</strong> all th<strong>in</strong>gsnature. Julie Daly is the executive director<strong>of</strong> <strong>Hartford</strong>’s Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals andEntrepreneurs (HYPE). Julie has been along time supporter <strong>of</strong> Knox and hasactively engaged HYPE’s membership withKnox volunteer events. Rich Dalidowitz isa bus<strong>in</strong>ess projects program manager withAetna. A true environmentalist, Rich evenknows the Lat<strong>in</strong> names <strong>of</strong> trees andplants!!! He br<strong>in</strong>gs strong fiscal and nonpr<strong>of</strong>itmanagement experience to theboard.
June, 2012 <strong>Hartford</strong> <strong>Progress</strong>: An Update on One <strong>City</strong>, One Plan <strong>Hartford</strong> News Special Edition 17<strong>Hartford</strong> Park<strong>in</strong>g AuthorityAnnounces On-StreetPark<strong>in</strong>g InitiativesConvenient park<strong>in</strong>g is consideredessential to <strong>Hartford</strong>’s economic andcommunity development. The<strong>Hartford</strong> Park<strong>in</strong>g Authority (HPA) isresponsible for mak<strong>in</strong>g that vision areality and focuses on constantimprovement. The HPA overseesmetered and regulated park<strong>in</strong>gWhat’s new with on-streetpark<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Hartford</strong>?HPA’s new Park<strong>in</strong>g Ambassadorsare visible on <strong>Hartford</strong> streets from8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday (look for their redshirts or jackets). This team <strong>of</strong> sixpeople is available to assist parkerswith mak<strong>in</strong>g change for the Payand-DisplayStations, provid<strong>in</strong>gdirections, answer<strong>in</strong>g questions, andmore.A Pay-and-Display Station is asolar-powered, multi-space park<strong>in</strong>gmeter that is easy to use. It has anelectronic display and clock and providesdirections for payment and display<strong>of</strong> the receipt on the vehicledashboard. The receipt may be usedat any metered space <strong>in</strong> the systemdur<strong>in</strong>g the period <strong>of</strong> time purchased,allow<strong>in</strong>g parkers to move fromspace to space as desired.Park<strong>in</strong>g Ambassadors enforcespaces on <strong>Hartford</strong> streets, as well asoperates and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s the <strong>City</strong>ownedpark<strong>in</strong>g facilities. These<strong>in</strong>clude the Church Street Garage,MAT Garage, Morgan StreetGarage, and <strong>Hartford</strong> Public Librarypark<strong>in</strong>g deck. In a partnership witha new subcontractor, RepublicPark<strong>in</strong>g System, the HPAannounced several on-street park<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>itiatives that began May 16 and aredesigned to make park<strong>in</strong>g more customer-friendlyfor <strong>Hartford</strong> residentsand visitors.“Park<strong>in</strong>g plays a key role <strong>in</strong> visitationand revitalization <strong>of</strong> our Capital<strong>City</strong>. <strong>Hartford</strong> needs to beConnecticut’s leader <strong>in</strong> park<strong>in</strong>g technology,<strong>in</strong>novation and customerservice,” said <strong>Hartford</strong> Mayor PedroE. Segarra. “HPA are the experts onall <strong>City</strong> park<strong>in</strong>g matters. They’rehere to <strong>in</strong>form, educate and assist thepublic with understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> how topark legally and safely,” he added.“We <strong>in</strong>vite <strong>Hartford</strong> residents andvisitors to consider us ‘your place fora space’, said Mark K. McGovern,Chief Executive Officer <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Hartford</strong> Park<strong>in</strong>g Authority. “Westrive to <strong>of</strong>fer the best value for park<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> the <strong>City</strong> and to make our servicesas accessible and convenient aspossible. Work<strong>in</strong>g with RepublicPark<strong>in</strong>g now takes HPA to a higherlevel <strong>of</strong> customer-first, customerfriendlyservice,” he cont<strong>in</strong>ued.metered and regulated park<strong>in</strong>g. Thishelps downtown bus<strong>in</strong>esses by creat<strong>in</strong>gmore curbside availability forshort-term visitors and deliveriesdur<strong>in</strong>g weekdays. Longer-term parkers(those who want to park forlonger than two hours) are <strong>in</strong>vited topark at HPA garages, which opensup more spaces on the street.On-street park<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Hartford</strong> isfree after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends(when legally parked <strong>in</strong> a metered orregulated space, with<strong>in</strong> limitationsnoted by signage next to the space).The HPA recommends tak<strong>in</strong>g note<strong>of</strong> the park<strong>in</strong>g signs on each block,and ask<strong>in</strong>g the Park<strong>in</strong>g Ambassadorsfor assistance if the signs are notclearly understood. Signs are usedto mark restricted areas or to <strong>in</strong>dicatetimes when park<strong>in</strong>g is not allowed.Because tickets happen and are anecessary part <strong>of</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g park<strong>in</strong>gaccessible for everyone, the HPA hasalso made citation payments andappeals easier and more convenientto resolve, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e atwww.hartfordpark<strong>in</strong>g.com.HPA’s relationship withRepublic Park<strong>in</strong>g SystemOn March 1, 2012, Republicbegan manag<strong>in</strong>g the 2,290-spaceMorgan Street Garage and the1,299-space Church Street Garage.Effective May 16, Republic is alsooversee<strong>in</strong>g the 1,770 meteredspaces <strong>in</strong> and around downtown.Republic is responsible forstaff<strong>in</strong>g the garages, collect<strong>in</strong>gpark<strong>in</strong>g fees, and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance <strong>of</strong>the garages. Street-side, Republicma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s the city’s 250 Pay-and-Display Stations, as well as adm<strong>in</strong>isterspark<strong>in</strong>g citations and collections.Republic is based <strong>in</strong>Chattanooga, Tenn. and has operations<strong>in</strong> 90 U.S. cities, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gStamford, CT and Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield, MA.For more <strong>in</strong>formation, contact the<strong>Hartford</strong> Park<strong>in</strong>g Authority at860.527.7275 or visit www.hartfordpark<strong>in</strong>g.com.NSP HOMES IN HARTFORD61 Otis St., Htfd. $149,900Beautiful 3-4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths,Colonial. New kitchens cab<strong>in</strong>ets w/newcounter tops and new appliances.Ref<strong>in</strong>ished hardwood floors with woodtrim. New front porch. All new v<strong>in</strong>yl floor<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> kitchens and baths.308-310 Capen St, Htfd. $129,900Great 2-Family Home with new floor<strong>in</strong>gthroughout, <strong>in</strong>sulation <strong>in</strong> attic. Freshlypa<strong>in</strong>ted. New Energy Star hot waterheater boilers. Br<strong>in</strong>g your buyers!186-188 Laurel St, Htfd. $195,000Update two family home w/new kitchencab<strong>in</strong>ets and baths.1st unit w/3beds&1.5 bath.2nd floor comb<strong>in</strong>ed w/3rdfloor w/ 3 beds & 2.5 baths.298 Hillside Ave., Htfd. $129,900Charm<strong>in</strong>g 3-bedrooms colonial, substantiallyrenovated. New kitchen cab<strong>in</strong>ets withcounter tops and new appliances.Bathnewly renovated w/all new fixtures, new carpet,new hot water heater system(EnergyStar). New <strong>in</strong>sulation <strong>in</strong> attic & basement.New driveway.202 Laurel St, Htfd. $189,900Victorian charm with modern comforts! 3-BR, 2.5 bath. Modern kitchen w/ centerisland & clean steel appliances w/ doubles<strong>in</strong>k. Laundry room on 2nd flr. New ro<strong>of</strong>s &w<strong>in</strong>dows. Energy Star rated heat<strong>in</strong>g system.Walk-up attic can be f<strong>in</strong>ished for expansion.10-12 Liberty St, Htfd. $169,900SALE PRICE!!! Beautiful update tw<strong>of</strong>amily home w/new kitchen cab<strong>in</strong>ets&counter tops.New baths,neww<strong>in</strong>dows.1st floor w/2beds & 1bath.2ndfloor w/3beds & 2 full baths.Fund<strong>in</strong>g for these homes was made possible throughthe Neigh borhood Stabilization Program <strong>in</strong> cooperationwith the State <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> CommunityDevelopment and the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hartford</strong>.303 Hillside Ave, Htfd. $159,900Spacious 3-bed colonial, completely renovated.New kitchen with oak cab<strong>in</strong>ets w/newsta<strong>in</strong>less steel appliances. New ro<strong>of</strong> and w<strong>in</strong>dows.The heat<strong>in</strong>g system has been updatedand new water heater. Hardwood floors.69-71 Pl<strong>in</strong>y St, Htfd $169,900Spacious 2-fam. home with over 3,500 sq.ft. 1st flr. comb<strong>in</strong>ed w/ 2nd flr w/ total <strong>of</strong> 5-BR & 2 full baths. 2nd unit 3rd flr.) with 3-BR, 1 bath, formal liv<strong>in</strong>g rm, d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g rm. &large eat-<strong>in</strong> kitchen. This 2-family featurestasteful walnut style kitchen cab<strong>in</strong>ets, hdwd.flrs, lam<strong>in</strong>ated tiles & carpet.Lesbia HernandezCell: 860-209-4895Office: 860-756-0980lesbia.hernandez@remax.netEnrique Qu<strong>in</strong>tana(Cell) 860-967-7829RE/MAX Renaissance370 Frankl<strong>in</strong> Avenue<strong>Hartford</strong>, CT 06114
Change language