Hamden Dental Practice Recognized for Beautification Efforts

Today Hamden celebrates Earth Day at Hamden Middle School, and part of the day’s festivities includes the presentation of the 2012 Orchid Awards, sponsored by the Hamden Clean and Green Commission, given in recognition of the commitment demonstrated by town businesses and individuals to safeguard the character and physical appearance of the town for all its citizens.

This year’s recipient of business property award is at 2675 Whitney Ave. Ronald D’Andrea and Robert Pantera and their associate, Stacey Michael, are receiving this award as business owners who exemplify the Commission’s goal to beautify Hamden through the thoughtful maintenance and scenic landscaping of their property.

Barbara Schlein, a member of the Clean and Green Commission, nominated them not only for the care shown in the appearance of the landscaping and building but “the enthusiasm and pride that they take in it.”

Their practice is housed in a building that has been recognized in Architectural Digest for its design and landscape. Aware of the history of the building and its setting on a main thoroughfare in Hamden, they entrusted oversight of their property maintenance to office manager Maria Tomei. Working with Dave Teulings of Earthscape Design and Richard Jaynes of , Tomei supervises the seasonal upkeep and careof the property from holiday decorations to spring plantings and fall clean-ups, taking pride in the attractive setting that welcomes patients and brightens the Whitney Avenue streetscape.

Tomei is also committed to keeping the property “green.” Rather than dispose of the wood when a large tree needed to be removed, she saw to it that the wood was ground into mulch to be used around the evergreens, shrubs and flower beds on the property.

Everyone at General Dentistry, which has been located at this site for 26 years, is “thrilled to be recognized” by the Commission with the 2012 Orchid Award.

The Clean and Green Commission, whose members are volunteer citizens working to promote and encourage actions and strategies designed to improve the appearance of Hamden, periodically recognize Hamden businesses and organizations for outstanding effort in maintaining the appearance of our town.
If you know of a business/organization that may be eligible for recognition forits efforts in this area, contact Gerry Tobin in the mayor’s office at the Hamden Govt. Center with the name and location of the business and the reason for the nomination.