First Selectman Ellen Scalettar recognized Thera and Andy Stack as the August Woodbridge People of the Month. Scalettar initiated the Woodbridge Person of the Month Recognition program to spotlight the many Woodbridge residents, volunteers and employees who go above and beyond the expected in their dedication and commitment to Woodbridge and its residents.
Since 2006 the Stacks, who are married, have managed the community gardens at the Town-owned Fitzgerald Field. The community gardens and adjacent walking track around the corn field are regularly enjoyed by many Town residents.
Shortly after the Stacks moved to Woodbridge in 1997 they began gardening at the community gardens. Andy Stack became the gardens’ treasurer and then the two became managers.
There are 110 community garden plots and most have been rented. The couple takes on the behind-the-scenes organizational tasks associated with the gardens. These tasks include collecting the nominal fee from gardeners, assigning plots, ensuring water supply and enforcing rules, such as the Town’s organic-only policy on Town-owned land.
Many Woodbridge residents’ yards are deeply shaded and the community garden plots, located in full-sun, are a riot of colorful flowers, vegetable gardens and even a native shrub garden and a rose garden.
The community gardens were created in 1975, shortly after the Town acquired the property.
“The volunteer efforts of Thera and Andy support the natural beauty and the environmental health of our great town, and I thank them for their commitment both to Woodbridge and to the environment,” said First Selectman Ellen Scalettar.
In addition to serving as the community garden managers, Andy is also an appointed member of the First Selectman’s committee on best organic practices on which he serves as a strong advocate for the environment and the community gardens.
If you know a Woodbridge employee, resident or volunteer who’s gone above and beyond expectations, please nominate that person for this award by contacting Betsy Yagla at byagla@woodbridgect.org or 203-389-3403.