Catalpa chosen tree of month in Hamden

HAMDEN — The Hamden Tree Commission has named the Northern catalpa tree (Catalpa speciosa) as September’s Hamden Notable Tree.

“This particular catalpa is located on private property in the Mount Carmel neighborhood of Hamden, and was nominated by its new owner, Dorceta Taylor.

Taylor, a renowned environmental sociologist, environmental justice scholar and historian, recently moved to the area to join the faculty at Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies,” according to a statement.

“Dr. Taylor was astonished at the size of this catalpa tree, which is among the tallest in Connecticut. It measures 87 feet tall with a trunk circumference of 140 inches and a canopy spread of 69 feet,” the members continued.

“Most catalpas range in height from 40 to 60 feet, so this one is exceptionally tall and straight. The tree is native to the midwestern United States and is known to be extremely hardy and adaptable.

“Catalpas are easily recognizable by their large, heart-shaped leaves and panicles of white orchid-like flowers which bloom in spring. Nicknamed the “string bean tree,” its long cylindrical fruit pods, which resemble giant string beans, appear in early autumn and last throughout the winter,” the statement said.

To nominate a tree, send its location and a few sentences describing the tree to help@hamden.com. Include your name, address, email and phone number, or mail the nomination to the Hamden Tree Commission, in care of the Mayor’s Office, Hamden Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518.

West Haven accepting assistance applications

WEST HAVEN — The city will begin accepting applications Oct. 19 for the federally funded Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Appointments for all heating sources can now be made by calling 203-937-3572.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, applications will be processed via phone by appointments Monday through Wednesday. No walk-ins will be accepted. Applicants who have difficulty speaking English are asked to have a translator.

Eligibility for assistance is based on the income and assets of an applicant’s household. To qualify, applicants must provide pay stubs, including monthly Social Security benefits and pension checks, for the last four weeks for all household members 18 and older.

Applicants must also provide documentation of assets — recent bank account statements for all accounts for all household members — along with a current utility bill, Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members.

Daytime Gardeners hold virtual demonstration

NORTH HAVEN — Dried florals, seed pods and grasses, all with muted colors and unique textures, are ready for harvest.

Heather Potter entertained members of the Daytime Gardeners of North Haven with a virtual demonstration of creative ways to reinvent dried and pressed floral classics.

Potter discussed the use of a flower press for drying flowers, leaves and grasses. She also explained how she uses a dehydrator for similar purposes. The two different drying techniques can produce different results and appearance so it is useful to become familiar with both approaches, she said.

Using an inexpensive glass container, she put together a design using wax paper, pressed ferns, petals and leaves, and Tack 2000 spray adhesive.

The glass container can be illuminated with a votive or tea lights or used as a vase. Other decorative designs that were demonstrated included wreaths and window box designs.

Her professional education focused on floriculture and she has worked for some of the largest and most reputable florists in the industry. She is now working at Cheshire Nursery, designing in the florist shop, tending to the greenhouse and propagating plants in the studio.

Daytime Gardeners of North Haven is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut Inc., New England Garden Clubs, and National Garden Clubs, Inc. New members are always welcome. For information, call Daytime Gardeners at 203-239-1557 or find the club on Facebook.

Harvest supper canceled; donations are welcome

NORTH BRANFORD — This time of year, preparations are usually underway for the annual Harvest Supper at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, held for many decades. Its proceeds help fulfill the church’s commitments to its community outreach programs, as well as help with operating expenses.

The supper has been canceled this year because of the pandemic. If anyone wants to make a donation in lieu of the supper, checks may be made payable to

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and mailed to P. O. Box 96, Northford, CT 06472.