Old Saybrook's First Selectman, Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., in a brief ceremony at Town Hall on October 3, presented a proclamation to the Old Saybrook Garden Club in recognition of its 60 years of service to the community. Club president, Mary Roche, received the proclamation on behalf of the club. Also attending were seven former presidents: Dorothy Alexander, Norma Dyson, Erma Gimbel, Judy Grover, Betty Harris, Lee Merritt, and Carol Voigt. Another former president, Lajla Hanes, was unable to attend.

The proclamation reads: "Whereas, the Old Saybrook Garden Club was founded in 1952 by Mrs. Allen Talcott, and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year; Whereas, the Town of Old Saybrook takes great pride in recognizing the success of the Garden Club and the 36 active members that participate in countless projects that help beautify and enrich our community; Whereas, the Old Saybrook Garden Club contributes financial support by awarding a scholarship of $1,000, each year, to an Old Saybrook High School or college student studying in the field; Whereas, the Garden Club's signature project is the Main Street Median plantings and every spring members plan, plant and tend the 23 planters and every holiday season decorate with lighted trees and wreaths; Now therefore, I, Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., First Selectman of the Town of Old Saybrook, hereby proclaim my appreciation to the Old Saybrook Garden Club and honor their volunteerism, commitment and philanthropy to our community. Dated this third day of October, 2012, at Old Saybrook, Connecticut." The framed proclamation is signed by Mr. Fortuna and decorated with a gold seal embossed with the town's coat-of-arms.

In addition, Mr. Fortuna presented Ms. Roche with a beautiful framed photograph of the Japanese magnolia tree in bloom on the Town Green, where each May the club holds its Gardeners' Market--the plant sale, tag sale, and bake sale that pays for the club's many civic projects. The picture is to be passed on to each new club president.