Green & Clean Board Surprises Mary Hull with Bench under Copper Beech Tree in Greenwich Common

On Friday afternoon the board of Greenwich Green & Clean surprised Mary Hull with the dedication of a beautiful 8-ft long wooden bench in Greenwich Common.

The bench is adjacent to a beautiful garden that Mary worked, and under a majestic Copper Beech tree.

Sally Davies, Kanako McLellan and Mary Hull in Greenwich Common. Sept 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

“We’re all here because we love you, Mary,” said Green & Clean board chairman John Blankley in front of the gathered crowd. “The board got together and decided we should find a way to celebrate your wonderful volunteer work. We decided the bench would be the ting.”

Blankley thanked Darrin Wigglesworth and Margaret Cawsey from the town Parks & Trees division of Parks & Rec for their work to organize installation of the bench.

First Selectman Fred Camillo presented Mary with a certificate of special recognition.

“I would never have accomplished anything without this group,” Hull said. “You are the people who are stalwarts who are always there to help.”

On the count of three, Mary cut the ribbon on the bench and was the first person to take a seat.

This spring, after 38 years with the nonprofit organization, Mary stepped down from her position as director. Back in 1988 she joined Green & Clean to do public relations and within two years became its director. She served in that role for more than three decades.

Mary Hull embraces Margaret Cawsey in Greenwich Common after being surprised by a new bench from the Green & Clean board. Sept 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

Mary Hull with Jim Michel, Margaret Cawsey and Darrin Wigglesworth in Greenwich Common. Sept 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

Mary Hull, ready to cut the ribbon across the bench with her name on it in Greenwich Common. Sept 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Green & Clean board and board of advisors members with Mary Hull on the bench they dedicated to her in Greenwich Common. Seated executive director Kanako MacLennan, Mary Hull, Janet Stone McGuigan, Linda Sigler, Andrea Blume. Standing: Carrie Greenwald , Mark Greenwald, John Blankley, Cortney Terrillion, Sally Davies, Peter Uhry David D’Andrea, John Toner. Sept 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

First Selectman Fred Camillo presented Mary Hull with a special certificate of recognition. Sept 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

First Selectman Fred Camillo presents Mary Hull with a special certificate of recognition as Green & Clean board chair John Blankley looks on. Sept 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

A new bench in gratitude to Mary Hull was donated by the board of Greenwich Green & Clean. It is located under a beautiful and historic Copper Beech tree. Sept 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager