Greenwich Green & Clean celebrated the people, places and projects that make Greenwich more beautiful at its 2026 Beautification Awards on October 15, at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses.
The evening recognized this year’s winners as part of the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal made a special visit to the celebration and presented Certificates of Special Recognition to the award recipients. He spoke of his connection to the organization through the years and the good work it has accomplished, from beautification projects such as the lamppost hanging baskets in central Greenwich to cleanups throughout town. Greenwich Green & Clean was itself awarded a certificate honoring its 40 years of service to the community.
The Greenwich Green & Clean Beautification Awards recognize residents, businesses, organizations and projects whose care, creativity and stewardship enhance the public spaces shared by the Greenwich community. Honorees included creators of eye-catching horticultural landscapes and streetscapes visible to the public, as well as individuals and groups whose service, education and community efforts have contributed to the overall appeal of the town.
“Beautification involves more than the creation of the beautiful plantings. Realization of a beautification plan requires the work of many, including all of the recipients of this year’s Beautification Awards,” said Kanako MacLennan, Executive Director of Greenwich Green & Clean.
Andy Ashforth, Miguel Colon, Sally Davies. Photo: Bob Capazzo
Jonathan Fasone, John R. Conte III, Kim Conte. Photo: Bob Capazzo
Kanako MacLennan, Stacy Mortenson and Sally Davies. Photo: Bob Capazzo
The Armstrong Family and Jonathan Fasone. Photo: Bob Capazzo
Carrie Maher Greenwald, Mark Greenwald, Kanako MacLennan, Sally Davies. Photo: Bob Capazzo
Jaideep Khanna, John R. Conte III, Kim Conte. Photo: Bob Capazzo
Pam Pagnani, Friends of Binney Park (Bill Rutherford, Joan Seguin), Tom McDermott, Sally Davies. Photo: Bob Capazzo
Sally Davies, Sleepy Cat Farm (Cassie Schweizer, Kristi Wright), Kanako MacLennan. Photo: Bob Capazzo
Kanako MacLennan, Char Barnes, Sally Davies. Photo: Bob Capazzo
Kanako MacLennan, Noriko McKinney for Thomas Mckinney, Sally Davies. Photo: Bob Capazzo
JoAnn Messina, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Kanako MacLennan. Photo: Bob Capazzo
The 2026 Award recipients are:
• Greenwich Green & Clean Beautification of Public Space — Stacy Mortenson
• The Ashforth Company Award for Outstanding Landscaping — Miguel Colon, Byram Shubert Library
• Conte & Conte Crystal Bloom Award — Jaideep Khanna
• Fairfield House & Garden Golden Trowel Award — Jonathan Fasone
• Diane’s Books Award — Char Barnes
• Mary Raymond Memorial Award — Thomas McKinney
• The Sentinel Award for Environmental Improvement — Friends of Binney Park
• Greenwich Green & Clean Director’s Award — Fred Landman, Sleepy Cat Farm
Six Certificates of Merit were awarded to the following recipients for their dedication to, and support of, its mission:
• “Whimsical Front Yard” for Mary and John Schacter
• “Tastefully Inviting” for Loretta Barresi of Doppio Restaurant
• “Sunflower Spectacle” for Daniel Rincon
• “Cheerful Corner” for Nolda Joseph
• “Special Achievement for Handcrafted Stone Wall” for Stephen Marino
• “Spooktacular Storefront” for Derek D’Andrea of Arch in Bloom
“We’re grateful to everyone who supported and joined us this year,” MacLennan added. “Our honorees inspire all of us. Greenwich is such a welcoming town because so many people actively participate in the betterment of our community.”
Greenwich Green & Clean extends special thanks to Fairfield House & Garden for sponsoring this event; Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses for hosting; and Méli Mélo and Val’s Putnam Wines & Liquors for their invaluable support and help with the evening.