741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Ledyard Beautification Committee

Meeting Minutes

Chairperson

Kathrine Kohrs

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

5:00 PM

Town Hall Annex - Hybrid Format

CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Kohrs called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m.

II.

ROLL CALL

Commissioner Jennifer Eastbourne

Chairperson Kathrine Kohrs

Present

Commissioner Lauren Hawes

Commissioner Mechelle Barber

Commissioner Michelle Hagerty

Also in attendance was Yvonne Walsh.

Lauren Hawes was present via Zoom.

III.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None.

IV.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion to APPROVE the Regular Meeting minutes from September 2, 2025, as written.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jennifer Eastbourne

RESULT:

MOVER:

Lauren Hawes

SECONDER:

Eastbourne Kohrs Hawes Barber Hagerty

AYE

Motion to APPROVE the Regular Meeting minutes from October 7, 2025, as written.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jennifer Eastbourne

RESULT:

MOVER:

Lauren Hawes

SECONDER:

Eastbourne Kohrs Hawes Barber Hagerty

AYE

OLD BUSINESS

Financial Reports.

No comments.

Future Projects Discussion.

Chairperson Kohrs gave an overview of what the Committee accomplished since the last

meeting in October. Crocus bulbs were planted for America 250 in a pattern of the number

"250". The crocus bulbs were planted in two areas, one on a hill along the Gales Ferry School,

the second larger planting area on a hill near the Bill Library. The Committee also planted

Daffodil bulbs.

Ms. Eastbourne said the Committee wants to paint murals at the school(s). Permission was

granted to paint a mural at Juliet Long School.

Chairperson Kohrs explained to the new members that last year she requested a member to take

the lead on an event. Each member would be a point of contact for an event so one member

wasn't doing everything.

Chairperson Kohrs said that Earth Day is the Committee's largest event. Last year it was

cancelled due to weather. The prior year's event included a town wide cleanup, a "fill the

dumpster" event, vendors and a "trash to treasure recycling" contest.

Ms. Eastbourne said in the past few years the Committee has made Christmas wreathes and

Valentine planters for Senior Housing. They could not hold the events this year due to the lack

of members. The High School Honors Society volunteered time to assist with both events. She

added that the High School students are a great resource if their schedule allows. She suggested

asking them to help with the Earth Day event. Ms. Hawes asked about Junior LBC and

Chairperson Kohrs said the members stopped going to the meetings and interest fizzled out.

Chairperson Kohrs suggested reaching out to the Student Council. Ms. Hawes said the new Art

teacher at the Elementary School is open to helping with projects. Earth Day this year is on April

22nd and would be celebrated either the weekend before or after. It was suggested that the

Committee partners with the Town libraries. A Facebook pole was also suggested to gage

interest. Another suggestion was a school contest to create an LBC logo. Chairperson Kohrs

explained to the new members that the Committee has obtained grants in the past from the

Rotary Club which was used for purchasing bulbs.

Chairperson Kohrs read her list which included:

- Earth Day.

- Murals (similar to Town of Groton's mural).

- Wreathes (for Senior Housing).

- Valentine teacup planters (also for Senior Housing).

- Poster or sticker contest with the schools.

- Town Hall landing area (remove flag and put something else up)

- Sponsored areas around Town. Call sponsors to ask them if they are still interested in

sponsoring otherwise find another sponsor. Also, look for other areas that need sponsors.

Ms. Hawes mentioned the deterioration of the Ledyard four season signs.

Chairperson Kohrs said the Committee has also participated in the Farmer's Market, however

unless there is a specific goal it isn't worth the time.

Another idea is to have "Ledyard Beautification Committee Approved Business" for local

businesses.

It was also mentioned that Highland Lake could use some work. Ms. Hawes said maybe the LBC

could talk to the Parks & Recreation Department to form a partnership.

Additional ideas:

Another attempt to partner with the Garden Club was suggested.

Summer Camp projects working with Parks & Recreation.

Memorial Day Parade?

Earth Day - Chairperson Kohrs suggested having more of a visual event. Maybe partner with the

PTO and the Schools Art Departments. Ms. Hawes volunteered to contact the Juliet Long and

Gales Ferry School PTO and Art Departments to see if there is interest and availability for

assistance. Chairperson Kohrs asked the Committee members to give her email addresses of

parties that may be interested so she could send one group email about the Earth Day Event.

DISCUSSED

RESULT:

Any Other Old Business to Come before the Committee.

None.

VI.

NEW BUSINESS

Election of Officers -

Chairperson

Vice-Chairperson

Treasurer

Secretary

Motion to APPROVE slate with Kathrine Kohrs as Chairperson, Lauren Hawes as

Vice-Chairperson, Mechelle Barber as Treasurer and Michelle Hagerty as Secretary.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Kathrine Kohrs

RESULT:

MOVER:

Lauren Hawes

SECONDER:

Eastbourne Kohrs Hawes Barber Hagerty

AYE

Any Other New Business to Come before the Committee.

None.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Motion to ADJOURN the Regular Meeting at 6:23 p.m.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Lauren Hawes

RESULT:

MOVER: