Spring work begins for Takin’ Care of T’burg

Spring has sprung for Takin’ Care of T’burg, an informal group of Trumansburg residents who get together to set up and maintain planters and greenery throughout downtown Trumansburg.

“Takin’ Care of T’burg has been going strong for about 20 years,” volunteer Karen Powers said. “It came about when the new sidewalks and bricks went into downtown Trumansburg.”

Procuring the plants and flowers used in the annual beautification from local grower Sommarstuga Gardens, this dedicated group of volunteers is hoping to see new faces this season to join them on their mission.

“Sommarstuga” is Swedish for “summer cottage” and perfectly describes the retail location owned by Darlene and Don Schlather, located at 81 E. Main St. in the heart of the village.

“We had had retail sales at our farm and greenhouse location at 7651 NY-89 in Interlaken, as well as Main Street, before COVID hit,” Don Schlather said. “For retail sales this season, people can call and set up to buy at the Interlaken location by appointment. We also sell at the [Ithaca] Farmers Market and at GreenStar.”

The current volunteers are hoping to add a few younger people to their group this season. Volunteer Marlaine Darfler explained that the group has a stress-free and no-commitment-necessary volunteer policy.

“About four years ago, I had just moved here and came across an article about the group and I thought it would be a nice way to meet people,” Darfler said. “I just walked downtown with my trowel and said hello and joined in. There are several long-term members, but we’re getting older and would like to see some younger members join. There are no meetings, and there’s always something to nibble on after work.”

Several core members of the volunteer group have a non-stress layout board plan that illustrates everything that needs to be done throughout the process. Individuals wishing to volunteer can simply look at the board and see what needs to be done and pick and choose their direction on whatever dates they wish to attend.

“You don’t have to sign up and commit to a specific date,” Darfler said. “We know that people have busy lives and schedules and welcome anyone that sees a day that works for them to just come on down and join in.”

Powers shared Darfler’s sentiment, saying they welcome all levels of experience.

“We have people that are certified horticulturists [and] people who don’t know a weed from a plant,” she said. “People can just show up to sweep and collect litter if they don’t want to handle the plants. Everyone is welcome.”

Peter Meskill, retired Tompkins County sheriff and lifetime Trumansburg resident, and his wife, Dale Meskill, are founding members of the botany brigade and are in charge of watering and maintenance of the flowers and plants once those are in place. The Meskills are also responsible for the cheerful, bright red cart often seen darting around the village all summer long.

“We got a great deal on the cart,” Peter said. “We got it in the fall of 2019 specifically to water [plants]. The four-wheeler is all decked out with a tank and a hose. It’s got a 35-gallon tank, and it takes roughly two tanks for all of the water each trip. Now, Dale can easily just go around and water without dragging watering cans.”

Kicking off the collaborative community endeavor is Dusty Vanderzee of the Trumansburg Department of Public Works (DPW), delivering the soon-to-be-filled planters all over town. Vanderzee, along with other DPW staff, also collects the planters at the end of the season to take back to their base on Main Street for storage.

“The village gives us mulch when we need it,” Powers said. “The redemption center on Main Street also collects cans that we use the proceeds from to help fund things. We are grateful for all the generosity the Trumansburg community showed in helping us during the pandemic. It’s a community effort that’s a lot of fun.”

Work session dates begin May 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the Mini Village on Main Street in front of the Main Street laundromat for winter clean-up. On May 19 from 5:45 to 7 p.m., volunteers will meet at the Trumansburg Farmers Market on Main Street to prepare and distribute the planters, with supper provided afterward.

On June 4, July 9, Aug. 6 and Sept. 10 from 9 to 11 a.m., volunteers will meet up at the Mini Village. Final planter pickup will happen the week of Oct. 24.

“These are hard dates that will not change,” Powers said. “We do not reschedule due to inclement weather or anything of that sort. If the weather changes, we just jump right in and keep moving forward. It’s a good time, and it really makes a difference for Trumansburg. It’s fun for the whole community and a great way to meet people.”

Anyone who has questions or wants to add their name to the email list can contact Powers at kpp419@yahoo.com. Interested parties can check for information and updates on the Takin’ Care of T’burg Facebook page, facebook.com/takincareoftburg.

Trumansburg Connection appears every Wednesday in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com.