DIXFIELD – Since the Dixfield Economic Development Council resumed meeting earlier this spring, the organization has been busy putting together projects aimed at making the town an appealing place for visitors and residents.
Just before Memorial Day, using a donation from Irvings Forest Products, eight baskets of petunias were hung along the Main Street by the public works crew.
Whether the red, white and purple flowers were going to be hung at all was a big question until a few weeks ago. For the past several years, donations from MeadWestvaco have made the downtown beautification possible.
But this year, the mill’s new owner did not offer to do so, said Norine Clarke, chairwoman of the economic development council.
Irvings, did. The flowers were provided by a local greenhouse, Carlton’s.
And the petunias are expected to stay bright and colorful all season long, said Clarke, because the public works crew waters them daily.
“The flowers get noticed and people notice when a town cares,” Clarke said.
Also in the works is construction of an informational kiosk at the village green on Main Street, just to the left of Bullrock the moose.
Clarke said a 6- by 6-foot wooden kiosk is expected to be installed later this summer. On it will be a town map and information on the locations of businesses and points of interest.
“Bullrock” will also be undergoing a spring tuneup and repair by its creator, wood sculptor Ted Walker of New Vineyard.
Clarke said the group decided to again begin meeting after more than a year off because of the number of positive projects the council had completed in the past such as establishment of the village green, development of town brochures and maps, and installation of welcome signs.
“Part of what we do is try to make the town more attractive for visitors and potential new residents,” she said.
The nine-member council meets most Thursdays at 8 a.m. Anyone interested in joining may phone Clarke at 562-8816 or any other member.
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