Meet our Executive Board!
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Doug Towne Sr.
President
Born and raised in Stamford/Darien, I came from a true gardening family. I put in a lot of hard labor in the fancy gardens with prize-winning plants and flowers.I have been a Naugatuck resident for 34 years. After several years of being a “friend” of the Naugatuck Garden Club, I finally became a member and soon after accepted the duties of Civic Committee Chair.
I bring to the position of President many years of community service in Naugatuck. I currently serve on the boards of Scout Troop 102 and the Ecumenical Food Bank, and as Deacon and Council member of the local Congregational Church.
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Erik Jensen
Vice President
I started gardening at 4 years old, following my father and grandfather around their outdoor spaces. What began as an activity grew into a passion as I got older, and in my 20s, I was starting my own "happy places."For the last 15 years, I have been an activist for all-natural, chemical-free gardening. This branched out to include promoting composting and methods to create a living soil in my and my friends' gardens. Finally, this became a desire to promote and support pollinators, leading to a healthy environment for everyone.
I am honored to serve you and the NGC in this capacity, and I look forward to KEEPING NAUGATUCK BEAUTIFUL.
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Wendyann Fowler
Co-Corresponding Secretary
Born in Danbury, CT, and raised in Newtown, CT, I have been a resident of Naugatuck for 13 years. I serve as an Inland Wetland Commissioner and volunteer at the Food Bank as well as the polls as an election worker. I have always had an interest in gardening and flowers.
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Theresa Towne
Co-Corresponding Secretary
I have always had a deep appreciation for the environment, gardening, and conservation. After years of watching my dad volunteer as a member of the Naugatuck Garden Club, I was inspired to join and become part of its efforts to beautify and educate our community.
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Bobbi Cremins
Co-Recording Secretary
I have enjoyed gardening and participating in outdoor activities since childhood. I learned a lot from Girl Scouts and weeding alongside my Mom, then relaxing with a good book in my shady backyard. There is nothing like the taste of a tomato you grow yourself or the look of pleasure on a friend’s face when you give them some fresh flowers or herbs you have just cut from your own garden! As an elementary school teacher, I incorporated these interests into lessons and field trips, where my students learned to appreciate nature and to take responsibility for their natural environment.
Upon retirement, I had more time to spend cultivating my flower and vegetable gardens, so I chose to join the Naugatuck Garden Club to expand my horticultural knowledge. It is a great organization! I have attended many interesting and entertaining programs, and participated in some very enjoyable hands-on flower arranging and crafting activities! I am delighted with the camaraderie of our fun-loving members who are dedicated to making their town beautiful!
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Aldona LaPorta
Co-Recording Secretary
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Deb Hoponick
Co-Treasurer
I was born and raised in Stratford. After getting married, I moved to Southbury. There, I worked on riding horses, showing them, taking care of beef cattle, and, of course, flowers. I went to the Federated Flower Show back in 2014. I went looking for a garden club to join, and Naugatuck met at night, and that was perfect for me. I liked what the club was doing, and in 2015, I was asked to be the Treasurer. Being a bookkeeper by trade, this was the perfect role with the club. I enjoy doing arrangements, making craft items, and taking care of my garden. On top of that, I take care of the George O'Donnell Memorial Garden.
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Bernie Grusziewicz
Co-Treasurer
I have been dedicated Garden Club member since 1996 and have a special passion for shade gardens and plant propagation. I have also played a significant role in collecting, managing, and growing plants for our annual plant sale, helping make it a successful and much-anticipated Garden Club tradition.

