New gardens coordinator Samantha Langone introduced to Rubin Conservation Commission

The Rubin Conservation Commission introduced Samantha Langone at its March 7 meeting as the new gardens coordinator responsible for the community garden program. Langone, who said she is a kindergarten teacher at the Reeves and walks the pond daily, told commissioners she has helped informally with the garden program over the past years and will continue to work with outgoing lead Anthony and Commissioner Jerry during the transition.

Langone said she plans to review garden rules, the gardener wait list and the opening date for the season. "I'm just very excited to this opportunity to meet all of you and just be in this position," she told the commission, adding that she looks forward to the garden season and to meeting existing gardeners.

Commission members welcomed Langone and offered support. The chair described the coordinator role as time-consuming and said the commission had moved to a model in which the position could be held by a noncommission member and receive a stipend to manage the gardens going forward. One commissioner praised recent outreach and said the stipend arrangement represents progress for the program.

Langone will work with staff and commissioners to finalize rules and the opening schedule; commissioners encouraged her to call them with any questions during the transition.