Press Release
On Saturday, September 6, a burst of community spirit brought new life to Fairhaven’s Veterans Memorial Park. In just about two hours, 15 volunteers weeded, replanted, and mulched six of the park’s garden beds, leaving the grounds refreshed and ready to welcome visitors.
The project was the latest initiative of the Green Lanterns, a newly formed gardening group created by a mix of Fairhaven newcomers and longtime residents who share a simple mission: celebrate the town’s coastal beauty, honor its rich history and citizens, and roll up their sleeves to get things done.
“It’s so nice to be part of a group of like-minded people who just want to help beautify the town, dive in and tackle the areas that need it without delay,” said Lantern Lauren Grant, pausing during the morning’s work to admire the revitalized beds.
The Green Lanterns partnered with the Town of Fairhaven’s Office of Veterans Service for the project, ensuring that the gardens surrounding the memorials reflect the care and respect owed to those they honor.
“It was a combined effort between the Green Lanterns and the Veterans Office, and I have to say it looks beautiful. We thank the Green Lanterns team for their excellent work,” said Michael Jenney, Veterans Service Officer.
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- The group of Green Lanterns volunteers from the September 6, 2025, work day, pose for a photo at Fairhaven’s Veterans’ Memorial Park on Route 6. Submitted photo.
The group hauled mulch, trimmed overgrown plantings, and tucked in new flowers, working side by side with local citizens, town officials, and even a student volunteer from the Northeast Maritime Institute.
Beyond the fresh soil and blossoms, the day carried a sense of camaraderie. Neighbors who had never met before found themselves digging side by side, swapping stories about what drew them to Fairhaven and what makes them proud to call it home.
Other town supporters gifted plants from their own gardens — including Mario Isidoro and Michael Hevey, with offerings of ornamental grasses and irises. David Darmofal and the North Fairhaven Improvement Association donated funds for additional blooms, and Bruce Gratz rolled in with a mobile watering setup to hose down the plantings, providing an essential sub-in for Lantern watering stalwart Brian Messier. Jenney also recognized Kenny’s Garden Center for answering the call by sending a gold mine of much-needed mulch.
The Green Lanterns say this is just the beginning. With energy, goodwill, and a growing list of ideas, the group plans to take on more projects around town — always with the same blend of hard work and community pride.
For now, Veterans Memorial Park stands as a living testament: not only to the service of veterans, but also to what can happen when Fairhaven neighbors come together with a shared purpose.
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- The flower beds at Fairhaven’s Veterans’ Memorial Park on Route 6 on 9/6/25 before the Green Lanterns transformed the space with new plantings and mulch. Submitted photo.
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- The flower beds at Fairhaven’s Veterans’ Memorial Park on Route 6 on 9/6/25 after the Green Lanterns transformed the space with new plantings and mulch. Submitted photo.
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