Ansonia nature center director feted on retirement

Family, friends surprise Lindgren  

Donna Lindgren listens to friends wish her well during Saturday's surprise party for her.

Donna Lindgren, right foreground, gets ready to cut into a cake in her honor.

ANSONIA - My daughter Allegra and I attended a surprise open house Saturday for Donna Lindgren, Ansonia Nature Center director, who is retiring after 34 years.

She is the first and only director the center has had since it opened in 1979.

Ranger Martin Wigglesworth and Alison Rubelmann, assistant director, show off photographer Ron Smith's pictures of the nature center in each season. The collage was a gift to Lindgren from the staff.

The acorns were a perfect decoration for Lindgren's cake.

Guitarists David Cherniske, left, of Milford and Ellis Pelaccia of Orange, Lindgren's nephew, entertained throughout the event.

Here's Lindgren laughing as she listens to tributes to her.

I apologize for the blurriness of the above photo. I was on the other side of the room when the honoree arrived.

I also offer my congratulations to Lindgren on her 34-year career as director and I wish her well in her retirement.