America in Bloom
Leesa Metzger
March 8th 2007
The
gardening season officially began Thursday at the Blocker Room in the Library
as local gardening expert Leesa Metzger presented the first of
March Into Spring presentations. Along with about 9 regular
members the program attracted 4 or 5 guests. America in Bloom is a
national beautification contest that began last year with the
participation of four cities across the United States. This unique program
helps to foster community involvement, patriotism and civic pride through
the challenge of a friendly competition between participating communities
across the country. The contest is judged on the basis of eight categories,
including tidiness, environmental awareness, heritage, urban forestry,
landscaped areas, flora displays, turf and ground cover areas and, most
importantly, community involvement.
This year, the contest will again provide communities with a forum to
increase civic pride and community involvement through the challenge of a
national evaluation. The program has registered almost thirty communities to
date. Hopefully the program will bring together citizens of all ages,
municipal governments and local organizations to work collectively for the
visual improvement of America's parks, neighborhoods, open spaces and
streets. This can only encourage the preservation of our collective heritage
and culture while creating a sense of unity and pride among citizens.
(from
www.americainbloom.org)