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The Family of Man
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 The Museum
of Modern Art in New
York assembled a photography exhibit in 1955 called The Family of Man. A team, led by
Edward Steichen, attempted to demonstrate that the art of photography was a
dynamic process which gives form to ideas. For this exhibit, they used the art to explain
man to man. Beginning with over two
million photographs, the team narrowed the exhibit to 503 black and white photographs
from 273 professional and amateur photographers from 68 countries. They selected photographs that exhibited life,
from birth to death, focusing on the daily relationships of man to himself, his
family, his community and the world. The
compilation of the exhibit was recorded in a book of the same name. Today, over 50 years later, The Family
of Man is still available in paperback.
Read more |
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From a Garden, a Flower
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By Evelyn Alemanni, AIB Judge and Board Member
America in Bloom greatly appreciates its supporters: industry, businesses, and individuals. Some donate funds, others donate in-kind
goods and services, and many more offer their precious time. One of those
supporters was Marianne Florl, my mother, whose name matched her passion. She was the consummate "flower lady" whose
favorite Saturday activity was nursery hopping followed by Sunday in the
garden, giving perfect homes to newly found treasures and creating a floral
spectacle that her neighbors all enjoyed.
She was a strong supporter of America in Bloom - she helped
in many ways when Elfin Forest entered America in Bloom. More important, she
was the one who tended my 5+ acre garden while I traveled on judging tours,
keeping flowers deadheaded, plants watered, and weeds vanquished. Without her
help, who knows what I would have returned to. At 81 years old, she could push a wheelbarrow, dig
big holes for new rosebushes, and hoist 20 lb. bags of Chickity Doo Doo, then
ask "What's next?" Last fall she learned
her cancer had returned. On January 19, she left her garden for the last time
at the age of 82. My family and I were overwhelmed with the kindness of the AIB
family and friends who sent condolences, prayers, and healing thoughts. People
from towns I've judged, fellow judges, board members, sponsors, Communities in
Bloom in Canada ... all came together in support, reinforcing that involvement in
America in Bloom creates a very special bond among its participants. We are
especially grateful to those who sent donations to America in Bloom in Mom's name. Those gifts will help assure that what Mom did so well in her own garden
can be replicated in towns across America. What a wonderful way to memorialize
a true AIB supporter and friend of the flowers. Our heartfelt thanks to all of
you.
Photo: Marianne
Florl - AIB supporter.
Editor's Note: Bequests are
welcome and appreciated. For information on how you can honor someone important
in your life, contact the AIB office at 614-487-1117
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Funds for Cities and Counties for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Projects
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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), passed in February, included
$3.2 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which will help fund city and county efforts to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy.
Congress approved the EECBG program in mid-2008, but failed to appropriate
funds for it until its inclusion in ARRA. The EECBG funds available for fiscal
year 2009 may be used to spur economic growth, decrease total energy consumption
by improving the energy efficiency of vehicles and buildings, and create
jobs.
EECBG application forms and instructions are available at www.grants.gov. More information also is available at www.eere.energy.gov/wip/.
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AIB Wins Urban Beautification Award
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 America in Bloom
has been awarded the American Horticultural Society's 2009 Urban Beautification
Award. This award is given to an individual, institution, or company for
significant contributions to urban horticulture and the beautification of
American Cities.
Marvin Miller with the Ball Horticultural Company and president of AIB will be accepting the
award on our behalf.
Read the full story. |
AIB Community Spotlight - Rising Sun, Indiana
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By Ed Rhinehart, AIB Judge Driving into a city for the first time as a judge with America
in Bloom always brings on anticipation and excitement. Rising Sun, Indiana was no exception when I judged them in 2007
with its wonderful floral displays, hanging baskets, colorful gardens, and
painted murals on the sides of buildings. Walking toward the Ohio
River you get an impressive view of the Pavilion (pictured below) with is "Weeping
Tree" fountain, grand staircases, walkway, and seating areas.
While the Pavilion was impressive, one of the most exciting projects going on in Rising Sun was the restoration of an abandoned church. The Romanesque Revival Church,
built in 1832 is the oldest building on Main Street. After 158 years the First Presbyterian
Church closed it doors in 1990 and the building sat empty. The city of Rising Sun purchased the
building in 2003 and restoration of this beautiful edifice began. A picture of
"The Christ" survived years of worship, emptiness, fires and renovation and now
is reframed and hangs by the front door. The stained glass windows were
restored and remain part of this historical building. With its hardwood floors
and peaceful feeling Heritage Hall is available for rental for weddings,
meetings etc. It is now both a visual and social focal point of the community
once again.
For further information about Rising Sun, Indiana visit their
website www.enjoyrisingsundowntown.com.
 
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| Have a Story or Photos to Share? |
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We would love to hear from you! Tell us about AIB activities in your community, or let us know about a community you have visited that should get involved with AIB. E-mail your story to Laura Kunkle, LKunkle@ofa.org. | |
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April 20, 2009
