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 December 21, 2009
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America in Bloom
Planting Pride in Your Community |
Photo Credit
St Clairsville, Ohio
5,001-10,000 Population Category Winner in 2007 |
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Proving the Plant-Human Health Link
Australian scientists are one step closer to actually proving the link between indoor plants and human health and wellbeing. Initial information from a three-year study is showing not only expected results, such as the potential of indoor plants to help reduce indoor CO2 levels, but also new information, including the beneficial nature of coconut fiber, a greater effect in newer buildings, and a possible link with weather.
The study aims to not only prove this important link but also quantify it: How much better do people feel around plants and how many plants are needed to affect air quality? |
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Life-Long Learning Opportunities for Communities
By Katy Moss Warner, AIB Judge
America in Bloom (AIB) is like a lifelong learning
program for communities. As an AIB judge, I have seen first-hand how cities
benefit by being part of the America in Bloom experience, whether they win
a population award or not.
As with ongoing professional training - which we all know
is critical to our own success - towns and cities must be ever vigilant to
new trends, new opportunities, and new information in order to provide the
quality of life and economic opportunities expected by their citizens.
Whether you have been part of the AIB contest in the past
or are considering joining for the first time, I encourage you to go for
it! As an AIB judge, I look forward to visiting
YOUR community.
Learn more about AIB and the benefits of participation.
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AIB Community Champion Named Grand Marshal of Parade
AIB Community Champion award winner Rick Webb (pictured left) was the Grand Marshall of Logan, Ohio's Santa Parade on November 28.
Logan's "Bloom" committee decorated a float provided by WalMart with banners
and other decorations.
Group members wore pink garden gloves and their pink
Logan in Bloom t-shirts that match the color scheme of the past summer's
flowers.
Rick provided greenery for the float and holiday wreaths
with large pink ribbons on them. He also passed out candy to spectators.
Logan has twice won the Community Involvement Criteria
Award, and their tremendous community spirit shines with excitement in everything they do.
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Reasons' Greetings
By Marvin Miller, AIB President
Recently,
a holiday letter arrived which ended with "Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah,
Happy Kwanzaa, and Reasons' Greetings!" While, at first glance, the "R" appeared
to be a typo, the more this was pondered, the more intentional that "R"
appeared.
Indeed, life often races during the period between Thanksgiving and
New Years Day, and seldom do we take the time to contemplate the many reasons
to give thanks, to spend time with family and friends, and to consider the true
meanings of the season. Read the full article. |
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Missouri's First Lady Promotes State's Natural Beauty
Missouri's first lady, Georganne Wheeler Nixon, has been
focusing her efforts on initiatives that promote and enhance Missouri's
tremendous natural beauty. She built and
planted a new herb and vegetable garden on the north lawn of the Governor's
Mansion.
Thanks to the help of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, of St. Louis,
and Powell Gardens, near Kansas City, future visitors to the Mansion will have
the opportunity to see an example of a beautiful and practical garden they
could grow right in their own yard.
Learn more at her web site.
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Thank You to All AIB Supporters!
The AIB Board of Directors would like to thank everyone for their support this year! From our enthusiastic communities, to dedicated judges and volunteers, to all of the sponsors - we couldn't do it without you!
As 2009 draws to a close, please remember that America in Bloom is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit program that will appreciate your tax deductible contributions.
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| Connect with America in Bloom |
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Have a story to share? 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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