America in Bloom - Planting Pride in Your Community
Photo Credit
Bexley, Ohio
2011 Winner 10,001-15,000 Population Category



Anticipation: Something Exciting to Shout About!
By Marvin Miller, AIB President

This e-newsletter column provides me with the opportunity to SHOUT about something VERY exciting!

While I have known about this opportunity for a few months, I didn't know exactly when it would occur. While anticipation has been high, I have struggled a bit in contemplating how best to get the word out, and how best to convey my excitement for what I'm about to announce. More importantly, I've debated how best to get you, the reader, as excited about this announcement as I am.   

Click here to read what all the shouting is about.

Community Beautification Program Results in Crime & Violence Reduction

The after-school and summer program, Youth Empowerment Solutions for Peaceful Communities (YES), is a School of Public Health case study based in Flint, Michigan that focuses on empowering local middle school students to develop and carry out neighborhood improvement and beautification projects. Over the past 2 years the program has displayed significant impacts on the community, most notably a 50 percent reduction in violent crime near the Rosa Parks Peace Park renovation project.

Click here to read more about the program.

Plants Are More Than Just Pretty! AIB Benefits Communities in Diverse Ways

Register now for the next FREE AIB webinar "Part 1: More Than Just Pretty! AIB Benefits Communities in Diverse Ways" held Wednesday, March 21 from 2 - 2:30 p.m. EST.

Presented by Dr. Charlie Hall, Professor & Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University

Communities that have participated in America in Bloom have all benefitted directly from the beautification of their surroundings. But the benefits of AIB extend beyond the expected aesthetic benefits. Dr. Hall will use his vast undustry experience and expertise to show how lives are changed significantly in terms of the economic, environmental, and health/well-being benefits of flowers, shrubs, and trees. This webinar will provide thought-provoking evidence of the power of plants and why they are necessities in our lives, not mere luxuries!

Part one of this two-part series covers the economic, environmental, and health benefits of plants at large. Part two in the series will be presented April 18 and focus primarily on the economic, environmental, and health benefits of plants to homeowners. Registration for part two opens Wednesday, March 21.

Click here to register for part one.

Grant Funding for Creating Local Greenscapes

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is offering the new GRO1000 Grassroots Grant awards as part of a commitment to build 1,000 community gardens and green spaces by 2018. These Grassroots Grants will be awarded to organizations across the U.S. to help create greenscapes in local neighborhoods and communities.

Deadline for application submission is this February 24 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Grants, which range from $500 to $1,500, are awarded based on community need, scope of project, and long-term sustainability of the project.

Click here for more information and to apply.  

Visit the AIB Booth at the Philadelphia Flower Show

For the first time, America in Bloom (AIB) will have an exhibit at the world famous Philadelphia International Flower Show. Held from March 4 - 11, the Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest, oldest, and most prestigious in the country. This year's theme is Hawaii: Islands of Aloha.

AIB's exhibit coordinator, board member Delilah Onofrey, partnered with Costa Farms, Knox Nursery, Peace Tree Farm, and the National Foliage Foundation to supply plants to support the tropical theme. Eckert's Greenhouse will provide iron poles and baskets to create a park-like street scene.

Click here to read more.

Get in on the Excitement & Community-Building Momentum

jump startIt's time to register your community to participate in the 2012 America in Bloom national awards program. The deadline to register is February 28 so start pulling together your resources and organizing your community today.  

Register now.

To learn more about the program, the benefits of participation, and how to make the most of your experience, click here

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Find America in Bloom on the web at www.americainbloom.org.
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, [email protected]