Established in 1919, Forestburg is a vibrant community nestled between the beautiful Battle River Valley and the prosperous prairie grain fields of east central Alberta.

The quality of life in Forestburg is great. Minutes from their doorstep residents can curl, golf, play hockey, slow-pitch, baseball, tennis, paint pictures, and join a drama or choral musical group.  They have an active senior's community, numerous youth programs, a modern school, and retail stores and services to fulfill everyone's needs.

Forestburg began participating in Communities in Bloom at the provincial level in 1998. They have participated ever since, alternating between provincial and national editions, and in several different categories. They have mentored other communities and are looking forward to hosting this year's awards event for Alberta's 2011 Provincial Edition.  Although Forestburg is small in population size, they have been CiB Champions over the years - 1999 National Champions, and 2009 Provincial Champions!

This year, Forestburg is registered in this year's national CiB program in the Circle of Excellence - a Non-Evaluated category, as their time is taken up with hosting the provincial awards.  One of the more interesting projects the community undertakes includes planting a garden with the Grades 3-6 Citizenship Club right at the school and donating the vegetables to the Flagstaff Food Bank.  Residents are encouraged to participate in the Plant a Row, Give a Row project as well.  Work bees are held every Monday night in their community.

The October 2010 issue of Communities in Bloom Magazine says, "Beautiful baskets hang from street posts while residential and community gardens boast diverse floral displays.  Lush green lawns with a backdrop of living walls showcase the talent of many experienced volunteer gardeners.  Displays of farm implements strategically placed throughout the village remind visitors of Forestburg's rich farming heritage and encourage explorative strolls through the streets.  This proud community is certainly blooming!"

Take an opportunity to visit Forestburg (perhaps attend this year's Provincial Awards) and see why they are "Alberta's Growing Community!"

To find more about their community, check them out at www.forestburg.ca.

By Rose Carmichael
CiB Alberta Judge and Community Liaison - ACE Communities

Those who know me would say that not only am I an avid gardener and love the outdoors, I have a strong commitment to community and volunteer /support numerous groups.  I love to see how others live, and professionally I am getting a hands on education in the art of community development.   So being a judge for Communities in Bloom (CiB) seemed like a good match to me. 

As with all things new, you never really quite know what you are getting into until you have actually done it.  After the first orientation session, deciphering all of the acronyms, meeting other judges, scoping out their skill sets, listening to debates on new rules and forms, hearing news of the national body, and then looking at the evaluation form, I truly questioned my judgment.    The discovery that Communities in Bloom is more than gardening scared me half to death, but I am no quitter, so onward and upward.

Luckily, being assigned a partner judge with great skills and vast experience soothed my nerves.  With the first community, the day started with a short trip just outside the community I live in, meeting the town staff, the CiB committee, town council members, and coffee in Council Chambers.  The butterflies eased up after the first couple of hours, as I learned I could share knowledge and skills that the community found valuable. 

Then at lunch I was surprised by, an interested local reporter, even though there was no mention of a reporter in the orientation.  Eeek!  But as I said above, I really do like to roll with the punches.  After lunch, the rest of the day passed with a lot less adventure and I was introduced to an amazing community.   The community turned out to be a 5 bloomer and was a high achiever in their category.

The most unexpected part of the experience was being the celebrity and receiving the diva treatment.   I am accustomed to being the one responsible for making sure that the guests are treated in that manner, not receiving it.   It is a most humbling sort of appreciation.  

In my first year, I evaluated two communities, got my feet good and wet in the judging department and loved every minute of it, including completing the evaluation form. . This year, I get to travel to 4 communities, 3 of which will be completed in 3 consecutive days.  Travelling to some of these rural Alberta communities is an adventure all on its own.  I can't wait! 

I have returned with the greatest anticipation for a second year.  Observing and understanding the pride and sense of community that grows and flourishes in a CiB community is what has drawn me back this year.  The diva treatment is something I will just have to live with.

Preparing for the CiB judges can seem like a daunting task - especially if your community is new to the Program.  By following a few simple steps, you can generate a meaningful and fun-filled experience for both your community and the judges...and obtain a great score as well!

Start by preparing your Community Profile Book while keeping in mind the contents of the 2011 Evaluation Form. Remember to publicize the judges' visit to your community along with the tour route.  This will raise public awareness. 

During your initial 30-60 minute meeting with the judges, your team of CiB committee members, volunteers etc. should create an upbeat and enthusiastic atmosphere.   Provide the judges with support materials such as your Community Profile Book, a copy of last year's Evaluation, a map with the tour route (2 copies) and your Municipal Information Form (2 copies).  A separate binder with general information about your community is helpful too.

When it's time for the tour, ensure someone knowledgeable about the community accompanies the judges.  It is important to include in the tour examples from each of the six major judging elements (see Evaluation Form).

Community involvement is key and a core guiding principle of the CiB Program.  To that end, have the judges stop at each site to chat with the volunteers and people responsible for each area. This indicates good community involvement.  Speaking with the Parks foreman or Public Works manager also gives the judge an excellent feel for the community.

Remember not to schedule the judges' too day full.  They need 3-4 hours of quiet time to fill out the evaluation grid and will gladly forgo entertainment (like golf games or boat rides) in favour of being able to see your community and give it a fair evaluation.

The main factor of success is visible community improvement and a growth in community spirit.  The judges should be able to easily tell that your community is an attractive and safe place to live. 

When the judges arrive be prepared and then relax and have fun!

This year the CiB Alberta judges came together for their annual orientation seminar on May 14-15th in Leduc.  The 21volunteer judges prepared for the 2011 season by confirming their availability for judging assignments and discussing associated logistical issues. 

They also reviewed judging procedures and CiB program updates, as well as engaging in a learning session about the remediation and interim uses of brownfields. 

Held in the spring every year, this seminar is an excellent opportunity for the judges to share their enthusiasm for the Communities in Bloom program through learning and socializing with fellow volunteer judges.

This year's CiB National Awards event will take place on October 26-29th, 2011 in Quebec City, Quebec for the 2011 National Awards & Symposium.  The Symposium will focus on Healthy Living through Parks & Green Spaces, with presentations on multi-use pathways, green spaces for leisure and health, community gardens, healthy lifestyle activities, current plant health challenges, inspirational garden themes, public art in parks and innovation in green spaces.

Technical visits will showcase landscaped sites along the St-Charles River, the Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain and conclude at the renowned Joan of Arc Garden on the Plains of Abraham. The delegates will also benefit from the networking and information exchanges with fellow colleagues from across Canada, the USA and abroad.

For more information on CiB's National Awards, please visit the program's national website: www.communitiesinbloom.ca

Mark your calendars for September 17th!  Planning is well underway for Forestburg to host Communities in Bloom Provincial Awards on Saturday, September 17, 2011.

The theme for this year's Provincial Awards event is Plant a Row, Give a Row - community gardens and partnering with food banks.  About 175 - 200 people are expected to attend from more than forty communities. There will be tours, hospitality event, an evening meal, silent auction and award presentations.  A detailed brochure complete with registration information will be coming your way soon. 

The 2012 National Awards & Symposium will be held in Edmonton in from October 26-29th, 2012 and hosted by the Edmonton Capital Region. 

The theme for the event is "Growing Vibrant Sustainable Communities".  Discussions are underway to explore opportunities for factoring in the 2012 provincial awards as a complement to the overall event.