St. Michaels in Bloom Wins National Award from America in Bloom

 

In 2017, St. Michaels in Bloom was formed by members of the St. Michaels community. The organization is dedicated to the beautification of St. Michaels. Consisting solely of volunteers, St. Michaels in Bloom works to create a welcoming and vibrant landscape for our town through the planting colorful flowers, plants and trees throughout our business and community districts. Part of the national organization, America in Bloom, whose vision is to have localities across the US participate in community beautification projects, the goal of St. Michaels in Bloom is to see our community bloom in many ways. The local organization plans to complete a major project each year, adding to the previous projects of planting over 50,000 daffodils for the annual Daffodil Festival, adding and maintaining 16 hayrack planters to Honeymoon Bridge, and landscaping the Town welcome sign.

 

This summer, America in Bloom sent two of their judges to evaluate and offer recommendations to the Town of St. Michaels and St. Michaels in Bloom in seven categories. The “best of the best” Outstanding Achievement Award were given in each of the seven criteria (plus community involvement): community vitality, flowers, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmental efforts, celebrating heritage, and overall impression. These awards only go to one entrant among ALL of the 41 AIB entrants across ALL categories. Entrants may nominate themselves.

 

The Town of St. Michaels, nominated by the St. Michaels in Bloom committee, was the winner of “Community Vitality”. This award recognizes the policies, programs, and outdoor activities and facilities that lead to a vibrant community and a sense of well-being. Includes parks, playgrounds, dog parks, sports fields, water activities, trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities.

 

In his remarks introducing the “Community Vitality” Award, Past-President of America in Bloom, Charlie Hall said, “St. Michaels' small population is deceiving. The town provides all the amenities of a large city. You will find a world class museum; cultural events and celebrations galore; outdoor recreation opportunities; farmer's market; public library that incorporates an art gallery into its building; free little libraries situated around the town; community center that provides activities for all ages; a Habitat for Humanity program helping families own a home; a soup kitchen and thrift store to keep those in need from going hungry; and an amazing community garden that provides home grown food to families.”

 

St. Michaels was a finalist for the “Celebrating Heritage” Award as well. for the recognition, designation, protection, commemoration, and celebration of historical, cultural, natural, agricultural, and industrial resources.

 

Other categories for which St. Michaels nominated itself for were: Flowers-Flowering annuals, perennials, bulbs, tropical plants, flowering topiaries, and colorful foliage and/or cut plant material for season-round interest in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, raised planters, trellises, and in-ground beds; Landscaped Areas - Plants and related programs for the leadership, design, installation, and maintenance of landscape (shrubs, ornamental grasses, vines, evergreen topiaries), turf, and ground covers; Environmental Efforts - Environmental leadership, policies, plans and programs for resource conservation; pollution control; trash, recycling, and reuse; and alternative fuel vehicles; Overall Impression - Adequate and effective amenities are provided in good condition, and the community is welcoming and beautiful. The remaining category Urban Forestry - Trees and related programs for the leadership, management, design, installation, and maintenance on public and private lands, was not nominated this year, due to the fact that The Town’s Tree Survey has not been updated recently, but plans are in the works to remedy that situation.

 

Additionally, Kimberly Weller, Communications Manager for the Town of St. Michaels and supporter of the efforts of St. Michaels in Bloom was nominated by the organization for the “Community Champion” Award and was a finalist. This award recognizes an individual who exemplifies community leadership through actions that reflect the mission of the organization.

 

A written report was given to the Town of St. Michaels and St. Michaels in Bloom by the judges who evaluated the town and includes observations and suggestions in all of the evaluated criteria, and provides a valuable roadmap and planning tool for future projects and improvements.

Part of the national organization, America in Bloom, whose vision is to have localities across the US participate in community beautification projects, the goal of St. Michaels in Bloom is to see our community bloom in many ways.

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