LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. —
To the editor:
I recently attended the American in Bloom Symposium and Awards Dinner in St. Louis. Though I live in Missouri, I was there because my hometown — Charles City, Iowa — was one of the entrants in the 2010 contest.
London, Ky., was also a contender, in the same population class as Charles City (4,001-10,000).
Before learning about AIB at their event, I assumed, incorrectly, that America in Bloom was little more than a group of nice, civic leaders who went out of their way to plant some flowers in an effort to beautify their communities.
The event — a classy, professional and well-organized affair attended by 200 individuals from all over the country — convinced me the organization is about much more than colorful bouquets.
Yes, AIB judges floral displays and other growing things, including landscaped areas, turf and ground covers, and urban forests. But they also look at important elements such as community involvement, environmental awareness, heritage preservation and tidiness. …
Of the 26 communities entered in this year’s competition, there were seven winners — and I’m proud to say that Charles City was one of them.
It’s notable, though, that there were no losers. Each community’s presentation made it clear that every single city that entered is a great place to live and work.
London’s representative proved that point.
Though London didn’t win, Chris Robinson, who spearheads your Main Street program, added a touch of class to the event when he made it a point to graciously compliment Charles City in his remarks to the audience. In fact, Mr. Robinson noted that he hopes to visit Charles City next spring to gather some ideas for London.
What a great testament to the spirit of friendly competition promoted by AIB!
I’ve not visited London since the 1970s. Back then, I lived in Louisville, headed sales for the Paramount pickle company, and traveled to your area several times, calling on supermarkets and grocery wholesalers.
Chris Robinson encouraged me to come back again, and I’ll hope to do so, next spring, when London is ready for the 2011 AIB judging.
No, I don’t want London to beat Charles City in next year’s contest! But since competition always serves to make every participant better, I’d like to offer the following suggestions to encourage anyone in London who may want to become involved in this important event:
(1) RESEARCH. Go to www.americainbloom.org and learn about the AIB organization and the ideas they provide.
(2) LEARN. Call Chris Robinson at his office (606-862-8841) to find out how you can help.
(3) CONTRIBUTE. Beyond the AIB entry fee that must be paid, there are operating expenses that need to be covered. Donations of any size are critical to continued success.
(4) VOLUNTEER. Participants of all ages are needed, from watering flower containers and planting some bushes and trees, to helping prepare for judges’ visits and encouraging and organizing additional volunteers.
Those are the things other cities will also be doing to rate high scores from AIB, and if London comes through like Chris Robinson says it can, the 2011 AIB trophy just might be yours.
Good luck, London!
Bill Burge
Ballwin, Mo.
Letters to the Editor
Get involved in the America in Bloom process, London!
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- Pros and Cons of Expanded Alcohol Sales
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Looking for a miracle on Broad Street
A reader sends out a plea to help save the Pennington House.
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Dogs could hurt children in subdivision
(Recently) my cat died at the animal hospital, because dogs are able to run loose in the area — three dogs, two of them without a dog tag one. The other has a tag which was stolen from around my dog’s neck and placed on the third. I called the dog pound, when I learned there is no dog tag required in Laurel County. If so, why did I have to pay for one on my dog? They said they couldn’t do anything unless I was able to catch the dogs, and then call the animal warden to come get them. I called Noah Baker, the magistrate for my area, and never received an encouraging word.
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Thank you to participants in first 5K for Justice
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the first annual 5K Race for Justice on Oct. 9. We at the London Department of Public Advocacy and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office are truly appreciative of all of the runners who came out, and would like to particularly honor the American veterans who ran with us that morning, showing their support for London’s Welcome Home to Vietnam Veterans. We are honored to have had the opportunity to host our race in support of that event.
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Pennington House could be a bed and breakfast
I know we are going to save the Pennington House. That’s a no-brainer!
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Churches challenged to give $100 per month to shelter
My name is Brother Johnny Jervis. I have pastured in and around Laurel County for many years. I am a former board member of the Christian Shelter for the Homeless Inc. in London, and I continue to support that ministry.
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Former resident proud of his hometown
My wife and I visited friends and relatives in your area for 10 days in early October, as we have done many times over the years. I grew up in Laurel County but left at age 18 and never lived here since. That is not necessarily by my choosing, but career choices lead me to other places. However, Laurel County has always been “home” to me.
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Trying to enforce ‘good prevails’ lessons of life
We have been living in the London area for the last three years. We noticed early on there is a problem with some in the community not following parking laws in the handicap and fire lanes.
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Vietnam memorial helped honor sacrifices made
I am writing to thank Buddy Butler and the others involved for organizing the memorial activities for our Vietnam veterans.
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Girl Scouts enjoy ‘the Hannah experience’ too
I wanted to express my delight at Tara Kaprowy’s “As bright as the sun” article in Friday’s Sentinel.
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