St. Charles receives highest rating from America in Bloom awards program

The St. Charles America in Bloom Committee recently announced St. Charles earned Five Blooms, the highest rating, in the America in Bloom program.

St. Charles also was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award for Landscapes over the 39 other entrants across the country. The results were presented at the Oct. 17 city council meeting.

From July 10-12, two program judges toured St. Charles' floral displays, landscaped areas and environmental project sites. They also reviewed St. Charles' heritage preservation, urban forestry, community involvement and overall community impression.

St. Charles also was recognized for Best Combination of Plants in Hanging Baskets and Best Use of Local Bloom Committee Logo, which were used in the yard signs that were on display at tour stops.

"We are proud of our performance this year and grateful for the recognition. Thanks go out to all who volunteered their time and talents," said Ward 5 Alderman and St. Charles America in Bloom Committee Member Maureen Lewis. "We have learned so much through this experience over the last two years. And I never get tired of showing off our wonderful community."

For more about St. Charles' America in Bloom activities, visit www.stcharlesil.gov.

Excerpts from the judges' report: "Bravo to St. Charles for your second year of participation in the America in Bloom Awards program and for reaching the highest level of achievement with a Five Bloom rating. The picturesque setting of your city along the Fox River is compelling. At certain points, one feels like they are in Europe. There are many spots to just site, soak it in, and stay awhile. A real strength of St. Charles…is the cooperation and collaboration between many volunteer and civic groups and municipal leaders."

Kudos to the St. Charles in Bloom Committee, hundreds of community volunteers, St. Charles Park District, Pottawatomie Garden Club, Downtown St. Charles Partnership and City staff for their hard work.

The St. Charles America in Bloom Committee includes: Maureen Lewis, Ward 5 Alderman; Diane Cullen, resident; Steve Amatangelo, resident; Steve Martin, First State Bank; Barbara Campbell, resident; John Thornhill, resident; Frank Esposito, resident; Nona Koivula, resident; Holly Cabel, St. Charles Park District; Pam Otto, St. Charles Park District; Chris Adesso, City of St. Charles; Isabel Soderlind, City of St. Charles; Jenna Sawicki, Downtown St. Charles Partnership.