St. Charles gets its time in the sun: America in Bloom judging is July 12-14
The America in Bloom competition is almost here. July 12-14, two experienced program judges will visit our town. They will be taken on a guided tour around St. Charles to review floral displays and landscaped areas. They also will be assessing our heritage preservation, urban forestry and environmental efforts, and paying attention to the overall impression our community conveys.
You can take a virtual tour of the judging route and see what the judges will see at bit.ly/AIBVirtualTour.
This interactive map really shows off the highlights of our beautiful community.
You also can visit our St. Charles in Bloom web page, www.stcharlesil.gov/about/america-in-bloom, to find out more about the program and page through the impressive entry profile that was submitted. It's bursting with oodles of information, beautiful photos, and most of all an outpouring of community pride!
"We had several organizations and individuals come together to make this happen. I would like to thank all of the volunteers and committee members who have given their time, talents and creativity to this project," said Steering Committee Member Steve Amatangelo. "And if you see the judges as they make their way around St. Charles, be sure to treat them to our St. Charles hospitality with a smile and a 'Hello.'"
There's still time to get involved with last-minute preparations. Contact Steve Amatangelo at Steve.amatangelo@sartorius-intec.com; Diane Cullen at dianecullen@sbcglobal.net; or Maureen Lewis at mlewis@stcharlesil.gov; to see how you can help.
Meet Our Judges
• Jack Clasen has been with America in Bloom since its inception, judging communities throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. He is head of the AIB National Awards/Contest Committee, serves as judge coordinator, and is a member of the AIB board of directors. Clasen is a Master Gardener whose own garden was selected as one of the ten best amateur gardens in Cincinnati and filmed by HGTV.
• Meg Whitmer is a licensed landscape architect with 30 years' professional experience. She has a commitment to beautification, conservation, environmental education, and promoting youth and community gardening. In 2006, she organized an America in Bloom campaign in Stuart, Fla, and in 2008, the city won the top AIB award in its population category.
About the City of St. Charles
Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the "150 Great Places in Illinois," by the AIA Illinois; and one of the "Top 10 Towns To Live In" by West Suburban Living magazine. Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.