America in Bloom-St. Charles: Let's make the judges see red - plant red geraniums this season!

The America in Bloom - St. Charles Committee is entering the city in the America in Bloom national awards program for 2018 - and they want to make the judges see red! The red geranium once again is the 2018 flower for St. Charles and the committee is asking residents and businesses to plant red geraniums this season.

For two days in July (actual dates have not been announced yet), two America in Bloom judges once again will be in St. Charles touring floral displays, landscape and forestry areas, and environmental projects. But the American in Bloom program is about more than just flowers. The judges also will look at St. Charles' heritage preservation, community involvement and overall impression.

This is the fourth year St. Charles will be represented in the competition. Last year, St. Charles took home top honors, winning its population category, along with the Outstanding Achievement Award for Overall Impression, besting 40 other communities that entered from across the nation.

A special recognition also was given to Pam Otto, nature programs manager with the St. Charles Park District & America in Bloom-St. Charles Committee Member. Otto was nominated for the 2017 America in Bloom Community Champion Award, which recognizes a volunteer who "has demonstrated an outstanding vision and selfless commitment to moving the community forward."

"We have really made our mark in the community with several accomplishments," said Diane Cullen, America in Bloom-St. Charles Committee co-chair. "The strings of outdoor lights on the First Street Plaza, decorative planters downtown and recycling containers placed throughout St. Charles are just a few of the initiatives that are positively impacting our town."

America in Bloom - St. Charles Committee is seeking volunteers to help with this year's entry.

"We're always looking for new ideas and new faces to join in our efforts," said Ward 5 Alderman & America in Bloom - St. Charles Committee co-chair Maureen Lewis. "We hope the activities that promote environmentalism and beautification of our community become a part of the culture of St. Charles."

For more information, contact Diane Cullen at dianelcullen@gmail.com or Maureen Lewis at mlewis@stcharlesil.gov or (630) 584-4622.

America in Bloom - St. Charles Committee members are: Maureen Lewis, Ward 5 Alderman; residents Diane Cullen, Barbara Campbell, Frank Esposito, Heather Goudreau, Marcia Koenen, Nona Koivula and John Thornhill; Steve Martin of First State Bank; Jim Nau of Ball Seed; Holly Cabel and Pam Otto of St. Charles Park District; Jenna Sawicki of Downtown St. Charles Partnership; Michelle Cianferri of Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau; Pam Salomone of St. Charles Public Library; and City of St. Charles staff Chris Adesso, Lisa Garhan, Tim Kirsininkas and Isabel Soderlind.

America in Bloom-St. Charles is a collaborative effort between the City of St. Charles, St. Charles Park District, local organizations, and volunteers with the mission of improving St. Charles through floral displays, landscaped areas, environmental initiatives, and heritage preservation. The committee enters St. Charles in the annual America in Bloom program each year, where two judges visit and assess St. Charles' efforts. St. Charles took home top honors in 2017, winning its population category and the Outstanding Achievement Award for Overall Impression, besting 40 communities that entered from across the nation. More at www.stcharlesil.gov/about/america-in-bloom.

More about the America in Bloom national program at www.americainbloom.org.