St. Charles to host America in Bloom National Symposium and Awards Oct. 3-5
From Oct. 3-5, an estimated 300 visitors from cities around the country will gather at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles for the America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program.
Local group America in Bloom-St. Charles is looking for volunteers to help.
Interested volunteers should register at www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3167212.jsp.
"The symposium offers an exciting chance to showcase our beautiful city to people from across the country who are eager to learn more about our community improvement practices and tour our parks, and cultural and historic sites," said America in Bloom - St. Charles co-chair and Ward 5 Alderman Maureen Lewis.
"Volunteerism is essential to the success of America in Bloom," said America in Bloom - St. Charles co-chair Diane Cullen. "This effort brings people together and offers an opportunity to do something good for the community."
There are still volunteer positions open to help with the symposium, including assisting with tours downtown as a pacer or providing directions; or working the registration table at Pheasant Run.
All training will be provided. Visit VolunteerMatch to register and view volunteer position descriptions and available shift times.
American in Bloom - St. Charles is a group of active residents, and members of local businesses and organizations who work to improve St. Charles through landscaping, environmental, and heritage preservation projects. Learn more at www.stcharlesil.gov/about/america-in-bloom.
"The America in Bloom program allows the park district to showcase its parks, natural areas, and trails. Being part of this national program allowed us to learn how other communities address issues within our industry, which has resulted in improved best practices," said Holly Cabel, St. Charles Park District Director of Parks and Recreation.
America in Bloom - St. Charles enters the America in Bloom national program each year. St. Charles took home top honors in 2017, winning its population category, and then winning in the Circle of Champions in 2018.
The group really gets things done. A few examples of projects:
• Organizes the holiday light recycling program that diverts tons of lights from landfills each year;
• Installation of medallions for downtown storm drains as a reminder these drains connect directly to the river;
• Added new cement planters around town;
• Added recycling containers throughout the community;
• Helped install festive lights on the First Street Plaza;
• Worked with local businesses to encourage recycling and waste reduction.
For more information, contact Diane Cullen at dianecullen@gmail.com or Maureen Lewis at mlewis@stcharlesil.gov or (630) 584-4622.
To get involved, register to volunteer at VolunteerMatch or contact Marcia Koenen, volunteer coordinator, at (630) 205-2868 or mkoenen@att.net.