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The Citizen, 2001-10-03, Page 6_HEALTH ON THE HILL_ PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2001. Judges confirm residents' view Blyth bloomin' wonderful eral landscaping they mentioned that the Horticultural Society's flowerbeds were well done and colourful. The butterfly garden also came in for its share of praise. When turf and ground cover areas were mentioned it is notable that both the municipality and private citizens received 10/10 for their maintenance efforts. The judges made a number of gen- eral remarks in their report and sever- al revolved around the "remarkable extent" of local support. The opening of the Radford property to youth' groups was specifically mentioned as was the involvement of children in arious areas. This support is what Bev Elliott the local chairperson talks about and you can hear the pride in her voice when - she thanks, "all those many volunteers that worked so hard." She said, "They are the ones who carry out all the projects that were neces- sary to win." Babcock said of the program, "The idea is to get the community working together." The judges' remarks seem to indicate that the organizing com- mittee succeeded. Anne Elliott tried to sum up the experience of being at the awards cer- emony and hearing Blyth's name. "It's hard to explain the sense of pride you feel when you go there," she said, "it's a wonderful experi- ence." 1 "October" is Savouring success For the Blyth Communities in Bloom executive a national victory doesn't mean the work is done. The group met recently to plan, but also took just a minute to celebrate their monumen- tal victory in New Brunswick. Back row, from left: Bev Elliott, Anne Elliott, Ann Hulzebos, Nancy Snell. Front: Mary Lou Stewart, Louann Taylor. Absent was Elaine Scrimgeour, Eleanor Babcock. (Jeannette McNeil photo) By David Blaney Citizen staff Last week Blyth received its tro- phy. Now the judges' report is finally here and it confirms what the local Communities in Bloom committee already knew. The community of Blyth is blooming wonderful. At.an awards ceremony described by Nancy Snell as "Like being at the Emmys" five members of Blyth's organizing committee first heard of the village's country-wide recogni- tion_ by the national Communities in Bloom organization. Snell, Eleanor Babcock, Anne Elliott, Elaine Scrimgeour and committee chair Bev Elliott went to Saint John, New Brunswick to attend the presentation. The town received 873 out of a possible 1,000 points (87 3/1 ,000), or 87.3 per cent. Scrimgeour was quick to point out, "Flowers and gardens are only one tenth of what this is all about." Her remarks were echoed by Snell who said, "It's about civic pride not just flowers. You have to be there to feel the pride these communities have." The community was judged on THE EDITOR If you have had the chance to talk with one of the members of the team that went to Saint John NB to the Communities in Bloom Awards Ceremony you will have noticed one common facial expression. It's the permanent smile on our faces. To be able to represent the village on a national level was indeed an honour. There were 11 villages and ham- lets in our population category 1- 1000. But the village is not compet- ing for marks against other commu- nities. You work to achieve the marks within. each category for the village, on a residential, commercial and municipal level. We've always had a vibrant proud community, active organizations, willing volunteers and municipal support, a beautiful main street and pleasant people. What the Communities in Bloom program gives a small community is the venue to mobilize its citizens. This may mean dusting off plans and ideas that were on the back burner for several reasons. It also means maintaining what has worked in the past and also the motivation to create new ideas as groups, and individuals eight criteria and received its best marks in the area of floral display with 137/150. In the area of private properties the judges awarded the cit- izens of Blyth perfect marks. The municipality was awarded full marks for its plan of action and the concept and design of its contributions in this area. Very close behind in the judges' estimation was tidiness effort. Their written remarks indicate their appre- ciati& of the residents' work. "Everything is very clean. It is out- standing in every respect. No litter of any kind was seen." Blyth's lowest overall mark was for environment effort and even here the judges awarded 82/100 and had many words of praise. The judges specifically mentioned the Blyth Brook Greenway Heritage Trail and the stream enhancement project. They suggested that the trail could be made even better with more signage and interpretation. Although the judges felt the com- mercial and municipal contributions could be enhanced in this area, the citizens were given perfect marks for their participation in the environmen- step forward to take up the challenge to put the village in the spotlight. The program is all about civic pride. The slogan "People, Plants and Pride working together" sums it up best. Working together with other organizations for a common goal - to enhance the village. The school children painting flower pots, the Scouts mulching trees at the fair- grounds, the fire hydrants being painted, the poem signs in the flower beds to brighten someone's day, vol- unteers adopting flower beds, or a tree planting program... the list just keeps going on. The main purpose of this letter to the editor is just to say thank you to the village for making my' visit to New Brunswick such a pleasure. I met up with others that I had met in Edmonton and the surrounding communities last year, met new friends from St Ives, Eng.; Portland, Maine; Sundre, AB; and Camden, AB. To be with people whom, like us, had made the trek to Saint John on our own steam to represent our community was indeed refreshing. The sense of pride for their home municipality was- evident every- where. tal efforts. The criteria involving heritage and community participation also result- ed in high praise and high marks. Citizens, service groups and the com- mercial sector all received perfect marks. The municipal sector did not fair quite as well. The judges suggested municipal authorities provide more support for volunteer activities through information and education. as well as improvements and innova- tion. The remarks in the heritage section of the judging mentioned the Thresher Reunion, Memorial Hall, Tannery and train stations as exam- ples of excellent heritage preserva- tion. They also gave the townspeople perfect marks for the private restora- tion and preservation work that has been carried on. The area of urban forestry received 131/150 and it was particularly men- tioned that the tree inventory was an excellent project. Here the municipal authorities received praise being awarded perfect marks in three of a possible six areas. When the judges discussed the gen- The Saturday night at the awards ceremony as the population category was announced and the pictures of the other municipalities came across the screen I was so proud. It was only then did it hit me of how big a deal what we what been working to achieve was. The other municipalities were beautiful; all had programs, fundraisers, community spirit and energy. Oh my! And before we knew it the 5 Bloom rating went to Blyth, Ontario. The picture flashed on the screen of Bainton's and the mural on the silo beside the building and as they say the rest was a blur! This achievement is for everyone that helped in any way. We all were critically aware that we were there to accept the award but knew that it was the village and everyone at home that had got us there. This award and national spotlight can spin off into several areas, only one being tourism. The list of opportunities is truly ours to use wisely. It has been such a pleasure to be part of the Blyth team which was able to have the spotlight shine on our village. Naney Snell. vitamin bottle bonus month. Your empty vitamin bottle equals $1.00 off your next vitamin purchase value over $3.00 Blyth Apothecary 523-4210 L A Review of activities at SEAFORTH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL CALLING NEW—MOTHERS. The "Morning Out Program" will continue to be held Friday mornings from 10 a.rrt. to 12 noon at Our Place Family Drop-In Centre at 25 Goderich St. (Highway 8), Seaforth. Rural Response for Healthy Children is the new sponsor of the Program. For further information, please contact Sally VanDoornik at 527-0914. WELCOME to Valerie Bachert, Registered Nurse, and to co-op students Nicole Fink, Rehabilitation Dept. and Kate Carnochan, Nursing Dept. HOSPITAL AUXILIARY NEWS - SPECIAL THANKS to Doris Allan for her recent donation of a beautiful, handcrafted "leaf patterned" quilt to the Hospital Auxiliary who will sell tickets,as a fundraiser for patient care equipment. TOY CHEST with Christmas gift giving in mind, why not lend your support by the purchase of tickets on a locally made lovely, wooden toy chest which comes completely stocked with toys. Please watch for further information regarding ticket availability and draw date. BURSARY in the amount of $500.00 each was proudly awarded by President, Anne Ste. Marie to Melissa VanBakel and Tanya Altman. Congratulations and best wishes ladies as you pursue your post secondary education in your chosen health related courses. PUMPKIN DECORATING Once again our student volunteers are eagerly anticipating display of their creativity by decorating pumpkins to be displayed throughout the Hospital just in time for Hallowe'en. If you have any pumpkins to donate to the cause, please contact Frances Teatero: 522-1979 or Grace Dolmage: 527- 3001. INFLUENZA IMMUNIZATION Health Canada is again providing flu vaccine at no charge. Watch your newspaper, Cable TV, CKNX/CFPL for announcement of dates/times for community clinics. CPR/FIRST AID Basic Rescuer CPR/Standard First Aid certification/recertification, fall schedule: Oct. 27 & 28 and November 24 & 25. For further information and to register, please contact the Canadian Red Cross Society, (519) 273-9339. Bloom member proud to be involved Queen St., Blyth