This summer, Lakeside Chautauqua entered the America in Bloom (AIB) Program. The mission of this prestigious program is to promote nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.
It’s the only national awards program among communities judged by a group of specially trained advisors who evaluate based on seven criteria:
- Community Vitality
- Overall Impression
- Environmental Initiatives
- Heritage Celebration
- Urban Forestry
- Landscaped Areas
- Floral Impact
The Lakeside Team worked with community members this spring to submit the application. AIB Advisors Rod Barnes and Douglas Airhart then visited in July for two days to tour the grounds, meet the Lakeside Team and speak with community members.
The AIB Symposium & Awards Celebration was recently held September 26-28 in Columbus and Logan, Ohio. Three members of the Lakeside Team were in attendance, including Gretchen Colon, V.P. of Advancement & Marketing; Karyn Torigoe, V.P. of Programming; and John Mann, Director of Education.
The immersive, multi-day experience was full of educational sessions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, garden tours and recognition of the hard work of several communities.
“America in Bloom is helping communities of all sizes achieve their potential,” said AIB Executive Director Laura Kunkle.
Lakeside Chautauqua Takes Top Honors
We’re proud to announce that out of all participating communities, Lakeside Chautauqua received top awards for “Overall Impression” and “Coolest Downtown,” as well as an eight-bloom rating out of ten blooms!
Lakeside’s commitment to community vibrancy, florals, landscaping, volunteerism and the Chautauqua experience contributed to receiving the “Overall Impression” Award. The “Coolest Downtown” honor is thanks to Lakeside’s ongoing efforts to create unique community spaces, hosting Trivia Nights, Dance Jams and outdoor concerts on Walnut Plaza, planting colorful floral displays and, of course, the thriving local business scene. Lakeside’s downtown business district was described as “being magical and a place you want to relax all day.”
Our Chautauqua was also recognized as one of the top three nominees for Urban Forestry, which promotes communities maintaining and caring for their tree canopies.
“Congratulations to Lakeside Chautauqua for the excellent work making your community more beautiful and vibrant,” says Kunkle.
These awards would not be possible without the dedication and support of the Lakeside community, merchants, homeowners, donors, volunteers and Lakeside Team. Thank YOU!
Give a Gift to Help Keep Lakeside Beautiful
You’re invited to give a gift to help beautify Lakeside and ensure care for our environment and community.
Give a gift today in honor of a special Lakesider:
- A community member who volunteers to take care of our grounds;
- A staff member who goes above and beyond to ensure the vitality of our community;
- A person who spreads their love of Lakeside;
- A volunteer who helps ensure our trees are maintained;
- An individual who shares joy in telling others about our 150-year story.
These extra special gifts ensure that our Grounds Crew and volunteers can continue to care and steward our precious community. We’ll recognize these gifts and people as we share more about our America in Bloom recognition.
Lakeside Chautauqua is a nonprofit that counts on financial support and volunteerism to create the signature Chautauqua program, enhance the gardens, and care for our historic structures that thousands of families enjoy yearly.
It takes a whole community to be recognized nationally, and YOU to help enrich families’ lives each and every day.