This summer, Lakeside Chautauqua again 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 Diane Blazek and Galen Gates 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 took place late September in Rochester, Michigan. 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.
Lakeside Chautauqua Takes Top Honor in Population Category
We’re proud to announce that out of all participating communities, Lakeside Chautauqua received the award for the 3,700-5,000 Population Category Award. Other communities in this category were Belleville, Michigan; Lewisburg, West Virginia; and Loxley, Alabama. Lakeside also received special recognition for its Community Vitality from Blazek and Gates.
In addition, the landscaping around the home of Lakeside residents Tom and Lori Hilt has been certified and recognized as a “Gardens Across America” property for its floral impact, landscaped area, urban forestry and environmental effort.
“America in Bloom is helping communities of all sizes achieve their potential,” said America in Bloom Executive Director Laura Kunkle. “Every year, our participants raise the bar, and the accomplishments and progress shown by this year’s group are remarkable. These are, without a doubt, some of the best places to live, work and visit. Congratulations to Lakeside for the excellent work making your community more beautiful and vibrant.”
This recognition 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 over 150-year story
These extra special gifts ensure that our Grounds Crew and volunteers can continue to care and steward our waterfront community.
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.
