Submitted by Pat Garrett
The Town of Millet held their annual awards night July 26, celebrating 21 years with Communities in Bloom. With the help of a hand full of committed volunteers and the backing of strong representation from our community, we still are and remain the Prettiest Little Town in Alberta.
This year marked a number of exceptional volunteers who have been dedicated and committed to Millet’s CIB Program. Our appreciation and thanks to Stan and Marilyn Kroening for five years, Vivian Holtby and Linda Weber for 10 years, Jackie Peel for 15 years, Tracey Leavitt for 20 years and Carol Sadoroszney for 18 years and the Millet CIB chair since 2000.
Special thanks to our two local judges this year, Sharon Gair and Joy Storey; and also to Joy for all the photos. Sharon and Joy visited many gardens, each unique with the touch of the owner’s personality. Elements or areas of gardening such as rain barrels and compost, environmentally friendly pest control, floral combinations and landscape ideas. Categories and winners are Business: Burger Barn, Organization: John A. Smith Manor, Front Yard: Jim and Audrey McConnell, Vegetable Garden: Debbie and Kenny Herman, Back Yard: Grace and Rolf Nosterud, Special Feature: Michael and Tera Ainsworth, Special Mention Resident: Barry Cook (John A. Smith Manor), Adopted Garden: Jackie Peel (Community Hall), Waterfall Feature: Nabil & Najwa Haddad, Mobile Residence: Bonnie Jones, Overall: June and Terry Saitz and Overall Special Mention: Caroline and Rocky Gibney.
This year the two national judges from Comminutes in Bloom were Larry Hall from Buena Vista, Saskatchewan and Ted Zarudny from Orangeville, Ontario.
After holding a position of mayor for nine years for his community Larry became involved in the Communities in Bloom program. This convinced him that every community can benefit by being involved. It was this that motivated Larry and his wife to become provincial judges for the past five years.
Ted has judged nationally for nine years. During this time, he judged the summer program and winter lights. He was involved with the CIB competition with the City of Brampton for eight years, assisting in preparing the city for judging. Ted is a member of the Lions Club and chairperson for the Orangeville CIB Committee and also owned and operated a garden centre for the past 17 years.
After judging the town on Wednesday July 27, the results will be tabulated and presented at the National Communities in Bloom Symposium, Parks and Grounds Awards Ceremony in Regina, Saskatchewan from October 26 – 29.