King looked great for Communities in Bloom 2006 Nationals

The township looked like a shinny new penny after all the efforts of countless volunteers who were out Tidy Tuesdays and at other times.

The teamwork between the Township, business community and the residents impressed the judges, David Urquhart and Ed Toop. As they toured the natural beauty of the rolling hills, stately homes and tidy towns, it all added up to an impressive display of people, plants and pride.

There are eight categories in the competition and by far our best one was "Community Involvement."

The new programs for Art Society King (ASK), Open Doors tour this fall and Kingfest music concert in September are three big initiatives. I will not even attempt to count the number of volunteer hours that these groups have given to ensure the success of their events.

The Landscape section improved with the smart new gateway signs that are in most of the towns and villages and the remainder to be installed this fall. A major gateway at Highway 9 and Main Street in Schomberg will announce to all that they are entering King Township. The installation of this signage will give all those who pass through our township a sense of our identity. Landmarks are developing in each of our towns. Schomberg has the Highway 27 raised floral bed and Nobleton's community project, the Gazebo at the library, are a start.

The floral displays in the communities have been appreciated and commented on by the locals and visitors alike. They are the icing on the cake that lets the rest of the world know that we really care about our communities and do our best to keep them looking

beautiful. The success of the floral street displays are the result of coordinators Patty Fleetwood and Cathy Webster, working in harmony with the parks crew. The Schomberg and Nobleton King City Horticulture Societies have installed and maintained gardens in their towns for all to enjoy. The growing number of water efficient gardens is a sure sign that the community is taking up the challenge of water conservation.

The committee members included Councillors Steve Pellegrini and Peter Grandilli; graphic artist Brian Chung; area representatives Judy Craig and Peter King of Schomberg, Cathy Webster of King City, Bert Duclos of Kettleby, Joan Jackaman, Jeff Laidlaw and Patty Fleetwood of Nobleton and Ed Sikkema of Ansnorveldt.

Additional acknowledgements go to the Township of King Mayor and council, Township staff; Bill Rea of the Sentinel, Angela Gismondi of the Weekly; Charles Cooper, Gordon and Judy Craig, Scott Donald, Pamela Fulford, Andrea Kollo, Helen Lucas, the artist of the banner.

Sponsors of Communities in Bloom 2006 were (Platinum sponsors) Arid and Berlis LLP, BTN, Ganz Family Foundation, Maxims Ltd. Partnership, (Gold sponsors) Cardinal Golf Club, King Township Chamber of Commerce,

Nobleton Schomberg District Chamber of Commerce, (Silver sponsors) C.N. Watson and Associates Ltd., B.C. Instruments, (Bronze sponsors) Countryside Insurance Broker Ltd. and Pathway to Perennials.

We appreciated troughs donated by Nobleton Feed Mills and thanks to Nobleton Farm Services for flower container.

It has been a privilege to serve as chair for the King Township Communities in Bloom Committee 2006.

The results of the national competition to be announced in Brandon, Manitoba Sept. 23.

Your support is sincerely appreciated.

Lynda Rogers,

Chair,

King Township Communities in Bloom

Committee 2006