Reception held for AIB judges and community supporters

Coshocton In Bloom President Tim France (right) introduced America in Bloom judges Melanie Riggs and Douglas Airhart to those who attended a reception held July 23 at the Roscoe Village Lock Landing. Josie Sellers | Beacon

COSHOCTON – America in Bloom judges Douglas Airhart and Melanie Riggs felt right at home while touring Coshocton County with members of the Coshocton In Bloom (CIB) Board.

“I’m excited to be here and meet everyone,” Airhart said. “It’s been very interesting. We felt welcomed right in with the board members.”

He and Riggs were in Coshocton July 22-23 to rate the community on the organization’s seven categories.

“It’s not all about the flowers,” Airhart said. “It’s also about growth in a community.”

Riggs said some of the areas they look at in addition to flowers and landscape are: Community vitality, community heritage, urban forestry, environmental efforts, and overall impression.

One project she praised CIB for was its beautification awards.

“You have done an amazing job trying to make the community better,” Riggs said.

Community members were able to mingle with the judges during a reception held July 23 at the Roscoe Village Lock Landing. CIB supporters, those who won beautification awards and community leaders were invited to attend.

“Without your support we would have very little to show the judges,” said Tom Heading, CIB Board member, to those in attendance.

In addition to Heading, the CIB Board includes President Tim France, Debbie Gaumer, Debbie Wallace, Steve Fox, Jandi Adams, Dorothy Skowrunski, and Irene Miller. France introduced each of them and then the elected officials in the room which included Mayor Steve Mercer and County Commissioner Dane Shryock.

“It’s always nice to see the elected officials,” France said. “We like to think that we are all in this together. We appreciate you being here and being a part of the program.”

He then asked everyone who received a beautification award to stand.

“The first year we did this we had 50 names,” France said. “Last year it was 75 and now I believe there are about 170 this year.”

Financial donors also were asked to stand and France thanked his volunteers who assisted with flowers downtown.

“Two years ago was the first time I asked for help,” he said. “I had a couple of volunteers and the next year I had a few more. This year I had so much help I couldn’t keep up with all of them.”

France added that he enjoyed spending time with the judges.

“These two (Airhart and Riggs) are top dogs in their fields,” France said. “They come with such skill and knowledge.”

Coshocton In Bloom will receive its scores from the judges in early October after the America in Bloom Symposium.

Category: Clubs & Organizations