by Jenny McGee
6/25/2012

The community is invited to a welcome reception for the America in Bloom contest
judges Evelyn Alemanni  and Barbara Vincentsen.  This reception is their initial
introduction to our wonderful town before they start a three day tour to judge
our floral displays, urban forestry, landscaped areas, heritage preservation and
environmental efforts, as well as to develop their overall impression of
Holliston.

There will be appetizers served by the Leo Lions outside in the perennial garden
as well as wine, beer, sodas and water.  A dessert and coffee station will be
available inside the barn with a variety of bite size desserts and featuring a
magnificent four layered Boston cream pie and coffee ice cream station.

So come one, come all and bring a hearty hot or cold finger food appetizer
(which will be dinner for the judges) or a finger food dessert.  Let’s show the judges our
civic pride, spirit of volunteerism, and our inspirational involvement in making
Holliston a more beautiful place to live.

Please call or email Pat Duffey to confirm your attendance and let her know what
you will bring AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and no later than JULY 14TH
Pat Duffey         [duffeypj@aol.com]            508-429-2766

Tours of the Holliston Historical House and Library will also be available to
those who attend the reception.
 

THE JUDGES
Evelyn Alemanni is a self-employed writer, web site designer, award winning
gardener and artist from Elfin Forest, California. She has judged for the
America in Bloom program since 2003 and in 2001 Good Morning America named
Evelyn’s garden one of the five best in the U.S.

Barbara Vincentsen is owner of Vincentsen Associates, a medium-sized
award-winning architectural firm in Westfield, New Jersey. She grew up in a
gardening family and has continued her family tradition in her own gardens,
which have plantings shared from three generations of close family and friends.
Her garden was featured in the 2010 America in Bloom program in Westfield.

THE AMERICA IN BLOOM CONTEST
America in Bloom, an independent non-profit organization, promotes nationwide
beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the
use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle
enhancements of towns. Holliston is one of 27 American towns competing to win
the America in Bloom Contest in our population size group.  

Holliston can win $500 for a three-minute video to be submitted in August.  We
are also going to ask to be considered for a Criterion Award, specifically in
the Heritage and Preservation categories, since that should be a very strong
suit for us. So we have a few ways to win, including national recognition, but
we are already winners in our own hearts!

The awards will be presented September 20-22 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.