What does it take to make Ironton bloom in 2009? It takes all of us: Businesses, organizations, local government, and individual residents!

Who are these people? They are you and me planting pride in Ironton.

What has Ironton in Bloom accomplished in 2008? We have increased pride in our community and cleaned up Ironton streets. We’ve beautified our downtown, the three entrances to our city and our yards.

We’ve brought visitors to Ironton, sent them home with a smile and encouraged businesses to locate in Ironton.

What have been some of the positive side affects? The Rotary Club has undertaken the development and beautification of Fountain Square.

A rose garden has been created adjacent to Fountain Square in memory of Joan Slagel. The Farmers’ Market has moved to Depot Square. Ten trash receptacles and eight park benches have been placed in downtown Ironton. Both the City of Ironton and Ironton in Bloom have been awarded $2,500 grants from Ohio Department of Natural Resources to continue the cleanup projects in Ironton

We are now beginning our second year and we need you!

Sixteen additional 36-inch pots, 15 pole planters, and 12 hanging baskets have been ordered. In addition to the Yard of the Month contest, IIB is sponsoring a Business of the Month. We want to beautify all five entrances to our city.

We need each of you to make a donation to Ironton in Bloom to support the efforts of this organization.

If each of you would make a donation of $25 dollars or more, we can reach our goal of $40,000. That is what it costs us to buy the pots, potting soil, plants, mulch and flowers. Additionally, our largest expense is the maintenance required to keep the plants healthy and vibrant throughout the summer.

Everything has been ordered and the maintenance contract signed. If 1,600 citizens make a contribution of $25 dollars, the goal is met!

Randy Lilly is the co-chairman of the Ironton in Bloom organization, P. O. Box 4599, Ironton, OH 45638.