With spring just around the corner, the hanging flower basket committee is planning the kick-off of their 2013 fund raising drive. The group celebrates the sixth season for their project and again, plans are to line the streets of Merrill with beautiful basket of wave petunias. This is truly a community project and the drive’s success depends not only on the generosity of Merrill citizens, but also the assistance and cooperation of Merrill’s Chamber of Commerce, Park and Recreation Department and Street Department.
This year we will continue to replace the baskets we purchased in 2008. Our experiment last year with two new baskets was successful and has led to the purchase of some additional baskets. Also of concern is daily watering. It has been necessary to hire a community member to water on Sunday, since it is pertinent that the flowers receive water seven days a week. In addition, a new vehicle has been purchased in cooperation with the Park and Rec. Department and will be used to water the hanging baskets as well as the garden plots maintained by Park City Gardens. A contribution as been made toward that purchase.
Donations to the project remain the same as previous years. A pole donation is $100 and consists of two hanging baskets, while a single basket donation will cost $60. Contributions to the beautification effort are critical to continuing the project since the committee relies on the community support to fund the program. If you, your organization or business wish to donate, contribution forms will be found in posters at Johnson’s Gifts, First Street Coffee Station, Dave’s County market, Drew’s Piggly Wiggly and the Chamber of Commerce. Grocery bag stuffers are also part of the campaign.
Committee members are: Helen Ader, Chr., Jack Ader, Marty Anderson, Sharon Anderson, Ginny Drew, Carla Moore, Jane ann Savaske and Marilyn Wright. The committee is grateful to the community for the generous support Merrill has shown in past years and are hoping for another successful year.