Light
Marvin N. Miller, AIB Past President
The word “light” has to
be one of the most used words in the English language. Merriam-Webster offers
15 definitions of the word when used as a noun, 19 definitions when used as an
adjective, a couple of definitions when used as an adverb, and several more
when used as a verb. We talk of someone who adds joie de vive to life; relief at the end of an intense work period;
or a lamp, a lighthouse beacon, a traffic signal and a flame all by using the
word “light.” We characterize one of
little weight; a nimble walker; an easily disturbed sleeper; a cheerful sort;
food or drink with lower calorie, salt, alcoholic, or fat content; and an
occasional user as “light.” A traveler with little baggage is said to travel
light, while someone who arrives at a conclusion by happenstance is said to
have lit upon a solution. We know that
plants need light energy for photosynthesis, and photographers rely on light
exposed on film or a digital plane to generate their desired image.
The psalmist (Chapter
36:10) suggested that “In thy light, do we see light,” and more than one
educational institution and library has adopted variations on this theme as
part of their missions. As such, “light”
can refer to education, setting an example, and spiritual re-enforcement.
It is in this last
vein, I am excited to report, that America in Bloom has once again partnered
with CN to award competitive grants to a number of cities along the U.S.
portions of the CN rail lines. The CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program provides matching grants up to $25,000
for greening of public spaces. Four
cities were named grant recipients last fall for 2014, and another six cities weresimilarly honored just recently for 2015. These 10 cities will ultimately be awarded
over $213,100 in grant funds, which will leverage additional community spending
of nearly $570,000, generating a total of over $780,000 in new landscaping
expenditures from this program.
At America in Bloom, we
know that quality landscaping is a necessity rather than a luxury. We know that
green spaces and plants create places that people are proud to call
home. And we are proud to be able to leverage our efforts with the dollars
from CN and these communities to add to the total green infrastructure for
these municipalities and truly help grow the horticulture presence in this way.
We hope that the results of these efforts can serve as a light not only for
these 10 communities but also for the greater vision of what America in Bloom
is all about, namely helping communities across the country become more
welcoming and vibrant places to live, work, and play – benefitting from
colorful plants and trees, enjoying clean environments, celebrating heritage,
and planting pride through volunteerism.
The 19th
century British poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning said, “Light tomorrow with
today.” We hope that this is but an
example of the todays that America in Bloom will be able to offer in the days,
months, and years yet to come.
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