Judges are coming!
by Evelyn Alemanni
Beginning early in May through the end of August, America in Bloom judges will experience the epic adventures of judging 28 towns and cities throughout America. To keep the playing field level, a team of two judges is assigned to evaluate one population category. They spend two days in each town, touring, meeting with local movers, shakers and horticultural enthusiasts, and giving presentations to groups when asked. They also take copious notes and photos.
At the end of the touring, the judges start the process of scoring and writing the evaluation. Although they are supposed to have a minimum of three to four hours in the host city to start the evaluation, writing can take many more hours, days, weeks... to generate the 20 to 30 page evaluation which lists noted accomplishments and suggestions to consider for the future. Mayors of many towns have told us that their America in Bloom evaluations are more valuable than consultants' studies which have cost much more than the AIB entry fee.
During the past eight years, I have judged more than 60 towns in five countries. It has been a remarkable experience to meet so m any smart and talented people who are passionate about the places where they live. I have learned so much from them, and it is my honor and pleasure to share with towns gleanings from places I've visited.
The Best Ideas book was born from these adventures... if you don't already own a copy, you can order it online at www.americainbloom.org.
But, as I was saying, the host towns and their people are simply wonderful. Sami is ready to party with them, too bad I can't bring her along.
Good gardening,
Evelyn
Beginning early in May through the end of August, America in Bloom judges will experience the epic adventures of judging 28 towns and cities throughout America. To keep the playing field level, a team of two judges is assigned to evaluate one population category. They spend two days in each town, touring, meeting with local movers, shakers and horticultural enthusiasts, and giving presentations to groups when asked. They also take copious notes and photos.
At the end of the touring, the judges start the process of scoring and writing the evaluation. Although they are supposed to have a minimum of three to four hours in the host city to start the evaluation, writing can take many more hours, days, weeks... to generate the 20 to 30 page evaluation which lists noted accomplishments and suggestions to consider for the future. Mayors of many towns have told us that their America in Bloom evaluations are more valuable than consultants' studies which have cost much more than the AIB entry fee.
During the past eight years, I have judged more than 60 towns in five countries. It has been a remarkable experience to meet so m any smart and talented people who are passionate about the places where they live. I have learned so much from them, and it is my honor and pleasure to share with towns gleanings from places I've visited.
The Best Ideas book was born from these adventures... if you don't already own a copy, you can order it online at www.americainbloom.org.
But, as I was saying, the host towns and their people are simply wonderful. Sami is ready to party with them, too bad I can't bring her along.
Good gardening,
Evelyn
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