Symposium Magic
by Evelyn Alemanni
Serendipity. A great word to describe the magic that has surrounded the planning of America in Bloom's 2010 national symposium and awards.
A few years ago, an "e-pal" introduced me to a friend of his online. The friend came to the AIB symposium that year and asked amazing questions. Later, he invited me to visit his hometown of Kirkwood, MO to present a series of talks about AIB to his community and others in the vicinity.
That "e-pal" is Bill Ruppert, who, even before he knew about AIB, had created Kirkwood in Bloom and started beautifying areas around town with colorful annuals and perennials. He spearheaded Kirkwood's first entry into America in Bloom and walked away with the prestigious national Community Involvement Criteria Award - an impressive accomplishment for a first time participant.
We are fortunate to have Bill Ruppert as co-chair of the 2010 national symposium and awards, to be held in St. Louis, MO from September 30 - October 2. He has diligently scouted the best speakers and tours for the event and it promises to be a wonderful experience.
One of the keynote speakers is Dr. Peter Raven, president emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT). He is an amazing gentleman. He serves on the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences. What impressed me most, however, was that when I mentioned I was from Elfin Forest, California, he proceeded to give the entire lecture on what the "Elfin Forest" is as a botanical entity, where it is found, and why it is important. There are few people in the world who can do this without extensive prior research. So get ready, this man will have something extra-special to offer in his keynote. Not only that, but MOBOT has donated guest passes to all AIB registered symposium participants, so you can experience this world-class botanical garden on your own.
Our other keynote speaker is the president and CEO of the Ball Horticultural Company, Anna Ball. She will speak about how continued advances in plant discovery, selection, and breeding create significant opportunities for community landscape enhancements. You’ll learn how the work of the horticulture plant industry benefits community quality of life.
There will be 18 sessions total, and you can choose from three exciting educaitonal tours of the St.Louis area.
It will be an amazing event and is open to anyone who's interested in learning more about how to improve the quality of life in their town. For more details, click on www.americainbloom.org.
Good gardening,
Evelyn
Serendipity. A great word to describe the magic that has surrounded the planning of America in Bloom's 2010 national symposium and awards.
A few years ago, an "e-pal" introduced me to a friend of his online. The friend came to the AIB symposium that year and asked amazing questions. Later, he invited me to visit his hometown of Kirkwood, MO to present a series of talks about AIB to his community and others in the vicinity.
That "e-pal" is Bill Ruppert, who, even before he knew about AIB, had created Kirkwood in Bloom and started beautifying areas around town with colorful annuals and perennials. He spearheaded Kirkwood's first entry into America in Bloom and walked away with the prestigious national Community Involvement Criteria Award - an impressive accomplishment for a first time participant.
We are fortunate to have Bill Ruppert as co-chair of the 2010 national symposium and awards, to be held in St. Louis, MO from September 30 - October 2. He has diligently scouted the best speakers and tours for the event and it promises to be a wonderful experience.
One of the keynote speakers is Dr. Peter Raven, president emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT). He is an amazing gentleman. He serves on the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences. What impressed me most, however, was that when I mentioned I was from Elfin Forest, California, he proceeded to give the entire lecture on what the "Elfin Forest" is as a botanical entity, where it is found, and why it is important. There are few people in the world who can do this without extensive prior research. So get ready, this man will have something extra-special to offer in his keynote. Not only that, but MOBOT has donated guest passes to all AIB registered symposium participants, so you can experience this world-class botanical garden on your own.
Our other keynote speaker is the president and CEO of the Ball Horticultural Company, Anna Ball. She will speak about how continued advances in plant discovery, selection, and breeding create significant opportunities for community landscape enhancements. You’ll learn how the work of the horticulture plant industry benefits community quality of life.
There will be 18 sessions total, and you can choose from three exciting educaitonal tours of the St.Louis area.
It will be an amazing event and is open to anyone who's interested in learning more about how to improve the quality of life in their town. For more details, click on www.americainbloom.org.
Good gardening,
Evelyn
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