Submitted photo Pictured is a home that was recognized as part of the BLOOM Front Garden Recognition Program.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation partnered with community volunteers from Cassadaga, Forestville, and Lily Dale to launch the BLOOM Front Garden Recognition Program over the summer.

The program acknowledges and celebrates the work of residents who contribute to the beauty and vibrancy of the northern Chautauqua region through their gardens and landscaping.

Groups of community volunteers surveyed each community during June and July to identify landscapes that deserved recognition. The project culminated with the distribution of 75 BLOOM garden signs to area homeowners. Homeowners also had the opportunity to enter into a raffle; fifteen (15) participants received Chautauqua Chamber Gift Certificates ranging up to $100 in value.

BLOOM was piloted in 2019 but was put on hold during 2020 due to the pandemic. BLOOM has received the attention of residents and summer visitors alike who have enjoyed the cheerful BLOOM signs and beautifully manicured landscapes. The vibrant landscapes and garden signs showcased blossoming community pride. Participants in BLOOM 2021 gave very positive feedback: “Your program gave people an incentive to beautify and improve their landscaping.” “Very much appreciated.” “Such fun and a blessing to our towns.” “Looking forward to Bloom 2022!” “Thank you for recognizing our efforts.” “We love and appreciate our BLOOM canvas bag and yard sign.”

“The NCCF is overwhelmed with the positive response this second-year project has generated,” said Eileen Ardillo, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation program coordinator.

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the volunteer teams and resident gardeners who’ve added to the community pride of our region. It is our sincere hope that BLOOM will continue to inspire all communities to join us for BLOOM 2022.”

A BLOOM community information session is planned for February. Communities interested in participating in BLOOM should submit a brief letter of interest by Friday, March 11, to the NCCF, 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, 14048. Program details and letter requirements can be found at www.nccfoundation.org. For more information, contact Eileen Ardillo at 366-4892 or eardillo@nccfoundation.org. The BLOOM Garden Recognition Project is a Neighborhood Revitalization Project of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested more than $17 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and community collaborations. The NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization inherently committed to enhancing the northern Chautauqua County community and encouraging local philanthropy. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.