October 2022 – Venice Area Beautification

City of Venice Wins National America in Bloom Awards!

Top honors for the prestigious 2022 America in Bloom National Awards Program were announced during the 2022 America In Bloom Symposium & Awards Celebration held September 29 – October 1 in St Louis and Washington, Missouri.

The City of Venice was awarded:

Recognition for Our Community Flowers
Alive with Flowers – Sunbeam Social Media Award
Catching Community Spirit – Digital & Social Media Communications (presented to Lorraine Anderson, Public Information Officer)
Winner of Best City in the Country (in our population category 18-23k)

The AIB Awards were presented to the City of Venice City Council on Tuesday, October 26th by Bob Vedder, VABI Board Member and Team Leader of VABI’s Bloom Team.

Two judges from America in Bloom spent three days back in February touring Venice with Bob Vedder. Dozens of community members met with the judges going over every aspect of the Venice community, from the arts to historic preservation, Urban Forest, and the environment. They were very impressed with our community. The judges last day were celebrated with a VABI Volunteer Recognition BBQ! The Village on the Isle, Finns, Cafe Venice, and VABI sponsored the Judges visit.

Awards were presented that reflect excellence in the areas of community vitality, floral displays, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmental efforts, celebration of heritage, overall impression, and community involvement.

The 2022 Venice awards were the direct result of VABI volunteers and the Venice Public Works Department that make Venice a beautiful place to work, live and play on a daily basis. The Public Works department helps keep our beautiful landscaping and flower baskets in great shape.

Venice Area Beautification, Inc (VABI) is a non-profit organization focusing on projects that enhance our community for every resident. VABI embraces a vision of Venice that retains its small-town flavor and history. VABI’s vision is to help “build community” in the Greater Venice area. Planning is focused on timeless projects that offer all residents and visitors safe places to walk, discover the enchantment of nature, connect to neighborhoods and parks, and experience outdoor art and sculpture. VABI’s collaborative efforts are a hallmark for what can happen when individual donors, volunteers, foundations, organizations, governmental agencies, and environmental groups are willing to work together.

For more information about America in Bloom, visit www.americainbloom.org.

October 28, 2022/by Venice Area Beautification

VABI News

2022 VABI Christmas Boat Bash!

Last year, the 2022 Boat Bash was held on:

Saturday, December 3rd @ 5:30pm

Where:

Venice Area Beautification, Inc., 257 Tamiami Trail North, Venice

(located under the North Bridge on the Island)

For More Information

View Flyer Here

Call: (941) 483-6103

Email: a[email protected]

October 27, 2022/by Venice Area Beautification

VABI News

2022 Holiday Tree Lighting Cancelled

Dear Holiday Tree Decorator:

The Venice Holiday Tree Lighting event, unfortunately, has been cancelled this year due to the damage done to the Monty Andrews Arboretum at Blalock Park from Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022.

Some of the trees in the park were destroyed and had to be removed. Other trees sustained major damage. The Arboretum crew, along with the Public Works Department and the Arborist from the City of Venice have assessed the status of the remaining trees in the park and have concluded that it is best to CANCEL the Tree Lighting Event for this year.
Each year, when we hold the event, tree irrigation is halted due to electrical and extension cords being present. In normal circumstances, healthy trees can withstand water being withheld for weeks. After the damage and stress to the trees from Hurricane Ian, not being able to irrigate the park for almost 2 months would further damage the trees and we are in fear of losing even more beautiful trees in the park. There is also a safety concern that damaged or stressed trees could fall while people decorate or there could be tripping hazards from stakes and ropes that are supporting damaged trees.

For all these reasons, instead of having individuals decorate the trees in the park this year, VABI, (Venice Area Beautification), KVB (Keep Venice Beautiful) and the MAAC (Monty Andrews Arboretum Crew) will decorate the edges of Blalock Park so everyone can enjoy the lights as they drive around the park. The Bicycles International Glow Ride, the bike ride around the park, will still be happening on Saturday, December 10, 2022, arriving at the park approximately 7:20 to 7:30 pm. However, the park will NOT be open during the evening hours due to safety concerns.
We will miss our magical Venice tradition of decorating all the trees in the Arboretum. It is important to consider the trees and what is best for their health and well-being so we will be able to enjoy the trees for years to come.

We plan to continue our tradition of decorating and lighting the trees again next year when they will be healed and healthy.

Sincerely,
Jan Lugar, Chair
Holiday Tree Lighting Committee