LANSING, Ill. (May 25, 2018) – The sun was already warm by 7:00am when members of Lansing’s Beautification Committee gathered at the corner of Ridge and Burnham to plant flowers at the northeast entrance of the History Plaza. But with eight or nine volunteers digging, planting, arranging, raking, and sweeping, the work went fast.
The History Plaza is one of several sites the Beautification Committee is focusing their attention on this summer. They have also planted flowers in the pots along Ridge Road, and this coming week they hope to have all nine welcome signs beautified.
“This is a nice committee to be on,” said team leader Vivian Payne, “because you can immediately see the impact of your work.”
A contingent from the Beautification Committee gathered at the History Plaza at 7:00am on Friday, May 25. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)They followed a guide to install Pink Wave Petunias, Melampodium Gold, and Coleus at the Ridge-and-Burnham entrance to the plaza. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Samantha Wood (foreground) just graduated from Marian Catholic High School on Monday, so she was available to join the Beautification Committee today. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Dana Wood (center) was an original member of the Beautification Committee. She recruited husband Michael and daughter Samantha for today’s planting project. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Adan Garcia joined the Beautification Committee because he wants to be part of “so many good things” happening in the community. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)James Brobst (right, in purple shirt) is part of a prayer group that meets at Village Hall every Friday. This morning he stopped to pray a blessing over the Beautification Committee volunteers. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)With so many committee members available this morning, the work didn’t take long to finish. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Rich Smits (standing) and Rich Lund) begin the clean-up work. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)From left: Adan Garcia begins sweeping the entry sidewalk while Vivian Payne finishes planting. Rich Lund rakes up some spilled mulch while Dan Bovino supervises. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)From left: Dan Bovino, Susan Bovino, Diane Lund, Rich Lund, Dana Wood, Samantha Wood, Adan Garcia, and Vivian Payne. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)When you see these yellow shirts around town this summer, you know beautification is happening. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Team Leader Vivian Payne adjusts the sprinkler head to make sure the new plants get a good morning drink on what promises to be a 90-degree day. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The History Plaza is ready for visitors, thanks to the Beautification Committee. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
Is there garbage pickup on monday
Typically, when Monday is a holiday, garbage pickup happens one day later than your normally scheduled day.