The Archive |
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The Melrose Chamber of Commerce continues to lead the way in urging our residents and business owners to continue to beautify their city. On May 22, for example, every property owner, businessperson and civic organization will be asked to do something additional to enhance the appearance of their homes or places of business - or any adjoining public property in need of a little tender loving care. This includes the over 50 Adopt-A-Site locations throughout the city.
City Centennial Tie-In This exciting project was the brainchild of Beth McNelis, who is Executive Director of the Chamber and very enthusiastic about this year's plans. As Beth indicated, "This is the year of our city's Centennial and we want to put our best face forward". As a part of last year's "Spring Up" Day, the Melrose Shrub was introduced, a pale pink rhododendron for sale at a modest price. Many local business owners have added flower boxes or barrels on their sites and they have been able to buy plants and shrubs under a wholesale plant sale program. For this centennial year, the chamber is encouraging the planting of pansies, with colors of burgundy and cobalt blue, centennial banner colors. Rick Amirault, Superintendent of Parks and Trees, has worked closely with Beth in arranging for the wholesale purchase plan. Tour The City Take an hour or so on some sunny day and take a tour around the city. (Sunday has the least traffic.) In your travels, you will find small islands, triangles, mini-gardens, etc., thoughout the downtown streets and cross-roads and our public buildings and schools. As you view each site, keep in mind that the grooming, planting and care of these areas were carried out by volunteers (individuals, school children, civic groups and the business community). What Is Your Favorite Site? What is the most beautiful site in the city? Many areas qualify, but the sites that get the most publicity and recognition are the Robinson Funeral Home triangle at Main and Green Streets and the gazebo at Ell Pond. My personal favorites are: Mary Foley Memorial Park, maintained by the St. Mary's Grammar School students; Melrose City Hall, kept by the Melrose Garden Club; and, the Charlie Kelliher Memorial Island at the intersection of Clifford, Elm and Howard Streets, lovingly maintained by his neighbors. (Pictured here.) My wife, Barbara, has always kept a record of various sayings and poems that appeal to her and which usually have a message or social comment. The following is an example, written in 1940 by Ina Daley Ogden and Charles H. Gabriel: Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do Do not wait to shed your light afar To the many duties ever near you now be true Brighten the corner where you are! There are over 200 volunteers, young and old, who are working together to "brighten" our corners, islands and parks throughout the city. They may not have read the above poem - they just put the words into action. April 30, 1999
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