CIB Symposium and Art Work

by Dominique Vrolyk

Monday, October 22, 2012

Millet In Bloom's Chair, Carol Sarodoszney (left), joins Leduc officials in greeting CIB Symposium guests.

City of Leduc, AB – The City of Leduc has acquired a piece of art that is unique, because it is the first of its kind in this city – and region! It is an “outdoor work of art”, a sculpture made of steel that depicts a farmer handling a plow. Made in a bold style that suggests strength and calm against the elements, the life-size farmer stands before an authentic, antique plow that was donated by a young couple farming in Leduc County; Curtis and Alea Cox celebrate life and family by giving when they can, where they can. Through their friendship with Brad Symes, the Chair of the Leduc Chapter of Communities In Bloom (CIB), the Cox family heard of a search for a unique, farm-themed item, and they knew they had such an item right on the heritage farm they operate. Placed on an imposing pedestal of concrete and old barn stones, right next to the Stone Barn on the sight of the old Brown Farm and a few hundred meters form Telford lake, the statue is impressive and caused vocal admiration within the crowd of guests, when it was unveiled by members of the Leduc CIB committee.

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From Thursday October 11 to the Sunday morning, the Communities In Bloom (CIB) International Symposium took place in Downtown Edmonton, greeting, educating and entertaining delegates from several countries including England, Belgium, Japan, the US and of course, from all over Canada. Leduc, Beaumont and Millet CIB members and leaders were actively involved in planning and contributing to this conference.

BEAUMONT HOSPITALITY: On board the full chartered bus, the host was Marc Landry, Beaumont’s town manager. The first stop of the South-bound Classic Alberta Tour after leaving the Westin Hotel was St Vital Church. The parish priest proudly described the almost completed renovations of this impressive and graceful Catholic church on the hill. This visit was followed by a tour of the town, with a running commentary by Mr. Landry, who was an articulate and knowledgeable promoter of this town’s many assets and attractive amenities. The Crêpe & Shake Café was the final stop: now closed for the cool seasons, this charming outdoors eatery features tasty crêpes and hot apple cider, served by a charming proprietor. Despite the cool weather, guests enjoyed this visit, and noticed the sign on a large blackboard; “Eat more food made BY Plants, and less of food made IN Plants”.

MILLET CHARM: Carole Sadoroszney, Millet In Bloom’s chair, was the next tour guide on board. With articulate passion and precise facts, Carole described the “Prettiest Little Town in Alberta”, a title that has caused Millet town leaders to work hard to deserve their town’s reputation, with the help of its residents of course. A Coffee & Cake reception greeted the Symposium guests at the Millet Legion, served by two Millet councillors and its dynamic volunteers, and the room’s lovely fall decorations appealed to everyone; a 400 lbs Millet pumpkin was parked next to the Legion, to be admired by all. The tour of the town showed off Millet’s numerous green spaces. The highlight of this visit was the stop at the Millet & District Antiques Museum that delighted visitors with its rich collections and smart displays. Guests were amazed by the spacious Arts & Crafts room, and its various weaving tools and projects on the go. Enthusiastic comments were heard, such as “Isn’t it amazing that this small town could have a Museum of this caliber and size!”

A LEDUC WELCOME: the final stop of the Classic Alberta Tour was this City, rich in tourism appeal and friendly amenities: a City official Darrel Melvie was the host, an entertaining speaker. The Stone Barn Garden, now in the devoted care of Communities In Bloom volunteers, was a highlight of the afternoon; the little milk house next to it was also scrutinized, and used as a backdrop for many photo opps! After enlightening speeches by Brad Symes (CIB) and Mayor Krishke, the black draped statue was finally unveiled for all to see: “The Plow Man” is impressive, reminding us of this City’s roots, and will please visitors for years to come!

The Walk of Generations, on the East side of the railroad tracks along 46th Street, is a long strip of land adorned with trees, shrubs and perennials that has seen a constant development thanks to the vision of this committee of gardeners and green space managers (also CIB volunteers): it is a jewel in this city’s crown, with its antique farm machinery and photographic historical displays. After a interesting tour through the streets of Downtown Leduc, the guests were taken to the LRC (the Leduc Recreation Centre), where they toured the facility and enjoyed a delicious beef-on-the-bun dinner. Some guests were thrilled to be invited to try curling. They mingled and reflected on a fascinating day, having discovered three dynamic and attractive communities, right next to Alberta’s capital!

NOTEWORTHY RESULTS: The Town of Millet, a finalist in the Class of Champions (small) category of the 2012 National Edition of Communities in Bloom, received a 5 BLOOM RATING and a special mention ¬for Volunteer Recognition by Town and Businesses during the National Awards Ceremonies at the International Symposium on October 11th-13th. CONGRATS Millet, for a job well done!

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