Letters to the Editor – May 11, 2016
Palmetto Pride – Palmetto Proud
As the blooms of spring fade, we begin to look forward to the blooms of summer and enjoy outdoor activities. Each April communities, organizations, and individuals nationwide celebrate gardening during National Garden Month. In Darlington, South Carolina, volunteers came together for “Clean Up Darlington Day,” which is sponsored by the Kalmia Garden Study Club and the City of Darlington Beautification Board.
I would like to thank thirteen members of our garden club, the Kiwanis Club, Boy Scout Troop #406, the Professional Women’s Club, William Jackson, Charles Bailey, Brenton Dana, Robert Staklinski, Parker Howle and family, Elaine Reed, Gloria Hines, and the entire Wallace clan, including their oldest son, who was home on leave from the service. They proved that whether you are two years old, like Finely Howle, or ninety-two, you can still make our city a little more special. So much work went on behind the scenes for this event, I feel special thanks are in order for City of Darlington Beautification Board Members, Parks & Recreation, the Planning Department, the Street Department and the Fire Department. These volunteers and city employees are our unsung heroes!
The “Clean Up Darlington Day” will continue, thanks to the Palmetto Pride Community Pride Grant, which was awarded to our club for planters on Pearl Street. These planters will be installed beginning May 9th, which will bring the total number of planters placed in downtown to 62. An additional 10 planters are scheduled for South Main Street, thanks to donations from local citizens. New flowers will be planted in the existing planters this month, as well. We will be “Palmetto Proud” of these improvements and grateful for this donation to our club.
Studies show nurturing plants improves our attitudes toward health and nutrition, children perform better as school, and community spirit improves. I hope my fellow neighbors will help us prove these studies are true by joining us in our next “Clean Up Darlington Day” this fall. In the meantime, everyone can continue the project by removing litter and caring for their yards, gardens, and businesses. This shows all who visit our city, not only how proud we are of our community, but our state as well.
Once again, thank you to everyone for your help, not only to make Darlington the Pride of the Pee Dee, but Palmetto Proud as well.
Sincerely,
Ronda Brown
Darlington, S.C.
