Civic League paints the town purple

Saturday, March 8, 2008
Mayor Sue Murray orders the first set of hanging baskets and flats of petunias in the Greencastle Civic League's "Paint the Town Purple" project, which kicks off on Sunday, March 9. Pictured with Mayor Murray are Civic League President Amy Bennington (left) and Beautification Chairman Deb Zellers (right). The flowers are for sale through Sunday, May 4.

Mayor Sue Murray is the first Greencastle resident to take part in the Greencastle Civic League's Paint the Town Purple program. In its third year of selling flowers, the League is accepting orders for the deep purple wave petunia hanging baskets and royal velvet petunia flats beginning March 9. The sale will run through May 5.

In recognition of the city's 159th incorporation anniversary on March 9, The Civic League plans to plant flowers, when the weather breaks, in existing planters on the square and at the Welcome to Greencastle signs that greet visitors on Ind. 240 and 231.

"Our goal is to have purple petunias blooming outside the homes and businesses up and down Washington, Bloomington and Jackson Streets as well as on Indianapolis Road," says Civic League President Amy Bennington.

"We chose the color purple because we believe it is a natural unifying color for the community because of Greencastle's school spirit and pride. We think it is a lovely way to bring out citizens together, without much effort on their part, while satisfying one of the founding missions of the Civic League by beautifying Greencastle," adds Bennington.

The hanging baskets are new to the project this year. Country Folks Greenhouses and Produce will supply them. The flats of flowers also come from the Greenhouse.

"We like the hanging baskets for folks who may not have the space to plant, but want to Paint the Town Purple too," declares Bennington.

Flowers will be delivered the week of April 14. Persons who order handing baskets and flower flats will receive them the week of May 5.

Baskets cost $18 each and flats of 18 plants are $28.

Proceeds from the petunia sales allow the not-for-profit group to continue long-standing services and programs to the community. These include: Clean City on Saturday, May 31, Parkfet concerts, Tuesday evenings in June and July, tree and flower planting throughout the city, Welcome Wagon, Family Fitness Day and Adopt-a-Highway.

Baskets and flats may be purchased by phoning Erin Confer-Staggers at 655-2254 or e-mailing Joanne Haymaker at jhaymaker@depauw.edu

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