Planting day a hit

AMENIA — More than 20 volunteers helped beautify the town Saturday with new flowers in dirt barrels along Amenia's streets.

Annual planting day organizer and Councilwoman Vicki Doyle said she was impressed with the number of volunteers who showed up for the event. That day they planted zinnias and sweet potato vines in the barrels, along with other varieties of flowers.

"It’s a great day for planting," Doyle said. "We have lots of volunteers and lots of varieties of plants. We have enough plants for 80 barrels. I think it shows to residents and people who travel through Amenia that we care and we like the bright cheerful colors in downtown. We are trying to make these public spaces more colorful."

Dawn Marie Klingner volunteered along with her children, Zach and Carly.

"It’s important kids volunteer because it gives them a good sense of youth and participation in their community," Klingner said. "Every day for the remainder of the school year they will drive by and see these flowers and plantings as something that they have done to beautify their community."

Darlene Riemer said the flower barrels are important because they can attract small community gatherings around them.

"I just think it’s fabulous," Riemer said. "With a simple conversation over a flower pot, concerns get mentioned and everyone thinks about other people’s opinions, all over a simple conversation over a flower pot."

Andy Durbridge said beautifying the community brings everyone together.

"That and why not have something nice to look at?" Durbridge said.

The event was sponsored by the town’s Enhancement Committee.