NAS Whiting Field celebrates 31st year as Tree City USA participant
Naval Air Station Whiting Field recently marked the 46th anniversary of Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Program and celebrated its 31st consecutive year as a Tree City USA participant. Whiting Field has the distinction as the longest running military installation Tree City USA program participant in the state of Florida.
Tree City USA is designed to encourage better care of the nation’s community forests by meeting four required elements; a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
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Trees are an asset to a community when properly planted and maintained. They improve the environment by removing air pollutants and providing wildlife habitat, lowering home cooling costs, and increasing property values. The Arbor Day Foundation and the installation’s dedication demonstrate their commitment to effective urban forest management.
Whiting Field leadership and a gathering of base personnel were present for a proclamation reading that highlighted support of the important initiative.
Santa Rosa Women’s Club seeks volunteers to aid Camp Boggy Creek
Area residents who enjoy crocheting or knitting are invited to help GFWC Santa Rosa Woman’s Club provide handmade afghans for campers at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis.
Martha Brenenstahl, club chairman of the state president’s project, is asking for volunteers with time and yarn on their hands. The camp prides itself on "handmade" rather than purchased afghans.
The club is hoping to provide 50 afghans for the 16 cabins at the camp for children with serious illnesses. For six weeks during the summer, children with illnesses such as heart conditions, epilepsy, cancer, craniofacial and bleeding disorders, arthritis, sickle cell anemia, asthma, spina bifida, immune deficiencies, and gastrointestinal and kidney diseases meet and spend time with one another.
The cabins are color-coded, and the afghans follow the color theme. Afghans are needed in shades of red, blue, green or yellow. The sizes are 35 by 40 inches, 40 by 50 inches, 35 by 50 inches or 40 by 50 inches. Organizers are planning on making their delivery to Camp Boggy Creek in April.
If any individual, church, club or other group would like to donate handmade afghans, a tax-deductible donation slip will be provided. Email mbrenenstahl@yahoo.com for details.
Neighborhood Challenge Grant Program accepting applications
The city of Pensacola is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2023 Pensacola Neighborhood Challenge Grant Program, which is a matching grant program that provides city neighborhood associations with funding to complete neighborhood improvement projects.
Applications for the program will be available on the city’s website during the grant application cycle, which is open now through 4 p.m. June 30. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are received, until all funding is allocated for this application cycle.
Through the Pensacola Neighborhood Challenge Grant Program, funds can be used for various neighborhood initiatives, including beautification projects, signage, sidewalks or other improvements to public property. Funds can be matched by cash, in-kind contributions, volunteer labor or any combination of the three.
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Each application must consist of a single project with a clearly defined goal that has a direct benefit to the neighborhood and its residents. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, family/home safety training, drug and fire prevention programs, cultural exhibit areas, after school enrichment programs and youth literacy programs.
Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:
Quality and scope of the project
Neighborhood participation and benefit
General match information, including proof the association is able to match the city's cash contribution with any combination of volunteer labor, in-kind donations and/or cash
To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit cityofpensacola.com.
Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon employees lead holiday initiatives
This holiday season, the employees of Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon collected donations from employees and clients from its three locations along the Gulf Coast. The organization was able to amply supply four major projects that all have special meaning to the firm and its personnel.
Toys for Tots, Florida Guardian ad Litem, C.A. Weis Elementary School and Escambia County Animal Shelter were among some of the recipients of this holiday cheer.
Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon extends its deepest gratitude to its employees for their involvement in the community this holiday season.
Visit esclaw.com or call 850-433-6581 for details.
Take part: To make a Causes submission, email giving@pnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: NAS Whiting Field celebrates 31st year as Tree City USA participant
