Malvern planters bloom thanks to community support

Each spring, the Malvern Community Development Fund fills the community planters with flowers that brighten the village through summer and into autumn. This long-standing tradition is made possible by a network of sponsors, volunteers and supporters who donate time, funds and effort to the project.

The planters are sponsored by generous community members, including Dave and Patty Van Horn, Thomas and Louise Dustman, Nev and Barb Crater, Karen Wackerly, Susan Joyce, Beth and Trish Meiser, Skeeter Richards, Charles and Alice Ross, Doug and Kathi Schmidt, Bob and Elaine Puz, John and Irene Adams, Richard and Regina Smith, Charm and Jim Woods, Dave and Karen Tucci, John and Carol Scandridge, Tom and Sandy Moeglin, Beth and Gary Pearce, Carol Brawley, Sam and Ann Bake, Dick Wackerly, Gretchen DelSavio, the Ted Street family, Contini Insurance Agency, Diane Mohr, Lorraine Baldwin, Michael J. Hulit, DDS, Bob and Sue DeLong, Jenna and Jack Frase, Jen Howell, Janet Casper, Crowl Lumber Co. Inc., Paul Snopel, Jack Buettner, Larry DeDent, Doug Blackledge, Shirley Columbo, Doug and Erika Wood, Myrna Vasil and the Russell Family Reunion, Joanne Cinson, Patricia Cinson Tierney, Jo Ann Gotchall, Bob and Betty Santucci, Dick Ferguson and Dorothy Moushey, Robert and Marlene Crowl, G.L. Auto Glass, Jan Wackerly, Robyn Sprague, Tom and Flo Furey, Rotary Club of Malvern, and Darletta and Bill Shank.

Brown Local Schools students Kendra Verboski, Jacob McClelland, Tyler Witherow, David Krutilek and Shyanne Cutlip, along with their teacher, Chelsea Laser, handled the planting. Their work set the stage for a summer of color across the village.

The planters thrived thanks to a dedicated watering crew that included Sandy Gahan, Ray Bobo, Marshal Jones, Charm and Jim Woods, Lynn Edwards, Bob Reed, Jessica Russell, employees of Crowl Interiors, Anna Shull, Shirley Columbo, Joe Columbo, Bob Hubbard, John and Irene Adams, Teri Foster, employees of Contini Insurance, Jen Howell, Bob and Marty Reed, Karen Wackerly and Sandy Moeglin.

Additional support came from community members who lent their skills and resources. Kurt Thompson of Crowl Lumber repaired planters, Jim Cinson hung baskets on the bridge, Paul Robertson donated soil and river rock, and Nolan Champer delivered hundreds of flowers and donated soil. Irene and John Adams also helped with preparation, ordering, watering and storage ahead of planting.

“This project is a true community effort, and we are grateful to every person who helped make it a success,” said MCDF trustees and flower project co-chairwomen Karen Wackerly and Sandy Moeglin.