Dear neighbors

It is our pleasure to announce the 3rd annual SOSNA Streetscape contest.  For new neighbors, this is a chance to pit your green thumb abilities against your neighbors' in three categories for the chance to win great prizes from local businesses.  See the details below for entering.

EMAIL TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Announcing the Third Annual SOSNA Streetscape contest, deadline to enter FRIDAY AUGUST 13.
2. Spring 2011 TreeVitalize Applications, deadline to submit is July 30.
3. REMINDER: Farmer's Market tomorrow, at Juilan Abele Park, 22nd and Carpenter Streets.  See www.julianabelepark.org for this week's product list (including watermelons and cantaloupes) and Senior Citizen FMNP vouchers
4. Jazz at Julian Abele Park Summer Concert Series - Tuesday July 13th at 7 PM

The SOSNA Streetscape Contest is designed to award those neighbors who beautify our community by planting and tending greenery on the front of their homes.  Images of winning entries from last year can be downloaded at the bottow of the contest home page.

The specifications, rules and details are as follows:

SOSNA STREETSCAPE CONTEST

There are 3 categories:

1. Window Boxes
2. Tree Pit Garden
3. Container Garden

There is no fee to enter. 

To enter the contest, SIMPLY REPLY TO THIS EMAIL WITH 1) Your name; 2) Your house address; 3) Your phone number, and 4) Your email address.  You can also stop by the SOSNA office at 1901 Christian Street to sign up.  Be sure to state what category you are entering.  You are allowed to enter in more than one category.

Winners will be selected for First, Second, and Third Place in each of the three categories.

Prizes include valuable gift certificates at local establishments.  Prizes from last year included a brand new electric drill from Center City Home Center (valued over $100); a plant from the Window Box; and gift certificates to Divan, Sidecar, Betty's Speakeasy and more!!

Entries will be judged by professionals in the field of horticulture and design.  Judging will be between Friday August 27 and Monday August 30, 2009. Entrants need not be present, but will be notified in advance of judging. 　

How will judges evaluate your entry?  Five criteria will be observed:

1. Suitability of plants ......Max 15 points
2. Suitability of Containers or plantings ......10
3. Horticultural Practices ......10
4. Maintenance ......25
5. Design/Overall Impression .....40

Total 100 points

The deadline to enter is Friday, AUGUST 13, 2010

Winners will be announced at the September SOSNA General Meeting.

Do not hesitate to contact SOSNA with questions, concerns or suggestions! May the best house win!

Want a free street tree outside your home?  Promise to take good care of it by watering it 15-20 gallons of water per week for the first two years of its life? 

Then SIGN UP FOR A TREE FROM TREEVITALIZE IN THE SPRING OF 2011!!

Anyone interested should reply to this email with "STREET TREE" in the subject heading.  SOSNA will send you an application form and direct you to contact the appropriate TreeTender group spearheading the applications. 

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS FRIDAY JULY 30! 

SOSNA advises all neighbors to think very carefully about whether they can properly nurture the new trees.  Being free trees, they are not as sturdy or strong as they might be if you purchased one from an arborist. Moreover, a tree planted in the Spring (normally in late-April) requires much more TLC than fall trees, which have the entire winter to start establishing roots. 

There is limited space as demand for free trees is quite high, so priority is normally given to those with a good, designated watering plan (outside spigots are a big plus).  It's also a plus to submit applications with a few near-neighbors - it makes it much easier to plant and maintain the trees when they are near each other.

Contact SOSNA with any and all questions about all tree planting options, and visit our TREE PLANTING 101 page to learn about trees and tree maintenance.

The farmer's market is off to a great start and the Beilers are super happy about the turnout thus far.  Thanks to all who've become regular patrons, and keep spreading the word! 

Check out www.julianabelepark.org for this week's product list.  Jacob just updated SOSNA that there will also be watermelons and cantaloupes for sale this week, too, in addition to all the regular stuff.

Also, starting on Monday July 12, the St. Charles Senior Community Center (1941 Christian Street) will be distributing Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Vouchers.  Learn more about these vouchers at the Julian Abele Park Website - follow the link under the Product List. 

These vouchers are targeted at helping low-income seniors purchase from Farmer's Markets.  Eligibility requirements are outlined at the Park website, and Jacob will also have flyers tomorrow.  Jacob and Emma happily accept these vouchers every week.

St. Charles Senior Community Center will be distributing these vouchers from 9-11 AM during the weeks of Monday July 12 and Monday July 19 (weekdays only).  THESE ARE GIVEN OUT ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis, and are limited one per person.

Come to Julian Abele Park (22nd and Carpenter Streets) summer concert series.  From the Julian Abele Park Website . . .

Jazz @ Julian
Free Summer Concert Series
Schedule & Musical Line-up:

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
7-8pm: The Sidecar All-Stars
8-9pm: Damon Bennett's JazzSoul Experience