Craig Rybinski, Tavern Board Bring Home 2009 PHS Community Greening Award

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society awarded a 2009 Community Greening Award to Martin's Tavern on Sunday, November 8 in Philadelphia.
Craig Rybinski, Bob Lyng and Linda Kaat accepted the award on behalf of Martin's Tavern.
Blaine Bonham, executive vice president of PHS noted the impact the participants have made in their communities. "Studies show quality green spaces enhance the health, beauty and economic vitality of an area and often serve as meeting places. This award represents a mark of excellence."

Bob Lyng, Linda Kaat (left) and Craig Rybinski (right) accept the 2009 PHS Community Greening Award from Blaine Bonham

Craig Rybinski is the owner of Craig Rybinski Garden Design in Avondale and created all the horticultural aspects of the Tavern site, which include many historically accurate period trees and plants. He and his crew, with occasional assistance from the Penn State Master Gardeners program and some local residents have been the main force behind the Tavern's consistently beautiful look.
Many thanks go to Craig, for his time, effort and dedication to Martin's Tavern. His work has paid off handsomely! Congratulations!

PHS ANNOUNCES 2009 COMMUNITY GREENING AWARD WINNERS

Philadelphia, PA (November 2009)

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, producer of the Philadelphia International Flower Show and renowned urban greening program Philadelphia Green, paid tribute to Martin's Tavern, located in Marshallton, PA as a community greening champion this fall.
The Community Greening Award, a collaboration of PHS and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, recognizes individuals, garden clubs, civic associations, businesses, municipalities and community groups who have created and maintained public green spaces that enhance their communities. Drawing 84 entries this year from as far west as Erie, Pa., and with entries also coming from New Jersey and Delaware, the program honored 66 recipients at award ceremonies Nov. 1 in Pittsburgh and Nov. 8 in Philadelphia.
“We would like to congratulate all of the Community Greening Award participants for the impact they have made in their communities,” said Blaine Bonham, executive vice president of PHS. “Studies show quality green spaces enhance the health, beauty and economic vitality of an area and often serve as meeting places. This award represents a mark of excellence.”
Several entries this year included innovative ways to capture storm water run off such as rain gardens. Nominations included train stations, public parks, Main Street planters, church gardens, and landscapes around municipal buildings and museums. Spaces were judged on a host of criteria, including variety of plant material, maintenance, design, visual appeal, and use of space. Though these landscapes were not competing against each other, it was the task of the committee to determine which plantings deserved PHS recognition. Each group will receive a framed certificate along with a sign to display in the garden.
For a full list of winners, please visit the PHS website at PHSonline.com.
Headquartered in Philadelphia, PHS is a non-profit membership organization with more than 16,000 members spanning 48 states. PHS is the producer of the world-class Philadelphia International Flower Show, which will celebrate “Passport to the World” Feb. 28- March 7, 2010. Philadelphia Green works in partnership with agencies, corporations and community groups to transform derelict vacant land, streets and parks into vibrant, stabilized and well-managed open spaces. These efforts contribute to the quality of life throughout Philadelphia, serve as economic stimulus for communities, and provide a model for similar efforts nationwide.

West Bradford Township Fall Family Festival

A good time was had by all at West Bradford's annual Fall Family Festival.
Apple cider, fire trucks, pumpkin decorating, balloons and hay rides kept the kids happy in the center of Marshallton.
Meanwhile, cracking fires, a colonial choir, hot dogs, treats, a friendly witch, and the occasional roar of a colonial cannon kept the western side of the village in the festive mood.

Here the McGrory family enjoys some quality time and some treats at Martin's Tavern.