Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • Featured Business
    • Around the House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Restaurants
    • Services
  • Everyday
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Aberdeen High School
    • Elma High School
    • Hoquiam High School Sports
    • Montesano High School Sports
    • North Beach High School Sports
    • Ocosta High School Sports
    • Wishkah Valley High School Sports
    • Rec League
  • Food & Art
  • History
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Adult
    • Family
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Kids
    • Kids
  • Event Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Grays Harbor Tourism
    • 1. Winter
    • 2. Spring
    • 3. Summer
    • 4. Fall
  • Community Channels
    • Coffee Shop
    • Grays Harbor Transit
    • Hospital
    • Financial – Credit Union
    • Veterinary Services
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Search
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
  • About
    • Team
    • Media Partner
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertising
    • Company News
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
GraysHarborTalk
  • Featured Business
    • AllAround the HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsRestaurantsServices
      a man and a woman work on putting together something with sticks on a table

      Bank of the Pacific Supports TAALA Fund’s Mission of Financial Inclusion

      Unlock Unbeatable Internet Value in Grays Harbor County With Comcast’s New…

      a man, woman and child, in a living room all on computer, tablets or phones

      Xfinity Internet Customers in Grays Harbor County Get Speed Upgrade and…

      Grays Harbor Grocery Store building from across the parking lot

      New Grays Harbor Grocery Store Opening Soon

  • Everyday
    • Saint Martin's University's Andrea Kunder standing in a computer lab smiling

      Saint Martin’s Astrophysics Professor Andrea Kunder Shoots for the Stars with…

      students at computers on a long desk

      Saint Martin’s University Offers New Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree

      baskets of petunias hanging from a pole and in containers on the ground

      Blooming with Pride and Inspiration in Grays Harbor: Aberdeen Beautification Committee…

      Oakville School District School-Based Health Center exam room

      Oakville School District in Grays Harbor Introduces School-Based Health Center to…

      Tammy Van Natta and a man stand for a photo, she is holding an award plaque

      The Evergreen State College’s Tammy Van Natta Awarded Outstanding Employer for…

  • Sports
    • AllHigh School SportsAberdeen High SchoolElma High SchoolHoquiam High School SportsMontesano High School SportsNorth Beach High School SportsOcosta High School SportsWishkah Valley High School SportsRec League
      Theresa Hanson, Saint Martin's University's new athletic director, headshot

      Leading With Purpose: New Director of Athletics Theresa Hanson on Her…

      Grays Harbor County Celebrates Two Local High School Wrestling State Champions…

      Saint Martin’s University Basketball Program Sends Talented Local Student Athletes to…

      Grays Harbor Ailyn Haggard of Aberdeen High School Captures 2A District…

  • Food & Art
    • four people dressed in lederhosen for Oktoberfest at The Cave Bar, one woman holds a sign that says 'you should be here'

      The Cave Bar in Aberdeen Is a Must-Stop on the Washington…

      Where to Find Locally-Made Beer and Wine in Grays Harbor

      a class of beer next to a plastic cow lying down in some bark mulch

      Where to Find Historic Bars in Hoquiam

      John's River Lodge outside

      Where to Find Historic Bars in Aberdeen

      Local Farm Growing Microgreens in Elma

  • History
    • ‘Postmarked Washington’ Sheds Light on Grays Harbor History

      Hotel Hoquiam in the 1900s

      The History of the Hotel Hoquiam: A Cornerstone of Grays Harbor…

      Grays Harbor County 7th Street Theatre in Hoquiam Continues to Shine…

      Aerial short of the Westport Lighthouse surrounded by trees

      Grays Harbor Westport Lighthouse Is Iconic Symbol of Washington Maritime History

      Trick-or-Treat: How Grays Harbor Celebrated Halloween in the 1950s

  • LocalTalk
    • Quinault Beach Resort Casino clam diggers on beach

      WDFW Approves 6 Days of Coastal Razor Clam Digs Beginning May…

      Paul G Allen Family Foundation Awards South Beach Arts Association Grant…

      Olympic National Forest Summer 2025 Operations

      razor clam

      WDFW Approves Eight Days of Coastal Razor Clam Digs Beginning April…

      man bent over using clam gun in the sand with a husky next to him

      WDFW Approves Seven Days of Coastal Razor Clam Digs Beginning April…

  • Activities
    • AllAdultFamilyIndoorOutdoorKids
      rialto beach

      While Visiting Olympia to Watch FIFA World Cup Soccer, Head to…

      Challenging Kayaking in Olympia with Rewarding Scenery? Check Out This Day…

      car with bikes attached to the back

      Downhill Mountain Biking Near Olympia: North Slope Offers Shuttling Access and…

      The Summit Discovery Trail Supports Early Learners in Grays Harbor

    • Kids
  • Event Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Grays Harbor Tourism
    • All1. Winter2. Spring3. Summer4. Fall
      rialto beach

      While Visiting Olympia to Watch FIFA World Cup Soccer, Head to…

      Hubble House Inn front view

      New Hubble House Inn in Montesano Is Your Gateway to a…

      Where to Find Locally-Made Beer and Wine in Grays Harbor

      a man in an orange kayak in the Chehalis River

      Kayaking the Chehalis River: Exploring Preachers Slough

  • Community Channels
    • Coffee Shop
    • Grays Harbor Transit
    • Hospital
    • Financial – Credit Union
    • Veterinary Services
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Home Everyday The Bloom Team Beautifies the Streets of Aberdeen

The Bloom Team Beautifies the Streets of Aberdeen

By
Rachel Monroe
-
FacebookTweet

 

By Rachel Monroe

grays harbor community hospitalI remember driving through downtown Aberdeen early this summer. Gorgeous hanging baskets and flower pots bursting with color caught my eye. I remember smiling to myself and thinking that someone had put a lot of work, time and thought into making downtown Aberdeen look beautiful with these stunning flowers. The credit belongs to a group of hardworking volunteers known as The Bloom Team.

First Steps: The Downtown Beautification Project

bloom team aberdeen
Bobbi McCracken (right) and Bette Worth work hard on the Downtown Flower Project. When not watering and weeding flower pots, they are writing grants, soliciting sponsorships and brainstorming ideas for the future.

Bette Worth and Bobbi McCracken are the founders and directors of the Bloom Team. These amazing women are dedicated members of the Aberdeen Beautification Committee. They have partnered with the Aberdeen Parks Department to make the downtown Flower Project a reality.

After deciding that flower pots and hanging baskets would greatly improve the face of downtown Aberdeen, Worth and McCracken began researching and fundraising for the project. They contacted neighbors in Shelton, who had a similar project in the works to get ideas and inspiration. They also reached out the City of Aberdeen, who agreed to help fund the project.

After raising an impressive $18,000, the Bloom Team purchased 90 flower pots and thousands of plants from Wynoochee Windmill Farms. “Through the Comcast Cares Day in April, over 200 community members and Comcast employees gathered to plant the aggregate pots and clean up the streets of the downtown corridor,” Worth said.

Beauty in the Making

Almost overnight, downtown Aberdeen began looking beautiful. Residents, tourists and community members were suddenly greeted by flowers in almost every color brightening the downtown area. Worth and McCracken realized they would not be able to maintain all the flower pots themselves, “so we called our friends,” Worth smiled.

From June through September, 12 to 14 women gathered to care for the flower pots twice a month. They weed, fertilize, dead-head and pick up trash along the streets. “Not only is this a fun social time, it also gives volunteers a sense of pride and giving back to the community,” Worth said. Volunteers split into groups, each taking certain streets.

“A lot of people will honk or give us the thumbs up as they are driving by,” Worth said. Some people have even walked up to members of the Bloom Team and expressed appreciation for their hard work.

Working Together to Make a Difference

bloom team aberdeen
These colorful flowers bring smiles to community members and tourists all summer long.  Photo credit: Jeff Cook.

Numerous community members have given generous donations, allowing the Bloom Team to enhance their Flower Project. A remarkable donation allowed the City of Aberdeen to purchase a John Deere Gator, used to water the plants. A second donation made the purchase of a pressure washer possible. This helps keeps the streets clean and sanitary. Businesses and individuals have sponsored a flower basket for $200, which is the estimated cost to maintain a single basket throughout the season. Donations have come in large and small amounts, with one of their most special contributions being $10 from a little boy who felt strongly about supporting the project. “We are very grateful for this year’s sponsors, including the Aberdeen Rotary, Aberdeen Lions Club and ARM who helped jumpstart the 2015 campaign,” Worth noted.

While the Bloom Team works hard to maintain the flower pots, the City of Aberdeen makes sure the hanging baskets are watered and cared for. Stacie Barnum, Assistant Parks Director with the Aberdeen Parks Department has been a tremendous resource for the Bloom Team, helping write grants and coordinating when city employees will be out watering and fertilizing the flowers. The Bloom Team also works with the city to coordinate times to hang seasonal banners along the streets. “We have banners for spring, summer, fall and winter,” McCracken said.

Overcoming Obstacles

Strong winds and large log trucks sweeping through the streets are two factors that make maintaining the flower pots difficult. “The wind can be very destructive and not all the flowers hold up well,” Worth explains. In the future, Worth and McCracken will be working with Wynoochee Windmill Farms to select more durable flowers.

bloom team aberdeen
The Bloom Team meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month from June to September to maintain flower pots and clean up Aberdeen’s streets.  Photo credit: Jeff Cook.

Before beginning the project, Worth and McCracken spoke with the downtown businesses about the idea of flower pots. Unanimously, business owners cited vandalism as a key concern and past problem. However, the Bloom Team is excited that this has not been an issue for them so far. “Maybe it’s because the pots are so beautiful, people passing by appreciate them,” Worth suggested.

Plans for the Future

While the flower season officially ended in September, Worth and McCracken plan to keep the flower pots looking beautiful year around and are currently brainstorming what kind of winter plants to utilize in the pots. The care and maintenance of these winter flowers will rest solely on the shoulders of the Bloom Team, as the Parks Department will not have their extra summer hands available to help.

Worth and McCracken also have plans to raise more money and solicit additional sponsors for the coming season. With the goal of raising $25,000 in 2016, they hope to increase the number of flower pots to a total of 150 throughout the city. They also plan to expand to other streets, particularly to the businesses near the entrance of Aberdeen just past the bluff.

If you are interested in getting involved with the downtown Flower Project, there are several ways you can help. Community members are welcome to join the Bloom Team in helping weed and maintain the flower pots. Donations in any amount are always appreciated. If interested in contributing in either way, contact Bobbi McCracken or Bette Worth.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweet
Previous articleYour Healthcare Connection: Oly Ortho Welcomes Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Dominic Femiano
Next articleAdopt-A-Pet’s Dog of the Week: Jake
Rachel Monroe

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Saint Martin's University's Andrea Kunder standing in a computer lab smiling

Saint Martin’s Astrophysics Professor Andrea Kunder Shoots for the Stars with National Science Foundation Grant

students at computers on a long desk

Saint Martin’s University Offers New Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree

baskets of petunias hanging from a pole and in containers on the ground

Blooming with Pride and Inspiration in Grays Harbor: Aberdeen Beautification Committee Celebrates 11 Years Enhancing the Downtown Corridor

Upcoming Events

May
21
Wed
10:30 am Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
May 21 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
This engaging program includes rich stories, rhymes, songs, and movement games for the whole family! All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
2:00 pm Resource Event @ Aberdeen Senior Center
Resource Event @ Aberdeen Senior Center
May 21 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Resource Event @ Aberdeen Senior Center
Agencies that may attend QUINAULT WELLNESS CENTER CHAVEZ BEAUTY SCHOOL SEA-MAR GH TREATMENT SOLUTIONS OLYMPIC AREA AGENCY OF AGING (03A) CCAP EMPLOYMENT DEPT. CCAP HOUSING DEPT. GHC PUBLIC HEALTH GH VETERANS RESOURCES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER[...]
May
23
Fri
7:00 pm CJ & V @ McCleary Museum & Event Center
CJ & V @ McCleary Museum & Event Center
May 23 @ 7:00 pm
CJ & V @ McCleary Museum & Event Center
CJ & V, a Grays Harbor favorite, is a musical duo covering favorite hits from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and more!
May
24
Sat
1:00 pm Saturday Matinee @ McCleary Timberland Library
Saturday Matinee @ McCleary Timberland Library
May 24 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us each Saturday for movies at the library on the big screen. Bring a comfy pillow and bottled water. Popcorn will be provided. Call or stop in for this month’s titles. For all ages.
May
28
Wed
10:30 am Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
May 28 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
This engaging program includes rich stories, rhymes, songs, and movement games for the whole family! All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

STAY CONNECTED

13,753FansLike
970FollowersFollow

Business

a man and a woman work on putting together something with sticks on a table

Bank of the Pacific Supports TAALA Fund’s Mission of Financial Inclusion

Across the United States today, numerous Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) work to promote economic development and financial inclusion within tribal communities. CDFIs...

Unlock Unbeatable Internet Value in Grays Harbor County With Comcast’s New...

a man, woman and child, in a living room all on computer, tablets or phones

Xfinity Internet Customers in Grays Harbor County Get Speed Upgrade and...

Trending Now

The Cave Bar and Polish Club building with a red The Cave Bar sign

Country Line Dancing in Grays Harbor at The Cave Bar

Grays Harbor Community Hospital Nurse Practitioners Ron and Katha

Nurse Practitioners Increase Access to Health Care in Grays Harbor

Grays-Harbor-Community-Hospital-new-primary-care-staff-east-campus

Welcoming New Providers to the Harbor Medical Group Family

Editor Picks

The Cave Bar and Polish Club building with a red The Cave Bar sign

Country Line Dancing in Grays Harbor at The Cave Bar

The Evergreen State College Students Lead Largest Solar Expansion on Olympia...

Kids in a canoe wearing lifejackets and holding their paddles up vertically

2025 Summer Camps in Grays Harbor

Recent Posts

  • Country Line Dancing in Grays Harbor at The Cave Bar
  • Saint Martin’s Astrophysics Professor Andrea Kunder Shoots for the Stars with National Science Foundation Grant
  • ‘Postmarked Washington’ Sheds Light on Grays Harbor History
  • Leading With Purpose: New Director of Athletics Theresa Hanson on Her Vision for Athletics at Saint Martin’s University
  • While Visiting Olympia to Watch FIFA World Cup Soccer, Head to the Washington Coast
ABOUT US
GraysHarborTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Grays Harbor County, including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano, Elma, Ocean Shores, Westport and the surrounding area. Advertise with GraysHarborTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@graysharbortalk.com
FOLLOW US
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • About
    • Team
    • Media Partner
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertising
    • Company News
© GraysHarborTalk, Inc.