At the heart of it, it is refreshing to see neighbors and friends coming together to make an overall improvement to the community and possibly motivate others who see them to think about what they might do to make The Dalles a better place to live.

City of The Dalles Beautification Committee announces that September’s Beautification Award winner is Anne Barstow! When asked to describe her garden Anne said “I think that every garden tells a story of the people's lives that have planted and tended it and my garden is surely no exception.

We are in a drought here in The Dalles, with barely four inches of rain since the beginning of this year, a lot of high temps, and desiccating wind. Many of our residential trees are in trouble and may slowly die without extra water this summer.

Have you seen them? They wear a lot of chartreuse and they have long handles with thumbs. They’re pretty cool, and they’re keeping it clean.

Second Saturday piggybacks on The Dalles Little League Field Clean up on Saturday, March 11. Sunny weather and a good crowd made quick work of major clean up as Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda and The Dalles Beautification Committee pitched in with some 20-plus volunteers.

Jill and Dan Durow are the September winners of The Dalles Beautification Committee award.

Theresa Dwyer’s home at 909 Union Street was recently given the Beautification Award for August in The Dalles. The home provides a splendid pallet of color for passers-by, and I am sure the neighbors don’t mind the site through their windows, either.

City of The Dalles Beautification Committee’s Beautification Award for June goes to Lynn and Carol Miller at 820 West 12th St. in The Dalles.

Jean Kikel and Ron Kikel are winners of The Dalles Beautification Award for August 2021. Their home at 622 East 13th Street is a stunner.

The Dalles Beautification Committee gave Lynn and Marlene Long the May/June Beautification Award. Lynn and Marlene Long pictured here with Mayor Mays on the right put a lot of thought into making their garden a seasonal delight. You must see it in person, 2401 Mt. Hood Street.