State Representative Brian Smith has recognized the Punxsutawney Garden Club with the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award. The award honors the club’s commitment to enhancing the town’s environment through various beautification projects.
The Punxsutawney Garden Club, consisting of 38 local gardening enthusiasts, has been active for 92 years. Their efforts include seasonal cleanups, planting initiatives, and maintaining public spaces like Barclay Square. They are also known for their creative hayrack ornament displays and a “Gardens of the Month” program recognizing local residents.
The club engages in environmental stewardship and community service by organizing fundraisers and outreach activities that promote civic pride among residents.
The current officers of the Punxsutawney Garden Club are President Sharon Murray, Vice President Kerri Stebbins, Treasurer Debby Elder, Secretary Kim Lininger, and Corresponding Secretary Donna Grabany. The executive board also includes Charlene Skarbek, Barb Certo, Dotty Jekielek, and Judy Hampton.
Representative Smith stated, “Members of the Punxsutawney Garden Club don’t put all the time and effort into keeping Punxsutawney beautiful for money or recognition. They do it because each of them cares deeply for our community.”
Shannon Reiter, executive director of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, added that organizations like the Punxsutawney Garden Club inspire residents to take ownership of their environment.
The Community Pride Award is available to individuals or groups committed to litter control and environmental stewardship. Elected officials can nominate constituents for this award by visiting Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s website.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful aims for a clean state through programs focusing on litter prevention and sustainable practices. Since 1990, they have worked with volunteers to remove millions of pounds of trash from various areas across Pennsylvania.
