Page 2A THE BEACON September 2018
Seasons of Life
To everything ( turn , turn , turn ) There is a season ( turn , turn , turn ), or so said the rock group The Byrds . My home is no exception although the current season is a bit unorthodox . It ’ s turtle season !
My wonderful dog , Tess , has a turtle fetish . Don ’ t worry- no amniotes were harmed in the making of this story . Every morning during this time of year Tess goes out to hunt for her beloved turtles . She finds them and proudly brings them back to me . She is so happy with her “ gift ” that she prances around in circles . So cute .
Last year Tess ’ s turtle count was twenty-nine . This year when the fun began , my family took guesses as to how many turtles Tess would tender during turtle season . ( say that three times fast !)
But of course , this count couldn ’ t be an easy one ...
“ What if a turtle is a repeat visitor ?” inquired my sister .
So I was tasked with numbering each turtle with nail polish before sending it on its merry way . Yes , the color chosen was non-gender specific so that any male turtles would not be made fun of upon their return to their ... turtle herds ?!!
I digress . As the days went on , Tess ’ turtle count steadily rose . My family waited with bated breath for the end of turtle season and the final Tess tally ( not really , but it sounds good !). We also waited in fear that Tess might encounter a snapping turtle rather than a box turtle . Thankfully , that never occurred as far as I know .
In the meantime , the elders in my family shared stories with us younguns about box turtles that they had found in their youth . The construction of turtle houses and other miscellaneous stories of their childhood were shared and
Tess and one of her many turtle friends .
debated for accuracy . All of these stories would have been lost had not the escapades of Tess and her turtles not come to light .
Turtle season ended with Tess counting in at thirty-one turtle buddies this year . Only two came back for a repeat performance as far as I can tell . Congratulations to my oldest sister , Celeste , on being the winner of the turtle counting contest . Great things await this talented young woman !
For those of you who have
Linda Cromer volunteered to present the history of “ How Arbor Day Started ” to fifth grade students .
children , I strongly encourage you to share stories about your childhood and about our community as it was when you were growing up . I have a feeling that they will be amazed at the idea that you too had a childhood , and you will be amazed at what they will remember .
Making a segway from turtles to gardening provides a whole host of opportunities that I will let you come up with on your own . Suffice it to say that we have an astounding volunteer amongst us who certainly moves at the exact opposite speed of a turtle ’ s pace . Her name is Linda Cromer , and she has taken Greendale ’ s gardening community by storm .
For many years I would walk around Greendale admiring the beautiful homes and amazing architecture . One home , in particular , was situated on a double lot and has the most amazing gardens . I used to think that the owner was very talented and how she must spend all of her time working on that yard .
Ha ! Nothing could be further from the truth ! I recently learned that the home I so long since admired is owned by Linda Cromer . And she is an incredibly enthusiastic woman who has poured her heart and soul into making Greendale the garden oasis that it is today .
Ms . Cromer and her husband have been residents of Greendale for over thirty years . On several mornings and evenings each week Ms . Cromer can be found cruising around town in Marigold , her trusty vehicle used to water the beautiful planters that grace the corners , streets , and parks in Greendale .
But Ms . Cromer ’ s passion for gardening does not stop there . Take note of the pool and cabin the next time you go by . Or Schnebelt ’ s Pond and Park . Or the Greendale Cemetery . All of these have beautiful flowers and landscaping as well as unique , colorful banners that add visual interest to their landscapes .
Ms . Cromer is a member
of the Greendale Cemetery board . She works tirelessly to keep the cemetery in the pristine condition that reflects the respect of the community . Ms . Cromer has also invested countless hours inspecting the trees in the cemetery and throughout the city to preserve their health and ensure the safety of residents who stroll by .
For those who are unaware , Greendale has been recognized as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation . Ms . Cromer was instrumental in ensuring that Greendale met the criteria to achieve this status and works tirelessly as a member of the Greendale Tree Board and the Park Board .
Did you hear the booms and enjoy the fantastic fireworks in Greendale on the Fourth of July ? Guess who is on the committee that makes the event happen- Linda Cromer . She also works tirelessly many times a week to ensure that all is running smoothly at the community pool
Ms . Cromer also has an artistic side . The next time you stroll down the path in Greendale , take note of the bicycle sculptures intertwined with colorful flowers that grace the paths . They are the vision of Ms . Cromer who worked hand-in-hand with community members to bring these sculptures to life .
Where once were abandoned buildings in Greendale , now are beautiful parks and community gardens . All thanks to the vision and effort of Linda Cromer . To continue Ms . Cromer ’ s legacy , she is on the steering committee to review Greendale ’ s comprehensive plan and the goals for the next five years .
Rumor has it that thousands of holiday creations and garden inspirations will soon be shared with the community thanks to the planning and preparation of Ms . Cromer .
Thank you , Linda Cromer , for all of your efforts to make our community brighter and bring a little joy to everyone as they pass through Greendale .
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The Beacon is an independent monthly publication with distribution in Dearborn , Ripley , Franklin and Ohio Counties in Indiana and Harrison , Ohio .
Published since 1994 . Beacon News , Inc . PO Box 4022 Lawrenceburg , Indiana 47025 .
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