STARKVILLE – The Starkville Town and Country Garden Club was among five organizations and individuals honored Tuesday night at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership’s annual awards banquet and 25th anniversary celebration at The Mill at MSU.
The garden club was named Main Street Partner of the Year for its beautification and volunteer efforts across the city, according to a GSDP awards video.
Starkville Main Street Director Paige Watson said the club focuses on beautification, an often-overlooked aspect of community development.
“I think that beautification efforts are sometimes an afterthought for a lot of people, but their organization specially and all their volunteers, they always put that at the forefront,” Watson said. “They always just go above and beyond to make that effort to make sure the city shines.”
In addition to other service projects, the group hosts educational programs and workshops, organizes Arbor Day tree plantings and installs and decorates the Christmas tree at the Starkville Public Library each year.
Chris Smiley, vice chairman for Starkville’s Main Street Association Board, said the club’s dedication to service doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Whatever we need to get in, whatever we need to do, they come,” Smiley said. “They show up. They show out. They believe in getting the job done. … Their main mission is if Starkville looks good, Starkville thrives, and that’s the biggest thing that the whole group takes pride in.”
Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux received the R. Clay Simmons Business of the Year Award for its fundraising efforts through programs such as its annual Pancake Breakfast, which has raised funds for Starkville Strong, the Boys and Girls Club, Casting for a Cause and the Mayor’s Youth Council.
The T.E. Veitch Community Service Award, which honors a lifetime of community service, was presented to Alison Buehler. Buehler serves on the board of directors for the J.L. King Center and helped organize the Starkville chapter of 100 Women Who Care, a national movement that supports community projects. Since 2020, the group has generated more than $100,000 in local grants, according to the video.
The Ambassador of the Year Award, which recognizes individuals who go “above and beyond” to promote Starkville, was given to Danielle Atchley. Atchley was recognized for her assistance with Business After Hours events, participation in ribbon cuttings and welcoming new members as part of the GSDP Ambassadors program.
Closing out the event, Banana Ball received the Convention and Visitors Bureau Crystal Pineapple Tourism Award for its impact on tourism and economic vitality in Starkville, according to a Partnership press release.
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