Walt Wood and Helen Garner admire the crape myrtles that are in full bloom at the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"The Beautification Committee sold about 18,000 of these over the last decade," said Walt Wood, of the Chamber, reflecting on how much the crape myrtle trees have benefited the area, both as a pretty sight to look at and also as a fundraising tool for the Beautification Committee.

The crape myrtles perfectly outline the Chamber, which serves as an attractive destination point for many community events, including the "Good Citizen" award presentation. This presentation took place yesterday morning, prior to Beautification Committee award presentations, which were held at other locations in the county.

This month's recipient for the Good Citizen Award is local attorney Wayne Bomar, an extraordinary citizen who has been involved in the Duck River Cleanup, Bedford County United Way, civic clubs, Sunday school classes, among many other community-related volunteer activities, said Helen Garner, committee member.

"I must admit, I get a blessing every Sunday when I hear Wayne sing in the choir," Garner said.

Bomar said his upbringing provided him with character traits necessary for being an active participant of the community.

"I was raised by a mother and father who believed community service was the most vital thing you could do," said Bomar.

Following the presentation to Bomar, Geneva Smith led the pack to the home of Walter and Charlene Taylor, Highway 130 West, to present Walter with the "Yard of the Month" award, which is sponsored by Coldwell Banker.

The Madison Street Sonic, owned by Bret Cates, received the "Business Landscape" award for all of the hard work they've put into making that business attractive to customers. Craig & Wheeler sponsored that award.

The group's next step called for a short drive to Wartrace, where a large group of folks congratulated Walking Horse Hotel Executive Chef Jason Thompson, who accepted the "Brighten Your Corner" award on behalf of owner Joe Peters.

The award presentations may have been over following the stop at the Walking Horse Hotel, but the fun wasn't over for the Beautification Committee members. Just across the street in Wartrace, a large and festive group of people were celebrating a ribbon cutting ceremony at Grand Central Salon, located at 13 Main St.

The salon, which offers a variety of services, including haircuts, manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing, offered the many guests tasty hors d'oeuvres.