The City of Marysville honored the winners of its annual Beautification Program at the Sept. 13 city council meeting.

"The Beautification Program recognizes residents and businesses who contribute to the beauty of Marysville by taking pride in the landscaping of their home or business or by making exterior renovations," Mayor John Gore said.

Winners of the Beautifully Maintained award(residential) were: Eric and Debbie Moulton (Ward 1); John and Joan Adelsberger (Ward 2); and, Bill and Pat Sallee (Ward 4). The winner of the Beautifully Maintained award(business) was Dr. Gerald Strauss (Ward 4).

Winners of the Property Enhancement award(residential) were: Jason Shaffer and Heidi Ball (Ward 1); Cordia Gabert (Ward 2); and, Joseph and Caroline Litton (Ward 4).

The Property Enhancement award(business)went to the Ohio Army National Guard Armory and Community Center (Ward 2).

The winning properties could be nominated by the owner, by friends, neighbors or other citizens and were judged based on first impression, selection and placement of materials, originality of design and the improvements' architectural character and integrity.

Gore thanked all the nominees.

"The care you show for your property reflects the care you have for your community," he said. "We appreciate your hard work, and we thank you for sharing your efforts with all of Marysville."

John Adelsberger and his wife, Joan, were responsible for the landscaping at the entrance to Greenwood Colony and Greenwood Park.

"We've just had so much fun with this thing," he said. "I met so many people and so many people came by and helped us. I can't wait to get Burpee seeds this fall and start planting again."

The program was overseen by the city's Exterior Property Maintenance Committee, which includes Peter Griffin, Debbie Bingham, Keith Brown, Joel Allen and Tom Sawyer.

Tina Knotts of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, reminded council that the fifth annual Covered Bridge and Bluegrass Festival will be held Sept. 21-23.

Friday night will feature Dinner on the Bridge, catered by Made from Scratch. The capacity on the bridge is 70 and Knotts said reservations are required.

Saturday events will include shuttle bus tours of the county's eight covered bridges. The tours will begin at the county's Historical Society, 246 W. Sixth St., and will run continuously throughout the day. A second shuttle will convey patrons to the Pottersburg Bridge, where most of the activities -- bluegrass music, arts, crafts, antiques, kids' activities and a pie baking contest -- will be held.

The festival will close on Sunday with a community church service at the Pottersburg Bridge, followed by a potluck accompanied by gospel music.

For information, phone the chamber at (937) 642-6279.