Vision 2020 Tree Planting in Dieterich

(LEFT TO RIGHT: JONATHAN WILHELMS, JACKIE EPLEY AND STEPHANIE BUSHUE OF HEARTLAND LANDSCAPING; DIETERICH VILLAGE BOARD MEMBERS CARRIE GALBREATH AND STEVE KIBLER; DIETERICH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT CARY JACKSON; DIETERICH MAYOR BRAD HARDIEK; COMMUNITY BREAKFAST COMMITTEE MEMBER JANE SUMMERS AND EFFINGHAM COUNTY CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND C-E-O NORMA LANSING)

Members of the Effingham County Vision 2020 Community Celebration of Excellence Breakfast Committee and Dieterich residents have planted a tree in the community.

“The tree planting is the fifth of a total of 10 tree plantings to be held in each Effingham County community in recognition of the communities’ success and progress toward the mission of Effingham County Vision 2020,” said Norma Lansing, Effingham County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO and Vision 2020 spokesperson.

Cary Jackson, Dieterich Unit 30 Superintendent, said, “The tree will not only enhance the aesthetics of the park, but it will be a constant reminder of the progress that Dieterich has experienced up to this point, and will experience in the future. We will all enjoy watching it grow along with Dieterich."

“Thank you to the Chamber and Vision 2020 for this great donation,” said Brad Hardiek, Dieterich village president. “In keeping with the vision theme, I envision children and families enjoying this tree well beyond the year 2020, whether it be, using it as base for a great game of tag, playing in its beautiful fall leaves, taking breaks in its cooling shade, or just enjoying a relaxing nap or picnic under it. It will be enjoyed by many for many years to come."

“Effingham County Vision 2020 was established in 2005 by a group of community volunteers who began working together to inspire Effingham County residents to build upon their individual strengths and increase their potential, imagination, and cooperation to positively affect their quality of life as a community. Their efforts have created a dynamic process, designed to change as new ideas and opportunities present themselves,” Lansing said.

Several committees have worked together to have a positive impact on Effingham County in several areas including: retail and tourism, education, job creation and retention, culture arts and leisure, community values, infrastructure/natural resources/governance and healthcare.

For more information about Effingham County Vision 2020, contact Lansing at (217) 342-4147.