Vermilion in Bloom Volunteers
NEW Life rings for winter 2023/2024
Vermilion in Bloom
About Vermilion in Bloom,
a Main Street Vermilion Program
Since 2003, Vermilion in Bloom has changed the way our town looks by brightening the streetscape throughout downtown with flowers, improving public gathering places, coordinating the addition of "urban friendly" trees, dressing the town for the holidays and so much more.
Their work delivers a sense of pride as visitors and residents alike marvel at the sight, even stopping to say "thanks" to the daily watering crews and Adopt a Garden folks for their dedication and volunteerism.
Volunteers make all the difference!
Would you like to join us? Here’s what you can do.
1 JOIN A WATERING TEAM…OR CREATE YOUR OWN Every day in the summer, from mid-May to mid-October you’ll notice volunteers driving a VIB truck to water the hanging flower baskets, containers and street gardens around downtown. It is a fun way to meet new people, work with friends and see Vermilion wake-up in the mornings. You can volunteer once a week, once a month, or a few times a season based on your availability. Email Tina for details at tswine@yahoo.com.
2 YOU CAN ADOPT A GARDEN Volunteers commit to tend a flowerbed during the season. It typically takes an hour or less per week. Gardeners check the flowers, deadhead spent blossoms, pull weeds, remove debris, and “fluff” the mulch. Contact, Diane Martin, at dm331956@yahoo.com if you are interested.
3 PLANT FLOWERS VIB volunteers plant flowers at assigned locations on Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12. If you are interested in helping, contact dana.corogin@gmail.com
4 WORKING ON EVENTS As we return to more familiar times, VIB events will make a comeback. Volunteers are needed to plan and work the events, share culinary talents by making food, donate prizes, and help with the annual donation request mailing.
2026 Calendar of Events and Activities
VIB Program Coordinators & Adopt a Garden Coordinators:
Libby Williams (440.315.3998) & Diane Martin (440.541.4571)
Team Leader Coordinator: Susan Carter
VIB Ladies Nights ($10.00 donation)
Coordinators: Mindy Kayl & Christine Leonard
Thursday, Jan. 29, 7:00-9:00 PM at Vermilion Boat Club
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:00-9:00 PM at Paper Moon
Bridge Box Planting
Coordinators: Jennifer Zeck & Julie Lehky
Tuesday., April 7, 9:00 AM
Four Peaks Greenhouse
Bring garden gloves and trowel
Downtown Flower Planting & Mulching
Coordinators: Sue Michos & Sue Gazdick
Wednesday, May 6, 9:30 AM
Meet in Exchange Park
Bring garden gloves and tools
McGarvey’s Landing Planting & Mulching
Coordinators: Sandy Kish Jordan & Judy Haseley
Saturday, May 9, 9:00 AM
Meet at McGarvey’s Landing
Bring garden gloves and tools
Main Street Vermilion Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
Details to be determined
Flower Removal Dates
Hanging Flower Basket Removal - Date to be announced
Coordinator: Sandy Kish Jordan
Downtown Flower Removal - Date to be determined
Coordinator: Diane Marin
Meet in Exchange Park
Bring garden gloves and tools
Holiday Life Ring and Buoy Decorating for Light Poles
Coordinators: Mary Hoholski & Jocelyn Colyer
Saturday, November 21, 9:00 AM
Parks Dept. building on 5467 Ohio Street
Bring gloves, pliers, and hand pruners
Vermilion in Bloom Ladies Nights return for 2026!
Every year, Vermilion in Bloom hosts popular ladies nights to get us through winter and into the planting season. Wine, food and lively conversation fill the evening. Everyone is welcome and you’re sure to meet new people, see some familiar faces and learn more about what Vermilion in Bloom does for Vermilion. A $10 donation at the door is requested. Join us as we toast to another season of Vermilion in Bloom!
Thursday, January 29th, 7:00-9:00 PM
Vermilion Boat Club
Enjoy a glass of wine + appetizers and desserts provided by VIB volunteers
*bring a dish to share!
If you have time to make a dish to share, please bring it to the food table around 6:45.
(We have discovered VIB volunteers are fabulous cooks in addition to their many other talents!)
Wednesday, February 25th, 7:00-9:00 PM
It is time to have some fun! Let's get together at Paper Moon Vineyards for Wine, Salads & Desserts!
ENJOY A GLASS OF WINE! PLEASE BRING EITHER A SALAD OR DESSERT TO SHARE.
If you have time to make a dish to share, please bring it to the food table around 6:45.
(We have discovered VIB volunteers are fabulous cooks in addition to their many other talents!)
History of Vermilion Life Rings
Vermilion’s early fame began with the shipbuilding industry in 1812 when Captain William Austin built the first schooner in Vermilion, the “Friendship”. From 1812 to 1924, these unique vessels carried iron, lumber and stone to the far reaches of the Great Lakes.
The authentic canvas life rings you see on display throughout the winter holidays are each hand painted with a vessel name and the year it was built, a tribute to our maritime heritage.
Main Street Vermilion Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
Wednesday, September 17, 5:30-7:30 PM at the Olympic Club
Third Thursdays
6PM - Sunset Downtown Vermilion
2025 Dates: May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18
Come downtown and enjoy all of the beautiful flowers Vermilion in Bloom volunteers have added to our downtown. Live music, shopping and dinning make for a lovely evening.
Event sponsored by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce
VERMILION IN BLOOM LEADERSHIP TEAM
VIB Program Coordinators: Libby Williams (440.315.3998) & Diane Martin (440-541-4571)
Team Leader Coordinator: Susan Carter
Adopt-A-Garden Coordinators: Diane Martin & Libby Williams
Watering Team Coordinators: Sally Carle & Kristine Duke
Donation Request Letter and Thank You Note Coordinator: Aimee Holmes & Kim Hannig
Flower Planning and Planting Coordinators: Sue Michos & Sue Gazdick
Bridge Box Flower Planting Coordinators: Jennifer Zeck & Julie Lehky
McGarvey's Landing Flower Planting Coordinators: Sandy Kish Jordan & Judy Haseley
Ladies Nights Coordinators: Mindy Kayl & Christine Leonard
Special Beautification Projects Coordinator: Dana Corogin
Historic Light Pole Maintenance Coordinator: Anne Maiden
Spring Decorations Coordinators: Shea Loper & Gretchen Loper
Fall Decorations Coordinators: Mary Moes & Sally Carle
Fall / Flower Removal Coordinator: Diane Martin
Hanging Basket Removal Coordinator: Dana Corogin & Sandy Kish Jordan
Winter Decorations Coordinators: Mary Hoholski & Jocelyn Colyer