VIENNA — The Vienna Chamber of Commerce (VCOC) had good community support for its recent Adopt-A-Planter project. Now, eight large, attractive planters have been placed around the courthouse square in Vienna, planted with flowers to enhance the beauty of the square.

Chamber Secretary Kelly Barnhart said a tremendous thank you goes to the Vienna FFA Chapter and Adviser Sara Schwartze for building the planters. Also to the James family for the donation of sheet metal material used to make the planters. And, finally, for the support of the “adoptees for their monetary support in helping beautify Vienna.”

Barnhart said the support was very good and all eight of this year’s planters were quickly adopted, plus another eight were adopted for the second round of planters. The cost of adoption is $150 to cover the cost of getting them built and filled with dirt and flowers. Adopting the planters can be renewed each year for $100.

The planters placed around the square have plaques on them indicating who donated them or whom they are in memory of. 

The first eight persons or businesses to contact the chamber about sponsoring a planter were Tyler “TC” James, owner of Show-Me Land Surveying, LLC, Courtney Jeremy of Shelter Insurance, JoAnn Sauer in memory of Katie Fennessey, Central Fence LLC, Martha and Michael Gallagher in honor of Ron Weed, Vic Stratman in memory of Al and Martha Stratman, Phelps Health, and Becker Millwork in memory of Richard Becker. 

The next eight planters already have been adopted, too, Barnhart said. They were adopted by The Maries County Bank-Vienna, Argyle Catering Company, LLC, Barnhart Dental, Victorian Place of Vienna, The Market, Loyal Henderson in memory of Lucy (Mom) Henderson and Madolyn (Nanny) Baldwin, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New Haven, and Vienna City Hall. 

VHS student and FFA Chapter member, Ava Kloeppel, has been watering and caring for the flowers in the planters. They are a nice addition to the courthouse square.