Visitors bureau awards local groups

POCONO REGION — Two Pike organizations were among 15 regional groups who were awarded beautification grants by the the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau last Thursday. Beautification Grants are awarded annually to organizations throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne that are interested in improving their curb appeal and community. Delaware Highlands Conservancy was given $400 with the goal of keeping up with other community revitalization efforts. The project funds provided for a conservancy identification sign and landscaping in front of their new office in downtown Hawley. Blooming Grove Township Volunteer Fire Department got $200. The Fire Department was in need of a new advertising and events sign, which will now be replaced after 30 years. The new sign will improve the appeal of the property and provide enhanced messaging to attract more visitors to Blooming Grove events and activities. For more detailed information on the projects listed above or on the Pocono Mountains Beautification Grant Program, contact Ann Pilcher, Director of Community Relations at ann@poconos.org or 570-421-5791.