Visitors bureau awards beautification grants

MILFORD — Three area groups were among 11 organizations this week awarded grants by The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. 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. This year’s recipients are as follows: Matamoras Revitalization Committee - $500 Their Pennsylvania Ave. beautification project is dedicated to improving Pennsylvania Ave.. The allotted sum will help to acquire holiday decorations for the east side of the street and enhance this goal. Pike County Conservation District - $500 The Conservation District will manage stormwater issues by establishing native plants on steep slopes around their historic building. These plants will also be used for education purposes to demonstrate to residents and visitors how these local plants can be utilized. Wayne Pike Chapter of American Red Cross - $250 The funds will be used to make their building more visitor-friendly and appealing by installing an outdoor window floral box display, adding a comfortable park bench and applying new exterior trim paint. 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.