[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10880]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING NEWLAND NURSERY AND LANDSCAPING

 Ms. SNOWE. Madam President, as we approach the holiday season, 
I wish to recognize a small business from my home State of Maine that 
has made its mark by its commitment to giving back to the local 
community. NewLand Nursery and Landscaping of Ellsworth has been 
providing Hancock County with quality landscaping services and floral 
arrangements for almost two decades, while simultaneously maintaining 
its status as an involved member of the greater Ellsworth area.
  Beginning its landscape design operations in 1985 with a mere $600, a 
pickup truck, and some tools, NewLand has continually expanded its 
services to become a well-known name for its gorgeous flowers, 
versatile garden products, and impressive landscaping business. A 
reputable source for gardening knowledge, customers in Downeast Maine 
have relied on NewLand for creative ways to enrich their home gardens 
or fashion a welcoming landscape at their business.
  NewLand has designed some of Maine's most recognizable landscapes, 
from Bangor to Calais. Many locals and tourists alike will recognize 
NewLand's exquisite work at the Jordan Pond House in Acadia National 
Park, where the firm designed the tea garden, plantings, and other 
aspects. Additionally, NewLand has developed landscapes at the 
Mansfield baseball field in Bangor, the University of Maine's Hutchison 
Center in Belfast, and St. John's Church in Bangor.
  NewLand has received several awards over the course of its history 
for the inventiveness and attractiveness of its work. It won the 
People's Choice Award five times at the Bangor Garden Show, from 1991 
to 1994 and again in 1999. And in 2006, NewLand was recognized by 
Governor Baldacci, the Maine Commission for Community Service, and the 
Maine Volunteer Connection with the Small Business Volunteerism Award, 
commending the company for its culture of encouraging volunteering 
among its employees and its generosity in assisting others throughout 
Hancock County. NewLand Nursery and Landscaping is a member of numerous 
community and statewide organizations, including the Ellsworth Area 
Chamber of Commerce and the Maine State Florists' and Growers' 
Association.
  Steve Elliot, the owner of NewLand, has certainly led by example when 
it comes to community service. Mr. Elliot most recently served as 
president of the Rotary Club of Ellsworth and was actively involved in 
organizing engaging Rotary meetings and service events. In fact, this 
coming Saturday, Mr. Elliot will join his fellow Rotarians for the 
third annual Gifting Experience. Members of the local club will take 23 
8- and 9-year-olds shopping in downtown Ellsworth to buy gifts for 
their family members. They will then go to Maine Coast Memorial 
Hospital, where the children will wrap presents. At the conclusion of 
the day, Mr. Elliot dressed as Santa Claus will give each participant a 
gift.
  No stranger to community involvement, Mr. Elliot also hosts a free 
annual fall children's festival at NewLand, where kids can enjoy 
hayrides and participate in bowling with pumpkins, as well as an Easter 
Egg Hunt each spring. He has additionally donated his time as a coach 
for the Blue Hill Athletic Department. Several years ago, NewLand also 
hosted the unveiling of the ``Fishing for Friends'' effort, a 
fundraiser for Faith in Action Community Connection, a volunteer group 
that assists the disabled and elderly in Hancock County.
  The holiday season is a time to appreciate what we have and discover 
ways we can give to others. Steve Elliot and the employees at NewLand 
have truly taken this spirit to heart. I applaud Mr. Elliot and 
everyone at NewLand Nursery and Landscaping for their generous and 
dedicated work, and I wish them well in all of their future 
endeavors.

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