[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 197 (Monday, December 21, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S13697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        RECOGNIZING ESTABROOK'S

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, with Christmas just a few short days 
away, we have all witnessed the signs of the season popping up in our 
neighborhoods. From vibrant wreaths and Christmas trees to wind-blown 
snow banks, these peaceful symbols provide many of us with a comforting 
feeling of home. Today I recognize a small Maine nursery that grows its 
own beautiful poinsettias, and supplies many other seasonal flora, to 
accentuate the beauty of the Christmas season.
  Estabrook's has been a reliable family-owned, full service garden 
center for more than 50 years. Located in the coastal town of Yarmouth, 
Estabrook's grows fresh plants in its over 20 greenhouses and outdoor 
growing areas. The company also operates seasonal locations in 
Scarborough and, beginning earlier this year, in Kennebunk. Home to an 
abundance of trees and shrubs, perennial and annual flowers, and seeds 
for growing vegetables, Estabrook's also carries a variety of gardening 
supplies, such as chemicals, fertilizers and tools. In an effort to 
better inform its customers about the wonders of gardening, Estabrook's 
user-friendly website offers a variety of tips and best practices 
regarding caring for flowers and plants.
  To properly celebrate the holidays, Estabrook's provides its clients 
with an abundance of seasonal items. For example, during the Christmas 
season the nursery creates stunning fresh centerpieces and grows its 
own brilliant red poinsettias. Additionally, aside from Christmas trees 
and wreaths, the company stocks a variety of garlands, roping, and 
other timely decorating supplies and ornaments to bring home the 
memorable sights and smells of the season.
  Beyond its role as a stellar nursery, Estabrook's prides itself as 
being an extraordinarily active member of the local community. The 
company has widely promoted the Herbie Project, an undertaking to save 
New England's largest American Elm Tree, known to locals as Herbie. 
This initiative is particularly noteworthy given that Yarmouth has lost 
roughly 800 American Elm trees to Dutch Elm Disease over the past fifty 
years. Additionally, Estabrook's has donated its gift certificates, 
cleverly known as ``Estabucks,'' to community efforts, including the 
Holiday Boast N Toast Auction to benefit the Yarmouth Chamber of 
Commerce's Scholarship Fund and YarmouthCAN, a nonprofit that assists 
those needing a helping hand. The nursery has also taken great strides 
toward creating the Yarmouth Community Garden, which raises vegetables 
that are then donated to the area's disadvantaged individuals and 
families.
  A well-known and trusted name in the community for over half a 
century, Estabrook's is a valued business in the town of Yarmouth 
because of its longstanding dedication to quality greenery and its 
visible presence in civic endeavors townwide. I thank everyone at 
Estabrook's for their caring and kind commitment to others, and wish 
them a happy and safe holiday season.

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