We're grateful to all our volunteers, without whom UCB couldn't operate. As a way of saluting their generosity and capabilities, from time to time we'll spotlight remarkable-even astonishing-individuals.

Norma Schechter has been a long-time friend, volunteer and Board member for U City in Bloom. She's not one to broadcast her accomplishments, so most people have no idea how much Norma has contributed to University City in her professional and volunteer capacities.

While employed as the City Forester for U. City for 20 years, Norma worked closely with UCB. Now retired from the City, she continues to volunteer for UCB as well as Missouri Botanical Garden and CORP. A keen runner, she is a mainstay of the U City Memorial Day Run. As a vice president and Board member of U City in Bloom, Norma works on all fund raising events. She has helped research, write and submit grants to provide trees for U City and particularly our public schools. Most recently, she helped prepare the grant that was submitted and funded by the EDRST to maintain the trees along Olive Boulevard from I-170 east to Skinker Boulevard

Norma provides vital help with the UCB Plant Sale each year; she has propagated and donated high-quality plants for the sale as well as contributed her time from early spring, when Linda Fried starts potting at Vernon gardens, through the final days of the event in April.

Norma also serves on the Green Center Advisory Board and helps prepare Christ the King's casseroles for St Patrick Center and Room at the Inn. With her neighbors,she has designed, planted and maintained garden islands in her neighborhood. She is a member of U City Urban Forestry Commission, a 32-year member of a local garden club, past Executive Director of the National Society of Municipal Foresters and regional representative to Missouri Community Forestry Council.

Thank you, Norma, for your extraordinary energy and commitment!