Special to the News-Herald

Large, graceful old trees shade the park-like island that forms the median in the second and third blocks of Linden Avenue in Suffolk’s historic West End Neighborhood. Colorful flowers and plants border the ends of the islands.

On Monday, the Clean Community Commission presented representatives of Suffolk’s West End Neighborhood Association with a certificate of appreciation for its participation in the Adopt-A-Spot program. The association officially adopted the islands in May 2001, although work had begun long before that.

In a letter to the group, Hugh Cross, chair of the Clean Community Commission, congratulated the association on its outstanding participation: &uot;The association’s dedication and continuous efforts to keep Suffolk clean from May 2001-May 2004 were vital to the program’s overall success.&uot;

Lena Small accepted the award on behalf of the association and noted that many help maintain the islands:

&uot;Over the years, some of the residents have donated plants, and several help maintain the flower beds,&uot; she said.

Tending the flower beds is a labor of love for residents like Small, Phyllis Moore, Violet Hankins and John Pruitt.

The islands are a source of pride for them and other residents of the neighborhood, parts of which were recently designated a state and National Registered Historic District.