Don't just hug a tree - NOMINATE ONE!

Lakewood is looking for nominations for an official tree, flower and song to celebrate the City's 40th anniversary, and there's less than three weeks left to join the competition.

Anyone who lives, works, goes to school or owns a business in Lakewood can submit a nomination. The deadline is July 2, the day before the "Lakewood: 40 and Fireworks" community celebration at Lakewood on Parade. Forms to submit a nomination are available at www.Lakewood.org or at Lakewood's recreation centers and cultural facilities. A panel of judges will pick the winning nominations, which will be announced at the City Council meeting on Aug. 24 when a proclamation for "Incorporation Day" will be issued.

Flowers submitted for nomination must be sustainable in our climate, drought tolerant or resistant, have showy flowers, be readily available for purchase and be low maintenance and long-lived (not an annual plant).

Trees submitted for nominations must also be sustainable in our climate, readily available for purchase and representative of what currently thrives in Lakewood.

Songs submitted for nomination must have original music and lyrics, focus on life in Lakewood or the city since its incorporation in 1969 and have a duration of 2 ½ to 3 ½ minutes. A minimum of two verses and a refrain are suggested but not required. Accompaniment is preferred, and the music and lyrics must be submitted in written form and on a recorded CD.