Andrea Smith, owner of Square Perk Cafe, had an idea, as many of us do from time to time. However, she did something different - she acted on it.

Her vision was that the downtown square could come alive with a bright array of spring flowers if everyone would pitch in and help make it happen.

So she and the downtown business council, a committee of the Main Street Covington program, went to work to secure volunteers.

Tuesday, her idea was put into motion as Lee Mayfield pulled up to the square with a truck full of flowers from his Ace Hardware store.

Participating merchants purchased flowers right from the truck in a throwback to the good old days.

The Newton College and Career Academy’s horticulture department was also on hand to give advice and assistance to the local merchants.

Instead of going to the government to ask for money to accomplish her mission, Smith, through her determination, made downtown more attractive to her customers by convincing her peers to rally around her idea and pitch in.

We encourage more of this positive thinking, and we believe that this community can get more done if people are willing to support good ideas and put in some hard work.

We salute Smith and her grand idea; the square is a much more beautiful place because of her efforts.