Lookin' Good: Commission Recognizes Property of the Month Winners

Twelve families were recognized Thursday for keeping their homes and yards beautiful — and showing their pride in their hometown.

The village’s Beautification Commission presented its Property of the Month Awards for July, August and September. Each summer, commission members nominate what they believe to be the most well-kept homes in the north, south, center and west sections of town.

Diane Michalec, executive assistant at the , said members are assigned to scout out homes within their precinct, then bring their findings back to the commission.

“They go out and they bring back pictures,” she said. Then, the entire commission votes, chosing two winners for each of the summer months.

“It’s a great way to get out and see the town,” said village trustee Brian Clancy, who serves as board liaison to the commission. “It’s people taking pride in the community — that’s what really makes me feel good.

On Thursday, the winners came out to enjoy a free meal and claim their prizes — a commemorative plaque and a gift card to Menard’s.

One couple, Tina and Howard Ziegler, are two-time winners. Their home on Fernwood Court was chosen as Property of the Month back in 2004.

“We were actually shocked back then,” Howard said, adding the couple has since made improvements to the home, including adding new siding.

Tina said her daughter has a beef with her well-kept yard: the flowers, still in bloom due to the recent unseasonably warm weather, are making the family’s Halloween display look less than scary.

“I do a lot of flowers,” Tina said. “We do take care of our lawn. We really like our yard.”

Click through the gallery to see some of this year's most beautified homes.