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Show D August 9, 2001 B Base residents earn Yard of the Month awards 1 by Mary Galbralth 1 t Hilltop Times staff Col. David Beecroft, 75th Air Base Wing commander, was buzzing with enthusiasm Tt. V and congratulations as he presented his first Hill Yard I of the Month awards last week It ' V4 and toured base housing flower beds. Although he drives and walks through the housing lie areas often, he commented on how important it is to stop and thank those who are doing great things with their yards and quarters. "My wife and I get out frequently and walk the area. We just enjoy walking on Hill AFB and seeing people out work- ing," Beecroft said. Recognizing the efforts of base residents is something the colonel looks forward to. "I enjoy getting out of the office," Beecroft said. "It gives me an opportunity to get out and see people. Our folks work hard at home and at work. We expect a lot from our people and sometimes lose perspective on how familyissues impact duty performance. I get encouraged by their efforts." This year's Yard of the Month May winners were Staff Sgt. Frank and Jennifer Farley, Staff Sgt. Daniel and Lisa Wilson, Master Sgt. Conrad Wilson and Tech. Sgt. David Lowe. June honors went to Tech Sgt. Joseph Berry, Staff Sgt. Douglas and JeNell Cook and Tech. Sgt. Charles and Tammy Walker. The colonel recognized July winners last week. Winners receive a choice of a ceiling fan, tub enclosure, storm door, s chandelier light or that remain with the resiU.S. Base dence; flag; Exchange gift certificate; and framed certificate recognizing their efforts. Recipients were Master Sgt. Daniel and Tech. Sgt. Wendy Cormier, Staff Sgt. Robert and Jenny Wieland, Tech. Sgt. Joseph and Amy Barthule and Staff Sgt. Jayson and Sonia Heeks. "This year there are a lot of nice gardens so I'll bet it's really hard to choose winners," Jenny Weiland told the colonel as he presented the award. "We would (plant a garden) regardless of the Yard of the Month as would a lot of people. When you take pride in your home it really reflects." Yard of the Month recipient Tech. Sgt. Joseph Barthule agreed with Weiland's comments and said the award and recognition shows the base cares about military members y time. during "To me this is a release of tension from the workday. I can go out here and mill around in the yard and keep it nice like I'm supposed to," he said. "It's the place where you're going to live for two years and it shows a direct reflection on you. So if your yard doesn't look great, that's the first impression someone is going to get when they come to visit." Yard of the Month awards are presented in each of the A panel of judges surveys the housing areas to determine winners. area housing I II -- 6 - A mini-blind- Tech. Sgt. Wendy Cormier, above left, weeds a gar- den patch outside her home. She and her husband Maitnf ftnt -- ' - rmrmnUv a RflnlAl CnrmiM uAm a i rurnn. nlzed as Hill's Yard of the Month for their housing mm K mtrtr 111. i.tr.t.a tnw Ct.H C4 DaKai4 iiiuv uiuB; ivfi tfiqii Wg! iiwuon diva a tiiv aifii and Jenny Wieland also earned Yard of the Month for their efforts, above. 11 off-dut- May-Augus- Ink rUM: it" n t. all planting schedule set Fall planting for military housing is scheduled for Sept -- 22. p Planting lists are at and peo- enter, Bldg. 820, le can purchase plants at Self-Hel- J & J Nursery and Garden Center, 1815 West Gentile, Layton. j Military housing residents who've used allotted funds receive commercial discounts on purchases. According to nursery staff, fall is an ideal time to plant trees, shrubs and bulbs. A horticultural specialist will be available to help residents with garden designs. will r t me the -- r For details, call Brenda 1 or MasRoberts at ter Sgt. Rick Lee at Ext. ;- - Photos by Mary Galbralth The Wleland's yard, above left, Is filled with colorful perennials and blrdhouses. Col. David Beecroft presented Yard of the Month certificates to housing residents like Tech. Sgt. Joseph Barthule, above, and congratulated them on their gardens. Barthule and his wife Amy have planted several perennials In the beds that surround their home and have decorated the lot with outdoor lighting, a blrdbath and other garden sculptures, left. 544-121- Cairdlein) pDotts sonairce off ffamniDly nam, savings f by Mary Galbralth Hilltop Times staff Although vegetable gardens are banned in the base's housing areas, there's ample acreage on Hill to exercise a green thumb. Volunteer coordinator Karen Garza manages nearly 151 garden plots bordering the base's west fence. "I like being out in the garden," Garza said. "Even when I'm out there watering I sit in the shade and watch my garden. There're a lot of families that have kids out there too i and that's nice." Master Sgt. Peter and Tammy Ozdowski are one of the many families who live on base and take advantage of the garden plots. They grow peas, potatoes, white and red onions, tomatoes, beans, horseradish and several other veggies. "The (vegetables from the garden) are better than store bought I've noticed the cucumbers are crisper," Tammy said. She said they also make the garden fun for the family by growing pumpkins and planting a salsa garden. The Ozdowskis have canned several veggies, like pickled beets. They also plan to can some potatoes this year to use on camping trips. "There are a lot of people who like to garden, so I'm surprised more people don't use the program," she said. Tammy said when Childrens spend time in the garden, it illustrates benefits that come from putting in a hard day's work. And while Tammy reaps many of the garden's rewards, she said it's really her husband's project. Peter designed his own watering system and does most of the maintenance. Garza has managed the plots for two years and during that time created a master map that outlines each plot. She said this is the first time her family has planted a vegetable garden while living in base housing and it's an added Hill perk. Of the 151 garden plots, a few are unusable because of poor soil or trees and shrubs that overwhelm the plot. Twenty, 30 square foot not counting unusable plots are vacant said And Garza there's always room plots. to include more gardeners. She said many of the lots are only half used, and plot holders don't mind sharing space when asked. The water and plots are free for anyone who has access to the base. "I don't turn anybody away," Garza said. "I'd rather have them get used and keep the weeds down and let people have fun out there than let them just sit." Garza said the garden program is well-use- d and can save families money. "If you start from seeds you can really save Com Photo by Mary Galbralth just one of several vegetables Master Sgt. Peter Ozdowski grows In his base garden plot, above.' Vegetable gardens are not permitted In base housing areas, so the plots allow Hill residents and base work- - ; ers who don't have access to land an opportunity to use their green thumb. l f e. a lot of money. But with some things it's just su ii.:jr una- -year sne s iocuseai on aiuereiu veg-- ( not practical to start from seeds because the v iVUl unv ouiu lUlliaLVV, J. UII1U11J. v.ai i wis Is a. seedlings don't produce," she said. "But it does save on your grocery bill especially if you have a big family." Garza said some gardeners do well with corn, but she's had raccoons wipe out most of her corn crop the past two seasons, i and peppers are just a few of the vegetables a auLLCssiunv iidi vrMru. j "We have a shorter season, but we have a - good climate here, she said. For more details on the gardens or to sien up for a plot, call Garza at 728-338- 0. |