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Show 15 August 5, 1999 TL h)f 'lb vurs 7 .xll '",'X .M'jP'W 4 it I J 1 ? ? h i J - 4 by Mary Gajbraith Hilltop Times wm 7 staff Hill AFB is in full bloom with more than a few base thumbs turning camouflage green. During warm months two summer programs inspire base personnel and residents to roll up their sleeves and get to work outdoors. Hill Pride awards are presented monthly to an organization demonstrating exemplary of care gardens, lawns and grounds. Yard of the Month awards are presented by the housing office to four families each month . Arandom panel of judges are selected, who then spend three hours surveying base grounds awarding points. Judges pay close attention to ensure organizations follow base architectural standards. At the drive's completion judges tally points and discuss what they liked. "It's improved the appearance of the base. We see more trees planted and areas that are cleaned up. And where we used to see weeds, we now see flowers," said Steve Weed, maintenance engineering flight chief. Weed said he's also seen patio equipment and other quality of life improvement since the program's 1996 initiation. Winners are awarded $1,000 to use for further improvements. The program helps carry on the momentum started each spring with the Take Pride in Hill day. Weed estimates Civil Engineering spends about $100,000 annually on improvement projects basewide. "Yard of the Month is yard that means the lawn is healthy," said Merry Stowell, base housing inspector. She includes weed free and edging in the important judging criteria. "Anything extra on that like shrubs, flowers or landscaping material is taken into consideration sec- - Wv N J V' i: - (May-Septembe- r) (May-Augus- t) SrA. Jason and Sonia Heeks received Yard of the Month for housing area G. Jason is shown here with son Tazmun, age 2 12, who is deaf and blind. Tazmun enjoys touching and smelling plants in the garden which is part of why the couple enjoys maintaining a garden. "ct hi'' r - self-hel- p r: or -- j j-x x, - i r d E I f I "JJ , 1 - - - jit a- - V-- f 4yis-r- . f,'--- .s . L- ' ,f rv , . J . - Vx.il 1 f rir . jT-- ond." A panel of judges (consisting of previous winners) surveys the entire housing area to determine winners who get a choice of a ceiling fan, tub enclosure, storm door, -- tH y i i xX i "x 0 i - , J;, I 1 S .fx.. J 1 x." chandelier light or minib-lindThe "prize" stays in ry - t . 3 5 ! j" - sTt-- t", s. the home but momento plaques and Base Exchange gift certificates are passed out so recipients can purchase a permanent momento. SrA. Thomas and Pamela Hall won the award for housing area D. Thomas spends about 30 minutes a day working on his yard. He and his wife have collected canyon rocks used as a flower bed boarder and have also installed outdoor lighting. Although the couple appreciates the award, it's not what motivates their green thumb. ;v, -, , ' x , r?x. ri - ' ': ' . V s CMSgt. Harold and Maria Medley won the Yard of the Month - i . f , ix .xip for housing area E. XX -i ; . 'V.- ; . ;x V - F, $ V - L . . !ix "7;y.... f ! ! V ' -- x , . Vr "i- - The Hails have added several extras to their garden including a canyon rock boarder and outdoor lighting. X V o 4V xs Heeks have decorated their yard with several extras including this wishing well planter. "I didn't really do it for yard of the month. I do it because I like to have a nice yard. I w "x'Ji """v think it's a reflection of how you take care of stuff and not only that it's a reflection of how you take care of yourself," he said. CMSgt Harold and Maria L : V-Vr- Hz " -I "it... .:. ..r Medley received the area E award. Harold credited x., x. K "i x 'h,y ' 7 f . x?" . - - -. x his wife saying, '1 think Maria lives out here. No matter ' j Sx't:a- Witjr-SrA. Thomas and Pamela Ball next to the Yard of the Month sign all recipients disptayln their garden. The couple won for housing area D - vc V-- 4 Medleys collect several lawn and garden ornaments to deco- rate their yard. y V ' a;;4sA 1 . , where we went, as far as base housing we've always maintained high standards. And this is the first time we ever got credit so I'm really proud of Maria because she's the one who does all of the detail work here. We do it because this is the way we like to live and it's a pleasure for us and enjoyable to come home to nice scenery." Reservist MSgt. Ron rakes gravel on 419th Cam-bare- ri ground. The reserve squadron has won the Hill Pride award several times proving grounds without sod and lawns that are cared for can make a positive impression. . .... XX:i.'- I ' X.-- .;. ? " X X ' :. - as Amn. Charles Pumphrey collects dirt and gravel keeping the entrance of 388th SrA. Notashia Simpson sweeps Headquarters, B!dgs 120, free of debris. The squadron was awarded this months Hill Pride award. Photos by -- :;: J J: Mary Galbraith TSgt. Roy and Suzanne Hato received Yard of the Month for housing area P. Suzanne said the couple enjoys working in the yard on weekends and except for weeding and mowing it, "takes care of itself." |