Curb Appeal Challenge selects winners

The Springfield Curb Appeal Challenge announced five winners of the 2018 contest on Saturday, Sept. 15 with an awards ceremony at the Great Hall.

Ceremony Emcee Mike Martin announced that the judges selected Louise and Leslie Roberts as the Grand Prize winners for their improvements to 66 Cooper Street. New siding, an updated and enlarged porch, and landscape beautification had most dramatically increased the home’s curb appeal.

Kelsie and Kori Joyce won second prize for revitalizing their home at 11 Ellis Street with clapboard repairs, a new paint job in an inviting color, and a stone retaining wall. The Biggest Bang for the Buck prize was awarded to Mari Csiszer of 77 Grover Road for her new garden with slate wall along the home’s approaching driveway.

Honorable Mention prizes were awarded to Jessica and Matthew Burlew, Jennifer Hasenbuhler, and Janet Lyle for their beautiful home and landscaping projects.

Working from “before” and “after” photos, three out-of-town judges made the difficult decisions among the gorgeous improvement projects submitted, using the criteria of “most dramatic improvement that could be seen from the street”.

After the Awards Ceremony, Springfield selectboard member and ceremony emcee Mike Martin remarked, “Every single project this year was outstanding. The Curb Appeal Challenge is part of larger community-based effort to build community spirit, attract new residents, sustain our economic growth, and boost property values. It's fun — we hope more people will join us next year”.

The 2018 Curb Appeal Challenge thanks its community-minded sponsors. The contest would not be possible without them. This year’s contest sponsors were Muse & Associates Real Estate, Mascoma Savings Bank, Bibens Home Center, Woodbury’s Landscaping, Sherwin-Williams Paints, the Town of Springfield, the Springfield Reporter, and Union/Park Neighborhood Association. Springfield Garden Club’s Bonny Andrews cheerfully provided expert gardening advice whenever needed.

Planning for the 2019 Springfield Curb Appeal Challenge will begin shortly. If you would like to be part of the planning or the administration next year, please contact Lori at 885-6388 orupnainc@gmail.com.