Published: January 09, 2007 09:27 pm            

HIGGS: Shining a light on the Falls

Now that the holiday season is over it is time to reflect on those who made it a little brighter for the rest of us. The Niagara Beautification Commission noticed when the former “Festival of Lights” was turned off a few years ago, the residents seemed to “turn on their neighborhoods.” So we started recognizing these efforts and have been sponsoring Holiday Decorating Competitions throughout the city for several years.

The residential effort was chaired again by our good friend Merrell Lane who has taken on this responsibility during our past years. His plan is simple: Divide the city into five areas and assign judges to visit each of these and select the top three from among all those who made the effort to brighten our nights during this season.

Everyone is to be congratulated as this year we noted more decorated streets than ever before. Perhaps it is the array of items to choose from; icicle lights, lights designed for bushes, pre-lit globes, reindeer, trees and candy canes and of course the popular “blow ups” which are new this year. Some families used only white lights while others highlighted their property with many colors.

Animation and music were also popular. There were plenty of Rudolphs with bright noses and Santas popping in and out of chimneys. The judges all stated it was very difficult and several tours around their area were necessary to be sure they did not miss anyone.

The winners all received gift certificates from Tops Friendly Markets and a special award certificate from the Niagara Beautification Commission.

In DeVeaux it was 504 College Ave. which is the home of the Bianco family and in the North End, Mr. and Mrs. Skowronski were chosen for their efforts at 2002 Independence Ave. Mr. and Mrs. Viehdeffer of 1727 MacKenna Ave. were honored in the South End and Dennis Winchell lit up the Hyde Park area at 3562 Sherwood Ave. Michael Bellreng received top honors in LaSalle at 1242 94th St. but the grand prize went to Tony Scibilia and Walter Hanson who tied for our overall winner. They are neighbors at 627 and 631 69th St. and did such a magnificent job of lighting that it was visible from near and far. A blinking sign was hung across the street and when you drove by a sound system began playing holiday music. Santa Claus, trains, bears, you name it! It was all there.

This year NBC expanded the effort to include a wreath decorating contest within the business communities. Participating business owners purchased a fresh evergreen wreath from Opportunities Unlimited and placed their decorated wreath in a window.

Niagara Community Action Program on Main Street won the first prize donated by the Comfort Inn. The Jefferson is the recipient of the wine and cheese package for second place and the Red Coach Inn on Buffalo Avenue was third and receives the Main Street package from the Orchard Grill, Harris & Lever and The Book Corner. Not to be outdone, the Crowne Plaza Hotel won the fourth prize donated by the Hard Rock Café.

Special thanks to Tops Markets and all those who donated prizes for our winners. We also thank the city of Niagara Falls who joined this effort by “lighting up Hyde Park” this year. The Rose Garden and Duck Island were ablaze as was the corner of Pine Avenue and Hyde Park Boulevard. I can't fail to mention the great city hall lobby all decked out with that beautiful Christmas tree decorated by volunteers again this year. Hats off to the United Way of Niagara and its partners for the beautiful drive-through at Oppenheim Park and of course, Holy Trinity Church on East Falls Street is absolutely beautiful. Who says we don't have a Festival of Lights?

I hate to end on a bad note but I am disappointed about the loose trash left on the streets and yards throughout the city, especially in the center city and downtown areas. It seems that after Modern passes through and picks up on their regular schedule; a certain amount is left behind for various reasons and just stays there to be blown around for endless days until it is caught by trees or bushes where it remains for a lifetime.

Someone called me and suggested that NBC start a program to interest community, faith-based, business and other groups and even individuals to “Adopt a Street.” He spoke in particular of Main Street around Michigan Avenue where a wind tunnel keeps piling up street debris in front of the buildings.

OK, everybody, let's get out there and pick it up. If you are interested in this adoption process and want to make a commitment, please call 285-5030 and leave your name, telephone number, name of group, if applicable and the area you wish to commit to.

You will be recognized in a future article as a “Proxy Parent” of your area and we will be forever grateful for your community spirit.

Norma Higgs serves with the Niagara Beautification Commission and Niagara Falls Block Club Council. Her column will be moving to Monday starting next week.

        

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