Mayor Robert Swartz and Jennifer Kerry review the entry forms and photos of Harbor Beach business and homeowners who have already submitted nominations for the Harbor Beach Beautification Awards. Deadline to enter the Continued Excellence award category is July 1. Entry forms are available at the Harbor Beach City Hall. Photo by MOLLY A. DANDO

Kerry is chairing the committee, which will serve as judges for the contest, which includes three categories: Most Improved, Continued Excellence and Most Festive. Nomination forms are available at city hall and there is no entry fee.

"The program is giving encouragement for local businesses and homeowners within the city limits to do what they may have planned to do and now they are doing," said Mayor Robert Swartz when asked about response to the contest.

He said the committee has received several nominations in various categories.

Kerry would like to send this reminder to business or homeowners within the city limits who might be considering submitting a nomination: The deadline for entering the "Continued Excellence" award category is July 1.

That's when the committee will begin reviewing any entered properties. This will continue throughout the year to verify the continuation of the property's appearance.

"It's not about how much is spent. It's about making our city as beautiful as it can be," said Kerry.

Those entering the other categories have until the end of the year to submit their nomination.

According to Kerry judging will take place in January 2008 with the winners announced soon afterward.

"The winner (and guest) will receive a plaque and dinner with the committee and the mayor and his wife," said Kerry. She said the contest is a way for the city to thank property owners for keeping up their businesses and homes and helping the city to look beautiful.

All nominees will receive a letter from the Beautification Award Committee whose members are: Chairperson Jennifer Kerry and members: J.P. Lermont, zoning administrator; Jack Kriete, Gary Soper, Mary Brandow, Paula Brunell and Sandy Polega.

Here are the Committee's definitions of each award category:

Most Improved: Any business structure or house within the city limits of Harbor Beach that has made a "noticeable transformation" to the front yard/house can be nominated. If construction has taken place, the entire project must be completed to be considered. The noticeable transformation must be an improvement to better the owner's house and better our community. The key word here is noticeable-a visible alteration.

Continued Excellence: Any business structure or house within the city limits of Harbor Beach that has been maintained-spring, summer and fall would be considered for this award.

Maintaining the yard would be good color combinations of flowers, grass kept cut as well as shrubbery. Overall, a well-kept front yard throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Most Festive: Any business structure or house within the city limits of Harbor Beach that has been consistently decorative for holidays such as Easter, Christmas, Halloween, Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Any house up for consideration must have decorations that reflect the appropriate season.

The next meeting of the Beautification Award Committee is set for June 28, 6:30 p.m. at the city hall. The public is welcome to attend.