To many of us, yard work is just that ? work.
But to a select group, it’s a genuine labor of love.
Mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, planting flowers and spreading mulch aren’t weekend chores to be dreaded and cursed, they’re joys to those folks who revel in keeping their properties in pristine condition.
In Oxford Village, these hard-working people are honored for their tireless efforts on an annual basis and this year is no exception.
Six residential properties and three commercial properties were selected for recognition as part of the 23rd Annual Beautification Awards.
This year’s winners are:
n 44 Hovey St. owned by Ray and Karen Cisco.
n 20 Pontiac St. owned by James and Cheryl Trudeau.
n 36 Dennison St. owned by Nathan and Courtney Grove.
n 614 Bay Point Dr. owned by Ryan and Jenna Silk.
n 470 Lakes Edge Dr. owned by Karl and Joan Geisler.
n 757 Woodleigh Way owned by John and Kelli Thompson.
n 115 S. Washington St. (Simple Organics owned by Troy and Laura Farwell) and 119 S. Washington St. (Ageless Salon owned by Jennifer Mosqueda). Both commercial properties are owned by Chuck Schneider.
n 95 S. Washington St. owned by attorney Lee Knauf.
Winners were selected based on their property’s aesthetic contributions ? landscaping, upkeep, repairs and improvements ? towards the village’s overall appearance.
The awards are designed to encourage others to spruce up or maintain their properties, which has the net effect of beautifying the entire community.
First-time winners Ray and Karen Cisco were quite pleased and a little shocked their 44 Hovey St. home made the cut.
‘I’m very flattered and thrilled,? said Ray, a retired Spanish teacher who spent 14 years working at Oakland Community College. ‘I’m surprised. I think our house looks good (and) has good curb appeal, but I didn’t expect an award.?
‘I can’t believe it,? Karen said. ‘I’m very thrilled.?
The couple has lived here for almost 19 years.
‘We’ve done a lot to this place,? Ray said. ‘When we first got it, it wasn’t ragged or rough, but we had a lot of issues. We’ve done a lot (to improve it) landscaping-wise and (with regard to the) interior. I love this place.?
Keeping the old homestead in tip-top shape is very important to the Ciscoes.
To Ray, it’s a matter of ‘personal pride? and physical fitness.
‘You want to have your place look nice,? he said. ‘It’s good exercise. I love mowing and trimming. It’s good for me. It keeps me active.?
‘It’s for ourselves, but also for the neighborhood,? Karen added. ‘We just want to keep things up and help the neighborhood stay nice.?
The Ciscoes have no plans to leave Oxford anytime soon.
‘It’s peaceful,? Karen said. ‘The neighbors are wonderful. They’re friendly. They’re very helpful. It’s almost like living decades ago back when I grew up.?
‘I love Oxford. It’s a beautiful place,? Ray said. ‘I have wonderful neighbors. We love it here. We thought about moving for a while, but we just said no, we have too much going for us here.?
For newlyweds Ryan and Jenna Silk, who have owned 614 Bay Pointe Dr. for a little over a year, the beautification award was a pleasant surprise.
‘I was very honored,? Ryan said. ‘I had no idea there was anything like that going on. I guess I’ll have to work even harder next year.?
Jenna is mistress of the home’s interior design, while Ryan is the lord of the landscaping, personally seeing to every little detail, from the perfectly-manicured flower beds to the flowing fountain.
He spends about five to six hours per week, ‘if not more,? maintaining his yard.
‘It’s been a lot of work,? Ryan said. ‘This spring I kind of went nuts.?
Jenna had nothing but praise for her husband’s Herculean efforts. ‘He’s done an amazing job,? she said. ‘He’s passionate about everything he does and he does it all to perfection.?