This event recognized the homeowners of more than 225 Dunkirk city homes that had received a postcard thanking them for their efforts. They made their front yard attractive and welcoming and we noticed.

Five homes in each ward were chosen in late spring, summer, and late summer each year since 2020. The “Spotters” enjoyed meeting the faces behind the efforts of the yards chosen.

If you’re a city resident and ever noticed someone slowly driving up and down your street, stopping, sometimes backing, and then continuing on it just may have been one of us!

We keep track of addresses so we are choosing different homes for each cycle. Spotters include: Jim Enser, first ward; Judy Hollander, second ward; Patti Clark, third ward; Linda Bradigan, fourth ward.

From left are the spotters: Jim Enser, Judy Hollander, Patti Clark and Linda Bradigan.

Door prizes proved quite popular, mostly items that would work on a home entrance for fall. The Beautification Team also learned that the homeowners appreciated being noticed. There were even some notes of gratitude from those who couldn’t attend.

A powerpoint presentation of other Beautification Team and Revitalize projects also rolled highlighting hanging baskets, tree planting, corner gardens, street-side gardens, landscaping at the city entrance signs, the Wright Park bioswale, and Point Gratiot among others. This presentation was compiled by Mary and Steve Rees.

The Beautification Team would like to expand, but can only do so with additional volunteers. Contact Revitalize Dunkirk www.revitalizedunkirk.com or find us on Facebook if you would like to join or make a donation. To suggest someone for this recognition in 2024 email revitalizedunkirk@gmail.com

The committee offered thanks to Mayor Wilfred Rosas, who gave the group permission to use the Dunkirk Senior Center for the event immediately when asked and the Dunkirk Senior Center Board of Directors who were welcoming and helpful, especially Pat Kibbe and Nancy Tarnowski. Tim Hortons donated coffee and Timbits. Lenore Fiebelkorn, Patti Clark, and Mary Rees baked dozens of cookies. Behind it all was the core planning team of Hollander, Clark, Jim Enser, Diane Enser, and Bradigan supported by the Revitalize Dunkirk board led by Patrick Lyons.

The Gardener Recognition Social was a great way to end the summer and initiate anticipation for next Spring’s planting and enhancing the views from the street in the city of Dunkirk.