Each summer, 15 front yards in each of the four city wards are spotted and postcards are sent to the addresses. With few exceptions, the 60 addresses per year have not been repeated for the six years of the program.

Recently recipients were invited for coffee, cookies, the door prize of their choice, and conversation on a Saturday morning. It was an opportunity for the Beautification Committee members who found the properties to meet the homeowners.

Generally, the homeowners express gratitude, joy, and sometimes bewilderment that someone noticed their home.

The recent “Social” included a young couple who created a yard friendly to bees and butterflies and homeowners who recently returned and purchased their grandparents’ house to renovate, excited to become the next generation in their family to own the home. There were retired couples who found a great sense of pride in keeping their beloved home looking great. Also, many busy homeowners who take a portion of their weekend to work outside because they simply like doing so.

Pictured is the postcard recipients receive.

Linda Bradigan is the spotter for the Fourth Ward. A young woman from St. Hedwigs Street wanted to know why her home was chosen. Bradigan couldn’t answer then so she returned the next day for another look. “Her home tells the story of a place inhabited by an owner who loves to garden, decorate, add garden ornaments, and feature colorful plants,” she said. “The owner takes pride in keeping everything neat and looking welcoming. In short, the house says a happy person lives and loves there.”

This simple program that only costs postcards and stamps was the brainchild of Revitalize Dunkirk board member Jim Enser. He is the spotter for the First Ward, Judy Hollander is the spotter for the Second Ward, Patti Clark is the spotter for the Third Ward and Bradigan is the spotter for the Fourth Ward. “We all agree that a simple postcard can mean a lot as it conveys a message that the homeowner’s work is noticed and admired,” Bradigan said.

Revitalize Dunkirk, Inc. is a nonprofit organization always seeking and welcoming volunteers and support from the community.

Pictured are two of the properties recognized by Revitalize Dunkirk.