MARQUETTE — The Marquette Beautification & Restoration Committee Inc. held its eighth annual Awards Luncheon April 24 at the Landmark Inn. Each year, the committee honors those individuals and/or businesses that have made a positive impact on Marquette. This year there were 15 awards given out in the six categories.
The Phil Niemisto Volunteer Award was given to Barbara H. Kelly for her unselfish dedication and service to the committee for the last 30 years. She organized and has been involved in the committee since it began in 1978. Her enthusiasm and vision for Marquette has helped beautify this city.
The Barbara H. Kelly Historic Preservation Award was given to four establishments. Elizabeth’s Chophouse owners Tom and Elizabeth Wahlstrom were honored for restoring this historic building in downtown Marquette. Peter and Peggy Frazier were recognized for the Lake Superior Theater, turning the Lake Superior Boat Yard into a place to enjoy a theater production in the summer. L’Attitude Cafe and Bistro owners Sam and Steve Nagelkirk were awarded for their work on the first floor of the historic Waterfront building. They even recycled the wooden beams into cocktail tables and windowsills and restored the original tile floor to its natural beauty. Mark and Sherry Norris, owners of the Waterfront Restaurant, were also recognized for renovating the second floor of the Waterfront building into a new restaurant while maintaining the natural and historic beauty.
The Commercial/Business Improvement Award is given to an area business that has shown some improvement to is property. Diane Kordich and Russ Magnaghi were honored for transforming a former hardware store at 1313 South Front Street into an attractive business rental, Orianna Creek Development.
The Spark Plug Award is given to an area business and/or individual which has made a dramatic change. Mona Lang, executive director of the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, was recognized for the summer flower project in downtown Marquette and for making Marquette shine year round. Jill Hulverson, owner of a house on Fourth Street, was given the award for planting beautiful flowers for the last 30 years for all to enjoy. Matt and Rachel Fay, new owners of the Portside Inn, were given the award for landscaping the exterior space next to the deck, planting flowers in the window boxes and installing a new sign. The Portside has added a beautifully landscaped addition to the historic downtown streetscape. Thill’s Fish House was given the award for the little flower garden that is planted in front of the family establishment each summer. Even though this is a small garden, it adds color and ambience to the lower harbor. Buzz and Toni Tiseo received the award for the improvement and remodeling done to a house on East Michigan Street. This was the fifth house they have renovated on the east side and thanks to them they have enhanced Marquette one house at a time. The flower project at the Waterfront and Flanigan Condominiums was also recognized for this award. Thanks to Mick and Judy Vonck and Barbara Kelly beautiful, eye-catching and colorful flowers were planted along Lakeshore Boulevard. The Marquette Welcome Center received the award for the beautiful flowers that greet residents and tourists. The flower boxes are planted and maintained by Richard Colberg with flowers acquired from the Marquette Branch Prison. The “tree” made by artist and inventor Earl Sencheck has six colorful petunia baskets which he has maintained since 2005.
The Sign of the Times Award was given to the Huron Mountain Bakery. Owners John and Darci Scheidt recently installed an eye-catching new business sign, created by Cook Sign Services.
A Certificate of Appreciation was given to Jane Hutchens. Jane works in the sales department of The Mining Journal and recently helped the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee with an advertisement celebrating the committee’s 30th anniversary. The advertisement was informative and wonderfully designed by her.
Each year the committee seeks nominations for these awards. Visit the Web site at www.mqtbeautification.org to see previous award winners and download nomination forms for 2009. For further information call 226-9618 or 225-5077.
