MARQUETTE - The Marquette Beautification & Restoration Committee Inc. held its ninth annual Awards Luncheon on April 23 at the Landmark Inn. Each year the committee honors individuals and businesses that have made a positive impact on Marquette. This year there were 15 awards given out in the eight categories.
A new award this year was the Green Spirit Award. Eric and Janice Meister, owners of Meister's Showplace and Greenhouses, were the recipients of this inaugural award. They have been helping Marquette and the surrounding areas blossom and grow for the last 30 years and have supported several community projects. They are responsible for all the plantings at the Presque Isle pavilion each year.
The Phil Niemisto Volunteer Award was given to Jane Ryan, who organizes the placement of signage and planting of flowers at the Shiras Hills entrances since 2005. She coordinates the flowers and arranges the collection of money from the 200 households in the Shiras Hills subdivision each year.
The Barbara H. Kelly Historic Preservation Award was given to two establishments. Tom Vear and his wife, Jennifer Ray, received this award for their thoughtful preservation and restoration of Doncker's Candies and Gifts, one of Marquette's most recognized historic businesses. The wood flooring, booths and the original tin ceiling were restored, along with the original marble soda fountain.
Kim Smith-Potts and her husband Mike Potts received the award for renovating an historic building at 130 W. Baraga Ave. in Marquette that was formerly Cleary Boat and Motors. This building is now the home to Garden Bouquet and Design, Smith-Potts' business. Her business philosophy is eco-friendly and now it is in a recycled building. The colorfully painted exterior contributes to the historic ambiance on Baraga Avenue.
The Commercial/ Business Improvement Award was given to three area businesses that have shown improvement to their properties. Patrick and Jackie Gonda received this award for the work that was done to open CoCo's, their new business at 911 Lakeshore Blvd. They purchased the former Superior Shores Restaurant and renovated the structure inside and out.
The next award was given to two sets of individuals for their work on the building at 412 S. Front St. Deb White and her husband Bob Mann purchased the building eight years ago and cleaned it up, including scrubbing the sandstone wall with a wire brush and replacing the back of the building. Anne Erspamer and Sue Wolf, owners of Profiles in Hair Design, moved their business to this location. They installed lighting and painted the interior.
River Valley Bank at 1140 W. Washington St. was also the recipient of this award. According to branch Manager Stacy Chantelois, the new bank building has more than 8,000 square feet with two levels. It was built with stone, brick and wood products.
The Window Display Award was given to Mary's Closet, located at the corner of West Washington and Front streets. Owner Mary O'Donnell creates interesting windowscapes and the windows are framed by lushly-planted window boxes throughout the year.
The Sign of the Times Award was given to two businesses. Quick Stop Bike Shop at 1100 N. Third St. recently installed an eye-catching new business sign. Owner James McAllister came up with the design that looks like chain links.
Snowbound Books at 118 N. Third St. also has a new sign. Owner Ray Nurmi wanted a new sign and his assistant manager, Dana Schulz, worked on the design. A customer stated, "When I retire I want to sit underneath a tree and read." The new signage is a large tree that encourages readers to sit under a tree and read a good book. Cook Sign Services created both signs.
The Spark Plug Award is given to area businesses and individuals who have made a dramatic change. This award was given to Dr. Erika Tyler, owner of Marquette Pediatric Dentistry at 1025 N. Third St. She decided to move to Marquette to open her practice in a house-like setting. She purchased the property and renovated the interior to make it kid-friendly. When she opened for business last summer, she surrounded the property with flowers and hanging baskets. She is also the only pediatric dentist in the Upper Peninsula.
Bill Gartner owner of Pit Stop Quick Lube was also awarded the Spark Plug Award. He has provided water at his expense for the last four years for the garden of flowers that is planted at the "Marquette Welcomes You" sign located by his business.
The Certificate of Appreciation was given to three individuals. Jack O'Neill, who is employed by the city of Marquette, has been involved in mowing the area around the "Marquette Welcomes You" sign for the last four years. Judy Place, a member of the MBRC, was also recognized for the leadership she has exhibited this past year. Without her, the committee would not have had a fantastic garden conference last August and the commemorative petunia jewelry that she spearheaded from planning to completion. Joseph Sabol, who is considered an honorary member of the MBRC, was honored for being our Web master, which means he updates the information on the committee site throughout the year.
Each year the committee seeks nominations for these awards. Visit the Web site at www.mqtbeautification.org to see previous award winners and download the forms to nominate someone for 2010.
For more information, call 226-9618 or 225-5077.
