The Country Hills Garden Club judges drove through the neighborhood last night admiring the holiday decorations. The enthusiasm of our neighbors was very inspiring: It seemed that there were more houses decorated than we’ve seen in years. We also were struck by how colorful the displays were this year, including more houses with projected light displays. To everyone who strung lights, hung wreaths, put candles in their windows, and featured inflatables in their design, it all adds to the Holiday Spirit of Country Club Hills. Now for the awards!
The NEWBIE award goes to the Slappeys of 3521 Spring Lake Terrace, who are very new to the neighborhood indeed—they’ve been here for less than 2 months! Their entire roofline is outlined impressively in white lights. Green garlands decorate a post and railings by the front door, and a wreath hangs on the door itself. Green, red, and white-colored balls hang from the eaves. The real surprise, though, is when you view the house from Old Lee Highway: The large picture windows are brightly framed with lights: one with red, and the other with green. Welcome to CCH, Sandi and Tom!
The CREATIVITY award belongs to the Carusos of 3420 Park Hill Place. The focal point is a tree created by strings of lights radiating down the hill from a large, bright star on the house. To the left is a candy cane bush, and to the right is a large box covered with lights and wrapped with a bow like a special Christmas gift. Very nice!
The INFLATABLES award goes to the Havranek household at 10103 Spring Lake Terrace. A row of large, old-fashioned, multi-colored lights is strung across the yard in front of the vignette. To the left a polar bear (with a moving head) is lying down, next to a sign that says, ironically, “Do not feed the bears.” Next to the bear is a fire-breathing dragon wearing a Santa cap, and next to that is a reindeer. Behind the reindeer and dragon is a helicopter, with a spinning rear propeller. Behind the polar bear we see Santa, taking a rest from his travels. Eclectic and impressive!
The LIGHTING award is shared by the Bishops of 3410 Park Hill Place and the Tomsons of 10110 Spring Lake Terrace. At the Bishop house, white icicle lights outline the roofline. A wreath of greenery, intertwined with blue twinkling lights, hangs in every window. Along the right side of the driveway and curving around the flowerbed in front are large white lights standing at attention. At the Tomson house, the roofline is outlined in bright colored lights all the way around. There also are icicle lights on the eaves. The sidewalk is outlined with red-and-white candy canes. The bushes across the front are completely covered in lights, alternating between all-white and multi-colored. A wreath on the front door and a lighted cheerful Santa face complete the display. Thanks to both families for making our decision so hard that we just had to award it to both of you!
The BLOCK PARTY award goes to the residents at the intersection of Country Hill Drive and Pinehurst Avenue. Almost all of the houses in the area are lighted, and the overall effect is very festive. It’s impossible to describe in a brief paragraph, so you’ll have to check it out for yourselves!
