For the past 15 years, Bright n' Beautiful has been recognizing people in the community for their outstanding efforts to improve our environment through beautification, education, cleanup and recycling. This year the Celebrate Billings Recycling Committee also asked for nominations for an Environmental Stewardship Award. This award was presented to families, businesses and/or educators who have developed and implemented unique recycling techniques at home or in the office.

Due to its overwhelming success, Bright n' Beautiful again held a silent auction in conjunction with the annual Awards Program. Unlike last year, however, the annual Awards Program was held in the evening, rather than over the lunch hour, to allow for a more relaxed atmosphere.

At the 2002 auction several items were donated that caused a stir among those browsing the tables--there was something for all ages! We welcome your contribution. To donate an item (or items) for auction (or as a door prize), please call Carolyn at 248-6617 or send her an e-mail.

This year's winners for Beautification, Education, Cleanup are as follows:

Alvin & Joan Hanneman Sr. - 1243 Poly Drive
The Hannemans rent this property from Nick and Francies Poulos. When they moved in two years ago, it was mostly trees and hedges. They added the color by planting roses, geraniums and a variety of other flowers. They take pride in keeping the yard looking beautiful. Oftentimes, you don't find this attitude in renters!

Laurel Golf Club - West of Laurel
Many nice improvements have been made at the Laurel Golf Club over the years. Every year they plant over 2500 flowers! After 9/11, grounds superintendent Bob Popp drew up the plans for a special section to give honor and tribute to the American flag. A Montana State and their club logo flag were also added by donations from club members.

Elsie and Ted Jansma - 4203 King Avenue East
Ted Jansma has lived in this 100-year-old house since he was six years old. He believes in buying only the best when it comes to his petunias. He bought the wolf sculpture; the deer are solid cement and were purchased by his son. Ted has many other critters: geese; ducks; squirrels; a rooster; a raccoon; and, a man with a pup. His damaged birds and animals go to his "Hospital" which is a wood stump slab from a cottonwood tree that needed to be cut down.

North Broadway Streetscape - North Broadway Property Owners
This project includes the addition of more trees, landscaped corners at the intersections which are now wheelchair compatible, new benches for shoppers to rest on and attractive trash containers to control litter. Irrigation was added to the entire area to provide water to trees, flowers and the hanging flower baskets. The streets were repaved; colored stamped concrete dresses up the sidewalks. The Sky Point sculpture was designed to be ornamental as well as to serve as a gathering place for community activities and events. Many area residents have already enjoyed this area during summer activities and the weekly Farmers' Market event.

Ruth Amdor - 2136 Constellation Trail
In June, Ruth won the "Peoples Choice Award" from the Moss Mansion Garden Tour. She built her home five years ago. Ruth started by removing several truckloads of rock and planted each flower bed herself with both annuals and perennials, supplemented with trees and shrubs. She finished the last bed in the spring of 2000. It is truly a showcase!

Wells Fargo Operations Center - 2324 Overland Avenue
Due to the size of this single story structure, there was a variety of areas to develop. The trees, shrubs and other plants are native to Yellowstone Valley. Even the color of the exterior of the building was chosen to blend with the color of the rims. The southern exposure was designed to accommodate people; the trees and landscaping provide a buffer from exposure to the interstate. On the northern side are large planting beds and an informal arrangement of trees and ground cover. 

Bright n' Beautiful encourages and accepts community nominations for its annual Award. It is easy to nominate for both awards; simply call Carolyn Miller, executive director of Bright n' Beautiful, at 248-6617, send her an e-mail, or write the Bright n' Beautiful office at 415 N. 30th Street, Billings, MT 59101 with the name of your nominee and a brief description or why you are nominating them (you may include pictures, if you'd like).

Plaques for this year's awards were donated by Badge West Awards & Engraving, Gini Jones. THANK YOU!

Here are some of our Award Winners from 2001: