Home You're Proud Of season kicks off

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Eielson's best-kept yards will be the focus of local inspectors during the "Home You're Proud Of" season. The program begins in June and continues through August with a grand prize winner in September.

The program is designed to foster morale in our community and improve the appearance of our living environment.

In the competition, five judges evaluate lawn condition, mowing, trimming, flowers and overall maintenance to determine the best-looking yards on Eielson. The judges come from base agencies which include the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Officers' and Enlisted Spouses Clubs, the 354th Services Squadron and Army Air Force Exchange Service.

Monthly winners will receive prizes, a certificate and a Home You're Proud Of sign to display during the following month.

The third week of each month, housing inspectors will nominate 15 homes in three housing areas. The judges evaluate the homes and choose the best three, one from each area. Area One includes French Creek and Galaxy Heights communities. Area Two includes the Century Park community. Area Three includes Raven's Wood, Broadway and Moose Lake communities.

Competition is tough and judges often have difficulty selecting winners. Residents can be very creative using yard ornaments, fountains, flowerbeds around trees and other unique designs.

Housing residents who can't wait to get outdoors and spruce up their yards will be happy to know that the Housing Office self-help center carries many items they can use.

The Housing Self-Help Center issues items such as flowers, grass seed, lawn patch, fertilizer and lime. Rakes, shovels, tillers and weed eaters are available for check-out. Additionally, materials such as landscape timbers, patio pavers (designed for under decks), flower boxes and fences are available when an AF Form 332 is completed at the Housing Management Office.