The Thompson Falls Beautification Days Committee recognized three properties last week for their efforts to keep Thompson Falls beautiful. Three Thumbs Up awards were presented last Thursday by committee members Robin Hagedorn, Rita Lundgren and Kathy Conlin.

Each year, the committee awards an institution property, a business and a residence with an award.

"It lets them know how much the community appreciates them keeping their property so beautiful," Lundgren said. "The award can be given for someone who has done extensive renovations, or as an ongoing appreciation for them keeping their property nicely landscaped year after year."

Gayle Borrego earned a Thumbs Up award for her home on Madison Street. Borrego bought the historic home three years ago, and has spruced up her outdoor space with trees, a greenhouse and a garden area. Borrego enlisted the help of Don Warren and Joe Eanselm for her landscaping projects, but said she has always loved plants and the outdoors.

"I love nature so much," Borrego said. "There's just about no flower that I don't like." Borrego moved to Montana from New York, where she said she had seven gardens that she maintained. She appreciate the help of Warren and Eanselm with her projects. "This wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for them."

Thompson Falls residents Linda and Nolan Parker earned the Thumbs Up award for the recent renovation to their Main Street properties. The Parkers own the buildings that are home to Minnie's Cafe, D&D Liquor, and Linda's Gifts. The Parkers met with the business managers to come up with a plan to remodel the exterior of the buildings. The Parkers purchased the restaurant portion of what they call the "Hill Building" from Tor and Sanna Schauman in 1998, and bought the rest of the building later.

"We remodeled inside and the back of the building first," Linda Parker said. "This last painting job was accomplished by Jim and Nicole Schulz. They put their hearts into it, helping with colors and all the fine finishing details."

Hagedorn thanked the Parkers for improving the building, and thanked the business owners for keeping their window displays appealing.

The institution award this year went to the City of Thompson Falls pool and adjacent playground area. Mayor Mark Sheets accepted the award and thanked the city public works crew and Sandra Kazmierczak's pool staff for keeping the area clean. "They do a lot of pickup and help with painting and upkeep," Sheets said. "They help keep it looking good."

The Beautification Days committee members noted that the city has improved the area with volunteers and with grants. "Every year they do little improvements," Hagedorn said.

Lundgren said the committee is always looking for nominations from community members. If you would like to nominate a property for the award, more information can be found at cityofthompsonfalls.com/beautification-days.

Annie Wooden

Gayle Borrego enlisted the help of Don Warren (left) and Joe Eanselm in landscaping her Thompson Falls home.

"We hope the awards encourage other people to take notice and take pride in the community," Hagedorn said. "It does make a difference."