Yard of the Month
December Yard of the Month
Yard of the month for December is awarded to Gary and Margaret Wilcox of 2605 Meadow Star Court. This fanciful display shows what marvelous effect can be achieved with the judicious use of color. The committee loved the creative wreath treatment of the oval window, the green Christmas tree with presents on the porch and the blue-scarfed snowman. This is the first time the Wilcoxs have won or placed in the finals. It is a delight to see, so let them know you enjoy it.
Finishing second are Danny and Karen Watkins of 2609 Coxindale Drive.
Their home is decorated in the traditional style with the Christmas tree and candles in the windows, wreath on the door and the whole house flood-lit for a warm glow.
In third are Chris and Laurie Burchall of 8414 Yucca. Their fanciful lighting gives a cottage feel that is warm and friendly. The Burchalls were last year’s first place winner for December.
The Committee would also like to recognize Mary Frances of 8501 Wheeling Drive with and Honorable Mention for the tasteful decorations she provides. Mary won Yard of the Month in of this year.
Congratulations to each of the homeowners and thanks to Jamie Visocan and Larry Deckard who assisted me on the judging panel.
For December, Yard of the Month will be awarded to the home with the best decorations. So bring it on–lights, wreaths, swags, greenery, … you get the idea. Several homes have started already. But we won’t judge until Sunday, December 22, 2013, so you’ve got until then. Happy Holiday decorating!
November Yard of the Month
Yard of the month for November is awarded to Carl and Karen Titka of 2504 Coxindale. This is the first time the Titkas have placed in the finals, not to mention coming in first. The bright new paint in a cheery Fall yellow is anchored by a colorful leaf wreath on the door. The tidy appearance of the lawn and landscape make this yard a delight to see.
Finishing second by unanimous vote are Sandra and Richard Yarnall of 8613
- 2nd Place – 8613 Averell
Averell Court. This is their fourth time finishing in the finals, having achieved first place in August 2011.
In third are Ed and Jeanne Burtoft at 2704 Coxindale. This is the second time the Burtofts have joined the top three. The lawn is a lush green carpet bordered by nicely pruned shrubs.
Congratulations to each of the homeowners and thanks to Jamie Visocan and Larry Deckard who assisted me on the judging panel.
For December, Yard of the Month will be awarded to the home with the best decorations. So bring it on–lights, wreaths, swags, greenery, … you get the idea. Several homes have started already. But we won’t judge until Sunday, December 22, 2013, so you’ve got until then. Happy Holiday decorating!
October Yard of the Month
Harrell and Susan Queen of 2816 Coxindale finished first and are our October Yard of the Month. This is the 7th time the Queens have placed in the finals. They finished second in November of 2012, second in June and July and 3rd in August and September. It seems that their yard always looks perfectly maintained and the flush of the encore azaleas added that needed extra dash of color.
2nd Place – 8508 Wheeling
Finishing a very close second are Bryan and Kristen Maness of 8508 Wheeling. This is their second time placing in the top three and their yard could easily get recognition for most improved. All their work last year in putting down zoysia sod has paid of with a lush carpet of lawn that invites one to nestle into the chairs under the shade of the oaks and pines.
Finishing third are Ed and Jeanne Burtoft at 2704 Coxindale. This is a first time for the Burtofts to join are top three, but probably not the last. The lawn is a lush green crapet punctuated by niclt pruned shrubs and colorful seasonal flowers.
Congratulations to each of the homeowners and thanks to Jamie Visocan and Larry Deckard who served with me on the judging panel.
August Yard of the Month
Yard of the Month for August is awarded to Charles and Robin Markham of 2640 Iman Drive. Their yard is at its best in the peak of summer. The Bermuda grass lawn is a lush green carpet and the orange and yellow lantana add vibrant color. This is the second time the Markhams have placed first, having done so in September 2011.
Finishing a very close second are Bryan and Kristen Maness of 8508 Wheeling. This is their first time placing in the top three and their yard could easily get recognition for most improved. All their work last year in putting down zoysia sod has paid of with a lush carpet of lawn that invites one to nestle into the chairs under the shade of the oaks and pines. Look for more color this Fall to propel them into first…
Harrell and Susan Queen of 2816 Coxindale finished third. This is the fifth time the Queens have placed in the finals. They finished second in November of 2012 and first in January of this year and second the last two months. It seems that their yard always looks perfectly maintained.
Congratulations to each of the homeowners and thanks to Jamie Visocan and Larry Deckard who served with me on the judging panel.
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July Yard of the Month
Yard of the Month for June is awarded to Frederick
and Elizabeth Hull of 8501 Bluebill Court. Their yard provides a cool retreat for those hot days of summer. A standout are the colorful flowers that grace the front entry
Moving into second place are second are Harrell and Susan Queen of 2816 Coxindale.
This is the fourth time the Queens have placed in the finals. They finished second in November of 2012 and first in January of this year and second last month. It seems that their yard always looks perfectly maintained.
The Kennedys are again a contender, and one look makes it easy to see why they are always in the running. One of Graham’s friends commented that “he thinks Graham combs the grass to be sure all the blades line up.”
Congratulations to each of the homeowners and thanks to Jen Magee who has retired from the judging panel but will be helping in an advisory role. Joining the Architectural committee is Jamie Garrett. Please welcome her and thanks to Larry Deckard who served with me on the judging panel.
June Yard of the Month
Yard of the Month for June is awarded to Mary Frances Warren of 8501 Wheeling. Mary Frances is a first place winner for the first time and her yard is one to enjoy for months to come. The freshly and generously planted summer seasonal flowers promise to be a riot of color this summer.
Moving into second place are second are Harrell and Susan Queen of 2816 Coxindale.
This is the third time the Queens have placed in the finals. They finished second in November of 2012 and first in January of this year. It seems that their yard always looks perfectly maintained.
The Kennedys are again a contender, and one look makes it easy to see why they are always in the running. One of Graham’s friends commented that “he thinks Graham combs the grass to be sure all the blades line up.”
Congratulations to each of the homeowners and thanks to Jen Magee and Larry Deckard who served with me on the judging panel.
2013 Photo Contest Results
The voting for the 2013 Alyson Pond Photo Contest was held during the Pool Opening Party on May 25. All 9 photo entries and all 3 children’s photo entries were displayed. Over 90 ballots were collected and the results are now in!
The winning photo this year was “Splash!” by Beau Bourquin. Beau will receive a $30 Target gift card!
The winning children’s photo was “Hungry Turtles”, submitted by Lily Scarlett. Lily will receive a $10 gift card to Henry’s Gelato!
Congratulations to our winners!
Many thanks to all those who submitted a picture. In case you didn’t get to stop by Saturday, below are the other photos submitted this year for the contest.
“Alyson Pond ABC’s” by Doracy Harrison
“One Cool Pup” by Ilana Benaroyo
“Goose on the Pond” by Paige Magee
“Durant Nature Park Sunset” by Russ Harrison
“Heron at Dusk” by Stuart Elliot
“Hello Mr. Raccoon” by Mark Dolnack
“Sunset on the Pond” by Paul Martin
“Throwing Rocks” by Lisa Hayutin
The other children’s entries were:
May Yard of the Month

1st Place, 2708 Coxindale
Yard of the Month for May is awarded to Mimi Raub of 2708 Coxindale. Mimi was a second place winner in February 2011 and April 2013. The lush green lawn, manicured shrubs, and perennial flowers highlight this yard’s appearance.
Tying for second are Mary Frances Warren of 8501 Wheeling and Graham and Alice Kennedy of 8516 Wheeling.
Mary Frances is in the finals for the first time and her yard may be the one to keep your eye on. The freshly and generously planted summer seasonal flowers promise to be a riot of color this summer.
The Kennedys are always a contender, and one look makes it easy to see why they are always in the running.
Congratulations to each of the homeowners and thanks to Jen Magee and Larry Deckard who served with me on the judging panel.
April Yard of the Month
Yard of the Month for April is awarded to Michael and Sheri Farmer of 8524 Averell. The lush green lawn and manicured shrubs highlight this yard’s appearance. This is a second time win for Michael and Sheri, having placed first in March of last year.
Finishing a very close second is Mimi Raub of 2708 Coxindale. Mimi was a second place winner in February 2011.
Third place goes to Graham and Alice Kennedy of 8516 Wheeling. The Kennedys are always a contender, and one look makes it easy to see why they are almost always in the running.
Congratulations to each of the homeowners and thanks to Jen Magee and Larry Deckard who served with me on the judging panel.
“Life in Alyson Pond” Photo Contest
Attention all you shutterbugs! Show off your photography skills in the 2013 Alyson Pond Photo Contest. Submit your best photo capturing Life in Alyson Pond for a chance to win a gift card to Target. The winning photo will be posted on the Alyson Pond website and also displayed in the clubhouse. Our younger photographers (12 and under), can get creative too, and have a chance to win a gift card to Bruster’s Ice Cream. Pictures can be nature shots of hikes through Durant Road Nature Park, scenes from the pond, action shots of biking on the greenway, family shots of children playing at the playground, or anything that shows what a great neighborhood we live in.
Submit your photo (one submission per person please) to alysonpondphotocontest@gmail.com by May 11, 2013 via email (JPG files only please). You may also use this email if you have any questions about the contest. The winning photos will be voted on by your neighbors at the May 25 pool party. Good luck!