At the President’s Open House the 2010 Interlochen Christmas Lights Awards were announced. There were so many great homes from which to choose. Here are the winners:
Best Theme: Yolanda & Wayne Smith, 1404 Porto Bello, for their unique nativity scene with mechanical drummer and sheep.
Most Artistic (Lights): Dot & Tom Wightman, 1101 San Juan, for their white on white light scheme in front and back.
Most Artistic (Design): Melissa & Don North, 800 Loch Lomond, for their two stories of nutcrackers and garlands.
The Griswald Award: Shirley & Bob Austin, 801 Loch Lomond, for their multi-colored train, helicopter, and carousel.
Santa’s Choice: Sue & Jim Rozell, 3116 Westwood, for their great cartoon cut outs.
People’s Choice: Sandra Smith, 1106 Crowley, for her giant red fish on the roof. A tremendous effort for her first Christmas!
The People’s Choice winner was selected by a majority vote among everyone who attended the open house. Almost all the other winners won for the first time and no one had won in the previous five years.
Lifetime Achievement Award: to one of the original Interlochen residents, winners of many awards in the past. Francis & Vernon Porter have lived at 1429 Porto Bello at the corner of Westwood from the beginning of the development. At age 84, Vernon still puts up more lights than most of us young whippersnappers. If you drive by the Porter home you will see a vintage Interlochen award sign that Past President Larry Glover found and refurbished. Thanks, Francis and Vernon for lighting the way.