COMMUNITY PRIDE Couple wins first award for property's appearance

Their holiday decorations were the deciding factor.
CORTLAND -- An Old Oak Drive couple and their home are the first recipients of recognition under a new initiative to make the city look nice.
Cortland's strategic plan includes an objective to recognize property owners who contribute to city beautification. Earlier this year an "appearance committee" was formed to pursue beautification projects for improvement of the city's appearance.
This committee established the Cortland Community Pride Award, to be given four times a year to Cortland residents who have made an outstanding effort to create and maintain an attractive exterior appearance of their property.
Holiday spirit
The first award was given to Edith and Russell Cramer of 311 Old Oak Drive for the outstanding appearance of their holiday decorations. The award includes placement of a recognition yard sign, an award plaque and a proclamation of congratulations from Mayor Curt Moll.
Seven homes were nominated for the award and the selection was made by judges including members of the appearance committee, city representatives and a city council representative.
The Cramers lived in Warren for 23 years before moving to Cortland 17 years ago, and they have decorated every year.
A 'nice composition'
"We decorate for all of the children in the neighborhood and really enjoy the comments we get," she said.
One of the judges commented that the house has a "nice composition of lights highlighting the house and lawn ornaments. Very festive by day with lots of greenery and red bows."
The award is made possible through the support of First Place Bank. Nomination forms are available at city hall.