Don't let decorations be a holiday hang up

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
'Tis the season to hang holly, lights and mistletoe. But, there is a right and wrong way to do it.

Joyce Walters, a supervisory housing management assistant at the 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron, said base housing residents cannot attach decorations to roofs or place them on top.

"Christmas lights are the only decorations that can be installed on the edge of the roofs or fascia," she said, "and they must be installed with clips or in a manner that does not cause damage to the vinyl siding or shingles."

Staples are not allowed.

There are certain times of the day when lights can be on, Ms. Walters said.

"In the interest of energy conservation, Christmas lights and other lighted displays may only be on in the housing areas from 5 to 11 p.m.," she said, "with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when the lights may be left on all day."
Lights and lighted displays can remain up until Jan. 15.

The electric holiday displays will also be judged by 82nd Mission Support Group leadership to determine the "Best Holiday House." Officials will select one house from each housing area as the winner of the award Thursday.

The only criterion for the award is originality and creativity.

"Occupants are encouraged to use their creative talents in decorating instead of depending on expensive purchased displays," Ms. Walters said.

She said those competing in the "Best Holiday House" competition should keep in mind the general holiday guidelines outlined above.

The winner in each housing area will receive a yard sign identifying them as a winner, an article on Sheppard's new public Web site, a gift certificate for $25 from the Army-Air Force Exchange Service and discount coupons from the 82nd Services Division.