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HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS HOMES
Families Compete For Best Decorated House
By Kim Fink
 | | --Photo By Kim Fink First to fourth place winners in the township's home holiday decorating contest were honored by the Manchester Council. Pictured (top left) are Marie Simonelli, Jim Gatto, Jim Hughes, (middle left) Rob Becker, Ruth Gatto, Theresa Hughes, (bottom left) Sean Becker, James Gatto, Gabriella Hay, Kiersten Hughes and Jimmy Hughes. |
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There's no place like home for the holidays, especially if you live among the Hughes family of Whiting where Christmas means lights, lights and more lights!
Jim and Theresa Hughes were the first place winners in this year's Holiday Home Decorating Contest conducted by the Manchester Township Recreation Department.
"We knew as soon as we saw it, it was our winner," said Geri Teutsch, Manchester Director of Recreation and organizer of the contest. "It was beautifully lit, very tasteful and creative."
All homes entered in the competition were judged in five categories: creativity/originality, theme, quality, visual effect and overall impact. The Hughes' home, which is illuminated with 10,000 LED style lights, excelled in all categories.
"I truly believed we were going to win this year," said Theresa Hughes. "My husband and I put a lot of effort into it."
The Hughes family took second place two years in a row before securing the township's top spot this year.
Located at 1901 Rt. 539 in Whiting, the Hughes' home is a favorite stop for many area residents during the holiday season, and is viewed by numerous people traveling the local roads.
"We've had people tell us that they passed by on their way home from Atlantic City because they can see the glow from the highway," added Theresa.
The Hughes have decided to donate their prize money to the Whiting Fire Company, who they say contributes to their holiday party each and every year by delivering Santa to their home via fire truck.
Much to the pleasure of second place winner and Holly Oaks resident, Rob Becker, the Hughes have decided to bow out of the competition next year.
"Now I know we'll win the prize next year!" Becker joked. "I'm even renting out the real Santa for 30 days to sit on my roof.
Becker has placed in the top three for the last few years.
"This year, we gave an honorable mention award to Marie Simonelli of Pine Ridge, because we feel that the people who live in the senior communities should be recognized even if they can't really compete with the larger homes," Teutsch stated.
Simonelli, whose lawn was gorgeously decorated with original wood carvings, was thrilled about her fourth place spot.
"I was in complete shock," she said. "I was screaming and screaming when they called me. My son-in-law couldn't believe it. He did most of the work."
The winning decorated houses can be viewed at the following locations: the Hughes at 1901 Rt. 539 in Whiting; the Beckers at 2389 Holly Hill Road in Manchester; the Gattos at 2151 Harry Wright Blvd., in Whiting; and the Simonellis at 400 Maplehurst Drive in Pine Ridge.
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