Photo selected for New Bremen’s 2012 Christmas card

January 25, 2012

NEW BREMEN — Two local residents will have their photograph featured in a Christmas card this year, as the New Bremen Community Improvement Corporation recently announced the winner of its 2011 CIC Photo Contest.
The winning photo, titled “Santa Checkin’ His List,” was submitted by Greg Garman and Jeff Paul, both of New Bremen.
“(The CIC) has been doing a Christmas card to the community for a few years, but they usually would select from a photography club in the area,” said Angela Hamberg, economic development director for the Village of New Bremen and staff member of the CIC.
“So the past holiday contest was the very first one that was asking for people in the community to contribute a picture.”
Beyond seeking photos from the community, the CIC also allowed the community to select the winning photo, Hamberg said.
“We had them on display at the Lockkeeper’s House and we encouraged people to stop by the Lockkeeper’s House, and then we had ballots as to which one they favored the most,” she said.
“It was a community decision, whereas previously,, with the photography club, it was the CIC members who voted on it then. So by doing it this way, we are involving the community more in the decision making.”
Because there were only four submissions for the past contest, the deadline to submit photos has been extended to Aug. 31, 2012 (instead of March) for the 2013 Christmas cards.
“We were very pleased with the four that we had — we had four quality photos that were submitted,” Hamberg said.
“So, I am not disappointed in that sense at all, but it would be nice to have a few more participants.”
In addition to having their photo featured on the 2012 Christmas card, Garman and Paul also received a $50 Chamber Bucks gift certificate, which was awarded by Mayor Jeff Pape.
The cards will be sent to all New Bremen local businesses, county commissioners and state elected officials, Hamberg said.
“Basically, anybody who plays an important part in the success of New Bremen,” she said of the card recipients.
“There’s probably about 150 cards that are sent out.”
Because the deadline has been extended, photos submitted for the contest are not required to have a winter-theme, Hamberg noted, although it is still preferred.
Also, those interested in submitting a photo are not required to be a resident of New Bremen.
“It’s open to anyone,” she said.
“If there’s just an amateur photographer or somebody who happens to be passing through New Bremen and taking pictures, and would like to — whether they’re outside of the village or outside of the state, they’re welcome to participate as well.”
Complete rules and entry forms are available at the Village Offices or the Lockkeeper’s House in New Bremen.
More information can also be obtained via request by sending an email to Hamberg at nbecondev@nktelco.net.
“I think this is a good way to get the community involved, and it also offers a great appreciation of things you may see every day,” Hambergsaid.
“If you’re a fan of photography, I think it’s just a fun thing to do, Who couldn’t benefit from a $50 gift card from the chamber? I just think it’s a positive thing for the individual and a positive thing for the community.”