Bright Spot Award celebrates family’s dedication to home and community

Keep Carbondale Beautiful has recognized Karine Ostos and her family as recipients of the Bright Spot Award, honoring residents who help make Carbondale a more beautiful, sustainable place to live.

A lifelong Carbondale resident, Ostos has spent the past seven years working alongside her husband and children to thoughtfully improve their home and yard. What began as a simple upgrade has grown into a long-term labor of love.

“My husband does landscape, so he’s very passionate about keeping the yard nice and clean,” Ostos said. “He loves plants and encourage the children and I to help him keep the area nice.”

Over the years, the family has completed numerous improvements, including fresh mulch and brickwork, new steps, siding, fencing, doors and a new roof. They also installed solar panels — a feature Ostos says means the most to her. “The thing I love the most is the solar panels and being able to help keep the environment better,” she shared.

For the Ostos family, their home is more than just a project — it’s an investment in the community they love. Born and raised in Carbondale, Ostos says keeping the town beautiful is deeply personal. “It makes me happy to see local people continue staying in the area, not moving away,” she said. “It’s the place where I was born and raised, so a I love seeing Carbondale beautiful.”

Ostos said she was both surprised and honored to receive the award. “We are so happy and excited. We weren’t expecting it,” she said. “Knowing that the city takes the time to encourage keeping the town beautiful — it’s great.”

The Bright Spot Award, presented by Keep Carbondale Beautiful, recognized residents whose efforts enhance their neighborhoods and inspire community pride.

Community members who know a homeowner or a business that is deserving of the Bright Spot Award are encourage to contact Keep Carbondale Beautiful at keep1326@gmail.com or www.kcb.org to submit a nomination.