United Helpers Housing Dept. Brings Leaf Peepers to North Country

Inspired by the dozens of scarecrow-like figures along the roadways of Sehlburne, Vt., United Helpers
Community Housing Manager Jo Anne Ott decided to take on a similar project across the more than 15 housing complexes managed by United Helpers.

Mrs. Ott said she first thought of the idea two years ago, but was cautious to implement it, not sure what others would think. "I was kind of afraid this would just be my baby," she said.

However, she quickly learned that wasn't going to be the case. Each complex has been provided with three "bodies" to decorate using clothing, hats and other accessories provided by that property's residents and staff.

Later this fall, after each complex completes their family of Leaf Peepers, each display will be judged based on creativity and quality, with the winning displays to be announced at a later date.

Each family of Leaf Peepers includes two adults and one child.

To date photos have been received from two UH properties. As additional properties complete their displays and submit photographs, those pictures will too be posted in an album on Facebook. All of the pictures may be seen here. 2015 Leaf Peepers

To read about the Leaf Peepers who started it all, visit the link below from WCAX, a CBS affiliate based in Burlington, Vt. Leaf Peepers' Story