Habitat for Humanity, Millstone Basin Area

Habitat for Humanity Marks a Decade of Using Pancakes to Build Houses

2008-02-18T16:45:00.005-05:00

Volunteerism is a large part of the Habitat for Humanity efforts – so, it seems, are pancakes as this year marks the 10th annual breakfast in support of Habitat’s building efforts.

“We welcome people to get involved with Habitat. Our volunteers are the people who help us to make a difference in the community,” said Glenn Fannick, president of Habitat for Humanity Millstone Basin Area.

The upcoming annual pancake breakfast is one the many special events that helps Habitat for Humanity Millstone Basin Area continue to help area families in need. The popular breakfast will be held again this year at St. Anthony’s Church Parish Hall, Maxwell Avenue and Franklin Street (Rt. 33), Hightstown, N.J., from 8:30 am to noon, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008.

Tickets can be purchased at the door only at $6 for adults and $3 for children – with no family being charged more than $20.

According to Michelle Lewis, the chair for special events, the event is a way to raise money for Habitat’s home-building efforts in and around Hightstown and East Windsor, a way to share a great breakfast with friends and a way to keep the organization known in the community.

As in previous years, the Rev. Pat McDonnell, the pastor of the parish, has opened the doors of St. Anthony Church hall as the venue for the event.

In order to coordinate the day, many people volunteer year after year. They offer not only their time and support, but they also help in keeping the spirit of the pancake breakfast alive.

People like those from the West Windsor Lions Club who help by sponsoring a 50-50 raffle each year. Lions Mike Lynch, Harley Pickens and Shep Bell again plan to lend a helping hand in this year’s raffle. There's Marie Gerland, a representative for Perritt Labs, who will again set up a product-testing station which gathers data on such things as medicine bottle safety. HFH will receive a donation for each person who participates.

The affiliate's youth group will be raising funds by offering for sale the popular “house pin” costume jewelry as well as “my plans for Saturday” T-shirts.

Jeanne McCarthy, the former Youth United Coordinator, and her replacements Kelly Spors and Chris Newmarker are working with youth teams who will also help in set-up, the serving of meals and clean-up.

New volunteers Barbara Harrington and Natalie Livoti along with Fannick and Lewis worked to solicit sponsorship from area businesses, both new and longtime supporters. Another new volunteer, Pat Zappavigna, lent a hand with many more phone calls. Their calls, visits and emails acted as friendly reminders to help keep the event in the minds of participants, who in turn invite other people to come out.

The ads were perfectly positioned on placemats by long-time volunteer Susan Mauro Miller, of Hightstown’s Visual Media Group, who uses her professional skills in support of the organization.

Both Denise Milot and Cathy Jackson have agreed to run the actual breakfast again this year. The dynamic duo oversees the purchasing, prepping and cooking of the foods. Both Denise and Cathy have done an excellent job in the past. On the day of the event, the pair will also “spearhead the decorating and the set-up of the hall,” said Lewis. Teamwork is a vital part of the success of the pancake breakfast.

In the past years the annual pancake breakfast has brought in well-over 300 participants and organizers are hoping for a record turnout this year.

For more information about the breakfast or for ways to support the local efforts of Habitat for Humanity visit habitatmba.org or e-mail info AT habitatmba DOT org.

-- Posted by Tracy J. Tyner

Dialing for Local Support

2007-12-27T12:05:00.001-05:00

Right now I'm spending some time calling advertisers for our annual pancake breakfast. I've been calling up past supporters so they are always very receptive. If you know a business who would like to take out an ad to support our land acquisition fund drop me an email at glennfan "at" gmail.com.

The event will be held again at St. Anthony's church hall in Hightstown on Sunday, Feb 24, 2008 in the morning. So mark your calendars for a great community breakfast.

Cranbury Press editor has a blog

2007-12-27T12:05:00.000-05:00

It's always nice to come across local bloggers who are writing about issues central to the folks in the Mercre and Middlesex county areas. Here's one from Hank Kalet, the editor of the Cranbury Press and the South Brunswick Post.

December Board of Directors Meeting Moved

2007-12-02T16:32:00.000-05:00

The December Board of Directors meeting will be held atFirst Presbyterian Church, 320 N Main St, Hightstown, NJ.

6:30 p.m. Executive session open to board members
7:30 p.m. General session open to all

We're Making Plans

2007-10-14T21:31:00.001-04:00

The board ran a planning discussion at our October meeting, devoting 90 minutes or so to mapping out plans for where we want to take the affiliate. We've completed building on the land we own. But none of us feels our mission is over.

We now have to acquire land or rehabable houses. But we knew this day would come and have been saving money. I'm glad to say we have nearly $200,000 set aside. Part of that can be used for land acquisition.

There is nothing definitive to report yet, but we are exploring a few options.

As we approach the chilly non-building weekend of winter we will be working hard behind the scenes to keep the success rolling.

Some local press coverage on our recent success

2007-10-14T21:28:00.001-04:00

The Windsor-Hights Herald, a Packet newspaper, ran a nice article on our affiliate this week.

I'm glad they gave good coverage to the folks at Queenship.

Building Update - Sept 9

2007-09-23T12:32:00.000-04:00

Moss House
Accomplishments
- 90% of the plumbing was complete - Missing Dryer connection and Furnace connection and need to turn water on
- Mudroom closet doors are ready for final hanging and adjustments
- All bathroom fixtures except towel rack installed
- On Saturday walked thru outstanding items with Kevin from Toll at Moss house
This week
- Complete plumbing Monday/Tuesday
- Medicine cabinet installed Monday
- Dishwasher installed Monday
- Window fixed and screens installed Monday/Tuesday
- Washer/Dryer installed Wednesday
- Gas tanks installed Wednesday
- Final inspection Thursday - C of O by Friday
- Saturday - re-key locks for Kathryn
- Saturday morning I will need help moving the final supplies to the storage facility

D'Alessio House
- Sharon moved in on Saturday -- What else could be said -- CONGRATULATIONS QOM team on a great job

Mr. John - An unsung hero of our build site

2007-09-23T11:12:00.001-04:00

Something perhaps we've taken for granted for too long is the donation of portable restroom services on our work sites.

Mr. John, of Keasbey, NJ, has been donating their services to us for years.

I found on their Web site that Habitat is one of the charities they support as a company. They donate their services not just to Millstone Basin, but to many affiliates in New Jersey. The also support other charitable endeavors.

Well done. Community support comes from so many places.

Building Update - Sept 15, 2007

2007-09-16T22:37:00.000-04:00

Moss House
Accomplishments
- Installed towel rack in bathroom
- Installed Medicine cabinet
- Installed hardware on Mudroom closet doors
- Emptied remaining tools/debris
- Installed shelf in bathroom closet
- Vacuumed every room

This coming week
- Monday - H&H install gas tanks and test appliances
- Install screens
- Tuesday/Wednesday - Final inspections
- Remove bumps in linoleum

Don't forget next Saturday 9/22, 3:00 - 6:00, Volunteer Recognition at the East Windsor Elks. Guaranteed to be a good time and we won't even make you work.

filed by Mike Strada

Queenship of Mary's Picture Page

2007-09-15T17:26:00.000-04:00

There are dozens of pictures of the D'Alessio house during its four-month construction period posted on the Queenship of Mary 25th Anniversary Web site.

Many Thanks to our Supporters on the D'Alessio House

2007-09-12T15:18:00.000-04:00

We'd like to thank the following companies and people who donated services and materials to the completion of the D'Allesio, which we just completed.

AIMCO: paint.
Bill Gittings of Gittings & Associates: architecture services
Conley Electric: electrical installation labor.
Daniel Bakaj of D & J Home Remodeling: services to teach volunteers and oversee siding installation.
Henderson and Bodwell: Site Engineering
Jim Bryde of Bryde Construction: framing, trim, and overall help.
Johnson Farms: foundation plantings.
Linda Principe of Linda Principe Interiors: mini-blinds for main areas and design services.
Marty Flatley of Marty’s Roofing and Maintenance: services to teach volunteers and oversee roofing installation.
Master Gardener: landscaping design and leadership
Mrs. G’s and Whirlpool: appliances.
Sharbell Development: lumber for sheds, trailer, and excavating.
Tindall Ranson Plumbing and Heating: plumbing installation.

The following also helped us by discounting their products and services:
J W Poole Mechanical Contractors: heating system; Bradco: roofing and siding supplies.; Home Depot of East Windsor: lumber supplies; National Building Supplies: drywall supplies; General Floor Wholesale: carpet and flooring; Silverline: windows; SCI Custom Kitchens: cabinets, counter, and installation; and The Gutterman: installed gutters and leaders

Board President Making Himself Useful

2007-08-27T09:36:00.000-04:00

Here's proof that the board president actually gets his hands dirty once and a while and that he's not adverse to calling in favors to get his friends to do the same (from left, Brian McLaughlin, John LeFante, crew leader John Nichols).
We had the always fun task of insullation, but didn't complain (much).

The Reason we do What we Do

2007-08-25T13:28:00.000-04:00

I came across an email from Sharon D'Alessio, one of our two new partner families, which she sent to our Family Selection Committee upon being selected a partner family. I thought I should share part of it.

"Thank you so much for selecting my boys and I to be part of habitat housing out of 30 applicants. We feel so honored and we are all very excited. I was so excited about the whole idea of being able to move into my own home with the boys that I could not help but to drive by the site area late yesterday afternoon to get an idea of what the area may look like. I have to say I was very surprised of all the work I had seen being done and finished. Owning my own home ... will be a blessing for my boys and I."

filed by Glenn Fannick

Building Update - Aug 20, 2007

2007-08-24T14:08:00.000-04:00

Moss House
Accomplished
- Kitchen cabinets and counter top installed
- Kitchen sink installed
- Tub surround installed
- Closet doors hung and guides installed
- Outside walkway installed
- Driveway dug
- Shed pad installed
- Most of yard seeded
This week
- Chalk tub surround
- Spackle tub corner
- Install bath vanity and sink
- Install propane tanks and connect to house
- Do touch ups in kitchen

D'Alessio House
Accomplished
- Flooring installed
- Cabinets installed
- Painting complete
- Driveway/walkway installed
- Shed pad installed
- Yard seeded
- Mailbox installed
- Appliances delivered
This week
- Counter top installed
- Rug installed
- Power and water to house
- Propane connected to house (THURSDAY)
- Inspections

filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - Aug 12, 2007

2007-08-14T13:09:00.000-04:00

Moss House
Accomplishments
- All interior door knobs installed
- Exterior door locks installed
- Kitchen ceiling paint touched up and lights re-installed
- Door stoppers installed
- Kitchen cabinet knobs installed
- Kitchen ceiling fan installed
- Closet doors painted
- Breanna's closet doors installed, this
- Purchased tub surround and tub fixtures
- Purchased kitchen sink

This week coming
- Counter top to be delivered Wednesday
- Install counter top, sink, faucet
- Install tub surround and fixtures
- Install Master Bedroom closet doors

D'Alessio House
- Started "finishing work"
- Painting trim and wall touch up

This week coming
- Excavator coming for grading/driveways
- Cabinet installation
- More finishing work on Saturday

filed by Mike Strada

Two Houses in One Year

2007-08-13T12:26:00.000-04:00

A first for our affiliate is the construction of two houses simultaneously - and both done in record time. The House blessings for both houses will be Tuesday, Aug 28 at 7pm at the site. Come join us celebrate!

Final Electrics Installed at D'Alessio House

2007-08-13T12:23:00.000-04:00

I stopped by the house site on Friday to see the progress and saw that George Conley and his assistant from Conley Electric of Cranbury were there that day. George has volunteered his professional skills on every house we've built, saving us probably tens of thousands of dollars over the years.

Queenship team ahead of schedule and in sight of the finish line

2007-08-10T12:06:00.000-04:00

Our friends at Queenship have posted dozens of pictures on their Web site on the progress of the D'Alessio house.

The house is getting finished in record time and AHEAD of schedule. A first for our affiliate. It's all because of the dynamic skills, tons of volunteers, committed leadership and their faith that they COULD do it. A true inspiration of all of us.

Youth United Update - August

2007-08-10T11:48:00.000-04:00

Hi to Youth United! here's our first Build project ALERT, followed by other news updates.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS!!! THIS IS A SPECIAL BUILD HELP REQUEST FOR YOUTH 16 AND OVER!!!

1) SATURDAY MORNING ONLY, August 11 - 8:30-1PM to complete some finish work on the Moss home. We need your help to install the interior doors, paint them and install all the fixtures.

2) AUGUST WEEKDAYS - Starting this week, until the Moss home is done: our adult build supervisors are looking for youth to assist them during someweekdays between now and when school starts. Please email me <> and let me know what days and times you are available. Again, there are many final jobs for our contractors that youth can assist with.

PLATES AND PLANNING NEWS!

Youth Ages 12 and over - SAVE A SEPTEMBER SATURDAY (date to be set)

Storage clearing and moving plate collection- We would like to find youth to help clear our new storage area of build equipment some Saturday morning in September. That same day, we plan to move the plate collection to our new storage area. We will set up tables at the new storage site to package plates as they are sold.

Plate sale and packaging

I'll provide the name of our volunteer youth leader in charge of the collectors plate collection sale on eBAY. To help with the storage clearing, the plate collection move or packaging email Jeanne.

COME TO THE EVAN AVENUE HOUSE BLESSINGS!!!!

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 28th, 7-8pm

You are invited to join us for two house blessings -- Katherine Moss and family/Sharon D'Alessio and family homes are moving to completion. Please come and congratulate our newest families!!

DIRECTIONS - House Blessings - Evan Avenue, East Windsor

http://www.habitatmba.org/projects.htm

Directions are under Current Project Site

PARTY!! Volunteer Recogitnion -- Attend to celebrate all of our accomplishments.

When: Saturday, September 22, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Elks Lodge No. 1955 110 Hickory Corner Rd, Hightstown, NJ 08520

Please contact Rosa if you and/or your group are interested inhelping with the party planning.

PREPARING FOR FALL 2007! "YOUTH ON BOARD" (16-25)

We are looking for a few youth members to join the HFH affiliate board andattend meetings, starting in the fall. We wiil have both non-voting youthboard members (16-18) and voting members (18 and over).You can help us define the new youth board member role by attending our September meeting, 2nd Thursday, September 13, at 7:30 PM at 1st United Methodist Church, 187 Stockton St., Hightstown, NJ

MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Each fund rasing project for the affiliate that you, your family or groupsets out to accomplish is an opportunity to learn about and experienceleadership.

Youth United 2007-2008 Calendar and To-Do list:

Update the Youth United (YU) email list -- if you have new members to invite, just email Jeanne

Set up your own school or group fund raising goals and schedule and let us know your plans

Attend Youth United meetings at the monthly HFH board meeting - our affiliate events (including youth teams for spring 2008 pancake breakfast)

Be a motivated member of our "Youth on Board" program - plan events/helpthe board

READ ALERTS - keep up with our email schedule - youth will have chances tolend a hand for home rehabs and other Build Team needs- Ages 12-15 - Queenship of Mary youth will build sheds and will let us know if youth 12-15 can help with these. Again, contact me if you're interested.

Add YU event pictures for our website. Digital pictures are being collected, so please email me those to me.

Finally, continue to promote outstanding youth participation for the upcoming school year!http://www.habitatmba.org/YouthUnited.htm

Enjoy the week, and I look forward to seeing you soon! Celebrations and parties are a great way to meet other youth!!!

- filed by Jeanne McCarthy, Youth United leader

Building Update - Aug 3, 2007

2007-08-06T23:33:00.000-04:00

Moss House
- Exterior doors painting completed
- Kitchen cabinets secured in place
Next Week
- Install kitchen counter top
- Closet doors
- Bathroom work

D'Alessio House
- Interior painting completed

Misc
- Both the trailers are empty and can be removed.

filed by Mike Strada

Habitat for Humanity seeks role in West Windsor redevelopment

2007-08-03T23:13:00.000-04:00

There was some nice coverage in the Packet today about board member Marshall Lerner's comments to the West Windsor township council meeting this week. He put forward our affiliate's willingness to help the township meet its low-income housing tally as part of its planned redevelopment of the train station area.

Building Update - Jul 23, 2007

2007-07-24T14:13:00.000-04:00

General
- Off-site storage secured and misc. items moved
- Office cabinets and shelving in place at storage

Moss House
Acomplished
- All flooring installed - Thank you Torry for letting them in
- Final Coat of paint went on exterior columns and doors
- Mud room molding installed
- Furnance room spackled
- Exterior aluminum capping complete
- Bathroom walls final coat
- Re-istalled shelving brackets removed for flooring installation
Next week
- Paint Mud/Furnace room
- Install shelves in Bathroom linen closet
- Final paint coat kitchen crown molding and windows
- Final paint coat new shoe molding installed with flooring
- Clean up backyard brush & trees

D'Alessio House
Accomplishments
- Completed most of the spackling
- Started primer coat of paint
- Completed more exterior trim work
- Topped off two leaning trees
Next week
- Complete spackling
- Complete prime coat
- Start painting primed rooms
- Clean up backyard bursh and remove remaining portions of leaning trees

filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - July 14, 2007

2007-07-16T14:31:00.000-04:00

Here's the building update from last weekend...

Moss House
Accomplishments
- Electrical power in and all receptacles wired - YES power
- Columns on front porch installed and 1st coat of paint applied
- All bedroom closets had shelves installed
- One bedroom closet doors hung
- Bathroom linen closet installed and 1st coat of paint applied
- Kitchen dormer windows painted and crown molding started
- Exterior doors and molding 1st coat of paint applied
- Hallway final coat applied
- Water Heater/ Furnace closet sheet rocked
- Windows paint scrapped off
Next week
- Second coat of paint on: Bathroom Linen closet door, Exterior columns, doors and trim
- Windows cleaned
- Remaining closet doors installed and painted
- Mud room/closet painted
- Exterior doors 1st coat painted

D'Alessio House
Accomplishments
- Spackling continued
- Siding above porch completed
- Exterior trim installed
Next Week
- More spackling

Lewis House
Accomplishments
- Water sealed the front porch railing
- Painted the trim on the front and side exterior doors

files by Michael Strada, construction coordinator

Building Update - July 7, 2007

2007-07-09T14:31:00.000-04:00

Moss House
- All Bedrooms are painted
- Closet shelves started in one bedroom
- Kitchen cabinets in place
- All the molding is painted
- Front shutters are hung
- HVAC installed
- Electric meter in place

Next week:
- Finish final coat on hallway
- Closet shelving
- Bathroom closet door installed
- Check molding for touch ups
- Paint laundry room closet and touch up cieling
- Order carpet & flooring
- Hang & paint closet doors

D'Alessio House
- Sheetrocking and Spackling conitued

Next Week:
- More Spackling (fun)

posted by Mike Strada

Another Very Productive Week at Both Houses

2007-06-26T20:51:00.000-04:00

Moss House
Completed this week

Interior doors installed
Base molding, hall char rail, and Kitchen/Living room Crown molding installed
All rooms received at least on coat on final paint, Ceilings and walls
The interior doors got a first coat of paint

Next week

We will need to put a second coat on all the walls and please check the ceilings
Start paint the base molding
Second coat on doors
Bathroom Ceiling needs a coat of the Satin Finish paint

D'Alessio House

From the architect's (Bill Gittings) report

Today we finished the insulation and misc. framing. I will call in for inspections for Tuesday so that we can start drywall. We are on for the revised schedule to finish at the end of August for the homeowner's kids to start school in September. Tom and Tim led volunteers to finish a few eaves, the side wall siding, and siding up to the front porch roof. We need to come up with a way to finish above the porch roof.

Ed and I will call in the drywall order and order cabinets.

filed by Mike Strada