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

Building Update - June 18, 2007

2007-06-20T20:37:00.000-04:00

Moss House
- The entire interior has been primed
- All window sills have been caulked
- Ready for final coat

This weeks events
- Monday night Tara, Kathy, and Linda are meeting to pick out paint and carpet/vinyl colors
- Tom will have all the paint there by Friday
- Eric is having the doors and trim delivered and installed by Friday
- Friday night about 5:00 pm I am going to over and start cutting out the ceilings so Saturday goes faster - If anyone wants to come call my cell BEFORE you come 609-903-0287
- Saturday we will be applying the final coat of paint on all the rooms
- Eric is also working on getting the gutter guy over
- HVAC/Electric will be completed next week
- We are going to try to get everything completed, then do the flooring

D'Alessio House
- Siding was almost complete Saturday when I left, some minor spots to complete
filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - June 15, 2007

2007-06-15T14:06:00.000-04:00

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

Building Update - June 9, 2007

2007-06-10T20:41:00.000-04:00

Moss house
- Completed the last piece of siding
- Trimmed and installed attic access
- Puttied all nail holes in outside door frames
- Puttied all nail holes in window sills
- Completed all sanding (we are ready to paint)
This coming Saturday we will be apply the paint primer to all the interior walls.

D'Alessio House
- Siding started
- Window installation started
- Siding trim started
- Phone/TV wired

This coming Saturday more siding, windows, trim

filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - May 22, 2007

2007-05-24T20:43:00.000-04:00

Moss House
We competed sheetrocking the windows frames and 90% of the corner bead is up. Just one corner in the kitchen needs to be completed.
Art filled all the gaps between the floor and sheet rock with strips of plywood
We had a small team but energetic one - Thanks to Art O., Sister Mary Rose, Glen (single volunteer), Kathryn Moss, Brianna Moss, Diane (my wife), Sharon D'Alessio, and Rose (Sharon's friend)
This Saturday we will be completing the corner bead, start spackling the seams, and possibly installing window sills in the kitchen (if I get to Home Depot)
We still need to attack the bathroom, if I have some skilled folks maybe we can get to spackle that also

D'Alessio House
They completed the sheathing over last weekend
Inspections were happening this week
Shingles are going on this coming weekend
Another great weekend for a great team - Bill G. - you and your team are doing a GREAT JOB
Jeanne stopped by and plans are being made for the gardens at all the houses. Looks like there will be activity during June.

filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - May 15, 2007

2007-05-17T20:44:00.000-04:00

Moss House
Sheetrocking was completed on Saturday.

D'Alessio House
The trusses went up Friday and Sheathing went on Saturday.
This week the Trailers will be moved to their final resting places
Front porch and Sheathing will be completed on Saturday

filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - May 6, 2007

2007-05-09T20:47:00.000-04:00

Another good weekend, Progress was made on both houses. Sharon D'Alessio was onsite manning the sign table and organizing the trailers in between. She was a big help.

Moss House
We continued to sheetrock. Torry and the team completed the last high wall and a lot of the Kitchen/Living room. The window sheetrock capping was started. Next Saturday we should be able to complete everything. Sharon Cole's team was there for the sheetrock, they helped the QOM team with outside clean up.

D'Alessio House
The QOM team completed some more framing tasks and did allot of clean up on the site, Saturday was a short day for them, as they are waiting for roof trusses which will be there for next weekend. This week the grading will be completed so the trusses and roofing can begin next weekend.

filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - May 1, 2007

2007-05-02T12:44:00.000-04:00

We had a great weekend at both houses. The QOM TEAM out did themselves and got the entire D'Alessio house framed and sheathed. GREAT JOB Bill.
The Allentown Church crew continued sheet rocking the moss. The completed the bathroom, Master bedroom, Vestibule, portions of the kitchen, and they even rocked the cathedral ceiling and one of the high parts.

Next weekend......

Moss house
- Complete sheetrocking
- Start finishing around the windows
- Sheetrock the furnace room

D'Alessio house
- Bill is trying to get the trusses early, but might not make it. So they will probably do some clean up work on framing. --- Again Bill -- Great job over the weekend.

I will be onsite Saturday morning. Torry will cover the rest of the day at the Moss house.

filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - April 22, 2007

2007-04-25T12:49:00.000-04:00

Moss House
We continued to sheetrock. Status as of today.
Both back bedrooms are completely rocked, closets and all.
Hallway is completely rocked from bathroom to Kitchen.
Master bedroom is 75% rocked
Laundry room just needs rock on front of furnace room.
Some taping complete in back bedrooms
Kitchen and front vestibule not touched
Next Saturday we will continue to rock. Eric I will need you there to supervise.

D'Alessio House
Ground Breaking Ceremony was held Sunday
Plumbers put in rough plumbing
Bill is calling for inspection on Monday for Tuesday inspection
Backfill plumbing trenches and pour slab on Wednesday
Friday layout house on slab
Saturday start Framing

filed by Mike Strada

Building Update - April 15, 2007

2007-04-17T12:46:00.000-04:00

Another big progress weekend. We had the Rutgers crew to help and some really good individuals which worked out well. Sister Mary from QOM was there all day working with us, she will be an asset going forward, she comes with some skills, mechanical and spiritual. Kathryn Moss and the kids were there helping and seeing the progress. Another highlight was Eric brought T-Shirts Toll had made for the project, everyone appreciated getting one of these. - Thank you Eric

Moss House
- Sound insulated the bathroom walls
- Sheetrocked the tub area and ceiling in the bathroom
- Sheetrocked the two back bedrooms (no closets)
- Started to tape one bedroom
- Sheetrocked the master bedroom ceiling and upper walls
- Tom M. took pictures, so when I get them I will post them

Next weekend
- We will continue sheetrocking
- Tom M. and I are meeting with H&H about appliances on Thursday.
- Eric will try to get some Toll folks to sheetrock the upper part of the Kitchen/Family room during the week, if not on Saturday

D'Alessio House
- The foundation walls are in
- The excavator(Greg) worked Saturday to repack the backfill in the foundation
- If weather permitting, inspection and foundation plumbing will be done this week
- Greg spread stone from the road up to the Moss house so we don't have to walk through mud to get there
- Unfortunately due to the weather the Ground Breaking had to be cancelled today. It will be rescheduled

filed by Mike Strada

Groundbreaking Ceremony Postponed

2007-04-15T09:31:00.000-04:00

We have decided to postpone the groundbreaking ceremony for the D'Alessio house that was scheduled for today because of the weather.

We will post a new date shortly.

posted by: Glenn Fannick

Pancake Breakfast

2007-04-01T22:12:00.000-04:00

There was a full house for most of the seatings at the ninth annual Pancake Breakfast a few weeks back at St. Anthony's of Padua Church in Hightstown.

Construction Update - Mar 31

2007-03-31T19:07:00.000-04:00

Today was all insulation. Not the most glamorous job but definitely much better doing it during the spring than during the summer when long sleeves are tough.

We had a team of about eight today and finished about 90% of the installation of the fiberglass. All that's left is half the ceiling and parts of the walls in the kitchen/living room.

Thanks to Eric Nielsen for kicking the day off; Mike Strada had a well-deserved Saturday off.

It's very exciting to be working on this house and look next door to see the foundation of the next house getting ready to be poured. The first time for our affiliate to have two houses underway at once. A very busy year for our modest affiliate.

- filed by Glenn Fannick, president

Partner Family Chosen for House #8

2007-03-31T19:04:00.000-04:00

This is just a quick e-mail to inform you that we chose our new partner family tonight at the Family Selection board meeting. The applicant's name is Sharon D'Alessio and she has two young boys, Tyree and Imir. They are currently living in Woodbridge, NJ and I'm sure they will be delighted to hear that we have selected them to partner with us on this next house.

On behalf of the Family Selection Committee, if I may, I'd like to thank the members at tonight's meeting for examining each family meticulously, from every angle, "turning over every stone" as Jeanne said.

Also, thank you to Queenship of Mary members for their continued support in many areas, especially in these last few weeks.

Lastly, thank you to the Family Selection Committee. I'm confident that we chose a well-deserving partner family. What a great team we truly have!

-- filed by Tara Roche, vice president

Pictures update!

2007-03-24T19:29:00.000-04:00

Some recent pictures.. the house is really coming along!!

Queenship of Mary project leaders

2007-03-21T14:45:00.000-04:00

Bill Gittings, standing left, an architect from the Queenship of Mary church in Plainsboro, and Richard Johnson, co-chair of the QOM Habitat committee, discuss the house plans with the board of directors. Construction will start on the house in April.

Construction Update - Mar 18

2007-03-18T12:56:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately due to the weather there was no work this weekend.

But lets still count on insulation for 3/24. I will touch base with Eric Monday or Tuesday to confirm. We will have to install the kitchen window and the finish the siding while we are insulating.

The QOM house is starting up, they staking out the house, getting ready for the foundation.

See you all 3/24.

filed by Michael Strada

Construction Update - Mar 4

2007-03-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

We had a productive weekend in spite of some missing materials. When we left Saturday, the entire back of the house was sided, the south side was complete, A good portion of the front was complete. The sofit over the Kitchen cabinets was installed, and inappropriate ceiling nailers were removed. The electrician and plumber were there during the week and the rough pluming is in and A LOT of the rough electrical is complete. The roof is 100% complete.

Sharon Cole was there all day with us and was our pizza person - THANK YOU

Both Tom and Eric took pictures, so we will have more photos.

The QOM team had the electric removed from the old trailer to a temporary location by the meter. The old trailer should be out this week and the new put in it's final place.

Next steps:
- install kitchen window
- Complete siding ( probably Monday)
- complete rough plumbing and electric for inspections this week
- On our next build day I would like someone to cut a piece of sheathing the size of the tub and cover the tub. Just to make sure while work is going on nothing falls in the tub and chips it.

We will NOT be onsite this coming weekend, we have to wait for the inspections to continue. It looks like our next build date will be 3/17. I will have to confirm, but we should be doing insulation.

Thank you all for your support - things are moving nicely

filed by Michael Strada

Construction Update - Feb 25

2007-02-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

We made more progress this weekend on the Siding. The back wall is 3/4 complete. We have several sides started. The mud was more of a hindrance that the cold.

The electrician was there this week and the electricity is now roughed out.

We moved everything out of the Brown office trailer to the new trailer. The brown office will be removed the week or next. Bill and the QOM team will make sure we are not without electricity, but it looks like we might have to use a portable heater for heat in the office.

Next weekend activities:
- Put shingles on the roof ridge
- Install kitchen window and front door
- Continue siding
- Wednesday night the QOM Build team meets

We need volunteers for next Saturday. Send an email to: info@habitatmba.org if you're interested.

-- posted by Michael Strada

Helping us remember why we build houses

2007-02-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

I want to share with you a short note sent from the head of our newest partner family, Kathryn Moss to Tara, her family nurture liaison.
Regards
Glenn

"We went out to the site on Saturday and it looked like they finished the roof during the week. It looks really nice. I can't wait for the finish product. Everyone has been so nice and wonderful. I truly love you guys and I thank GOD for everyone...please thank everyone. I'm so sorry that I haven't been able to make the meetings, but I truly can't thank the staff & all the workers enough. When I pulled up in front of the house on Saturday it brought tears to my eyes..."

-- posted by Glenn Fannick

Youth United Update

2007-02-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

Hi to all Youth United!

This Sunday at the pancake breakfast, we're receiving national recognition, and a visit with Colin Hickman (from our Phila. regional office). We have been highlighted in the Habitat for Humanity International Best Practices bulletin, about our fund raising and other efforts.

Colin will also join us for the afternoon! Email me [jeannemccarthy at hotmail.com] if you can attend any of the events.

ALL AGES: 12-15 AND 16 and over!
BUNDLE UP, WEAR GLOVES AND COME ON OUT!

Following the breakfast, from 1-3PM, WE ARE BUILDING and preparing the next build site!!! Our adult teams will work with all ages on Sunday afternoon:Call me if you can come and bring a parent to sign your permission form, if we don't have one on file.

- 12-15 year-olds - clean/move the contents of our old trailer to the new trailer on Evan Avenue
- 16 and over - install the siding on the outside of the Moss home

-filed by Jeanne McCarthy

Construction Update - Feb 18

2007-02-20T20:17:00.000-05:00

During the week we plan on the following:

Get the electrician and plumber on site for the roughing out
Arrange for sill trim for the siding
Arrange to have the kitchen window and front door onsite for Saturday

Saturday Feb 24 is a full work day stating at 9 am. We will continue on siding work and get the doors in place and kitchen window.

Sunday Feb 25 we will continue siding with the help of the youth group. This will only be a half day build starting at 12:30 after the Pancake Breakfast (pdf).

- filed by Mike Strada

Construction Update - Feb 11

2007-02-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

A lot of activity this weekend on the Moss house:

* Accomplishments
o All roofing debris cleaned up
o Octagon window installed
o Side entry door installed
o All starter strips for siding in place
o Most windows completed with J-Channels
o Most missing tar paper replaced
o More nailers completed inside the house
o Back wall sided up to top of windows
o South side wall siding started
o North side wall has first row of siding
o Landscaping plan started

Miscellaneous
- The Master Gardens were one the Groups this week. Tom M. met with Linda from MG and started the landscaping plan
- Tom M. is also going to follow up with H&H for appliances the week of the 18th
- Kathryn was at the site and was very pleased about the progress and the color of the house.
- QOM (Bill) submitted their plans to East Windsor on Monday
- QOM team needs to dig where the Office trailer is. Tom T. from their team has made progress in plans for getting it out. Trying to this done before the end of February, target by 2/18

- filed by Michael Strada

February 7 Update

2007-02-10T11:45:00.000-05:00

Here is the plan for the next two weekends.

The siding will be delivered this Friday.
I have the window for the vestibule.

It is going to be too cold to work this Saturday 2/10. So the Crew leaders will come over Sunday 2/11 at 9:00 am and we will get started on the siding.

-- filed by Mike Strada

January 21

2007-02-10T11:42:00.000-05:00

Folks,
There were 4 of us there on Saturday. The only thing we could do was replace the tar paper on the roof that had blown off. The wind was too strong to stay on the roof, so we had to quit for the day. Thanks to Emil, Rich and Russ for braving the wind on Saturday.

-- filed by Mike Strada

January 13

2007-01-13T20:37:00.000-05:00

Folks,
We got rained out today for the most part but we did get some stuff done. One side of the roof has its ice shield and drip edge installed, we installed nailers in the dormers for the step flashing, and we continued to work on the other rooms for sheetrock nailers.

We ended up working until 2:30. There was about 10 of us there. We cancelled Sunday due to the whether.

Next week we will be shingling the roof.

No pictures due to rain.

---- filed by Mike Strada

Construction Update - Jan 7

2007-01-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, we continued framing inside the house. The kitchen, living room and master bedroom are ready for Sheetrock and we got some nailers up in the other rooms.

Thanks to Torry, Emil, and Tom for this weekend. You all are missing the fun of working in T-Shirts in January.

The plan for next weekend is roofing. Eric will have the roofing supplies there by Saturday, so we will be working both Saturday and Sunday.

Other activities:

Mike and Tom are working on getting the appliances
Emil has the Queenship of Mary house plans loaded into CAD and provided feedback to Bill G.
Mike has contacted a company that deals with trailers. Found them thru HFHI

- filed by Mike Strada

Construction Update - Dec 30

2007-01-03T16:59:00.000-05:00

This Saturday we had a small crew but we got allot of framing done. We worked on the Kitchen and Living Room. We framed out the ceilings and dormers for sheetrock. We removed all the Toe Holds from the roof and used them for the studs.

Thanks to Torry, Emil, Greg, Bill and Tom for the last two weekends.

Next Saturday we will be back, hopefully we will have roofing supplies by then.

Happy New Year everyone and thank you for your support in 2006.

-filed by: Mike Strada

Our elves were hard at work on Dec. 23

2006-12-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

Not tremendous progress this week, but we did complete ALL the tar papering. Emil, Torry and I went over this morning and laid the remaining paper. The entire house has tar paper on it and it's ready for roofing.

Outstanding Items. We need to:

select siding color
order roofing (shingles should coordinate with siding)
order kitchen window
order Foyer window

Next Saturday Emil, Torry and I are going over around 8:30 and we are going to complete the framing in the kitchen and living room. Now that the trusses are in we can see what framing needs to be completed.

No new pictures this week, even though we thought it would have been cool to have one of us working on the roof on 12/23 in T-shirts.

I hope everyone and their families has a Merry Christmas.

- filed by: Mike Strada

Twas the Week Before Christmas at the Habitat House

2006-12-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

We made more progress this week. We completed sheathing the dormers and almost completed Tar papering the roof. We have most of the tar paper down. We installed the windows in the dormers and the big window in the kitchen.

We had a group from Kathy Moss's church for half the day and Torry, Emil, Greg, Jimmy, Eric(Jimmy's friend) and I stayed until 4:00. Jeanne was the greeter, which was a big help. Jeanne took pictures, I forgot my camera.

We are going to work next Saturday, but we won't need any volunteers. Emil, Torry, Jimmy and I will be there and we should be able to get the roof to the point it is ready for the shingles. My Christmas shopping didn't go as well as I planned today, so I will be there ready to work at 8:00 am Saturday and I can stay until noon. So if anyone wants to come early, I will be there.

Other Activities:

Thursday night we met with Ed one the QOM Architects. This went very well. Ed walked us through the house plans. There was allot of good sharing back and forth.
We also had a quick Crew Leaders meeting Thursday night and we have actions items out of that.
I will start the process of getting the washer, dryer, refrigerator, and stove from HFH.
Eric will get a dishwasher from Toll for free for the Moss house.
Kathy said she wanted to use her $1,000 [the partner family's discretionary spend] for Central Air. I will check ParterNet to see if there is anything offered through HFH. Preferably a Carrier unit.
Eric made contact with two suppliers for Roofing and Siding. On Friday I sent a letter to the siding contact. Hopefully they will be able to work with Eric on the cost. We will get the roofing letter out ASAP, worst case we will order the roofing from Home Depot.

- filed by: Mike Strada

December 9

2006-12-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

Just some quick pix from 12/9/06. I can't believe how far we've come! The house is looking really great.

Building Report - Dec 2

2006-12-03T19:13:00.000-05:00

This weekend we made more progress. We installed the windows in the bedrooms, and bathroom. Two thirds of the house is wrapped and ready for siding. The roof is still proving to be a challenge. Eric and Roberto had hard time getting the Trusses over the Kitchen and Family room. They we will have to come back during the week to complete this. More work was done on the roof over the Master bedroom, we are almost complete and ready for shingles.

Next weekend we will complete the sheathing on the roof and start putting the shingles on the roof. Eric will have some Toll pros get the trusses straightened out during the weekend and have a roofer come over to get the shingles started.

-- Filed by Mike Strada

Weekend Build Update -- Nov 25

2006-11-28T21:29:00.000-05:00

Here's a weekend update from Mike Strada, our building chairman:

- The back half of the house has all it's sheathing on. One side of the roof is completely papered, the other side is half papered. The rough capping was also installed for this portion of the roof.
- The roof over the Master Bedroom now has sheathing.
- The inside was checked for sheetrock nailers and we think we got most of them for the walls.
- Up next: finish beams over the kitchen and living room to prepare for trusses.

See Pictures.

The Moss house is under way!

2006-11-27T20:01:00.000-05:00

This post is a wee bit late, but better late than never, as they say.

Contstruction on the Moss house began in October. Here are some early pictures from the first couple of build days.

Queenship of Mary Church Charette

2006-11-08T19:16:00.000-05:00

Queenship of Mary Church (Plainsboro, NJ) held a charette in early fall to cull from its members ideas for our 8th project. What a great way to get the community involved in the Habitat process!

Forty parishioners spent an afternoon of brainstorming and sharing ideas about what they would like to see in the "perfect" house. QOM's architects incorporated some of the ideas generated into a preliminary plan for our next house. The result is a fresh twist on Habitat's tried and true bungalow-style homes.

Much thought was put into the location of the sun at different times of the day, floor plan layout, storage space, yard orientation as well as the aesthetics of the structure. And, plans are under
way to make this home as "green" as possible!

Queenship of Mary Church (Plainsboro, NJ) is the sponsor for our 8th home build in East Windsor, New Jersey. Established in October 1982, Queenship is getting ready to mark its 25th Anniversary. To celebrate, they've pledged money, team leaders, volunteers, and prayers to help Habitat MBA build a decent, affordable home for our next family in need.

Underground plumbing pictures..

2006-10-22T20:08:00.000-04:00

The underground plumbing has been placed, and if the next inspection goes well, we'll be pouring the slab soon..!

These pictures were taken 10/17/06

Moving right along...

2006-10-15T15:16:00.000-04:00

Footings...

In honor of all our hard-working volunteers...

2006-10-05T10:28:00.000-04:00

MBA's Volunteer Recognition Committee -- headed by Hanifah Gordon and Stephanie Kornicke -- is holding a Fall Harvest Party on October 15!

Come on out to the Elk's Lodge in East Windsor for refreshments, games and door prizes, and meet other volunteers!

Please RSVP name and number of guests (adults/children) to the VRC by October 13.

Hope to see you there!

October's board meeting

2006-10-03T15:16:00.000-04:00

Board Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month. The open session portion of the board meeting may be attended by any member of the community. Why don't you come and see what we're all about!

Open session begins @ 7:15
Meetings are held at the First Methodist Church of Hightstown, 187 Stockton Street
Our next meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2006

Hope to see you there!

Family Selection getting under way...

2006-10-03T15:15:00.000-04:00

Our Family Selection Committee is beginning the process of selecting our 8th partner family.

Do you live in New Jersey?
Do you currently have a need for adequate housing?
Are you willing to volunteer your time towards the completion of your home?
Are able to re-pay a no-interest mortgage?

If you answered "Yes" to the all of the above, you could be our next Habitat Partner Family! Please e-mail our Family Selection Committee with your name, mailing address and phone number and we will send you an application.

Check back often for updates!

Project 7!

2006-10-02T20:08:00.000-04:00

We're gearing up to start our 7th home!

On June 11, 2006, HFH Millstone Basin broke ground on Evans Drive in East Windsor, NJ. The Moss Family of Hamilton New Jersey was chosen as our 7th partner family back in May, 2006. This project is co-sponsored by our own Youth United team and Toll Brothers, the nation's leading builder of luxury homes.

While there have been some bumps on the road to construction, the blitz build is scheduled for October, 2006...!

Habitat for Humanity, Millstone Basin Area

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

Dialing for Local Support

Cranbury Press editor has a blog

December Board of Directors Meeting Moved

We're Making Plans

Some local press coverage on our recent success

Building Update - Sept 9

Mr. John - An unsung hero of our build site

Building Update - Sept 15, 2007

Queenship of Mary's Picture Page

Many Thanks to our Supporters on the D'Alessio House

Board President Making Himself Useful

The Reason we do What we Do

Building Update - Aug 20, 2007

Building Update - Aug 12, 2007

Two Houses in One Year

Final Electrics Installed at D'Alessio House

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

Youth United Update - August

Building Update - Aug 3, 2007

Habitat for Humanity seeks role in West Windsor redevelopment

Building Update - Jul 23, 2007

Building Update - July 14, 2007

Building Update - July 7, 2007

Another Very Productive Week at Both Houses

Building Update - June 18, 2007

Building Update - June 15, 2007

Building Update - June 9, 2007

Building Update - May 22, 2007

Building Update - May 15, 2007

Building Update - May 6, 2007

Building Update - May 1, 2007

Building Update - April 22, 2007

Building Update - April 15, 2007

Groundbreaking Ceremony Postponed

Pancake Breakfast

Construction Update - Mar 31

Partner Family Chosen for House #8

Pictures update!

Queenship of Mary project leaders

Construction Update - Mar 18

Construction Update - Mar 4

Construction Update - Feb 25

Helping us remember *why* we build houses

Youth United Update

Construction Update - Feb 18

Construction Update - Feb 11

February 7 Update

January 21

January 13

Construction Update - Jan 7

Construction Update - Dec 30

Our elves were hard at work on Dec. 23

Twas the Week Before Christmas at the Habitat House

December 9

Building Report - Dec 2

Weekend Build Update -- Nov 25

The Moss house is under way!

Queenship of Mary Church Charette

Underground plumbing pictures..

Moving right along...

In honor of all our hard-working volunteers...

October's board meeting

Family Selection getting under way...

Project 7!

Helping us remember why we build houses