On May 5, 2007, the Southbury Interfaith Social Concerns Committee sponsored the annual AmeriCares HomeFront Project. AmeriCares is an international relief organization that used local volunteers to resore an area home to a safe, warm and dry condition. Volunteers from the area, as well as several Mormon Elders from around the country, spent the day working on a project, in Middlebury. Working from early morn until dusk, the volunteers were able to bring a little help, and a lot of love to the homeowner. Click here for more information on the AmeriCares HomeFront projects.
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Musical Gala
In order for all the activity to take place on HomeFront Day, there is the small matter of somehow paying for all the supplies that are needed. Fortunately, residents of Southbury are very generous. The usual fund raiser is a musical gala, which was held again this year at B'Nai Israel Synagogue. Area artists are very generous in donating their time and effort. The next few shots show the activity on the day of the gala.
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Lauren explains the days activity, who to expect, and where the donations will be used. As usual, a full house gathered for a very entertaining afternoon.
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Willie Nininger, and his associates gave the crowd his always entertaining presentation
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Nefesh was as entertaining as ever, with high energy music and song.
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Helen Falcone showed the range of her talents in a great selection of classical and show songs.
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Volunteers Meeting
And just before the big day, all volunteers are invited to a meeting to review the project, explain what is needed, and just get to know each other.
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The volunteers have an opportunity to meet before the work day to get an idea of what will be expected. The doors of St. James Church are open to those attending the meeting.
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And Lauren gave a break down of the work to be done, the work already done, and where the project is located. All questions answered, everyone eager to get to work.
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AmeriCares HomeFront
Saturday, May 5, 2007. All AmeriCares projects take place on the first Saturday in May. Just one day. Not a big committment of time, but a lot of work go into the planning and execution of this day. What follows is just the tip of the iceburg, showing some highlights of the activity that day. Many thanks to all those who volunteered their time and talent to help a neighbor.
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AmeriCares HomeFront Project # 1603, sponsored by the Southbury Interfaith Social Concerns Committee. If you were looking for the work site, here it is.
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Registration. Always paperwork to keep everything official, parent approvals for the younger set, and the location of the food table.
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Lauren gives the opening remarks, thanks to everyone for coming, hope you all have a great day, please don't get hurt. Enjoy!
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Scott from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints started the day off with a prayer of thanks for everyone's efforts, the beautiful day, and the hope for the grace of God to support everyone throughout the day.
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And so to work. Doors, anyone? There were more doors to install today than all our other projects put together.
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And plenty of outside work to do also. First we get organized. This is the trash. There is the dumpster. Get to work.
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More doors. This door needed just a little taken off to make it fit. These same two gentlemen later in the day had a large double door that was several inches too short for the opening. Everything balances out over the day.
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Working in tight spaces is all part of the job. Just watch your head.
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Probably the most unappreciated job on any of these projects is the dunmpster manager. Someone has to keep the dumpster organized, or it will fill up in no time, and then there's no place to put the construction trash. A difficult but necessary job.
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Growing in the back yard is a beautiful flowering shrub. Always good to see something like this to boost morale when things seem to be going badly.
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Surrounded by a sea of white, that orange shirt really stands out. As does his precision in cutting a wide assortment of boards, molding, and anything else needed.
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This husband and wife team were busy installing the new floor, toilet, and sink in the new bath.
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Mass production in the new window department. Many hands really do make light work.
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Outdoor work, anyone. Plenty of opportunity to paint windows, doors, and anything else that doesn't move.
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A couple of the Mormon Elders, from Washington State and Utah, here for a two year assignment.
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The ever faithful Knights of Columbus again provided lunch for all the workers. Led by Grand Knight Ray, the Knights provide their world famous hot dogs, and a variety of other snacks to keep everyone going for the rest of the day.
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And after grace by Mormon Bishop Spencer, the crowd formed a neat and orderly line, and had plenty to eat.
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Seats are at a premium today. So just grab a seat wherever you can find one. This spot looks comfortable, don't you think?
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And here is everyone. Smile for the camera! Quite a good size group, all there to help one of their neighbors.
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Nothing like a few plants to brighten up a yard.
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And in addition to the plants, the yard got a good raking, new top soil, and plenty of TLC to make sure it continues to flourish.
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As the day draws to a close, the finishing touches are never really finished. New steps, new door, and the entry to the home has a whole new look.
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Not only the front entrance, but the whole front yard has a bright, new look. Some plantings go a long way to making everything look new.
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Leaving nothing undone, the new look continues around the house to the back yard.
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The inside also has a finished look. New windows, carpet, doors, eveything needed to make this house a home for a wonderful family, all added by caring neighbors.
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How can we ever thank all those wonderful people who heard the cry of a neighbor in need, and responded with all their heart. All the young folk who came, donations of food and drink. Thank you all so much. We hope to see you all again next year.
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A special tip o' the hat to Lauren, who, with her co-captain and husband Mike brought all this together. And also found time to supply many of the photos you see here. How can we ever thank Lauren and Mike enough?
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