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Summer Picnic to Reward Hard Work
Burgers, Dogs, Corn Hole, and Good Times
On Thursday, July 21st staff, Board members, and volunteers gathered for a Summer picnic at the HFHMV office/ReStore wildflower field. It was a great evening filled with food, laughter and recognition (from silly "Paper Plate Awards" to Lifetime Achievement Awards.)
Pictured below, a few volunteers, all dedicated people to HFHMV, were given different rewards for their service to our organization. Bill Farragher, Cal Gungle, and Margaret Grace were given Lifetime Achievement Awards consisting of pictures of houses and partner families that they've helped and memories of their time at Habitat. This was given to them for their longtime dedication to our affiliate. Two Golden Nail Awards were also given to more recent volunteers Fran Fetsko and Tanzia Turkali, Fran for her help at the ReStore, and Tanzia for her help at the construction site. Both volunteers were and are a huge contributing part to our success both past and present.
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Fran Fetsko with her Golden Nail Award and ReStore Supervisor Dennis Johnson and ReStore associate, Corrie Ferenchak.
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| Executive Director Monica Craven presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill Farragher |
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| Monica presenting Cal Gungle a Lifetime Achievement Award |
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| Monica presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Margaret Grace |
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Swing Batta Batta
Executive Director Monica Craven receives Community Hero Award
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers in partnership with Kent State-Trumbull Campus recognize local community heroes in their efforts to make the area a better place by allowing them to throw the first pitch of the game. On Friday, Jully 22nd our Executive Director Monica Craven was given that honor for her efforts for the valley.
Board members, staff, volunteers, and friends of Habitat braved a hot day, wearing matching Habitat shirts joined us to cheer on our director. Early arrivals were able to get a Dave Grohl bobble head and if they stayed late enough, watch fireworks set to a Foo Fighters soundtrack.
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Back to School!
August is the Month of Prepping your Kids for School, Here are some Tips for Just That!
Things to Make from Stuff You May Find at the ReStore and Helpful Back to School Tips
This cool idea on how to turn an old desk into a working chalkboard-desk is incredible!
Some cool ways to keep yourself organized can be found HERE
Here are some helpful TIPS for getting your child ready to go back to school.
Random August Facts
- On August 3rd, 1492, Christopher Columbus set off into the Atlantic
- The Lincoln penny was issued in 1909
- Hawaii was annexed in 1898
- It's national golf and picnic month
- August is named after Augustus a Roman Emperor
- August 30th is National Toast Marshmallow day, so get the fires ready!
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Summer Intern Goes Off to College
Ian Friend is on His Way to Virginia Tech
Habitat for Humanity was never a part of my past, I had never volunteered at the organization, had never went to a fundraiser, I had really only known about it by name. That all changed in May when I met Monica Craven and Kristina Nicholas. Through Brian Pretoka, a board member, I had set up a meeting with Monica and that's where my Habitat journey began. I went into the summer internship with the goal of just learning any and all that I can in preparation for possibly a career in Non-Profit in the future. Virginia Tech offers a certification in Non-Profit and I can pursue it while getting my Masters in Public Administration if I so choose.
My time at Habitat went by quickly, but I loved every minute of it. The people are so kind here from the ReStore to the office you can start a conversation with anyone and find joy in it. I've always kind of been in love with philanthropic efforts, throughout college I did a lot through my fraternity in helping other various non-profits, and it's definitely a passion of mine. Even if I don't go into the non-profit profession, I know my future will be filled with still actively participating in various organizations. It's funny, when you're a little kid you think about what you want to do when you grow up, mine took many forms such as dairy farmer (I didn't want to hurt any animals), veterinarian, teachers, but never did I think I'd be interning at a non-profit and here I am, and never happier. I'm currently trying to continue my Habitat journey while I am in Virginia by obtaining a position at a Habitat affiliate there, so we'll see how that goes.
Above all else I hope I made some sort of impact in my short time here. Monica and the rest of the staff were very kind to find a position for me and I worked hard over the summer to make me worth their while. I think I've made decent strides in helping Kristina make the incoming 5K one of the best yet and I hope you've all enjoyed these last three newsletters. Finally I'd like to to restate my thanks to everyone that has made this position possible and thank you to everyone at Habitat that I've been able to meet.
Ian
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Catlynn Midlick's Last Day
AmeriCorps Worker Says Goodbye to Habitat This Past Month
My heart led me to this opportunity at Habitat for Humanity Mahoning Valley right after my undergrad graduation. I was eager to find a way that I could "be the change you wish to see in the world." I had a previous internship in Section 8 Housing and I knew my time with Habitat would take me somewhere different when I heard the expression of this organization's desire to give a "hand up, and not a hand out." At the start of my service year I took time learning about the history of the HFHMV; I learned that this affiliate is growing tremendously and I quickly saw the great work being done through this nonprofit organization. I had the opportunity to meet many inspiring individuals during my time here. I have learned that this affiliate is successful due to the hard work from the hearts and minds that have touched this organization such as office staff, ReStore staff, board members, and the regular volunteers.
I held the position of the Community Outreach Coordinator and this allowed me to see a community come together to support families whom set self-sustaining goals for themselves. The support has come from local businesses, churches, youth groups, and other organizations. It is shown through the media what can happen when hate manifests in a human-being and anyone can be affected by this. Serving with Habitat I have been shown what can happen when love manifests in a human-being and how kindness can be contagious too. In my outreach I spent time promoting opportunities for a diverse age range.
My family has fallen in love with Habitat for Humanity and I believe they will continue to help Habitat for Humanity after my service year. I enjoyed bonding with them and other people I know through opportunities this organization offers. Although my AmeriCorps year of service has ended I will continue finding ways to give back to my community.
Catlynn
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Meet Joe Bob 
Everyone's Favorite Old Timer
1. Name? Joe Bob
2. How long have you been with Habitat for Humanity of the Mahoning Valley 6 years. Volunteered for two, worked for 4.
3. If you were a superhero or super villain, what powers would you have? I like Wonder Woman. With her bracelets and lasso.
4. Do you love or hate roller coasters? I like the old regular wooden roller coasters. Like the Jack Rabbit or Wildcat from Idora Park.
5. Do you collect anything? Nautical things, like sailing equipment, wheels.
6. What would be in your dream sandwich? Salami, bologna, mayonnaise, hot cheese, with bout 1/2 inch thick Vidalia onions on a roll.
7. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? My dad. Just to have a conversation with him, tell him he was right about everything. You don't admit that when you're young but when you've had kids of your own you understand.
8. What was your favorite cartoon growing up? Yosemite Sam and Emma the old lady. She was cool.
9. Are you a dog or cat person? Dog. I've had a Cockerspaniel, shepherds, huskies.
10. What is the last movie you saw? The Martian and Gravity.
11. Is the glass half empty or half full? Hall Full
12. Are you a good cook? (if yes what's your specialty?) Terrible. I can make eggs, scrambled if I mess up.
13. Where did you grow up? Struthers. Brownlee Woods all my life except for 3 years.
14. What inspires you? Making everyday an adventure. Doing something everyday.
15. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Black Cherry from Katies Korner
16. Do you love your job? Yes. I gotta love what I do or I wouldn't do it.
17. Favorite Youngstown pizza? Elmton Pizza
18. What would you sing at Karaoke Night? Nothing
19. Have you ever had a nickname? Jody. There were two other Joe's in the family so that's what they called me.
20. What are your hobbies? Sailing. Old Cars.
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5K Coming in October
@ Holy Family in Poland, Proceeds to benefit Habitat
On Saturday, October 16th we will be holding our 17th annual 5k at Holy Family in Poland, OH. The race begins at 9am. Come on out for a fun filled day for a worthy cause. Funds will be used to continue our mission of providing affordable housing for low-income families. Registration and more info on the race can be found at our Facebook event page for it
HERE. There will also be a children's 3-mile fun run at 8:45 AM.
If you would like to sponsor the race or give a gift in kind, email [email protected] for a sponsorship form.
Here is the link to register for the 5K. You may register the day of the race for $20, but if you register before it is only $15.
Registration Link
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