The Threshold - Autumn/Winter Edition

The Threshold- Autumn/Winter Edition

Meet Ashley Robbins - Newest Homeowner

Ashley is a single mom with three children. She is strong willed, well organized and an outstanding example of a person who does not give up. She applied for a house several years ago but was not selected. Undaunted, she applied again the following year, this time successfully. She worked alongside Habitat volunteers every Thursday and remarkably completed her mandatory 300 sweat equity hours in record time.

This 23 ^rd house built by MWV Habitat was completed in November. Located at 227 Silver Pine in Tamworth, it is the third Habitat house in Sokokis Pines with solar panels and radiant floor heating installed. The harsh winter narrowed the window of opportunity to prepare the site for Women Build in May. Anthony Ruddy, construction manager stated, “we had only four days, but thanks to Land Tech’s Bryan Berlind site engineer; Al Eastman’s crew that cleared the lot; Russ Lanoie who donated his time and equipment to clear the foundation footprint; and HR Hoyt who was able pour the foundation in needed time, we were able to do it.” Another setback almost occurred with the lack of contractor availability when it came time to install the septic system. However Mark McConkey of Freedom with sons Jacob, Dale and son-in-law Ryan Britland not only put the stone and pipe system in, but did so at a considerable discount.

Shown below at the December Dedication Ceremony is Ashley receiving the keys to her new home from Anthony Ruddy, Construction Committee Chairman. The second photo is Ashley signing the mortgage papers presented by Attorney Andrew Dean of Cooper Cargill Chant.

Kiwanis - Habitat Autumn Express

At 1100 AM, on Sunday, October 20 ^th , the Kiwanis-Habitat Autumn Express departed the Conway Scenic RR station in North Conway and headed north to the Crawford Notch depot located across from the headwaters of the Saco River. The train, comprised of ten cars carrying over 300 passengers arrived approximately two and a half hours later. The annual excursion is a major fundraiser for both organizations providing assistance for the underserved in the Valley.

Board member Barbara Plonski led Habitat’s participation, interfacing with both Kiwanis and Conway Scenic RR management and staff. Integral to the fundraising efforts was the planning and the organizing of 20 gift baskets for a silent auction. Baskets were on hand to meet passengers at the Crawford Notch depot to tender desired bids. Successful bidders collected their baskets upon returning to North Conway around 4:00 PM.

Many thanks go to Dave Swirk, owner and general manager and his entire crew and staff. When the opportunity presents itself, don’t hesitate to thank Conway Scenic Railroad personnel for their support of MWV Habitat.

MWV Habitat Affiliate Turned 25!

To celebrate its 25 ^th anniversary, MWV Habitat held a Blue Tie semi-formal gala fundraising event at the Living Shores Aquarium on November 2 ^nd . Upon arrival, 250 guests received red carpet complimentary photographs prior to wandering through the expanse of underwater displays and a magnificent aviary. At the same time they were able to indulge in heavy hors d’oeuvres, visit food stations and partake in a cash bar while enjoying background acoustic guitar music provided by Ben Cook. Prior to the featured auction, the three founders of the affiliate, Al Risch, Ted Pettingell and Bob Morrell were honored with introduction of immediate surviving relatives. Rob Clark hosted the live auction that featured takeaway prizes as well as house construction components, e.g., doors, windows, siding, etc.

Led by Barbara Reilly, board VP, a committee comprised of Habitat volunteers (pictured below) l – r, Dot Seybold, Dot Gilbert, Lauren Hawkins, Barbara Reilly, Chris Gillette and Lindsey Maihos worked tirelessly for several months in bringing the event to fruition. Barbara said that each felt tremendous pride in being able to honor not only the founders of MWV Habitat but all the volunteers who over the years have built 23 houses for underserved families, ensuring that 62 children could be raised in safe, secure and stable environments.

Meet Our Newest Board Members...

Barbara Plonski

Barbara began her career as an environmental researcher, working in locales ranging from the Bering Sea to the Adirondack Mountains. After working with a national laboratory and several universities she decided to heed her father’s suggestion “you know you’d make a good teacher”. That advice led to her career in the educational, scientific/mathematic and environmental fields that has included the roles of instructor, teacher and curriculum director at the pre-K -12, junior college and college levels. Since 2013 Barbara has served as Director of New York City Advanced Placement Expansion/Advanced Placement (AP) for ALL, National Math and Science Initiative.

Victoria Laracy

Victoria Laracy possesses over 20 years’ experience in the fields of community outreach, grassroot campaigns and policy development. Since 2016 she has served as Executive Director of the Mount Washington Valley Housing Coalition. Her background in health care, grant writing, and policy development brings valuable expertise to the Habitat board. She will be serving on both the Land Acquisition and Grant Writing committees.

Potpourri

Home Owner Selection Committee is currently accepting requests for the next build on Green Hill Rd., Conway. Applications must be received by March 4. Email mwv-habitat.org to request an application and instructions.

The affiliate is continually looking for land – we have no lots remaining after the next build this year.

Furniture/appliance yard sale(s) are in doubt as we no longer have Bear Peak Lodge as a venue. Contact Sam Johnson if you know of a six to eight thousand sq. ft. facility that would be available for the sales.

Women Build is on again this year. MWV Habitat has been approved again this year to conduct this two-phased project. The first phase will be a construction/safety clinic held at Lowe’s March 3, 5:30 – 7:00. The actual build day will be May 9 at the site on Green Hill Rd. Visit www.mwv-habitat.org for more information

MESSAGE FROM

THE BOARD

There is an old adage that there are two kinds of people in this world, givers and takers – which are you? A pretty easy question to answer if you are associated with Habitat. All you have to do is visit the work site and watch 20 plus volunteers each Thursday working together constructing a Habitat house for the next chosen family. Or notice the Habitat box truck driving around the community collecting furniture and appliances for the annual indoor yard sales. Or look at the invoices of contractors and suppliers who discount services and products provided to Habitat. Or be around on Mother’s Day weekend when over 40 participants show up for Women Build. Or taste the thousands of lunches that have been donated by restaurants, churches, groups, organizations, etc. over the years. Or witness the sums of money generously donated to ensure there is land on which to continue construction each year. There is always a nice story that exemplifies the spirit of giving. Last winter, a Kennett High School Key Club senior came to Angels and Elves, offering to solicit donations from the various clubs throughout the school. She was responsible for raising enough money to purchase clothing for over a dozen underserved children. What does this have to do with Habitat? Her father donates two days a year shingling Habitat roofs!

Please Help Us Continue Our Work

Donate Online

Help support the MWV Habitat mission making a secure donation online via Paypal. You do not need a Paypal account to 'donate.

Donate by Mail

Please make your check out to:

MWV Habitat for Humanity

2 Common Ct.

North Conway, NH 03860