Habitat Headlines Building Houses, Building Hope on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard

The Newsletter of Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard Winter 2006

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ron DiOrio*, President Jack Ross*, Vice President Berkeley Johnson*, Secretary Al DeVito*, Treasurer Miki Badnek Hope MacLeod Tom Burke Andre Mallegol Toby Codding Ben Moore Peter Costas Greg Orcutt Jerry Fritz Mark Rasmussen Lorna Giles Rick Reinhardsen Ewell Hopkins Jack Street** Sonya Justus David Wessling Alan Wilson* * Executive Committee member ** On leave of absence COMMITTEE CHAIRS Executive: Ron DiOrio Building: Toby Codding Development & Communications: David Wessling Faith Relations: Ewell Hopkins Family Partnership: Miki Badnek Family Selection: Jerry Fritz Nominating & Board Development: Al DeVito & Greg Orcutt Site Selection: Jack Ross & Alan Wilson Construction Volunteer: Andre Mallegol STAFF Julie Willett, Executive Director Naina Williams, Director of Development Habitat for Humanity of Martha's Vineyard 346 State Road, Suite 21 Post Office Box 1093 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Phone/Fax: 508.696.4646 E-mail: houses@habitatmv.org Web site: www.habitatmv.org

OUR MISSION is to work toward the elimination of substandard housing on Martha’s Vineyard and in the process, build stronger families and a strong community. Furthermore, all of our words and actions are for the purpose of putting shelter on the hearts and minds of people in such a way that inadequate housing and homelessness become unacceptable in our world, our nation and on our Island! Extreme Home Makeover ~ HFHMV Style! When looking at the current "Twin Oaks" House, it is hard to recall the dilapidated eye soar it once was!  As HFHMV embarked upon its first renovation on the Island, certainly many questioned the viability of salvaging the decrepit and neglected house covered with a bright blue, plastic tarp that seemingly held the structure together! BEFORE volunteers’ efforts and donations. Habitat’s vision is for everyone to have a decent place to live...one that is affordable, safe and provides the simple necessities of life!  The house as it stands today serves as a testimony to what results from TLC and vision. We are grateful that many cared to make a difference and that Monica, Al, Emily and Leif will soon be moving into their new home!  This is no reality show, nor a storybook tale.  It is merely real life in its purest form.  However, like a fairy tale, we hope this Habitat family will live happily ever after! AFTER the support from a caring community!

In this troubled world, it's refreshing to find someone who still has the time to be kind. Someone who still has the faith to believe that the more you give, the more you receive. Someone who's ready by thought, word, or deed to reach out a hand, in the hour of need. Helen Steiner Rice Helen Steiner Rice SPOTLIGHT ON A “COUPLE” OF VOLUNTEERS Just as vital as funding and materials are to each Habitat home, are the volunteers.  Two individuals who have given much of themselves at the Twin Oaks and Bennett Way projects, are Bruce and Jean Lewellyn. Bruce, a retired lawyer, and Jean, a retired elementary school teacher, were once seasonal visitors to the Island and moved here as full-time residents about a year and a half ago.  Jean got involved with Habitat of New Haven, Conn. several years ago and instantly knew her husband would also enjoy volunteering.  “I liked that it was something we could do together,” said Jean.  Bruce who stated his love for build-sites and has been involved with residential construction since the age of twelve commented, “there is something very lively about a residential construction work-site.  It is a phenomenon that many are unaware of.  It’s fascinating and very American.” “The principles on which Habitat was founded are easy to subscribe to,” said Jean.  Bruce chimed in “housing is critical and everyone should have one.  I have been involved with housing for a long time.”  35 years ago, Bruce helped found “Christian Community Action” in New Haven which is an organization addressing emergency housing needs.

As Habitat volunteers, their work has included many aspects of building a house: “sorting and organizing materials, demolition, framing, shingling, roofing, painting, sheet rocking, laying floors...everything but the things that require a professional, like plumbing or electrical work and although not proficient, I can even use a power saw,” said Jean with pride. With regard to the build at the Twin Oaks site, the two raved over the construction supervisor, Lee Taberner.  “Lee has a rare combination of skills and he knows what he is doing, he is good at delegating, he is not judgmental and he is great with the volunteers.  He is a sweet guy, he is superb, he’s a gentle giant who understands volunteers...he cares...there is so much good about him.” Reflecting on the challenges of her recent volunteer efforts, Jean replied, “I'm afraid of heights, but I got on the staging and worked on the roof!”  When asked about the positive aspects as Habitat volunteers, Bruce said “it allows me to revisit my childhood...being at a work-site and having fun.” Jean replied, “when the house is complete and a family is living under a roof that I was a part of, that brings me joy.” Bruce & Jean Lewellyn Volunteers at Bennett Way and Twin Oaks

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

If you are looking for a way to gain a greater sense of purpose and a way to give back to the community in which you reside or visit, why not consider getting involved with Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard? Our work is accomplished with the generosity of spirit from individuals like yourself. We are looking for volunteers, professional and novice, to assist in our future builds. Just give us a call and we will definitely have a way for you to get involved: 508.696.4646.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.   Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead Welcome on Board! Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard is excited to announce three new members have joined its Board of Directors: Pete Costas, Ewell Hopkins and David Wessling.  We are happy to introduce you to this terrific and talented trio: Pete Costas “I love what Habitat for Humanity stands for.  The philosophy of the organization reminds me of the little boy who was walking along the beach and throwing washed up starfish back into the water.  His friend chastised him because there were so many dying starfish and he could not possibly save them all.  The boy responded by picking up yet another starfish and throwing it back into the water and said, "It made a difference to that one." Pete is serving on the Family Selection Committee and is “excited about the selection process for the next partner family.”  Pete is already exploring ways to further assist our partner families.  “I am hoping to start and teach a basic financial management class designed specifically for the people we serve.”  When asked about the special talents he brings to Habitat, Pete humbly relied, “I don’t bring anything unique to the table.  The good Lord has blessed me with a heart to help people and a good business sense that will hopefully add to the work already begun.” Pete has been involved with retail, construction, and non-profit organizational management.   He currently works as a comptroller.  He and his wife have three children and reside in West Tisbury.  When Pete and his family came to the Island from Los Angeles in 1993, they moved five times in 12 months (1995-96) before they were able to find stable living conditions and were ultimately able to buy a home (when the cost was still under $150k).  Pete and his wife have been out of food, out of work, without housing and out of money at different times during their 30 years of marriage.  Pete’s personal experience provides him with great insight to our constituency and their needs.

Ewell Hopkins When asked about his reasons for getting involved with HFHMV Ewell replied, “The working class family is rapidly becoming an endangered group on Martha’s Vineyard and their loss is a loss to all of us.  We are all interconnected.  We need each other.  I believe in the mission of Habitat for Humanity, a faith-based organization, which works on a spiritual level, and is conscious of the diversity of faiths within our community.  It is important to build and renovate houses in order to ensure there are houses within economic reach of those striving for home ownership.  Habitat for Humanity is much more than building houses, it’s about empowerment!” Ewell is involved with the Faith Relations Committee.  “The primary goal of this committee is ‘outreach’… we are focused on the goals of the various communities of faith on Martha’s Vineyard and are striving to uncover how Habitat for Humanity can work in partnership to help them achieve their goals.” A man of purpose and faith, Ewell believes in the importance of service.  Professionally, Ewell works as a sales executive for a technology company.  He lives in Oak Bluffs with his wife and three, young children. David Wessling About a dozen years ago, David recalls being part of a group that decided action was needed to provide more affordable housing to families in need.  No more studies.  No more plans.  It was time for doing.  Becoming involved with Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard was just the way for him to address these challenges. "I'm pleased to be on board.  Housing for low-income families, of course, just doesn't happen. There are many steps requiring patience, resources and skills.  I'm quite fortunate to be part of a talented and dedicated team,” said David of his involvement with HFHMV. As the new chairman of the Development and Communications Committee, David is learning and doing by helping to plan and coordinate fundraising events, helping to raise awareness of Habitat's mission and helping to say 'thank you' to Habitat's many friends, partners and sponsors. David has been an Island resident since 1989 and is a consulting land use and transportation planner.

Love Made Visible On a Saturday morning last December, about 80 volunteers and donors attended HFHMV's Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast.  It was an opportunity for Habitat to recognize and publicly thank the many hands that have lead to our success.  In addition to enjoying breakfast prepared by the Martha’s Vineyard High School Culinary Art students, several members from the community were honored with certificates of appreciation.  The event was immediately followed by the dedication of Habitat's fourth house on the Island and was lead by Reverend Jerry Fritz of the Federated Church. Jerry is also a Habitat Board member and Chair of the Family Selection Committee and was overtly touched as he presented the keys to the recipient family, Monica Miller and Al Schackman.  It was a moving and uplifting ceremony and celebration.  When Monica (pictured above with Board Member Berkeley Johnson) spoke of the build process and her Habitat experience, she graciously conveyed her gratitude to all who have contributed and said their efforts were "love made visible". Monica, Al, Emily and Leif will finally be able to say “Home Sweet Home” when they move into their new house this month (March 2006).

From the Vineyard to Boston and back; a day in pursuit of the MV Housing Bank On Tuesday, January 24th, a group of 35 Vineyard residents piled in a Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing bus and headed to the Statehouse in Boston. Eight members of the group were prepared to testify in front of the Joint Committee on Revenue in support of S2230.  This is a petition to establish a Martha’s Vineyard Housing Bank, which is modeled after the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank and could raise about $2 million annually for affordable housing initiatives.  The Housing Bank would be funded from a 1% seller paid transfer tax on real estate transactions (the first $750,000 of the sale price would be exempt). The others who made the pilgrimage carried folders of materials destined for the offices of each of the Commonwealth’s 40 senators and 157 representatives. The teams canvassed the building and answered questions of the legislators and their aides. The Statehouse photographer took a formal picture of the group on the Grand Staircase with our legislators, Rep. Eric Turkington and Sen. Robert O’Leary and all were given a tour of the House and Senate Chambers. A Narrow Escape Last Fall, the Massachusetts Senate passed two bills proposed by Marian Walsh, S. 1947 and S. 2267 which removed the exemption afforded religious corporations from filing annual financial reports with the State’s Attorney General. The filings would require a detailed, outside audit which could be costly.  Habitat is considered a religious corporation and is currently exempt from such filings. Opposition to the bills was raised by a significant number of churches and individuals, including HFHMV Board Members.  We are pleased that the bills were defeated despite the approval generally anticipated. Those of us affiliated with a religious corporation presently exempt from this financial reporting requirement should remain alert to the situation because it is likely that the same or similar bills will be introduced in a subsequent session of the legislature. The significant cost to satisfy the requirements of such bills would be better spent fulfilling the mission or charitable purposes for which those corporations exist.

by Michele Dangelo from 2005 4th Annual Art Auction, Dinner and More Would you like to have a great time while being able to view and acquire great art and other things, indulge in great hors d'oeuvres and a great dinner, enjoy great company, listen to great music and support a really great cause all at the same time? If you are wondering how it is possible for all these great things to be available at a single event, than make certain to attend Habitat's 4th Annual "Art Auction, Dinner and More" at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown on Friday, May 26 and you will find out!  Cocktails, finger food and the Silent Auction will begin at 7:00 pm.  Dinner and the Live Auction will start at 8:00 pm.   Work from over 50 artists will be represented;  past donations have included pieces from Alison Shaw, Peggy Turner Zablotny, Allen Whiting, Michele Dangelo and Ray Ellis. The charming and effervescent Bob Glover, who is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Oak Bluffs Association and is active in television  production in Boston, will once again be the auctioneer for the evening. Hope MacLeod, a Habitat Board member and the event’s chairperson, has been working diligently with committee members (Holly Alaimo of Dragonfly Gallery, Paula Catanese of Craftworks, Melissa Peters of Sandpiper Rentals and Monica Miller of Skye Botanicals) to ensure the event will be spectacular and that a wide variety of art and other items are available for everyone to leave with something pleasing! As with everything we do at Habitat, the Art Auction, Dinner and More is a collaborative effort and we are indebted to the many who help us succeed.  The proceeds from this event will take us one step closer to providing another home for a Vineyard family deserving of a decent place to live. The tireless efforts of the committee, the generosity from the contributors of art and other items, the invaluable time devoted by the volunteers helping at the event and the benevolent support from the many patrons are very much appreciated.  Call the Habitat office at 508.696.4646 to donate, volunteer or to purchase tickets.  Tickets will also be available at aboveground Records, Alley's General Store, Bunch of Grapes and Craftworks. Thanks for your support and we hope to see you at what will prove to be a G-R-E-A-T event!

Mapping Our Way to Success If you want to make a good investment for your business and help a worthy cause simultaneously, consider advertising in HFHMV’s 2006 "Vineyard Visitor's Guide".  This is an Island map distributed free of charge to the many visitors to Martha's Vineyard.  The towns of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven are shown in greater detail and an "indicator" is assigned to each business enabling prospective patrons to easily locate your place of business! On the perimeter of the map, each business is prominently displayed in a 1 7/8 x 1 3/8" ad.  And this year, we are delighted to feature the map in full color!  Ads cost $400 and 30,000 maps will be ready for distribution by Memorial Day weekend.  Your business will also get copies to hand out to customers, in addition to them being available at many strategic Island locations!  We feel fortunate that local artist Margot Datz, an Island resident for 26 years, has graciously offered to feature a custom piece of her artwork on this year’s cover!  Margot's whimsical murals adorn the walls of the Steamship Authority in Vineyard Haven, Season's Eatery, the Hot Tin Roof and Lola's.  She has illustrated four of Carly Simon's books and will be coming out with her own book in 2007.  Her work is available at the Scrimshaw Gallery in Edgartown.  Regarding Habitat’s efforts, Margot said "I have raised two kids on the Island; kids raised here understand the Island's soul and my particular interest is to keep our young people here, the ones who want to stay."  If you want to make certain the thousands of visitors to Martha's Vineyard are aware of your business and want to support Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard via the map, then contact Kathleen Cowley at kcowley@verizon.net or 508.693.8331 today! > HFHMV TV Series The first show of a series produced by HFHMV entitled "A Hand Up: Solving the Problem of Affordable Housing on M.V." recently aired on MVTV (our local public access television station).  The program focused on the issue of "Finding the Land" and featured guests Philippe Jordi, Executive Director of the Island Housing Trust and Alan Wilson, Habitat Board Member and Co-chair of the Site Selection Committee.  The program will air again on Tuesday, March 14 at 11 am and Thursday, March 16 at 7 pm.  Visit MVTV.org for a schedule of other dates and programs.

HABITAT CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, May 13 @ 9AM “House Walk”

Pledge your time and dollars for this fun walk from

Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs to the Edgartown Triangle

Friday, May 26 @ 7PM “Art Auction, Dinner and More”

at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown