newsletter of oconee county habitat for humanityochfh.tripod.com/habitattler/tattle100109.pdf ·...

Newsletter of Oconee County Habitat for Humanity

Newsletter of Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Page 1

We are now well into 2009 and continuing to make great progress in accom-plishing our mission of providing affordable housing for Oconee County fami-lies in need. We have completed and dedicated four homes, and we are well underway with the construction of two more. We are partnering with the

Homebuilders Association of Oconee County to construct another home that will be started in October, and we are ordering two more modular homes to be completed before yearend. Our Family Selection Commit-tee is increasing efforts to attract prospective homeowners and is working on a continual basis to screen and approve new applicants.

While our Resale Store continues to provide our largest source of funds to build homes, and we have been fortunate to have partnerships such as those with Schneider Electric, Congress Building America, and The Homebuilders Association of Oconee County to provide additional funds, we still need your financial sup-port. As in past years, we are enclosing a donation envelope for your convenience should you want to make a contribution.

The Homebuilders Association of Oconee County is holding a golf outing on October 6th, and Oconee County Habitat for Humanity will be a major beneficiary. Details for this golf outing are described else-where in the Habitattler, and we hope all who enjoy golf will support this event.

As we continue to increase our capacity to provide affordable housing for residents of Oconee County, we are in need of additional volunteer construction managers to manage and supervise the construction of “stick-built” homes. We are currently looking for two such construction managers, who would alternate with Mory Ranck and Jay Neidert for homes being built next year. If you would be interested in taking on this role or know someone who would, please get in contact with me by leaving a message at the Resale Store. Anyone interested would have the opportunity to work with Mory and Jay during the remainder of this year, so that they might learn local sources and contacts and become familiar with our house designs, our processes, and our volunteer crew.

We participated in the Westminster Apple Festival again this year, and our volunteers had the opportunity to promote OCHFH’s efforts to those attending this event. Several visitors to our booth signed up to be-come volunteers, and many seeking information regarding home ownership were provided brochures. Our Family Selection Committee is making wider use of the distribution of these home ownership brochures in an attempt to attract more prospective home owners. Posters promoting homeownership, along with these brochures, are being distributed to many local businesses and agencies where potential homeowners might see them. These brochures are available at the store should you have the opportunity to help in their distribution.

In the last Habitattler, I made mention of future plans to provide greater support for our existing home-owners, and I noted that we would be acting upon specific suggestions to achieve this goal. One area where we have taken action is in the area of personal financial management. One of our volunteers is de-veloping a course for homeowners, and he is currently working on a ‘pilot project’ to evaluate its benefit and potential application for a larger number of homeowners. Other volunteers are working to provide support with home maintenance and are creating a home maintenance manual for homeowners. We will advise you as we continue these efforts and expand upon them to provide greater support for existing homeowners.

That’s all for now…….In Christ, Walt Smith

The Prez Sez

The Habitattler

October, 2009 Newsletter of Oconee County Habitat for Humanity


Newsletter of Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Page 2 T

Two Modular Habitat for Humanity Homes dedicated in Seneca

On Sunday, July 19, 2009, Oconee County Habitat for Humanity (OCHFH) dedicated two modular homes at 304 and 306 Zion Hill Road in Seneca. They are the homes of Natasha Barkley and her two children, and Michael and Daphne Brown and their three children – the 69th and 70th families to receive a home from OCHFH since 1986.

“Today, we are reminded that the only hands the Lord has here on earth are our hands, and when God builds a house, the labor is never in vain,” said Walt Smith, president of OCHFH, during the dedication ceremony.

“This year, we will be dedicating nine new homes as we continue to increase our capacity to provide affordable housing for residents of Oconee County,” said Walt. “All who made this possible can be duly proud – Nata-sha, Michael and Daphne, who put their sweat equity into the homes, all volunteers who work to make these homes possible, and those whose contributions provide

the resources with which we work.”

Bill Banholzer, construction manager for modular homes, presented the keys to the happy families.

“It has been an awesome learning experience for me,” said Daphne Brown. “I can see God and Jesus Christ in the midst of it all.”

Each family received a personalized bible and a pic-ture hand-stenciled by Marian Schmelter and framed by her husband Ray, as well as individual gifts from Brenda Thomson, family partner of Natasha Barkley, and Carolyn Karpick, family partner for the Brown family.

The homes on Zion Hill Road near the Oconee County airport are the third and fourth modular homes built by OCHFH. The first two modulars were built last fall

in Fair Play, SC.

“We are happy to have added two more modular homes to our Habitat offering,” said Bill Banholzer, construction manager of OCHFH’s modular building pro-gram, “and we plan to build two more right next door in the fall.”

Michael and Daphne Brown with their children Mikial (8),

Modular Home Construction Manager Bill Banholzer presents house keys to Natasha Barkley as Walt Smith and the Rev. Dr. Rogers look on

Family Partner Brenda Thomson with Natasha Barkley and her children Destinee (11) and Omarion (3)

304 and 306 Zion Hill Road Modular Habitat for Humanity homes



A good representation of volunteers and employees from both Oconee County Habitat for Humanity (OCHFH) and Schneider Electric gathered on July 27, 2009 for the groundbreaking of the future home of Trecie Washington and her three children. The home is located on Mt. Nebo Church Road in Seneca.

Walt Smith, president, OCHFH, told the group about Schneider Electric’s continuing dedication to the mission of Habitat for Humanity. This applies not only to sponsoring homes in Oconee County but also to the donation of electrical products for the Habitat homes built throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.

Larry Smith, plant manager for the Seneca plant, related how enthusiastic the employees are about the project and are ea-gerly signing up to work.

This is the second home that Schneider Electric is sponsoring and building locally. The first home was built last year in West-minster.

“It means so much to know that my children will have a place to really call home and have a yard to play in,” said Trecie Washington. “I thank God and everyone involved from the bot-tom of my heart.”

Volunteers from Schneider Electric and Oconee County Habitat for Humanity started construction of the home the beginning of August; dedication is scheduled for December of 2009.

To receive a brochure or obtain further information regarding volunteer work or donations, contact [email protected], visit http://ochfh.tripod.com, or call (864) 888-2118.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC/OCONEE COUNTY

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME

Volunteers from Schneider Electric at work at 233 Mt. Nebo Church Road, Seneca, sponsored financially by their company

New homeowner-to-be, Trecie Washington, and her Family Partner, Terri Mendonca, (centered in the picture) gathered with a sizable group from Schneider Electric and OCHFH to celebrate the groundbreaking of her new home being built .

Volunteering Makes the World a Better Place By Margret Nordquist

As I wrote the SC Apple Festival article held this past weekend on Main Street in Westminster for this issue of the Habitattler, I remembered that my first volunteer job for OCHFH was publicizing its Auction & Elegant Flea Mar-ket on Saturday, April 25, 1998 at the Old Winn-Dixie Store on Main Street in Westminster. Since then, I was promoted to editor of the Habitattler. Since December 2001, I have written articles, taken photos and edited the quarterly newsletter. The job has grown since; now we build 8-9 homes per year that require reporting. It is a lot of work, but it also gives me the opportunity and great satisfaction to help those who are less fortunate than I am. I found a purpose in retirement. If you are looking for a purpose in your life, consider becoming a OCHFH volunteer. Just a few hours a week or a month will do it.

You might think that Habitat is only manual labor, yes it is in a way, but there are also many other opportunities to volunteer. As Walt points out in the Prez Sez, we need two construction managers; and as you can read in the Resale Store column, we need a scheduling coordinator to schedule the women volunteers of the resale store – a job that can be done via computer from home. We also need volunteers to help us landscape the two new homes on Zion Hill Road in Seneca on October 17, 2009. We need administrative help; we need family partners to guide new Habitat families through the process of becoming home owners – we need YOU! Call me at 864-944-6334, or email me at [email protected] if you want to make Oconee County a better place to live by volunteering for OCHFH.

(See article bottom of page 4)

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Family Profile—Emilie Welton Emilie Welton and her three sons – Nathen, Zacary and Matthew DesBiens – will be occupying a Habi-tat house in the latter part of 2009. Their new house is being built on Mt. Nebo Church Road. Nathen

and Zacary attend Walhalla High School and are active in the school band and the JR. ROTC program. Matthew goes to school at Walhalla Middle School and also plays in the band.

Emilie has worked with the Bi-Lo Company for about 9 years. She also attends Tri-County Tech and is working on an Associate Degree in Business-Accounting.

Oconee County Habitat for Humanity has been very privileged to have the volunteer services of Bob Hughey over the last 18 years. Carpentry and construction work have been an integral part of Bob’s life.

After serving in the US Marines, Bob obtained his degrees from Kent State and enjoyed careers in teaching industrial arts, vocational counseling and educational administration. Throughout this time, he and his wife Jane raised 5 children.

Bob and his tool belt have traveled and continue to travel to many construction sites for OCHFH or St. Mark’s SMURF projects. Friends and neighbors also call on him for help as evidenced by donations contributed to Habitat for Humanity in his honor.

Bob sings in the choir at St. Mark United Methodist Church and is on the Board of Trustees there. He and Jane live in Keowee Key, where he also enjoys his home, all his grandchildren, golf, bridge and Jane’s meatloaf.

OCHFH greatly appreciates Bob’s help in placing families in decent, affordable housing.

Volunteer Profile Bob Hughey

Zacary and Nathen are helping their mother to earn the required 250 sweat equity hours by organizing the wood for the wall construction of their house being built at 235 Mt. Nebo Church Road

Emilie Welton in front of her future home with sons Nathen (left) and Zachary (right) looking out the Window at Mt Nebo Church Road

Emilie Welton working on her sweat equity hours at the Mt. Nebo Church Road construction site with the OCHFH crew

(See Top of next Page for more volunteer Pictures)



For the second year, OCHFH presented its ministry at the South Carolina Apple Festival on September 11 &12, 2009 in Westminster.

Stands of 130 exhibitors lined historic Main and Retreat Streets and the aisles of the Bazaar where OCHFH showcased its ministry with a slide show. Volunteers were on hand to answer questions about volunteer opportunities and how to apply for a Habitat For Humanity House.

A number of visitors came to our booth and signed up to become volunteers or receive information regarding home ownership.

”This is the 49th South Carolina Apple Festival held in Westminster,” said Harriet Salley, member of the Westminster Area Historic Preservation Soci-ety. ”We expect around 12,000 people to attend our festival on Friday and Saturday.”

Jo Simpson, a regular store volunteer, manned the booth on Friday

Apple Festival Banner flying on Main Street

Ed and Joyce Nichols find time during their booth shifts on Sat-urday to enjoy apples they bought at the festival

49th South Carolina Apple Festival

Duke Energy has and continues to provide grants and volun-teers to landscape OCHFH homes

Family Partners Cheryl & Rick McRae with the Phillips Family at the dedication of their home

Pictures of More OCHFH Volunteers

Newsletter of Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Newsletter of Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Page 6

David Gully, president of the Home Builders Association of Oconee and a member of our Board of Directors, has informed us that their yearly golf outing will benefit OCHFH and the Collins Home this year. It will be held on Tuesday October 6th at the Oconee Country Club, with a morning and an afternoon flight. Breakfast, lunch (for both flights) and food and beverages provided throughout the day are included in the fee. Annie's BBQ will provide the lunch. There will be prizes (including a booby prize!) The format is captains choice and the fee is $100 per golfer or $400 per team, including mulligans.To register, call the HBA office 882-1657. We hope our volunteers will come out to support this fund raiser. The HBA has built one home a year for us and is very dedicated to our cause.

H.B.A. BENEFIT FALL GOLF OUTING

THE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF OCONEE

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

COLLINS CHILDRENS HOME

Tuesday - October 6, 2009 Oconee Country Club

FIRST FLIGHT: 7:30 A.M. REGISTRATION 8:00 A.M. SHOTGUN START

12:30 P.M. DINNER 1st & 2nd FLIGHTS TOGETHER

SECOND FLIGHT: 1:00 P.M. REGISTRATION 1:30 P.M. SHOTGUN START

HOLE SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE - $100.00_________

Also featuring a raffle -- PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY -- Be a Sponsor -- DONATE A DOOR PRIZE -- Call the HBA office (864)882-1657- -- Fax: (864)882-1676.

Food & Beverages Throughout The Day

TEAM REGISTRATION

Captain’s Choice NAME:__________________________________________________________________

$100.00 per player

COMPANY:________________________________________________________________

$400.00 per team

(Includes mulligans, etc.) PHONE:_________________________________________________________________

1)_____________________________________________3)______________________________________________

2)___________________________________________________________4)________________________________

MORNING_________ AFTERNOON____________ FLIGHT

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO EITHER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OR HBA OF OCONEE

FOR A GOLF GIFT, BRING CAN GOODS, PAPER PRODUCTS, OR CASH DONATION FOR THE COLLINS CHILDRENS HOME.

HBA Golf Tournament to benefit OCHFH



RESALE STORE 130 Bountyland Road, Seneca, SC Tel: (864) 888-2118 E-Mail: [email protected]

Hours of Operation:

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The store will be closed Wednesday, November 25 and Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009 for Thanksgiving. The store will also be closed from Saturday, December 5th at 1:00 p.m. until Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Watch for store information in our Wednesday ads in the Seneca Daily Journal. You'll find special items on sale, general Habitat announcements, such as dedication schedules, and a description of our affiliate's needs. Sincere thanks to all store supporters - together we make home construction possible! Volunteer Opportunity: Person to prepare schedule for women store volunteers. This task, for the most part, can be per-formed by computer from home. Call Joyce Nichols or Karen Grimm at the store at (864) 888-2118. The store needs and appreciates donations of just about everything, especially furniture and appliances. Dishes, bric-a-brac, paintings, jewelry, draperies, linens, bedspreads, books, games, garden items, tools, toys etc., are also appreciated. Items can be dropped off at Receiving behind the Resale Store during store hours. For pick-up of donated furniture, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and bathroom fixtures call (864) 888-2118 or send email to [email protected]. Pick-ups are available in Oconee and Pickens Counties. Used cars, trucks, boats and boat trailers in working condition are also accepted. OCHFH also offers help to homeowners or heirs of sold homes clearing the house of all unwanted furniture and/or furnish-

OTHER DONATIONS

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc., again, rewarded OCHFH with a grant which will be used for the building of houses

A big “thank you” to those of you who participated in the HFHI “Cars for Homes” program

OCHFH greatly appreciates ALL donations of money, your valuable time in volunteering and contributions of goods to our Resale Store.

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

MEMORIALS

Jerry Owens was remembered by James and Laurie Lindell

Blair and Arlene Stanicek and Donald and Mari Jo Merrell remembered Freida Peterson

You are invited to the Annual Picnic of

Oconee County Habitat for Humanity on

Saturday, October 3, 2009 at South Cove

Park at 5:30 p.m. catered by Piggaso's

Address Change??

To avoid missing an issue of The Habitattler, please notify us of any name or address change by contacting Barbara McGrey at (864) 882-1595, or leaving a message for her at the Resale Store.

Help us Save Postage & Printing Cost by receiving the Habitattler electronically. Contact: [email protected].

Date Time Events

Oct 3 5:30 pm Annual Picnic—South Cove

Oct 5 4:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting

Oct 6 7:30 am H.B.A. Benefit Fall Golf Outing

Nov 2 4:00 am Board of Directors Meeting

Dec 7 4:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting

All board meetings are held in the conference room at the Habitat Resale Store at 130 Bountyland Road in Seneca. Guests are

welcome.

Schedule of Events



Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 111

The Board of Directors 2009

Walt Smith, President Rick McRae, Past President

Karen Graves, 1st Vice President Shepherd Chuites, 2nd Vice President

Sharon Slavik, Secretary Jack Lehman, Treasurer

Jack Cole, Assistant Treasurer Chuck Kellner, Member at large-

Family Partners Bill Banholzer, Construction Phyllis Christensen, Social

David Garrison, Member at large Karen Grimm, Resale Store

David Gully, Member at large Bob Hill, Building Site Acquisition

Floyd Jones, Construction Beverly Kelly, Church Relations Wes Koch, Closing Coordinator

Barbara McGrey, Donations David Mikkelsen, Construction

Paul Molony, Co-Chair Public Awareness

Margret Nordquist, Chair Public Awareness

Sandra Pruitt, Member at large Linda Staggers, Speakers Bureau

Eilleen Trewartha, Family Selection

Phone: 864-888-2118 Email: [email protected]

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian, non-profit organization with the goal of eliminating poverty-level housing in partnership with low-income, working families. The houses are built by volun-teers in partnership with pre-selected families who contribute up to 250 hours of sweat equity to realize their dream of home ownership. A modest 1.0% down payment enables a family to purchase a home on a 20-30 year, no-interest, no-profit mort-gage. Funding for OCHFH’s building program comes from the pro-ceeds of the Seneca Resale Store, annual jazz concert, home owner mortgage payments, gifts and endowments from individ-ual donors, religious organizations and congregations, corpo-rations, and foundations. Government funds are not accepted for building houses. Over and above the generous support of donors , more than 200 individual volunteers annually lend their efforts to OCHFH. These dedicated volunteers give freely of their time to work at the construction site, in the office and on the many committees that help Habitat grow and provide affordable housing to the community.

The Habitattler Oconee County Habitat for Humanity

P.O. Box 685 Seneca, SC 29679

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