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News & Events
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 4 to 6 PM
Simonton Corner Hall -
Corner of Park and Main Streets, Rockport
Whether you have volunteered on one of our builds, at the ReStore, on a committee, or during the WomenBuild,
please join us for a Thank You Celebration!
More than 60 people attended the celebration. Thanks to Susan Taylor and Chris Tofani for organizing!
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New Directors Join Midcoast Habitat
November 2011
 Three new directors joined the board of Midcoast Habitat for Humanity at the group’s annual meeting November 14th. They are Karen Hansen, owner of KLH Business Solutions, a coaching, bookkeeping, and management company; Justin Salop, Corporate Controller of Finance for Camden National Bank and a recent transplant from the Washington metropolitan area; and David Johnson, Principal and Design Director at skaala, LLC, an architectural firm in downtown Camden.
Board President Vicki Doudera said she feels honored to have the three on board. “Karen, Justin and Dave bring expertise, energy, and a passion for Habitat that is exactly what we are looking for in new board members. We’re thankful for their willingness to serve and looking forward to the ideas they will bring.”
Midcoast Habitat has nearly completed its 23rd home in Knox County and has built another 18 homes around the world through tithing to Habitat International. There are myriad ways to participate in the group’s work, from building on site, to volunteering at the new ReStore, to donating money or items, serving on a committee or as a partner family. See www.midcoasthabitat.org or call the Midcoast Habitat office at 236-6123 to get involved.
Community Construction Day
October 3, 2011
Habitat for Humanity will mark a major milestone Oct 3rd, when it dedicates its 500,000th house in Maai Mahiu, Kenya. As part of events being held worldwide, Midcoast Habitat for Humanity invites volunteers to join in a Community Construction Day celebrating this milestone and the contribution our affiliate has made to this effort.
Whether you have an hour to spend or the day, grab a hammer and celebrate with us. The work day will be 8am to 4pm at 5 Glenfield Circle (Lupine Terrace) in Camden. Come when you can and leave when you must.
No experience necessary but pre-registration is required. Sign up at www.midcoasthabitat.org via the “VolunteerUp” link or call 236-6123. Once registered as a volunteer, access the calendar and sign up on October 3.
Lunch will be an International Pot Luck honoring the work of Habitat across the globe. It will be a time to celebrate, share and enjoy ~ Building Community, Building Relationships, Building Tomorrows.
 Midcoast Habitat Announces Exciting New Opportunity
Grand Opening of ReStore September 17, 2011
Saturday, September 17, from 10am to 2 pm, is the Grand Opening of Midcoast Habitat for Humanity's new ReStore, selling new and used donated building materials, appliances and furniture to the general public. Sales of ReStore items help fund the building of more Habitat homes in the midcoast, keep items that can be recycled out of local landfills, and provide a new and ever-changing inventory of interesting merchandise. Volunteer positions at the store are also available in sales, donation pick-up, and office work.
Midcoast Habitat's ReStore is located at 799 West Street, Route 90, Rockport, across from Tolman Pond Market. It is the fifth and newest ReStore in Maine. September 17th's Grand Opening will feature food, music, children's activities.
August 20th & 27th, 2011
Midcoast Habitat for Humanity will open the doors to its new ReStore, open to the public and selling donated used and recycled building materials, furnishings and other home related goods to fund the building of more Habitat homes, on September 17, 2011, at 799 West Street in Rockport. Volunteers to help with store set-up and operation can sign up now to participate in this exciting new effort.
Saturday, August 20 and Saturday, August 27 will be ReStore Clean-Up & Information Days for anyone wishing to help and gather more information on the project. Come in your work clothes at 9 am prepared to help move merchandise and set up the store. Hot dogs and other refreshments will be served and everyone volunteering their time will receive a discount shopping coupon to be used during the Grand Opening.
ReStore volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis for sales, merchandise display, pricing, donation pick-up, and other tasks, so join us on either the 20th and 27th of August to see how you can help. Contact Tia at tia@midcoasthabitat.org at Midcoast Habitat with questions or for more information, 236-6123.
Backyard BBQ & Playhouse Auction a great success!
A wonderful turn out for a misty May day. The day was filled with music, laughter and fun. Thanks to the community for all your support and contributions. Our efforts raised nearly $17,000 to go toward building simple, decent housing for Knox County families in need.
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W o m e n B u i l d 2 0 1 1Women Build recruits, educates and nurtures women to build
and advocate
for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities.
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Dedication of House #22
July 10, 2011 3-5pm
The public is welcome and invited to the dedication of Midcoast Habitat for Humanity's newest home, located at 12 Deer Run Road (off Beechwood Street) in Thomaston on Sunday, July 10, 2011, from 3 to 5 pm.
"House #22" represents an exciting turning point for Midcoast Habitat, as it incorporates sustainable materials and features that ensure greater energy efficiency. Local architects Eric Allyn of Rockland and Joe Russillo of Camden donated their talents to design the new home in keeping with the guidelines of Habitat International and the needs of the partner family. The house was then constructed by a record number of volunteers, through the generous support of community members, businesses, and local contractors.
The event will include refreshments, tours of the home, and the opportunity to meet with both the partner family and volunteers who worked on the project.
Backyard BBQ & Playhouse Auction
May 28th, 2011 4-7pm
Where: The old Rockport Elementary school field at the corners of Routes 90 & 1 in Rockport.
What: A fundraising BBQ celebration with Guest Speaker, The Sunshine Lady, Doris Buffett including live music featuring the band "The Teachers" and children’s entertainment from 4-6pm,followed by a live auction of fabulous playhouses from 6-7pm.
Come enjoy yourselves with friends and family and help raise funds for decent, affordable Habitat homes in Knox County.
Not in the market for a playhouse? These great structures make wonderful gardening sheds or tool sheds, too!
Playhouses are going on display for pre-auction viewing throughout the area. We invite you to visit the playhouses on display to see first-hand each unique playhouse!
Additionally, a silent auction will take place. If you are unable to attend the Playhouse Auction, phone bids on playhouses will be accepted.
For More Information: (207) 236-6123 or info@midcoasthabitat.org
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Women Build 2011
Women Build recruits, educates and nurtures women to build and advocate
for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities.
What: Help build our newest Habitat home!
When: May 2011, Wednesdays through Saturdays
Where: Lupine Terrace, Camden (off Cobb Road)
Why: It's fun, it's rewarding, and lunch is included!
Who: Any woman, aged 16 and older --- No experience necessary
How: Register to be a volunteer via the VolunteerUp link.
Sign up for a day or several, using the shift calendar under the May 2011 tab!
Sign up individually or as a team with friends!
If you would like to register as a team, please contact Tia Anderson 236-6123.
Individuals can sign on to the team once it has been created by our administrator.
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YOUTH BUILD PROGRAM
Thomaston and Cushing Cub Scouts participate in youth build program
Rockport — Webelo Cub Scouts from Pack 215 participated in the Habitat for Humanity Youth Build program at the Camden Hills Regional High School on Oct. 6. . . Continued at Village Soup
YARD SALE
Thanks to the generous donation of storage space by Knowlton Moving and Storage, we are able to collect donations of good used furniture, appliances, and building materials for our annual fundraising yard sale.
Please contact us if you have any items you'd like to donate.
ART FOR HOMES
Sponsored in part by Cellardoor Winery, this very special project was a challenge for nine Maine artists who do assemblage or constructed pieces. Each one was put to the task of creating one of a kind art, using building materials donated by exhibitors at the Midcoast Home Show. Midcoast Habitat for Humanity will benefit from the auction of these unique, awe inspiring and ingenious works of craft. The artists featured are: Michael Branca, Jill Dalton, Dan Dowd, Eva Deveau, Nathan Deveau, Mark Kelly, Mike Libby, Edward Mackenzie, Louise Philbrick and Anastasia S. Weigle. Bidding for these amazing pieces can be done online or in person at Maine Home & Design Midcoast Show, Saturday, June 5th 10-6 and Sunday, June 6th 10-4 at Point Lookout or the Midcoast Home Show Gala slated for Saturday June 5th, 5-8pm. Tickets for the Gala are $25 per person, and each auction winner will be awarded their piece after the show. For more information, or for tickets, please call 207-772-3373 or visit the website at www.constructionsforhumanity.com
WELCOME OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
 Midcoast Habitat for Humanity is overjoyed to welcome Tia Anderson as our new Executive Director. A professional in architectural design, and a graduate of Lehigh University, Anderson discovered Camden as a stop on a fortuitous sail from Florida a number of years ago. Anderson fell in love with the natural beauty of the local area, as well as with the tight knit sense of community Camden offered. Having worked with local architects at two successful firms, Anderson understands the extraordinary process behind homebuilding. Anderson has taken on her own projects in the industry, but felt drawn towards her earliest experiences in the field: back to a trip she took as a young person, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, on an Alaskan building project. Her goal for Midcoast Habitat for Humanity? “To help the community understand Habitat’s mission, to create an enthusiasm for the wide array of volunteer opportunities and to encourage people to become a part of Habitat engaging both the hearts, and minds, of our county.”
Tia can be reached by email. tia@midcoasthabitat.org
Hospitality for Habitat!
The Maine Innkeepers Association (MEIA) announces the 7th Annual Hospitality for Habitat program. This program is designed to raise funds for local chapters of Habitat for Humanity while encouraging travel in Maine in the Spring season. The offer is very simple. Between April 26 and May 28, 2010, participating member properties will offer a designated number of their rooms at half the regular rate, in exchange for a $35 check payable to Habitat for Humanity. These funds will be distributed among the nine local chapters of Habitat for Humanity. Thank you
Maine Innkeepers Association
who raised over $21,000
with Hospitality for Habitat
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Learn and Build Experience - Summer Program 2010
HFHI's Learn and Build Experience summer youth program now accepting applications! (Due by January 15, 2010)
Students ages 16 to 18 can experience Habitat's work outside of their communities through HFHI's Learn and Build Experience. In addition to a week of building, students will also learn about the need for Habitat through educational activities. The four 2010 trips will begin in mid-June and take place at Rutherford County Area HFH in Murfreesboro, Tennesee and Lauderdale County HFH in Meridian, Mississippi. We are now accepting applications for the 2010 Learn and Build Experience trips! Scholarships are available. Any questions?
Designing for Good
 Midcoast Habitat is thrilled to have local architects Eric Allyn, (on left) Peter Gross, and Joe Russillo donating their talents to design a new home for our partner families that will incorporate sustainable materials and be more energy efficient. The new houses will be constructed on Beechwood Street in Thomaston at the Deer Run Development. Thank you to these talented and generous men! (11/2009)
Dedication of our 20th Home!
A happy ceremony marking the dedication of our latest project took place in August of 2009, with 45 well-wishers attending. Under sunny skies, MHFH Board members and volunteers, friends and neighbors joined in celebrating with partner family Renee Peasely and her children. We toured the home and were impressed to see all of the efforts Renee has made to make her "house" into a cozy, comfortable "home."
Our 20th Home is Completed!
We are really pleased to announce that our 20th home is now in the hands of its new owner. Construction began in September 2008 and the home was complete and ready for occupancy in mid-February. Renee Peasley signed her mortgage agreement, received the keys on 5 February 2009, and moved in that very night with her two young children.
After the unexpected death of her husband two years ago, Renee learned that she would soon be without a home. She successfully applied to Midcoast Habitat knowing that we provided the real opportunity she needed to provide stability for her young family. To complete the home on time and on budget, the building crew worked throughout the fall and early winter, with Renee working consistently alongside the crew to complete her new home.
Midcoast Habitat wishes to express a very special thanks to the volunteer building crew, headed up Dick Eichacker of Rockport. They actually completed the home ahead of schedule!
We also want to extend our deepest appreciation to the following local individuals and businesses who contributed significantly to the project, offering deep discounts or free services:
Steve McMahon; Gary Tilton, Electrician; Brent Pratt, Midcoast Waterproofing; Landmark Surveyors; Attorney Edward Doudera; Schofields; Spears; Irv's Drywall; Bob Price Insulating; Mike McMahon, Plumber; F.W. Webb; Guy Wilson; and Bolduc Correctional Facility.
MIDCOAST HABITAT BUILDS 20th HOME
Story by Erika Alex, Camden Hills Regional High School
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Midcoast Habitat for Humanity's 20th home, a sparkling new three-bedroom raised ranch located in Thomaston, is now complete. |
Homeowner Renee Peasley and her two children, Mikayla, 8, and Gareth, 3, received the keys to their new home on February 5, 2009, and moved in that very night. "I feel very fortunate that we were chosen for this new home," said Renee. After the unexpected death of her husband two years earlier, she learned that she and her children would soon be without a place to live. The family needed a house, as well as a change in their lives, and Renee turned to Midcoast Habitat.
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"I knew that my neighbors had a Habitat for Humanity home so I decided to put in an application," she said. When the call came months later informing Renee that she had been chosen, she was "excited, overcome with joy, and crying" all at the same time. The new split-level ranch is located near their former address which made everything much more convenient for the Peasley family.
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"We're still in our town and neighborhood, and my children still attend the same school with their same friends," said Renee. The transition could not have been easier for the newly widowed mom.
Both Mikayla and Gareth each have their own rooms, and they were given the exciting task of choosing their paint colors. Renee said, "At first they were unsure of what exactly was happening, especially Gareth since he is only 3. But as moving day grew closer, they got more and more excited." Renee said this part was "fun and exciting."
"I feel very fortunate to have been given an opportunity like this. It's a fresh start, a new beginning for my children and myself in a nice affordable new home where we can stay in the same town."
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As part of her agreement with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, Renee helped with the building process as much as she could, contributing her 400 hours of "sweat equity" time. Since September, when construction began, she went to the building site at least every other day to clean and neaten things up. As the house neared completion, she picked out things for the interior, such as paint, carpets, and countertops. Thanks to the diligence of the volunteer building crew, headed up by Dick Eichacker of Rockport, the new home was completed ahead of schedule. The property is the 10th house he has supervised for Midcoast Habitat.
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Midcoast Habitat for Humanity is a United Mid-Coast Charities Agency, helping to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing for hard-working, low-income families in Knox County. An affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Midcoast Habitat provides a "hand-up", not a hand-out."It's the generosity of our volunteers, area organizations, businesses, and friends that make our work possible," said Vicki Doudera, Board President. "Donations of time, money, or land are always welcome. Just call or e-mail. This year we hope to include even more Midcoast residents in the exciting work of providing a deserving family with the most basic of human needs: a safe place to live."
Midcoast Habitat wishes to thank the following local individuals and businesses who contributed significantly to the project, offering deep discounts or free services: Steve McMahon; Gary Tilton, Electrician; Brent Pratt, Midcoast Waterproofing; Landmark Surveyors; Attorney Edward Doudera; Schofields; Spears; Irv's Drywall; Bob Price Insulating; Mike McMahon, Plumber; F.W. Webb; Guy Wilson; and Bolduc Correctional Facility.
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POSTER CONTEST WINNER
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Congratulations to Sonia Beckstrom of Rockport, our 2009 poster contest winner! Sonia's design is part of our new poster, pictured above.
All of the artwork we received was creative, heartfelt, and original. We had a hard time choosing just one design! Thank you to everyone who participated.
To see all the great submissions for the contest, click here.
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Jo Ellen Designs Donates to Midcoast Habitat
With every sale of the popular "Fox and Vine" patterned rugs and pillows, Camden retailer Jo Ellen Designs donates a portion of their sales to Midcoast Habitat for Humanity. Owner and designer Jo Ellen Stammen, along with her daughter and store manager Jessica, opened in the Knox Mill in Camden back in the spring of 2008. From the very beginning, giving to charitable organizations was part of their business plan. The generosity of Jo Ellen Designs is a huge help as we work to increase the number of houses we can build in Knox County. We invite any area business that wants to, to partner with us in this way. Give us a call.
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