A shift will be running tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tasks will include removing the lath from upstairs walls, and removing trim pieces from the upstairs hallway. Dress warmly and remember to wear thick, soled shoes (many nails on floor).
Thanks to the team who worked on Saturday. We've made great progress!
Todd
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Work Shift Scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2008
I met with the family of 1707 this evening, along with Mike Whitley and Brian Hoffman. We toured the home and discussed the plan. Beginning this Saturday, we will orchestrate work "shifts" where a "superintendent" is on site to help coordinate volunteers. This Saturday's shift will run 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Volunteers should meet at the Grinnell United Methodist Church, and contact Brian Mitchell with questions.
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS NEEDED FOR DEMOLITION WORK INCLUDE:
5 Gallon buckets for transporting plaster, wood, nails, etc.
Ice "choppers" to remove the plaster
Masks and goggles
Hammers and crow bars for removing nails and lathe
Large shovels (snow shovels) for scooping removed materials
Volunteers should be prepared to scrape plaster, remove lathe and insulation, move furniture and scrap wood. Conditions will be VERY dusty and dirty. Some lifting required.
More info. to come.
Thanks,
Todd
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS NEEDED FOR DEMOLITION WORK INCLUDE:
5 Gallon buckets for transporting plaster, wood, nails, etc.
Ice "choppers" to remove the plaster
Masks and goggles
Hammers and crow bars for removing nails and lathe
Large shovels (snow shovels) for scooping removed materials
Volunteers should be prepared to scrape plaster, remove lathe and insulation, move furniture and scrap wood. Conditions will be VERY dusty and dirty. Some lifting required.
More info. to come.
Thanks,
Todd
Monday, December 8, 2008
Heaven
In the legendary movie "Field of Dreams" Iowa is compared to heaven. This week I am have concluded this isn't far from the truth. Our family has been through quite a lot; experiencing a traumatic burglary and vandalism to our home. Although strong, each of us has been permanently impacted by this event. Nevertheless, the Grinnell community has defied all standards, and shown more than hospitality and support; they have shown sincere love. We are truly blessed.
Project 1707 involves more than a desperate attempt by a few to attack our home; it is a drawing together of many to overcome a tragic, and disabling event such as a fire. The mental impact is no less than ours. But the physical impact is much more substantial. We simply cleaned and organized the house, bought new furniture, and processed the insurance information. The family of Project 1707 has been entirely displaced for nearly two years.
The sub-title to Project 1707 is "It is time!" This is a simple statement that the time is right for our small and caring community to once again show love, and do whatever is required to return this family to their home!
Send your volunteer details to our volunteer coordinator, make a donation, and help us get this project moving!
Thanks,
Todd
Project 1707 involves more than a desperate attempt by a few to attack our home; it is a drawing together of many to overcome a tragic, and disabling event such as a fire. The mental impact is no less than ours. But the physical impact is much more substantial. We simply cleaned and organized the house, bought new furniture, and processed the insurance information. The family of Project 1707 has been entirely displaced for nearly two years.
The sub-title to Project 1707 is "It is time!" This is a simple statement that the time is right for our small and caring community to once again show love, and do whatever is required to return this family to their home!
Send your volunteer details to our volunteer coordinator, make a donation, and help us get this project moving!
Thanks,
Todd
From Brenda
I don't want anyone to miss Brenda's most recent post to her blog.
Amazing Grace
They are so very grateful for what is being done.
Amazing Grace
They are so very grateful for what is being done.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Knowing Brenda
I've known Brenda since I started working at Stewart Library back in 2001. Over the years we've grown to be very good friends. When the fire happened I just ached for her and her family. It wasn't just that there was a fire, which in itself is a terrible thing to have to deal with, but that it was yet another in the long string of things that I have seen this wonderful woman have to deal with. It seems that no matter how hard they try they just can't seem to get a break. I know that everyone has obstacles that they have to overcome, but believe me when I say that this family has had more than most.
Brenda is a writer at heart and a couple of years ago she started blogging. She's a very shy person by nature and her writing gives insights into her life and thoughts that I would often never know based on our day to day conversations. But I love to read her blogs (she's got three). She posted right after the fire, and several of her posts since have been about the process and the struggle as she and her family have tried to deal with the aftermath. I thought that people who were involved in this project might be interested in learning about the family they will be helping and getting to know Brenda this way. And if you in any way feel weird about reading her personal writings, read the last link on the list first: "Not blogging up to my potential" is a post that specifically talks about how she wishes more people would read her blogs!
By the way - there's a link along the left side of this blog that goes to her blog. It will take you to her most recent posts as they happen so keep an eye on it.
Posts about the fire
Posts about her mother's stroke
About the need to blog and the desire to have her blog read
Brenda is a writer at heart and a couple of years ago she started blogging. She's a very shy person by nature and her writing gives insights into her life and thoughts that I would often never know based on our day to day conversations. But I love to read her blogs (she's got three). She posted right after the fire, and several of her posts since have been about the process and the struggle as she and her family have tried to deal with the aftermath. I thought that people who were involved in this project might be interested in learning about the family they will be helping and getting to know Brenda this way. And if you in any way feel weird about reading her personal writings, read the last link on the list first: "Not blogging up to my potential" is a post that specifically talks about how she wishes more people would read her blogs!
By the way - there's a link along the left side of this blog that goes to her blog. It will take you to her most recent posts as they happen so keep an eye on it.
Posts about the fire
- My house burned this morning
- The pinprick of light at the end of a very long tunnel
- Hold fast
- Home
- Please unplug your plastic toaster
- Bird by bird
- A fixer upper
Posts about her mother's stroke
About the need to blog and the desire to have her blog read
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Our Volunteers
Foremen:
Brian Mitchell
Mike Whitley
Brian Hoffman
Todd Reding
Financial Coordinator and Fund Raising
Shannon Reding
Public Relations Coordinator
Alex Mitchell
Church Liason and Lay Leader
Brian Mitchell
Volunteer Coordinator and Scheduling
Jennifer Cogley
Thank you to all our Volunteers!
Brian Mitchell
Mike Whitley
Brian Hoffman
Todd Reding
Financial Coordinator and Fund Raising
Shannon Reding
Public Relations Coordinator
Alex Mitchell
Church Liason and Lay Leader
Brian Mitchell
Volunteer Coordinator and Scheduling
Jennifer Cogley
Thank you to all our Volunteers!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Foremen Meeting Set
The foremen are scheduled to meet at noon on Friday, December 6th to update our plan, and review the workshift schedule. All interested parties are invited to attend. We will be meeting at Lonnski's in downtown Grinnell.
Shannon Reding has requested a quote for a "Pod" temporary storage unit to be delivered to the site on Monday, December 1st. This will be used for the family's current belongings in the house.
A tentative work shift is scheduled for Friday, December 6th from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Our core responsibilities will be transferring items inside the house to the storage unit. More info. to come.
We are looking for two large garbage "dumpsters" to be delivered and placed on either side of the house next week. Please refer any suggestions to Todd Reding.
Note the logo is complete, and please feel free to post ideas, comments, etc. as we move forward!
Shannon Reding has requested a quote for a "Pod" temporary storage unit to be delivered to the site on Monday, December 1st. This will be used for the family's current belongings in the house.
A tentative work shift is scheduled for Friday, December 6th from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Our core responsibilities will be transferring items inside the house to the storage unit. More info. to come.
We are looking for two large garbage "dumpsters" to be delivered and placed on either side of the house next week. Please refer any suggestions to Todd Reding.
Note the logo is complete, and please feel free to post ideas, comments, etc. as we move forward!
Getting Started
We have organized our project leadership using four "foremen" and key volunteer coordinators. A work shift scheduling document is being circulated, and public relations tools (such as this blog) are in development. Anticipate a complete Project 1707 launch by December 6th. Please keep watching this site for the latest information!
Thanks!
Thanks!
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