Habitat rewards many at fall dinner

Clinton County Habitat for Humanity shared a delicious and enjoyable fall harvest dinner on Thursday, November 3 at Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Tom Matrka, President, shared memorable moments from the organization noting the progress of the current building on Michigan Avenue in Wilmington.

The house is almost complete even with the many challenges faced by all construction companies. Matrka also shared the improvements to Habitat ReStore and acknowledged new Director, Tina Morgan, as well as members of the Board of Directors and members of the construction team, who generously took the time to help revamp interior bays and to staff the store.

The ReStore is now open Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Customers were impressed upon entering the store, according to a press release, noting the cleanliness and access to more products, as well as the friendliness of staff and volunteers since Morgan became manager.

Matrka went on to recognize the many volunteers and donors who have helped the organization continue to build beautiful, affordable, energy-efficient homes in Clinton County that new owners help build and pay back with interest-free loans, joining the community. taxpayers. The current home is being built for Jessica Stewart, a single mother of two.

Building the houses takes a lot of money and labor. Matrka said the list of donors is long and incredible. He recognized the following companies: McCarty and Associates; Ohio asphalt; master gardeners; Steve Dobbs & 3 C cabinets; Mick Gordley with Adams Gravel; Matrka renovation; modern woodman; Ahresty; Wilmington Savings and People’s Bank; and Matt and Charlie Coster with Master Feed Mill, who generously donated the use of a huge dumpster needed to clean up and revamp the ReStore.

A special award was presented to Modern Woodman for HFH of Clinton County Business of the Year.

Many volunteers have been recognized for their dedication and talents shared with this organization. Matrka has given awards to several for their time and expertise.

Brian Pellot, Rick Bergman, Dave Sikorski and Bud Lewis were recognized and each received a Golden Hammer Award. All these men have been very active on the construction site or with the ReStore. Pellot has worked hard to update the HFH website, keeping readers informed of current products being added to the ReStore, as well as how to get involved with the program. Sikorski became a frequent volunteer not only at the construction site, but also at the ReStore, driving the van truck and loading purchases for customers.

Tom McCchain is a Volunteer of the Year recipient and knows all about ordering supplies while finding time to serve on the ReStore committee.

The Energizer award went to Dale Ellenbarger, who is involved in both the construction site and the ReStore. ReStore staff joke that the back bay is truly “Dale’s World”. Ellenbarger then paid tribute to the employees and a young volunteer who make the store successful. Tina, the manager, received a certificate of appreciation for her dedication to the ReStore and for sharing HFH’s mission and helping raise funds through sales to help build future homes.

Danielle Thiel, Volunteer Coordinator, presented Family Partner recipient Judy Milliner with a Golden Spatula award for providing the most lunches during 2022 construction. Milliner responded by sharing how much it meant to her and her husband Terry to be able to build an HFH home in Clinton County. She has many health issues but loves to cook, thus sharing her equity hours much to the delight of the construction crew. Terry, her husband, was always on site, working alongside the construction crew and often worked on the site when the crew was not around. His sweat equity hours exceed the amount required for a family of two adults.

Thiel then recognized Dorena Scott, another partner family member, who spends countless hours planning meals to bring to the construction crew. Some crew members said they only came for meals, especially when Judy was cooking.

Several members of the HFH family partners were in attendance and took a few minutes to share what it means to be part of the HFH family as well as updates on their children. Adrian Ayers and his family are anticipating the upcoming construction to culminate in their planned new home in Midland, Ohio.

Dale Ellenbarger, left, presenting the award to ReStore Manager Tina Morgan.

Clinton County Habitat for Humanity recently hosted a fall harvest dinner. Left to right, Tom McChain, Rick Bergman, Brian Pellot, Dave Sikorski and Dale Ellenberger. Bud Lewis was unable to attend the dinner.