Habitat for Humanity, Garland County, Arkansas

HICKS DEDICATION - SHAW HABITAT VILLAGE - DECEMBER 2009

Tracy Hicks had the privilege of having her home dedicated on Dec. 19, 2009. Her home is located at 150 Lily Ruth Court in Shaw Habitat Village. It was sponsored by the ReStore, making this the 14th home the ReStore has funded, among other projects the store has helped fund. Tracy has two sons, Lane, who is 19 years of age and Caney who is ten years old. Tracy attends Lake Pointe Church in Mowery Wyatt Plaza and, since she is a recovering addict, serves as a mentor for other recovering substance abusers. She drives a bus from Quapaw House to her church every Sunday morning so that these people can attend church. This is one way she can give back to the community. She feels grateful both to Quapaw House and to her church for her recovery. While doing sweat equity on her home, she and her friends and family wrote scripture on the Sheetrock of the walls before they painted it. “I just wanted to bless this house,” she said.

Left photo: Pastor Greg Bearss of Lake Pointe church holding his daughter, Tracy’s son Lane, and Tracy stand as Steve Trusty opens dedication ceremonies for Tracy’s new home on Dec. 19th in Shaw Habitat Village.

Right photo: Marilyn Olsen of the Sew What Quilting Bee of Hot Springs Village hands Tracy her new handmade quilt as members of the quilting bee look on. Behind Marilyn are Tracy’s son Lane and her good friend Bonnie Johnston. Johnston holds the painting Tracy received from Brush Strokes Art Guild in Hot Springs Village earlier.

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COOK DEDICATION - SHAW HABITAT VILLAGE - OCTOBER 2009

On Oct. 24, 2009, the GCHFH affiliate dedicated the home of Brandi Cook at 138 Lily Ruth Court in Shaw Habitat Village. Brandi’s home was built as a Blitz Build and was primarily framed in one day. The Hot Springs Home Builders’ Association completed this amazing task Saturday June 6, 2009. Within the next two weeks the home was nearly finished. Brandi has one daughter, Justice, who attends Oaklawn Magnet School. Justice enjoys living in her new home and especially the wonderful safe neighborhood where she can play safely.

Left image: Ralph Farese of VFW Post 2278 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and distributed both flags and flag literature to the crowd gathered at the dedication. He stands with Executive Director John Goodman, Brandi’s daughter Justice, Brandi and Brandi’s mother at the home dedication.

Right image: GCHFH Board member and President of Hot Springs Home Builders’ Association Bruce Cozart speaks of the Blitz Build experience and says it was their honor to work with Habitat. The Home Builders have done this for four years and hope to continue to do so.

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Left Photo - Seated: Brandon Lynch, Bruce Cozart, Standing: Richard Wright, Judy Horner.

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BIGBY DEDICATION - SHAW HABITAT VILLAGE - SEPTEMBER 2009

Tracy Bigby's home was sponsored by The Apostles Build, which means that 12 groups cooperated to build her home. Those groups were the following: Barcelona Road Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village; Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church of Hot Springs Village; Church at Crossgate Center; First Presbyterian Church of Hot Springs; First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs; Holy Trinity Church of Hot Springs; National Park Church of Christ; Oaklawn Baptist Church; Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines in Hot Springs Village; Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village; St Mary of the Springs Catholic Church. Her home was dedicated on September 19. Tracy has four children: Julian, age 18, ShaQuese age 14, Davion age 13, and Tia age 9. Her home is in Shaw Habitat Village on Lily Ruth Court.

President of GCHFH Board Steve Trusty is ready to conduct the dedication ceremony for Tracy Bigby's home on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m.)

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MCCLENDON DEDICATION - SHAW HABITAT VILLAGE - AUGUST 2009

The McClendon Family Home was dedicated on August 22. This home was sponsored entirely by Charles and Peggy Goslee. The McClendons have five children: Kieshion, age 17; Deshion, age 15; D'angelo, age 11; Mariah, age age 9; and India, age 4. India is in a preschool program and Kieshion is in 12th grade, so their mother, Cynthia, has her hands full with grades and schools in between. Their new home is four bedroom and 1 and a half bath, bigger than most Habitat homes. The beautiful home is located on Lily Ruth Court in Shaw Habitat Village.

(standing) Kieshion Hicks, (seated on couch arm) Deshion Woodfork, (seated on couch) Peggy Goslee, Charles Goslee, Cynthia McClendon, Kevin McClendon, In front on floor Mariah Motley, India McClendon, D'angelo Motley.

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GORDON DEDICATION - SHAW HABITAT VILLAGE - AUGUST 2009

Nina Gordon's home was sponsored by the Coast to Coast Walk, The Arkansas Real Estate Foundation, and the local ReStore. It was built by the Carptentry Class of National Park Community College. Her home was dedicated on August 8. Nina has three sons: Theodis, age 15; Taevon, age 11; and Trenton, age 7. The Gordon home is in Shaw Habitat Village on Lily Ruth Court.

Nina stands with John Goodman and Jim Randall of the Arkansas Real Estate Foundation.

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AUGUST 2009 - HABITAT HOUSING DEDICATIONS

Here is the schedule for Habitat house dedications in August:
Aug 8, 9:30 a.m., 126 Lily Ruth (Nina Gordon)
Aug 22, 11 a.m., 102 Lily Ruth (McClendon Family)

The McClendon dedication was originally set for Aug 8, but has been moved 2 weeks later due to certain construction delays.

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BAXTER DEDICATION - WHEATLEY VILLAGE - JULY 2009

Gayleen Baxter moved into a refurbished home in Wheatley Village. Her home dedication was celebreated July 11. She is now living at 108 Kate St., a home we had to foreclose from a previous Habitat Partner. Gayleen is a security guard at Regions Bank. She met John Goodman though her job there at Regions and found out about H.F.H from him On the day of her dedication, many of her co-workers from the bank were there to give her support.

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The Habitat home of D.D. Holder was sponsored by Bank of America and was dedicated on May 2. This dedication day was another rainy day, so the ceremony had to be held inside as well. New board President Steve Trusty was on hand to lead the dedication of D.D.'s home and to present her family Bible.

Living with Holder in the home is her 19-year-old son Greg. She has two other grown daughters, Amber Ammons and Britney Wills. Holder works at Sew Perfect in Jessieville.

Right Photo - D.D. Shows off her original artwork painted for her by Millie Stevekin.

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On March 28,the day of Nicholas and Kadence Caldwell's home dedication, rain was pouring down, so the festivities had to be held indoors. Once again John Jenkins, board vice president led the ceremony. As he presented the family Bible to Nick, he encouraged him to be the spiritual leader of his family saying that it is not unusual for us to have single parent families in Habitat homes, but it is unique for us to have single fathers.

Nick's home was sponsored by the ReStore, being the 13th home funded through proceeds from the store. George Dove, manager of the ReStore, as well as Dick Mattson and Carol Mattson, founders of the ReStore, were all in attendance at the dedication.

Left Photo - Nick and four-year-old Kadence sit on their front porch on a bright sunny day.

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The new Habitat home of Partner Teresa Cottrell was dedicated on February 21. Board Vice-President John Jenkins led the dedication ceremony and presented Teresa with the family Bible. He spoke for the affiliate in saying, "It may be gloomy outside today, but it is a bright day for Teresa. We are thankful for all of you and for Chester and Hazel Shaw and their son Gary who have provided this most beautiful property where we can all see God's creation and where these homeowners can enjoy His beauty every day."

Teresa's home was framed primarily by the carpentry class of National Park Community College under the guidance of carpentry instructor, Paul Scrivener. The home was sponsored by St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center.

Left Photo - John Jenkins stands with Teresa, John Goodman, Paul Scrivener, carpentry class instructor and Sally Carder, National Park president at the dedication of Teresa's home.

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Christway Unity Church provided chili to cold workers at the Habitat worksite Jan. 17 while Mr. and Mrs. Charles Goslee came to meet with GCHFH Partner Family who will be living in the home the Goslees are sponsoring on Lily Ruth Couth in Shaw Habitat Village. The Kevin McClendons and their five children will be buying the four bedroom home now in construction on one of the beautiful sites of the new village.

Left Photo - Cynthia McClendon and husband Kevin visit with newly made friends Peggy and Charles Goslee as they learn that the Goslees are to fund the home that will be built for the McClendons in Shaw Habitat Village.

Right Photo - Visiting the site of the new home are the excited McClendon family and the Goslees who will be funding the home Charles and Peggy Goslee. From left to right: Christopher Hicks, Charles Goslee, Peggy Goslee, Mariah Motley, D'Angelo Motley (back row) Deshion Woodfork, India McClendon, Kevin McClendon, Cynthia McClendon.

Directions to Shaw Habitat Village

From Hot Springs Village: drive to Hot Springs on Highway 7 (Park Ave.). Do not take the Gulpha Gourge cutoff). Hwy 7 becomes Central Ave. at Wittington Ave. at the Majestic Hotel and St. Mary's Church. Turn right onto Wittington Ave. and drive approx. 0.2 miles to Walnut Street and turn right (north). Drive approx. 0.5 mile to Juniper Street (brand new), turn left and proceed up the hill. You pass two Habitat homes at the base of Juniper on your left.

From Hot Springs: Take Wittington Ave. at the Majestic Hotel and St. Mary's Church, and drive approx. 0.2 miles to Walnut Street and turn right (north). Drive approx. 0.5 mile to Juniper Street (brand new), turn left and proceed up the hill. You pass two Habitat homes at the base of Juniper on your left. Click here or on the map for interactive map.

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The idea of placing a deserving family in decent, affordable housing in Hot Springs, AR, as a result of the Coast-to-Coast Walk for Habitat was not in the initial planning. But in the middle of Arizona the idea was given birth. Along the way the idea took root in the hearts of many, and the money started flowing in. Even after the walk was postponed in June 2008, contributions continued to come. $24,000 has been received which will be matched by funds from the Habitat ReStore.

To everyone who contributed, I promised that the first Habitat house started in 2009 would be the “Walk” house. It is with great joy and gratitude that I announce the beginning of this special house. See photo of the Gordon family standing in front of what will be their new home at 220 Lily Ruth Court.

Nina Gordon is a hard working, single mom who had a dream of having a place to call her own. Nina and her three sons, Theodis, 13, Tae’ron, 10, and Trenton, 6, live in a cold, damp house with no insulation and with a mold problem. Her utility bills are 400 to 500/month. With your help, we are giving this family a “hand-up” in life which will have an impact for many years to come.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who made a contribution for this effort. Many have asked if Dick & I have plans to resume the walk. I can only say that I believe what the Holy Book says, “…those who wait on the Lord (hope in the Lord) will renew their strength.” God willing, we do hope to return someday to the Rio Grande River in New Mexico and continue the walk.

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Saturday, Nov. 22, was a cold fall day, but the temperature did not chill the atmosphere at the sites of the dedications for two new Habitat for Humanity homes in Shaw Habitat Village.

The home of James and Carolyn Thompson and their four children was dedicated at 10 a.m. This home at 114 Lily Ruth Court was sponsored by the Hot Springs Home Builders Association and Funded by the GCHFH ReStore. Much of the building of the home had been finished in a "Blitz Build" last spring when the Home Builders Association worked non-stop for two weeks beginning May 31, 2008, to completely get the house nearly completed. The Thompsons' children are Cameron, age 8; Ca'Mirra, age 5; Camesha, age 4; and James, Jr,; infant.

The home of Olaf and Terri Negaard at 108 Lily Ruth Court was dedicated at 11 a.m. This house was sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and built in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. The home was built with the help of volunteers from area Lutheran churches.

Left Photo - Pastor Marilyn Briggs, Carolyn Thompson, Canesha, Cameron in hood (holdiing baby) James, Jr., James (father), Ca"Mirra, Executive Director John Goodman.

Right Photo - Associate Director Sue Ann Albers, Judy Hella with Brush Strokes Art club, Terri Negaard, Olaf Negaard.

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The Annual Soup Supper at John and Helen Selig's home provided the perfect festive spirit for the announcement of the GCHFH Volunteer of the Year Award. Executive Director John Goodman announced that long time volunteer and board member John Jenkins had earned the coveted and much deserved award of Volunteer of the Year for 2008.

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Prospective Homeowners were informed about the possibilities of buying a Habitat home on Saturday January 10 at St. Luke's Episcopal church when Sue Ann Albers, associate director, explained the ins and outs of applying to become a partner homeowner with GCHFH.

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On a perfectly beautiful fall day, Shaw Habitat Village welcomed its second homeowner Saturday, October 11, as the family of Gloria Salazar were given the key to their new home at 111 Juniper Street. This home was funded by Southern Bancorp. Representing the organization were Alan Sing, President of Southern Bancorp Bank of Arkansas, Phil Baldwin, CEO of Southern Bancorp Holding Co., and Bill Wright CEO and Chairman of Southern Bancorp Bank of Arkansas.

Alan Sing spoke of the mission of his company (previously Elkhorn Bank) as one of giving back to communities. "We feel it is important to note at this time that we have been around since 1884. We are a traditional bank on a solid foundation. We came through the great depression, and we are well positioned to weather this latest financial crisis. "Our slogan, "Building Communities, Changing Lives," is what we are all about. We have helped build Gloria's house. She will make it into a home." The bank presented Gloria and her children with a basket of supplies and food as a "starter basket" for her home.

Gloria received other gifts from the Sew What sewing guild, Brush Strokes art Guild, both in Hot Springs Village, from the Whitfield Garden Club, from the Rice Depot in Little Rock, and a family Bible from the affiliate.

You may click on the photo for a larger image.


Southern Bancorp officials present Gloria Salazar with a laundry basket filled with food and supplies for her new home	Gloria Salazar stands in front of her new home with children Jasmine, age 4; Angel, age 2; Joshua, age 6, and she holds newborn Annabella.	Executive Director John Goodman welcomes the gathered crowd to the dedication of Gloria Salazar's new home, while executives from Southern Bancorp President Alan Sing, CEO Phil Baldwin, and CEO Bill Wright stand behind Gloria holding little Angel.

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The GCHFH affiliate ReStore has a new (to us) pickup and delivery truck, paid for from profits made in the last three months! That is pretty amazing considering the economy. Pictured below is ReStore Manager George Dove with the new purchase and a view of the truck itself with its impressive lettering. George's Co-Manager Dick Mattson was out of the store when the photo was made.

You may click on the photo for a larger image.


New Habitat Restore Truck	George Dove & New ReStore Truck

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Saturday, Sept 27 proved to be the perfect sunny day for a Habitat home dedication. Our first home in Shaw Habitat Village was dedicated at 10 a.m. at 107 Juniper Street, the home of Tequila Summerville and family. This home was sponsored by St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Grand Avenue. Living in the home will be Tequila and her three children Marquita, age 14, Rongerald, age 8, and Aleric, age 1.

Participating in the dedication and blessing of the home were Kathy Cronin, board president of Garland County Habitat for Humanity, Executive Director John Goodman, Father T.J. Hart, priest from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Dr. Clint Henson, Chair of the Centennial Committee from the church, the Reverend Michael Smith from New Beginnings Christian Ministries where Tequila and family attend church, Patrick McCruden, deacon of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and GCHFH volunteer. Tequila received gifts from the Sew What Sewing Guild from Hot Springs Village, Brush Strokes Art Guild from Hot Springs Village, and Whitfield Garden Club of Hot Springs. The lawn was landscaped by Master Gardeners of Hot Springs, led by GCHFH chairperson Gene Lichliter.

You may click on the photo for a larger image.


Tequila Summerville and family	Tequila receives family Bible from Board President Kathy Cronin	Dr. Clint Henson speaks of the joy his church has felt in working on the house

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On Saturday September 13, volunteers from US Bank along with others laid sod at the home sites for the houses being built for Habitat for Humanity for Elkhorn Bank and St John the Baptist Catholic Church sponsored homes in Shaw Habitat Village. An enormous workforce turned out, showing that when many hands combine, great things can be accomplished in record time.
You may click on the photo for a larger image.


U S Bank Aimee Salter, Rachel Garner, Mike Ferguson, Shelia Holt, Ashley Tucker, Chris Tucker, Linda Neaville, Lindsey LaGrange, Josh LaGrange, Sharon Randall.	Robert Kaiser, Volunteer Coordinator Sue Ann Albers, Associate Executive Director John Goodman, Executive Director	workers at work


St John the Baptist photo	all the volunteers	volunteer down and dirty

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On May 31st, the Home Builders’ Association of Hot Springs, under the leadership of President Guy Roberts, executed another successful Blitz Build for Habitat of Humanity in Garland County. This lovely new home is in Shaw Habitat Village at the top of the hill on Lily Ruth Drive and will be the home of Partner family James and Carolyn Thompson. The Home Builders’ Association volunteers began at 7:30 in the morning and by quitting time at approximately 4:30 in the afternoon had the home “in the dry.” Within the next two weeks, the home was virtually complete. click on the photos below to view a larger image.

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As a part of their commemoration of 100 years of service to the community of Hot Springs, St. John the Baptist Catholic church is sponsoring a home in the new Shaw Habitat Village on Juniper Street. On a glorious and sunny Saturday morning, April 12, Father T.J. Hart conducted a blessing of the property where the home is being built. Participating in the blessing service were members of the church, along with board members and friends of the GCHFH affiliate. After the impressive service, members of the Social Justice committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hot Springs served a bountiful brunch at the site for volunteers and participants in the ceremony. The Habitat projects chair of the Social Justice committee is Dorothy Clark.

Left Photo: Blessing Service -Sue Ann Albers, interim director for the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, stands to the left of the sign identifying the home being built in Shaw Habitat Village by the members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Behind the sign are volunteers from the church who will help construct the home. Dr. Clint Henson ( behind the sign on the right) a member of the centennial committee for the church, welcomed guests. Immediately to Dr. Henson’s left is Father T.J. Hart who performed the blessing of the property.

Right Photo - GCHFH Interim Executive Director Sue Ann Albers (far right) introduces the family who will inhabit the home: Habitat Partner Tequila Summerville (second from left), daughter Marquita, age 15, and sons Aleric (age 1) and Rongerald (age 9).

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THE CARPENTER CLUB CAMPAIGN FOR SHAW HABITAT VILLAGE IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY

It’s the easiest –best way to make a substantial contribution over time. The ultimate goal is to fund a Habitat home before the completion of Shaw Habitat Village in late 2009. HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

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Ground breakings for the first new home and the village itself took place Jan. 26 with two ceremonies at the beautiful new development site.

Fog, mud, rain dripping from trees and cold temperatures did not interfere with the enthusiastic ground breaking taking place Jan. 26 as GCHFH administrators, Southern Bancorp executives and Elk Horn Bank dignitaries, along with representatives of the Chester Shaw family gathered to inaugurate the latest Habitat Village in Garland County, Shaw Habitat Village, made possible by a donation of land from Chester Shaw and family. This newest village will be located at the end of Juniper Street off Whittington Avenue atop a most breaktaking hill bordered by National Forest land and overlooking Linden Park.

Pictured to left: GCHFH Building Supervisor Gordon Hegg, Lacy Shaw, Toni Shaw, Alan Sing, CEO of Elk Horn Bank Bill Wright, CEO of Southern Bancorp Phil Baldwin, and Jim Ferguson. Right: Lacy Shaw, Toni Shaw, Walt McFatridge, Gordon Hegg and Patrick McCruden. Ground was first broken for the next house to be built for a GCHFH Partner Family. Following that ceremony was another groundbreaking for the Village itself.

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Dick Mattson and John Goodman display banner designating their courageous trek for Habitat.

John Goodman and Dick Mattson engaged in a most courageous and energetic Coast to Coast Walk across America to promote Habitat for Humanity. They were doing extremely well and had gotten as far as Socorro, Mexico, when a health problem interrupted their walk. John was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and had to put on hold his walking plans. He hopes to resume the walk in two years. The mission home that is planning to be built through sponsorship of the walk is still in the works. If you have decided to contribute to that home, please continue to do so. Send your contribution to Habitat for Humanity P.O. Box 171 Hot Springs, AR 71902-0171. Thanks so much for your continued support of our mission!

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