Media Coverage

Habitat Project Moves Forward

The Community Journal

July 18, 2008

Those who live in Ashburnham or ever drive by 203 Sherbert Road can appreciate how much work has been done in just a few short months on the Habitat for Humanity house.

Most of this progress is due to the hard-working volunteers who have been at the site every Saturday since construction started in April. These volunteers are from different towns, companies, and are of all different ages and backgrounds. No building experience is necessary and any amount of volunteer time is appreciated.

The construction of the Habitat home in Ashburnham was started in April and the home will be going to the McSparren family. The single-family home is being built on just over an acre of land in the northern part of town and is expected to be completed this fall.

John C. Comeau, 84, of Ashburnham, was volunteering at the site a couple of weekends ago. It was his first time, but he said he will plan on coming back because he likes the work, and he is retired. Comeau said that he enjoyed sharing his experience with other volunteers, including 25-year-old Ashburnham resident Nick DeRuvo. DeRuvo said volunteering to build at the Habitat site was a great way to help his community, as well as to enjoy the camaraderie and the fresh summer air. DeRuvo heard about the build from a friend's father, and decided that it was a good way to spend a Saturday. He also plans on returning to help finish the house and looks forward to being able to help with future Habitat homes in town.

The Ashburnham Habitat build is not only an experience that will last a lifetime, but is also a great way to earn community service for high-school seniors and to put on college applications, according to Habitat volunteer Emily Bergeron. The Ashburnham build has already had several groups of college students who have worked hard to contribute their energy to the building effort, she said.

A group of students from Oakmont Regional High School volunteered on a Saturday build day. The students - including Liz Jones, Stephanie Kalantas, Morgan Mitchell, Jane Peters, Meghan Perkins, Anya Wilczynski and Ross Fitzgerald - are members of the Class of 2010. Mitchell said her parents (who are on the Local Project Committee and are the Family Partners) involvement and her friendship with the McSparrens is what inspired her to build.

She said she decided to ask some of her friends and classmates, and they signed up as a group. This group accomplished a lot during their day of volunteering, including finishing the roof sheathing, building the front porch deck and mounting the supports for the side stairs. They also greatly impressed both Will Houghton, the site manager, and homeowner Chris McSparren.

They all agreed to plan on signing up for another build day and are hoping to get the Oakmont field hockey team to sign up for a build day. Each has told other friends and classmates about their experiences, and although some are not old enough yet - volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and have parental permission - they are hoping that their experience will inspire others to participate in this rewarding opportunity.

Those who volunteer do not need experience with building or tools because there is something for everyone to do, and all help is appreciated. Those who are interested in signing up to join other dedicated volunteers, can go to the Habitat Web site, www.ncmhabitat. org or call the office at (978) 348-2749.