1993 - bchfh.org

Wednesday, February 3, 1993
Habitat coming here
By BRENDA TARVIN for the Herald
The steering committee for the Boundary County group forming a Habitat for Humanity
International affiliate met Monday, January 6 and made strides toward solidifying the
project.
After a short introduction to new volunteers by spokesman Dave Gause, the group came
to consensus on two choices for a local name which will be submitted to the national
office for approval. The group then formed for preliminary committees to start the
organizational process required to become an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity
International.
The working committees are made up of people from all areas of the community, not just
those involved in construction. As of the last public meeting, over 30 people have signed
up to volunteer their time, energy and resources to get the local affiliates started. During
the next month the group will start the incorporation and tax exempt process, selected
Board of Directors and establish a mailing list and newsletter
Bill Florea volunteered his time as treasurer for the group has set up an account to handle
monetary donations, which can be dropped off at his office at Shelman Realty or mailed
to P.O. Box 423, Bonners Ferry.
The group meets the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM at various local sites. The
next meeting is scheduled at the United Methodist Church, 206 Lincoln St. (one block
behind IGA) Thursday, February 18. There will be a short informational section for
newcomers and an invitation to join one of the committees. Each of the committees will
then give a progress report and meet for further work.
For more information on the local Habitat for Humanity effort, please contact Dave
Gause, 267 – 7826 or Bill Florea, 267 – 5515.
BONNERS FERRY HERALD Wednesday, March 24, 1993 A15
Funds raised for Habitat for Humanity
BONNERS FERRY-First Interstate Bank sponsored a Bowl-A-Thon with proceeds to go for
Habitat for Humanity. The charitable event was held at the Kootenai Lanes Saturday. A
total of $1895 was received by various sponsors for the project in Boundary County.
Two bowling lanes for the three-hour event were donated by Kootenai Lanes. Barbara
Spurgeon of the bank thanks Kootenai Lanes owner Dennis and Rhonda DeMers,
Rachelle William, Carey Davis and Jim and Grizelda DeMers for their generosity in
making the event possible.
First Interstate Bank fielded 11 bowlers who were sponsored by many country residents.
Spurgeon explain," We have gotten sponsors for every bowler here. For every pin it
ranges from one cent to fifty cents per pin." Spurgeon said all proceeds would go to
Habitat for Humanity in Boundary County." Right now we are just trying to get started. I
think probably in November or December," Spurgeon said. Habitat for Humanity centers
around providing for the construction of homes for low income people according to
Spurgeon. Homes are built with the assistance of those who desire to purchase the home.
But cutting labor expenditures, homes are built for less money, and become an economic
reality for those not otherwise able to afford the purchase.
Karen MacDonald was the top bowler had brought in a total of $1090 for the charity
Saturday. Other bowlers were: Shirely Marcy, Crystal Eby, Sandy Eby, Skip O’Fallon,
Denise Mass, Wanda Fox, Gere Fredrickson, Coral Branson, Cara Tritt, and Jim
Thompson.
Sponsors for the event were: Marvin Houck, Bill Florea, Mary Fredrickson, Larry
Nelson, Joy Marcy, Shirley Marcy, Charles Harshaw, Carole Dinning, Rae Anderson, M.
D. Contracting, Dave and Janet Gauze, Nancy Carlson, Sue Howe, Allen and Charlette
Chrisman, Gene’s O K Tires, Kayser Insurance, Bi-Rite, Harold Sims, Uta Peterson,
Mike Peterson, Jeanie Richardson, Gene Baker, B.D. Inc., Frank Spalding, Doris
Howard, Kay Solt, Pace-Kirby, First Security Bank, Dorothy M., Boundary Abstract,
Riverside Motors, Jim Villelli, Steve Carey, Many Ann Dinning, First American Title,
Steve Deitz, L. Schulte, Falcon Flora, Lou Merrifield, Darren Krockmeyer, Sheryl Dirks,
Lynette Carr, Lori Jones, Tim Hemil, Ginna Spalding, Jenny Fessler, Gayla Roady,
Willard Eby, Pam Kerby, Anne Bonar, Tina Donahoe, Nancy Sawyer, Dick Waterloo,
Melba Anstott, Patsy Tompkins, Grace Day, Joyce Mosely, Marsha Miller, Rita Lara,
Kathy Utter, Myrna Johnson, Ed Leach, Karen McLoy, Jim Kucherry, Pat Alexander,
Tammy Glen, Dan Studer, Michelle McCammon, Jamie Wynsma, Lori Ripatti, Barry
Wynsma, Pat Behrens, Rob Steinhorst, Vike Tymrak, Cal Russell, Georgia DeHart,
Bonners Books, Round Heels Gun & Pawn, Mountain Valley Printing, Arminda
Thompson, Lois Frazier, Randy Prewitt, Sheriff Bruce Whittaker, Mike Weland, M.
Shelman, L. Langness, G. Reynolds, Jan Wathern, Kim Dodge, W. Deity, Lew
Langmoss, Dee Larson, Denise Maas, Jim Ferguson, Jody Ansley, Candy Ansley, Brenda
Tarxin, T. B. Portables, Mike Haynes, Idonna Avery, Leslie Backer and Glen Barker.
BONNERS FERRY HERALD Wednesday, July 18, 1993
Habitat for Humanity plans barbecue
BONNERS FERRY- The Boundary County chapter of Habitat for Humanity is finalizing
plans for the first community ‘country picnic’, barbecue and campout to be held Sat. July
31 at the Twin Rivers Canyon Resort. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to help
fund the organizations construction of the first-ever low-cost home for a low income
family in Boundary County.
The Country Picnic promises fun and excitement for the whole family. Starting at 12
noon and running until 7 p.m. (or when the food runs out) there will be games, prizes,
swimming, races, horse shoes and even a fly fishing Derby. After 7 p.m. other activities
continue into the evening hours with live music by ‘The Bowbenders’ and other local
talent, entertainment, and dancing.
And then there's the food. Yes, the food. Habitat spokesman Don Vickaryous said he
received a large shipment of Alaskan king salmon for the grill. Pork and smoked turkey
will complement the culinary pleasures of area residents. Local churches, businesses and
other residence are contributing salads and other surprise specialties to please the palate
of area residents.
Those participating in the picnic and wishing to camp at the resort receive a 10%
camping discount off regular rates said Vickaryous.
Advance tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at a reduced rate up until the date
of the picnic from the Bonners Ferry Herald, the Kootenai Valley times, participating
businesses and members of habitat. Habitat spokesman, Don Vickaryous said Monk
Shelman bought the first ticket when tickets were placed on sale.
Tickets sell for $7.50 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 6-12 and complete ‘no size limit’
family packages are available for only $25 (immediate family members only). Children
five and under will be admitted free. Tickets at the gate increased to $10 for adults and $5
for children 6–12.
BONNERS FERRY HERALD Wednesday, July 18, 1993
Habitat wants your help
BONNERS FERRY-Habitat for Humanity is worth a serious look by area residents. The
local Boundary County chapter is up and running and volunteers are coming on board
from all walks of life, from different political and religious persuasions, lifestyles,
income levels, and personalities.
Although well known through the involvement of former Present Jimmy Carter, Habitat
is not a government agency. It does not receive government funds, raise taxes, or drive up
real estate prices. The goal is to wipe out poverty housing and living conditions with lowcost, efficient and decent housing, so affordable that payments are typically lower than
rent payments and under $200 a month. Yet it is not a 'giveaway' program.
Applicants for consideration by Habitat are carefully screened. Ray Chaffee of the local
Habitat's family selection committee listed three main criteria for consideration: need,
ability to pay, and a willingness to participate. Participation is not taken lightly Chaffee
explained. Applicants are expected to fully participate in all phases of a project
expending a minimum of 500 hours in areas compatible with their ability. The 500 hours,
known in Habitat circles as ‘sweat equity', becomes the down payment. Once completed
the dwelling is sold Habitat to the new owner under a no interest, long term mortgage.
Payments from a mortgage go back to into Habitat and are recycled into a new project.
And so the chain of operations continues and more people are reached.
Volunteers for the program come from all walks of life and participate in various ways.
Donations also come in various forms. Give Habitat a second look, attend a meeting,
volunteer for a fundraiser. It can be an exciting community effort bringing together a
diverse community for the common good of the community at large.
BONNERS FERRY HERALD Wednesday, August 4, 1993
Habitat picnic raises $2,000
The first Habitat for Humanitarian Country Picnic, Barbecue and Camp Out was held
Saturday at the Twin Rivers Canyon Resort. Over 250 hungry residents feasted on
succulent smoked turkey, grilled Alaskan king salmon, and barbecued pork with all of
trimmings. Early estimates released by local Habitat officials show the charity took in
over $2,000 at the community fundraiser.
Habitat spokesman Bill Florea explained," I'm just thrilled, that for the first time, not
knowing what we were doing, it worked out great! I think we could double it next year. I
heard nothing but compliments on the food, and volunteers did determine this job
organizing it."
Twin Rivers Canyon Resort owner Don Vickaryous said that he was very please by the
community sport and turnout. He said that more money is coming in all the time from
those who couldn't make the event but want to provide a donation.
Several door prizes and raffle items were won by those attending Florea said. The items
included free dinners, haircuts and other products donated by local businesses. Over 46
businesses, organizations, and local individuals donated food and other items to make the
event possible.
Florea said that the food was sufficient for the number of people attending. Watermelon
that was left over was raffled off, while the leftover solids were given to the Restorium.
Meet and these are dishes were completely consumed said Florea.
Florea said many things were learned by Habitat volunteers by this trial picnic that can be
used to plan next year’s event. He said many planners originally thought the hours were
too long running from 12 noon until the late evening hours." I was dead set against
having it that long, but now I think it is the only way to do it. It spread it out and
everybody to visit and enjoy themselves and relax. They didn't have to rush," Florea
explained.
A14 BONNERS FERRY HERALD
Wednesday, October 6, 1993
Habitat Seeks those interested in own home
Questions to be answered Oct. 21
Home ownership is a dream almost all of us share. Habitat for Humanity would like to
see that dream become reality.
This is difficult for families who find that they do not qualify for a bank loan or for
government housing assistance. Your local Habitat group is except doing applications
from families and individuals who meet the following three conditions.
 They must have a genuine housing need. A poor living situation can mean a lot of
things: lack of indoor plumbing, inadequate insulation or roof or overcrowding
with little or no hope for a better situation.
 They must be able to pay a minimum of about $200 per month for loan
repayment. The actual material cost of the house (the lot, utilities and all building
materials) is projected to amount to $25,000 to $35,000 for an average Habitat
home. This will be repaid by the family at no interest over a period of 15 to 20
years.
At the end of payment the family will be sole owners of their home.
 The family must be willing to be a partner in the project. As much as possible all
work on a Habitat – built home will be done through donated labor. The owner
family will be required to share in the labor effort by contributing 500 hours of
"sweat equity" to the completion of their own home or the home of another
family.
Your local habitat is targeting March 1 as ground breaking for its first home. If you think
you qualify, or might qualify, please submit an application as soon as possible.
The selection committee plans to choose a family beginning in November. Names of
other families who qualify at that time will go on to the waiting list. It is the local group’s
dream that this will only be the first of many good homes to come.
Applications are available upon request at Shelman’s Realty on the South Hill (right
behind the “ Barber Ship") and that Bonners Books downtown. You can have one mailed
to you by leaving your requests along with your address and phone number on the
answering machine at the Habitat office, 267 – 9839. Or you can write to Habitat for
Humanity, PO Box 423, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805. All application information will be
treated confidentially.
If you need help filling out an application or simply want to ask more about it all, plan to
come to the next general meeting Thursday, October 21 at 7 p.m. in the basement of the
Catholic Church.
As part of its fundraising efforts, Habitat will sponsor a variety show and auction Nov. 13
at 7 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall at the fairgrounds.
If you have an item or service to donate for the auction, please call Barb at 267 – 7159.
We will not be soliciting from businesses, but if the spirit moves we would welcome any
contribution.