A Year of Change
Contributed By Donna Pierson

    LEWISTON---January 13, 2008 - For Androscoggin Habitat For Humanity the annual meeting held Sunday January 13, at the Business Service Center at KeyBank Plaza in Lewiston marked a time of change.

    "Increasing our volunteer base, I think that is our largest challenge going forward," said Building Committee Chairperson, and newly elected President Allen Sterling. Sterling recognized the work of many volunteers, among them, the student contribution to the homebuilding effort through the Lewiston Vocational Center.

    Volunteer Chairperson Dan Lagrange also mentioned the contributions of the Lewiston Regional Technical students as well as students from Bates College, Lisbon High and Central Maine Community College. "We need to find more ways to keep these kids involved," said Lagrange. "If they're asking to get involved at this age, it could lead to years of volunteerism."

    Mike Carey, Site Selection Committee Chair stepped down as vice-president following a successful election bid for the 72nd district seat in the State House of Representatives. For the Site Selection Committee, Carey characterized 2007 as a year of developing relationships and forming alliances. The Androscoggin Land Trust, City of Auburn Community Development Office and Stanton Bird Club were among those he named.

    Peter Van Oosten delivered his final annual report before stepping down as Ways and Means Committee Chair. Highlights included the addition of an Art Auction Gala in October and the interest free Federal HOME Funds loan program through the City of Lewiston.

    Paul and Sally Belisle announced Sunday May 4, 2008 as the date for the Annual St. Philip's breakfast to benefit Habitat. This year's menu includes crepes, scrambled eggs, sausage, home-baked goods, and a fruit cup all for just $5. Funds raised by this event are usually matched by Wal-Mart. Last year's event raised close to $3000.

Volunteers and board members at the 2008 Annual Meeting held Sunday January 13 in Lewiston. From left to right: Gerry Martel, Claudette Martel, Paul Belisle, Sally Belisle,Mike Carey Peter Van Oosten, Anita Van Oosten, Dick Dubois, Pat Sawyer, Hugh Keene, Dan Lagrange, Sunni Junkins, Deb Leonard, Donna Pierson, Paul Leonard, Allen Sterling, Cheryl Black and Jerry Junkins. Photo by Kim Veilleux

    Following the annual meeting the board held a brief board meeting for an executive officers election. The results of this election are: Allen Sterling as President, Dan Lagrange as Vice-President, Cheryl Black as Treasurer, and Paul Leonard as Secretary.

    Changes to committee chairs were approved at this meeting. Dan Lagrange vacated the Volunteer Chair for Ways and Means; Allen Sterling stepped down as Building Committee Chair leaving the seat temporarily vacant. Deb Leonard assumed the Volunteer Committee Chair and Donna Pierson filled the Public Relations Committee Chair.
Other members of the board are Russ Burbank, Sunni Junkins, Jerrold Junkins, Hugh Keene, David Mireault and Lance Vallee.

    Under the guidance of volunteer site supervisor and golden hammer recipient, Tom Wrobel, the four bedroom, handicap accessible home on Golder Road, in Lewiston, will soon be ready for occupancy by Ibrahim Ghaleb, his wife, Nimo Jama, and their four children. The Golder Road home is the 14th "Habitat home" built in the area since 1989.

    Miss Tara Allain, the reigning Miss Maine who generously assisted In Habitat's endeavors throughout the state, has chosen Habitat For Humanity as her central platform issue in the upcoming Miss America competition. Miss Allain rendered her support at the Androscoggin Habitat Affiliate food booth at the Great Falls Balloon Festival, annual golf tournament, art auction gala and helped dedicate the latest Habitat home on Golder Road in Lewiston on December 8, 2007.