2012 senior class photos
2012 West Carrollton graduation
Home of the Week
Home > Blogs > Reality Bytes > Archives > 2009 > August
August 2009
Project Runway Season 6 is Althea in or out?
This week’s Project Runway Challenge - “Pea in the pod”
Who will it be to make it to the next round - season 6 - ‘Project Runway?” While designers seem to love to design for stick figures, this week’s challenge to create a design for Rebecca Romijn( super model and film and television star) may prove too much for some.
The challenge; to create a design that is beautiful, sleek and form fitting - is bringing out the wackiest in many of the designers. Really, have these designers ever seen a pregnant woman?
Althea, Dayton’s contestant in this season’s competition, is getting a lot of screen time this week - is this a foreshadowing? Tim suggests her designs might be a design for night rather than day… others, especially, the guys, don’t seem to get it -“ costume land” is just around the corner.
My favorite line of the night - “Drapey, drapey sophisticated?” Oh wait, “she’s a pregnant mess!”
On the runway… there are so many crazy frumpy ugly get-ups… Louise’s design, is that for real?
Johnny’s design looked like the model had a basketball stuck under that design? Althea’s design would be perfect for a mocktail party and fit the requirements of the challenge.
While I didn’t love Louise’s design - what’s up with that, it’s certainly would be an appropriate outfit for making babies. The judges called out Althea’s design in a good way - “perfection” Elegant” - “as a whole a beautiful dress.”
Heidi’s phrase of the night - She’s a pregnant mess… I doubt that this is a good thing.
I couldn’t help but laugh through most of the judge’s conversations… it would have been fun to have Michael Kors’s witty banter around this week’s challenge.
So, will Althea win this week? …
Nope, it’s Shirrin’s turn to win, although, I’d have to say Althea came in a close second.
My guess on who goes… the guy with the chicken and egg look is “just too bizarre” for the judges - and Malvin goes.
Have thoughts about show or the designtestants? share ‘em here!
We’re also on twitter
TweetProject Runway Season 6 Designtestant Trivia
The one thing about reality TV shows is that they tape the contestants doing just about everything along the way. Project Runway is no different.
So to learn a little extra about each designtestant, I thought it would be fun to watch all the audition and home tour videos and pick out a juicy part or two for each designer and post them here.
Here’s a list of the designtestants, their age, where they call home (at somepoint in their lives), and a number of tidbits from the casting and audtion videos posted on myLifetime.com.
- Shirin Askari, 25, of Garland, Texas. Shirin loves vintage clothing and plans to wear many of her designs to wear on the show. Her fashsion tips include, not wearing Crocks, she doesn’t like Uggs, loves hats, scarfs, colorful shoes (not Crocks) and a little black dress (see a theme forming?).
- Louise Black, 32, of Dallas. Louise was the goth chick in high school and is still recovering. She loves anything lame’, big sunglasses and her big accessory of the moment - gladiator boots.
- Ra’Mon-Lawrence Coleman, 31, of Milwaukee. Ra’mon - Like another designtestant, Ra’mon also has a sun room, has a text book of the history of draping (BTW, who doesn’t_) loves his mom, has an embellishment space in his kitchen and has two sewing machines named “bernie” & “Nina.”
- Rodney Epperson, 50, of New York. Epperson If it doesn’t fit don’t wear it, he likes grey, doesn’t like purple, “hughest mistake” - the wrong color underwear when wearing white.
- Ari Fish, 26, of Kansas City, Mo. Ari has a space where all the magic happens, loves to cook and hopes to develop a fashion living system - a coat that turns into a tent that turns into a car? (she didn’t say car, but isn’t that the natural progression?)
- Qristyl Frazier, 42, of New York. Qristyl thinks that plus size women should be called plus sexy, the girl can scream, has a great set of pots and pans, has a fashion wall, is proud that her home town showed her so much love.
- Gordana Gehlhausen, 45, of San Diego. If you give her a sheet, she will make you a sweater. Gordana loves Persia and believes that travel has influed her designs. She is orginally from Serbia, has teenage children and has what appears to be an amazing sun room she uses for inspiration.
- Mitchell Hall, 26, of Savannah, Ga. Michael has a sister who is school teacher who wore Vera Wang for her wedding. Micahel loves to sleep, has a stuffed animal on his bed, owns a 16 fox fur rug, has a trunk filled with fabric… and he loves his new house.
- Althea Harper, 25, of Dayton/New York. Althea calls Dayton Ohio her hometown - go Dayton. She likes belts, accessories and thinks that a nice fitting black dress is a required fashion item.
- Logan Neitzel, 25, of Seattle. Logan lives in a cool space that I’d be happy to live in complete with a punching bag and a full bar (I’m dig’n the full bar). He also has 5 sewing machines and a double-decker closet.
- Nicolas Putvinksi, 27, of New York. Nicolas is a self-professed best feather person in NY City. He loves to microwave silk organza into wild creations for the boudoir, loves to do fluting and knows how to fight with airport security.
- Johnny Sakalis, 30, of Los Angeles. Johnny has a living room/studio/kitchen/media room all wrapped into one and has a cologne obsession. He also seems to have the “this is where the magic happens” theme in common with several of the other designers. This season is sure to be filled with some magic!
- Irina Shabeyeva, 27, of New York. Irina has a poodle as a pet and owns a sewing machine that works with leather.
- Christopher Straub, 30, of Shakopee, Minn. Christopher has a room for babies when he gets some, he doesn’t have designer or self-made clothes, has no tricks up his sleeves… it’s all up in his head, loves knick-knacks, has a Project Runway My Scene Barbie and, oh yeah, he’s from Minnesota don’t you know (Marge from the movie Fargo would be proud).
- Malvin Vien, 24, of New York. First this is not a tidbit, but what is up with that hair? Malvin has his workspace right beside his bed just in case something moves him in the middle of the night and he can’t wait to get started creating.
- Carol Hannah Whitfield, 24, of New York. Carol has a sister, sleeps on a pull-out sofa, has most of her design stuff in the back seat of her car and a storage unit, and thinks that the must have item for any woman - the little black dress.
IF you’re looking for photos from the Season 6 - click here.
TweetProject Runway Season 6 Begins - Local designtestant competes
After months of legal tussling, Season 6 of “Project Runway” has been jettisoned from the storage closet and onto a TV screen near you.
First up, what’s up with all these designtestant names? Whatever happened to the names Sally, Jim, Tom, Jill - just asking?
This season (or the one that was recorded last year), features Dayton native, Althea Harper. How great is that? Time will tell. The show was shot in L.A., a departure from the first five seasons (what will we do without Mood - not to worry, there’s a Mood L.A.).
The opening show was pretty predictable - sometimes - that’s a good thing. The first challenge asked the designers to create a garment for the red carpet using the Kodak Theatre as a backdrop.
Althea, the designer from Dayton, was there to support Johnny with witty observations as the show took a moment to look like an episode of A & E’s “Intervention.” Not to worry, Tim Gunn was there to support Johnny with an encouraging word - that’s the Tim we love offering his signature advice “make it work.”
Tim Gunn, the show’s host, usually has a phrase or two that are worthy of a mention. Tonight’s phrases included - that looks like “a halter diaper and this could “go cruise line cocktail waitress.”
Judges for tonight’s show are Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, Heidi Klum and guest judge Lindsay Lohan.
Althea’s design was the first down the runway and was a strong entry in the mix. Was it enough to keep from being voted off - I’d say not, but the judges have yet to speak. For a first night runway show, the designs were pretty strong.
So who won? More important, how did Althea do? I’m pleased to say that the designer from Dayton is still in the running. Yeah! So, who won - Christopher from Minnesota won this week’s challenge. Out this week after presenting a design from 2080 is Ari. In a word - agree!
Thoughts about tonight show - be sure to share ‘em here.
If you are looking for photos from Runway? get them here
How will the local designtestant do this season? Does she have what it takes to win this season?
http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/project-runway
Tweet‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 9 Cast Revealed
The list of celebrity dancers for season 9 Dancing with the Stars has been revealed.Tom Bergeron, host for the show, announced the line-up this morning (August 17).
After 8 seasons of Dancing with the Stars, the backgrounds of dancer wannabes has become pretty predictable. This year’s class includes a few actors, several singers, a couple of sports celebrities, a politician and even Chairman of Iron Chef America.
Here’s the cast list for season 9 -
Aaron Carter, singer
Ashley Hamilton, son of George Hamilton (hmmm…)
Chuck Liddell, UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)
Debi Mazar, actress,HBO’s Entourage
Donny Osmond, singer
Joanna Krupa, supermodel
Kelly Osbourne, singer (allegedly)
Louie Vito, pro snowboarder
Macy Gray, singer
Mark Dacascos, of Iron Chef America fame
Melissa Joan Hart, actress
Michael Irvin, NFL star
Mya, singer
Natalie Coughlin, Olympic champion (swimming)
Kathy Ireland, supermodel
Tom DeLay, politician
Dancing with the Stars is set to premiere Monday, September 21 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Have a thought about the cast or an early prediction for the winner - share it here!
TweetSix new and favorite reality TV shows set to air this week
Goodbye summer, hello fall! I’d certainly be the last person to wish summer a quick departure but the approaching fall season is bringing a mother lode of reality TV shows. Here’s a quick overview of six of the new and returning reality TV shows set to premiere this week.
Don’t forget, local talent will be competing in Project Runway 6!
What will you be watching?
This week (August 16 - 22):
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My Antonio, VH1, 10 p.m.
Antonio Sabato Jr., underwear model and soap opera hunk, is on the prowl for love in Hawaii. Will he find it? Mom is along for the ride, so drama is sure to be a part of this reality TV adventure.
http://www.vh1.com/shows/my_antonio/series.jhtml
Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami, e!, 10 p.m.
Just what America needed - a “Life with the Kardashians” spinoff following the (are they even famous?) sisters of Kim Kardashian. The two are on the prowl for love… is the “looking for love” theme hot this season? Oh yeah, Ryan Seacrest is the producer.
http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/kourtneyandkhloe_kardashian/index.jsp
Monday, August 17, 2009
Top Gear, BBC America, 8 p.m.
Calling all gearheads! This reality TV show is sort of like “Mythbusters” for car fanatics. Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May entertain viewers by testing, stunting and talking their way through the world of cars - light on the facts, heavy on the action.
http://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/topgear/index.jsp
Hoarders, A&E, 10 p.m.
It’s hard to dispute the notion that Americans love their stuff. But for most of us, we know when it’s time to declutter. (If only on occasion…right?) Well, for some, simply throwing anything away is nearly impossible. A&E has seven episodes ready to air the life struggles of hoarders who “are all desperately in need of help.”
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Flipping Out, Bravo, 10 p.m.
Back for another season is Jeff Lewis and his cast of merry misfits as they make their way through the imploding California housing market. Lewis, no longer able to flip the multi-million dollar fixer-upers, is focusing his attention on remodeling. If you’ve watched the show you already know Lewis’ obsessive-compulsive moods swings make for great reality TV moments when he’s the client. Imagine what it will be like when he’s the contractor working for a somebody else.
http://www.bravotv.com/flipping-out
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Top Chef: Las Vegas, Bravo, 9 p.m. (DVR alert — The show is scheduled to end at 10:15)
With a winning recipe in hand, the producers of Top Chef and the cheftestants are ready to mix up a tasty treat in Sin City. For those new to the series, where have you been? Seriously? This show mixes three of my favorite things into one tasty entertaining morsel - cooking, reality TV and eating. Back for another season are Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi, Toby Young and Gail Simmons. There are sixteen contestants vying for the title of Top Chef. Along the way, the producers throw in a special ingredient — the guest judges that make the show a must for the reality TV foodie!
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Project Runway 6, Lifetime, 10 p.m. (Premiere special starts at 8 p.m.)
After months spent stitching up a settlement with Bravo, the “lost” season of Project Runway is finally debuting on its new network, Lifetime. The first order of business is to figure out what channel Lifetime is on the local cable provider. After we get reacquainted with Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn on the fashion runway, be sure to check out the spinoff series “Models of the Runway” about “Runway”’s budding models.
Althea Harper be sure to checkout the Dayton native’s photos, bio and video tour on myLifetime.com.
So, what will you be watching?
TweetExtreme Makeover family sees new home
By Amanda Liles, Staff Writer
BEAVERCREEK — The “bus” has moved, giving the Terpenning family the first glimpse of their new home.
The Terpenning family arrived to the cheers of thousands of spectators as they exited a limousine at the site of their new home this afternoon, Thursday, Aug. 6.
Once the bus moved, family members cried tears of joy and the volunteers who helped build the house celebrated.
James Terpenning thanked the crowd after speaking with local builder Rob Arnold of Coventry Fine Homes. He then clapped for the volunteers and praised his co-workers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
“We really appreciate you all coming out,” James Terpenning said to the crowd. “We have a great community and a great Air Force, a great crew and you all did a great job.”
James and his wife Shannon were surprised by a knock on the door from the ABC reality show on July 30. The family was whisked away for a paid vacation to Disney World while about 1,500 volunteers, local home builder Coventry Fine Homes and the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team worked around the clock for nearly a week to build them a new house at 548 Carthage Drive.
The family has four children: Josselyn, 6; twins Justin and Jacob, 2; and Joshua, 1. James’ adopted brother Joseph, who has cerebral palsy, also lives with the family.
Earlier, today people attempting to catch spectator and VIP shuttle buses to the site of the Extreme Makeover home were lined up around the Eastgate Ford building. Eastgate Ford is the designated location to catch the shuttle to the site of the new home.
There were so many people that the Eastgate Ford parking lot on Seajay was full and motorists were starting to spill over into parking lots of other nearby businesses.
Shuttle driver Karen Snyder, who drives school buses for Beavercreek Schools, said they are running four shuttle buses that were full all morning.
And volunteer Melinda Pendergraft, who had been at the dropoff spot for about an hour around 1 p.m., said she has seen at least 10 buses drop people during that time.
Meanwhile, the community’s generosity continues to build. Officials from Wittenberg University in Springfield have announced that the college is donating full scholarships for all four Terpenning children.
The scholarships are valued at $540,000 at today’s tuition rate, said Karen Hunt, director admissions at Wittenberg.
In 12 years, when the children are ready to go to college the award is estimated to be worth more than $800,000, she added.
We heard about the family and it just seemed like the thing to do, Hunt said. Wittenberg first got involved with Extreme Makeover when their president was invited to watch construction from the VIP tent. After hearing the family’s story, Wittenberg officials decided to reach out.
The mission of Wittenberg is one of service, integrity and giving back to others, said Karen Gerboth, director of communications. This family just seems like a natural fit.
Tweet‘Extreme Makeover: Beavercreek,’ Day Three: Just Doing My Job
By Jen Mahaffey Extreme Makeover: Home Edition volunteer blogger
I went into the house to help with the beginning of what they call final stages. The crews had painted the walls and were beginning to add their creative touches and artwork on the walls in the bedrooms. These rooms are amazing, and again not being allowed to talk about what they are doing just know that when they are revealed, they will blow your mind how stunning they are. I helped clean out the left over materials and trash as a crew was finishing up the fireplace so that another crew could start laying the floor. The inside of this house is absolutely beautiful, the kitchen with the exception of the floor was almost finished and looks like something on a page in a magazine. As the floors started going down, there were crews in every room. The floors were going in so fast it was amazing to watch. There were so many power tools going at once, they even blew a fuse at one point, these crews were working fast. It seemed like five minutes had gone by and the bedroom was finished.
It is amazing how fast they work. In the master bedroom I was asked to help sweep it out so they could then lay the floor, I swept and they begun laying the floor. Part of the floor was laid but they needed a hand broom, so I went on my hunt for this hand broom. I found the broom and headed for the bedroom but when I got back, they didn’t need it because they were finished. Ok it wasn’t like I had to walk for days or spent hours looking for this brush, I literally went from one side of the house to the other, then went outside and then back around and into the house. They had done it that fast, I was amazed and I guess the look on my face must have said it all because one of the crew members asked if I were ok, he said you looked stunned. The only reply I had was “I am, I thought you needed a hand broom” he just laughed and said yeah we took care of it, we just made another tool work. I said “I guess next time I will run” he said no you were quick and we Thank you for that., Again another thank you to me, when all I did was try and help them out, they really had no reason to thank me. These crews are just so incredible. This crew had said that I was entertaining them and making it seem as though they weren’t even working, so I laughed and made the comment “just doing my job”. They then said that I could work with them anytime and they appreciated me helping. How amazing are these men? Really amazing!! It’s incredible how good they make you feel about everything you are doing.
Since that floor was complete, I began to help another crew with getting the doors so that they could get all of them put on and the gentleman could check the alarm. Ok here is where this will become the comedy event of the evening. I walked out with a few other volunteers to get these doors that were under a tent outside which sounds easy right? WRONG!!! Walking from the house to this tent meant walking through what seemed like a mile of waist deep mud and it was very slick. Now the fact that there was a small hill that we had to walk up to get the doors should have been some sort of warning that going down maybe a little on the difficult side especially since another volunteer already up this hill had to grab my hand to help me up, but was it? NO. I along with an older gentleman grab the door and head down the hill, he warned me and said careful its slick and the weight of the door makes it even harder. I at that point was fine, so he picked up the speed and just as I began to say “wait” I hit a slick spot on the mud and started sliding, it looked like I were ice skating. Then what seemed to be in slow motion, I started to slowly fall to the ground and as one side hit I felt someone grab me. I stand up, another volunteer takes the other side of the door and as I have mud down the entire right side of my body turn around only to see that the most important man there was the one to grab me, I was embarrassed. I laughed even though I wanted to cry and said oh my gosh I am so sorry, this man looks at me and said “sorry about what” He patted my back and said “keep up the good work” So feeling better I walk into the garage where part of the production crew is standing and getting ready to tape for an upcoming scene.
Now I am in my mind thinking oh no I hope they didn’t see me fall, but knowing that there probably wasn’t anybody that didn’t see me fall and the attention that the person that picked me up was getting, now drew attention to me, so i knew that along with the hundreds of people behind the barricades had to have seen me. I was right, they saw, because as soon as they saw me one of the guys handed me a work shirt, I must have looked puzzled because he said “Try to wipe off with this” I took the shirt and try to wipe off the best that I could. Another member of the crew said its nasty out there and it really makes it hard to work, huh. I just laughed and said “yes it does” He said well if it makes you feel better, you aren’t the first to fall today. I said “a little” but then the first crew member that gave me the towel that I thought was so sweet makes the comment ” no, but your the first one (the important man) picked up out of the mud” and then started to laugh. I said “oh thanks, you make me want to throw myself face first in the mud” He walks over and gives me a hug and said “I’m sorry then turns and said look now I’m dirty you got mud on my shirt, do you feel better”? In some way I did feel better, not sure if it was the fact that he hugged me or that he himself had mud on him. I’m really not even sure why it bothered me at all because every where you turned it looked like people had been playing mud volleyball. Mostly everyone was covered, most of the people you couldn’t even tell had shoes on because they were so covered in mud that was so thick and up to there knees from where they had been working in the backyard. After getting what mud I could off, I continued working.
At this point I am working hard and have sweat pouring down my face, and dried mud caked all over me. We then hear production announce they are filming for a scene, I know covered in mud I am safe and won’t have to worry about being on film so I continue to work and as I am helping finish in one of the bathrooms, I hear a familiar voice, I look around the corner and who is in this scene, my uncle Rick! Man he is so lucky, he always is where the action is. Now he is in on a scene while I on the other hand am covered in mud and my only interaction with the film crew has been falling in the mud. But even that wouldn’t make me give up any of this experience for anything in the world, this has been amazing and I am extremely happy that Rick has been able to do all of the exciting things he has.
I just laughed and continued to work and then I was asked to help unload the truck with the landscaping on it. Here we go again, as I am tracking through the thick mud I am thinking to myself walk slow and pick up your feet one at a time. That was not an easy task, every time you raised your foot last night it was covered in heavy thick mud, it felt like your shoes were stuck in concrete. As I got to the truck and started to unload i turned around and noticed that my shoe was still in the mud, that’s right the last time I picked up my foot, it came out of my shoe and my shoe stayed in the mud. All I could do was laugh. I wasn’t the only one it had happened to and with the conditions wouldn’t be the last.
We kept working into the wee hours of the morning and soon things were coming together. The rooms had been painted, flooring had been laid, trash was picked up, trucks had been moved; things were starting to be completely cleaned up. The crews were working on getting the landscaping started and the house was beginning to look like a home. The sod was being ready to be laid. The driveway and sidewalk were laid. The front porch is absolutely beautiful with large white pillars and white fencing around the front.
So by the end of this shift you could really see this as a complete home, the landscaping was down, the house on the outside was complete and the crews were getting ready for the final clean up to get ready to move the furniture in at some point today. There were also rumors of Kellie Pickler being there and performing sometime this evening.
This post by an Extreme Home Makeover volunteer was reviewed by the show’s producers before it was released to this web site.
TweetPickler entertains ‘Extreme’ volunteers and spectators
Celebrity volunteer and country singer Kellie Pickler performed three songs this afternoon during the filming of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” In between songs, she spoke to the crowd and autographed hard hats.
“This is the most incredible thing I’ve ever been a part of,” Pickler said to the audience. “I can’t wait to see their faces when they get home.”
Pickler complimented volunteers and praised them for their hard work and dedication. “I can’t believe it’s all finished,” she said as she stood on stage in front of the house. “It looks like it was air-lifted in.”
Her set included “Gotta Keep Moving,” “Best Days of Your Life” and “Red High Heels.”
Throughout the performance, Pickler joked with the crowd and at one point called out to the Akers family from West Chester, whose house was remodeled in 2008 by the “Extreme Makeover” team.
“You’re famous,” she told Brooke and Faith Akers. “You can have my autograph if I can have yours.”
Brooke and Faith both have spinal muscular atrophy.
During Pickler’s set, Didi Snyder, Ed Sanders and Michael Moloney moved furniture into the new home along with volunteers. As the Terpenning’s new couch moved past the stage, Pickler jumped on it and was carried into the house.
Megan Martin and Meghan McDevitt, two of Pickler’s fans, turned up to the site long before Pickler’s performance.
“I love her singing,” said Martin. “I just downloaded her songs on iTunes.”
Megan Good, Maddie Renshaw, Sarah Grossman, Savannah Renshaw and Paige Worley were also on the site early to witness Pickler’s concert. They’re all fans of Pickler’s shoes. She if often seen wearing high, flashy heels. According to Pickler’s Twitter page, she is considering selling a few pairs.
“Thinking about setting up an ebay account to clean out my closet,” Pickler wrote on her Twitter page. “Shoes, shoes, & more shoes…anyone a 6 1/2??”
Tomorrow, the Terpenning family will return to their new home. The show’s “Move that bus” scene will take place around 2 p.m.
Spectators should consider arriving earlier. The shuttle buses will be running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Eastgate Ford parking lot on Seajay Drive.
Staff writer Amanda Liles contributed to this report.
TweetKellie Pickler performs at Extreme Makeover site
UPDATE: Country music singer Kellie Pickler performed at the site of the Extreme Makeover home on Carthage Drive in Beavercreek on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 5.
Spectators were welcome to view the performance.
The American Idol finalist is the celebrity volunteer and helped the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team led by Ty Pennington surprise the Terpenning family last Thursday with news that they are getting a new house.
The house will be revealed to the family on Thursday, Aug. 6, when the Terpennings return from a vacation to Disney World.
TweetGuest blogger touched by ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’
By Nancy L. Watt, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Spectator Blogger
A poem expressing how Nancy feels about “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”:
Life Changers
To the Extreme Team, where do I start?
The work you do comes from your heart.
Each week I sit and watch your show,
And the number of families continues to grow.
You travel many miles, both near and far,
Continuing to be such shining stars.
You’re helping so many achieve their dreams,
Because you are such a selfless team.
The endless hours; no time to spare
Just to show how much you care.
So much of yourselves, you freely give,
Making others’ lives easier to live.
You show them there are happy endings
In all the messages you are sending.
Where else can so many dreams come true
With all the things you make brand new.
The smiles will come; the tears will fall,
Lives have changed because of you all.
You have helped so many families mend.
We are all so grateful to you, my friends.
With each and every new endeavor,
You will stay in all our hearts forever.
You have touched me so much in all that you do.
I just wanted to write and say: Thank you!
Nancy L. Watt
2009
I have lived in Brookville, OH all of my life. As a single parent, I have raised my daughter, Miranda, who is entering her junior year at Wright State University. I am a cosmetologist at the Design Crew Salon in Brookville. God has blessed me with the talent to express myself through poetry. I have been inspired to write poems for many people and many occasions, including weddings, graduations, church activities, and Memorial Day services for our veterans. I recently returned from my fourth mission trip to New Orleans, where I helped with rebuilding homes damaged by Katrina.
I am a huge fan of the Extreme Home Makeover television show, and when I learned they were coming to the Miami Valley, I immediately signed up as a volunteer. Although, I was not called to work, I wanted to let them know how they inspire me and how much I admire what they do for families with special needs. I sent a copy of “Life Changers” to Leslie Draeger hoping she could relay it to the design team.
I rarely miss an episode and cannot watch without crying as they fulfill the dreams of so many people. I couldn’t wait to get to the work site to see first-hand all that they do in such a short time. I stood in the rain all day on Tuesday and watched them work unceasingly regardless of the weather. It was an awesome experience! God bless the Extreme Team and all those who freely give of their time for all the families they have touched.
This post by an Extreme Home Makeover volunteer was reviewed by the show’s producers before it was released to this web site.
TweetDay 2 of volunteering even more ‘Extreme’
By Jen Mahaffey, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition volunteer blogger
Day Two of volunteering for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” brought even more excitement. I have to admit, after having such a great time my first day I was excited and couldn’t wait to get back to the house to help out. Once you get involved, I don’t know how to really explain what this does to someone. The first day I was nervous and felt like I was heading for the first day of school and by the end of my shift I was pumped up and couldn’t wait to go back. All day long I felt like one of my children on Christmas I kept watching the clock and counting down until I could go back. I even ended up going in five hours before I was even asked to. I had not been to sleep from the day before but it did not even seem to bother me, I was tired but still some how had so much energy and excitement that not even having sleep kept me from going back to help out.
When I arrived today the siding was going on the house outside and the drywall crew was working hard on the walls and ceilings on the inside. Again contractors and volunteers running around everywhere doing anything and everything they could help. Before I could even ask what or where I was needed, I ran into my uncle Rick. Rick is that person that has to be hands on and involved where the excitement is at all times so this project has been perfect for him. He took me and my sister over to where he was working. So I just thought OK I guess I will work here, no big deal, right? Wrong!!! It was a very big DEAL!!! As soon as I walked over to this area a gentleman named Mark walked over and asked if I was ready to work and what my name was. This man looks at me and says Jen you will be cutting this wood for me, what? Me cut wood? I said “I’ll be honest, I don’t really know how”.
Now this man is in charge of a big project and is in time crunch, he could have said then move but he didn’t he was so kind and patient, he showed me what to do and waited for me to get it right, once I got it, he left. So now it’s me, my sister and my uncle working on a project for one of the rooms (sorry not allowed to give away what it was). We were having the time of our lives and just as I was thinking this is awesome it couldn’t get better than this, well it DID. I hear behind me this accent and as I turn around, who is standing right behind me? ED, a designer from the show—that’s right ED!!
This man is so incredibly nice, he was working on his project but yet talked to each of us that were also there working and as it got later in the evening he even stopped and asked all of us if we had eaten dinner yet. You would think that he would have been all about himself and focused only on his project but he was the total opposite. He was kind and even as focused as he was on his project that he says he is behind on, he took the time to talk with us.
Later on in the evening as I took a small break, I went over to the house and Michael was working in the back yard on the playground for the children, and as I was standing there I hear someone yell “Hey Michael” I look up and DiDi is sitting on the roof. I was watching as they were filming. This was so fun to watch. I couldn’t help but just stand and smile. When I was walking back to the area that I was working on, Michael passes me. Now this man could have walked by me but again that’s not how these people are, he asked my how I was and then thanked me for helping. Are you kidding me? He thanked me! It made me feel so good and my energy level with no sleep seem to take yet another boost.
After the production crew and designers left for the evening, the rest of us kept working. At this point I will admit was starting to slowly feel the effects of no sleep, but just when you think its about time to call it a night something amazing happens and keeps you going. I walked passed one of the neighbors who the volunteers have started calling the “extreme granny,” this woman is so nice and caring and sits out and watches every thing that is going on with this project. She said Honey you look tired why don’t you at least take a nap. I told her I would be OK and would eventually be going home and she sounding like my grandma said to me that’s what you say but you will end up staying, you should at least take a small nap, you can come sleep right here. This woman doesn’t even know me and yet treated me like her family and was willing to let me sleep there. These neighbors are just as amazing as this whole project.
I then finished and moved on to yet another project with the house and was asked if I needed a massage. That’s right. You can even get a massage if you need to after you work. This just blows my mind, you feel so important the whole time you are there.
I worked many hours more as they continued doing the inside of the house. The drywall crew worked so fast and non-stop that when they would look at you their faces where completely white, they looked like ghosts. They looked as though they had painted their faces on purpose. But none of them complained. The each kept working and not many of them even stopped to take a break.
What seemed like ten minutes later we then started unloading trucks full of flooring and cabinets for the kitchen and bathrooms. The house was all coming together right then and there.
By the time I left in the wee hours, the siding and brick were on the outside of the house, the drywall and ceilings were on, lights were in. Crews were working on finishing touches with the roof and cosmetic parts of the outside, volunteers were taking in the flooring and cabinets to be installed. At the back of the house, the porch had been poured, and the playground was finished and looks like something you would see at a very nice public park. These children will love this playset, it’s definitely not the normal swingset most of our children have.
As I was waiting on the bus to take me back to my car, I stood and just looked at this house. From the outside looks like it’s just about done. I am amazed that in the two days that I have been there how quick things are moving. It seems strange that the first day I am there its framing out the house and the next day I go back, it’s siding and laying brick to the same house.
This truly is an extreme project that I have been lucky to be a part of it.
This post by an Extreme Home Makeover volunteer was reviewed by the show’s producers before it was released to this web site.
Tweet‘Makeover’ volunteer: It’s not about the house…
By Kim Dolinski, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition volunteer blogger
My name is Kim, of Brookville, and I am a secretary for the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities. My family has a connection to this project, as Ginger Akers (my sister) of West Chester, was last July’s EMHE recipient of a home that has been a true blessing.
I was so excited when I heard that a family from the Dayton area had been selected to receive a makeover. I immediately contacted the Web site to volunteer. My heart about to leap right out of my chest as I stated… “Just let me give back some way”. I didn’t care where I was needed, I just wanted to give back some of the blessings that were so graciously given to our family. They will be changed forever in a way that is unimaginable if you have not traveled in their shoes. The excitement is contagious and spreading throughout the community. Everyone is so charged just to see this family get a home that will meet their physical needs. This family has given of themselves and now we get to give back.
Last year, I was speaking to a lead man on the Production team. With tears in my eyes, I thanked him for a wonderful home for my sister’s family. He replied, “Forget the house, it’s not about the house. It’s about the community coming together this family. After we are gone, if just one of these 2,000 volunteers helps someone change a tire on the side of the road, helps serve in a soup kitchen or help the homeless, even just one, then we’ve done our job, then we would be a success.” Let’s all pay it forward. Our communities will all be better for it.
This post by an Extreme Home Makeover volunteer was reviewed by the show’s producers before it was released to this web site.
TweetRainy day slows outdoor work at Extreme Makeover site
Rain throughout the morning and afternoon at the Beavercreek Extreme Makeover site slowed some of the outdoor construction work although the overall project is still pretty much on schedule.
“We’re right on schedule on the interior work and we’re still sort of on schedule outside,” said Rob Arnold, the site builder and president of Coventry Fine Homes.
“We could slip a little bit because of this rain,” he said. “Besides that we’ve had a few little surprises that have held us back but nothing out of the ordinary.”
Today volunteers worked on finishing the trim, tiling and painting inside the house. Outside volunteers completed work on the brick facade and siding of the garage. Landscaping is scheduled to start this evening. Tomorrow volunteers will start laying sod.
The new Terpenning home is a one-story ranch with a farmhouse vibe. A long porch will span the front of the house.
The family was shown various house design styles and they picked styles they liked, Arnold said.
In designing the house crews kept the family’s preferences in mind but tried not to create something totally out of place for the neighborhood, he said.
Arnold also mentioned that every room in the house is at the same level, guaranteeing easy access for James and Joseph Terpenning. Both are in wheelchairs.
While the rain didn’t stop the volunteers from working it did stop some spectators. The crowd of people watching today was considerably smaller than previous days.
A few dedicated fans braved the storm with signs to show their support. Some said they purposely came out in the rain to avoid crowds.
The Williams sisters of Beavercreek have been to the site everyday since Saturday and said they were hoping to catch a glimpse of designer Ed Sanders.
The house will be revealed to the family during the “Move that bus” scene when they return home from their vacation early Thursday afternoon.
People interested in seeing the site firsthand can catch shuttles at the Eastgate Ford parking lot on Seajay Drive. The buses run from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Staff writer Hannah Bealer contributed to this report.
Tweet‘Shocking’ progress at the Extreme Makeover site
What was just a hole in the ground yesterday is now starting to look like a house.
Extreme Makeover volunteers have made shocking progress on the Terpenning family home since late yesterday afternoon, according to several spectators at the work site.
“We couldn’t believe that the house was up already,” said Michele Blake of Huber Heights. “When we left yesterday they had just poured the cement for the foundation.”
This afternoon volunteers could be seen putting up siding, finishing up the final sections of roofing and bringing in the drywall.
“It’s pretty amazing how quickly it’s all coming together,” said Beavercreek resident Heather Barker. Barker last visited the site on Thursday and said she was surprised to see the new house so soon.
Members of the show’s production team said 24 hours ago there was nothing on the site. It seems the house appeared overnight.
Rob Arnold, the site builder and president of Coventry Fine Homes, said the project is moving along but construction is about three hours behind schedule.
“We’re doing a lot right now and should be finished with most of the exterior of the home by the end of the day,” Arnold said.
Volunteers will spend the rest of the day hanging drywall, painting, putting up siding, setting cabinets and doing tile work.
There have been no Ty sightings today but designer Ed Sanders could be seen running around on top of the roof. Ty’s latest tweet on twitter says he is in Wisconsin.
Construction on the house will continue until Thursday, Aug. 6, when it will be revealed to the family when they return home from their Disney World vacation.
TweetWhat’s it really like to volunteer for ‘Extreme Makeover?’
By Jen Mahaffey, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition volunteer blogger
Volunteers Come Together To Make A Difference I am a stay-at-home mother of three very active boys in Kettering. My youngest son has a rare lung disease, and it’s because of his disease that I, along with my mother, uncle and great uncle, am helping with the Extreme Makeover home.
I had no idea what to expect, I was a little nervous and felt as though it were the first day of school. When I walked up to where they are building the home, all you could see where blue shirts and white hard hats. There were people working in every direction.
It is like being on a movie set: there are tents and cameras everywhere. They have volunteers that walk around and ask you if you need anything to drink, and others walk around and ask if you need anything to eat. You feel as though you are a celebrity. Everything is “extreme” while the home is being built.
When I first arrived, the frame was being built. The contractors and all the volunteers seem to work well with each other, and all are working really fast. The work is done in teams, and each team has different things they are responsible for getting done. Surprisingly with a large number of people that are in such a small area, there is still control and it seems as though everyone knows what to do and what has to be done. Of course the contractors have no problem telling you what needs to be done and what to do next. But to everyone’s credit, so far things seems peaceful and to be going smooth. The volunteers work for hours. I talked to people that had been there for 24 straight hours. Its amazing how many people are willing to do so much for a family they don’t even know.
The home is going up so fast that by the time I left this morning the roof was going on and some of the windows had been put in. This truly is an amazing experience not only for this family but everyone that has volunteered as well.
Each volunteer has a different story as to why they want to help. I am helping because I know what this family is going through, I know firsthand what it’s like to need help to make your home safe and comfortable for your family. I understand the frustration of not being able to make that happen, so I feel as though it’s the least I can do to help this family out.
When you work with these contractors and all these volunteers, you feel as though it’s one big family. It really is amazing. And no matter what seems to be going on or how stressful you may think things can get, everyone stays calm and helps each other out.
The only way to understand all of this is to see it for yourself, even as each hour that goes by all the people that just watch from the sidelines and all the neighbors that stay up late into the night taking pictures or video taping for the family every move and minute-by-minute updates. By the end of my shift I felt as though this was my family; it really is an amazing experience, and I am so glad that I get to be a part in it all.
This post by an Extreme Home Makeover volunteer was reviewed by the show’s producers before it was released to this web site.
TweetHuber Engineered Woods donates products for “Extreme Makeover”
“Extreme Makeover” volunteers won’t be catching a break anytime soon. The Terpenning family’s house, located on Carthage Drive, was demolished on Saturday. Now that the area has been leveled, volunteers worked diligently on Sunday, August 2.
The construction crew hoped to have the framework for the new house finished by midnight.
Huber Engineered Woods, a company with a location in Columbus, was contacted by Extreme Makeover’s producers to ask if they would be willing to help out with the project. The producers had used products from the company in the past and was impressed, said regional sales manager Kevin Kessler, who was visiting the construction site on Sunday.
“Corporate made the decision to get involved,” said Kessler. “It’s a great way to expose our products.”
AdvanTech Flooring, ZIP System Wall Sheathing and ZIP System Roof Sheathing are three of the donated products.
Kessler explained that each product helps to eliminate steps in the construction process that are usually necessary. AdvanTech Flooring has “design bending strength and stiffness that commodity oriented strand board and plywood,” according to a press notice released by the company. The ZIP System Wall Sheathing is a “moisture barrier and air barrier all-in-one,” and the ZIP System Roof Sheathing eliminates the need for felt paper and H-clips.
“Everything is installed easily. It works in all kinds of conditions,” he said, noting that the products are great for quick builds. “We’re glad we can provide some help with our products.”
Construction on the house will continue until Thursday, Aug. 6, when it will be revealed to the family after their Disney World vacation. The Terpenning family will arrive around 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the community is invited to welcome them home.
Tweet
