Pics from Dedication Ceremony

It was a fantastic day! Click on the link below to view pictures from Sunday and all the pictures during our build this year.

www.flickr.com

Chef for a Day Fundraiser

Chef David Robinson of Bezalel Gables Fine Catering & Events reports that our July 12 fundraiser, wherein he invited people who made a donation to Habitat into his kitchen to share some culinary "secrets" was great fun.

In his words: "It was a terrific group of folks and we had a BLAST! We had 5 student chefs. Everyone who attended was a client or friend of Bezalel Gables! The class was greeted with local peach champagne and smoked cheese, we then toured the kitchen, settled into demo and cooking lunch: Blue Cheese Panna Cotta with Gorgonzola; Seafood Crepes with Shrimp and Caviar; Grass-Fed Local Beef; Sweet Potato Gratin; Roasted Roma Tomatoes; then we had creme brulee and homemade white peach sorbet. We served Hudson-Chatham Riesling and their Merlot with lunch.

"The baking portion of the class after lunch yielded enough for everyone to take home: 2 loaves of banana bread; dark chocolate-chip oatmeal cookies and a 9-inch plum clafouti each."

Mmmmm.....sounds positively yummy! Thanks again to Chef David for donating his time to help Habitat, and to those who took the class.

Fashion Show Videos

Fabulous Fashion Show Fun!!!!

Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, our latest fundraiser, the fun and funky Working Girls Fashion Show was another huge success and a great time for both the participants and the audience. Once again, we at Habitat are overwhelmed and humbled by the community response and support!

Much thanks to the VERY hard work of Carol Lavender and her staff at The Second Show in Hudson, who put together the whole show with outfits from the resale fashions at the store. They created an apropos theme for the Women Build - women's roles and professions throughout the decades. From the June Cleaver housewife look, to helmet-clad race car drivers, to a female presidential cabinet, they managed to cover the gamut in a lighthearted and amusing way.

A few brave male models joined the more than a dozen female volunteers of all ages, who were as excited to be helping Habitat as we were to have them modeling for us. The models included family of one of the first Habitat homeowners on Mill Street, the Walkers. Behind the scenes there was a lot of dashing about trying to make quick costume changes, but also plenty of camaraderie as we helped zip up dresses and tuck in tags for each other. The temperature in the basement dressing room was sweltering with only one fan to cool us, but we nevertheless kept our cool and had a great time for a great cause.

So many business owners generously donated fabulous prizes for a raffle, we are rumored to have raised more than $5,000 (we'll update as soon as we know for sure). Jason's Upstairs Bar owner Jason Wyckoff most generously donated his establishment and a DJ for the evening, as well as modeled a few outfits. And Hudson restaurants provided plates of sweet goodies for noshing on.

The list of thank-you's is huge.....

The models: Kathy Bailey, Suzy Berry, Nancy Jane Bostwick, Carthette Burnett, Barbara Calkins, JoAnn Cardis, Brianna Clements, Ned Depew, Kerri Esposito, Frances Heaney, Ray Jones, Katie Kappes, Kayla Kosovac, Mark Lacoy, Yasamin Larizadeh, Ellen Liburt, Tim Moriarty, Crystal Nabozny, Ken Polinskie, Jill Salerno, Jessica Sanchez, Shiloh Sanchez, Taitia Shelow, Lisa Small, Ruth Tamaroff, Jackie Thomas, Juliette Tomlinson, Rich Violo, Jennifer Walker, Lakia Walker and Jason Wyckoff.

Dessert Table Sponsors: Baba Louie's; Cascades; DaBa; Karp, Ackerman et al; Rob Lagonia, caterer at Columbia Golf and Country Club; Nolita; Price Chopper; and Swoon.

Chinese Auction Raffle: Dee Keegan (Medium), Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts, The Second Show, Rami's Frame Shop, Michael Levinson/Gray Fish, Ad Lib, Hudson City Books, Deborah Davis Fine Art, White Rice, Eustace and Zamus Antiques, Pavilion, deMarchin, Kosa, Lounge, Birgit Antiques, Animalkind, Foxfire Antiques, Sweeps, Atomic Ink, Ananda's Bliss, Carrie Haddad Gallery, Mexican Radio, Alain Pioton, Wasabi Japanese Restaurant, Muddy Cup, Mark's Antiques, Face Stockholm, Mane Street Hairstyles, Dan Rupe, Marie's Chair Caning, Scott Baldinger, Fairlawn Inn, Otto, Olde Hudson, Spotty Dog, Spalon, Tanzy's, Circa Trade, Bodhi, Steiner's, Elizabeth DiPalma, Space 360 and Judith Finley and Suzanne Williams, Vico, Emma Leigh's, Lili and Loo, The Secret Gardener, J. Damiani Gallery, Hudson Wine Merchant, Ca Mea, Vasilow's, John Doe Books & Records, Fairview Wine & Spirits, Foley & Cox, Marx Home and The Vanderbilt Inn.

Behind the Scenes: Tony Markham and Face Stockholm, Rebekah's of Kinderhook, Terry Ackerman, Bobbi Bush, Sondra Patzwahl, Janet Albrecht, Margaret Apa, Vicki Navratil-Kosovac, Tim McGrath, Dee Keegan, Stair Auction Gallery, Arenskjold Antiques and Art, and Carole Nabozny.

FINALLY! The building has begun.....

WALL RAISING

Yesterday the official kick off of Women Build finally happened, with our first crew of volunteers raising a wall for the cameras, then getting down to some serious work after a brief program. Dignitaries like Hudson Mayor Rick Scalera, Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Art Baer, and NYS Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez joined the Steering Committee in celebrating the success of Women Build. Mayor Scalera said he'd be happy to find Habitat more home sites in the city!

Ms. Cortes-Vazquez (pictured at right) lauded the tremendous community effort that got Women Build off the ground. Our fearless leader, Debra Gestwicki, thanked God for leading her back to Columbia County and for the Women Build's success, then a local Lutheran pastor blessed the site. Co-chairwomen Joyce Lapenn and Joanne DelRossi thanked the many hands that helped in our success and will continue helping throughout the summer build.

Special thanks for the day went to Verdigris Art and Tea and Kim Bach who provided yummy goodies for us to eat; Columbia Tent Rentals for a tent and chairs (thankfully the predicted storms did not materialize); and Stewart's Shops for coffee.

Working Girls Fashion Show

Please join us for the Working Girls Fashion Show sponsored by The Second Show and Jason's Upstairs on Friday, June 13 from 8 to 11 p.m. This event will include fabulous desserts donated by various Warren Street restaurants, a fashion show and dancing to DJ CA-JO. Tickets are only $25 and are now available at the Second Show or by calling 828-2990.

Click here to download a poster designed by Elizabeth DiPalma.

What a Great Garden and Home Luncheon!

The Columbia Golf and Country Club was host to a fabulous Garden and Home Luncheon with garden writer Suzy Bales (at left, accepting a Women Build hat and T-shirt as thanks) on Sunday May 18th. Suzy’s down-to-earth (pun intended) approach and “permissive” style of gardening seemed to captivate all 100 or so guests at a benefit for our Women Build. Her presentation, including fabulous slides of her gardens, and her knowledge of gardening seemed to inspire both the novice and expert gardener alike. She was warm, funny and so appropriate for celebrating spring and Women Build. Suzy signed her book “The Down-to-earth Gardener” for many of the guests who were delighted that their contributions supported Women Build. Prior to a fabulous buffet lunch, a Women Build DVD got us all teary with the expectation of what Women Build is going to be doing in Hudson starting May 27th

In the spirit of gardening and beauty, the table center pieces were donated by Germantown and Greenport Garden Clubs.

As always, Women Build organized an active benefit with so many ways to support the project… in addition to our speaker and book signing there was a sensational raffle of gorgeous artwork by four esteemed local women artists: a landscape painting by Gail Giles; abstract painting by Anna Cinquemani, a photograph by Patricia Nolan and a divine one -of –a- kind wall hanging by Melissa Sarris. Melissa (in photo with Habitat Board President Diana Coughlin), a Women Build steering committee member, organized these beautiful raffle items for the home, asking her fellow artists to donate their beautiful works.

And, there was a silent auction with 15 garden items for everyone’s taste and pocketbook including a gift certificate for 3 yards of any PureGold Compost Product, delivered, to Woodstock Bamboo Wind Chimes. Our thanks go to Katy Nichols who single-handedly organized this wonderful auction, engaging local businesses to donate a variety of items and gift certificates to please all gardeners.

Having fun, building community and talking about the forthcoming Build and raising almost $8,000 was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Our thanks to co-chairs: Vicki Simons and Diana Coughlin and to all the steering committee members who helped make this happen. Our special thanks, as always, to our technology guru, Laurie Quinn… who insured that Suzy’s slide show was possible

Our many thanks to:
Columbia Golf and Country Club staff and the club caterer Rob Lagonia.
And our very special thanks to our local vendors:
Maple Lane Nursery *Samascott’s Market * Pi Restaurant * The Berry Farm * The Handcrafters* Classic Country * Michael Devine Home and Garden* A Delicate Balance * Gibson Girl * The Sycamore Garden Center and Nursery * Great Finds
Byron Clough * Crazy Daisy * Mario’s Home Center

You're in good hands!

I can't tell you how wonderful it is that Women Build is moving forward. Last night I attended the first ever orientation session for crew leaders. Debra and Pat organized this evening and Debra led the group through crew leader roles and responsibilities, expectations, etc. She handed out training manuals which included terms, how to , etc. She led with humor, warmth and obviously much knowledge through her past experiences.

Over 25 women attended this meeting. What amazed me was the enthusiasm and building skills of this group; indeed in addition to the women who have renovated and built their own kitchens and barns, there were professional contractors who will be our crew leaders. Most exciting, for me, is the diversity of this group of women.... a psychoanalyst, former physical therapist, nurse, etc. Common theme is the strong desire to do good, build a house and have fun.

Our volunteers, who have signed up in droves, will be in good hands.

Joyce LaPenn

Join Us for Cinco de Mayo "Fun"draising

Women Build and Time & Space Limited (TSL) in Hudson are joining forces for a mutual fund/friend-raiser at TSL to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The event will be held May 5 from 6-8 p.m. at TSL in Hudson, located at 434 Columbia Street, between 4th and 5th streets.

Food will be provided by Picante Uno of Valatie and Bread & Puppet Circus will present a fun-for-the-whole-family performance. TSL asks that we RSVP by sending ticket money to them at PO Box 343, Hudson NY 12534. Tickets are $20 per person, $5 for children under 12. Money raised will be split between the two organizations.

Hope to see you there!

MAY EVENTS..........

Women Build women can't stop planning!! Not only are we actively engaged in training women with new skills, developing women as crew leaders, but we're also planning numerous events to help celebrate our work and raise money to ensure our goal of $70,000 will be met.

On May 5, at Time and Space Limited our two organizations: TSL and Women Build are celebrating Cinco De Mayo from 6-8; Join Bread and Puppet Theatre, enjoy fabulous food by Picante Uno.... and tenga un buen tiempo with friends and family. $20 per person and $ 5 for children under 12. To find out more about this event, go to http://www.timeandspace.org/.

On May 18, join Suzy Bales who has turned her lifelong passion for cooking and gardening into a career as she shares with us incredible ways to enjoy down to earth gardening. A wonderful opportunity to celebrate Women Build, spring and enjoy lunch and auction at Columbia Golf and Country Club, Claverack from 11:30- 2:00.$50 per person.

Suzy Bales has had her own weekly gardening column in Newsday for two years, joined Family Circle as their contributing garden editor for twelve years. She wrote for The New York Times and Better Homes & Gardens as the Sr. Editor for Gardening and Outdoor Living from 2004 until early 2007. She has been featured in Ladies Home Journal, House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Horticulture, Beautiful Gardens, and Easy Gardening.

Suzy is the author of 13 books. The first eight books were in the Burpee American Gardening Series: Bulbs, Perennials, Annuals, Vegetables, Container Gardening, Roses and Vines, and Ready, Set, Grow, a book on children’s gardening. She has also written: Gifts from Your Garden, Garden Parties, A Garden of Fragrance, The Down-To-Earth Gardner, The Garden in Winter.

Suzy won the Garden Writer of the Year Award from the American Horticultural Society in 1995, and has twice been awarded the Quill and Trowel Award by The Garden Writers of America. In 2007 she received the Elizabeth Hamilton Great American Philanthropist award for her twenty-five years of volunteer work with abused and homeless children.

Many cooks and gardeners recognize Suzy from her frequent TV appearances on ABC and NBC as well as her series of garden spots on Good Morning America. She travels and lectures constantly and has been the featured speaker at Epcot, the Williamsburg Garden Symposium and other flower shows across the country including Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, St. Lewis and Atlanta.

Stay tuned to our website and even more events.....much is being planned for June as we continue to build a home, friends and supporters of Women Build.

The Quilt Project

The Women Build is proud to announce its latest fundraising effort, a project with a long "herstory" among women - quilting. Quilter extraordinaire Melissa Sarris, a Women Build Steering Committee member, will design and craft a signature quilt. Signature quilts have been, historically, a way women expressed themselves personally and politically. After the Civil War, women took the hobby of quilt making and used it as a way of becoming socially active. They created quilts with signatures on them to support a cause. Women also raised funds by selling spaces on the quilts and raffling the quilts, donating the money to the chosen cause.

Our Quilt Project will help us raise money toward our $70,000 goal, and, when finished, be presented as a gift to the family occupying the Women Build home. The quilt will be a reminder to the family of the caring community that helped them build a home.

Here's how you can participate:

* For a $10 donation, you can sign a strip of colorful fabric, either with your name or a short message; the strips will make up the quilt border.

* For a $25 donation, you can choose a quilt square crafted by local quilters, and again sign your name to it.

* For a $50 donation, you can choose one of the handmade blocks and have a brief saying, the name of your business, etc., embroidered on the square. The squares will make up the center of the quilt.

Quilters who wish to help us make squares, please visit Foofsique, the quilting store on Route 295 in Chatham. They have the instructions and fabric for making the squares (many thanks to Foofsique owners Anne Quinn and Sandy Parker, pictured here with Melissa Sarris preparing the fabric).

To make a donation and sign a piece of the quilt, contact Melissa Sarris at melissa@sarrisquilts.com. You can visit Melissa's website for additional information: www.sarrisquilts.com

Upcoming Event - Blue Plate Brunch

Sunday, March 30 - Blue Plate Brunch 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Blue Plate Restaurant located at 1 Kinderhook Street (Chatham Circle) in Chatham. Cost $35 per person. Reserve a spot by sending check to: Habitat for Humanity of Columbia County, PO Box 102, Chatham, NY 12037; please note that it's for the brunch. Come enjoy a scrumptious brunch with neighbors and the community.

Click here to access the brunch E-vite.