Submitted by Timothy Clarke
Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities

Hats off to Diane Davis and Terri Ostlie as they coordinate and organize our Rebuilding Day headquarters, at the Twin Peaks Senior Center, getting it ready for April 25.

The work really starts now, as Davis starts collecting names of the participants. It really helps to sign up early so all the paperwork is done by the time we gather on the day. Volunteer coordinators are recruited to manage the non-tradespeople’s projects, and Wayne Palmer has recruited the house captains to direct the trade workers.

The house captains have started to meet and refine the scope of work at each home and order whatever materials are required for delivery on April 25. All this starts long before the volunteers arrive at the event. The day before, all the food to made lunches is delivered and those heavenly Jensen’s donuts.

When the volunteers arrive bright and early on Rebuilding Day, there are lines with groups of letters that coordinate with names. Because the volunteers have signed up ahead of time, all their paperwork is done and they whiz through the line, meeting at least two people they know already.

The multiple conversations grow in intensity as old and new friends catch up and anticipation grows. Suddenly their house number is called, and they head off to spread the love.

Meanwhile, back at the senior center, a group of volunteers has started to make the lunches and write the thank you notes enclosed. The work site volunteers are out there aiding their neighbors who were selected last year, and that warm feeling begins to grow.

After the workday is done – and after the volunteers have had a chance to get washed up – they head back to the Twin Peaks Senior Center for the congratulatory spaghetti diner. Stories are told, laughs are abundant and smiles go all around.

Come join us for the best time you have ever had while breaking a sweat!
Call Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities for a good time: (909) 336-3910. Or visit www.rebuildingtogethermountaincommunities.org.