P R O J E C T 1 7 0 7

Work Day on April 25th

2009-04-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

There will be a work day on Saturday the 25th at 1707. We'll be finishing up the demo and getting the space prepped for the electrical crew to get going. Many hands will help get this last push done. So if you can spare a few hours on Saturday to help out that would be awesome. We'll be working from 8:30 to 11:30 and then will get to partake in a wonderful meal back at the church. If you're
going to join us please let Todd Reding know so he can let the cooks know how many to plan for.

LUNCH MENU: Just got word that lunch will be SUPER DELICIOUS

The menu for next Saturday is set ... Chicken Bruschetta, vegetable medley, fruit and a delicious Linda Risting dessert.

Thank You... We could not have done it without you!!!

2009-03-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

We were able to raise over $3,500.00 towards Project 1707! a special thank you to the following for donating to our first annual goods, services and talent auction and dinner. It was a success!

Dr. Scott Baumann
Don & Terry Burkhead
Diana Buter
Marion & Marc Chamberland
Jennifer & Dr. Patrick Cogley
Judy Cook
Karla Cornish
Deacon Diane Eberhart & Pastor Len Eberhart
GRMC Auxiliary
Jack Gustafson
Andy Hamilton
Dawn Jaeger
Dr. Clark & Annie Jensen
Carol Jordan
Wendy & Makalya Kadner
Earl Kinnaird
Sue Kolbe
Barb Lease
Brian Mitchell & Dr. Ramona Mitchell
Joan Milburn
Eleanor Osland
Karen Packard
Carolyn Ritter
Larry Robertson
Dan Sicard
Cathy Sonnichsen
t.a.g.
Karen Town
Wes Finch Auto
Rob Yelenick
Sunday School Classes who provided our theme baskets

Dessert Providers- Judy Arendt, Deb Breeden, Rhonda Brennecke, Terry Burkhead, Judy Bush, Gloria Clay, Abby Copeman, Kim Dodd, Gretchen Isenberg, Wendy Kadner, Ramona Mitchell, Diane Patterson, Lynnda Risting, Carolyn Roudabush, Lynn Stone, Peg Watson and Melissa West

Kitchen Crew- Lynn Stone, Wendy Kadner, Monique Shore, Patrick Cogley, Todd Reding, Scott Baumann, Mike & Diane BUrt.

With Appreciation,
Project 1707 Crew

Sendng out a BIG thanks!

2009-02-21T04:14:00.000-08:00

Project 1707 is more than a service project. It is a complete program, and its success is dependent on a wide variety of activities. It is not just about the Saturday morning work crews, or demolition. There is planning, promotion, fund raising, communications with the family, and the general coordination with our central church.

A BIG thanks goes out today to Shannon Reding, Jennifer Cogley, and all of the persons involved in organizing a MAMMOTH fund raising luncheon tomorrow! They have solicited gifts for a huge silent auction. They have promoted the event to the entire community. And they have planned a free luncheon for more than 200 and spent less than $100 to do so! Their efforts will help us complete the final funding piece, and begin purchasing electrical supplies and insulation.

Be sure to show up and enjoy tomorrow at noon at the Grinnell United Methodist Church.

Thanks to the luncheon crew for all you have done to make this a success!

Join us for lunch to help the project!

2009-02-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

There will be a fundraising lunch and silent auction on Feb. 22 at
11:45 am in the Friendship Center of the GUMC. The community is
invited. We will be serving lasagna, salad, bread, desserts and
drinks. A free will offering will be taken for the meal. The silent
auction items include, a gift certificate for dinner at Lonnski's and
movie passes, a tennis lesson, a fire station throw and tour of the
fire station with pizza for 8, tickets to Shult's and Co.'s spring
performance of "Live from Las Vegas", antiques and vintage clothing,
a gift certificate for 3 nights stay at Grandma's House, baked goods,
a quilt, a painting, theme baskets, and many other great items.
Money raised from this event will help to cover the cost of
insulation, dry wall and electrical wiring. If you have any
questions please call the church office at 235-3757.

The Story

2009-01-20T15:58:00.001-08:00

P R O J E C T 1 7 0 7
The Story
Eleven-year old Mary heard popping noises from behind her. Curious, she moved toward
the kitchen. She opened the door, and was horrified. Flames were enveloping her one
hundred year-old home, born from a simple toaster. They spread over the walls and
ceiling and came toward her. She bravely reached for the phone and dialed 911.
But for her sleeping brother upstairs, Mary was alone. She reported the emergency, and
replaced the phone. With the fire quickly gaining momentum, she dashed up the narrow
staircase and burst into her brother’s room. She pulled him from his sleep, yelling “fire”
and they fled down the stairs and out of the house.
Waiting for help, they watched as the blaze engulfed the home and dishes crashed to the
floor from burning cabinets.
The family of 1707 7th Ave. is one much like other American families. Both parents
work in a small Midwestern town, supporting three children and dealing with the
blessings, and challenges of life. The father, a Vietnam-veteran, has always provided for
his family. The mother, a librarian, believes in simple living; enjoying the little things
life has to offer.
When tragedy struck, they believed they could endure and repair their home through their
own efforts. When help was offered, they simply felt others must have greater needs than
theirs.
Eighteen months have passed. With no fire insurance, they have made slow strides in
repairing the home with what few supplies they can acquire. Meanwhile, they live in an
apartment, saving as they can, and dreaming of some day returning home.
Project 1707 is dedicated to one purpose; rebuilding this home to a safe and efficient
level so the family may return and make it their own.
This effort began as a service project for Grinnell United Methodist Church. It quickly
grew into a partnership with the family, involving many volunteers, donors and
supporters from all areas.
The structure is simple. There are frequent work shifts managed by one of four lead
volunteers (foremen). Supplies, funds and volunteers are sought by coordinators, and
input into the master plan. The project will remove all damaged walls, windows, doors,
materials, etc. and replace with new electrical wiring, outlets, and fixtures, new
insulation, and drywall. Other safety and home improvements may be achieved
depending on labor and funding resources. The project will be completed, and the family
returned, by April 15, 2009 and will likely require a budget in excess of $15,000.

Friday Night Cleanup Session

2009-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

I need approximately six people and two pick-up trucks for cleanout and disposal activities on Friday evening, January 23rd at 5:30 p.m. The work session will likely be brief (ie. 1.5 hours). Our goal will be the clean out some of the removed insulation, lath and plaster to clean up the space for the Saturday morning work crew. Please contact Jennifer Cogley if you can participate.

January 24th Mission Day

2009-01-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

We will be having a mission day at the 1707 Project on Saturday, January 24th at 8:30. If you are available, please meet at the site. Lunch will be served at the church afterward.... Ham balls... Yum!

Brian

Saturday, December 17, 2009

2009-01-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

This Weekend, we will be conducting a work crew on site. Brian Hoffman will be leading the team from 1PM Central Daylight Time to 4PM.

So many complicated feelings

2009-01-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

I'm guessing that most people checking this blog are aware of the hard things that have happened in our community, and more pointed in the GUMC family, in the last week. It's such a difficult situation that has understandably taken a big toll on Todd and his family, and because of his leadership on this project there is a residual effect here as well. I just pray that our church community will be able to minister to both sides of this situation in a compassionate way, understanding that it is possible to offer support to the Buddings while still acknowledging the terrible violation and harm that was done to the Reddings and other victims. This is the kind of thing that can tear a church family apart. I pray that will not be the case here. For it also holds the potential to strengthen the faith of all those involved and make the GUMC family stronger if we can move through it with understanding and grace for all. I pray it will be the latter of the two options. For I would hate to see either of these families feel abandoned or betrayed by their church family in any way.

I was a bit out of the loop on the project while we were out of town, but I'm wondering if there were unsettling things happening there as well. There is a post by Brenda on her blog addressing the mutterings of lottery winnings 13 years ago, and if this family is "deserving enough". For anyone who is wondering, and it is simply human nature that we all would, and missed her post here is the link:

A Million$$ Jackpot Lottery Winner Story

Just like we all are currently striving to find ways to respond to the current complex situation, I hope we can understand that there are complexities involved in the life of the McDonald family that make nothing that has happened easy to understand.

I pray that the 1707 Project will continue, and that as we work to help heal the wounds in their family and burned home, that it will also help us all to find ways to heal the fresh wound that has been inflicted on our own church family. God is so much greater than all these things, and it is so often too easy to loose sight of that.

Work Shift Scheduled for TONIGHT

2008-12-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

A shift will be running tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tasks will include removing the lath from upstairs walls, and removing trim pieces from the upstairs hallway. Dress warmly and remember to wear thick, soled shoes (many nails on floor).

Thanks to the team who worked on Saturday. We've made great progress!

Todd

Work Shift Scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2008

2008-12-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

I met with the family of 1707 this evening, along with Mike Whitley and Brian Hoffman. We toured the home and discussed the plan. Beginning this Saturday, we will orchestrate work "shifts" where a "superintendent" is on site to help coordinate volunteers. This Saturday's shift will run 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Volunteers should meet at the Grinnell United Methodist Church, and contact Brian Mitchell with questions.

SUPPLIES AND TOOLS NEEDED FOR DEMOLITION WORK INCLUDE:
5 Gallon buckets for transporting plaster, wood, nails, etc.
Ice "choppers" to remove the plaster
Masks and goggles
Hammers and crow bars for removing nails and lathe
Large shovels (snow shovels) for scooping removed materials

Volunteers should be prepared to scrape plaster, remove lathe and insulation, move furniture and scrap wood. Conditions will be VERY dusty and dirty. Some lifting required.

More info. to come.
Thanks,
Todd

Heaven

2008-12-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

In the legendary movie "Field of Dreams" Iowa is compared to heaven. This week I am have concluded this isn't far from the truth. Our family has been through quite a lot; experiencing a traumatic burglary and vandalism to our home. Although strong, each of us has been permanently impacted by this event. Nevertheless, the Grinnell community has defied all standards, and shown more than hospitality and support; they have shown sincere love. We are truly blessed.

Project 1707 involves more than a desperate attempt by a few to attack our home; it is a drawing together of many to overcome a tragic, and disabling event such as a fire. The mental impact is no less than ours. But the physical impact is much more substantial. We simply cleaned and organized the house, bought new furniture, and processed the insurance information. The family of Project 1707 has been entirely displaced for nearly two years.

The sub-title to Project 1707 is "It is time!" This is a simple statement that the time is right for our small and caring community to once again show love, and do whatever is required to return this family to their home!

Send your volunteer details to our volunteer coordinator, make a donation, and help us get this project moving!

Thanks,
Todd

From Brenda

2008-12-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

I don't want anyone to miss Brenda's most recent post to her blog.

Amazing Grace

They are so very grateful for what is being done.

Knowing Brenda

2008-11-29T18:54:00.001-08:00

I've known Brenda since I started working at Stewart Library back in 2001. Over the years we've grown to be very good friends. When the fire happened I just ached for her and her family. It wasn't just that there was a fire, which in itself is a terrible thing to have to deal with, but that it was yet another in the long string of things that I have seen this wonderful woman have to deal with. It seems that no matter how hard they try they just can't seem to get a break. I know that everyone has obstacles that they have to overcome, but believe me when I say that this family has had more than most.

Brenda is a writer at heart and a couple of years ago she started blogging. She's a very shy person by nature and her writing gives insights into her life and thoughts that I would often never know based on our day to day conversations. But I love to read her blogs (she's got three). She posted right after the fire, and several of her posts since have been about the process and the struggle as she and her family have tried to deal with the aftermath. I thought that people who were involved in this project might be interested in learning about the family they will be helping and getting to know Brenda this way. And if you in any way feel weird about reading her personal writings, read the last link on the list first: "Not blogging up to my potential" is a post that specifically talks about how she wishes more people would read her blogs!

By the way - there's a link along the left side of this blog that goes to her blog. It will take you to her most recent posts as they happen so keep an eye on it.

Posts about the fire

Posts about her mother's stroke

About the need to blog and the desire to have her blog read

Not blogging up to my potential

Our Volunteers

2008-11-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

Foremen:
Brian Mitchell
Mike Whitley
Brian Hoffman
Todd Reding

Financial Coordinator and Fund Raising
Shannon Reding

Public Relations Coordinator
Alex Mitchell

Church Liason and Lay Leader
Brian Mitchell

Volunteer Coordinator and Scheduling
Jennifer Cogley

Thank you to all our Volunteers!

Foremen Meeting Set

2008-11-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

The foremen are scheduled to meet at noon on Friday, December 6th to update our plan, and review the workshift schedule. All interested parties are invited to attend. We will be meeting at Lonnski's in downtown Grinnell.

Shannon Reding has requested a quote for a "Pod" temporary storage unit to be delivered to the site on Monday, December 1st. This will be used for the family's current belongings in the house.

A tentative work shift is scheduled for Friday, December 6th from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Our core responsibilities will be transferring items inside the house to the storage unit. More info. to come.

We are looking for two large garbage "dumpsters" to be delivered and placed on either side of the house next week. Please refer any suggestions to Todd Reding.

Note the logo is complete, and please feel free to post ideas, comments, etc. as we move forward!

New Pictures from Project 1707

2008-11-26T08:49:00.001-08:00

Getting Started

2008-11-26T05:46:00.001-08:00

We have organized our project leadership using four "foremen" and key volunteer coordinators. A work shift scheduling document is being circulated, and public relations tools (such as this blog) are in development. Anticipate a complete Project 1707 launch by December 6th. Please keep watching this site for the latest information!
Thanks!