Debriefing and Planning, April 5th

The NYS-FITS+ will gather on Saturday, April 5th, at Debbie and Eric's, beginning at 4 PM, to Debrief their most recent rebuilding trip and to Plan for the next effort(s). All volunteers, spouses, or rebuilding Wannabees are all warmly welcome. Bring a dish to share, too. Hot dogs, hamburgers and rolls will be provided. An email RSVP is requested.

Winter Rebuild '08

This winter 29 NYS-FITS+ who worked in New Orleans helping with the rebuild after hurricane Katrina. We stayed in the First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans for 2 weeks and worked under the direction of Leroy Harbauer, the construction coordinator. Some of our volunteers were only able to stay for one week, many others for both.

Our rebuilding focused on 5 different houses -- finishing one on Mendez, moving another along to near-completion on Arthur, repairing termite damage and extensive renovation on Gardena, preparing the interior for drywall on Willow and beginning the exterior/interior work on N. Tonti. With energy and skill, we rebuilt walls, removed and reinstalled windows, made exterior repairs and did interior finishing work: a variety of tasks.

News and Notes, January 3, 2008

As the weather gets colder, more and more of our NYS-FITS+ are saying that they will head south in February. We now have 19 who have indicated a desire to work with the new team. Two others plan to decide soon, so we may soon be over 20! Our target date for signing folks up is Jan. 15th, which allows the church a little time to welcome other volunteers.

The rebuilding ministry news from FPCNO is that Royden and Lina were supposed to have their gas turned on yesterday, Jan. 2nd, and that Yolanda has still not had her final inspection.

Donations for building materials may be sent to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 21 Lyon Avenue, Menands, NY 12204. Please put "Katrina Rebuilding" on the memo line.

Also, this first week of new year is a busy one with 42 volunteers staying and working out of the church on several sites. They are also having a "cold snap," that is if you can call 30 degrees overnight "cold."