Habitat: Groundbreaking ceremony upcoming

To the Editor:

State Sen. Stephen Brewer, state Rep. Robert Rice and Ashburnham Selectman Mark Carlisle will kick-off the congratulations at the groundbreaking for the Habitat for Humanity house at 203 Sherbert Road, Ashburnham on Tuesday, April 15, at 6 p.m. They will put shovels in the ground together with the McSparren family and local volunteers to celebrate the start of this long-planned home. This event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for everyone to come by and welcome the McSparren family to town.

The Ashburnham Habitat for Humanity Local Partner Committee began in the summer of 2005, when a very small group of volunteers began meeting and figuring out ways to raise money. Last year the Habitat Family Selection Committee selected Chris and Leah McSparren and their three children, Joe, Gage and Andrew to help build and own the Ashburnham Habitat house. In her application, Leah McSparren wrote, "The stress of feeling like we are not providing a healthy environment for our children has taken its toll. We love each other and our children very much. We are good, honest people and are willing to work very hard." This young family is very serious and eager to partner with Habitat for Humanity, and put in their 500 'sweat equity' hours building their house. Many family members, friends and local residents have already volunteered to help with construction. Chris and Leah have worked with the Local Partner Committee throughout the past year, helping with planning and making the project visible. This family truly understands the meaning of partnership and what it means to be a Habitat family; they are very proud to be a part of this Habitat for Humanity project, and new members of the Ashburnham community.

Ways to Volunteer:

Construction will begin April 19. Volunteers who want to help build the Habitat home, can register on-line at www.ncmhabitat.org and click on Volunteer. You can volunteer individually or with a group. Family groups are welcome; one extended family has already scheduled a day in May. Churches and civic groups can schedule work groups for one day or monthly. To reserve your group, sign into the volunteer page on the Web site as the group leader and reserve the number of spaces. Groups of six or more can reserve a weekday by calling the Habitat office at (978) 348-2749.

The next Local Partner Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, April 17, at 7 p.m. in the Ashburnham library. Come to learn about more ways that you can get involved with the build. You'll be joining many local people and businesses who have already volunteered their time and professional services to get this project started.

Ashburnham Habitat LPC