THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 19, 1995 TAG: 9503170236
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Twenty-five Chesapeake homes have been selected for renovation on April 22, during the Chesapeake Rotary Club's annual ``Paint Your Heart Out Chesapeake'' project.
And 25 volunteer teams have been selected to work at the homes of elderly and low-income homeowners, said Jeanette Whitfield, co-ordinator for the project.
The team members are among more than 2,000 volunteers who have offered labor, service or materials to the project.
To qualify for renovation, a homeowner must be 65 years or older and on an limited income. Consideration was also given to handicapped homeowners or those with special circumstances.
``It was almost overwhelming the number of teams that begged to sign up,'' said Whitfield. ``There were many more than the needed 25 teams who wanted to work. Many teams that worked last year volunteered again almost before last year's work day ended. New teams started calling months ago and were put on a waiting list.''
Oak Grove United Methodist Church had been trying to field a team since 1992, Whitfield said.
``Over a year ago they sent a letter of intent for this year and Mike Blackwelder was persistent in calling,'' said Whitfield. ``He was thrilled when he was recently called with an Oak Grove assigned home.''
For the first time this year, a ``Prep Repair Task Force,'' composed of volunteers with electrical, plumbing, carpentry or other trade skills, will be sent to the homes in advance of the work crews.
``The trained people do some repairs before paint day,'' said Whitfield, ``or as a team stumbles onto a need, a task force member can be dispatched to help out.''
Tidewater Pest Control Association is a repeat volunteer. Twenty-two pest control businesses from Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk and the Peninsula will participate so that each house is checked for termites, rodents or other infestations.
``Last year bees and wasps were one of the biggest problems,'' said Charlie Church, owner of Getem Exterminating Service in Norfolk and public relations chairman for the Virginia Pest Control Association. ``And we cleared them out before the painters arrived.
``Last year I had to stand on my soapbox to present this program,'' said Church. ``But later there was so much positive feedback and so many warm stories that this year everybody wants to sign on.'' MEMO: More information or to volunteer services or materials is available by
calling 436-0293.
by CNB