Habitat

This is a test story for training purposes only.

Habitat for Humanity has launched Operation ReStoreATION, a program whose goal is to build inventory for the organization's Restore, according to a press release. The proceeds from sales at the store go toward building homes for families, according to the release. The program asks those working in the real estate industry, including real estate agents, movers, remodeling companies and more to donate rather than throw away items left by homeowners. In return, they receive advertising/promotion through the program, according to the release.

Dear Editor: We would like to thank Jim Jacobus and Ann Maggard of the Inter-County Energy Cooperative for their recent support and help. Specifically, they supplied a facilitator, location and lunch so our affiliate could have a strategic planning session. We would also like to thank our board members, past board members and other community leaders who contributed that day by sharing their time and their enthusiasm for the mission of Habitat For Humanity. We made great progress on this worthwhile effort and they will continue to support our planning process.

The local Habitat for Humanity will start construction on its newest housing project with a groundbreaking ceremony this Saturday at 11 a.m. The groundbreaking will mark the beginning of excavation for the foundation of the house, which will be located on South Central Avenue on land donated by the city of Nicholasville. Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Ron Bishoff is hopeful that construction on the project can be completed quickly, with construction of the walls scheduled to start Sept.

Ron Allen, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 2459 in Winchester, presents a $500 check to Judy Flavell, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties. The check will help support Habitat's latest project in Winchester, the construction of a house on the corner of Third and Joe Gilliam streets. Photo submitted

HARRODSBURG - Habitat for Humanity of Mercer County has scheduled a cleanup and burn day for vacant lots in Quail Run Subdivision in Harrodsburg for 1 p.m. Saturday. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help with this project. For more information, call the office at (859) 734-5086.

A Nicholasville family will soon have a new home, with a little help from some friends. The house is Jessamine's latest Habitat for Humanity project. The structure, located at 529 S. Central Ave., is almost completed, according to Brian Goettl, president of Habitat for Humanity in Jessamine County. But now the house needs some important finishing touches, and will require the help of volunteers, Goettl said. "We have the money to complete the house; now we just need manpower," Goettl said.

Dear Editor: Since 1990 a quiet revolution has been occurring in Boyle County, a revolution that has radically changed the lives of over 50 residents. It has not been brought about through debate, politicking or sign carrying. This revolution has been launched with hammers, nails and humility. Census data from 2000 indicates there are 3,250 renter-occupied units in Boyle County. What is not tracked or measured is the number of these units that provide inadequate shelter. Many renters endure unsafe heating and electrical service, faulty plumbing, overcrowded living conditions, and often feel they have no alternative.

The Christmas season started early last Saturday at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore when Habitat's annual toy drive for needy children opened with the Christmas Kick-off Concert, which featured five different gospel groups. The concert was organized by Habitat for Humanity of Jessamine County and Humble Hearts Ministry, a gospel-singing group from Nicholasville. Humble Hearts also has a separate annual Christmas fund raiser to buy gifts for children in need, but this was the first year it partnered with Habitat.

Stratton Do-It-Best Lumber joined ranks with Nicholasville's local Habitat for Humanity last Friday morning to unload donations from a convention held two weeks ago. At the convention more than 3,000 exhibitors gathered to auction off surplus materials from their company. All leftover merchandise was donated to 16 different affiliates of the Habitat for Humanity organization. An estimated $200,000 in donations was raised at the convention. "Stratton Lumber has been doing this twice a year, for five years," said Stratton Lumber Manager Phil Herald.

In recognition of Earth Day, Habitat For Humanity of Jessamine County invites its supporters to recycle their used cars and vehicles to help build hope and homes in partnership with low-income families in Jessamine County. Throughout the month of April, Habitat for Humanity's Cars for Homes program will celebrate its “Every Day is Earth Day” initiative, encouraging people to donate their used cars, trucks, RVs, boats and other vehicles to help raise funds for Habitat For Humanity of Jessamine County and other Habitat affiliates throughout the country.

Habitat for Humanity has launched Operation ReStoreATION, a program whose goal is to build inventory for the organization's Restore, according to a press release. The proceeds from sales at the store go toward building homes for families, according to the release. The program asks those working in the real estate industry, including real estate agents, movers, remodeling companies and more to donate rather than throw away items left by homeowners. In return, they receive advertising/promotion through the program, according to the release.

After spending 30 years practicing as a pediatrician, Dr. Russ Goodwin retired from Danville Pediatrics about six years ago. “My wife retired. I figured, if she was retired, I should be able to retire, too,” he said with a smile. However, Goodwin didn't stay still for long. For starters, he and his wife participate in 5K runs, although Goodwin said he mostly goes “along in sympathy,” walking while his wife runs. “I try to keep up and keep active,” he said. He also began working with Habitat for Humanity, which he said keeps him and the others in the group busy on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, when the weather is nicer.

Applications are being accepted HARRODSBURG - Habitat for Humanity Mercer County is accepting applications to build a home in Harrodsburg with a Partner Family. All applicants must attend an informational meeting to get an application at 5 p.m. Jan. 31 or 9 a.m. Feb. 2 at the Mercer County Public Library, 109 W. Lexington St. Plan to be there for two hours.   HFH Mercer County is an equal opportunity lender and does give preference to current residents of Mercer County. For more information, call Habitat for Humanity at (859)

To the editor, I wanted to personally thank the residents of Jessamine County for turning out for the Jessamine Jamboree and all of the arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, petting zoo, staff, volunteers, bands, civic organizations, and our master of ceremonies, Chan Robinson, for all the great work they did in the Habitat corridor and for their support of Habitat for Humanity. For many years now, Habitat for Humanity has been working to help to expand the Jessamine Jamboree and make it larger like the “old days.” Even though the weather played a little havoc on this year's events, everyone that came through the Habitat corridor between Main Street and Rock Fence Park  seemed to have a great time.

Boyle County Habitat for Humanity will hold a dedication ceremony Sunday., Sept. 23, 2012, for its newest house, at 402 N. Sixth St.  The organization's mission is to provide affordable, decent housing for families in Boyle County who otherwise could not afford or qualify for home ownership.  Since its founding in 1990, Boyle Habitat for Humanity has built homes for some 35 families in Danville, Junction City and Perryville. The organization's office and construction personnel are made up entirely of volunteers, most of whom are retirees from Boyle County.

The smell of fresh paint - pastel green and yellow brightened from sunlight through the windows - drifted through a house on Third Street Tuesday evening, as the Reese family celebrated a new beginning. The home was the 96th Habitat for Humanity build for the Clark and Madison affiliate, and for Princeton Reese, father of the family, it was part of an unexpected journey led by God. “I never would have in my life, five years ago, thought I would have a family, but let alone a house,” he said to a packed house of about 30 community members, volunteers and involved organizations.

Ron Allen, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 2459 in Winchester, presents a $500 check to Judy Flavell, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties. The check will help support Habitat's latest project in Winchester, the construction of a house on the corner of Third and Joe Gilliam streets. Photo submitted

This is a test story for training purposes only.